MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Krishnamoorthi’s Free Elections Act would block federal emergency powers from being used to interfere in elections

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Led by Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), Florida’s Democratic congressional delegation introduced a resolution affirming the importance of maintaining scientifically recommended fluoride levels in public drinking water and urging states to continue this proven public health practice. Last year, Florida became one of only two states to prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems—threatening to reverse decades of progress in preventing tooth decay and protecting public health.

“Fluoride is safe, effective, and backed by decades of science,” said Rep. Frankel. “Ignoring the experts puts children and families at risk. This resolution is about protecting public health and standing firmly on the side of science.”

“Every day, dental hygienists educate patients about the important role fluoride has in preventing disease,” said Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CAES, FADHA, and former ADHA President (2025-2026). “Community water fluoridation delivers that protection to entire populations in the United States, including those who don’t have regular access to dental care. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association thanks Representative Frankel for introducing a resolution that reinforces what evidence has shown for more than 75 years: fluoridated water prevents tooth decay and strengthens American public health.” 

“As pediatric dentists and child health advocates, we see firsthand the transformative impact that community water fluoridation has on a child’s smile and their overall well-being. This legislation is a vital step forward,” said Thomas G. Ison, DMD, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). “It recognizes water fluoridation for what it truly is: a safe, effective, and foundational public health intervention that levels the playing field for oral health. It proactively encourages states and local communities to maintain optimal, recommended levels of fluoride in water, ensuring our collective efforts are backed by science. A child’s oral health isn’t just about what happens in dental chairs — what happens throughout the day at home and school to prevent disease is critically important. We applaud the introduction of this legislation during National Children’s Dental Health Month, and we look forward to continued partnership with lawmakers at the national, state, and local levels to move closer to a future where preventable tooth decay is a thing of the past for every child.” 

“AADOCR strongly supports community water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and evidence-based public health measure that prevents tooth decay and improves oral health across the lifespan,” said the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR). “Decades of rigorous research confirm its safety and its vital role in reducing oral health disparities. We commend Representative Frankel for introducing this resolution and for her leadership in reaffirming this cornerstone of public health.” 

“Community water fluoridation remains one of the most studied and successful public health initiatives in our nation’s history,” said the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD). “The science is clear—it is safe, effective, and one of the most cost-efficient ways to prevent tooth decay across the lifespan.  At AAPHD, we are committed to advancing evidence-based policies that promote health equity. Community water fluoridation does exactly that—it reaches everyone, regardless of age, income, or access to dental care. It is a smart investment in prevention and a cornerstone of a healthier future for all.” 

Community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25 percent and has been recognized by the CDC as one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic diseases—especially affecting children and families with limited access to dental care.

The resolution recognizes fluoridation as a safe and cost-effective public health measure, encourages states and local communities to maintain recommended fluoride levels, and supports continued education and investment in oral health.

The resolution:

• Recognizes community water fluoridation as a safe, effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health;
• Encourages States and localities to initiate or maintain fluoridation of community water systems at optimal levels recommended by public health experts;
• Recognizes the role of public health professionals, dental providers, and community leaders in promoting evidence-based oral health initiatives;
• Supports continued research, education, and investment in community water fluoridation programs to improve the oral health of the public; and
• Recognizes “National Children’s Dental Health Month’’.

Rep. Frankel was joined by 11 original cosponsors: Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Darren Soto (FL-09), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

The resolution is supported by leading dental and public health organizations nationwide, including American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)

For full text of the resolution, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) invites high school students in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Announcing the competition, the congresswoman released the following statement:

“I’m pleased to announce my office’s participation in the Congressional Art Competition,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “Minnesota is a national leader in the arts, and every year I am so impressed by the talent and creativity of our young artists here in the Fourth District. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of students in our community, and I look forward to seeing all the entries displayed at the 2026 Spring Saint Paul Art Crawl!”

Background: 
Submissions are due Friday, April 10, 2026, no later than 5:00pm Central Time.

The competition is open to all high school students who either attend school or reside in the Fourth Congressional District. All entries will be displayed in the Atrium Gallery of the Schmidt Artist Lofts as part of the 2026 Spring Saint Paul Art Crawl, April 17-19, 2026. All entries will also be displayed in a digital exhibit on Congresswoman McCollum’s official website, mccollum.house.gov.

The winning entry from the Fourth District will be displayed as part of a national exhibit in the U.S. Capitol. Entries from the runners-up will be displayed in Congresswoman McCollum’s offices in Saint Paul and in Washington, D.C.

Please contact Congresswoman McCollum’s Saint Paul office at 651-224-9191 with any questions. Find complete rules and instructions at mccollum.house.gov/art-competition.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that the National Association of Community Health Centers presented him with the 2026 Distinguished Community Health Center Advocate Award in recognition of his work to protect and strengthen access to health care across South Texas and the country.

Community health centers serve as a lifeline for rural families, seniors, and working parents who depend on affordable, quality care close to home. Across TX-28, these centers provide primary care, mental health services, and critical public health support to thousands of residents each year.

In the most recent government funding bill signed into law, Congressman Cuellar secured key provisions to prevent federal agencies from delaying or canceling health care grants by cutting the staff responsible for administering them. These safeguards ensure that funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and other essential agencies continues reaching local clinics as Congress intended.

“These dollars keep clinic doors open and support the frontline professionals who deliver care in our communities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I’ll continue working with our community health partners to ensure reliable federal support for the patients and providers who depend on these services.”

Cuellar Recibe el Premio al Defensor Distinguido de los Centros de Salud Comunitarios 2026

La Asociación Nacional de Centros de Salud Comunitarios Reconoce su Labor para Proteger Fondos Federales de Salud en el Sur de Texas

Washington, DC – Hoy, el Congresista Henry Cuellar anunció que la Asociación Nacional de Centros de Salud Comunitarios le presentó el Premio al Defensor Distinguido de los Centros de Salud Comunitarios 2026 en reconocimiento a su labor para proteger y fortalecer el acceso a la atención médica en el sur de Texas.

Los centros de salud comunitarios son un salvavidas para las familias rurales, las personas mayores y los padres trabajadores que dependen de atención médica asequible y de calidad cerca de sus hogares. En todo el Distrito 28 de Texas, estos centros brindan atención primaria, servicios de salud mental y apoyo esencial de salud pública a miles de residentes cada año.

En la más reciente ley de financiamiento del gobierno promulgada, el Congresista Cuellar aseguró disposiciones que impiden que las agencias federales retrasen o cancelen subvenciones de salud al reducir el personal necesario para administrarlas. Estas salvaguardas garantizan que los fondos de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, la Administración de Servicios de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias, la Administración de Recursos y Servicios de Salud y otras agencias esenciales continúen llegando a las clínicas locales según lo previsto por el Congreso.

“Estos recursos mantienen las puertas abiertas y respaldan a los profesionales de primera línea que brindan atención en nuestras comunidades,” dijo el Congresista Cuellar. “Seguiré trabajando con nuestros socios comunitarios de salud para garantizar un apoyo federal confiable para los pacientes y proveedores que dependen de estos servicios.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) purchase and expansion of large-scale detention facilities, including a processing center facility in San Antonio:

“I oppose ICE’s plans to purchase and expand large-scale detention facilities, including the processing center facility in San Antonio, and I’m pressing for clear answers from ICE as this project moves forward.

“It is clear ICE failed to consult with the community ahead of this purchase, but ICE officials have said the agency intends to brief Congress as plans develop.  Based on the information that’s been shared so far, the proposed acquisition and retrofitting of the San Antonio facility could include about 1,500 beds and wrap-around services like medical care, but we still need more details concerning the plans, timing, and potential impact on our community’s infrastructure.

“ICE has also stated that these operations would be funded through the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, which I voted against. 

“ICE hasn’t confirmed a timeline for the San Antonio site, and final staffing and capacity could still change. Nationally, ICE has indicated these facilities altogether could total more than 80,000 beds, though ICE has yet to provide full details to Congress. 

“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I don’t believe this is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and I don’t support this approach.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose sweeping tariffs exceeded the authority granted under that statute, reaffirming that the Constitution assigns Congress the authority over tariffs and taxation. U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), released the following statement in response:

“In its ruling today, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed that the Constitution gives Congress the authority over tariffs and taxation.

“I’ve long opposed these sweeping tariffs because they function as a hidden tax on families. Texas consumers and small businesses pay the price through higher costs on everyday goods and materials. This ruling strengthens our international trade community by reinforcing clear rules of the road that provide certainty, encourage fair competition, and help ease price pressures at home.

“South Texas is a hub of international commerce. Our ports of entry, logistics networks, and cross-border partnerships depend on stable, predictable trade relationships. When our international trade community has clarity and consistency, businesses can plan, invest, and grow.

“I support strong trade policy that gives our international trade community the certainty it needs, protects consumers from higher costs, and supports the men and women whose jobs depend on commerce. We can confront unfair practices without driving up prices. That requires transparency and a clear strategy that promotes growth and long-term competitiveness.

“As we move forward with USMCA negotiations, I’m working to ensure Texas remains a leader in North American trade and that our region continues to benefit from expanded economic opportunity.

“I’ll continue working on bipartisan solutions that strengthen our international trade community, lower costs for families, and support good-paying jobs here at home.”

El congresista Cuellar elogia el fallo de la Corte Suprema que elimina los aranceles generalizados y protege a los tejanos de costos más altos

Laredo, TX – En una decisión de 6 a 3, la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos dictaminó que el uso de la Ley de Poderes Económicos de Emergencia Internacional de 1977 para imponer aranceles exorbitantes excedió la autoridad otorgada por ley, reafirmando que la Constitución otorga al Congreso la autoridad sobre aranceles e impuestos. El congresista estadounidense Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta:

“En su fallo de hoy, la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos reafirmó que la Constitución otorga al Congreso la autoridad sobre aranceles e impuestos.

“Me he opuesto durante mucho tiempo a estos aranceles radicales porque funcionan como un impuesto oculto para las familias. Los consumidores y las pequeñas empresas de Texas pagan el precio con mayores costos en productos y materiales de uso diario. Esta decisión fortalece nuestra comunidad comercial internacional al consolidar reglas de juego claras que brindan certidumbre, fomentan la competencia justa y ayudan a aliviar la presión sobre los precios en el país.

“El sur de Texas es un centro de comercio internacional. Nuestros puertos de entrada, redes logísticas y alianzas transfronterizas dependen de relaciones comerciales estables y predecibles. Cuando nuestra comunidad comercial internacional tiene claridad y coherencia, las empresas pueden planificar, invertir y crecer.

“Apoyo una política comercial sólida que brinde a nuestra comunidad comercial internacional la certidumbre que necesita, proteja a los consumidores de costos más altos y apoye a los hombres y mujeres cuyos empleos dependen del comercio. Podemos enfrentar las prácticas desleales sin aumentar los precios. Esto requiere transparencia y una estrategia clara que promueva el crecimiento y la competitividad a largo plazo.

“A medida que avanzamos con las negociaciones del T-MEC, estoy trabajando para garantizar que Texas siga siendo un líder en el comercio de América del Norte y que nuestra región continúe beneficiándose de una mayor oportunidad económica.

“Seguiré trabajando en soluciones bipartidistas que fortalezcan nuestra comunidad comercial internacional, reduzcan los costos para las familias y respalden empleos bien remunerados aquí en casa.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

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

Bipartisan, bicameral bill would make a historic $2.5 billion investment to strengthen national and economic security by reducing reliance on China for critical minerals

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Reps. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Scott Franklin (FL-18) reintroduced their bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act, H.R. 7734, which would help give land grant universities dedicated access to existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funding to enhance artificial intelligence (AI), mechanization and other research.

“We rely on America’s farmers to produce the safest, most abundant, and affordable food, fiber, and materials. Yet they face many challenges such as supply chain resiliency, workforce capacity, input costs, coping with invasive species and pests, as well as the fallout of climate change. We must ensure that we are on the cutting edge of technology that can assist our farmers and producers,” said Rep. Bishop, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “For over a century, land-grant institutions – like Fort Valley State University – have been at the forefront of research, development, and extension which has allowed U.S. agriculture to thrive. I am pleased to work with Congressman Franklin through this legislation to harness the power of our 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions to explore how mechanized harvesting and artificial intelligence can help improve U.S. agriculture.”

“Labor shortages, inflation, supply chain disruption, invasive diseases and extreme weather have created significant challenges for American agricultural producers,” Rep. Franklin said. “AI and other important research into mechanization, invasive species and aquaculture are promising solutions to keep growers economically competitive. At a time when growers in Florida and around the country need support, our bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act is a timely fix to boost US-grown food production and keep growers on the cutting edge. I thank Ranking Member Bishop for joining me in this important effort.”

“Authorization for USDA to fund research into agricultural applications for artificial intelligence is essential to the future of American farms. The land-grant universities engaged in first-rate science cannot deliver it at the speed necessary to keep us globally competitive without USDA support. Funding for AI-guided agricultural science will drive the innovation that keeps America globally competitive and not reliant upon other nations for its food supply,” said Dr. J. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UF/IFAS.

“As the world’s population grows, it’s critical that agriculture is able to embrace new technologies that strengthen how we produce food, fiber, and fuel. This effort ensures that innovation remains central in research, particularly as emerging tools, including advanced data systems and advanced breeding approaches, create new opportunities to solve complex challenges. Expanding our focus on developing and evaluating these technologies ensures that producers have practical, science-based solutions they can trust.,” said Dr. Nick Place, Dean of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

“I am extremely pleased to learn that the Land-Grant Research Prioritization Act will be under consideration. The triad of agricultural research, Cooperative Extension, and stellar academics remains central to sustaining farm profitability while strengthening our nation’s global competitiveness in food production. In this regard, land-grant institutions serve as the vanguards of agricultural innovation and are indispensable to our food security and broader national security interests,” said Dr. Keith M. Howard, Vice President for Land Grant Affairs as well as Dean and Director of 1890 Research and Extension Programs sat Fort Valley State University. “This much-needed legislation, which supports research at land-grant colleges and universities, will provide critical funding to advance novel and transformational applications of generative AI in areas such as integrated pest management and aquaculture. Strategic investments of this nature will accelerate data-driven decision-making, enhance production efficiency, and improve environmental stewardship—ensuring that producers are equipped with cutting-edge tools to meet growing domestic and global demand.”

“Advancements in mechanization to make our farms and workforces more efficient are sorely needed to level the playing field for U.S. growers. Our land grant universities are uniquely positioned to foster development of these technologies and help bring these advancements to our growers,” said Chris Butts, V.P. of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

Specifically, this legislation updates USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture research priorities to allow land grant institutions to apply for competitive grants to support farm mechanization and agricultural artificial intelligence applications, invasive species and aquaculture research initiatives. The pair’s bill will allow land grant institutions to continue to innovate and pioneer solutions to the challenges facing our nation’s agricultural producers.

Read the text of H.R. 7734, the Land Grant Research Prioritization Act, on Congress.gov.

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