MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced the Campaign Finance Transparency Act and the Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act. Together, these comprehensive campaign finance reforms will increase transparency and ensure fraudulent and foreign donations cannot influence political campaigns, individual candidates, or electoral outcomes.

Both bills will be marked up by the Committee on House Administration later this week.

“My investigation into ActBlue has demonstrated that the current campaign finance laws weren’t drafted for the modern era we live in. The major gaps we’ve uncovered are being exploited by fraudsters and foreign nationals to make illegal political donations. For example, right now an individual could make a fraudulent donation online in someone else’s name and avoid getting caught. That’s an unacceptable vulnerability that bad actors are taking advantage of,” said Chairman Steil. “We must increase transparency and update the rules to reflect the technological advances of the 21^st century.”

The Campaign Finance Transparency Act will: 

The Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act will: 

• Prohibit foreign nationals from donating for specified election-related activities, including: 
  • Voter registration drives;  
  • Ballot harvesting;  
  • Voter research and polling;  
  • Get Out the Vote initiatives;  
  • Administration of elections by state or local officials (i.e. Zuckerbucks);
  • Prohibit aiding or facilitating assistance to foreign nationals in making campaign contributions;
  • Prevent federal agencies from collecting or disclosing tax-exempt donor information, subject to specified exceptions (e.g. IRS, House/Senate lobbying disclosures, in certain situations). 

To read the Campaign Finance Transparency Act click here.

To read the Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act click here.

 

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) called on Congressman James Comer (KY-01), the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight, to formally open an investigation into corruption and insider trading occurring in online prediction markets by subpoenaing internal records from these markets.

Online prediction markets allow individuals to gamble on the outcomes of a wide variety of real-life events, including sports games, election outcomes, daily stock and commodity price changes, whether certain legislation being considered by Congress will be signed into law, and even geopolitical events such as the likelihood of the United States taking military action against another country or the outcome of diplomatic negotiations. 

In his letter, Pappas highlighted how recent wagers on political and international topics have raised suspicion of insider trading, writing: “As you know there have been a number of suspicious trades made in connection with U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran… a single trader made nearly $1 million with a 93 percent success rate on wagers predicting unannounced U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, placing bets hours before strikes in October 2024, June 2025, and February 2026. A separate group of 38 accounts netted more than $2 million on the February 28 strikes alone, after being preloaded with funds the preceding week. At least 50 newly created accounts placed coordinated bets on a U.S.-Iran ceasefire on April 7, some opened minutes before the announcement.”

He went on to highlight the vested interest of the American people in knowing whether government officials are using these markets in violation of the law and their oaths of office: “The American public has a legitimate interest in knowing whether individuals entrusted with classified national security information have used that access for personal financial gain. A committee investigation, enforced with subpoenas, will include internal records, which are the only means by which the individuals who conducted these trades can be identified and the question of whether these platforms are upholding their responsibilities can be answered. Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to determine whether existing ethics, classification, and financial disclosure laws have been violated, and whether legislative action is necessary to prevent recurrence.”

Pappas concluded by re-emphasizing the importance of House Oversight’s subpoena power, noting: “We cannot fulfill that responsibility without knowing who placed these trades.”

Background:

Pappas supports the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026, which bans members of Congress and government employees from trading on political prediction markets when they have or could easily get inside information through their jobs, and has led the fight to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks and to strengthen ethical standards across all branches of government since entering Congress.

Pappas leads legislation to codify the Office of Congressional Ethics, now called the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), the only independent internal watchdog that probes ethical breaches in Congress. 

Pappas has repeatedly broken with his own party in support of a stock trading ban. Following his advocacy in 2022, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi reversed course and announced legislation to ban stock trading by members of Congress would be considered by the House. Pappas has also fought to change House rules to include a ban on members of Congress trading stocks.

Over the course of the 119th Congress, Pappas has helped introduce the TRUST in Congress Act and the No Getting Rich in Congress Act and supports the bipartisan effort to force a vote on the Restore Trust in Congress Act. He is also a cosponsor of the Fighting Foreign Influence Act. 

Read Pappas’s letter here and below:

Dear Chairman Comer: 

We write to request that the Committee issue subpoenas and open an investigation into apparent corruption and insider trading occurring in online prediction markets. As you know there have been a number of suspicious trades made in connection with U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.

We are deeply concerned that individuals with access to sensitive government information have used that access for personal financial gain. For example, a single trader made nearly $1 million with a 93 percent success rate on wagers predicting unannounced U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, placing bets hours before strikes in October 2024, June 2025, and February 2026.¹ 

A separate group of 38 accounts netted more than $2 million on the February 28 strikes alone, after being preloaded with funds the preceding week.² At least 50 newly created accounts placed coordinated bets on a U.S.-Iran ceasefire on April 7, some opened minutes before the announcement.³ Israeli authorities have separately indicted two individuals, including a military reservist, for placing Iran-related bets on Polymarket using classified information.⁴

Some of the suspicious trades were reportedly placed on Polymarket Global, the platform’s offshore site, which U.S. persons are barred from accessing under the terms of Polymarket’s 2022 settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.⁵ The platform’s failure to implement meaningful identity verification or enforce restrictions on U.S. persons raises serious questions about its broader compliance with federal law. A recent case illustrates the seriousness of the issue. In that case a U.S. Army special forces soldier was charged with using classified information to bet on the raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to win $400,000 on the platform, Polymarket identified him and referred the matter to federal authorities, leading to his arrest and criminal charges. 

The American public has a legitimate interest in knowing whether individuals entrusted with classified national security information have used that access for personal financial gain. A committee investigation, enforced with subpoenas, will include internal records, which are the only means by which the individuals who conducted these trades can be identified and the question of whether these platforms are upholding their responsibilities can be answered. Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to determine whether existing ethics, classification, and financial disclosure laws have been violated, and whether legislative action is necessary to prevent recurrence. We cannot fulfill that responsibility without knowing who placed these trades.

Given the important national security implications and possible corruption occurring in these markets, we respectfully request a response to this letter outlining the Committee’s planned approach to this issue no later than May 22, 2026. 

Sincerely,

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

Headline: Moolenaar, Dingell Introduce Legislation To Ban Chinese Vehicles from U.S. Roads

Connected Vehicle Security Act Would Prohibit Vehicles and Components Linked to China

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

Washington D.C. – In response to the water main break in Auburn Hills, Oakland County’s Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement: 

“I’m grateful to the crews, first responders, and local leaders working around the clock to respond to the water main break impacting Auburn Hills and nearby communities. My thoughts are with the families and seniors affected by this disruption.

“Please continue following local water restrictions and boil water advisories as repairs move forward. I am monitoring the situation closely and am grateful for Governor Whitmer’s and the Great Lakes Water Authority’s emergency response efforts. My office will keep working with state and local partners to ensure communities have the support and resources they need, including strong federal investments that help prevent future infrastructure failures.”

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

Contact: Alexis Torres

Harlingen, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Noble Texas Builders President and CEO Rene Capistran, and local officials for the groundbreaking of a new VFW Post 2410 in Harlingen. The 10,000-square-foot initiative, which will bolster resources for South Texas veterans and their families, received $850,000 in direct community project funding successfully secured by the Congressman in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. The full cost to construct the new VFW post is roughly $2.5 million; in addition to a federal investment, remaining costs are covered by a $150,000 pledge from Cameron County and $1.5 million in in-kind donations. 

“When a South Texas veteran comes back from war, we owe it to them to provide the best possible support as they acclimate back to civilian life or need to obtain the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I proudly worked alongside local leaders to get these funds passed into law, and I’m elated that we are one step closer to making this transformative new chapter in our community a reality.”

“We are honored to be part of the VFW Project and proud to stand alongside those who support our veterans. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’s efforts to secure federal funding played an important role in making this rebuild possible. This project is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when public leadership, local businesses, and the community unite behind a shared purpose. Together, we Inspire Hope, Improve Lives, and Strengthen the Communities We Live In,” said Rene Capistran, President / CEO of Noble Texas Builders.

Over the last 80-plus years of its existence, VFW Post 2410 serves as the only public and veteran friendly establishment in Harlingen that provides both a gathering space and a services and support center. However, the building has deteriorated significantly through flood and freeze damages as well as normal wear and tear.

Congressman Gonzalez has long been a champion for veterans of the 34^th Congressional District of Texas. In Congress, he has fought to strengthen GI bill benefits and ensure greater access to higher education; improve mental health services and other resources for military families, caretakers, and injured or disabled veterans; and helped pass into law the Honoring Our PACT Act, the largest expansion to veteran benefits in decades that delivered health care to those exposed to burn pits and harmful toxins while on active-duty.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

May 11, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR PEDRO “PETE” ENCARNACION

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Pete Encarnacion. He was a man of deep faith and genuine kindness with a dedication to service in our community. Raised in a strong family with deep Virgin Islands roots, Pete was someone who showed up, served, and gave everything he had to the people of St. Croix.

“His life was one of dedication across every role he took on. He rose through the ranks of the Virgin Islands Fire Service from firefighter to director and brought a genuine love of community to every assignment. As a senator in the 26th Legislature, he chaired the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice at a time when gun violence was ravaging our communities. He answered that moment with the same calm, steady resolve that defined everything he did.

“Pete was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband and father, and by every account, a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an open heart. The Virgin Islands is better for his service.

“My prayers and deepest condolences go to his wife Janie, his children, Kimberly and Khyle, and the many lives he touched.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

REEDLEY, Calif. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statements after a court found Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He, guilty on all 12 counts related to the illegal biolab discovered in Reedley, California. “The court’s guilty verdict on all twelve counts marks a critical step toward addressing the serious public health and safety challenges our communities have faced,”said Congressman Costa. “The City of Reedley, its mayor, city council, and city manager deserve significant credit for bringing forth the issue of illegal labs in America and the potential serious health impacts to its citizens to light. While I am encouraged to see justice served, our work is far from over. It’s important for American citizens to realize that there are foreign nationals and bad actors engaged in activities in our country that could create harm. 
That’s why Congress must pass my bipartisan “Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act” to close the gaps in regulation of labs and prevent bad actors from exploiting our public health system. We must remain vigilant in protecting our communities and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Americans.” 
“The Reedley Lab incident exposed serious national security and public health failures, and this guilty verdict is an important step toward accountability,” said Congressman Valadao.“While I’m encouraged to see justice served, Congress still needs to act to address the gaps in federal oversight that allowed this illegal facility to operate under the radar for so long. It’s past time to advance the bipartisan Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act so we can prevent bad actors from exploiting these failures in the future.” 
BACKGROUND This week, a court has found Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He, found guilty on all 12 counts connected to the illegal biolab uncovered in Reedley, California. 
In December 2022, a local code enforcement discovered an unlicensed laboratory operating in Reedley, California, that contained hazardous pathogens, including samples of COVID-19, and unsafe storage of infectious materials. Investigations revealed the operations had ties to Chinese ownership and funding, raising alarms about foreign adversaries exploiting weaknesses in U.S. biosafety oversight.  
Current federal law regulations contain only a minted list of “select agents,” leaving many dangerous pathogens outside of federal tracking requirements. To address these vulnerabilities, U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), David Valadao (CA-22,) and Kevin Kiley (CA-03), introduced the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that strengthens oversight of highly pathogenic agents and high-containment laboratories to protect Americans from public health and national security threats. 
Following the discovery of a similar unauthorized biolab in a Las Vegas neighborhood in January 2026, which was raided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI after several people fell severely ill, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan Senate companion to Rep. Costa’s legislation. The Las Vegas lab suspect, Jia Bei Zhu, is the same individual connected to the Reedley biolab, identified as a People’s Republic of China national and a fugitive wanted in Canada. 
The legislation would help ensure federal agencies have the authority and tools necessary to identify unlawful laboratory activity, improve coordination between local and federal officials, and prevent future incidents like the Reedley and Las Vegas biolabs from occurring again. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Today, Congressman Costa released the following statement regarding Tom Richards, Chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors:“Over the years, California High-Speed Rail Authority Board Chair Tom Richards has played a critical role in advancing one of the most transformational infrastructure projects in our state’s history,”said Congressman Jim Costa.“The governor kept faith during the challenging politics that surrounded this 21st century transportation project. Tom Richards provided the tenacious leadership tohelp create more than 16,000 jobs, strengthen local economies, and advance the next level of high-speed passenger rail service for California. I am grateful for their years of dedicated work and partnership in moving this effort forward.Throughout his tenure, Tom selflessly went above and beyond to help guide the project with dedication and commitment. The Valley and the entire state of California will continue to benefit from Tom’s years of service and leadership.”

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

Dear Colleague:

I write in connection with the vicious Republican assault on the right to vote, free and fair elections and Black political representation in the South. 

Over the weekend, the American people celebrated the love and support of mothers throughout the nation. At the same time, Republican extremists spent the last few days applauding their ongoing effort to rig the midterm elections based on two egregious judicial decisions dripping with far-right partisanship. 

We remain undeterred.

The cost of living is out of control, grocery bills are skyrocketing, gas prices are surging, healthcare has been ripped away from millions and a reckless war of choice is raging in the Middle East. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular and Republicans have failed to make life better for the American people. Instead of changing direction, GOP extremists are scheming to change the electoral composition of districts throughout the country. 

Republicans only hold a three-seat majority in the House of Representatives. This is the narrowest margin of any party since 1930. During Donald Trump’s first midterm election in 2018, House Democrats flipped 40 seats. To take control this Fall, we only need to flip a fraction of that total. That is why right-wing extremists have been in full panic mode since they passed their historically unpopular One Big Ugly Bill last July. 

Our effort to forcefully push back against the Republican redistricting scheme will not slow down. We are just getting started. 

Led by the Congressional Black Caucus and national civil rights groups, Democrats are battling Jim Crow-era racial gerrymandering throughout the Deep South. Simultaneously, there is pending litigation in Virginia, Florida, Missouri and Wisconsin. States like New York, Maryland, Colorado, Washington and several others are taking steps to decisively respond to what the U.S. Supreme Court has unleashed. 

Given the highly unfavorable political environment confronting House Republicans, the extremists will not meaningfully benefit from their scandalous gerrymandering scheme. Quite the opposite. Democratic enthusiasm and resolve have grown more intense. Even after being aided and abetted by blatantly undemocratic court decisions, the failed GOP majority will not be able to gerrymander themselves back into power. 

Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives in November. 

In the majority, we will fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption wherever it is found. Our agenda will decisively address dramatic electoral, campaign finance and judicial reform. Finally, in connection with the ongoing Republican effort to cheat in advance of the 2028 election, we will bury the GOP gerrymandering scheme with a massive Democratic redistricting counteroffensive. 

On Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m., in partnership with House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle, we will host a Caucus-wide briefing to discuss the steps Democrats are taking to advance the largest voter protection effort in modern American history. We will ensure the people decide who controls the Congress, not MAGA extremists desperate to rig the midterm elections. 

Thank you for your continued leadership as we march onward to victory.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries
Democratic Leader