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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 Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke at a press conference to introduce her Haitian Women and Girls Peace and Security Resolution and press the Trump administration for an extension of TPS for Haitian Americans. 

LEADER JEFFRIES: As Members of the New York delegation, as Members of the Florida delegation, we understand how important the Haitian American community has been to vitality and prosperity in our states and, of course, we also understand that many Haitians who have been here for years pursuant to TPS have been contributing to communities all across the country in ways that have improved the livelihood of those communities.

I stand in strong support of Congresswoman Clarke’s resolution, particularly as it relates to the protection of women, children, girls and families. The situation in Haiti right now is not conducive to women or girls, children or families returning to a safe environment. There’s still a significant amount of progress that needs to be made with respect to an environment that has far too much gang violence, sexual violence and gender violence. And it is inhumane to send hundreds of thousands of people back to an environment that the Trump administration knows objectively places them at risk. And so, I joined the call for the extension of TPS beyond the expiration that is pending in early February and also support the effort to come to a comprehensive solution. Congress should act in connection with the broken immigration system that we have and recognize the value of hardworking immigrants, which has always been part of the great American journey.

The Leader’s full remarks at the press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), announced the passage of seven additional Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for Georgia’s 13^th District. On January 8^th, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass eight projects requested by Congressman David Scott, bringing the total approved funding to $14 million across fifteen projects.

My number one priority in Congress is to work with state and local leaders across the 13^th District to understand how I can best direct federal resources to the most pressing needs in our communities,” said Congressman David Scott. “The nearly $14 million in FY2026 funding will go towards repairing roads and sidewalks in Jonesboro and Stockbridge, upgrading Gwinnett and Newton County pipelines for residents to access clean drinking water, supporting Rockdale Veterans, and creating good-paying jobs. These are vital resources to improve basic infrastructure and lower costs for working families. I am proud to deliver investments that will reach nearly every part of our district and be felt throughout local communities for years to come.”

Each fiscal year, Members of Congress may submit up to fifteen CPF requests to the Appropriations Committee. Congressman David Scott’s requests were informed by extensive stakeholder engagement and community input. The approved FY 2026 projects reflect a broad range of priorities, including transportation improvements, public safety enhancements, water infrastructure upgrades, and Veteran services. Projects passed by the House of Representatives on January 22^nd include:

Project Name: City of Jonesboro Pedestrian Improvements Project
Approved Funding Amount: $3,028,059
Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro would use this funding to make pedestrian improvement in high-traffic areas, including the installment of sidewalks, adding pedestrian crosswalks, installment of ADA accessibility features, lighting, and turnup/turndown walls as required to tie with existing grades.

Project Name: Rockdale Veterans Transportation Program Vehicle Acquisition
Approved Funding Amount: $165,200
Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to purchase a new vehicle to supplement its Veteran Transportation Program, which assists honorably discharged Rockdale County veterans of any age with trips to the Veterans Hospital in Decatur and the VA clinics in Stockbridge and Covington.

Project Name: Henry County Panola Road Resurfacing Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,200,000
Explanation of Request: Henry County would use this funding to resurface  Panola Road from Fairview Road to State Route 155. Panola Road serves as a critical east-west connection in northern Henry County, providing access to commercial areas, the City of Stockbridge, and the nearby Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Project Name: Newton County Salem Road Utility Relocation Project
Approved Funding Amount: $850,000
Explanation of Request: The Newton County Water and Sewage Authority would use this funding to relocate critical water main, valves, fire hydrants, and 110-inch sewer piping to accommodate proposed improvements to State Route 162.

Project Name: MARTA Securing Rail and Bus Facilities 
Approved Funding Amount: $400,000
Explanation of Request: MARTA would use this funding to install anti-climb, anti-cut fencing around at bus yards and rail yard facilities to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous and dangerous areas.

Project Name: Rockdale River Trail Improvements 
Approved Funding Amount: $500,000
Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to connect two disconnected portions of the Rockdale River Trail. Connection these two portions of the trail would provide greater access to centers of business, downtown Conyers, recreational opportunities, and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

Project Name: Harvest Gwinnett Mobile Kitchen Project Vehicle Acquisition
Approved Funding Amount: $250,000
Explanation of Request: Gwinnett County would use this funding to purchase a 16-foot box truck with a lift for its “Live Healthy Gwinnett” initiative. The box truck with allows the county to more easily transport its mobile kitchens across cities and rural areas in the county.

The additional eight projects passed on January 8^th include:

Project Name: Newton County Sheriff Department Equipment Project
Approved Funding Amount: $39,000
Explanation of Request: The Newton County Sheriff’s Office would use this funding to purchase FAP-30 FBI-certified LES fingerprint sensors that would be used for mobile applications such as roadside stops, crime scene investigations, and serving warrants. Together, this equipment would give the law enforcement agency the capability to fingerprint offenders and victims efficiently and quickly.

Project Name: Gwinnett County for Transmission Main Replacement Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,092,00
Explanation of Request: The Gwinnett County Board of Supervisors would use this funding to upgrade the booster station facility, including installing a standby power source and updating the existing electrical system. This project with ensure that Gwinnett County residents will have adequate access to drinking water.

Project Name: Clayton County Police Department Precinct Anti-Crime Taskforce
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: The Clayton County Police Department would use this funding to purchase and outfit police cruisers which will conduct gang enforcement operations, surveillance, and offender apprehension. The police cruisers would be outfitted with lighting and siren systems as well as hardware kits that support the Police Department’s in-car cameras.

Project Name: Lawrenceville Police Department Equipment and Technology
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: The Lawrenceville Police Department would use the funding to purchase police cruisers which would conduct high-visibility enforcement, first-aid kits, trauma bags, mechanical breaching kits, a hydraulic breaching kit, and other equipment to enhance officer and civilian safety.

Project Name: Conyers Technology & Equipment for Strategic Preparedness
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: The City of Conyers Police Department would use this funding to purchase a mobile command vehicle and LTE-enabled portable radios to improve officer preparedness during large-scale incidents, high-threat situations, hostage rescue, and disaster response while enhancing the safety of first responders and civilians.

Project Name: City of Oxford for Water Main Replacement Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,092,000
Explanation of Request: The City of Oxford would use funding to disconnect the existing iron water main, install a new resilient water main, and reconnect water services lines to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water.

Project Name: Jonesboro Enhancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: Jonesboro Police Department would use this funding to purchase various pieces of equipment such as a portable message board trailer, portable LED light tower trailers, speed detection trailer, stop sticks, rapid ID devices, alcohol detection services, police cruisers, laptops, body cameras, and in-car cameras. This equipment will improve officer reporting, access to real-time information, and public communication during public emergencies.

Project Name: Newton County for Transmission Main Replacement Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,092,000
Explanation of Request: Newton County would use this funding to install new 36-inch water main to replace the existing transmission lines. This project would ensure potable water for nearly all residents of Newton County

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes for Military Pay Raise, Securing the Border, and Rural Health Care

Congressman John Moolenaar voted for legislation that funds the Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and Labor. The legislative package includes a military service member pay raise, funding to secure the border, and support rural health care. 

“Today’s bills fund important programs that support Michigan families. They deliver a pay raise for our brave men and women in the military, bolster funding for rural health care, and strengthen our border security,” said Moolenaar. “They also invest in housing to make it affordable again.” 

This package includes: 

• 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members.
• $418 million for rural health, including increased funding for America’s rural
  hospitals, specifically targeting facilities at risk of imminent closure and increasing rural
  residency opportunities.
• $1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships.
• $18.3 billion for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding her vote to oppose the Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“Today, I voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which combines the funding bills for the Department of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development

“As Republicans refuse to address the affordability crisis and state that we don’t have enough money to fund healthcare for Americans, they are handing $838 billion to the Pentagon. That’s $8 billion more than was even requested by the President for a department that has never successfully passed an audit. Even a small portion of these funds could sustain health care subsidies for years, reinstate Medicaid funding for roughly 17 million people, eliminate homelessness, provide universal pre-K, or support proven anti-poverty measures like an expanded Child Tax Credit. 

“Thanks to the work of Democratic negotiators, this bill provides critical funding directly to our communities through Community Project Funding and preserves many programs that the Republicans tried to eliminate, including Continuum of Care, the Women’s Bureau, and Title II-A grants. It also expands our air traffic controller workforce by 2,500 personnel and boosts funding for rental assistance programs. However, like previous funding bills this Congress, it still lacks critical guardrails necessary to protect against this Administration’s illegal impoundments – or their refusal to spend money as directed by Congress – and therefore much of this funding may not reach the communities it is intended for. 

“Furthermore, it is irresponsible to continue to fund this runaway so-called ‘Department of War’ at a moment when President Trump is seeking out conflict in an egotistical campaign for power and Congressional Republicans refuse to assert their Constitutional power to authorize military force. This year started with Trump kidnapping the leader of Venezuela and since then he has threatened to use military force against Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, and Greenland, which would virtually destroy NATO and unnecessarily risk the safety of our troops.

“I am grateful that Democrat negotiators rejected partisan poison-pill policy riders. However, I was unable to vote for the bill as written.”

Issues: Arts & Education, Foreign Affairs & National Security, Health Care, Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure, Jobs, Labor, & the Economy

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) recently introduced H.R. 7195,  the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act. This legislation establishes a targeted federal assistance program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), to provide temporary financial relief to eligible forest product harvesting and hauling businesses impacted by significant market disruptions. Upon introducing the bill, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Many of Georgia’s rural communities are dependent on timber production and forest management for their economic well-being. Unfortunately, our timber harvesting and hauling businesses are facing significant turmoil due to recent mill closures, natural disasters, trade barriers, and declines in stumpage and delivered timber prices. My legislation—the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act—seeks to provide landowners a lifeline during times of market uncertainty, restore our resilient forestry industry, and strengthen rural America. I am proud to lead this bill and will work diligently to bring it up for a House vote,” said Congressman Allen.

“NAFO applauds Rep. Allen for introducing the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act to help keep America’s forest supply chain strong while experiencing turbulent market conditions. By authorizing USDA to provide targeted assistance when wood markets contract sharply, this bill would help mill owners, loggers, and working forest owners cover essential operating costs until markets recover or new innovations take hold. Wood markets are regional, national, and global, but the impacts are local—and long-term investments in working forest ownership depends on stability. This legislation would provide a critical backstop during periods of major transition in forest products markets,” said Dave Tenny, President and CEO, National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO).

“The Forest Landowners Association represents timber producers and family businesses that are essential to rural economies and our domestic supply chain,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association. “Congressman Allen’s bill helps ensure these landowners can weather market disruptions and unfair trade practices while continuing to manage forests that are healthy, resilient, and productive.”

“The forestry sector depends on stable, functioning markets to support landowners, loggers, and haulers who manage and move forest products every day. Recent mill closures, trade disruptions, and sharp price declines have created real strain on these working businesses — particularly in rural communities where forestry is a cornerstone of the local economy. This legislation is critical to keeping forestry infrastructure intact during periods of severe market disruption, and we’re grateful to Representative Allen and his team for their advocacy for our sector. Maintaining a strong forest products supply chain is essential not only for rural jobs, but for long-term forest management, land stewardship, and the economic health of forestry communities,” said Tim Lowrimore, President and CEO, Georgia Forestry Association (GFA).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Rep. Jimmy Gomez Votes to Reject Funding for Trump’s ICE and CBP

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on his votes in the U.S. House against both pieces of the FY26 appropriations “minibus,” including the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“The Department of Homeland Security under Donald Trump and Kristi Noem is a lawless, corrupt organization that is bringing violence and mayhem to peaceful American communities. ICE, CBP, and other DHS entities are pursuing a mission to sow division and fear that is inflicting unimaginable cruelty on law-abiding immigrants and even U.S. citizens, sadly exemplified by the murder of Renee Good. They are engaging in deeply unlawful conduct, including breaking into homes without proper warrants, refusing to comply with court rulings, and blocking Congress from conducting meaningful oversight. DHS is fundamentally broken and completely out of control, and I certainly will not vote to fund their systematic violations of the Constitution.

“The other appropriations bills contained in the minibus have good elements, particularly in the provisions funding health research and aviation safety. But the Trump Administration is already threatening to withhold appropriated funding from numerous states Trump lost in 2024, including Virginia, after this legislation passes. I cannot support a funding deal that is premised on bad faith and punishing Virginians for exercising their right to vote. The absence of clear language barring further federal purges will also put my constituents’ jobs at risk. This bill will, I fear, lead to renewed illegal and unconstitutional acts by Trump and Russ Vought that do extensive harm to Virginia.

“I also cannot support passing a defense funding bill without sufficient guardrails under a president who is making overt threats to invade numerous countries and who is increasingly untethered from our national interests and security. The massive cuts of billions from the IRS further imperil our nation’s fiscal outlook, while making life even easier for wealthy tax cheats. And after promising a vote on restoring funding for the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, which hundreds of constituents contacted me to support, Republicans simply refused to honor their agreement. The bad elements in this bill outweigh the good ones, and that is why I voted no.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman and Nikki Budzinski announced the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law, legislation to permanently close a loophole in federal law that has denied burial benefits to some Veterans based solely on where they spent their final days.

Gerald’s Law was previously included as a pilot provision in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025, but that authority is set to expire later this year.

Under prior law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could provide a burial allowance to the surviving family of a Veteran who died while in the care of a qualifying VA facility, such as a VA hospital or VA-funded nursing home. However, terminally ill Veterans who were discharged from a VA facility and received VA-furnished hospice care at home were deemed to have died outside a qualifying facility, even though VA remained responsible for their care.

As a result, some families lost eligibility for burial benefits simply because their loved one chose to spend their final days at home. This gap in the law created a perverse incentive that discouraged Veterans from choosing home-based hospice care out of concern that doing so would forfeit their earned burial benefits.

Gerald’s Law is named in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army Veteran from Dickinson County, whose family was denied burial benefits under this loophole. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, originally brought Jerry’s story to Rep. Bergman, inspiring the legislation.

Rep. Bergman said, “Veterans should not be penalized for choosing to spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones. Forcing families to forfeit earned burial benefits is unacceptable, and what happened to Jerry must never happen again.”

“For surviving families, VA’s burial allowance eases the burden of funeral and burial costs, allowing them to properly honor their loved one who gave so much in service to our country. It’s wrong for a veteran to be denied this earned benefit just because they choose to pass away in the comfort of their own home. Congress temporarily closed this loophole last year, now it’s time to fix this injustice permanently,” said Rep. Budzinski

Gerald’s Law has received the support of a number of key stakeholders:

“We are deeply grateful for the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law by Representatives Bergman and Budzinski. This critical legislation ensures that veterans and their families can continue to choose comfort over cost when selecting an end-of-life care setting, without having to risk the loss of crucial burial benefits,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “While Congress previously addressed this issue on a temporary basis, veterans and their families deserve certainty and permanence. We thank both Representatives for their bipartisan leadership and look forward to supporting efforts to make this protection permanent and ensure continued access to care at home for our nation’s veterans.”

“No veteran should ever be forced to choose between the comfort of their own home and the burial benefits they earned through honorable service. The Gerald’s Law Act closes a technical loophole that currently penalizes families when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to VA approved and funded home hospice care. DAV is proud to support this bill and commends Reps. Bergman and Budzinski for their leadership in upholding the dignity of every veteran’s end-of-life journey,” said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer.

“Gerald’s Law was introduced to ensure veterans who choose to receive VA-furnished hospice care at home with their families were not penalized and denied benefits based on that choice. The passage of S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, codified Gerald’s Law, but only until October 2026. As a pilot program, Gerald’s Law demonstrated how critical it was to address the gaps in veteran end of life benefits. NACVSO has long supported this initiative and looks forward to working with Representatives Bergman and Budzinski to make Gerald’s Law permanent. The pilot provision has been successful and now is the time to do the right thing for our veterans,” said Andrew Tangen, President of National Association of County Veteran Service Organizations.

“AMVETS fully supports making Gerald’s Law permanent, allowing veterans to receive hospice care at home without their families losing crucial burial benefits. By passing this legislation, Congress will ensure that veterans are never penalized for choosing to spend their final days surrounded by their loved ones,” said Paul Shipley, AMVETS National Commander.

“Veterans who choose to spend their last days in hospice care are being denied the burial benefits and dignity they deserve. Service to their nation should determine their benefits, not the location of their passing,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Gerald’s Law Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman for his commitment to our veterans and their right to choose the location of their treatment.”

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Representatives Bergman and Budzinski for reintroducing the Gerald’s Law Act. This vital bipartisan legislation ensures that veterans receiving VA-furnished hospice care qualify for the burial allowance, regardless of whether that care is provided at home,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “On behalf of our nation’s surviving families, who honor their loved one’s final wishes, TAPS looks forward to this important bill’s swift passage.”

“Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA) understands firsthand the lasting impact that end-of-life decisions have on military families. Gerald’s Law ensures that Veterans are treated with equal respect at the end of life, supports family-centered care decisions, and provides clarity and fairness in VA burial benefits. It affirms that a Veteran’s final chapter, wherever it is written, does not diminish their service or sacrifice. Gold Star Spouses of America urges Congress to advance and pass Gerald’s Law without delay. This legislation is a meaningful step toward honoring Veterans, supporting surviving families, and ensuring compassion and equity in VA policy,” said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America.

Gerald’s Law has also been endorsed by the American Legion.

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

Washington D.C.— Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement after voting yes to fund federal agencies through the end of September 2026.  

“Congress has an obligation to fund federal agencies that provide essential public services and resources to all Americans. We need to prevent a lapse in government funding and fund FEMA assistance programs and U.S. Coast Guard operations as South Texas and nearly half the country braces for a dangerous winter storm.  

“Regrettably, this bill does nothing to stop ICE from continuing the shameful operations in South Texas and communities around the country – indiscriminate deportations that are causing businesses to shutter, putting construction at a standstill, and causing a major labor shortage. Congress must act to ensure transparency and accountability surrounding this Administration’s reckless immigration policies, but refusing to pass a Homeland Security funding bill would only create further harm to the American public. Just this week, I asked senior administration officials to let the President know about the negative effects ICE raids are having on our labor force and small business community in South Texas.  I urge the President and his Administration to work with me to fix this.”

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