MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Evergreen Valley, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by San José Councilmember Domingo Candelas and City of San José Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Official Raymond Costantino at Evergreen Valley College to announce $2 million in federal funding for the Yerba Buena Bridge Construction Project.

“The Yerba Buena Bridge has been, and continues to be, a crucial artery in the Evergreen Community,” said Rep. Panetta.  “This is not just about rehabilitation of a bridge, it’s also about making sure that our communities are connected to opportunity. I’m proud secure this investment to ensure the federal government is playing its part in our local communities.”

“At a moment when confidence in Washington is running low, Congressman Panetta is showing that leaders who stay focused on results can still deliver for their communities,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “That’s the kind of public service San Joséans expect and deserve.”

“I want to thank Congressman Panetta for his advocacy in D.C., and for helping bring federal dollars to my district to improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Councilmember Candelas. “This bridge is an important connection for our Estates neighborhood and for students at Evergreen Valley College, linking them to our parks and open spaces. Rebuilding the bridge will take continued work and coordination, but today’s progress is an important step forward. I look forward to partnering with Congressman Panetta on this and future projects that strengthen our community.”

“This investment helps advance a critical infrastructure project that supports our commitment to creating safe, vibrant neighborhoods,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Rebuilding the Yerba Buena Bridge will improve community connectivity, expand access to parks and recreation, and strengthen quality of life for residents.”

The funding announced today will support the pedestrian bridge development, including design plan, project management, permitting, inspection services, environmental monitoring, demolition, construction, and improvements to the existing creek channel.

Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package. For FY 2026, he secured $3.75 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Clara County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19^th Congressional District.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, released the following statement on Turkey’s decision to send U.S.-made F-16s to the occupied areas of northern Cyprus:

“Turkey’s deployment of F-16s into northern Cyprus is unacceptable and illegal under U.S. law. This move further threatens Cyprus’s sovereignty and only serves to further destabilize one of our closest allies and the entire region. President Erdogan has repeatedly ignored U.S. legal prohibitions and is emboldened to do so because administrations of both parties have rewarded or ignored this behavior rather than enforcing the law. Turkey’s decision to again ignore our laws and violate the sovereignty of one of our allies, especially in the middle of a volatile regional conflict, underscores how unreliable President Erdogan is and why it is crucial the administration not repeat the mistakes of the past. Turkey must immediately withdraw their F-16s and any other U.S.-made platforms. If the administration doesn’t demand their withdrawal, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to address the situation ourselves.”

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

Lafayette, CO — On Wednesday, March 11, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse will host two in-person town hall meetings. Neguse will be joined by local leaders, provide an update on his work for the people of Colorado’s 2nd District, and take live questions from audience members.

Gypsum Town Hall

When: Wednesday, March 11, at 5 p.m. MT

Where: Gypsum Town Hall, 50 Lundgren Blvd, Gypsum 

RSVP for this community gathering HERE.

Silverthorne Town Hall

When: Wednesday, March 11, at 7:15 p.m. MT

Where: Silverthorne Pavilion, 400 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne

RSVP for this community gathering HERE.

Congressman Neguse has represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Covering more than 12,000 square miles, the district is one of Colorado’s largest and most rural, spanning twelve counties: Boulder, Weld, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, Summit, Jackson, Routt, and Broomfield. 

In 2025 alone, Neguse visited 50 cities and towns across the district. He also hosted 17 in-person town halls—more than every other member of Colorado’s U.S. House delegation combined. The Congressman kicked off 2026 on the same note, convening two town halls during the first week of the new year. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

Brooklyn, NY — Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) presented a check for $2,000,000 in Community Project Funding to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for the installation of exterior security lighting at Borinquen Plaza II in Williamsburg. The funding, which Velázquez secured in the FY2026 federal spending bills, will address longstanding safety and security concerns for residents, as well as community members in surrounding areas who regularly pass through the development.

 

Borinquen Plaza II is home to more than 900 units and thousands of residents, many of whom are aging in place. The investment will replace temporary lighting measures with permanent, modern outdoor lighting across the development’s walkways and courtyards.

 

“The residents of Borinquen Plaza II have been clear: reliable lighting isn’t a luxury, it is a fundamental necessity for safety and peace of mind,” said Congresswoman Velázquez.  “Today, we are delivering on the promise to modernize this development. This $2 million investment will replace temporary measures with permanent, modern lighting that makes our walkways and courtyards safer for seniors and families alike. I am proud to stand with the tenant leaders who fought for this, and I will continue to work to ensure NYCHA residents receive the federal resources they deserve.”

 

“All Brooklynites deserve to live in spaces that feel safe and welcoming, but NYCHA residents have unacceptably been asked to lower their expectations. This $2 million investment from Rep. Velázquez to deliver modern, reliable lighting at Borinquen Plaza II will boost security and have a transformative impact on the community members who walk through this development every day. I am so grateful to Rep. Velázquez for delivering for this community, as she always does,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

 

“Upgrading the lighting at Borinquen Plaza II is a meaningful investment in residents’ security and quality of life,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “These lighting improvements will go a long way to reinforce a feeling of safety for residents walking home at night and promote a welcoming environment for socializing outdoors, enjoying nice weather, and using the campus grounds after dark. We are very grateful to Representative Velázquez for securing this important funding for the residents of Borinquen Plaza II, which will make a tangible difference on the campus.”

“Our residents deserve to feel safe in their own community. We have been asking for better lighting for years, and today Congresswoman Velázquez made it happen. This investment means our seniors and families won’t have to worry about walking through dark areas at night. We thank her for standing up for Borinquen and for public housing residents across this city.” said Eloise Rowe, Borinquen Plaza Tenant Association President

 

This is the second NYCHA security lighting check Velázquez has presented this week. On Tuesday, she delivered $3.15 million in Community Project Funding for exterior lighting upgrades at Ravenswood Houses in Queens.

 

The security lighting project is one of 13 Community Project Funding initiatives that Velázquez secured in the FY2026 spending package, totaling over $15.5 million for New York’s 7th District.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), issued the following statement regarding today’s Kennedy Center court hearing: 

“We appreciate the court hearing the motion today and acknowledging the urgency of the situation. All we are asking the court is to ensure the information on the Trump administration’s proposed plans to close and demolish the Kennedy Center be shared and that I will have the opportunity to take my seat at next week’s meeting,” said Congresswoman Beatty.

“The Kennedy Center is a national cultural institution created by Congress and supported by the American public – using MILLIONS of taxpayer dollars. No president has the authority to shut Congress out of the governance of the Kennedy Center, much less unilaterally rename or demolish it.”

“We will not stand by while another important part of our national heritage is erased. There must be transparency and the role of Congress in these decisions must not be trampled.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO)—a combat veteran and co-chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus—led 120 Democratic Members of Congress demanding answers on recent civilian deaths during Operation Epic Fury, including a U.S. strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were killed. Recent reporting by The New York Times says these strikes were done with an American Tomahawk cruise missile. 

In their letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth, Crow, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and others requested detailed information about the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school, the nature of the military targeting, the steps taken to mitigate and respond to civilian harm, and more. The lawmakers also called for the public release of the findings of the investigation into the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school. 

Crow and his colleagues wrote, “Now is not the time to admonish the principles of civilian protection and undermine the important work the Department has undertaken in recent years to advance Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) policy and practice. To that end, we seek detailed information regarding civilian protection during Operation Epic Fury and steps the military is taking to mitigate and respond to civilian harm.”

This strike comes as the Pentagon has defunded and eliminated roles Congress created to ensure civilians are protected in combat zones. The Civilian Protection Center of Excellence (CPCOE), an office Congressman Crow helped establish, was created to increase transparency and accountability of civilian harm caused by US military operations. This team has been significantly reduced. DoD also defunded experts responsible for doubling check targeting decisions, and ensuring the civilian environment is considered during operational planning.   

Congressman Crow’s time in Iraq and Afghanistan informs much of his work in Congress aimed at increasing civilian protection in combat. He’s a founding member and co-chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus. He helped pass legislation codifying the creation of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, and has passed major portions of his Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act and Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below: 

Dear Secretary Hegseth:

We write to express alarm regarding reports of civilian casualties arising from Operation Epic

Fury in Iran and urgently request detailed information about the steps the U.S. is taking to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are particularly disturbed by reports of what appears to be the deadliest attack on civilians thus far: a girls’ elementary school, where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were reported killed and 100 children and staff wounded. The New York Times recently reported that the U.S. preliminary investigation found that the United States is responsible for this strike due to outdated targeting data. With reportedly over 1,000 total civilian deaths already and a lack of clarity about the anticipated scale and duration of operations, we demand clear answers on how the Department plans to investigate these reports and prevent the risk of further civilian harm.

Longstanding U.S. military policy and the law of armed conflict, also known as international humanitarian law, apply during wartime and protect civilians and military service members alike. Under the law of armed conflict, the U.S. must distinguish between civilians and combatants, ensure proportionality, and take all feasible precautions to protect civilians. The Department of Defense has in recent years improved the way it prevents, mitigates, and responds to civilian harm, including through its Department of Defense Instruction on Civilian Mitigation and Response (DOD-I 30001.7) and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence that provides direct support to warfighters.

We are therefore deeply concerned by reports of U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran that have resulted in significant and growing civilian harm. The U.S. and Israel have reportedly struck or impacted numerous civilian sites—including schools, hospitals, gymnasiums, public gathering spaces, and a UNESCO heritage site. In addition to civilian casualties, these strikes have disrupted civilian life and damaged infrastructure. The U.S. military must refrain from using explosive weapons in densely populated, civilian areas in line with its commitments under the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Civilians and civilian infrastructure may under no circumstances be the object of attack and must at all times be respected and protected by all parties.

Reported civilian harm by the U.S. and Israel during Operation Epic Fury is particularly alarming yet unsurprising given the recent strain on our civilian protection institutions. For example, we understand that budget reductions at the Department have deprived military commands—including at U.S. Central Command—of essential resources needed to meaningfully address civilian casualties. In February 2025, you fired top military lawyers responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws of war, including those designed to protect civilians in conflict. And on March 2, 2026, you asserted that there would be “No stupid rules of engagement.” President Trump has likewise declared that “I don’t need international law.” This attitude is not only lawless but counterproductive. General Joseph Votel, former Commander of

U.S. Central Command, recently stated “If you cause so many civilian casualties and you cause so much civilian harm here, it can actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do […] the benefit to be gained by supporting these [Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR)] positions, I think it outweighs the movement of resources to other places.” Now is not the time to admonish the principles of civilian protection and undermine the important work the Department has undertaken in recent years to advance CHMR policy and practice.

To that end, we seek detailed information regarding civilian protection during Operation Epic Fury and steps the military is taking to mitigate and respond to civilian harm. We also urge your Department to make public the findings of the ongoing investigation with respect to the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school. 

Specifically, we request written responses to the following questions:

1. Did the United States Armed Forces carry out the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school? If so, what was the target and why was the decision taken to execute the strikes? What was the assessed civilian harm risk of the strikes, and what steps were considered or taken to prevent civilian harm

2. What is the U.S. military’s assessment of civilian casualties from the airstrikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school? In light of the scale of reported deaths of children in Minab, will the Department investigate the airstrikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school as a possible war crime?

3. What is the role of artificial intelligence, if any, in selecting targets, assessing intelligence, and making legal determinations during Operation Epic Fury? If artificial intelligence is used, is it subject to human review and at what point? Was artificial intelligence, including the use of Maven Smart System, used to identify the Shajareh Tayyebeh school as a target? If so, did a human verify the accuracy of this target?

4. How are congressionally mandated civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) policies and institutions, including DoD-I 3000.17 and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, being resourced, implemented, and operationalized during Operation Epic Fury?

5. What steps is the Department taking to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its planning and targeting during Operation Epic Fury? What precautions is the U.S. taking to avoid and minimize civilian harm?

6. Please describe the Department’s process for target selection and review in Operation Epic Fury. Has the Department employed red-teaming and used civilian environment teams to mitigate civilian harm in this operation? If so, how do you assess the success of these actions? How many personnel are responsible for civilian harm mitigation and response in Operation Epic Fury?

7. What steps does the U.S. plan to take to respond to civilian harm reports from Operation Epic Fury, including development of lessons learned and post-harm responses to civilians?

8. Will the Department commit to surging CHMR capabilities to protect civilians in the context of Operation Epic Fury? Please indicate your plan for doing so, and any resources required from Congress.

9. Has the Department established accessible channels for civilians to report alleged civilian harm in Operation Epic fury? Are those channels available in Persian, Kurdish, and other major Iranian languages?

10. How is the Department working with Israeli authorities to harmonize civilian harm practices and policies between U.S. and Israeli forces?

We request a response no later than March 20, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

DARRINGTON, WA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), visited a groundwater well in Darrington with local leaders to celebrate federal funding she was able to secure for the Darrington Drinking Water Infrastructure Expansion Project. Congresswoman Schrier’s visit showcased the importance of improving current infrastructure to bolster access to potable water, bring the system up to modern firefighting standards, and reduce the risk of drinking water contamination.

Through FY 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests in Congress, Congresswoman Schrier secured $850,000 to improve Darrington’s water distribution system. This project will: 

• Design and construct an iron water main with eight low and moderate-income residential service connections. This new water line will replace the current system and move existing water lines from private land to town easements.
• Build a concrete well protection enclosure with electrical and communications systems to securely house the well pump and all necessary parts.
• Add five new fire hydrants to areas where there is currently no fire protection, bringing the current system up to modern firefighting standards.

“I know that in Darrington, access to reliable, clean water has been a concern for residents and local leaders. The failure of water pumps and a lack of potable water and fire hydrants have created emergency situations in the past,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I’m proud of my work in Congress to bring home federal dollars to fix Darrington’s water system, keeping our communities safe and investing in infrastructure for generations to come. These dollars, as part of the $14 million I am proud to have secured in Community Project Funding this year, will improve the health, safety, and well-being of our communities in the Eighth District.” 

“We are thrilled to have Representative Dr. Schrier working for all of us in Washington’s Eighth District,” said Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin. “She is bringing vital community project funding home to communities like mine here in Darrington. This year, Rep. Schrier helped us attain funding to bring our third water well online. This ensures that our outlying community continues to have access to clean, cool drinking water into the future. The funding she brought to our town bridged a financial gap that we could never have crossed without her hard work and diligence in the other Washington.”  

“Reliable water infrastructure is one of the most important tools we have to protect lives and property in a rural community like Darrington,” said Fire Chief Joel Johnson of Darrington Fire District 24. “Expanding water service and hydrant capacity will strengthen fire protection, support emergency medical response, and improve the overall health and safety of our residents. We are grateful to Congresswoman Schrier and the town of Darrington for helping secure this investment and for recognizing how critical these projects are for communities like ours.”

This Congress, Congresswoman Schrier also secured funding for local water infrastructure projects in Carbonado, Wilkeson, and Covington.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the antisemtic attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township on March 12th, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement:

“I am horrified by the antisemitic attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. All around the world, including here in the U.S, Jewish people, institutions and houses of worship have come under attack. These attacks are shockingly common, yet can never be normalized. The reality is that the rot of antisemitism is spreading.

Partnerships with law enforcement and investments in security are important, although so expensive as to effectively deter Jewish life.

The path forward is to denounce antisemitism often and with clarity, publicly and privately, in large groups and small ones; to educate society as to the falsehoods that allow demonization to take root; and to hold accountable those who jeopardize the safety of our communities. “

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) hosted Kris Williams, President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), alongside senior bank officials, and local housing leaders for a roundtable discussion on strategies to expand affordable housing opportunities across Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District. The conversation brought together representatives from local financial institutions and housing organizations to discuss housing affordability challenges, access to financing, and the role of the Federal Home Loan Bank system in supporting community development. Participants also discussed how programs administered by FHLB Des Moines, including mandatory and voluntary affordable housing initiatives, can improve access to safe, stable housing for families throughout the Kansas City region. Last year, through its mandatory and voluntary affordable housing and community development programs, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines provided a total of $1.86 million for an impact of $8.63 million in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is foundational to strong communities and economic opportunity,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Today’s discussion with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and local housing lenders and leaders highlighted the important partnerships needed to expand housing opportunities throughout Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District. I’m grateful for the work of our local housing advocates and financial partners who are committed to addressing housing challenges and ensuring more families have a place to call home.”

Rep. Cleaver emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between federal partners, local institutions, and community organizations to address rising housing costs and expand access to affordable housing in the region. Officials from FHLB Des Moines provided an overview of the bank’s investments and housing programs available to member institutions and community organizations, including funding opportunities designed to support affordable housing development and neighborhood revitalization.

“As housing costs continue to rise, we must work together to ensure families have access to stable and affordable homes,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Conversations like this help identify solutions and strengthen the partnerships necessary to meet the needs of our communities.”

FHLB Des Moines event handouts can be found here.

Affordable Housing – FHLB Des Moines

Pictures from the event can be found here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the horrific attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Our worst fears came to West Bloomfield today. To the congregants of Temple Israel and Jewish families across our community and beyond, we stand with you in horror of the reality that Jewish Americans confront every time they enter a place of worship, attend a community event, or gather with loved ones.

“Michiganders’ lives were saved today by the heroism of security officials on site and the speed of Oakland County’s first responders. Thanks to their bravery and quick actions, Temple Israel’s congregants, staff, and students are alive and safe tonight in their homes. Our community forever owes a debt to the men and women who kept this synagogue safe, and we all send our prayers to the wounded security guard who is recovering in the hospital.

“It should not be like this. Jewish families should never have to fear gathering at a synagogue, sending their children to religious school, or simply practicing their faith. Americans should not have to be surrounded by armed guards every time they pray.

“It is no longer enough for our leaders to condemn antisemitism. It must be rooted out everywhere. There are things Congress can and must do legislatively—first and foremost, funding every effort we can to keep the Jewish community safe and protect houses of worship—but we must also commit to ending the scourge of antisemitism in every community.

“Enough is enough. The congregants of Temple Israel deserve better.”

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