Pelosi Statement on Eight Years Since the Iran Nuclear Agreement Withdrawal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement marking eight years since President Trump withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Agreement:

“Eight years ago, Donald Trump followed through on a misguided and uninformed campaign promise by recklessly ripping up the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—a landmark multilateral diplomatic agreement masterfully negotiated by President Obama that successfully strengthened global security and verifiably prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“Eight years after destroying that working agreement, Donald Trump has cost American lives by engulfing the region in the very conflict that serious diplomacy was meant to prevent. Even now, the President seeks concessions to end his war of choice that would leave the world less secure than under the very deal he dismantled.”

“Democrats have never had any illusions about the Iranian regime. We remain firmly committed to countering Iran’s support for terrorism, confronting its ballistic missile program and preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But the President’s reckless decisions are no substitute for serious statecraft.”

Tonko Announces Student Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

SCHENECTADY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at the Nott Memorial at Union College to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 20th Congressional District. The winning artworks were chosen from among 42 student submissions representing 21 high schools across the Capital Region.

“Each year I am inspired anew by the incredible talent and creativity displayed by the students entering our Congressional Art Competition, and this year was no different,” Congressman Tonko said. “Last week, I had the honor of joining a group of remarkable local students to celebrate both their artistic skill and their dedication to the creative process. Art plays a vital role in our students’ education, giving them a powerful outlet to share their ideas, their talents, and their unique perspectives on the world. I’m thrilled to recognize this year’s gifted participants, and I’m incredibly grateful to the parents, teachers, and supporters who have helped guide and encourage them along the way.”

This year’s honorees are as follows:

·         Winner: Sofia Kennedy, Shaker High School, Composed

·         Runner-Up: Emma Schweitzer, Academy of the Holy Names, 1900s Breakfast

·         Runner-Up: Sienna Stewart, Albany High School, The Pink Room

·         Runner-Up: May Nyein, The Doane Stuart School, Eudora

·         Honorable Mention: Anastazia Valachovic, Averill Park High School, And Still They Laugh

·         Honorable Mention: Avery Lobban, Bethlehem High School, Bits and Pieces

·         Honorable Mention: Lachlan Flores, Niskayuna High School, United States of Amnesia

“Congratulations to Sofia on her incredible winning piece,” Tonko continued, “and congratulations to all who participated in this year’s competition. Thank you all for sharing your talents with us!”

This year’s awardees were chosen by a distinguished panel of local artists. The winner will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. this fall, and her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the year.

The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated, with more than 10,000 student artworks displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

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Case Announces Winners Of His 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First District) today announced the winners of his 2026 Congressional Art Competition at Bishop Museum, where entries were on public display.

Seventeen art pieces were entered this year from seven schools throughout his district.

“All of this year’s participants demonstrated remarkable dedication and creativity, contributing to a competition that once again challenged our judges with its exceptional caliber of work,” said Case.

“The breadth of perspectives and artistic expression on display speaks volumes about the talent within our community. I am honored to recognize these young artists and look forward to showcasing the winning piece in the U.S. Capitol as a reflection of the vibrant spirit of our district.”

Each spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talents in each Congressional district. The winners for Case’s event this year are:

1st Place

Atona Chan

Grade 12

Kalani High School

Title: “As the Land Breathes”

Medium: Acrylic paint on wood canvas

Atona and a guest will receive a round trip for two on Southwest Airlines to attend the National Awards Competition in Washington, D.C., among other prizes.  Her image representing Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with those of the winners in other districts.

2nd Place

Deinalyn Theodore

Grade 12

Farrington High School

Title: “Intertwined by Love”

Medium: photography

Deinalyn’s image will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congressman Case for one year, along with a certificate.

3rd Place

Bjorn Ian Dy

Grade 10

Farrington High School

Title: “Overcoming”

Medium: photography

Bjorn’s image will be displayed in the District Office of Congressman Case in downtown Honolulu for one year, along with a certificate.

Honorable Mentions

Gryson Gapasin

Grade 12

Moanalua High School

Title: “Light of a Pure Heart”

Medium: mixed media

Hana Kawai

Grade 12

Kalani High School

Title: “Voyage from the Land of the Rising Sun”

Medium: pencil and watercolor

May Shiraishi

Grade 10

Hawai‘i Baptist Academy

Title: “Legacy Across the Horizon”

Medium: acrylic

“I want to especially thank our panel of judges who reviewed the works and made some very tough decisions”, said Case. The judges were:

–      Sheanae Tam

Sheanae Tam was born and raised in Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu. In 2017, she graduated with a BFA from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, laying the foundation for her multifaceted career. Since then, Sheanae has embraced a diverse range of roles, blending her passions for public education, art, and regenerative farming. With a deep-rooted commitment to her island home, Sheanae endeavors to create meaningful connections between people, culture, and ʻāina.

–      Kamakani Konia

Kamakani Konia is the Art in Public Places Director for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. He is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa where he received both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Public Administration. His work seeks to support local artists by promoting public accessibility to the arts and humanities.   

–      Eddie Freeman

Eddie Freeman‘s passion for photography was ignited flying helicopters over Vietnam during the war, serving as a US Marine. His arrival in Hawai‘i after the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 energized this pursuit due to the good fortune of a continued career over and throughout our islands.  The beauty of our ‘āina, our music, our culture and our people allowed his photographic journey to thrive both professionally and personally, he never left Hawai‘i and continues to shoot and share his craft at every opportunity.  Eddie is honored to judge this competition, and he encourages all young artists to pursue their dreams.

Eddie and his wife Sue Bauer were also the co-chairs of the “Wall That Heals”, organizing the exhibition at UH West O‘ahu earlier this year.

Attachments: pictures of the event

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Rep. Austin Scott Applauds Final Passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

Washington, D.C—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, passed out of the House of Representatives by a vote of 224 – 200, sending it to the Senate for consideration:

“Our country’s farmers and ranchers are currently experiencing years of high input cost, shrinking margins, and uncertainty heading into the growing season.  Through House Republicans’ work on H.R. 1, we achieved the first meaningful investment in the farm safety net since 2002, we brought integrity back to our nutrition programs, and we provided relief to our farming families through tax cuts. 

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 builds on those accomplishments and completes the long-delayed Farm Bill process. This legislation modernizes trade and global food assistance, bolsters the future of American agriculture by improving access to farm credit, invests in broadband, child care, health care, workforce needs, and critical water infrastructure projects that strengthen our rural communities and give them much needed support for the years to come.  This is a major win for America’s growers, ranchers, and all of rural America.”

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES AQUACULTURE STUDY PROVISION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN HOUSE-PASSED FARM BILL

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
May 7, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES AQUACULTURE STUDY PROVISION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN HOUSE-PASSED FARM BILL

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announces the inclusion of her amendment directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study identifying locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands suitable for the development of aquaculture small businesses in the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 30, 2026.

The amendment requires the Agriculture Secretary to complete the study within 180 days of enactment and mandates consultation with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The study will assess water quality, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements, laying critical groundwork for the growth of a sustainable aquaculture economy in the Territory.

“The Virgin Islands has everything it takes to be a leader in aquaculture — our waters, our geography, our people. What we have lacked is the federal investment and infrastructure assessment needed to turn that potential into real economic opportunity for our small business owners and our community. This study is a meaningful step toward ensuring that the Virgin Islands is not left out of the blue economy, and is the outgrowth of discussions with John Farchette while he was with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). I am excited about the possibility of deep-sea farming for export, the potential development of high-value fisheries (crustaceans) and mechanisms for effective sargassum management here in the Virgin Islands. I will continue to fight to make sure that federal resources and federal attention reach our shores,” said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

Territorial aquaculture leaders welcomed the amendment as a turning point for the industry. Mr. Farchette, a leading voice on marine aquaculture development in the Virgin Islands, offered the following statement:

“Thank you to the Delegate and her staff for the opportunity to comment on this most important subject. Aquaculture and mariculture in our region would go a long way to ensuring our economic future in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are uniquely fortunate to have and be surrounded by the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. We currently have a seafood trade deficit of $20 billion dollars annually — most of that from China, India, and Ecuador. Promoting marine aquaculture helps in the resiliency of coastal areas, creates meaningful employment, grows our economic future, and brings a new industry to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Exportation of manufactured seafood products to the U.S. market would offset that trade deficit we currently have with Asian countries and Ecuador, shared Mr. Farchette. “Our waters can produce 25% more biomass than areas currently being fish farmed in the United States, and we have unique incentives to promote the exportation of manufactured products from the Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands has established rules and regulations to govern this new industry and a VI 5-Year Aquaculture Plan pursuant to Act 6471 — we are currently the only Caribbean territory under the U.S. flag to have done so. We look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, NOAA’s Office of Aquaculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal institutions to ensure that our environment and public health are protected as this industry grows. Again, we would like to thank Delegate Stacey Plaskett for her invaluable support over the years. God bless the United States of America and the people of the United States Virgin Islands.”

The Farm Bill passed the House on April 30, 2026, and now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If passed, it will proceed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

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REP LIEU SECURES OVER $13.7 MILLION FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) announced that he secured $13,770,432 in federal funding for 14 local projects in California’s 36th Congressional District. The federal funding for community projects will support efforts to improve infrastructure, protect the environment, strengthen public safety, reduce homelessness, and more.

“I am so grateful to represent a district that consistently presents innovative solutions to our most pressing problems,” said Congressman Lieu. “One of the best parts of serving in Congress is bringing home federal funding for essential local projects. From improving water quality to delivering cost-effective housing solutions for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, these projects will make our community safer and healthier. I am pleased to have fought for this funding and can’t wait to see how it transforms our community for the better.”

Rep. Lieu championed funding for 14 projects that will directly benefit California’s 36th District residents. These include:

  • $1,145,144 for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ Abalone Cove Landslide Stabilization Project
  • $250,000 for the City of Redondo Beach’s Affordable Housing Acquisition to Lease Project
  • $841,000 for the City of Santa Monica’s Dispatch Center Communications Upgrade Project
  • $1,040,000 for the City of Manhattan Beach’s Ensuring Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure Project
  • $250,000 for the University of California Los Angeles’ EV Buses Project
  • $1,200,000 for Culver City’s Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project
  • $1,145,144 for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ Klondike Canyon Landslide Emergency Mitigation Project
  • $2,000,000 for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District’s Miraleste Intermediate School Modernization Project
  • $1,145,144 for the City of El Segundo’s Pump Station Upgrade Project
  • $1,031,000 for the City of Hermosa Beach’s Real Time Crime Center Project
  • $850,000 for the City of Los Angeles Housing Department’s Sepulveda Hotel to Homes
  • $750,000 for the City of Rolling Hills Estates’ Storm Drain Repair Dry Well Infiltration Basin Project
  • $1,031,000 for the City of Torrance’s Public Safety Digital Infrastructure Expansion Project
  • $1,092,000 for the City of Beverly Hills’ Water Reliability Project

In the past five years, Congressman Lieu has secured a total of $58.8 million for communities in LA County. Taken together, the funding for California’s 36th District will continue to grow our local economy and support our communities.

Read more about each CA-36 project here

Rep. Panetta, Democratic Veterans, Colleagues Introduce No Funds for Iran War Act

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees, and other Democratic veteran colleagues, including Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18), to introduce a bill to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for military action against Iran.

The introduction comes after nine weeks of hostilities conducted without Congressional approval, costing at least $25 billion and causing the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers. The President’s war of choice has inflicted pain on working-class families, including through the rising costs of gas. 

The No Funds for Iran War Act would prohibit the use of additional taxpayer funds for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or official declaration of war from Congress.

“This Administration’s war of choice in Iran cost American lives and billions of American dollars, and continues to raise costs for working families all across America,” said Rep. Panetta. “Without a coherent strategy, the consent of Congress, or the consensus of the American people, the conflict needs to be contained by Congress before it grows into a broader, prolonged war. This legislation would help by prohibiting the use of additional taxpayer funds for the war barring congressional approval, and allow Congress to take back its constitutional authority to protect our service members and lower costs for all Americans.”

“The American people have been clear from the beginning: they want lower costs and no more forever wars. The Trump administration has spent nine weeks conducting an illegal war in Iran that has done the exact opposite – and every American is paying the price,” said Rep. Ryan. “Their recklessness has killed 13 brave servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, cost at least $25 billion in taxpayer money, and sent gas prices skyrocketing here at home. Since Day 1, there has been no strategy or endgame. Not a single dollar more on this ill-conceived war.”

“Trump’s war of choice has achieved none of the administration’s stated objectives and has surpassed the president’s initial stated timeline of the conflict, which was supposed to last only a few weeks. Now that the president is moving the goal posts and twisting the 60-day requirements of the War Powers Act, Congress must take action. It is time for it to exercise its constitutional power of the purse,” said Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee.

“Trump’s Iran war was never authorized by Congress, and no funds appropriated by Congress should be spent on this illegal conflict,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “The American people don’t want this administration spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a new forever war in the Middle East that is already driving up the costs of everything from gas to groceries. I thank Rep. Ryan for his leadership introducing this bill.”

“Donald Trump believes he can continue to wage an unconstitutional war at the expense of American taxpayers, but at the end of the day Congress still holds the purse strings and will be the final authority on our long-term military action overseas,” said Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “I know that my Republican colleagues are hearing, as I am, from their constituents who are seeing their gas and grocery prices rise by the week, and I hope that they will join us in limiting this illegal spending, restoring Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war and refocusing on delivering lower prices for the American people.”

In addition to Rep. Panetta, the legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Smith, Meeks, and Himes and Rep. Panetta’s fellow Democratic veteran Representatives Ted Lieu (CA-36), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Jason Crow (CO-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Derek Tran (CA-45), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Bobby Scott (VA-03).

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Rep. Panetta Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Workforce Housing

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) Act. Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15) co-leads this bipartisan bill that would increase the supply of affordable housing for middle-income families who earn too much to qualify for low-income affordable housing and not enough to afford to buy or rent housing.

The Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act would help to close that gap between middle and low income housing by establishing the first-ever middle-income housing tax credit, which is estimated to finance approximately 344,000 affordable rental homes. The legislation would also provide flexibility so that states can maximize their resources and best meet community housing needs by allowing housing finance agencies to transfer their middle-income allocation to their Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation when necessary. It also allows buildings to combine the two credits to help make more low-income housing projects financially feasible.

“In California’s 19th Congressional District, there are many people who work and support their families but make too much to qualify for low-income housing and too little to buy or rent a home near their workplace,” said Rep. Panetta. “My bipartisan Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act would address that gap by incentivizing investment in the development of workforce housing for middle-income families. This legislation would help ensure that middle-income working families spend time in our communities rather than stuck in their commutes and that people who work here can afford to live here and call California’s 19th Congressional District home.”

“I am proud to once again co-lead the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act alongside my Ways and Means colleague, Congressman Panetta,” said Rep. Carey. “Columbus, Ohio has seen incredible population and economic growth, but with this new development comes significant challenges. Given the current shortage of affordable housing, we must continue to do everything we can to incentivize the development of low and middle-income housing, and this bill does exactly that. Stable housing is essential to the success of individuals and families, and I will continue to focus on ensuring people in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District have access to housing.”

Highlights of the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act include:

  • Similar to the LIHTC, state housing finance agencies would allocate the tax credits to developers through a competitive process. The tax credits would be provided to developers over a 15-year period, with a 15-year compliance period and 30-year extended commitment.
  • Tax credits are allocated to states based on population, at $1 per capita with a $1.5 million small state minimum. An additional 5% of the allocation would be made available and reserved for middle-income housing developed in rural areas.
  • For new buildings, the credit would equal 50% of the cost of the building over the lifetime of the credit. For rehabilitated buildings and bond-financed buildings, the credit would equal 20% of the cost of the building. More credit could be awarded for buildings in difficult development areas, as designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, state housing agencies would only allocate the amount of credit needed to make a housing project financially feasible.
  • To qualify for the credit, at least 60% of the building’s units must be occupied by individuals with area median incomes of 100% or less where the rents are restricted to 30% of the designated income. The affordability restrictions would remain in place for up to 15 years after the compliance period (for a total 30-year affordability period).
  • WHTC also works in conjunction with LIHTC to support low-income affordable housing. First, a state can tailor the allocation to its needs: it can elect to transfer any portion of their middle-income allocation to LIHTC at any point during the year. Second, WHTC can help the financial feasibility of affordable buildings by combining LIHTC and middle-income housing tax credits for different units as long as at least 20% of the total units are middle-income units.

“NMHC strongly supports Reps. Panetta and Carey’s introduction of the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act,” said NMHC president Sharon Wilson Géno. “Building on the immensely successful Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the Workforce Housing Tax Credit would extend critical support to moderate-income households who are struggling with housing costs. Together, both tax credits will help grow the supply of housing across communities nationwide and move us closer to the affordability solutions that American renters urgently need.”

“The Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act is a smart, targeted solution to one of the most pressing challenges facing our housing market today, the shortage of homes affordable to middle-income families. By leveraging the proven success of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, this legislation will unlock private investment and expand housing options for teachers, first responders, and other essential workers who are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve. We applaud Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Mike Carey for their leadership in advancing a bipartisan approach that strengthens our housing supply, supports economic mobility, and brings more Americans closer to achieving the dream of stable, attainable homeownership,” said Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Association of REALTORS®.

“The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) strongly endorses the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act. As the leading voice for affordable housing providers, we recognize that our nation’s housing crisis now extends well into the ‘missing middle,’ impacting the very workers who sustain our local economies. While the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) remains our most successful affordable housing tool for low-income families, a widening gap exists for those earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Teachers, first responders, and healthcare professionals are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representatives Panetta and Carey, provides a necessary, market-based extension of the proven tax credit model to meet this specific need. By providing a scalable financing tool, this Act will empower developers and managers to expand the supply of stable, high-quality housing for middle-income earners. NAHMA commends this proactive approach to strengthening the housing continuum. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation, ensuring that the American workforce has access to the housing security essential for economic stability and community growth,” said Kristina Cook, NAHMA Chief Executive Officer.

“The Mortgage Bankers Association is pleased to support the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act. Expanding the availability of rental housing for middle-income households is critical to addressing the nation’s housing supply challenges. This legislation would help address a significant gap in the market, supporting the development of housing for working families who earn too much to qualify for existing programs but still struggle to find affordable options near where they work or want to live. We appreciate Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Mike Carey for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue,” said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President, Legislative and Political Affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

“I applaud Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Mike Carey for their leadership in introducing and championing the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act. As Harvard’s Joint Center on Housing Studies has regularly documented, renter cost burdens are climbing up on the income spectrum, leaving households in many urban, suburban, and rural communities that earn too much for traditional rental housing subsidies but too little for market-rate rental housing with few or no affordable housing options. This bill provides states with a very flexible rental housing financing tool to address this growing national need,” said Michael Novogradac, Managing Partner at Novogradac & Company LLP.

“The Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act takes a proven approach and applies it to the part of the market our housing system is failing to serve,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth and Up for Growth Action. “We have built a strong system to support low-income housing, but there is no comparable tool for middle-income workers who keep local economies running and are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve. This bill makes middle-income housing pencil and gives developers a real path to deliver housing at scale, so people can afford to live near their jobs,”

Full text of the bill is available here.

 

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Congressman Cohen Protests Reckless Plan to Silence Memphis’ Black Vote

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today observed the wholesale destruction of democratic representation in the state of Tennessee by the Tennessee General Assembly that he has tried to prevent and made the following statement:

“While we expected this egregious result, it’s hard to contemplate how much harm the General Assembly has done to the voice of Black voters in Tennessee, and specifically in Memphis. The procedures outlined in this hastily drawn legislation are obviously inadequate. The time factor for creating new district lines for candidates is clearly inadequate and confusing for voters after established lines have been in place and candidates have been campaigning for two months. The new arrangement cannot result in fair representation. 

“Beyond all that, the fact that each of these new districts was drawn to divide almost exactly into thirds the Black voting population of the 9th District suggests serious racist and unethical intent and raises legal issues about the use of race being the true predominant factor in this redistricting effort.”

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Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen to Hold Press Conference to Discuss $3.1 Million He Secured for Historic Clayborn Temple

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will join leaders of the Historic Clayborn Temple for a press conference on Friday to discuss the $3.1 million he secured through the annual appropriations process for restoration of the church ravaged by fire one year ago.

The church was the organizing headquarters for striking sanitation workers in 1968.

What: A press conference to discuss the $3.1 million Congressman Cohen secured in his Community Project Funding request in the annual appropriations process

Who: Speakers will include Congressman Cohen; Anasa Troutman, Founder and CEO of The Big We from Historic Clayborn Temple; Willie “Hank” Henry, the District Director of the 9th Congressional District who attended meetings at the church during the 1968 strike; and Dorcas Young Griffin, deputy chief administrative officer, Shelby County

Congressman Cohen will be available after the press conference to discuss other matters.

When: Friday, May 8, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Historic Clayborn Temple is at 294 Hernando Street, Memphis (38126) Street parking is available on Hernando Street.

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

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