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 – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined leaders from Congreso de Latinos Unidos in North Philadelphia to highlight $1.1 million in federal funding he secured to upgrade Congreso’s headquarters and ensure the building is fully accessible for all Philadelphians.

“It is really hard to imagine what our community would be like if we didn’t have Congreso and all of the good work that this organization undertakes on behalf of the same constituents that we have the opportunity to serve together,” said Congressman Boyle. “I believe that one of the most important aspects of my job as a member of Congress is to fight for every dollar that I can bring home to my constituents here in Philadelphia who need those resources.  So, I am very proud and excited to announce that I was able to secure and bring back from Washington, DC $1.1 million to support the good works here at Congreso.”

The federal investment Congressman Boyle secured is already making a difference. Earlier this year, Congreso completed a full renovation of its elevators, addressing long-standing congestion that created barriers for families and individuals with mobility issues. Additional improvements are now underway, including a forty-foot ADA-compliant ramp with upper and lower landings, upgraded doors and steel gates, and a redesigned lobby to better serve residents as they seek critical resources.

Founded in 1977 by Puerto Rican activists, Congreso has grown into one of Philadelphia’s most trusted community organizations, helping thousands of residents each year—particularly in Latino neighborhoods—achieve stability and wellbeing through education, job training, health and safety services, family and parenting, and housing support.

“I want to thank Congressman Boyle for his leadership and his commitment to our community,” said Jannette Diaz, President & CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos. “Each year we serve more than 14,000 individuals across our core pillars of education, health, housing, workforce development, and family services. But none of these services matter if people cannot physically access them.  Accessibility ensures that every individual, regardless of ability, can come through our doors to get the support they need.”

“Thank you very, very much, Congressman, for this federal grant. It really has transformed our building with this funding,” said Mary Lynn Alvarino, CFO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos. “We’ve modernized the two elevators. In this more than 100-year-old facility, the upgrade was long overdue.  We’re going to renovate the side entrance of the courtyard by reconfiguring the steps and adding a ramp so that it’s accessible for everyone. We’re going to extend the patio so that we’ll be able to host outdoor events out there, and we will improve safety with enhanced lighting.”

This investment shows that Congressman Boyle’s work in Washington is delivering real results in Philadelphia, helping community institutions like Congreso continue their decades of service with the resources and facilities they need to thrive.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined fellow House Agriculture Committee member Brad Finstad (MN-01) in reintroducing the bipartisan Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts (ASPIRE) Act. A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).

This comprehensive legislation establishes an agriculture workforce-training program within the USDA’s existing Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program—providing resources for eligible schools to grow the agriculture industry, boost competitiveness, and strengthen workforce training and retention. The bill also supports apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with local agricultural businesses, creating pathways to pursue higher education or the private farming sector.

 
“In Maine and across America, small family farms are the backbone of our rural communities and local food systems. But as more farmers near retirement and fewer young people enter the field, we’re staring down a serious challenge: Who will grow our food in the decades ahead? Our bipartisan ASPIRE Act offers a solution,” said Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01). “By expanding hands-on apprenticeships and internships through USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, the ASPIRE Act will connect aspiring farmers with experienced agricultural businesses, building clear pathways into farming careers and giving the next generation the tools to succeed. When we invest in the next generation of farmers, we’re investing in our future: fresh local food, vibrant rural communities, and agricultural traditions that have sustained us for generations.” 

“As a farmer, and a father raising the fifth generation on our family farm, I understand just how critical it is to ensure our future agricultural leaders are fully prepared with the tools they need to thrive,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to help introduce the ASPIRE Act with Congresswoman Pingree and Senator Smith, which will give those starting in the agricultural profession a solid foundation by facilitating relationships between local agricultural businesses and incoming industry leaders through work-based training programs.” 

“Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Sen. Smith. “To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of farmers as the average age of farmers keeps going up. There is more we can be doing to help future farmers fill their shoes. This legislation will provide work-based training programs to support a new generation of farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and around the country.”

Background:  

By 2030, the agriculture sector is only expected to grow two percent—lower than the average across other industries. Additionally, the average age of workers in the agriculture industry is climbing, and not enough younger workers are filling their shoes. Farmers under the age of 35 now make up only 9% of the agriculture workforce. In Minnesota, agriculture industry apprenticeships make up just 1% of the available apprenticeships.

Congresswoman Pingree, a longtime organic farmer, is a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, and is Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus. 

Since coming to Congress in 2009, Pingree has distinguished herself as a strong supporter of organic and sustainable agriculture, authoring the landmark Agriculture Resilience Act, which sets a bold vision of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by 2040. As the only House Agriculture Committee member who has on-the-ground experience as an organic farmer, Pingree is a voice for small family farmers and local agriculture producers during Farm Bill negotiations. Because of her leadership, the 2018 Farm Bill more than doubled funding for organic research, created the first federal produce prescription program, and created the local agriculture market program with permanent federal funding. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Mountain Empire Community College, based in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a $491,548 grant. The funding supports a workforce development initiative known as Project Southwest Virginia Opioid Abuse Recovery (SOAR). U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Project SOAR is committed to helping those impacted by substance use disorder. 

“This ARC grant for nearly $500,000 helps Mountain Empire Community College administer Project SOAR, support those impacted by substance use disorder and train prospective candidates for careers in a skilled trade.”

BACKGROUND

Participants will receive hands-on training in fields such as carpentry, welding, electrical and plumbing. 

A total of 180 participants impacted by substance use disorder will be prepared for careers in skilled trades and other in-demand occupations across Southwest Virginia, namely Dickenson, Lee, Scott and Wise counties.

Funding for this project is provided through ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Announces $100,000 ARC Grant to Appalachian Center for Hope

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

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i – First) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan foreign policy measure that included a provision of his Pacific Partnership Act to strengthen ties between the United States and our partners in the Pacific.

H.R 4490, the PARTNER Act cosponsored by Case, passed the House on September 2^nd. It would extend diplomatic privileges and immunities and other benefits of official recognition to five international organizations: the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN); Pacific Islands Forum (PIF); Caribbean Community; and African Union. The measure would formally authorize the organizations as public international organizations and allow them to operate independently, engage diplomatically and establish diplomatic missions in the United States, just as do foreign countries.

Inclusion of the PIF in the PARTNER Act arose from H.R. 3332, the Pacific Partnership Act introduced by Case to bolster U.S. engagement in the Pacific through a variety of initiatives including official recognition of the PIF. Case’s measure was cosponsored by 23 bipartisan colleagues, most of them fellow members of the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus which Case cofounded in 2019 and co-chairs.

The Pacific Islands Forum brings the region together to address pressing issues and challenges, and foster collaboration and cooperation in the pursuit of shared goals. Founded in 1971, it comprises 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Its vision is for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives.

“To fully partner with our Pacific Islands ‘ohana in meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of our times, from climate change to human and drug trafficking, economic sustainability, infrastructure and social development and the defense of sovereignty and democracy, we must accord full recognition and respect to the collective representation of the Pacific Islands, and that is the PIF”, said Case. “I’m grateful that my House colleagues have supported this important step forward in fully addressing these challenges and opportunities with our partners and look forward to the PIF establishing an official diplomatic mission in our country.”

The PARTNER Act has been forwarded to the U.S. Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for consideration.  

• Copy of H.R. 4490, the PARTNER Act, is here
• Copy of Case’s remarks on the measure is here
• Copy of H.R. 3322, the Pacific Partnership Act, is here

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today to reauthorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs—critical initiatives that provide life-saving treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious diseases. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) is led by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD). The legislation aims to ensure that two collaborative, federally funded programs do not expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33 million annually for five years;

• Reauthorize the National Cord Blood Inventory at $23 million annually for five years.

“These programs represent our nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and providing hope to millions of Americans battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for adult stem cell research conducted under the highest ethical and scientific standards. This Act not only drives scientific innovation but also reflects our shared values of compassion and care for patients and families.  Continued investment in adult stem cell research is an investment in the future of medicine. It is a clear reflection of our bipartisan dedication to improving public health, advancing science, and delivering real hope for future generations.”

The programs authorized by this legislation have facilitated thousands of life-saving transplants and enabled access to promising therapies for patients with otherwise limited treatment options.  The bill is expected to gain strong support in both chambers and move forward during this session of Congress.

“Breathtaking scientific advancements have turned medical waste—post-birth placentas and umbilical cord blood—into medical miracles that cure and treat more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” saidCongressman Smith. “I look forward to seeing this bipartisan reauthorization bill—which will expand and extend two remarkable life-saving research and therapy programs—pass quickly so that thousands of present-day and future patients can continue to benefit from the exciting promise of umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells.”

“For patients and families facing devastating blood cancers and rare blood disorders, bone marrow and cord blood transplants can offer the best treatment – and sometimes the only potential for a cure,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory have saved tens of thousands of lives by connecting patients with lifesaving donors. By reintroducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, we are making sure that hope endures – and that even more families are given the gift of time, healing, and a second chance at life.”

“Behind every successful stem-cell and bone-marrow transplant is a strong network of expertise, resources, and support. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act strengthens that network, ensuring that every American who faces a life-threatening blood disorder is given the hope—and care—that they deserve,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “By connecting more patients with potential donors and expanding access to life-saving procedures, this bill will save countless lives.”

“I am happy to join Congressman Smith in reauthorizing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This legislation will ensure that patients, especially children and families facing devastating illnesses, have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the treatment they desperately need. By advancing this bipartisan effort, we are giving hope to families across the nation while supporting cutting-edge medical innovation that saves lives,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants give patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions a real chance at survival. This law ensures patients can find a donor match when they need it most and supports ethical research that delivers results without destroying embryos. Every family deserves access to these lifesaving treatments, and this reauthorization makes that possible.”

“Investments in stem cell therapeutics and research increases the possibility of unlocking medical breakthroughs in how to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, and more,”said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “Our bill, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, reaffirms our commitment as a nation to advancing research in this cutting-edge field of science that has so much potential to heal people and save lives,” he concluded. 

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been successfully used to treat tens of thousands of patients. This reauthorization continues to build donor networks, broadening access to these lifesaving treatments.  The bill’s introduction was cheered by NMDP and the Cord Blood Association:   “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Smith, Matsui, Bilirakis, Pingree, Tenney, and Mfume, for their unwavering dedication to advocating for patients and families who require access to life-saving transplant,” Amy Ronneberg, CEO of NMDP, said. “The continued bipartisan support from Congress for this program grows stronger with each reauthorization, demonstrating how a deepening commitment to saving lives can impact over 140,000 patients’ lives to date and create an enduring program to serve all patients in need. We stand proudly alongside our Congressional champions to ensure that every patient in need has the opportunity to find a lifesaving match.”

“The NCBI has enabled public cord blood banks to build an inventory of high quality, unrelated donor, cord blood units which are available for patients who do not have a matched donor in their family,” saidDr. Joanne Kurtzberg, M.D., President of CBA and Director of the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures and Carolinas Cord Blood Bank at Duke Health. “The program has enabled access to blood stem cell transplantation for thousands of patients with blood cancers, sickle cell anemia, certain metabolic diseases, bone marrow failure, and inherited diseases of the immune system. The NCBI is a wonderful example of how public support can increase access to healthcare for patients with unmet medical needs.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Allen Introduces the Retire Through Ownership Act