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LEADER JEFFRIES INVITES VONETTA ROUGIER, JACKSON FAMILY TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

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

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement on inviting Vonetta Rougier of Canarsie and family members of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson as his guests for the 2026 State of the Union Address.

“Six months after Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans passed their One Big Ugly Bill imposing the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in American history, the people that I am privileged to represent in Brooklyn are suffering the consequences,” said Leader Jeffries. “It is my honor to welcome Vonetta Rougier, a constituent from Canarsie, as my guest to the State of the Union Address. Ms. Rougier is a full-time bus operator and a caregiver for her family, supporting her three children and 71-year-old mother. Vonetta is working every day and picking up extra shifts just to keep up with the skyrocketing price of housing, food and healthcare. Donald Trump promised that he would lower costs for hardworking American taxpayers like Vonetta on day one. One year later, Donald Trump and Republicans have only lowered people’s quality of life. House Democrats will continue to fight for folks like Vonetta because we know that everyday Americans deserve better.”

“It is also my honor to invite the family of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to attend the State of the Union Address. Rev. Jackson was a transformative political figure and a trailblazer extraordinaire who fought to make America live up to its promise of a thriving multiracial democracy,” continued Leader Jeffries. “While far-right extremists wage an all-out attack on civil rights, voting rights and democracy itself, House Democrats are committed to carrying on Rev. Jackson’s work. In his name, we will continue to stand up for the American people until we can end this national nightmare at long last.”

In addition to Ms. Rougier and members of the Jackson family, Leader Jeffries will be honored to host Ms. Marina Lacerda. Ms. Lacerda is one of numerous brave survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific abuse who are attending the address as guests of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC). “As a result of the courageous advocacy of Marina Lacerda and other Epstein survivors, the fight for transparency and accountability is alive and well,” said Leader Jeffries.

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Underwood Secures $11 Million for Local Projects Selected for Community Project Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that she has secured $10,954,800 in Community Project Funding from the recently enacted FY2026 Appropriations bills to support childcare, career training, clean water infrastructure throughout northern Illinois, and more.

“From my very first day in Congress, bringing federal resources home to our community has been a top priority,” Rep. Underwood said. “These investments will have a profound impact on northern Illinois, making a tangible difference in the lives of our families and keeping our community healthy and strong.”

The funding Underwood secured will support the following projects in northern Illinois:

Project Title: Lead-Free Water Project in Aurora, IL

Project Sponsor: City of Aurora

Amount Secured: $1,092,000

Address of Sponsor: 44 E. Downer Place, City of Aurora, IL 60507

Project: This funding will be used to remove and replace all remaining lead water pipes in the City of Aurora, providing safe, potable water for the community. An estimated 120 lead service lines for homes, impacting nearly 400 residents, are expected to be replaced. These pipes pose significant risk to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and lower costs for the community.   

Project Title: Grand Prairie Water Commission Infrastructure Construction for Northern Illinois

Project Sponsor: City of Joliet

Amount Secured: $1,092,000

Address of Sponsor: 150 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432

Project: This funding will be used to build a portion of the water main needed to deliver clean drinking water from the Chicago Department of Water Management to communities in the southwest suburbs. The City of Joliet is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities, including Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville, and Shorewood, that will use Lake Michigan as an alternative water source.

Project Title: Securing A Sustainable Water Source in Oswego, IL

Project Sponsor: Village of Oswego

Amount Secured: $1,092,000

Address of Sponsor: 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, IL 60543

Project: This funding will be used to construct water infrastructure upgrades that will allow Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville to store and clean water from Lake Michigan. The communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville have joined the DuPage Water Commission, a group of 30 communities that will use Lake Michigan as an alternative water source.

Project Title: City of Lockport Environmental Infrastructure Program

Project Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District

Amount Secured: $1,368,950

Address of Sponsor: 231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604

Project: This funding will be used for technical planning, design, and construction to improve wastewater and stormwater management in the City of Lockport. Lockport and the broader Will County region have significant wastewater and water supply treatment, distribution, and infrastructure needs that will be met with funding from this project.

Local infrastructure needs addressed by this project include the Bruce Road & SOS Children Village Utility Improvement Project, which would include the installation of a new lift station to serve the SOS Children Village.

Project Title: Education for Parents Project

Project Sponsor: Northern Illinois University 

Amount Secured: $850,000

Address of Sponsor: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115

Priority: This funding will be used to rehabilitate and convert property at Northern Illinois University to upgrade their child care center. The project will help the university hire new staff and make essential upgrades to ensure a safe and healthy environment for kids in the community.

Project Title: Law Enforcement Collaboration to Prevent Workplace Crime in Will County, IL

Project Sponsor: Joliet Township 

Amount Secured: $339,000 

Address of Sponsor: 175 W Jefferson St. Joliet, IL 60432 

Project: This funding will be used by Joliet Township to hire attorneys and project staff to collaborate with local organizations and law enforcement to address worker exploitation across Will County and the surrounding area.

Project Title: Clean Water Project in Oglesby, IL

Project Sponsor: City of Oglesby

Amount Secured: $1,020,800

Address of Sponsor: 110 East Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348

Project: This funding will be used to help replace 2,100 feet of water pipes impacted by lead and/or asbestos-cement in the City of Oglesby. These pipes pose significant risk to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and lower costs for the community.

Project Title: Bentley Road Pathway Connection

Project Sponsor: Plainfield Park District

Amount Secured: $250,000

Address of Sponsor: 23729 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield, IL 60544

Project: This funding will be used to connect existing trails and create four uninterrupted miles along the DuPage River into a pathway connecting parks, recreation areas, and small businesses in Will County.  The pathway will serve as a vital link between trails at Riverside Parkway, Sunset Park, and Hammel Woods along the DuPage River corridor.

Project Title: Reducing Recidivism and Supporting Reentry in Will County, IL

Project Sponsor: Will County Workforce Services Division—LWIA—10

Amount Secured: $600,000

Address of Sponsor: 2400 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 

Project: This funding will be used to provide job training to justice impacted individuals, helping them find long-term employment, increasing public safety, and reducing recidivism in Will County. Through work-based training, formerly incarcerated individuals will obtain skills that will help them obtain and keep meaningful employment. Participants will also receive case management to ensure successful completion of the program.

Project Title: Center for Parenting Students 

Project Sponsor: Waubonsee Community College

Amount Secured: $450,000

Address of Sponsor: Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Project: This funding will be used to repurpose and convert existing space on campus into a new Center for Parenting Students at Waubonsee Community College. The center will provide support for student parents and help them balance their schooling and their childcare needs.

Project Title: Senior Outreach and Care Project

Project Sponsor: White Oak Library District

Amount Secured: $850,000

Address of Sponsor: 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446

Project: This funding will be used for the purchase of a Bookmobile, allowing the library to reach more people in Will County by continuing outreach efforts outside the library’s physical location. Additionally, this funding will support the acquisition of books, computers, and staff for the new Bookmobile.

Project Title: Lockport Township Emergency Shelter  

Project Sponsor: Lockport Township 

Amount Secured: $1,950,000

Address of Sponsor: 1463 Farrell Road, Lockport, Illinois, 60441

Project: This funding will be used to support and protect the local economy in Fairmont, Lockport, and the surrounding communities in Will County by creating a permanent emergency shelter and regional hub for first responder safety training.

Earlier this month, Underwood announced that she secured an additional $2.5 million in FY2026 community project funding for projects across northern Illinois to support food security in the Illinois Valley, rural health care in Mendota, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in DeKalb.

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Congresswoman Norma Torres Statement on Ongoing ICE Abuses

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

February 23, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) released a statement in opposition to ICE Abuses:

“I believe that the ongoing broad enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection, are abusive, illegal, and unconstitutional. They deny the humanity of our immigrant communities in California and across the country, and illegally racial profile individuals. Look no further than the case of Ramiro Santiago Pacheco Martinez, along with many others in our community. Ramiro is a longtime Pomona resident who is currently detained at the Adelanto ICE facility, despite severe health conditions and the impact on his family.

“I do not support the detention of individuals who do not have a criminal record, including those who are actively pursuing lawful immigration status or seeking protection under our nation’s asylum laws. Due process and equal protection under the law are fundamental principles that must be upheld without exception.

“I am outraged by the violent interactions and alleged misconduct in my district and across the country. I strongly encourage local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate all credible allegations of physical abuse, unlawful entry, and violations of First Amendment protections. Earlier this year, I asked Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta to establish a way for Californians to report abusive conduct by federal officials at ICE and CBP. I’m pleased that just a few months ago, they took my suggestion and established a website to report abuse. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust, and all available video evidence related to these incidents should be preserved and reviewed in accordance with the law.

“I firmly believe in our government’s responsibility to support and protect the people of the United States, and to uphold our values in everything we do. Donald Trump and his minions appear devoted to undermining our rights, our democracy, and our Constitution. They are allergic to transparency and oversight. That is why I, along with 12 other Members of Congress, had to sue the Department of Homeland Security to stop its unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight of ICE facilities. I’ve been able to go to the LA Field Office and to Adelanto to inspect conditions on the ground and talk to constituents.

After repeated visits, it is clear that there is no place for for-profit prisons in our immigration system. There is too much room for abuse and neglect in pursuit of a profit margin. Adelanto, and others like it, must close. I’ll continue oversight visits at Adelanto, the LA Field Office, and every other place necessary to ensure that our families and loved ones are treated with dignity and fairness.

“We must take lasting action to ensure the abuses of the Trump Administration are never repeated. That means strengthening oversight, protecting constitutional rights, and holding institutions accountable so that our democracy remains just, transparent, and resilient for generations to come.”

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Congresswoman Torres Secures $5.2 Million in Federal Funding for the City of Ontario

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

February 23, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres and the City of Ontario announced a federal spending bill that includes $2 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) and $3.2 million water project through the US Army Corps for Ontario, projects secured by Congresswoman Torres, has been signed into law.

The funding includes:

  • $1 million for Vista Verde II Affordable Housing Development, a 150-unit development on Holt Boulevard that will provide a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, helping address the region’s severe housing shortage while supporting family stability and long-term economic security. This critical investment will increase the supply of affordable housing for working families and households in Ontario. In addition, Vista Verde II will generate local construction jobs, support the regional workforce, and contribute to economic growth. This investment advances the City’s housing and economic development priorities and delivers lasting benefits for families and the broader community.

  • $1 million for The Hub on Holt: Space for Entrepreneurship, Creation, and Innovation, which will transform a long-blighted and highly visible property on the 200 block of Holt Boulevard in Ontario into a vibrant community and economic asset. The Hub on Holt will revitalize a key downtown corridor with a new center for entrepreneurship, small business development, mentorship, and community engagement.

By investing in a critical gateway to Downtown Ontario, the project will drive foot traffic, reduce vacancies, enhance public safety, and stimulate the local economy . The project will create jobs, support small businesses, and provide new opportunities for innovation and programming, aligning with the City’s broader revitalization strategy and long-term vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

  • $3.2 million water project through the US Army Corps, The Euclid Ave. Recycled Water Project is a transformative investment in Ontario’s water future, constructing approximately 13 miles of new recycled water infrastructure to connect the Inland Empire Utilities Agency Regional Water Recycling Plant to downtown Ontario. Expanding access to recycled water, the project will reduce reliance on imported and groundwater sources, strengthen local water independence, and advance long-term conservation goals across the Inland Empire. Supporting both the design and construction phases, delivering smart, sustainable infrastructure that protects our water supply.

“These investments will deliver real results for the City of Ontario. By securing federal funding for Vista Verde II, an affordable housing development that will help address our region’s housing shortage, and for The Hub on Holt, which will create community innovation and engagement, we’re making smart, strategic investments in Ontario’s future,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “These projects will create jobs, reduce blight, strengthen public safety, and support long-term economic growth. I’m proud to work alongside the City of Ontario to bring these federal dollars back home and turn them into tangible improvements for families, workers, and neighborhoods.”

“On behalf of the City of Ontario, we thank Congresswoman Torres for her continued advocacy and partnership,” said Mayor Paul Leon. “This funding ensures that as Ontario grows, we are investing in infrastructure that protects our resources and supports our community.”

Congresswoman Torres has prioritized Community Project Funding to ensure federal dollars directly benefit Inland Empire communities. These projects reflect ongoing collaboration between her office and local leaders to address housing affordability, economic development, and infrastructure needs across the region.

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Rep. Garamendi Statement on Supreme Court Striking Down Trump’s Tariffs After Filing Amicus Brief

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s tariffs, ruling that President Trump violated federal law by exceeding his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA): 

“Trump thinks he is above the law, Congress, and the Constitution. That belief was tested on Friday,” said Rep. Garamendi. “Americans have been struggling to put food on the table and keep up with the unaffordable prices caused by Trump’s illegal tariff wars. This ruling is a major win for Americans who are struggling to afford basic necessities. As a member of the House Democratic Litigation Caucus, I was proud to sign onto the amicus brief challenging Trump’s illegal tariffs.” 

As a member of the House Democratic Litigation Caucus, Congressman Garamendi signed an amicus brief demanding that the Supreme Court overturn Trump’s costly and illegal tariffs. 

The House Democratic Litigation Task Force, was established to develop coordinated legislative, oversight, and legal strategies to defend the Constitution and protect the rights of the American people. To date, the Task Force has filed dozens of amicus briefs, launched numerous privileged resolutions of inquiry, conducted more than 10 shadow hearings and briefings nationwide, issued hundreds of investigative demands, and supported numerous lawsuits brought by third parties. 

Background: 

On April 23, 2025, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Vermont filed the suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, arguing that the President had exceeded his authority under IEEPA. 

The case challenged the President’s use of IEEPA to impose broad tariffs on imports, arguing that statute does not delegate Congress’s tariff powers under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. 

The tariffs at issue included sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all imports, as well as targeted tariffs affecting Canada, Mexico, and China, among others. 

In May 2025, the United States Court of International Trade ruled in favor of the states, finding the tariffs exceeded the President’s authority under IEEPA. 

The federal government appealed against that ruling. On August 29, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed that ruling—finding the President’s tariff orders went beyond the statutory grant of authority and were therefore unlawful. 

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Pelosi Statement on the Retirement of Jean Fraser

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 after the retirement announcement of Presidio Trust CEO, Jean Fraser:

“Congratulations to Jean Fraser on the extraordinary leadership she has provided to the Presidio. I learned of her retirement with mixed feelings as I have long admired her leadership, even before she came to the Presidio, her work there has only deepened that respect.

“She has been highly effective, guiding the Presidio with judgment, integrity and a deep commitment to its mission. Under her leadership, the Presidio has honored the vision of the legislation that established it, working to ensure it is preserved, protected and made self-sufficient for generations to come. Her stewardship has strengthened this national treasure and set it on a strong and sustainable path forward.

“Jean’s decision to step down is a personal one and I respect it fully. I wish her well in whatever she chooses to pursue next. Whatever her next chapter holds, I know it will be marked by integrity, effectiveness, and success.”

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Scott Announces Rena Bumbray-Graves as Guest to State of the Union

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Announces Rena Bumbray-Graves as Guest to State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, announced he would bring Rena Bumbray-Graves of Virginia as his guest to Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address. Mrs. Bumbray-Graves is a home care worker and member of SEIU Virginia 512 who has lost her health insurance due to Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.  

“Over a year into his presidency and Donald Trump has failed to focus on the needs of the American people,” said Congressman Scott. “In their One Big Ugly Bill, Donald Trump and House Republicans slashed health care, making the largest cut to Medicaid in history, and then made it worse by refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. Mrs. Bumbray-Graves is a hardworking Virginian who will put a spotlight on the real-word consequences of Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ health care crisis.”

Mrs. Bumbray-Graves monthly premiums increased from $544 to more than $1,300, forcing her to drop her health care coverage. Despite working as a home care worker for two family members with severe disabilities, she is now uninsured and no longer taking prescribed medications because she cannot afford them. 

Ms. Bumbray-Graves testified at the House Budget Committee last month. Information and video from her testimony can be found by CLICKING HERE.

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Graves Celebrates National FFA Week

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, and 57 of his colleagues in introducing a resolution to designate February 21-28 as National FFA Week. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

“FFA made a big impact on my life, instilling leadership skills while I was in high school that I carry with me to this day,” said Graves. “FFA continues to provide high quality agriculture education, as well as valuable lessons in leadership and personal growth for the next generation and I’m proud to celebrate National FFA Week.”

“National FFA Week is a time when we showcase the collective impact of FFA nationwide,” said National FFA Advisor, Dr. Travis Park. “Throughout FFA, we see our members stepping up as leaders, innovators, and advocates for agriculture. We know this happens, thanks to the dedication of agricultural teachers, FFA Alumni & Supporters, and our many partners. This week, National FFA Week, is when we celebrate the collective agricultural education ecosystem.”

The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered school-based national youth leadership organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,400 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Rep. Graves is a member of the Congressional FFA Caucus, with more than 60 members. The caucus serves to raise the profile of school-based agricultural education and FFA and to develop relationships between Congress and the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture.

 

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SCHNEIDER ANNOUNCES STATE OF THE UNION GUEST

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, the named plaintiff in the Supreme Court case that ruled President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs are illegal, will join Rep. Schneider at Tuesday’s State of the Union.

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) today announced Rick Woldenberg as his guest to President Trump’s State of the Union Address. Woldenberg’s company, Learning Resources, is one of the companies that sued the Trump Administration over its illegal use of tariffs. Today, the Supreme Court sided with Learning Resources and the other plaintiffs and struck down Trump’s IEEPA tariffs.

“Rick Woldenberg is just one of thousands of American business owners whose companies, small and large, have been severely affected by President Trump’s illegal, chaotic, and harmful tariffs over the past year,” said Rep. Schneider. “Trump’s capricious tariff taxes have seriously threatened the survival of businesses like Rick’s, and in doing so threatened the livelihood of the millions of Americans employed by small and mid-sized businesses across the country. Compounding the job insecurity created, working families suffered higher costs at the cash register as businesses adapted to the President’s tariff taxes. Rick’s presence at the State of the Union on February 24th will send a clear message to the Trump Administration: when misguided and harmful policies hurt American businesses and drive-up costs for families, patriotic Americans will fight back.”  

“I’m proud to attend this year’s State of the Union with Rep. Schneider and stand up for the business owners like me who have been fighting back against the IEEPA tariffs that are raising costs, forcing cuts in investment, and driving prices higher for everyday Americans,” said Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources. “Friday’s decision by the Supreme Court was a vindication of the principles of Rule of Law that make our country an economic marvel and underpins the American way of life.  I’m proud to have fought back – and won – on behalf of all Americans and will continue to stand up for the policies that help businesses like ours grow and thrive.” 

Rep. Schneider and Mr. Woldenberg are available for interviews regarding President Trump’s SOTU. Interested press should email Cait McNamee at caitlyn.mcnamee@mail.house.gov.

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Minnesota House Democrats to Host Press Conference Ahead of State of the Union Address

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Congresswoman Angie Craig of Minnesota will host a press conference on Tuesday, February 24th at 10:00 AM ET at HVC Studio B ahead of the State of the Union. 

WHAT: Press Conference hosted by Minnesota House Democrats

WHEN: Tuesday, February 24th at 10:00 AM

WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D, MN-05), and Congresswoman Angie Craig (D, MN-02)

WHERE: HVC Studio B (access through HVC 117)

WATCH: Watch on Congresswoman McCollum’s YouTube Channel