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Rep. Mike Levin Advances $26 Million for San Luis Rey River Project

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

January 08, 2026

Funds Will Increase Flood Protection for Oceanside & Repair Levee System

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) advanced $26 million for the San Luis Rey River project in the government funding package that passed the House on a bipartisan vote. The funds will be used to increase flood protection for Oceanside residents by repairing the San Luis Rey River levee system and removing sediment in the river channel.

For years, Oceanside’s flood protection system has been deteriorating and neglected, threatening public safety. This funding will mitigate risks to better protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Furthermore, sediment removal from the river may be used to replenish sand on nearby beaches.

“For too long, Oceanside’s flood protection system has been unable to adequately protect residents, businesses, and infrastructure,” said Rep. Levin. “This funding will start to make much needed improvements. It will begin the work to upgrade the system, fix the levees, and provide much needed flood protection that will mitigate risk to nearby residents. I look forward to this funding coming to our community and making a real difference.”

The San Luis Rey River Project Flood Risk Reduction Project was authorized in 1970 with the intention of providing a 250-year level of flood protection. Unfortunately, various challenges associated with the project halted construction on several occasions, causing the project’s costs to increase. Additionally, the project’s challenges limited critical levee repair efforts and channel sediment removal work. Meanwhile, flood protection has dipped to a 70-year level, far below the 250-year level of protection envisioned in the project authorization.

The $26 million will be used to begin work towards sediment removal, levee repair, and potential sand plug removal. Funds will also be used for continued geotechnical analyses, environmental coordination, hydrology updates and hydraulic analysis, and the monitoring of both water quality and local species.

This investment builds on the more than $1 billion secured by Rep. Levin in federal funding since entering Congress in 2019. The package that includes these funds now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass. It will then need to be signed by the President.

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Casten Secures Over $2 Million for Projects in IL-06

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

January 08, 2026

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2026) — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) successfully secured over $2 million in federal investment for local projects throughout the 6th Congressional District in government funding bills passed by the House of Representatives.

The funding includes $950,000 for research equipment at Elmhurst University and $1.1 Million for the City of Palos Heights to ensure residents of Palos and Northwestern Community Hospital have a secondary water source, should the primary source become compromised. The projects were selected by Rep. Casten as two of 15 Community Funding Projects in the 6th Congressional District.

“I’m incredibly proud to have advocated for and secured over $2 million for the 6th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “This funding helps ensure folks in our community always have access to clean drinking water and that our local universities have the top-notch technology necessary to stay at the forefront of medical research.”

The legislation should soon receive consideration in the Senate and become law. Rep. Casten expects additional Community Project Funding for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District to pass the House later this month.

Information on the Community Project Funding for Elmhurst University and the City of Palos can be found below.

In addition to securing this Community Project Funding, Rep. Casten also successfully advocated for $41 million for the Morton Arboretum, including $14 million for Landscape Sale Restoration and $37 million for Urban and Community Forestry.

“Morton Arboretum is one of the true treasures of the 6th District,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “This funding will go a long way towards improving forestry throughout the Chicagoland area.”

Community Project Funding Information

Project Sponsor: Elmhurst University’s Health Sciences Research Equipment

Project Address: 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL, 60126

Amount Secured: $950,000

Project Description: $950,000 for the purchase of equipment to advance cutting-edge technology research in the field of health sciences. The equipment will create a modern skills lab where researchers can practice and demonstrate assessment and intervention skills in a realistic and convenient setting. The technological settings will mirror various healthcare settings such as emergency rooms, hospital rooms, labor and delivery rooms, and operating theaters to fully immerse researchers in the clinical experience. The lab and simulation spaces will have life-like mannequins and modern medical equipment, including an anatomy table and a high-tech, 3D anatomy system. This new technology will enable researchers to conduct studies that have the potential to advance the field of health sciences significantly.

Project Sponsor: City of Palos Heights

Project Address: 7607 W College Drive, Palos Heights IL 60463

Amount Secured: $1.1 Million

Project Description: This project will upgrade the 80th Ave Pump Station to provide the City of Palos and the Northwestern Community Hospital with a secondary water source in an event the primary source becomes compromised.

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Rep. Aguilar Votes to Extend Affordable Care Act Tax Credits and Lower Health Care Costs for Millions of Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

House Democrats have taken action and now it’s up to Senate Republicans to join Democrats in sending this legislation to President Trump’s desk to lower health care costs 
Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) released the following statement on his vote in support of a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits to lower health care costs after Republicans let these subsidies expire at the end of 2025:  
“After months of sounding the alarm on the health care crisis in this country, House Democrats successfully forced a vote on legislation to reduce health insurance costs for hardworking people.
“By restoring and extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for three more years, health care premiums will remain affordable for more than 1.7 million Californians and millions of Americans across the country. At a time when Americans are already facing an affordability crisis thanks to Donald Trump and Republican economic policies, we need to be doing everything in our power to cut costs across the board.
“Now, we have a real path forward in Congress to restore this vital lifeline. I urge Senate Republicans to join us in putting the hardworking American families we represent first. The American people can’t afford any more delays.”

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REP LIEU STATEMENT ON CONGRESSMAN STENY HOYER'S RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the retirement of Congressman Steny Hoyer.

“Congressman Steny Hoyer’s dedication to Congress as an institution and to our democracy as a force for good is unparalleled. Throughout his remarkable career, he has been a tireless advocate for Marylanders and a trusted, generous colleague to so many of us. At his core, Congressman Hoyer has always been driven by a commitment to making our country safer, healthier, and more just. His decades of public service are defined by consequential legislative achievements that have tangibly improved the lives of countless Americans. Many Americans have benefited from his work, including his role in advancing the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark law that ensured fuller participation in American life for people with disabilities. At home, he was an unwavering champion for Maryland, and the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are cleaner and healthier because of his leadership and persistence. In his various roles in House Democratic Leadership, including as Majority Leader, Congressman Hoyer served as a mentor and friend to generations of lawmakers, myself included. We are profoundly grateful for his extraordinary service to Maryland and to the nation. He will be deeply missed in the halls of Congress.”

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McGovern, Massie, Castro Reintroduce Bipartisan War Powers Resolution to Block Trump’s Escalating Hostilities Toward Venezuela

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the aftermath of the Trump administration’s military strike against Venezuela, Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission; Thomas Massie (R-KY); and Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, today reintroduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to block further U.S. hostilities within or against Venezuela absent explicit authorization from Congress.

A nearly identical resolution introduced by McGovern, Massie and Castro forced a floor debate on December 17th, 2025 and failed by just two votes, with a final tally of 211-213.

Their reintroduction follows the White House admitting “it’s a war”in Venezuela, claiming that America is going to “run the country,” and refusing to rule out more U.S. troops in the country—alarming signals that America is being dragged toward a dangerous, expensive, and open-ended quagmire without constitutional authority or congressional oversight.

“Donald Trump should be focused on America, not Venezuela,” said Congressman McGovern. “Instead, he is bragging that ‘it’s a war,’ claiming the United States is ‘running the country,’ and leaving the door wide open to more troops and strikes—all without congressional authorization. These reckless actions are unconstitutional and illegal, and Congress has a responsibility to stop this before it spirals into another disastrous and costly quagmire. There’s no question Maduro is a tyrant who stole power—but the Venezuelan people deserve to decide their own future, and the American people deserve a Congress that debates and votes before more troops are put in harm’s way.”

“This is not about drugs; this is about oil and regime change. It’s an insult to the intelligence of Americans to frame it as an arrest by the DOJ. Our troops are not pawns to be risked for the profits of oil companies and investment bankers,” said Congressman Massie.

“The president has dragged the country into an illegal war with Venezuela,” said Congressman Castro. “We know this war is not about protecting democracy or the security of the American people. It’s about oil and land. The President has said that he is in charge of Venezuela. Instead of addressing the cost of living for Americans, the President wants to spend billions of dollars rebuilding Venezuela and benefit his oil executive friends. Every House member needs to be on the record about whether they support yet another nation building effort, this time in Venezuela.”

Introduced pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the measure is privileged and must receive consideration by the House if called up.

“Members of Congress who voted against stopping this escalation the first time should think carefully about whether they want their names forever attached to what may well become a massive strategic blunder and a foreign policy nightmare that lingers on for decades to come,” McGovern added. “Now is the moment to draw the line.” 

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Protecting the Environment and Local Law Enforcement Big Winners in Larsen-backed Bills

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

Protecting the Environment and Local Law Enforcement Big Winners in Larsen-backed Bills

Washington, D.C., January 8, 2026

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting yes on a package of three Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bills. The package passed the House with bipartisan support on a 397-28 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

“I am glad that this legislative package includes the funding I requested to improve marine research and community safety in Whatcom County,” said Rep. Larsen. “Today my colleagues and I voted to continue funding that protects the environment, grows local economies and supports law enforcement, despite the President’s best efforts to defund these priorities. I will keep working closely with Northwest Washington leaders to bring home federal dollars that improve the communities I represent.” 

Larsen’s Requested Funding for Local Projects Included 

Last year, Rep. Larsen requested $1.6 million for two Whatcom County community projects. Funding for those projects is included in the FY26 spending package. 

  • $1,031,000 for Western Washington University’s (WWU) Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel: This funding will support acquisition of a new research vessel for WWU marine and coastal science educational and research activities.  

  • $600,000 for Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s Portable Radio Replacement Project: This funding will support the purchase of new portable radios to replace outdated radios that are failing, allowing deputies to communicate clearly with dispatch and each other.  

“Congressional support from Representative Rick Larsen for a new research vessel at Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center is a vital investment in the Salish Sea,” said WWU President Sabah Randhawa. “This vessel will expand hands-on learning for students, create new research opportunities for faculty, and strengthen partnerships with Tribal nations and state agencies advancing critical research and restoration in the North Puget Sound. We are deeply grateful to Representative Larsen for his leadership and support.” 

Larsen Priorities for Environment, Economic Development, Law Enforcement Included 

The final package also provides funding for several Northwest Washington priorities, including: 

  • $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which supports state and Tribal habitat restoration projects to reverse the decline of Pacific salmon and steelhead and support conservation efforts in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. 

  • $1.285 million for Washington’s Regional Fisheries, restoring funding the Administration refused to allocate in Fiscal Year 2025. In August, Rep. Larsen and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led Washington state’s Democratic Congressional delegation in sending a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s disastrous decision to eliminate funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). 

  • $40 million for the National Estuary Program (NEP), which is a non-regulatory program that supports locally driven efforts to restore and protect the environmental and economic health of 28 estuaries of national significance, including Puget Sound. In June, Rep. Larsen introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the NEP through 2031. 

  • $1 million to establish a new Northwest Regional Commission that will coordinate economic development opportunities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. 

  • $964 million for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides funding for regional drug task forces that help Washington state communities fight the opioid epidemic. 

  • $800 million for Community Oriented Policing Services Grants, which awards funds to hire community policing professionals, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. 

  • $720 million for the Violence Against Women Act, which provides survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking with lifesaving legal services and transitional housing to help rebuild their lives. 

In November, Rep. Larsen secured $2.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture spending bill for three local projects in Island and San Juan counties. Since 2022, Larsen has secured nearly $64 million for 43 projects in Northwest Washington state through annual spending bills. 

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Dingell Statement on Steny Hoyer’s Retirement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Dingell Statement on Steny Hoyer’s Retirement

Washington, January 8, 2026

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement in response to Congressman Steny Hoyer’s announcement that he will not seek reelection.

“Steny Hoyer is a long-time friend, partner, colleague, and someone I have always been able to turn to. He has been a steadfast, hardworking representative for his constituents for more than four decades and helped shape some of Congress’ most important work as a member of House leadership. Something we have always shared and worked closely on is disability advocacy, and he was foundational to passing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has changed our country for the better.  He has always led with civility, courage, and a willingness to work with anyone to get the job done. I am proud to call him a dear friend, and I will miss calling him a colleague, but this retirement is well deserved.”  

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JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TAX CREDIT EXTENSION

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Today is a historic day. House Democrats, alongside 17 of our Republican colleagues, successfully passed legislation to restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits and prevent millions of people from losing their healthcare.

Donald Trump and far-right Republicans promised to lower the high cost of living, but instead are breaking our healthcare system for working and middle class Americans.

House Democrats will always fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and bring to life the great American dream. It is time for Leader Thune and Senate Republicans to act with the urgency that this moment requires and finally work with Democrats to protect the healthcare of the American people. 


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Ranking Member Huffman Statement on House Republicans Voting to Uphold Trump’s Retaliation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

January 08, 2026

Washington, D.C.? – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after House Republicans killed two of their own party’s bills and voted to uphold President Trump’s vetoes of two bipartisan bills that had passed both chambers unanimously:

“Congratulations to House Republicans on completing their transformation of the United States Congress into the American Duma. They just proved they’d rather be Trump’s doormats than do their jobs and serve their constituents.

“These two bills had already passed Congress unanimously — every single Republican voted for them — and now those same Republicans turned around and killed their own colleagues’ legislation because Trump threw a tantrum.

“Let’s be clear about what happened here: Trump vetoed clean drinking water for 50,000 rural Coloradans to punish Lauren Boebert for defending the victims of his pedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein, and to exact revenge on the state of Colorado over his obsession with losing the 2020 election. Trump vetoed flood protection for a Native American tribe over an unrelated environmental lawsuit that challenged his “Alligator Alcatraz” debacle, punishing them for defending their ancestral lands. He will always put his fragile ego over the American people, but that much we already knew. What we learned today is that the overwhelming majority of House Republicans are happy to be pawns in his craven personal vendettas — even when innocent people are hurt, and even when it makes them look spineless and soulless.

“The MAGA majority talks a big game about fighting for rural America and respecting tribal sovereignty. Today they showed us exactly who they are. When Trump says jump, House Republicans slam their heads into the ceiling in the rush to reverse their own votes and betray their oath of office.”

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Congressman Bilirakis Secures Federal Grant Funding for Critical Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects Across Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced today that, with the passage of three appropriations bills in the House, he has secured $14,625,000 in federal grant funding for multiple critical infrastructure, public safety, education, and research projects across Florida’s 12th Congressional District. The funding is included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations, Energy and Water Appropriations, and Interior Appropriations packages.

“These investments reflect my commitment to delivering results for our communities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “These projects were identified by local government leaders as priority unmet needs. From improving public safety and protecting public health to strengthening water infrastructure and advancing lifesaving medical research, they have the potential to make a lasting, meaningful impact across our district-once these bills are approved by the Senate and signed into law.”

The Bilirakis-sponsored projects included in these appropriations bills are:

  1. Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Advanced Forensics Tools and Equipment Upgrades-$2.875 million to support state-of-the-art digital and biological forensic tools, strengthening investigative capabilities and enhancing community safety amid evolving criminal tactics.
  2. Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications System Enhancements- $3 million to replace aging mobile and portable radios with advanced, interoperable communications technology, improving situational awareness, security, and reliable communication among first responders during emergencies and all-hazards events.
  3. Pasco County School Board Safety Enhancements-$1.75 million to deploy weapons detection software and additional security cameras across all 100 Pasco County school campuses, allowing the district to proactively address threats and enhance student and staff safety.
  4. Pasco County Chlorine Booster Stations Project-$750,000 to support design, engineering, inspection, testing, and construction of three chlorine booster stations. This project will reduce water waste, ensure regulatory compliance, protect public health, and support Pasco County’s goal of operating infrastructure systems in a safe, compliant, and cost-efficient manner.
  5. City of Brooksville Wastewater Infrastructure Planning-$1 million for engineering and design to expand the wastewater treatment facility to handle up to 5 million gallons per day. With rapid growth projected to push capacity limits by 2028–2029, this funding represents a critical first step toward long-term sustainability and environmental protection.
  6. Citrus County Lift Station Improvements-$750,000 to improve wastewater system reliability and environmental protection through critical lift station upgrades.
  7. City of Crystal River Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements-$750,000 to enhance system performance and protect local waterways.
  8. Hernando County Centralized Sewer System-$750,000 to help construct lift stations needed to decommission outdated RV sewer treatment package plants and connect them to a centralized sewer system, improving efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.
  9. University of South Florida Molecular Profiling Center for Brain Research-$2 million to support the purchase and installation of advanced single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics and related research instruments. These technologies will accelerate research into Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders, including studies focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and vascular dementia among Veterans.
  10. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Human Performance Program-$1 million to enhance equipment and technology that support deputy wellness, physical readiness, and injury prevention-reducing downtime, improving quality of life for deputies, and ensuring continued effective service to the community.

“These projects represent mission-critical investments that strengthen public safety, protect public health, support students, safeguard our environment, and prepare our communities for future growth,” Congressman Bilirakis added. “While these bills have passed the House, the funding is still contingent on Senate approval and the President’s signature. I will continue working to ensure our district receives its fair share of federal resources and that these funds are spent responsibly and effectively.”

In addition to these projects, Congressman Bilirakis previously secured $750,000 in federal grant funding for the City of Inverness to purchase a ladder fire truck, which was previously signed into law.