MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, announced that several of the nation’s leading pro-growth and small business organizations have endorsed their legislation to quadruple the amount of start-up costs small business owners can deduct in their first year of operations.

They also announced support from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), member of the Senate Finance Committee, who intends to lead the Senate companion legislation.

The American Innovation Act (H.R. 1778) would increase the deduction allowance from $5,000 to $20,000 and raise the phase-out threshold from $50,000 to $120,000. The bill also allows partnerships and S corporations to be eligible for the deduction.

“The American Innovation Act allows for investments in research and development to help small businesses grow and allow entrepreneurs to take that next step in their American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly. “This pro-growth tax policy will kickstart Main Street businesses, and it make it easier for these businesses to create jobs, support families and grow our local economies.”

“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American Dream,” said Rep. Buchanan. “During National Entrepreneurship Week, we should be focused on removing barriers for the job creators who drive the American economy. My American Innovation Act cuts taxes on start-up costs so small businesses can reinvest in their companies, hire workers and strengthen their local communities.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy,” said Blackburn. “The American Innovation Act would promote new business innovation by expanding tax incentives and putting more money back in the pockets of Tennesseans who are working to get their startups off the ground.”

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Ron Estes (R-Kan.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), Max Miller (R-Ohio), Blake Moore (R-Utah), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.).

According to the Small Business Administration, from 1994-2021, over 50 percent of new small businesses established during that period failed within five years. A U.S. Census Bureau report also found that 46 percent of businesses began with less than $25,000, underscoring the need to support small businesses with increased access to capital at the early stages of business creation.

The American Innovation Act has been endorsed by the S Corporation Association, the National Electrical Contractors Association, the National Association of Wholesalers, the National Venture Capital Association, the Angel Capital Association, National Taxpayers Union, the Center for a Free Economy and Americans for Prosperity.

“Nearly all job creation in the US comes from start-ups. Without them, millions of Americans would struggle to find work. The American Innovation Act encourages entrepreneurship and job creation by reducing the costs of starting a business. It’s an essential part of our economy, and the S Corporation Association supports it,” said Brian Reardon, President, S Corporation Association.

“NECA thanks Representative Buchanan for his commitment to the small business community and urges the swift passage of H.R. 1778. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this measure and fully unlock America’s infrastructure and energy potential,” said Marco A. Giamberardino, MPA, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Small businesses incur significant startup costs in their first year of operations, yet they can deduct only a small fraction of these costs from their taxable income. The American Innovation Act helps address this issue by increasing the deductible amount to $20,000, raising the phase-out threshold of the deduction to $120,000, and making partnerships and S corporations eligible to claim the deduction. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Mike Kelly should be applauded for leading this pro–small business legislation, which should be supported and co-sponsored by all members of the House of Representatives,” said Alex Hendrie, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

“Representative Buchanan’s American Innovation Act would strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by modernizing and expanding the startup cost deduction, giving founders greater flexibility to invest in their teams, operations, and local communities from day one. Venture capital is committed to backing founders who turn innovative ideas into high-growth companies, and NVCA is proud to support legislation that expands access to capital and reduces early-stage barriers so more founders can build and scale next generation companies in every corner of the country,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO, National Venture Capital Association.

“The Angel Capital Association is the leading professional association representing over 14,000 accredited individual investors, angel groups, funds and family offices providing critical early stage capital to entrepreneurs. ACA commends Congressman Buchanan and Congressman Kelly for their reintroduction of the American Innovation Act. Expanding the ability for early stage small businesses to deduct their start-up costs will provide entrepreneurs with a much needed capital boost. The American Innovation Act provides help for start-up companies at their most critical early stage time. As Congress continues to look for ways to support fast-growing USA based innovative companies, this legislation is an important part of the equation,” said Pat Gouhin, CEO, Angel Capital Association. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of Main Street America, and smart, pro-growth tax policy remains one of the most effective ways to help them succeed. The American Innovation Act builds on the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act by providing additional, targeted tax relief to entrepreneurs and job creators as they launch and expand their businesses. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Mike Kelly should be applauded for leading this pro–small business legislation, which should be supported and co-sponsored by all members of the House of Representatives,” said Thomas Aiello, Senior Director of Government Affairs, National Taxpayers Union.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman to bring New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Dr. Helen Arteaga to stand against President’s attacks on health care and their impacts on New York

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – With the 2026 tax filing season now underway, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she has arranged for free tax preparation and filing services at her Forest Hills district office. 

The Congresswoman, in collaboration with Urban Upbound and New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman, will provide free, high-quality tax preparation services every Tuesday through April 14. Appointments are available in one-hour increments and will be conducted by Urban Upbound’s certified tax preparers. Constituents can schedule an in-person appointment at uutaxbooking.org or by calling (718) 784-0877. 

Rep. Meng’s Forest Hills district office is located at 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 900, Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375. Tax preparation services at this location are available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Indonesian and Tagalog. The Congresswoman’s office can also arrange for tax preparation in other languages at nearby sites. 

This collaboration is made possible by Urban Upbound’s participation in the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) NYC Free Tax Prep Program, which ensures that eligible New Yorkers can have their taxes expertly prepared and filed, for free. Urban Upbound has partnered with DCWP for 20 years to help working families take advantage of tax credits, avoid junk fees and predatory filing services, and ultimately, maximize their tax refund. 

“I’m excited to provide these important services and I encourage constituents in need of assistance to take advantage of this no-cost tax preparation and filing service,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “I look forward to this valuable resource benefiting many throughout my congressional district and helping families keep as much money as possible in their pockets. Thank you to DCWP and Urban Upbound for making these services available to my constituents.”

“For too many families, tax season can feel overwhelming and expensive—but it doesn’t have to be,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Meng and Urban Upbound to bring free, IRS-certified tax preparation services directly to our district. This initiative helps working families claim the credits and refunds they’ve earned, avoid predatory fees, and keep more of their hard-earned money where it belongs—in their own pockets.” 

“For 20 years, Urban Upbound has partnered with DCWP to ensure working families can have their taxes filed by IRS-certified preparers, completely free of charge,” said Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Urban Upbound. “By opening their district office to us, Congresswoman Meng and Council Member Schulman have made it easier for central Queens residents to access this cost-saving service. We are grateful for their collaboration.” 

In the most recent tax season, Urban Upbound prepared and filed more than 21,000 tax returns for New Yorkers–returning over 28 million dollars in refunds and achieving a 98.2 percent accuracy rate– making it the #1 free tax preparation provider in New York State and #3 in the country. 

Urban Upbound can prepare and file taxes for households generally earning $97,000 or less annually. The deadline to file federal and New York State tax returns for tax year 2025, and to submit any tax payments that are due, is April 15, 2026. 

Urban Upbound is a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping New Yorkers achieve economic prosperity and self-sufficiency. The organization operates a large-scale free tax preparation program from over 50 locations across NYC and online via its virtual platform: uutax.org.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Announces Guest for State of the Union Address

Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) announced that Rabbi David Stern, Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas — the largest synagogue in the South and Southwest — will join him as his guest at the State of the Union Address on Tuesday.

For nearly four decades, Rabbi Stern has helped guide one of North Texas’ most historic congregations with a focus on faith, education, and social justice. Most recently, he has highlighted the human rights injustices currently being perpetrated in our communities through immigration practices by the Trump administration.

“I am proud to announce that Rabbi Stern will be attending next week’s State of the Union Address as my guest,” said Congressman Veasey. “Rabbi Stern’s steadfast leadership and dedication to service, both within the Jewish community and across North Texas, exemplify the very best of our district. His commitment to promoting unity, combating hate, and building bridges between communities is most needed right now as we see human rights atrocities toward immigrants; that bear a strong resemblance to those carried out by Hitler towards Jews, across our nation. 

Rabbi Stern’s leadership extends beyond the synagogue pulpit. In January of 2026, he delivered a sermon titled “What Has Become of Us?” in which he reflected on America’s moral responsibilities, including how we welcome and treat immigrants. Drawing on Jewish teachings about welcoming the stranger and honoring human dignity, Rabbi Stern called on communities to extend compassion and respect to all who seek opportunity. His words emphasized that it is our moral obligation as a nation to uphold the dignity of every individual who comes to our country in search of the American dream. “In a place and a time where nobody is acting like a mensch, try to be a mensch.  In a place and a time when people are either worn down into passivity or just plain asleep, stay awake. In a place and a time where inhumanity sometimes reigns, strive to be the glory that God created you to be: a human being.”

Through partnerships with local leaders, educators, and community organizations, Rabbi has worked to ensure that DFW remains a place where diversity is celebrated and every family is welcome.

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

Pappas urges appropriations committee leaders to include language in any DHS funding to protect the ability of states and localities to make decisions about what is best for their communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“We need to hear the president talk about how he’s going to work with Democrats to bring grocery, utility and housing costs down,” said Wasserman Schultz. “We should be working together. But every day I put battle armor on to take on the Republicans in Congress, who only are fighting to make the rich, richer.”

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

Everglades City, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented a $7.2 million check to the Everglades City to the Everglades City Community Center during the Everglades City Seafood Festival that took place on February 14, 2026. 

This funding will be used for the construction of a new community center, which will serve residents in Everglades City and the eastern unincorporated Collier County communities of Chokoloskee Island, Copeland, Jerome, Lee, Cypress, Ochopee, and Plantation Island.

“Since Hurricanes Irma and Ian devasted Southwest Florida, I have worked relentlessly to help our communities rebuild stronger and more resilient. I was proud to join residents at the Everglades Seafood Festival to announce this critical funding to build a new community center that will give families a safe place to gather and provide students with after-school programs and expanded learning opportunities. I am grateful to Mayor Howie Grimm and City Clerk Dottie Joiner for their strong partnership and leadership in helping deliver these results for Everglades City,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart.

Background

This $7,200,000 project received funding through Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026.

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

Hialeah Gardens, FL – Last week, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented a $2 million check to the City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department to support critical vehicle upgrades. This funding will replace aging patrol cars, reduce maintenance downtime, and put 30 new vehicles on the streets to improve public safety response.

“Every day is special in Hialeah Gardens, but last Thursday was especially meaningful–I’m honored to have been named an honorary Hialeah Gardens police officer, and to have February 19^th designated as ‘Mario Diaz-Balart Day.’ 

As a staunch supporter of our law enforcement, I’m proud to have delivered $2 million in federal funding to help the Police Department purchase 30 marked patrol vehicles that will strengthen public safety response and support the officers who serve this community every day.

I am also grateful for the outstanding local leadership I’m fortunate to work with, including Mayor Yioset de la Cruz, Police Captains Freddy Cáceres and Michael López, Chief Luis Díaz, and Deputy Chief Manuel Zardón. Their partnership is essential to keeping Hialeah Gardens safe,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

Background

This project received funding through the H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump on January 23, 2026.