Wasserman Schultz Helps Secure Over $1 Billion in 2026 House Defense, Health, Transportation and Housing Funding Package

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

“I’m so proud to help retore this critical bipartisan, bicameral funding that curbs the Trump Administration’s cruel push to gut public services and helps restore our legislative purse strings, while also vital funding the medial research, national defense and education programs that make life healthier and more secure in South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz, Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. “The reason I fight so hard in Washington is so I can deliver cancer screenings, mammograms, drowning prevention programs and vital road, port and university research back home, and help keep our community safer, stronger and economically thriving.”

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) secured more than $1 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 federal funding in a critical appropriations package which passed the House yesterday, including millions in funds for cancer research, local road and public safety projects, drowning prevention programs, as well as delivering vital funding for medical and defense research efforts taking place at South Florida hospital and university campuses. The combined bill now moves to the Senate. 

“I’m so proud to help retore this critical bipartisan, bicameral funding that curbs the Trump Administration’s cruel push to gut public services and helps restore our legislative purse strings, while also vital funding the medial research, national defense and education programs that make life healthier and more secure in South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz, Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. “The reason I fight so hard in Washington is so I can deliver cancer screenings, mammograms, drowning prevention programs and vital road, port and university research back home, and help keep our community safer, stronger and economically thriving.”   

In the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill, Wasserman Schultz helped secure:

In the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill, she helped secure:

  • $1.25 million for Town of Davie ($250,000) and City of Miramar-Pembroke Pines ($1,050,000) for vital, local road expansion projects.
  • $1 million for Broward College’s Aviation Training Center expansion.
  • $1 million for the Fort Lauderdale Public Safety Complex project to train fire and police first responders.
  • $2 million to protect historically significant land in Rosewood, site of a 1923 racial massacre in this African American community. 

  • National funds and agency directives that will aid Florida by: pushing the Federal Aviation Administration to adopt routing measures in Jacksonville to reduce air congestion; expanded renovation loan options for condominium associations; pushing for the release of withheld electrical vehicle infrastructure grants; $10 million for scenic byways; successfully increased funding for tanker security at our ports, and maintained funding to help affordable housing, financial counseling and neighborhood reinvestment.

In the Defense Bill, Wasserman Schultz helped secure:

  • $9 million to support research at Nova Southeastern University for U.S. Navy testing into ocean hydrodynamics and maintaining coastal seabed stealth;

  • $10 million to support Florida International University’s research into rapid advanced deposition. 
  • $15 million for rare cancer microtissue research with 3D modeling.
  • $1.3 billion for medical research projects to develop treatments for cancer, disease, and service-related injuries, $702.5 million for collaborative defense projects with Israel in emerging technologies and missile defense projects.

Earlier this month, Wasserman Schultz secured more than $1 billion in federal funding in H.R. 6938, which combined the Commerce, Justice, Science, and the Energy and Water Development, as well as the Interior and Environment Appropriations bills into a single package. That critical House-passed legislation includes $461 million for Everglades restoration and preservation secured by Wasserman Schultz. The combined bills now move to the Senate.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, the Dean of the Florida Democratic Delegation, and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee.

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Rep. Wasserman Schultz Debate on H.Con.Res.68

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

I rise in support of this resolution because I simply do not trust this President to truly prioritize democracy and the will of the Venezuelan people. I represent one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the country. Many of my constituents fled brutal repression under Chavez and Maduro.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz Debate on H.Con.Res.68

Watch here.

TRANSCRIPT [ENGLISH]

I rise in support of this resolution because I simply do not trust this President to truly prioritize democracy and the will of the Venezuelan people.

I represent one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the country. Many of my constituents fled brutal repression under Chavez and Maduro.

Most of them were glad to see Maduro captured and face justice.

And so was I.

Maduro is a murderous criminal who tortured, imprisoned, impoverished and oppressed his people.

He stole elections, jailed his opponents, drained his nation’s wealth, and unleashed the largest peacetime refugee crisis in history.

Eight million Venezuelans driven into exile.

I was glad to see Maduro held accountable, and this resolution wouldn’t preclude operations like the one that arrested him.

Especially if the Administration finally does what they should have already done:

Come up with a day-after plan for democracy, present a coherent strategy to Congress, and make a case to the American people.

But arresting Maduro does not fix Venezuela, because Maduro did not destroy Venezuela by himself.

He relied on criminal affiliates who helped him cling to power.

Delcy Rodriguez. Jorge Rodriguez. Diosdado Cabello. Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

All of them share Maduro’s guilt, but instead of being thrown in jail, they were left in charge.

The machinery of repression was left in place, and the democratic hopes of Venezuelans are being left behind.

My constituents who celebrated Maduro’s capture are horrified to see President Trump normalize relations with the same regime that forced them to flee.

This President must not make the U.S. complicit in the brutal repression of Venezuelans, which continues today.

Yet Trump continues to jeopardize the lives of lawful Venezuelan immigrants by forcing them back into this chaos after he terminated their TPS.

Trump has lavished praise on Maduro’s hand-picked replacement, Delcy Rodriguez, who ran the regime’s torture dungeons.

Meanwhile, he’s dismissed and demeaned Venezuela’s democratic leaders, like María Corina Machado and president-elect Edmundo Gonzalez.

In fact, President Trump hasn’t said one word about seeking democracy or human rights in Venezuela.

If Congress backs military action, then democracy, stability, and safety for Venezuelans should be the objective.

But those aren’t President Trump’s goals.

He only speaks about getting a cut of the regime’s oil sales and ignores their ongoing oppression.

I have no illusions about the dangers this regime poses.

I’m open to the idea that military action may be needed to achieve democracy. 

And if Trump truly cared about Venezuelan democracy, he has tools at his disposal. He has broad authority to defend our national security interests.

He could employ covert action, enforce vigorous sanctions, support civil society groups on democracy’s front lines, and take action, as he does, against cartels and narco-terrorists. 

And he could use his, quote, “tremendous leverage,” to push for elections and human rights.

Because this resolution doesn’t block any of that.

Instead, Trump is just seeking profits for the same Big Oil companies who have propped up Maduro for years.

He moved on his own, with no plan for democracy, and he swapped out one dictator for another and declared “Mission Accomplished.”

My vote today isn’t about the means that this President used to capture Maduro. Presidents should use the power they have to be tough on dictators who abuse their own people.

 

But given his utter disdain for democracy, and his callous disregard for the chaos and violence to which law-abiding Venezuelans are being deported, I simply cannot give this President a blank check to put troops on the ground.

For all we know, Trump plans to deploy troops to protect the regime’s oil facilities – not to liberate Venezuelans.

I’ve known Maria Corina Machado for years, but this week I was finally able to meet her in person for the first time.

She’s remarkable, inspiring, and I have total faith in her selfless dedication to bring Venezuela out of darkness. More importantly, Venezuelans have faith in her.

When we spoke, she discussed the “essential momentum” the democracy movement needs, and the danger of allowing this lingering dictatorship to reinforce its grip on power.

She told us conditions on the ground are dire, that we cannot allow the regime and the militias to strengthen their hold on power.

Maria Corina has a vision to resurrect Venezuela, and there is a U.S. role to see it through.

That’s why it’s so disturbing that her White House meeting ended with no firm commitments, no timeline for elections, and no guarantees from President Trump.

Instead of opening a pathway to democracy, this President is focused on opening offshore accounts to hoard Venezuelan oil money.

So, I support this resolution because of my faith in Maria Corina Machado, not in spite of it.

It is rooted in my ongoing commitment to standing resolutely with Venezuelans to demand an end to this illegal regime.

It is aligned with my belief that a transition to democracy, led by Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, must take place.

I hope I’m wrong about the President’s motivations, and he brings Congress a real strategy to transition Venezuela to democracy.

I hope he was moved by Maria Corina Machado’s vision, and not just her Nobel prize.

 

But I’m a show-me person, not a tell-me person. And so far, President Trump has shown that he’s more concerned with seizing Venezuela’s oil than freeing Venezuelans from dictatorship.

¡Hasta el final!

Thank you, and I yield back.

TRANSCRIPT [SPANISH]

Me levanto en apoyo de esta resolución porque simplemente no confío en que este presidente priorice verdaderamente la democracia y la voluntad del pueblo venezolano.  

Represento a una de las comunidades venezolanas más grandes del país. Muchos de mis electores huyeron de la represión brutal bajo Chávez y Maduro.  

La mayoría se alegró de ver a Maduro capturado y de que se enfrente a la justicia.  

Y yo también.  

Maduro es un criminal asesino que torturó, encarceló, empobreció y oprimió a su pueblo.  

Robó elecciones, encarceló a sus oponentes, agotó la riqueza de su país y desató la mayor crisis de refugiados en tiempos de paz a lo largo de la historia.  

Ocho millones de venezolanos expulsados al exilio.  

Me alegró ver que Maduro haya sido responsabilizado, y esta resolución no impediría operaciones como la que lo arrestó.  

Especialmente si la Administración finalmente hace lo que ya debería de haber hecho:  

Elaborar un plan para la democracia al día siguiente, presentar una estrategia coherente al Congreso y presentar un caso ante el pueblo estadounidense.  

Pero arrestar a Maduro no arregla a Venezuela, porque Maduro no destruyó Venezuela el solo.  

Dependía de socios criminales que lo ayudaron a mantener el poder.  

Delcy Rodríguez. Jorge Rodríguez. Diosdado Cabello. Vladimir Padrino López.  

Todos comparten la culpa de Maduro, pero en vez de ser encarcelados, se les dejó a cargo.  

La máquina de represión quedó en su lugar, y las esperanzas democráticas de los venezolanos se están quedando atrás.  

Mis electores que celebraron la captura de Maduro están horrorizados al ver al presidente Trump normalizar relaciones con el mismo régimen que los obligó a huir.  

Este presidente no debe dejar que Estados Unidos sea cómplice de la represión brutal de los venezolanos, que continúa hoy en día.  

Sin embargo, Trump sigue poniendo en peligro la vida de los inmigrantes venezolanos legales al obligarlos a volver a este caos tras terminar su TPS.  

Trump ha elogiado al sustituto elegido personalmente por Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, que dirigía las operaciones de tortura del régimen. 

Mientras tanto, ha descartado y degradado a los líderes democráticos venezolanos, como María Corina Machado y el presidente electo Edmundo González.    

De hecho, el presidente Trump no ha dicho ni una palabra sobre la democracia o los derechos humanos en Venezuela.    

Si el Congreso apoya la acción militar, entonces la democracia, la estabilidad y la seguridad para los venezolanos deberían ser el objetivo.    

Pero esos no son los objetivos del presidente Trump.    

Solo habla de recibir una parte de las ventas de petróleo del régimen e ignora la opresión que continua.    

No tengo ilusiones sobre los peligros que este régimen representa.    

Estoy abierta a la idea de que una acción militar pueda ser necesaria para lograr la democracia.     

Y si a Trump realmente le importa la democracia venezolana, tiene herramientas a su disposición.  

Tiene la autoridad para defender nuestros intereses de seguridad nacional.    

Podría emplear acciones encubiertas, imponer sanciones agresivas, apoyar a grupos de la sociedad civil en primera línea de la democracia y actuar, como hace contra los cárteles y los narcoterroristas.    

Y podría usar su, cito, “enorme influencia” para impulsar elecciones y derechos humanos.    

Porque esta resolución no bloquea nada de eso.    

En cambio, Trump solo busca beneficios para las mismas petroleras que han sostenido a Maduro durante años.    

Se movió por su cuenta, sin un plan democrático, y cambió a un dictador por otro y declaró “Misión cumplida”.    

Mi voto de hoy no trata sobre los medios que este presidente usó para capturar a Maduro. Los presidentes deberían usar el poder que tienen para ser duros con dictadores que abusan a su propio pueblo.    

Pero dado su desprecio absoluto por la democracia y su insensible desprecio por el caos y la violencia a los que están deportando a los venezolanos que respetan la ley, simplemente no puedo darle a este presidente un cheque en blanco para que envíe tropas sobre el país.    

Por lo que sabemos, Trump planea desplegar tropas para proteger las instalaciones petroleras del régimen, no para liberar a los venezolanos. 

Conozco a María Corina Machado desde hace años, pero esta semana por fin pude conocerla en persona por primera vez.    

Es extraordinaria, inspiradora, y tengo total fe en su dedicación para sacar a Venezuela de la oscuridad. Aún más importante, los venezolanos confían en ella.    

Cuando hablamos, habló del “impulso esencial” que necesita el movimiento democrático y del peligro de permitir que esta dictadura persistente refuerce su control del poder.    

Nos dijo que las condiciones en el país son alarmantes, que no podemos permitir que el régimen y las milicias refuercen su control del poder.    

María Corina tiene la visión de resucitar Venezuela, y existe un papel de Estados Unidos para llevarla a cabo.    

Por eso resulta tan preocupante que su reunión en la Casa Blanca terminara sin compromisos firmes, sin un calendario electoral y sin garantías por parte del presidente Trump.    

En lugar de abrir un camino hacia la democracia, este presidente se centra en abrir cuentas offshore para acumular dinero del petróleo venezolano.    

Así que apoyo esta resolución por mi fe en María Corina Machado, no a pesar de ella.    

Está arraigado en mi compromiso de apoyar firmemente a los venezolanos para exigir el fin de este régimen ilegal.    

Está alineado con mi creencia de que debe producirse una transición hacia la democracia, liderada por María Corina Machado y Edmundo González.    

Espero equivocarme sobre las motivaciones del presidente, y que él aporte al Congreso una estrategia real para la transición de Venezuela a la democracia.    

Espero que se haya conmovido con la visión de María Corina Machado, y no solo con su premio Nobel.    

Pero soy de una persona de demostrarme, no de decirme. Y hasta ahora, el presidente Trump ha demostrado que le importa más apoderarse del petróleo venezolano que liberar a los venezolanos de la dictadura.    

¡Hasta el final! 

Nadler Celebrates World Trade Center Health Program Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Nadler Celebrates World Trade Center Health Program Funding

Washington, January 23, 2026

Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted for the FY 2026 appropriations minibus package, which includes full funding for 9/11 health care through the program’s lifetime, ensuring certainty of continued care for 9/11 responders and survivors. 

The WTCHP offers medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions, including many types of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and more. 

“It’s been almost 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and New York’s heroic first responders and survivors still carry with them the burden of that day as they develop chronic conditions and diseases related to the air around Ground Zero,” said Congressman Nadler. “We promised to Never Forget 9/11 and that means taking care of all first responders and survivors of that day. The World Trade Center Health Program is finally receiving much needed funding to do just that. As more and more survivors in New York and across the country discover they have illnesses and diseases related to the 9/11 attacks, this funding will provide a stable path to help them get treated. I am proud to have helped create this permanent program to provide for our brave survivors for generations to come. During this difficult time, I am grateful to see Congress come together to accomplish this once again.”  

Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed individuals, including first responders, survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site, children who attended schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during the clean-up, and those who have since developed, or are expected to develop, adverse health effects linked to the attacks.  

The WTCHP was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. Today, the program provides medical treatment and monitoring for over 140,000 responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, PA crash site, representing every state and nearly all Congressional Districts. 

Rep. Neguse: “President Trump has engaged in a five-year effort to rewrite the history of January 6th”

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

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, yesterday, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, joined Morning Joe on MS NOW to discuss former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s public testimony.  

Neguse served as an impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s 2nd trial in front of the United States Senate on the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He underscored the importance of holding Trump accountable for his efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 election and pushing for the preservation of the peaceful transfer of power. 

The interview can be watched HERE. A full transcript is available below.  

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Joining us now, Assistant Democratic Leader Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado. He’s a member of the House Judiciary Committee and was an impeachment manager during Senate trials pertaining to the January 6th insurrection. Well, let’s — What are you hoping to hear from Jack Smith? What will you be most interested in asking? 

NEGUSE: Well, good morning, Mika. Good to be with you. First, let me just say I find it completely puzzling why Jim Jordan and Republicans have decided to proceed with this hearing in the first instance. I participated in the deposition of the Special Counsel last month. He’s an exceptional prosecutor. I found his answers to be compelling and persuasive. Every answer to questions that were made in bad faith by the Republicans was were cogent answers. And I can’t understand why Republicans want to now give him an opportunity to remind the American public of the body of evidence that exists that shows that President Trump engaged in unlawful and nefarious conduct in the days and weeks after the 2020 election, and, of course, culminating in January 6th. Which, as you mentioned, he was impeached for on a bipartisan basis, and ultimately, 57 votes in the United States Senate on a bipartisan basis for conviction.  

So the American public are going to have an opportunity to hear from Mr. Smith, as we did behind closed doors last month, and I believe that they will find his arguments very compelling. I suppose Republicans have decided that this is a way to obfuscate away from their lack of governing, and the fact that they have just over the course of the last 12 months, made life for everyday Americans a lot more expensive. And, perhaps this is a way for them to kind of engage — change the conversation rather, from what they would like to otherwise be talking about. 

ARI MELBER: Congressman, Ari Melber here. Curious what you think is important to come out of this? We, of course, lived through it. We had the January 6th Committee, which did a lot of important work putting this before the public, and these cases were public until they were stopped, as you know. So how much of this is about adding to that record? And how much is about on your side of the aisle, making sure the public understands that what they’ve done before when they lost elections, they could try again, and sort of Trump-proofing the future elections if they don’t go their way. 

NEGUSE: That’s a great question, Ari. I think you’ll hear, or you’ll see, the Democratic members give the Special Counsel an opportunity to talk at greater length about the investigations that he conducted. The reality is, President Trump has engaged in a five-year effort now to rewrite history. And that was, of course, born from, in my view, the sort of original sin of the, you know, United States Senate abdicating its constitutional duty to hold President Trump accountable in the wake of January 6th.

And now, of course, five years later, a year ago today, when President Trump issued pardons to those who had violently assaulted our nation’s Capitol. So, unfortunately, the reality is President Trump has never been held accountable for his conduct. And I think that today’s hearing will provide an opportunity for Mr. Smith to remind the country of what Mr. Trump and his sycophants engaged in and the risk that, ultimately, I think, still exists for future elections and the peaceful transfer of power, which was once considered sacrosanct. But of course, we now know we can no longer take for granted in the United States. 

JOHN HEILEMANN: Hey, Congressman, John Heilemann here. Let me ask you about a different topic. Everybody right now, very focused, rightly so, on what’s going on in Minneapolis, with ICE and with ICE more broadly across the country and its enforcement practices. You’ve been focused on something that kind of that’s kind of been out of the public view, but is really important, which is, the king of “Detention Industrial Complex,” the private prisons that the administration have kind of created this network that they’re funding hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money going into those, you know, in a way where there’s not really been much oversight. I don’t think many people in the public are even aware of that kind of infrastructure that’s being built to support the ICE effort. Talk to us a little bit about what is happening on that front and what you’d like to see your colleagues in Congress do about it. 

NEGUSE: John, you articulated it well. I think it has been lost in some respects during the course of the debate around the terrible abuses that have been committed and the violation of constitutional rights by ICE officials. The reality is, it is part and parcel to the wholesale corruption that’s happened at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. You are talking about hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that are being used to fund what you described and what others have described as a Detention and Deportation Industrial Complex. Some of the wealthiest private contractors of ICE are making money hand over fist by virtue of the slush fund that House Republicans created last year for ICE, and, of course, today we’re debating yet another bill — $10.3 billion that House Republicans would like to allocate towards ICE. We’re fighting against that.  

I think it is shameful. It’s reprehensible. There are a lot of wealthy corporations and wealthy individuals making a lot of money ultimately on these abuses and these, the misconduct that you know the press has so, in my view, comprehensively uncovered over the course of the last few months. So more is needed — needs to be done. I think we should end for-profit detention, and I’m leading a bill in the Congress to try to stop it. 

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse of Colorado. Thank you. 

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Congressman Robert Aderholt on House Passage of Final FY26 Appropriations Bills; Delivers Key Investments for Alabama

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, released the following statement applauding House passage of the final four Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills. This completes the work on all twelve annual spending bills. 

The final four spending bills passed include Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. 

“I was honored to lead the effort to rein in spending and secure an America First future, while also ensuring these bills provide funding for critical projects that support jobs and growth in our districts,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Moving all 12 appropriations bills through the finish line is Congress’ first responsibility, but also the heaviest. Yesterday, we acted on that responsibility and delivered real results and real savings for all Americans.”

“For my part, I believe the Labor-HHS bill carefully balanced responsible fiscal stewardship while maintaining key investments in biomedical research, schools, and public health. Thanks to negotiations on a bicameral, bipartisan level, funding decisions moved through a deliberate, member-driven process on all appropriations bills that emphasize transparency, accountability, and timely consideration,” Aderholt added.

“Enactment of full-year appropriations implements provisions that keep our nation strong, secure, and competitive. We’ve shown that when committees assert their authority and do the work, results happen.”

Congressman Aderholt secured funding for several key community projects across Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District through the FY26 appropriations measures, with $44,563,000 included in the most recent package, $9,510,000 in the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration bill, and $2,174,898 from the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill – for a total of $56,277,898 secured. These investments strengthen community infrastructure and rural healthcare.

  • Winston and Franklin Counties, AL – I-22 Connector Feasibility Studies

$5,000,000 for all feasibility and environmental studies.

  • Cullman, AL – U.S. 278/SR 69 St. Bernard Bridge Replacement and Supporting Infrastructure

$13,500,000 to replace St. Bernard Bridge, widen the approaches, and add pedestrian and biking lanes.

  • Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa National Airport – Airport Terminal Improvements 

$8,500,000 to design and renovate the old terminal.

  • Albertville, AL – Albertville Regional Airport – Airport Expansions

$5,000,000 for White Oak Road to clear of land to allow for expansion of the airport for hangers and future runway expansion.

  • Waterloo, AL – Waterloo Bridge Replacement

$7,000,000 for a new bridge on C.R. 14 to benefit interstate commerce on the TN River.

  • Hanceville, AL – Wallace State Community College – Hanceville Affordable Housing 

$2,540,000 to construct tiny home village that will feature micro-dwellings equipped for living and offer childcare.

  • Lauderdale County, AL – Agriculture Multipurpose Complex          

$1,500,000 for a metal building and installation, interior finishes, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and electrical.

  • Winston County, AL – Commission Resurfacing 

$1,553,000 to resurface County Road 57 to access the USDA Forest Service Corinth Recreation Area and resurface County Road 61 to access the USDA Forest Service Houston Recreation Area.

“I’m proud of the key investments made possible through the appropriations process, these investments strengthen our rural communities and improve the quality of life for Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District.”

The appropriations package now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass next week and be signed into law by the President. 

ICYMI: Estes Questions Health Insurance CEOs at Ways & Means Hearing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, joined a full committee hearing to question health insurance CEOs on the economic reality facing American families, and why the “efficiencies” of modern health care don’t translate into affordability for patients nationwide. 

You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Rep. Estes’ full remarks.

Highlights from Rep. Estes’ remarks include:

“You’d think vertical integration and scale would result in lower prices and a better patient experience. Yet for the people of Kansas, the 2026 health care market is characterized as a physical and financial desert.”

“Families in my district are facing finalized gross premium hikes of 26.6% with benchmark deductibles as high as $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for families.”

“When we talk about consolidation, we aren’t just talking about companies. We’re talking about the loss of local options. In 2026, 14 Kansas counties now have only one single insurer left available to them. When a local hospital in a community like Derby, Kansas, closes – it isn’t just a business failure, it’s a new, permanent expense for every patient in that town. A routine checkup has turned into an all-day event, including lost wages and travel costs that weren’t covered by insurance.”

“I hope you can help me understand why American taxpayers who contribute the bulk of your revenue, particularly for what seems to be the Unaffordable Care Act, are seeing a diminishing return in the form of high denial rates and soaring out-of-pocket costs that are utterly unfair to them.”

“You own an insurer, you own a PBM, often own some physician practices – those should be designed to drive efficiencies and lower costs. However, your own data shows that the multi-billion dollar investments in integration, you still have an increase in health care spending. Naturally, it’s up $5.6 trillion in 2025, and health care costs outpaced inflation by 300%, and insurance-owned specialty drugs now cost patients three times more than they did a decade ago.”

“Let’s be clear, we have 15 years of the Democrats’ Unaffordable Care Act, and this has been the result. Americans cannot afford their health care, and the Democrats’ only solution is to cut another blank check to the insurance to paper over the inflationary prices.”

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Speaker Johnson: Support For American Families Doesn’t End at Birth

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson spoke at the 53rd annual March for Life on the National Mall. Speaker Johnson was joined by more than tens of thousands of attendees, Vice President JD Vance, and dozens of other speakers who proudly stood for the sanctity of every human life.

“Because we know that support for American families doesn’t end at birth, our policies reflect this. With the Working Families Tax Cuts, we passed the most pro-life and pro-family legislation that has been signed into law in decades, and we did it on July 4th last year,” Speaker Johnson said. “This group of legislators behind me and all of our colleagues, we worked hard to expand the child tax credit, to enhance the adoption tax credit, and we launched the first of its kind Trump investment accounts for every newborn in America.”

 

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

Below are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:

Thanks so much, what a great crowd, and right on the verge of a polar vortex. Your commitment is greatly appreciated. I want to congratulate my friend JD for the big announcement on the baby that’s due in July.

My wife Kelly is with me. Kelly, raise your hand. We have four children as well. We all celebrate life in word and indeed, and we’re so glad that you are here to prove that.

This is an important weekend. It always is because we welcome the opportunity to recommit ourselves to this cause of life and to remember why it is we gather and march in the cold weather. It’s important for us to stand together.

My friends, it’s especially important this year because as you know, this is the year we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, the greatest nation in the history of the world. The thing that we celebrate about America, there’s so much for which we are blessed and we’re thankful for, but the thing that we remember, especially at this time, is the foundational truth of America.

The bold statement of faith that set this experiment in self-governance, this independent country, along its way. We celebrate the self-evident truth. That all people, every single person, is made by God. We are made by our Creator.

The Founders understood that we are made in the image of our Creator, and that He is the one that gives us our inalienable rights, the rights of life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our rights do not derive from the government. They derive from God himself. And we need to remind everybody of that.

We celebrate that premise here today and every day because we understand that is what makes America unique and special. The idea that we are made in the image of God and we owe our responsibility to Him as well, and we have to exercise that freedom in a responsible manner.

This moment is truly a historic one for the pro-life movement, and you all know that. For the first time since Roe v. Wade was reversed, we have the White House, the Senate, and the House all working together to deliver meaningful and historic pro-life victories.

Just consider, as the Vice President was saying just a moment ago, just consider what one year of commonsense pro-life leadership can actually accomplish. With President Trump and Vice President Vance, the Republican team is making and taking a new approach.

For the first time, our greatest metric of success is not just the size of the gross domestic product or highs in the stock market. It is the strength of the American family. Again, that’s what we’ve brought back.

We measure our success on the number of lives we save and the lives we improve and uplift with commonsense, life-affirming policies. It’s you, my friends, who will help us to usher in America’s New Golden Age as President Trump says.

Republicans are working hard to deliver on the mandate that you gave us in the last election to make it easier than ever before to raise a family in this great country of ours.

Because we know that support for American families doesn’t end at birth, our policies reflect this. With the Working Families Tax Cuts, we passed the most pro-life and pro-family legislation that has been signed into law in decades, and we did it on July 4 last year. This group of legislators behind me and all of our colleagues, we worked hard to expand the Child Tax Credit, to enhance the Adoption Tax Credit, and we launched the first of its kind Trump investment accounts for every newborn in America.

Thanks to this bill, we also delivered the largest middle- and working-class tax cuts in the history of this country. We put more money in your pocket, and you can decide what’s best for your family instead of government bureaucrats.

We also achieved something that is totally unprecedented, and it was mentioned a little bit earlier, and we should say it again. For years now, we know that Medicaid funds have skirted the essential protections under the Hyde Amendment and funneled tax dollars to abortion providers. We said no more.

And in the Working Families Tax Cuts, the Big Beautiful Bill, for the first time ever, we finally defunded big abortion, and it was a long time coming. We stand here today with one united voice to affirm that federal government should not be subsidizing any industry that profits from the elimination of human life.

And today, I’m so proud to stand along so many principled leaders here in Congress. You heard their names; they helped us achieve these victories. Chris Smith, as was said for four decades, has been leading the pro-life caucus in Congress.

Just this week, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, she introduced her bill ensuring federal assistance can be used to support pregnancy resource centers across the country. That’s a big thing.

We know how important those centers are to give hundreds of thousands of pregnant women and moms a choice in the care they receive. Another warrior, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson passed her bill, the Pregnant Students Right Act, which equips young women finishing their education with the resources they need to choose life.

I could go on and on. I could be up here all day telling you about all of the things that are being done, but you need to know, in summary, that we are fulfilling our promises and that promise that is central to what we stand for is to protect the sanctity of human life.

We contend these warriors, and I tell you what, in the election cycle coming up this year, we’re going to send some more pro-life champions here to Congress.

I just want to close with this. It was mentioned earlier that we all have a reason that we march. We all have a reason that we believe so strongly in this principle and my life story is that one.

In two sentences, I was the product of an unplanned teen pregnancy exactly one year before Roe in January of 1972. And a lot of people try to convince my very young parents that they should just take care of that problem, but I am eternally grateful that they allowed me the chance at life.

I think of the millions of children that did not have that same opportunity, and every single child deserves the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential. And it is up to us to defend that freedom and that right, that essential freedom to be born, the unalienable right to life that is imperiled in our generation, and we’re so grateful that you are willing to march and stand and speak for that issue.

I’m happy to say that all this is changing because of you. And despite the special interests that fund abortion, and despite the voices that tell you to look away from the beating heart, and despite all those who continue to deny the truth, you are here and we are here, and we stand together for life. We are so grateful for all that you do.

Every single one of you has the power to change hearts and minds and ultimately to save lives. And we can never forget that. And I know that you won’t.

I want to thank you all for coming out, braving the cold and the weather that’s on the way, it’s worth it. We’re going to save lives together. God bless you all. May God bless the United States of America. 

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MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens Secures Federal Funding for Oakland County Projects in Bipartisan Government Funding Bill

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) announced over $8 million in federal funding she secured for Oakland County projects in the House-passed bipartisan funding bill, H.R. 7148. Stevens voted in favor of the bill, which passed overwhelmingly at 341-88, and funds the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Education. The bill now heads to the Senate for passage and must be signed into law by the president.

“My job in Congress is to put Michigan first. This bipartisan funding package reflects that work,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “I’m proud to have secured federal dollars for critical projects here at home that will improve our infrastructure, support good-paying jobs, and invest in Michigan’s economy.”  

Stevens, who was recently recognized as the most effective Michigan Democrat in Congress, secured funding for nine projects totaling $8,420,000. Specifically, the funding she secured provides:

  • $2,000,000 to Oakland County for Oakland County transit fleet expansion. The funding will be used for the purchase of 16 new buses, allowing the County to provide 100,000 more transit rides per year.
  • $2,000,000 to the City of Pontiac for a youth recreation center. The center will include several classrooms, a gymnasium, a pool, and space for events, meetings, and additional programming.
  • $1,200,000 to the City of Birmingham to renovate the former YMCA building into a new senior and recreation center. The center will provide community services and resources, along with health and well-being programming for children, seniors, and families in Birmingham and surrounding communities.
  • $850,000 to the City of Farmington Hills to build a new senior center to serve seniors and residents with disabilities.
  • $850,000 to the City of Royal Oak for a multi-purpose indoor field facility and wellness hub. The hub will provide comprehensive fitness, health, and wellness activities along with community event space.
  • $520,000 to the City of Madison Heights for road repairs. The funding will be used to repave Avis Drive from East 14 Mile to Dequindre Road.
  • $500,000 to Oakland County to replace aging water infrastructure at the Detroit Zoo.
  • $250,000 to the City of Troy to acquire a generator for the Troy Community Center. A generator will allow the center to be used during emergencies as a shelter and gathering place, as well as a warming and cooling location during extreme weather.
  • $250,000 to the Charter Township of Commerce to construct connecting sidewalks and pathways between Commerce Township and the city of Wixom.

Earlier this month, Rep. Stevens secured additional funding for six critical Oakland County infrastructure projects in a separate government funding bill. That bill has passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the President’s signature.

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Larsen Joins Entire WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration to Unlock Individual Assistance for WA Flooding Victims

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

Yesterday, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to unlock an estimated $21.3 million in federal FEMA resources for families whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged in the extreme flooding that hit Washington state in December. A Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance ensures that disaster survivors have access to a full range of authorized programs and services, including housing assistance, disaster case management, and crisis counseling. This is the first of two Major Disaster Declaration requests the Governor is expected to make in response to the December flooding; the second will be for funding to help repair Washington state’s damaged infrastructure.

From early to mid-December, severe storms and devastating flooding battered Washington state, threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock across the state. The flooding caused severe damage that wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state, and is among the most devastating natural disasters to ever hit the state. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties were affected by flooding, more than 11 percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and thousands of homes will require significant repair or replacement.

“As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s January 21, 2026 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged,” the Members wrote. “We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.”

Joining Representative Larsen in signing the letter to President Trump were Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“This system of ‘atmospheric rivers’ has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more,” the Members continued.

“From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement,” the Members concluded. “While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state.”

If FEMA approves Individual Assistance as part of the major disaster declaration, the next step for residents is to apply directly with FEMA. Governor Ferguson’s request currently includes Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, as well as 15 federally recognized Tribal nations.

Back in December, Rep. Larsen joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved.

The lawmakers’ full letter to President Trump is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President,

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s January 21, 2026 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This system of “atmospheric rivers” has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more.

From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement. While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state.

We reiterate our full support for the January 21, 2026 request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. We appreciate you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

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Latta Receives an A+ on the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Scorecard

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

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced that he received an A+ on the Susan B. Anthony’s Pro-Life Scorecard. This score takes into account votes and actions of every member of Congress for the first session of the 119th Congress. This morning, Congressman Latta attended an event in support of the right to life on Capitol Hill.   

“Whether in Washington, DC, or marching across the nation, today and every day I stand with thousands of pro-life supporters who believe in the right to life. Every human life is precious, and we must continue working to build a community that protects and supports moms, babies, and the unborn. Protecting unborn children means standing strong for life and advancing commonsense legislation to help defend those who cannot defend themselves—the unborn,” Latta said.  

Latta’s pro-life legislation 

Support and Value Expectant (SAVE) Moms and Babies Act: 

  • This bill would prevent labeling changes, such as removing the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS), for already approved abortion drugs. It would also prevent providers from “dispensing” the drugs remotely, by mail, or via telemedicine, and would prevent the FDA from approving new chemical abortion drugs. Chemical abortions have the highest complication rate of available procedures and allowing chemical abortion drugs to be dispensed without an in-person appointment and ultrasound dramatically increases the risk to mothers.  

Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act: 

  • This bill would make it a federal crime to dispose of aborted baby body parts in landfills or in any navigable waters of the United States. 

U.S. House passed pro-life legislation 

This week, the House passed two important bills to support women, parents, and families. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act gives states flexibility to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy centers that protect life and provide real help to moms, dads, and families. The House also passed the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which ensures pregnant students are aware of their rights and have access to critical resources so they can succeed in the classroom and beyond.