MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced he has joined the Congressional Mental Health Caucus as Co-Chair, joining fellow co-chairs Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Andrea Salinas (D-OR).
 
“As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing and supporting mental health, Congress must continue to address these critical issues as well. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Don Beyer, Don Bacon, and Andrea Salinas as Mental Health Caucus co-chair. Mental health isn’t a partisan issue,” said Rep. Kelly.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Mike has been a strong bipartisan partner on efforts to support youth mental health and expand investment in mental health research,” said Rep. Beyer. “His leadership will strengthen our work, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to advance meaningful legislation to build a stronger, more accessible system of care to tackle the mental health crisis.”

“We know our country faces a mental health crisis, and that means we must keep working together toward solutions,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Kelly as a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus as we continue advancing bipartisan efforts to improve care.”

“I am excited to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as a fellow co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Congressman Kelly has worked across the aisle to ensure Americans can access the treatment they need,” said Rep. Salinas. “I look forward to working alongside him to strengthen bipartisan legislation to ensure every person can access high-quality, affordable mental healthcare.”

BACKGROUND

Rep. Kelly has worked on bipartisan efforts focused on youth mental health and mental health research. Together with Rep. Beyer, he co-leads the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, which would help schools establish student-led peer support programs to identify and respond to youth mental health challenges. Kelly also leads the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act to encourage public-private partnerships and expand investment in mental health and neurological research.

Beyer is a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus’ Suicide Prevention Task Force and author of the bipartisan Barriers to Suicide Act, which would require the Department of Transportation to establish grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. Beyer also leads an annual appropriations letter on bipartisan suicide prevention programs, which supports funding for 988, and suicide prevention programs at the CDC and SAMHSA.

Bacon leads mental health initiatives focused on crisis response and veterans’ mental health, including the STOP Suicide Act to expand federal support for services for individuals in crisis and recovery. He also introduced the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would improve coordination of mental health programs for veterans and transitioning servicemembers.

Salinas has introduced several bills to improve access to mental health care, including the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, which would provide three free behavioral health visits per year for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, as well as the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, which would expand access to telehealth services for rural Americans who continue to face barriers to in-person mental health care. She is also a co-founder of the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus that seeks to address health care gaps in rural communities, especially related to mental health care.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) led 31 Democratic Members in sending a letter to President Donald Trump regarding his legally dubious April 24, 2026, termination of all 22 Members of the National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises Congress and the President on the activities of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and it has served this function since the creation of NSF in 1950. In their letter, the Members call into question the legal basis of this decision and demand that President Trump reinstate the Board immediately.

The Members wrote in their letter, “Firing the Board was essentially a middle finger to Congressional intent, making your spokesperson’s claim that you ‘look forward to working with the Hill to update the statute and ensure the NSB can perform its duties as Congress intended’ particularly ludicrous. We still await your outreach on this matter.”

The Members continued, “The writing is on the wall, and it spells disaster for our scientific excellence. For over 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been the envy of the world. Our allies and adversaries alike have sought to emulate it, so they could attempt to nurture similarly boundary-pushing scientific ecosystems. Amongst our own scientific agencies, it is a crown jewel, setting the standard for scientific excellence. Purging the 22 scientists who are responsible for guiding NSF is the nail in the coffin for an agency that has weathered 15 months of attacks by you and your ignorant cronies.”

Read the letter here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

GREENBELT, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced the winner of the 2026 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition (CAC) as Jenna Tran, a sophomore at Arundel High School in Anne Arundel County, for her piece titled A Dream.
 

Jenna Tran’s winning piece, A Dream
 

“Congratulations to Jenna Tran on winning the 2026 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Her artwork conveys how the imagination of our youth is fascinating and powerful, and I applaud her artistic technique and creativity. I look forward to viewing her piece in the Capitol complex this year, where it will represent our district well.”

“To me, art has always been a source of personal expression, a reflection of my voice. To win this competition has meant giving me an opportunity to publicly express my own beliefs in a way I wouldn’t have felt comfortable to do so otherwise,” said Jenna Tran. “In my art, I hope others can find inspiration, compassion, and hope. Everyone carries a dream, and I hope that through this piece, people feel encouraged to express their dreams.”

Jenna Tran lives in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Her artwork was created with colored pencils and acrylic on paper. She illustrated a group of children while one child looks up at the viewer as bright colors and embellishments emerge from the top of his head. Jenna aimed to depict the enormous vision that children carry every day and sought to communicate how their aspirations and desires deserve to be heard just as loudly as everyone else’s. A Dream will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with the winning entries in other congressional districts’ art competitions.

“I also wanted to congratulate our top placing contestants and every high school student who participated in the 2026 Art Competition,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Each participant submitted an outstanding piece of artwork, and I was pleased to see the dedication and creativity demonstrated in their submissions.”

2nd place – Shaorong Chen​, St. Mary’s County: Chinese New Year

3rd place – Lily Black, St. Mary’s County: Self-Reflection

4th place – Lauren Little, Anne Arundel County: Breezing Up the West River

5th place – Jackson Naylor, Calvert County: Hidden Battles

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 

Taylor Bowen, Calvert County: Fishbowl

Ziqi Yang, Calvert County: Press X to Escape

Tabitha Greer, St. Mary’s County: Charles Leclerc in the SF-25

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10^th Congressional District.

“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”

“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County.

“Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.

“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).

“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”

 
“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.

“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.

“The City of Dublin is proud to have Congressman DeSaulnier’s support for our Community Project Funding Request for the Village Parkway Reconstruction and Complete Streets Project. This important project will address critical infrastructure needs by resurfacing roads, improving bicycle access, enhancing safety, and upgrading sidewalks near Dublin High School. Once complete, Village Parkway will be a significantly safer and more accessible corridor for all who live, work, and travel in Dublin,” said Mayor Sherry Hu, City of Dublin.

“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

“The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County,” saidWarren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”  

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

1. $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays, and ease congestion.
2. $1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
3. $1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
4. $850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
5. $850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
6. $850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

1. $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
2. $1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
3. $1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
4. $1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
5. $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
6. $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.

 

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

1. $2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
2. $1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
3. $273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

 

Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) today welcomed Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. 

“As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing and supporting mental health, Congress must continue to address these critical issues as well. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Don Beyer, Don Bacon, and Andrea Salinas as Mental Health Caucus co-chair. Mental health isn’t a partisan issue,” said Rep. Kelly.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Mike has been a strong bipartisan partner on efforts to support youth mental health and expand investment in mental health research,” said Rep. Beyer. “His leadership will strengthen our work, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to advance meaningful legislation to build a stronger, more accessible system of care to tackle the mental health crisis.”

“We know our country faces a mental health crisis, and that means we must keep working together toward solutions,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Kelly as a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus as we continue advancing bipartisan efforts to improve care.”

“I am excited to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as a fellow co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Congressman Kelly has worked across the aisle to ensure Americans can access the treatment they need,” said Rep. Salinas.  “I look forward to working alongside him to strengthen bipartisan legislation to ensure every person can access high-quality, affordable mental healthcare.”

Kelly has worked on bipartisan efforts focused on youth mental health and mental health research. Together with Congressman Beyer, he co-leads the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, which would help schools establish student-led peer support programs to identify and respond to youth mental health challenges. Kelly also leads the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act to encourage public-private partnerships and expand investment in mental health and neurological research.

Beyer is a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus’ Suicide Prevention Task Force and author of the bipartisan Barriers to Suicide Act, which would require the Department of Transportation to establish grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. Beyer also leads an annual appropriations letter on bipartisan suicide prevention programs, which supports funding for 988, and suicide prevention programs at the CDC and SAMHSA.

Bacon leads mental health initiatives focused on crisis response and veterans’ mental health, including the STOP Suicide Act to expand federal support for services for individuals in crisis and recovery. He also introduced the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would improve coordination of mental health programs for veterans and transitioning servicemembers.

Salinas has introduced several bills to improve access to mental health care, including the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, which would provide three free behavioral health visits per year for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, as well as the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, which would expand access to telehealth services for rural Americans who continue to face barriers to in-person mental health care. She is also a co-founder of the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus that seeks to address health care gaps in rural communities, especially related to mental health care.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore presented a $1,668,750 check in federal funding for the construction of a new Barbour County Ambulance Authority Station, a major investment in emergency response infrastructure and public safety for North Central West Virginia. Congressman Moore secured this funding through his work on the House Appropriations Committee.

The new facility will strengthen emergency medical response capabilities across Barbour County, provide expanded space for public safety and emergency response training programs, and serve as an emergency shelter and distribution site during natural disasters and other emergencies.

The project represents a long-term investment in the region’s emergency preparedness capabilities and will help ensure first responders have modern facilities to effectively serve residents throughout Barbour County and the surrounding area.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Barbour County’s first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they deserve facilities and resources that match the importance of their mission. This new ambulance authority station will improve emergency response times, expand training opportunities for first responders, and ensure the community has a first-class emergency shelter and distribution center during natural disasters. I was proud to secure these funds through my position on the House Appropriations Committee. They will strengthen public safety infrastructure and keep West Virginians safe.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – On March 17, 2026, the Taylor County Public Service District reached a major milestone as water flowed through a newly constructed temporary water main to the PSD’s treatment plant for the first time since May 2022. This temporary water main is a much-needed work around after the raw water main suffered catastrophic breaks that left the pipeline transporting water to the treatment plant inoperable.

The original breaks forced the PSD to rely on costly emergency pumps to maintain water service, placing a severe financial strain on the district and threatening its long-term viability. Following years of regulatory delays and stalled progress, Congressman Riley M. Moore worked directly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders to help broker an agreement that moved the project forward.

A key turning point came on July 24, 2025, when representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Taylor County PSD, the Taylor County Commission, and the City of Grafton met at Congressman Moore’s Morgantown office to negotiate a preliminary agreement. That meeting ultimately led to the Memorandum of Understanding that cleared the way for construction of the emergency waterline.

The emergency waterline is expected to provide critical stability for the PSD while long-term infrastructure solutions continue to be evaluated and developed.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“After years of delays and uncertainty, I’m proud we were able to bring everyone to the table to get this project moving. The people of Taylor County deserve reliable access to clean water, and this emergency line ensures the PSD can continue serving residents without the crushing financial burden caused by temporary pumping operations. I appreciate the Army Corps of Engineers, Taylor County PSD, the Taylor County Commission, and the City of Grafton for working together to get the job done.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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