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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

With games 36 days away, New Jersey lawmakers cite soaring prices, misleading seat maps, and deceptive sales tactics

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

Today, Office of the Democratic Leader spokesperson Christie Stephenson released the following statement: 

“Jen Kiggans had her chance to disavow the vile, racist and dehumanizing comments from far-right talk show host Rich Herrera. Instead, she doubled down. Then, Jen Kiggans tripled down and attempted to blame partisanship in a pathetic follow-up statement. It was a stunning failure of judgment and leadership for a so-called moderate Member of Congress representing a large, vibrant African American community in Virginia.

Extremists who endorse disgusting, vile and racist language are pathetic. Jen Kiggans has no interest in our nation’s progress toward a multi-racial democracy and apparently craves a return to the days of Jim Crow racial oppression in the South. That’s why MAGA Republicans in legislatures and courts across America have launched a full-scale assault on Black representation. 

Jen Kiggans pretends to be a centrist, but even a cursory analysis of her record makes clear that she is a phony. The Congresswoman enthusiastically supports Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill, harmful tariffs and skyrocketing gas prices. 

Thanks to Jen Kiggans, life is more expensive for the people of Virginia, healthcare is being ripped away, hospitals are closing, veterans benefits are being cut and children are going hungry. The voters of Virginia will hold her accountable at the ballot box in November.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced the bipartisanRespect Tribal IDs Act to improve how Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel recognize and interact with tribal identification documents during immigration enforcement. The legislation comes amid growing reports of Native Americans being questioned, delayed, or detained after federal officers failed to recognize valid tribal IDs and documentation as proof of citizenship. 

“Tribal sovereignty is a legal and constitutional recognition of Tribal Nations and their citizens, and the federal government has a responsibility to respect that,” said Davids. “But lately, we’ve seen troubling reports of Native Americans being questioned or detained because federal officers lacked the training needed to recognize tribal documentation or understand Tribal Nation citizenship. This bipartisan bill is about preventing those failures, improving training and accountability, and making sure all people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The Respect Tribal IDs Act would require DHS, in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal Nations, to develop standardized training for officers and employees involved in immigration enforcement. The training would include how to identify tribal documents, when tribal IDs qualify as proof of U.S. citizenship, proper protocols for interacting with enrolled tribal members, and the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal Nations. 

The bill also requires DHS to create region-specific guidance and reference materials for officers, including examples of tribal IDs used by federally recognized tribes in areas where agents operate. Officers would be required to complete the training annually and whenever they are reassigned to a new region. 

“The Respect Tribal IDs Act is a commonsense bill to ensure DHS personnel are properly trained to recognize Tribal IDs and work respectfully with Tribal communities,” said Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02). “Federal agencies have a responsibility to protect and support Tribal citizens, and this legislation helps ensure they do that.”

“We’ve seen Trump’s Department of Homeland Security violate the rights of the first Americans countless times. Indigenous people in New Mexico and across the country have been unfairly questioned, harassed, and detained. This bill will require that DHS officers be trained to recognize Tribal IDs and prevent wrongful detentions,” said Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. “All law enforcement officials must respect tribal governments and the documents they provide their citizens. ICE and CBP agents must follow the law  and respect tribal sovereignty.”  

“In New Mexico and across the country, our Tribal brothers and sisters deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Under the Trump Administration, we’ve seen disturbing incidents where Tribal members were stopped, questioned, and harassed by ICE officers simply because of their appearance or because officers failed to recognize their Tribal IDs. That is unacceptable and deeply wrong. To address these failures, my legislation would establish clear standards and ensure DHS officers are properly trained to recognize and accept Tribal IDs. No one should have to fear being harassed because of a failure in training or accountability.”

The legislation follows multiple high-profile incidents and reports involving Native Americans whose tribal documentation was reportedly rejected or questioned during federal enforcement encounters. Tribal leaders and advocates have raised concerns that inconsistent training and lack of familiarity with tribal IDs have contributed to wrongful stops and confusion involving U.S. citizens, particularly in border states and regions with large Native populations. The legislation seeks to establish clearer standards and prevent future incidents by ensuring federal personnel are properly trained before conducting enforcement activities.

“The National Congress of American Indians supports this legislation to ensure that federal agents within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are properly trained to recognize and respect Tribal identification documents,” said Larry Wright, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “Too often, the lack of consistent training has led to confusion, delays, and the improper treatment of Tribal citizens. By requiring comprehensive training on Tribal IDs, this bill affirms the validity of Tribal governments and strengthens the federal trust responsibility. NCAI urges its passage to promote respectful interactions, enhance security, and uphold the rights of Tribal citizens.”

“We’ve seen federal immigration agents reject valid Tribal IDs and question the citizenship of Native people — something that should never happen,” said John E. Echohawk, Executive Director, Native American Rights Fund. “Tribal IDs are official documents issued by sovereign Tribal Nations and must be recognized as such. The Respect Tribal IDs Act provides a common-sense, bipartisan fix by ensuring agents are properly trained to identify and accept these documents and understand the federal trust responsibility. We strongly support Sharice Davids’ leadership on this issue, alongside the National Congress of American Indians. This bill will help prevent unlawful detentions and protect Native citizens.”

Davids is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin and one of the first two Native women ever elected to Congress. As co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, she is dedicated to strengthening Tribal sovereignty, improving the federal government’s relationship with Tribal Nations, and advancing policies that support Native communities across the country.

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

Rep. Aguilar is working to pass legislation to better protect victims of mail theft and strengthen protections for mail carriers 

REDLANDS, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference in front of the Redlands Post Office to highlight his efforts to combat mailbox theft and vandalism, protect mail carriers and improve public safety in the Inland Empire.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured changes to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Financial Services and General Government funding (FSGG) bill, urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to respond to mailbox theft and vandalism more quickly and strengthen protections for consumers. Passing through committee with bipartisan support, these changes urge USPS to notify victims of mail theft sooner so they can take immediate steps to protect their finances and personal information. 
Additionally, as a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, Rep. Aguilar is working to strengthen protections for postal workers so they can do their jobs without fear of robbery or assault while delivering mail. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“Whether you live in an apartment building or a house, people in the Inland Empire deserve to receive their letters and packages safely and on time,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’ve heard from countless constituents, law enforcement and mail carriers about their frustrations with mail theft and the risks it poses to our community. That’s why I pushed for bipartisan changes in a recent funding bill to urge the Postal Service to respond faster to these problems and why I’m proud to support legislation to make it safer for mail carriers to do their jobs. I’ll keep fighting for these policies until they become law so everyone in our region can send, receive and deliver mail securely and without delay.” 
“Residents can help prevent theft by retrieving mail daily and as soon as possible after delivery, since mail left unattended creates greater opportunities for theft,” said Chief Rachel Tolber, Redlands Police Department. “If you are traveling or away from home, consider placing a temporary mail hold through the United States Postal Service so your mail can be securely held until your return. And if you become the victim of mail theft, report it to your local police department as soon as possible. Timely reporting helps law enforcement identify patterns, connect related crimes, investigate and alert the community when necessary. Preventing mail theft requires a strong partnership between local police, the United States Postal Service, legislators, and the community. Awareness, prevention, and timely reporting remain some of the most effective tools we have to combat these crimes.”
“NALC appreciates Rep. Aguilar for bringing letter carriers’ voice to this important event,” said Brian L. Renfroe, President, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). “Mail security starts with protecting the dedicated, hardworking letter carriers who deliver it. We appreciate the congressman’s support of the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (H.R. 1065), and we look forward to working with Congress on ways to protect letter carriers and America’s mail.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the fire on Platform Habitat.

“I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, and the Santa Barbara and Ventura County Fire Departments for safely evacuating the crew and extinguishing the fire on Platform Habitat. While we await a full investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential environmental impacts, today’s incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks that offshore drilling poses to our coast. Our community shouldn’t have to gamble with our environment, economy, and public health just to pad the pockets of Big Oil. I will continue to fight any plans to expand offshore drilling in our region, and advocate for alternative energy sources like wind and solar. These alternative energy sources are safer, reduce our dependence on volatile global oil markets, and lower energy costs for families.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Santa Rosa, CA – This week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) presented a $250,000 check to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission to build a playground at the Tierra de Rosas Public Plaza in Roseland. This park is part of an affordable housing development under construction.  

“Proud to have secured $250,000 for the Tierra de Rosas Public Plaza playground,” said Thompson. “This funding will help provide a public space for local parents and kids to enjoy. Everyone deserves access to beautiful public spaces to come together as a community. Thank you to our local leaders who helped identify the need for this funding.”

“The contribution provided by Congressman Thompson helps create a neighborhood park that will be enjoyed by Roseland residents for decades to come,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey.

The funding will go to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission for the Tierra de Rosas Public Plaza Park Furnishings and Equipment. This is a final piece of the Tierra de Rosas Public Infrastructure Improvements Project to prepare for construction of a mixed-use development on a largely vacant shopping center property situated in the heart of Santa Rosa’s Roseland neighborhood.

The funding for this project is part of the $14,351,487 secured this year by Thompson for community projects in our district.

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a limited number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this program, each House member may submit a limited number of requests on behalf of their district for competitive review by the House Appropriations Committee. Projects selected for funding must meet strict transparency and accountability requirements before being included in federal appropriations legislation.

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

WASHINGTON – Last Thursday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) hosted his congressional district’s twelfth-annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Otis College of Art and Design.

Students from 16 different high schools submitted 135 pieces of art for this year’s competition. These submissions included 35 photographs, 38 paintings, 48 drawings, 9 mixed-media pieces, and 5 other pieces that included computer-generated art. The winner, Hugh Saetia from Mira Costa High School, submitted a piece called “Denial.” 

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who reside in California’s 36th District. The first-place winner’s art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with winners from Congressional districts across the country. The winner will receive a trip to Washington D.C. in June to be recognized at an awards ceremony. The second and third place winners will have their art displayed for one year in the Congressman’s D.C. and District offices.  All winners received scholarships. All student participants received certificates and swag bags.

“Each year I am blown away by the creativity displayed in the students’ artwork. This year was no exception.” Rep. Lieu said. “I am always excited to see the great talent of the students in our community. As I work in D.C. to represent the values and priorities of our district, it inspires me to see a piece of home hanging proudly in the halls of Congress. I look forward to seeing Hugh’s artwork take the place of representing our community.”

Below are the results of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition:

Overall Winners:

• 1st Place: Hugh Saetia, “Denial” | Grade 11, Mira Costa High School
• 2nd Place: Ayla Dowdell, “Weaving of Cultures” | Grade 10, Redondo Union High School
• 3rd Place: Elizabeth Le, “A Child’s Mind” | Grade 12, West High School

Honorable Mentions:

• Photography: Natalie Soliman, “American Dream” | Grade 12, Palos Verdes High School
• Painting: Trevor Huo, “Summer Day” | Grade 11, Mira Costa High School
• Drawing: Eli Kano, “Seen” | Grade 11, Redondo Union High School
• Mixed Media: Coralie Foucher, “Quilted” | Grade 10, Santa Monica High School
• Other: Keegan Zarefsky, “Presidents Cup” | Grade 12, Redondo Union High School
• Member’s Choice: Jasmine De Baris, “Farewell” | Grade 12, Venice High School 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Ranking Member Johnson
House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet
Keynote Speech for the Innovation Alliance
May 11, 2026

Thank you for that introduction and thank you for inviting me here to speak with all of you today. Patent and innovation policy is often viewed by people not in the business of inventing as an esoteric area of the law, meant more for corporations than everyday people like you and me. But America’s founders meant for patents to be for the people—not giants. They believed that by rewarding any individual who can meet the standard for a patent, all of us would thrive. But reputations like patent’s “sport of kings” can be difficult to overcome. And it’s been made worse by two decades of system change that have made it harder to own and enforce a patent.

I’m here today to say it’s time to make the patent system work for the people again.

One of the reasons America’s economy became the envy of the world is not just because we have smart people here. It’s because we have a system to allow those people to make a living by coming up with new and better ideas. Innovators with the confidence to invest in themselves know that a novel idea can change not just the world but the course of their own life.

But it’s not always so easy. Anyone who works with innovators and inventors can tell you that unpredictability is the hallmark of innovation. Patents are granted to creations that are, among a few other requirements, new. To invent, we need to do something that has never been done before. Individuals need the resources, investment, and most of all the promise that if they are able to discover something new, they can own their idea, without someone stealing it. 
Yes, nothing is stopping inventors from getting to work inventing. But to make those innovations and discoveries worth the time, energy, and money needed to obtain a patent, the resulting patent needs to be more than a piece of paper they can hang on their wall. A patent should be reliable enough for an inventor to be able to convince investors to help transform the idea into a reality—from paper to products on the shelves.

Two decades of changes that included multiple Supreme Court decisions, landscape-shifting statutory amendments, and technology evolving faster than most experts can keep up, have made for opaque rules governing enforcement of patent rights. Even once an innovator owns their patent, it can be difficult to know that it won’t be taken away if and when a bigger fish infringes on it. That is why I’m a proud cosponsor of the Restore Act, which would bring preliminary injunctions back to patent litigation. It is not the only fix we need, and certainly not the largest, but it is a positive step in the right direction.

But innovation isn’t just about enforcement; the strength of the patent office affects the strength of individual inventors’ patents too. Let me explain: Under the Trump administration, the patent office’s workplace morale has plummeted, likely because of the administration’s layoffs, which were bizarrely characterized as an attempt to save money, even though the USPTO is self-funded. USPTO employees’ collective bargaining rights were undermined by President Trump, destabilizing the already fragile work force. And the USPTO has limited the number of hours that examiners can be compensated for working on an application.

If these changes sound to you like internal strife unrelated to patent law, you should look closer. Patent examiners, employees who work on international innovation issues, and coordinators who do outreach to underserved communities directly affect the strength of patents granted, the enforceability of those patents overseas, and the pool of innovators working on the next big idea.

This lost mission is most obvious in the USPTO’s cancellation of its planned Southeast Regional Outreach Office in Atlanta, Georgia. The USPTO chose Atlanta after a long process, as proscribed under the law. Instead of going forward, the Trump Administration cancelled this outreach to the Silicon Valley of the South and instead opened it within the USPTO headquarters already in Alexandria, Virginia. Yes, this contract was near and dear to my heart, but it also would have served an innovation hub in the United States, to foster more individual inventors, decentralized from Washington, D.C. and the President.

American innovation can thrive only when the opportunity to participate is accessible to all. By placing the Southeast Office at USPTO headquarters just outside of DC, the USPTO has limited its reach and concentrated opportunity among those already best positioned to access it.

As you can see, I strongly disagree with the Trump Administration, and I dislike what they’ve done to the USPTO. But I acknowledge the effort Director Squires has made to reform the patent trial and appeals board, which reflects ideas my Subcommittee examined when I was Chair, and which has similarities to those proposed in my colleague Congresswoman Ross’s PREVAIL Act legislation. Even then, while these administrative changes are certainly worth discussion, agency action is not the same as legislation.

When the Director changes, so can agency rules. Patents exist to ensure that research and development rests on firm, predictable ground. This kind of vacillation between presidential administrations undermines the stability that is essential to a functioning patent system. Ultimately, these are questions for Congress to decide, not the agency; and they are questions I look forward to addressing if I become Chairman of this subcommittee next Congress.

A healthy USPTO requires clear rules, consistent leadership free from political influence and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who take the risk to create. It is incumbent upon us to get these questions right because inventors and job creators are not asking for favors, they are asking for a predictable and stable system they can rely on. When policy shifts with the political whims of an administration, it is the individuals in the American innovation system who pay the price.  

I applaud everyone in this room for their commitment to creating a patent system that works for everyone, and I welcome your questions.

Thank you again. 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

NAPLES, FL – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented $2,504,543 in federal funding to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade marked policing equipment, including marked patrol vehicles, as well as specialty vehicles such as a jail transport bus, a hostage negotiation van, and a safe boat.  

These upgrades will strengthen public safety operations, ensuring law enforcement officers are prepared to keep the community safe.  

Congressman Diaz-Balart said, “I am proud to once again deliver for Collier County, this time with $2.5 million for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade their current policing equipment, which will be a critical investment in the safety and effectiveness of their department. This funding ensures that deputies are well prepared to handle emergency situations with greater precision and readiness. 

I am also grateful to Sheriff Kevin Rambosk for his continued leadership and dedication to the safety of our community and thankful for the brave men and women putting their lives on the line every single day to aid in that mission.”  

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said, “We appreciate the support Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart always has for law enforcement. His work to secure these funds for critical law enforcement resources greatly helps the men and women of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to carry out their mission safely every day and to keep Collier County a great and safe place.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

NAPLES, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented $2,000,000 in federal funding to Collier County for a feasibility analysis to open the Everglades Boulevard interchange location on a portion of I-75. 

Residents of eastern Collier County lack a southern interchange that provides direct access to the interstate. 

Congressman Díaz-Balart said, “I am proud to deliver $2 million in funding to Collier County for a feasibility analysis for a proposed interchange project on I-75 and Everglades Boulevard.  

Over the past several years, this area has experienced accessibility and congestion issues that have affected Collier County residents. The Everglades interchange would be essential in alleviating these challenges and providing an evacuation route to a community that has faced the danger of large wildfires. This analysis is the first step toward providing the necessary evidence to move this project through the review and approval process.”

Joined by Collier County Commissioners, Commissioner Bill McDaniels shares, “This appropriation is an important step forward in identifying the transportation improvements needed to advance the opening of the I-75 Everglades Boulevard interchange. This funding will help evaluate critical infrastructure solutions that support mobility and safety for our community. We are grateful for the leadership and advocacy of Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart in securing this important federal investment and for his continued commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in Southwest Florida.”

Background: This project received funding through the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026. 

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart represents Florida’s 26th Congressional District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He is the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and has a longstanding, successful track record of delivering crucial funding for infrastructure, transit, and roadway improvements.