MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

Before visiting a foreign country, you should ensure that all your travel concerns are addressed. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with passports:

How do I apply for a U.S. Passport?

If you are applying for a Passport for the first time, you will need to apply in person at a designated Passport Acceptance Office. A list of the necessary documents and other detailed information can be found here.

You can find the closest Passport Acceptance Office by using the search on this U.S. Department of State Search Engine.

How can I renew my existing passport?

If you already have a passport that is not damaged, was issued in the past 15 years, was received after your 16th birthday, and has your same name, you can apply for a passport renewal by mail.

For more information on renewing your passport, visit the Passport Renewal Page at the U.S. Consular Affairs Web Site.

I can’t wait for the standard 8-11 week processing time for my application. Can I request an expedite?

Yes. For an additional fee, you can request expedited processing which currently takes 5-7 weeks.

For more information on expediting processing, visit the Expedited Service Page at the U.S. Consular Affairs Web Site or call 1-877-487-2778.

If you would like my help with a passport issue, please do not hesitate to contact my Scottsdale District Office staff at 480-946-2411.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Federal funding will strengthen emergency preparedness, modernize aging infrastructure, and improve access to clean drinking water

Thousand Oaks, CA – On Thursday, May 7, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented checks to the City of Camarillo and the City of Oxnard for community projects she secured federal funding for through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

Congresswoman Brownley presented the City of Camarillo with $1,145,144 for its Hybrid Microgrid Standby Power Resiliency Project and the City of Oxnard with $1,092,000 for its Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project.

“Working alongside federal, state, and local leaders, I am proud to have secured funding for these critical infrastructure investments in Camarillo and Oxnard,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “From replacing aging pipelines that are essential to delivering clean drinking water to strengthening energy-resilient infrastructure that can withstand the demands of our disaster-prone region, these investments will help keep our communities safe, connected, and prepared for the future. This funding is about delivering real, lasting results for the people we serve.”

“We thank Congresswoman Brownley for helping secure this critical funding to bolster Camarillo’s operational resiliency,” said Camarillo Mayor David Tennessen. “With these investments in backup power technology, the City will be able to continue to provide essential services to the community under adverse conditions such as power outages during high-wind events and wildfires.”

“Investing in critical water infrastructure is a top priority for Oxnard’s future. This investment towards the cast iron pipeline replacement project will make a meaningful difference, improving the reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability of our water system for years to come,” said Oxnard Mayor Luis Mc Arthur. “These essential projects ensure Oxnard’s infrastructure can continue to support future generations. We are grateful to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her support and partnership in securing these important federal funds for the City of Oxnard.”

“I appreciate Congresswoman Brownley’s dedication and efforts to ensure our local projects remain a priority,” said Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez, District 5. “Projects like the Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project improve the wellbeing of our community. With these funds, the City will be able to make progress in replacing old pipes in the Kamala Park neighborhood where frequent repairs to the current 60-year-old pipes cause disruption to residents by installing new PVC water pipelines in the community.”

About the Projects

The Hybrid Microgrid Standby Power Resiliency Project will fortify critical response operations by integrating power generators, solar technology, and battery storage with advanced switchgear controls, ensuring uninterrupted power and services during emergencies. The need for the project was proven in November 2024 when the Mountain Fire devastated hundreds of structures in and around Camarillo. The city regularly faces disruptions from power shutoffs during Santa Ana wind conditions, compromising emergency services. This important infrastructure project allows Camarillo to maintain operational capacity during grid disruption, with substantial cost savings, while strengthening its capacity to serve residents during emergencies. 

The Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project will replace aging cast iron waterline pipes at risk of failure. Many of the cast iron potable water pipelines in Oxnard are over 60 years old, have reached the end of their useful life, and are constantly in need of repairs, which is disruptive and costly to the residents of the city. Replacement of these aged pipelines will ensure access to clean drinking water for residents of the Kamala Park neighborhood in Oxnard.

Background on FY2026 Community Projects

Congresswoman Brownley secured more than $62 million in federal funding for 15 community projects and for other programmatic requests across Ventura County and the Conejo Valley in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

An initial list of FY26 community projects and investments secured by Congresswoman Brownley is available here. A list of additional community projects and investments secured by Congresswoman Brownley in the FY26 appropriations packages is available here.

Photos from the check presentation in Camarillo can be found here. Photos from the check presentation in Oxnard can be found here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Transportation and Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

In total, Brownley secured more than $62 million for local infrastructure, transportation, and resilience projects in the FY26 appropriations process

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) announced additional funding that she secured for California’s 26th Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. The funding ensures continued federal support for important transportation and infrastructure investments throughout Ventura County and the Conejo Valley.

“I am proud to have played a part in keeping our communities moving forward,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “I am especially grateful to our local leaders and community stakeholders whose partnership helped make these projects possible.

“A strong future for Ventura and Los Angeles Counties depends on modern, reliable infrastructure and transportation networks that keep our communities connected and our economy moving. These investments will strengthen public safety, improve disaster resilience, modernize critical infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs throughout our region.”

The final FY2026 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act included the following Community Projects:

• $250,000 for the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority (Metrolink) Arroyo Simi Bridges Scour Mitigation Project
• $1,120,000 for Additional In-Route Charges for the City of Simi Valley Transit Hub Project
• $2,600,000 for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) Regional Bus Stop Enhancement Program 
• $250,000 for the Clean Power Alliance Power Ready Program for Critical Public Facilities Improvements
• $850,000 for the City of Calabasas Citywide Green Street Project
• $850,000 for the City of Agoura Hills Affordable Housing Microgrid
• $250,000 for the Ventura County Agricultural Training, Resource, and Community Center Development and Reconstruction

The FY2026 Homeland Security and Related Agencies Appropriations Act included the following Community Projects:

• $1,145,144 for the City of Camarillo Hybrid Microgrid Standby Power Resiliency Project
• $1,145,144 for the City of Thousand Oaks Community Resilience Center Project 
• $336,000 for the City of Westlake Village Emergency Operations Center Resilience Project

Congresswoman Brownley also announced that the final FY2026 Work Plan, which Congress requires be released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, included additional funds from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the Channel Islands Harbor, bringing the harbor’s FY2026 total allotment to $18,646,000.

The Army Corps’ FY2026 work plan also provided additional donor port funds for the Port of Hueneme, bringing the port’s FY2026 total allotment to $23,381,610. 

In 2016, Congresswoman Brownley authored a provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-322) that ensured the Port of Hueneme would be eligible to receive donor port funds. Since coming to Congress, Brownley has been a leading advocate for California’s donor ports, including the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“California’s ports are essential economic engines that support jobs, trade, and supply chains across the country, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they receive fair and equitable funding. I will continue working alongside California’s donor ports to ensure they have the resources necessary to grow and thrive.”

In total, Brownley secured over $62 million for critical investments throughout Ventura County and the Conejo Valley in the final FY26 appropriations legislation and Corps’ work plan.

To view the list of previously announced FY26 funding, click here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Transportation and Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Honors Law Enforcement for Police Week  

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s law enforcement officers in recognition of National Police Week (May 10-16), and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th yearly).

“Thank you to our law enforcement officers for their dedication and service. National Police Week is a good reminder that we depend on law enforcement to respond in time of need and provide safeguards to the community,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Since we rely on professional officers, it’s important to support their training, readiness, situational planning, and equipment. In turn, these officers we support serve honorably in upholding rights and protecting people. May God keep our law enforcement and peace officers daily.”

On Wednesday, the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum will hold the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil for fallen officers. “Peace Officers Memorial Day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifice of thousands of officers and their families,” Amata said.

Congress established National Police Week in 1962, and President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. In April, 10,000 daffodils bloom at the Memorial, which opened in 1991, featuring two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray limestone walls. Carved on these walls are the names of more than 24,000 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1786. Names are added yearly, in conjunction with National Police Week.

Honoring Police Week 2026

Each year, Congress passes a Resolution for special use of the U.S. Capitol grounds, including this year’s 45th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. In her time in Congress, Amata has cosponsored various Resolutions honoring and supporting law enforcement. In 2019, she cosponsored the House bill authorizing the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin, which was signed into law.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives and Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Dan Goldman (NY-10), founding members of the Congressional Dads Caucus, introduced the Afterschool for All Act, new legislation that would provide $10 billion in federal funding annually for 10 years after school and summer learning programming. The programming would be fully paid for by a 1% increase in the corporate income tax rate. 

“I’m introducing this bill because families need real support between the end of the school day and the end of the workday, and right now too many parents are left scrambling to cover this gap in care. I launched the Dads Caucus because I’ve seen firsthand how hard parents work to balance their jobs, the high cost of living, and being there for their kids. This bill will invest in afterschool programs to give children a safe place to learn and grow while helping parents get through the day with one less thing hanging over their heads,” said Dads Caucus Chair Jimmy Gomez.

“Afterschool and summer learning programs are a lifeline for working parents and an invaluable source of enrichment for kids,” said Rep. Goldman. “But too often, the low-income families who need these programs the most are the ones who don’t have access to them. I am proud to be introducing this legislation to provide $10 billion a year to dramatically expand the availability of afterschool programs in communities nationwide and help make sure all of our kids are safe and supported, our parents can pursue their careers, and our economy can grow.”

“Afterschool programs are vital to keeping kids safe, supervised, and supported after school, delivering crucial academic enrichment and allowing parents to make a living,” said David Garza, President & CEO of Henry Street Settlement, which operates eight after school programs on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. “High-quality afterschool is a particularly urgent need for children of low-income parents like those Henry Street serves, who struggle with inconsistent hours, frequent layoffs, and neighborhood safety issues. A positive afterschool experience is a launching pad that lasts a lifetime, and we applaud Reps. Dan Goldman and Jimmy Gomez’s Afterschool for All Act, which will extend these benefits to children throughout the United States who live in poverty.”

The Afterschool for All Act reauthorizes the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and provides a tenfold increase in funding. This program, which expired in 2023, is the only federal funding source for afterschool and summer learning programming. The program enables state educational agencies to provide grants to schools and community organizations to offer afterschool activities focused on STEM, physical fitness and wellness, academic enrichment, nutrition and health education, service learning, financial literacy, apprenticeships, and other career readiness opportunities. Research consistently shows that high-quality afterschool programs improve grades, boost attendance, strengthen long-term earnings, and reduce juvenile crime.

The need for these programs remains substantial. Millions of working parents face a persistent care gap between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the hours when juvenile crime and risky behaviors peak and when many families cannot secure safe, affordable supervision. Without these programs, parents can be forced to cut hours or leave jobs, and local businesses lose the stable workforce they depend on. In the 2022–2023 school year, Community Learning Centers served more than a million pre-K–12 students, but demand for afterschool programs far exceeds available funding.

The Afterschool for All Act would ensure that all students have access to afterschool opportunities by reauthorizing the Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program and increasing its funding to $10 billion annually for the next decade. This tenfold expansion in funding would ensure that every low-income K-12 student – more than 10 million students nationwide – can access afterschool and summer learning programs, thereby giving them the same opportunities and support as their peers.

The bill is endorsed by RaisingHealth Partners, Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), Henry Street Settlement, Center for Family Life In Sunset Park, and Grand Street Settlement

Representatives Tim Kennedy (NY-26), George Latimer (NY-16), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Andre Carson (IN-07), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Cleo Fields (LA-06) cosponsor the legislation.

Read the full bill text here.

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

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and led a letter to the Trump Administration strongly opposing its recent decision by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to end funding for illicit drug test strips. In his letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Rep. Panetta and his colleagues emphasized that test strips are bipartisan, science-based tools that are critical to avoiding preventable deaths amid the rise of synthetic opioids and emerging adulterants like xylazine.

Rep. Panetta and his colleagues highlighted that Congress, on a bipartisan basis, has repeatedly authorized and funded test strips, including through last year’s reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act. They also underscored that unilaterally limiting funding for drug test strips goes against Congress’s consensus and puts Americans across the country at risk from growing drug threats such as xylazine.

“Communities across the country, including those we represent, are facing an increasingly volatile and dangerous drug supply,” wrote Rep. Panetta and his colleagues. “Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths nationwide, and the rise of xylazine and medetomidine-adulterated fentanyl has further complicated both overdose response and treatment. Test strips for fentanyl, xylazine, and other substances are proven, cost-effective public health tools to detect lethal adulterants, reduce the risk of fatality from illicit drug use.”

“Eliminating federal support for these test strips would have immediate and damaging consequences. State, tribal, and local health agencies rely heavily on SAMHSA funding to distribute these supplies through trusted community partners, first responders, and public health departments,” continued the lawmakers. “Removing this support would force many programs to scale back or shut down, increasing the likelihood of fatal overdoses—particularly in the rural and underserved communities that already experience treatment gaps.”

The letter is co-signed by Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

Rep. Panetta is the lead author and sponsor of the bicameral, bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This bill would stem the flow of xylazine while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write to express our strong opposition to the recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) policy ending funding for illicit drug test strips. At a time when synthetic opioids and emerging adulterants such as xylazine continue to drive unprecedented preventable deaths, the federal government must reinforce, not retreat from, bipartisan, evidence-based tools that save lives. 

Communities across the country, including those we represent, are facing an increasingly volatile and dangerous drug supply. Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths nationwide, and the rise of xylazine and medetomidine-adulterated fentanyl has further complicated both overdose response and treatment. Test strips for fentanyl, xylazine, and other substances are proven, cost-effective public health tools to detect lethal adulterants, reduce the risk of fatality from illicit drug use. While they may not prevent addiction, test strips can lessen its toll and give drug users the chance to survive and recover. 

Eliminating federal support for these test strips would have immediate and damaging consequences. State, tribal, and local health agencies rely heavily on SAMHSA funding to distribute these supplies through trusted community partners, first responders, and public health departments. Removing this support would force many programs to scale back or shut down, increasing the likelihood of fatal overdoses—particularly in the rural and underserved communities that already experience treatment gaps.

Congress has consistently funded test strips in a bipartisan manner, most recently mandating them last year in the bipartisan SUPPORT Act reauthorization, and has worked productively with Democratic and Republican administrations to address the threat of emerging drug threats such as xylazine. Last year, the Trump Administration called on Congress to pass popular legislation to limit the spread of illicit xylazine, and explicitly endorsed test strips. Limiting these funds, especially through a unilateral mandate, undermines this bipartisan consensus and will be felt in Democrat- and Republican-represented congressional districts across the country. 

We respectfully request that HHS reverse any directive restricting funding for fentanyl or xylazine test strips and promptly clarify to grantees that these supplies remain eligible for federal support. Moving forward, we urge the administration to consult with Congress on this shared priority. Thank you for your continued partnership in the bipartisan fight against the overdose epidemic.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Ahead of Mother’s Day, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of motherhood and honoring the women who raise and shape the next generation of Americans. The resolution reaffirms the significance of mothers, the sacrifices they make for their families, and the lasting impact they have on communities across the country.

“Motherhood is one of God’s greatest blessings and one of the strongest foundations of our country,” said Rep. Weber. “For generations, mothers have raised families, strengthened communities, and shaped the character of our nation. As some continue trying to redefine or diminish what motherhood means, we are standing firm in recognizing and celebrating the women who give life, love, and sacrifice so much for the next generation. On Mother’s Day, and every day, we honor the mothers who keep America strong!”

This resolution:

• Supports policies that recognize mothers as mothers;
• Acknowledges that Mother’s Day is intended specifically to commemorate motherhood and to honor the mothers of the United States;
• Recognizes the importance of motherhood, the sacrifices women make when choosing to raise a family, and the invaluable contributions of motherhood to the family, community, states, and the country as a whole;
• And encourages the people of the United States to observe Mother’s Day in celebration of the women who have chosen to bring life into the world and nurture the next generation.

Cosponsors include: Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Babin (TX-36), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Mary Miller (IL-15), Blake Moore (UT-01), Barry Moore (AL-01), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Brian Mast (FL-21), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24).

Read the full bill text here.

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

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the “Homeownership Savings Act,” a bill designed to help Michiganders afford their first home. With housing prices and mortgage costs continuing to rise, Stevens’ proposal would create tax-free savings accounts that first-time buyers could use to save for down payments and closing costs.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing and reading about Rep. Haley Stevens’ efforts to make homeownership more affordable for working families across the state:

In Detroit:
WMYD

• Being able to buy a new home is one of the affordability issues that many people are trying to deal with now, and a Michigan lawmaker wants to help out. Congresswoman Haley Stevens is introducing the “Homeownership Savings Act.”
• This bill would create a tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers to save for down payments and closing costs tax-free.
• Eligible buyers would be able to contribute up to $40,000 of the lifetime of that account.
• You would also be able to deduct your contributions from your taxes each year.
• Employers could also add money to those accounts.

In Flint:
WNEM

• Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introducing a new bill known as the Homeownerships Savings Act to reduce costs for first time homebuyers.
• The bill would create homeownership savings accounts so every first time buyer can contribute up to $40,000 for down payments and closing costs.
• Contributions would be tax deductible up to annual limits. Employers could also contribute to employee accounts.

In Lansing:
WLNS

• Housing affordability has emerged as one of the defining issues of 2026.
• The latest among them is U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, a Birmingham Democrat. Stevens’ legislation would create tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time homebuyers. It would also allow individuals to deduct annual contributions to a dedicated account, and withdrawals used for a down payment or closing costs on a primary residence would be tax-free, subject to income limits.
• “For too many Michiganders, the American Dream of owning a home is slipping away,” Stevens said in a statement. “Families are working hard just to keep up with everyday costs while homeownership moves further out of reach.”

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