MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after the Denver Broncos announced Burnham Yard as a preferred site for a new, privately-funded stadium.  

“As a lifelong Broncos fan, it is incredible news that the team is staying in Denver. I remember going to Broncos games with my dad when I was a kid, and with today’s announcement, I can look forward to taking my grandkids to games and showing them what it means to be a Broncos fan.” 

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled to allow the Trump Administration to continue carrying out immigration raids in California.

“For months, ICE has been targeting people based on what they look like. They’re detaining U.S. citizens and people who have a right to be here. They’re terrorizing immigrant communities and targeting people without proper justification. It’s mass racial profiling and the Supreme Court just ok’d it. I’m outraged by this radical court and its extremist decisions that fly in the face of our Constitution. When the new Congress is sworn in, we are going to pass legislation to stop this racist crap.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN), Chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conversation, Research, and Biotechnology, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, re-introduced the Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act to curb the theft of catalytic converters. 

“Catalytic converter theft continues to be a common and costly problem across the nation, and specifically in the Twin Cities,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “I am pleased to join my Republican colleague Congressman Baird in reintroducing the PART act. By working with auto-manufacturers in writing the regulations to properly track catalytic converters, the PART act gives law enforcement the tools they need to prevent this crime. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this vital legislation.”

“Catalytic converter theft is a menace to consumers here in Minnesota and across the nation, and it needs to be addressed with a federal standard that holds thieves accountable,” said Scott Lambert, President of the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association. “The Minnesota Auto Dealers applaud Congresswoman McCollum’s and Congressman Baird’s leadership on this important issue.”

“Each year, thousands of Americans face costly repairs to their vehicles as catalytic converter thefts have surged nationwide,” said Congressman Baird. “These thefts can have devastating financial consequences on Americans and business owners, and it has become a significant problem in Central Indiana. I first introduced the PART Act after hearing from numerous constituents and local law enforcement officers about the growing prevalence of catalytic converter thefts. I am proud to introduce this bill to take action on this pressing issue by closing the loopholes in our legal system that allow thieves to steal this essential car part and empowering law enforcement to hold these thieves accountable. I also thank Congresswoman Betty McCollum for her continued work with me on this critical issue affecting Hoosiers and Americans across the country.”

Congressman Baird and Congresswoman McCollum were also joined by Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and Tracey Mann (KS-01) in the introduction of this legislation.

Background

A catalytic converter is a car part used to reduce the potency of toxic emissions from an internal combustion engine and is a component required for compliance with the Clean Air Act. Catalytic converters are constructed using precious metals such as rhodium, platinum, and palladium, and can be sold to scrap dealers for hundreds of dollars. Replacement of these parts can be very costly for vehicle owners, with many replacements ranging from $500 to $2,300. In some cases, the cost of a catalytic converter theft may even be enough for a total loss of a vehicle.

The theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly prevalent over the past few years, plaguing vehicle owners, scrap yards, and law enforcement officials in communities across the United States. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of reported catalytic converter thefts rose from 3,389 in 2019 to over 64,000 in 2022, though the rate declined in 2023 to 21,200 thefts. Law enforcement officers still only have limited tools to curb thefts as current policy leaves many advantageous loopholes for criminals to exploit. A lack of criminal code in regard to the trafficking of these stolen parts means that law enforcement must catch a criminal in the act of removing the part in order to prosecute a case.

The PART Act seeks to reduce catalytic converter thefts by allowing law enforcement officers to link stolen parts to the vehicle from which they originate by requiring new vehicles to have a unique identifying marker stamped onto the converter, creating a grant program through which entities can stamp these markers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles, improving record keeping standards for purchasers of used catalytic converters, and establishing enforceability of laws around catalytic converter theft by codifying these crimes as a criminal offense.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

Hundreds of Mainers at Madawaska mill produce the paper used to print prescription packet inserts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Trump Administration actions have increased Illinois energy costs by an average of $180 per year

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

The Restore Trust in Congress Act bans Members of Congress and their families from trading individual stocks

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

The Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act seeks to protect communities from unlawful military crackdowns as Trump continues his threats to illegally militarize Chicago

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger who served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has introduced the Quad Space Act, new bipartisan legislation to support and strengthen cooperation between America and our allies in space to address rapid advancements by our adversaries.

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – or the “Quad” – serves as an informal strategic forum between the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia. This partnership promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific and addresses regional geopolitical challenges. Congressman Crow’s Quad Space Act would strengthen cooperation between these nations in space by directing the U.S. Secretary of Defense to work with Quad countries to find ways we can work together in space and on space industrial policy. 

“The treaties and conventions that govern space are outdated. We must strengthen our work with allies to address modern challenges and  keep America safe,” said Congressman Crow. “Colorado will continue to play a key role in protecting the homeland, with Buckley Space Force Base, a talented defense workforce, and leading defense, space, and aerospace businesses.”

Congressman Jeff Crank (R-CO-05) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

 “The Quad Space Act reinforces America’s role as a leading voice in international space policy,” said Congressman Crank. “By strengthening cooperation with Japan, Australia, and India, it advances our shared commitment to preventing Chinese dominance in outer space and promotes a free and open space domain for all.”

This legislation builds on Congressman Crow’s long record of supporting America’s capabilities in space and solidifying Colorado’s role as a global aerospace leader. He previously introduced the Space National Guard Establishment Act, new bipartisan legislation that would establish the Space National Guard as the reserve component of the U.S. Space Force. Congressman Crow has been vocal about the importance of the U.S. Space Force to our national security, and has delivered critical to Buckley Space Force Base in his district, including $14.7 million for critical water and electric infrastructure upgrades at the base.

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

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in full Committee today against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-H) Appropriations bill that cuts core assistance programs by $23.9 billion, or 11%, from current FY 2025 funding.  

The annual Labor-H bill funds the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, much of the Department of Health and Human Services and various related agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The proposed FY 2026 bill advanced by the Republican majority would set discretionary funding at $197.5 billion, down from current FY 2025’s $221.4 billion.

“While this measure funds many critical Hawai‘i priorities I requested, especially for Native Hawaiians, I could not vote for this version because it so fundamentally attacks many longstanding efforts in public health, education, welfare, job and retirement security and civic discourse that have uplifted generations of Americans,” said Case.

“Whole programs that are so key to advancing virtually Americans across multiple fronts to realize the full opportunities of our country are decimated in this measure, including support for youth from preschool through higher education, public health research and delivery through the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, workforce development through the Employment and Training Administration and Job Corps, maternal and child health and family planning, substance abuse, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

“Of all of Appropriations’ twelve federal funding bills every year, this is the one that most reflects the health of our collective commitment to each other and our common advancement, and this version straight up fails us all.”

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case was still able to gain inclusion in the measure for his funding requests for federal programs and services especially important for the State of Hawai‘i including those affecting Native Hawaiians, workforce development, education, and community health care. These include:  

·      $65 million for Native American job training programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014; 

·      $40 million for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian kūpuna;  

·       $45.8 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program; 

·       $24.5 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program. These funds will support tutoring, mentorships, internships, faculty development and other activities to support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students at the collegiate level;  

·      $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, with $10 million being included for Papa Ola Lōkahi;  

·      $6 million to establish a Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office within the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. These funds will be used to address Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander health disparities as well as supporting research being done by Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander investigators;  

·      $6 million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity within the Office of Minority Health to advance Indigenous solutions to achieve health equity and encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to partner with universities in these efforts; and, 

·       $3.7 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services;

·       $285 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program;

·       $105 million for the YouthBuild program to provide at-risk youth with basic education and job skills training in the construction field;  

·      $65.5 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program;  

·      $945 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer;  

·      $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, to provide high quality cost-effective health care to predominantly low-income and medically underserved communities; 

·       $12.3 billion for Head Start, equal to the FY 2025 enacted level; 

·       $8.7 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, equal to the FY 2025 enacted level; 

·      $1.5 billion for Career, Technical and Adult Education; 

·      $1.2 billion for the Federal TRIO Program, to provide academic support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans and individuals with disabilities; 

·      $129 million for McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which provides homeless youth with the health services and academic support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom; 

·      $65 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants, which offer training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year institutions to help meet local labor market needs; and,  

·      $23.3 billion for federal student aid programs to provide $7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant award.   

A summary of the bill is available here.  

This is the eleventh bill of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1^st of this year. The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration. 

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