MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington D.C. – In response to the water main break in Auburn Hills, Oakland County’s Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement: 

“I’m grateful to the crews, first responders, and local leaders working around the clock to respond to the water main break impacting Auburn Hills and nearby communities. My thoughts are with the families and seniors affected by this disruption.

“Please continue following local water restrictions and boil water advisories as repairs move forward. I am monitoring the situation closely and am grateful for Governor Whitmer’s and the Great Lakes Water Authority’s emergency response efforts. My office will keep working with state and local partners to ensure communities have the support and resources they need, including strong federal investments that help prevent future infrastructure failures.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres

Harlingen, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Noble Texas Builders President and CEO Rene Capistran, and local officials for the groundbreaking of a new VFW Post 2410 in Harlingen. The 10,000-square-foot initiative, which will bolster resources for South Texas veterans and their families, received $850,000 in direct community project funding successfully secured by the Congressman in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. The full cost to construct the new VFW post is roughly $2.5 million; in addition to a federal investment, remaining costs are covered by a $150,000 pledge from Cameron County and $1.5 million in in-kind donations. 

“When a South Texas veteran comes back from war, we owe it to them to provide the best possible support as they acclimate back to civilian life or need to obtain the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I proudly worked alongside local leaders to get these funds passed into law, and I’m elated that we are one step closer to making this transformative new chapter in our community a reality.”

“We are honored to be part of the VFW Project and proud to stand alongside those who support our veterans. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’s efforts to secure federal funding played an important role in making this rebuild possible. This project is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when public leadership, local businesses, and the community unite behind a shared purpose. Together, we Inspire Hope, Improve Lives, and Strengthen the Communities We Live In,” said Rene Capistran, President / CEO of Noble Texas Builders.

Over the last 80-plus years of its existence, VFW Post 2410 serves as the only public and veteran friendly establishment in Harlingen that provides both a gathering space and a services and support center. However, the building has deteriorated significantly through flood and freeze damages as well as normal wear and tear.

Congressman Gonzalez has long been a champion for veterans of the 34^th Congressional District of Texas. In Congress, he has fought to strengthen GI bill benefits and ensure greater access to higher education; improve mental health services and other resources for military families, caretakers, and injured or disabled veterans; and helped pass into law the Honoring Our PACT Act, the largest expansion to veteran benefits in decades that delivered health care to those exposed to burn pits and harmful toxins while on active-duty.

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

May 11, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR PEDRO “PETE” ENCARNACION

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Pete Encarnacion. He was a man of deep faith and genuine kindness with a dedication to service in our community. Raised in a strong family with deep Virgin Islands roots, Pete was someone who showed up, served, and gave everything he had to the people of St. Croix.

“His life was one of dedication across every role he took on. He rose through the ranks of the Virgin Islands Fire Service from firefighter to director and brought a genuine love of community to every assignment. As a senator in the 26th Legislature, he chaired the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice at a time when gun violence was ravaging our communities. He answered that moment with the same calm, steady resolve that defined everything he did.

“Pete was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband and father, and by every account, a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an open heart. The Virgin Islands is better for his service.

“My prayers and deepest condolences go to his wife Janie, his children, Kimberly and Khyle, and the many lives he touched.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

REEDLEY, Calif. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statements after a court found Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He, guilty on all 12 counts related to the illegal biolab discovered in Reedley, California. “The court’s guilty verdict on all twelve counts marks a critical step toward addressing the serious public health and safety challenges our communities have faced,”said Congressman Costa. “The City of Reedley, its mayor, city council, and city manager deserve significant credit for bringing forth the issue of illegal labs in America and the potential serious health impacts to its citizens to light. While I am encouraged to see justice served, our work is far from over. It’s important for American citizens to realize that there are foreign nationals and bad actors engaged in activities in our country that could create harm. 
That’s why Congress must pass my bipartisan “Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act” to close the gaps in regulation of labs and prevent bad actors from exploiting our public health system. We must remain vigilant in protecting our communities and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Americans.” 
“The Reedley Lab incident exposed serious national security and public health failures, and this guilty verdict is an important step toward accountability,” said Congressman Valadao.“While I’m encouraged to see justice served, Congress still needs to act to address the gaps in federal oversight that allowed this illegal facility to operate under the radar for so long. It’s past time to advance the bipartisan Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act so we can prevent bad actors from exploiting these failures in the future.” 
BACKGROUND This week, a court has found Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He, found guilty on all 12 counts connected to the illegal biolab uncovered in Reedley, California. 
In December 2022, a local code enforcement discovered an unlicensed laboratory operating in Reedley, California, that contained hazardous pathogens, including samples of COVID-19, and unsafe storage of infectious materials. Investigations revealed the operations had ties to Chinese ownership and funding, raising alarms about foreign adversaries exploiting weaknesses in U.S. biosafety oversight.  
Current federal law regulations contain only a minted list of “select agents,” leaving many dangerous pathogens outside of federal tracking requirements. To address these vulnerabilities, U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), David Valadao (CA-22,) and Kevin Kiley (CA-03), introduced the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that strengthens oversight of highly pathogenic agents and high-containment laboratories to protect Americans from public health and national security threats. 
Following the discovery of a similar unauthorized biolab in a Las Vegas neighborhood in January 2026, which was raided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI after several people fell severely ill, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan Senate companion to Rep. Costa’s legislation. The Las Vegas lab suspect, Jia Bei Zhu, is the same individual connected to the Reedley biolab, identified as a People’s Republic of China national and a fugitive wanted in Canada. 
The legislation would help ensure federal agencies have the authority and tools necessary to identify unlawful laboratory activity, improve coordination between local and federal officials, and prevent future incidents like the Reedley and Las Vegas biolabs from occurring again. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Today, Congressman Costa released the following statement regarding Tom Richards, Chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors:“Over the years, California High-Speed Rail Authority Board Chair Tom Richards has played a critical role in advancing one of the most transformational infrastructure projects in our state’s history,”said Congressman Jim Costa.“The governor kept faith during the challenging politics that surrounded this 21st century transportation project. Tom Richards provided the tenacious leadership tohelp create more than 16,000 jobs, strengthen local economies, and advance the next level of high-speed passenger rail service for California. I am grateful for their years of dedicated work and partnership in moving this effort forward.Throughout his tenure, Tom selflessly went above and beyond to help guide the project with dedication and commitment. The Valley and the entire state of California will continue to benefit from Tom’s years of service and leadership.”

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

Dear Colleague:

I write in connection with the vicious Republican assault on the right to vote, free and fair elections and Black political representation in the South. 

Over the weekend, the American people celebrated the love and support of mothers throughout the nation. At the same time, Republican extremists spent the last few days applauding their ongoing effort to rig the midterm elections based on two egregious judicial decisions dripping with far-right partisanship. 

We remain undeterred.

The cost of living is out of control, grocery bills are skyrocketing, gas prices are surging, healthcare has been ripped away from millions and a reckless war of choice is raging in the Middle East. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular and Republicans have failed to make life better for the American people. Instead of changing direction, GOP extremists are scheming to change the electoral composition of districts throughout the country. 

Republicans only hold a three-seat majority in the House of Representatives. This is the narrowest margin of any party since 1930. During Donald Trump’s first midterm election in 2018, House Democrats flipped 40 seats. To take control this Fall, we only need to flip a fraction of that total. That is why right-wing extremists have been in full panic mode since they passed their historically unpopular One Big Ugly Bill last July. 

Our effort to forcefully push back against the Republican redistricting scheme will not slow down. We are just getting started. 

Led by the Congressional Black Caucus and national civil rights groups, Democrats are battling Jim Crow-era racial gerrymandering throughout the Deep South. Simultaneously, there is pending litigation in Virginia, Florida, Missouri and Wisconsin. States like New York, Maryland, Colorado, Washington and several others are taking steps to decisively respond to what the U.S. Supreme Court has unleashed. 

Given the highly unfavorable political environment confronting House Republicans, the extremists will not meaningfully benefit from their scandalous gerrymandering scheme. Quite the opposite. Democratic enthusiasm and resolve have grown more intense. Even after being aided and abetted by blatantly undemocratic court decisions, the failed GOP majority will not be able to gerrymander themselves back into power. 

Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives in November. 

In the majority, we will fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption wherever it is found. Our agenda will decisively address dramatic electoral, campaign finance and judicial reform. Finally, in connection with the ongoing Republican effort to cheat in advance of the 2028 election, we will bury the GOP gerrymandering scheme with a massive Democratic redistricting counteroffensive. 

On Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m., in partnership with House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle, we will host a Caucus-wide briefing to discuss the steps Democrats are taking to advance the largest voter protection effort in modern American history. We will ensure the people decide who controls the Congress, not MAGA extremists desperate to rig the midterm elections. 

Thank you for your continued leadership as we march onward to victory.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries
Democratic Leader

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

“Americans struggle to afford food, gas, and healthcare, but Republicans ask taxpayers to pay $1 billion for a Trump ballroom,” said Wasserman Schultz. “With just the $210 billion that Republicans are gifting ICE and Border Patrol, we could extend the health care premium tax credits for at least 6 years, reverse the SNAP cuts from the Big Ugly Bill, fund a decade of free preschool for 4-year-olds, and fund the National School Lunch Program for a decade. We could fund Head Start for more than 15 years, we can restore the clean energy tax credits Republicans cut last year and expand rental and home buying assistance. That’s how you lower costs for South Florida families.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig hosted a roundtable in Inver Grove Heights with State Representative Robert Bierman, Trent Andersen from Protect Our Care and Bob Miller and Dan Spano, Minnesotans who have been impacted by our broken health care system. During the roundtable, the panelists discussed her new legislation to hold health insurance companies accountable for above average-denial rates and refund patients for health care costs that should have been covered by insurance. 

Rep. Craig’s Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act would create financial penalties for health insurers that deny more than 25% of claims in a given year according to an annual audit by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The penalty would total $10 million plus an additional $2 million for each percentage point above the 25% denial threshold. These penalties would be paid back to affected enrollees.

“For too long, mega health insurance companies have raked in record profits while exploiting sick Americans. Well, my team and I have listened. And we say, enough is enough,” said Rep. Craig. “We live in the richest country in the world. Americans shouldn’t be struggling to pay for necessary health care, especially when they’re paying an arm and a leg already for health insurance. So that’s why we’re here today – to talk about the path forward toward a health care system that actually works for Minnesotans and how we’re going to work together to hold these players accountable.” 

In plan year 2024, the in-network denial rate for qualified health plans (QHPs) sold on HealthCare.gov ranged from three percent to 36 percent, with significant variation by insurer and by state. According to a January 2026 Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll, two-thirds of insured adults believe delays and denials of health care services by health insurance companies are a “major problem” and one-third of insured adults say they have had a health insurance company deny coverage for a service or medication prescribed by their doctor in the past two years. Nearly 40 percent of participants who reported having trouble paying medical bills said that denied claims contributed to their medical debt.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently joined local leaders and housing providers to discuss challenges and proposed solutions to the housing affordability crisis. During the discussion, Congresswoman Schrier highlighted her bill, the Permanent Housing Affordability Act, which aims to increase home ownership rates across the country.

Congresswoman Schrier was joined by Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet, Habitat for Humanity Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donohue, Washington State Community Land Trust Coalition President Kathleen Hosfeld, Imagine Housing CEO Yi Zhao, and ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing) Executive Director Lindsay Masters. 

BACKGROUND: The average age for purchasing a first home is now 40. For many families across the country, home ownership is simply out of reach. Washington state currently ranks as the fifth-most unaffordable state for housing costs. 

“Home ownership has become unattainable for more and more of the constituents I represent in Washington State,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Across the Eighth District, constituents tell me that, especially at a time when prices for groceries, gas, and healthcare are skyrocketing, they can’t fathom saving enough to purchase a home. High rents also make it a challenge to find an affordable place to live and to save for a down payment. I am glad that local leadership and housing groups were able to come together for this discussion, and I am hopeful that we will continue to coordinate our efforts to expand access to all types of housing.” 

“As my kids finish college, I want them to be able to live in Issaquah, the town that I love,” said Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet. “With things the way they are, they aren’t able to. Federal, state, and local action are all needed to make housing affordable in our communities.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WENATCHEE, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), joined local law enforcement and other leaders to highlight federal funding she secured for the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. The funding will equip officers with de-escalation tools that aim to reduce the risk of serious injuries and lethal encounters, deter dangerous situations, and improve local public safety response. 

Through FY 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests in Congress, Congresswoman Schrier secured $713,000 to equip the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office with modernized de-escalation tools. 

“Across the Eighth District, one of the concerns I hear about the most from neighbors is public safety,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “From police ride-alongs and in conversations with chiefs and sheriffs in Chelan County, I know that our officers need more tools to protect themselves and our communities, and deter dangerous situations. We also need to build trust between local law enforcement and our communities, and ensure that officers are always using the appropriate tools. That is why I’m proud of my work in Congress to provide funding for new de-escalation tools in Chelan County. These dollars, as part of the $14 million I am proud to have secured in district-wide Community Project Funding this year, will improve our public safety and protect the well-being of our communities in the Eighth District.” 

“We are grateful to the congresswoman for this investment in de-escalation tools, which strengthens our ability to protect lives, resolve incidents safely and serve our communities with care and professionalism,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. “Through strong partnerships, especially with Congresswoman Schrier, and the continued commitment of this administration, we are ensuring that even in tight funding times, the needs of our agency and citizens are met. It continues to be an honor to serve and protect the residents of Chelan County.” 

“Limited local budgets are often obstacles to providing deputies with the tools required by law and best practices. At the same time, the importance of de-escalation cannot be overstated in today’s complex landscape,” said Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith. “We are so grateful to have Congresswoman Schrier as a champion of our community. These dollars and the de-escalation tools they will fund are an investment in the safety of not only the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office but also our community.”

This Congress, Congresswoman Schrier also secured public safety infrastructure funding for the Issaquah Police Office, King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Snoqualmie Tribe police station.

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