MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki requesting more information on how the federal government monitors large amounts of cash being transported internationally. This letter comes on the heels of reports that fraudsters in Minnesota were able to able to send large amounts of taxpayer money from Minnesota through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Somalia, where some the cash ultimately ended up in the hands of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

Current law requires individuals carrying more than $10,000 in U.S. currency out of the country to file FinCEN Form 105, Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (CMIR). However, recent reports raise questions about whether existing oversight and coordination between federal agencies is sufficient to identify potential abuse.

Rep. Stauber penned the following questions to Secretary Bessent and FinCEN Director Gacki: 

1. What process does FinCEN use to confirm the accuracy and completeness of CMIR filings submitted at airports and other ports of entry?
2. Does FinCEN share CMIR data with other federal agencies – such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General, or state Medicaid fraud control units – to assist with identifying potential fraud involving federal benefit programs?
3. What tools are used to observe patterns of unusually large amounts of cash being transported out of the country or frequent currency exports that could indicate fraud or abuse of federal assistance programs?
4. Are there significant differences in the levels of declared currency exports across U.S. airports, and if so, what factors might explain elevated levels of outbound cash as specific locations such as MSP?
5. How does FinCEN coordinate with federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice, Customs and Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement entities, to investigate suspicious activity identified through CMIR filings?
6.  From an enforcement and investigative perspective, would a temporary pause or restriction on international remittance transfers, including those involving individuals under investigation for fraud or abuse of federal benefit programs, be an effective tool in exposing potential fraud, or could such a policy negatively impact ongoing investigations or intelligence gathering efforts? 

In this letter, Rep. Stauber concludes, “Strong oversight of large international cash transfers is essential to protecting taxpayer dollars and preventing fraud in federally funded programs. Greater transparency in how this data is monitored and shared among federal agencies will help Congress determine whether additional safeguards or legislative action are needed.”

Read the full letter HERE. 

This is not the first action Congressman Stauber has taken to prevent fraudsters from sending American taxpayer money overseas. Last month, the Congressman joined Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach in introducing the Preventing the Repatriation of American Benefits Act to restrict the amount of money noncitizens receiving federal benefits can send abroad, ensuring money meant for American assistance stays at home.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Preventing the Repatriation of American Benefits Act in response to the fraud and national security threats exposed across Minnesota’s social service programs. 

This legislation is designed to ensure that federal assistance remains within the United States by restricting the amount of money noncitizens receiving federal benefits can send abroad. The bill revokes welfare eligibility for non-citizens who send more than $1,000 back to their country annually.

This comes in the wake of reports that at least $9 billion of American taxpayer dollars were siphoned off through fraud schemes in Minnesota. Investigations have revealed that millions of these defrauded dollars were sent overseas, including to the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist organization Al-Shabaab.

“It was deeply disturbing to learn that millions in stolen Minnesota welfare dollars were sent back to Somalia and landed in the hands of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab,” said Rep. Stauber. “Hard-earned Minnesota taxpayer dollars must help our own citizens, not foreign criminals. I’m proud to co-author this legislation with Rep. Fischbach to put an end to the madness and ensure every dollar intended for American families stays in America.”

“We are done watching our hard-earned money be sent overseas while the programs meant for our own citizens are gutted by fraud,” said Rep. Fischbach. “This bill puts a stop to the flow of American dollars out of our country. It is time we prioritize our own communities and ensure money meant for American assistance stays right here at home.”

By closing the loopholes that allowed fraud to flourish, this legislation ensures that federal assistance supports vulnerable individuals and families within the United States, rather than funding criminals abroad.

View the bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), introduced a resolution recognizing May 10^th as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. 

Between 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide. This devastating crisis is made worse by longstanding barriers to mental health care, including the high cost of health care, low mental health literacy, language access challenges, and cultural stigma that too often discourages individuals from seeking help. 

The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the critical importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and raises awareness to break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking care. The also encourages health agencies to adopt policies that improve access to and utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities.

“For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Rep. Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10^th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.”

“In the face of growing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is more important than ever that AANHPI communities are seen and their struggles are not ignored,” said Rep. Tokuda. “AANHPI Mental Health Day is about breaking the deep-rooted stigma around mental health in our communities and continuing our work to expand awareness and access to culturally competent care.”

“Mental health issues are a hidden crisis facing the Asian American community,” said Rep. Strickland. “Cultural and language barriers obstruct the already limited resources available for mental health, and raising awareness is the first step towards addressing this crisis.”

“Nearly every family has been touched by mental health challenges in some way. That is why we must keep breaking down barriers to care, confronting stigma and making sure every person can get the support they need,” said Rep. Matsui. “For too many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, quality mental healthcare remains out of reach. This resolution raises awareness of those barriers, while calling for the resources and infrastructure our communities need to heal and thrive.”

“With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Sen. Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.” 

Last year, Rep. Chu and Senator Hirono reintroduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025, which instructs SAMHSA to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth.

The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Meng, Mullin, Takano, Thanedar, Watson Coleman, Nadler, Tonko, Tran, Barragán, Simon, Krishnamoorthi, Peters, Salinas, Min, Menendez, Jayapal, Pocan, Case, Norton, Goldman, Subramanyam, Scott, and Lieu.

“National AANHPI Mental Health Day this year sits with us particularly heavily, as we feel our communities’ dual celebratory joy during AANHPI Heritage Month alongside the mental health burden of a deeply unaffordable economic reality, lack of widespread access to culturally-responsive mental health supports, and ongoing attacks on our immigrant and Indigenous communities. Despite these challenges, the resilience and solidarity of our communities across the country remain, and there exists an enormous wealth of community knowledge, mobilization, and sustained activism to protect and foster our collective wellbeing,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Community Engagement & Communications Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA).

“The National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day Resolution is a welcome step to address the insufficient access to mental healthcare providers and in-language services that AANHPI communities have faced for far too long. Now, with growing cuts to health care affordability and increased immigration enforcement reaching into previously protected spaces like schools and hospitals, fear and instability pose even steeper challenges,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “The need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services has never been more urgent. Meaningful investment in a diverse mental health workforce and language access services are essential to ensure our communities are not left behind.”

“The establishment of a National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day is an important step in recognizing the unique mental health needs and experiences within AANHPI communities,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By elevating awareness and fostering culturally informed conversations, this designation can help reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek the care and support they deserve. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Chu, Rep. Matsui, Rep. Tokuda, and Rep. Strickland for their commitment to advancing mental health equity.”

The resolution is endorsed by National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA); Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; South Asian Public Health Association; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Cuaresma Counseling; Sakura Foundation; Wellness with Andrea Jakucs & Associates; Japanese American Citizens League; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); API Tennessee; United Chinese Americans UCA WAVES- Youth Mental Health Collaborative; Taulama for Tongans; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Stop AAPI Hate; AAPI Equity Alliance; SPEAK, a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans and Kin; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; TPB Strategies LLC; Asian Girls Ignite; Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI), CUNY; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF); National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA); Hepatitis B Foundation; Prevention Institute; Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL); Chinese American Citizens Alliance; AAPI Data; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education; National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA); Thriving Asians; American Muslim Health Professionals; and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, AAJC.

The full text of the resolution is available here. 

If you or a loved one need mental health support, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC)—On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Congressman Al Green introduced the “Original Resolution Commending the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its efforts to facilitate peace between the United States and Israel with Iran.” The resolution recognizes Pakistan’s role as a neutral and reliable mediator amid a devastating conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life, mass displacement, and substantial financial costs to the global community. A copy of the resolution is accessible by clicking here.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Amid a war marked by loss of life and immense suffering, we must recognize those working to bring peace. Pakistan’s role as a neutral partner reminds us that diplomacy is still our strongest path forward. By commending these efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to choosing dialogue over destruction and pursuing a peace that values innocent lives touched by this conflict.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — On Thursday, May 7, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse will host an in-person town hall meeting in Weld County. Neguse will be joined by local leaders, provide an update on his work for the people of Colorado’s 2nd District, and take live questions from audience members.

This will be his 23rd public town hall of the 119th Congress—more than all members of Colorado’s House delegation combined.

What:      Weld County Town Hall
When:     Thursday, May 7 @ 4:30 PM
Where:    645 Holbrook Street, Erie, CO 80516

RSVP for this community gathering HERE.

Congressman Neguse has represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Covering more than 12,000 square miles, the district is one of Colorado’s largest and most rural, spanning twelve counties: Boulder, Weld, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, Summit, Jackson, Routt, and Broomfield.

Last year, Neguse visited 50 cities and towns across the district. He also hosted 17 in-person town halls—more than every other member of Colorado’s U.S. House delegation combined. The Congressman kicked off 2026 on the same note, convening two town halls during the first week of the new year. Thursday’s event will be his 6th in-person town hall event of the year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Representative Tom Cole (OK-04), along with Representatives Frank Lucas (OK-03) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05), joined Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Bryan Bedford in touring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center’s Air Traffic Control Training Academy. The tour, which included visits to the Tower Simulator System Lab and the En Route Automation Modernization Lab, provided an overview of controller training programs and technologies used to prepare the aviation workforce.

Throughout their time in Congress, Representatives Cole, Lucas, and Bice have been able to secure federal dollars for the Center. This year, through Fiscal Year 2026 funding, the Representatives fought for and secured $152 million dollars to ensure the facilities at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center remain the gold standard for all operations occurring at the Center, as well as for air traffic controller recruitment, training, and equipment to ensure the next generation of air traffic controllers have the tools they need to learn how to safely conduct air traffic within the national airspace system.

After the tour, the Representatives and Administrator Bedford released the following statements:

“Thanks to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma has long been a hub for aerospace and aviation industry development. The Center is not only a key administrative, research, and safety hub for the FAA, but it is also home to the FAA Academy, which is the only training center in the country for FAA-certified air traffic controllers. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that America’s national aviation industry cannot exist without the workforce the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center produces – and that was made very clear through the advanced technology and new curriculum we saw on the tour today,” said Congressman Cole. “I would like to thank FAA Administrator Bedford for taking the time to come out to Oklahoma, as it is critical for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to continue to thrive.”

“I’m grateful to the Oklahoma congressional delegation, including Chairman Tom Cole, Representative Frank Lucas, Vice Chair Stephanie Bice as well as Senators Lankford and Armstrong for their strong leadership here in Oklahoma. This center is one of the crown jewels of research and development, and sustainment for the national airspace system,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “It all happens here. Training new air traffic controllers, technicians, and first and second level engineers. We had the most successful recruiting day in the history of the FAA for our air traffic controllers, we’ve shortened the hiring process and we are getting trainees into the Academy faster than ever.”

“It was a great day in Oklahoma City with Administrator Bedford as we toured the impressive Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center,” said Congressman Lucas. “The innovative technology that we saw today has, and will continue to, completely change the training curriculum for future aviation experts. This will bring our nation’s opportunities in aviation to new heights, and it will also enable our workforce to be equipped with more skills and services that will only further advance their careers. I’m optimistic about the future of aviation, and I’m proud that this innovation is occurring here in Oklahoma’s third congressional district.”

“It was great to be alongside Administrator Bedford at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. On his visit, the first by an FAA Administrator in a decade, we witnessed the incredible work happening daily in Oklahoma City. I was proud to see new innovate technologies, funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which are helping to prepare future air traffic controllers and the next generation of professionals. Their mission is critical and the Oklahoma delegation is laser focused on providing the support they need,” said Congresswoman Bice.

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

Griffith Statement on 75th National Day of Prayer

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would restrict access to mifepristone by reinstating a requirement that the drug be dispensed in person. Last week, the Fifth Circuit blocked access to mifepristone nationwide at retail pharmacies and in the mail, prompting the Supreme Court to temporarily restore access to the medication while the case proceeds on its emergency docket.

The lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. The Fifth Circuit’s decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but also undermines the evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.

“For more than a quarter century, FDA has repeatedly and consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe. Over seven million patients in the U.S. have safely used mifepristone. And as with other drugs, FDA continues to monitor the post-marketing safety data on mifepristone—data confirming that mifepristone is safe without regard to how it is dispensed,” the members wrote.

The lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling last week was clearly not based on the merits of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of individuals to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients nationwide.

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the members continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider. Reinstating an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone exacerbates an already significant reproductive health crisis by limiting access to the most common method of early abortion.”

First approved in 2000 after extensive clinical trials and peer-reviewed research, mifepristone has been shown to be safe and effective for over 25 years. The medication is used in roughly 60 percent of abortions nationwide, and about 1 in 4 abortion patients use telemedicine to receive abortion care.

In the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives. In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators. The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.

Larsen Fights for the Right to Choose, Reproductive Health Care

Rep. Larsen is a champion of ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care nationwide. Larsen supports suspending the filibuster to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which re-establishes a nationwide right to abortion and enshrines the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. He also supports protecting a doctor’s ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to reach patients across the country, including in rural communities, and protecting a woman’s right to travel across state lines to receive abortion care.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

May 07, 2026 | Press Releases

Rep. Greg Steube on Intel Roundtable Panel in Tampa, FL.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today co-moderated a roundtable panel alongside House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford to examine the growing counterintelligence threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the state of Florida.The event brought together federal and state elected officials, local law enforcement, along with public- and private-sector partners for classified and unclassified discussions on identifying and countering CCP-related threats to our state. Elected officials in attendance included U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack and Kathy Castor, as well as members of the Florida Legislature.“It was a pleasure to participate in today’s panel with House Intel Committee Chairman Rick Crawford in Tampa to discuss the growing counterintelligence threats the Chinese Communist Party poses to Florida,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “As we discussed today, the CCP is actively working to undermine American security and expand its influence inside our country. Florida’s critical infrastructure and strategic importance make it a high value target, placing our state on the front lines. We must proactively address these threats in a forceful and unified manner.”These discussions focused on how the CCP is working to exploit vulnerabilities in Florida, ranging from efforts to buy land near sensitive military installations to carrying out cyber intrusions and influence operations that threaten the security of our state and nation. Participants also addressed the need for stronger coordination between federal, state, and local partners to confront these growing Chinese counterintelligence threats.As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Steube remains committed to fighting for policies that protect America’s national security, defend Florida communities, and prevent foreign adversaries like China from exploiting the United States.

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

Krishnamoorthi highlighted the killing during a hearing on violence, misconduct, and misinformation by Trump Administration officials during Operation Midway Blitz