MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Defining political opposition as an existential threat does not make communities safer—it degrades civil liberties, expands state surveillance, enables violence by state actors, and mirrors the repressive tactics of authoritarian regimes worldwide.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmembers Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Jim McGovern (MA-02) led 23 colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent demanding an end to the Trump Administration’s policies to persecute political dissent. In the letter, members raised serious concerns regarding the deployment of the State and Treasury Departments policies against the so-called “far-left networks” as an attempt to target and silence any person, organization, or institution critical of the Administration’s policies and abuses of power on a global scale.

The letter also asks for the release of all communications, advisories, and guidance between State, Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the White House regarding the implementation of the National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, an order that Trump signed last September targeting “domestic terrorism and organized political violence.”

“The weaponization of the security apparatus of the state to suppress political dissent, criminalize international solidarity, and intimidate civil society is a direct assault on constitutional rights and democratic governance. Defining political opposition as an existential threat does not make communities safer—it degrades civil liberties, expands state surveillance, enables violence by state actors, and mirrors the repressive tactics of authoritarian regimes worldwide. We urge the Administration to immediately withdraw this policy, abandon plans to export the NSPM-7 framework to foreign governments, and cease deploying the State and Treasury Departments to target political speech and civil society,” wrote the lawmakers. 

In July, Secretary Rubio and Bessent announced the “Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism” to support President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7)—a federal enforcement framework to target “far-left terrorists,” their aligned groups, and financial backers. Despite investigations and analysis that established that right-wing attacks account for the vast majority of fatalities from domestic terrorism, the memorandum ignores all mention of right-wing extremism. 

The letter is co-signed by Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Becca Blint (VT), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Nydia M. Velázquez(NY-07), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), Christian D. Menefee (TX-18), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Al Green (TX-09).

To read the full letter, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) today reintroduced the Visa Improvement, Streamlined Investment, and Tourism Optimization Reform (VISITOR) Act to improve visa processing capabilities at U.S. consular posts and stimulate international tourism to the United States. 

“Southern Nevada is the home of one of the world’s leading tourism economies and is a destination for thousands of international travelers each year,” said Rep. Titus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus. “Unfortunately, excessive wait times for visas at high-volume consular posts around the world deter tourists from visiting the United States. With the Trump tariffs already causing a downturn in international tourism, we need to make it easier for tourists to come to the U.S., not harder.” 

“America should be the easiest choice for legitimate travelers who want to visit, spend, and experience everything our country has to offer,” said Rep. Salazar. “In South Florida, we know what international visitors mean for our restaurants, hotels, small businesses, and local economy. I’m proud to co-lead the VISITOR Act, which modernizes visa processing, reduces delays, and helps ensure timely interviews for qualified applicants, because a system that works better means more people choosing America and more opportunity here at home.”

“The 2026 World Cup demonstrated that when America invests in the travel experience, the benefits extend far beyond a single event. Congress should build on that momentum,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO, U.S. Travel. “The VISITOR Act will help reduce visa wait times, modernize processing and make it easier for legitimate international visitors to choose the United States. By reinvesting existing visa fees into the systems that support travel, this legislation will boost America’s competitiveness, grow our economy and strengthen our position as the world’s premier travel destination. We thank Representatives Titus and Salazar for their bipartisan leadership and urge Congress to advance this important legislation.”

The VISITOR Act is supported by the U.S. Travel Association.

Background

The Visa Improvement, Streamlined Investment, and Tourism Optimization Reform (VISITOR) Act will allow greater flexibility for the Consular Affairs Bureau at the U.S. State Department to use the money collected from passport and visa fees to address the massive backlog in processing tourist visas at various consular posts overseas.

In some nations, such as Canada, Colombia and India, wait times often are 6-12 months and can be as long as two years. 

With funds collected from passport and visa fees in the VISITOR Act, Consular Affairs will be able to make needed technological upgrades at posts, hire more personnel to conduct visa adjudications, and build out visa processing infrastructure at high-volume sites.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) and Boulder City officials held a news conference today to provide details about the upcoming Phase II Nevada Way Reconstruction Project to upgrade this key roadway in Boulder City, including safety improvements for vulnerable roadway users. 

The project is being made possible by an $850,000 federal grant secured by Congresswoman Titus.

“Nevada Way is a main thoroughfare through Boulder City, providing a gateway to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and other tourist destinations around Boulder City,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This project will contribute to Boulder City’s economic vitality while providing additional pedestrian safety measures for its residents.” 

“RTC is proud to partner with Boulder City and Congresswoman Titus to advance improvements that make Nevada Way safer and more welcoming for residents, businesses, and the customers they serve,” said Andrew Kjellman, RTC Deputy CEO. “We are grateful for Congresswoman Titus’ leadership and commitment to bringing resources back to Southern Nevada.”

The project will rehabilitate Nevada Way from Colorado Street to Park Street through the historic downtown area of Boulder City and reconstruct Colorado Street from Nevada Way to Utah Street, and Park Street from Nevada Way to Utah Street. The project will repave, restripe, and replace deteriorating asphalt on the roadway. The improvements include raised crosswalks with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons. The project also includes upgrades to ADA and pedestrian access, especially where sidewalks and ramps are currently limited.

The news conference was held at The Coffee Cup Café on Nevada Way and featured speakers were Andrew Kjellman, Deputy CEO, RTC, Boulder City Mayor Joe Hardy, Gary Poindexter, Public Works Director, Boulder City, and Congresswoman Titus. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus today released a letter she received from Governor Joe Lombardo responding to her request that the State halt state tax abatements for data center projects on federal land until the 2027 Nevada Legislature has had an opportunity to review the issue. 

“Unfortunately, the Governor did not address my question of whether he would halt tax abatements for data center projects on federal land until the Nevada Legislature can consider the issue,” Congresswoman Titus said. “He doesn’t commit to halting abatements. Those abatements would set a precedent for future developments on public land. This is the first and more are planned across the West.” 

In her letter, Congresswoman Titus cited the proposed data center on federal land adjacent to Boulder City and concerns raised by residents when the project was first proposed on city land  about its effects on the region’s water supply and other environmental issues. The developers of the project then moved it to nearby Bureau of Land Management land where they previously had proposed a solar farm. 

The Congresswoman asked Governor Lombardo in her letter: “As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will you commit to refraining from approving data center tax rebates for projects on BLM land until the State Legislature reconvenes and has an opportunity to reconsider this issue, given the community concern around the Boulder City project and the precedent this would set for other public lands?”

Governor Lombardo stated in his response: “The Renewable Tax Abatement (RETA) is clearly defined under NRS 701A, and as the name would suggest, has applicability limited to renewable energy projects meeting certain statutory criteria. Since the RETA in question, which was approved in 2024 by the Governor’s Office of Energy, is for a solar generation and storage project on land leased from Boulder City it would not be transferable to a data center regardless of its location on federal land or land leased from Boulder City.” 

“The developers of the proposed data center could still apply for a tax abatement on federal land with a separate application under NRS 360.754 passed by the Legislature in 2015,” Congresswoman Titus noted. 

The data center developer received approval from the BLM to construct the data center based on an earlier environmental impact statement approved for the solar site. The BLM gave the data center the green light, even though the projects are clearly not the same. Boulder City and environmental groups are appealing that decision. 

Congresswoman Titus said in her letter to the Governor: “I am concerned that BLM approved Townsite Solar 2, LLC’s application to amend its ROW grant without community input or adequate environmental analysis. This is despite the fact that when the data center was proposed on an adjacent parcel owned by Boulder City, residents raised significant concerns about the potential impact of the project on our already dwindling water resources, extreme heat, and grid resilience, among other environmental concerns.”

Governor Lombardo responded: “As you are aware, processes at the state and local levels have a high degree of transparency and offer significant opportunities for public participation and feedback. We also understand that Townsite Solar II is making an effort to address concerns regarding water, power noise and heat. Additionally, the proponents have stated that the plans for the data center on land are leased from Boulder City are on hold, pending the results of a November ballot initiative regarding data center development in the city.”

Congresswoman Titus had asked the governor in her July 23 letter to answer the following questions: 

1. Have you or anyone in your Administration had conversations with Townsite Solar 2, LLC about their proposed project in Boulder City qualifying for the State data center tax abatement?
2. Since the ROW grant has been revised to allow the construction of a data center, is it your position that Townsite Solar, LLC is still eligible for the State renewable tax abatements that your Administration previously approved?
3. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will you commit to refraining from approving data center tax rebates for projects on BLM land until the State Legislature reconvenes and has an opportunity to reconsider this issue, given the community concern around the Boulder City project and the precedent this would set for other public lands?
    
4. Do you agree that the regulatory approval process for any proposed projects to build data centers on public lands will be transparent and subject to robust public input?

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SALINAS, CA — Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that Monterey County has received $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL) funding opportunity. This grant will be used to extend the Monterey County Health Department’s STRYVE Program for another year, which implements evidence-based approaches to prevent youth violence.

“One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring that our communities are secure and healthy places to live and raise a family,” said Rep. Lofgren. “I am very glad to see that Monterey County is receiving this federal funding that will be used to continue its youth violence prevention efforts. The data shows that we’re making progress, but there is still work to be done, and we need to continue creating an environment where young people feel safe.” 

“As a longtime partner of the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace (CASP), I’ve been deeply invested in violence prevention work in Salinas, and proud of our results that show we are successfully keeping our children safe,” said Wendy Root Askew, Chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful to have the strong support of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren who secured funds needed to continue this critical work.”

The PREVAYL program is administered by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Monterey County Health Department began its STRYVE (Striving to Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere) Program in 2011, making it one of only four public health departments in the country to receive this funding. Since the start of this program, Monterey County went from having the highest levels of youth violence in California to seeing declining juvenile arrests and violent assaults of youth aged 10-24. 

The funding will support youth violence prevention initiatives including:

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in schools, where students help identify environmental conditions that contribute to safety concerns and develop strategies to improve those spaces and student social cohesion
• That’s Not Cool, a social media and youth engagement campaign developed by Futures Without Violence to prevent teen dating violence and intimate partner violence
• Staff support for the continued development of a countywide violence prevention strategic plan, including coordination with community partners and alignment of state violence prevention efforts

Funded activities are currently focused primarily on the 93905 and 93906 ZIP codes in Salinas, which were identified as priority areas based on violence and health data.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

CALEXICO, Calif. — El congresista Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) recorrió hoy el Río Nuevo junto al Administrador Regional de la Región 9 de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA), Mike Martucci, y al Comisionado de la Sección de Estados Unidos de la Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas (USIBWC), Chad McIntosh, antes de unirse a socios federales, estatales y locales para una mesa redonda pública sobre la crisis ambiental y de salud pública que enfrenta el río.

Durante el recorrido, los funcionarios observaron de primera mano las condiciones que impulsan la crisis de salud pública y ambiental del Río Nuevo: un fuerte olor, agua con una coloración verde visible, y tramos con basura acumulada que generan un riesgo ambiental a lo largo de las riberas. Estas observaciones coinciden con los resultados preliminares del estudio binacional de calidad del agua de la USIBWC, que muestran niveles elevados de bacterias, nutrientes, elementos traza y químicos orgánicos en el río.

Después del recorrido, el congresista Ruiz continuó la conversación con la USIBWC, la EPA y socios locales, estatales y federales sobre la responsabilidad binacional de financiamiento para la infraestructura del Río Nuevo, un mayor control de los proyectos en curso, y el papel del río en la restauración del Mar de Salton. Los participantes señalaron la cooperación binacional en el Río Tijuana como un modelo del tipo de participación de alto nivel que se necesita en el Río Nuevo. Estas conversaciones continuaron durante la mesa redonda pública en la Cámara del Concejo Fernando “Nene” Torres de la Ciudad de Calexico, donde la USIBWC, la EPA y funcionarios locales brindaron actualizaciones sobre el estado de las mejoras del Río Nuevo a ambos lados de la frontera, la colaboración entre agencias y el estudio binacional de muestreo de agua.

“El recorrido y la presentación de la mesa redonda de hoy, con comentarios del público sobre el Río Nuevo, son una acción demostrable y una parte necesaria del proceso para limpiar el Río Nuevo. Estoy muy agradecido con el Comisionado de la USIBWC, Chad McIntosh, y el Administrador Regional de la EPA, Mike Martucci, por organizar este encuentro. Es vital que se considere la participación y las aportaciones de la comunidad local. Voy a seguir presionando para lograr acción e inversión federal que proteja la salud de la gente del Valle Imperial, y quiero que mis constituyentes sepan que no voy a dejar pasar esto hasta que se implemente una solución inmediata y a largo plazo,” dijo el congresista Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25).

“Agradecemos la participación y el apoyo del representante estadounidense Raul Ruiz, M.D., y de otras partes interesadas mientras continuamos trabajando juntos para abordar los desafíos binacionales del Río Nuevo”, declararon la USIBWC y la EPA en un comunicado conjunto emitido hoy.

A lo largo del día, las partes interesadas identificaron tres acciones prioritarias para guiar el esfuerzo del Río Nuevo de aquí en adelante. 

Primero, desarrollar un plan de acción claro y un cronograma entre la EPA y la USIBWC, incluyendo avances en una Minuta y un Memorando de Entendimiento binacional modernizado entre EE. UU. y México, plazos firmes para los proyectos de infraestructura en Mexicali, y la publicación del estudio binacional de calidad del agua. 

Segundo, identificar financiamiento federal y estatal recurrente para operación, mantenimiento y monitoreo, incluyendo oportunidades de la Proposición 4, y evaluar si las facultades del Programa Federal de Infraestructura de Agua Fronteriza deben ampliarse para atender aguas pluviales, basura y otros usos actualmente restringidos. 

Tercero, establecer un rol formal para el Condado de Imperial, la Ciudad de Calexico, funcionarios de salud pública, organizaciones ambientales y residentes en el proceso binacional, con reportes públicos periódicos que den seguimiento a los resultados de calidad del agua, avances de infraestructura, notificaciones de derrames y resultados de salud pública. 

Los participantes también obtuvieron el compromiso de que el Administrador de la EPA, Lee Zeldin, visite el Río Nuevo, y acordaron reunirse nuevamente en Washington, D.C. para formalizar los siguientes pasos.

Antecedentes: La crisis del Río Nuevo

El Río Nuevo nace aproximadamente 20 millas al sur de Mexicali, México, y recorre 65 millas a través del Condado de Imperial hasta el Mar de Salton, arrastrando aguas residuales crudas, desechos industriales, pesticidas y escurrimientos agrícolas a través de la frontera. Es considerado uno de los ríos más contaminados de Norteamérica, y los residentes cercanos al río han reportado durante mucho tiempo tasas elevadas de asma, cáncer y otras afecciones de salud.

La USIBWC y la EPA trabajan con México para monitorear la calidad del agua y abordar problemas de saneamiento bajo acuerdos binacionales como la Minuta 264, con la Oficina de Campo de Yuma de la USIBWC supervisando el monitoreo continuo. 

Las secciones estadounidense y mexicana de la USIBWC recolectan muestras de agua dos veces al mes, y un Comité Técnico Binacional, que incluye a la EPA, la USIBWC, la Ciudad de Calexico, el Condado de Imperial, la Junta Regional de Control de Calidad del Agua de California, agencias mexicanas y el Banco de Desarrollo de América del Norte, se reúne cada dos meses para revisar proyectos de infraestructura y datos de calidad del agua. 

Las prioridades actuales en Mexicali incluyen la rehabilitación y expansión de las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales Las Arenitas y Zaragoza; Estados Unidos y México han invertido aproximadamente $100 millones en el sistema de recolección de Mexicali desde 2007. 

Un protocolo de notificación formalizado en 2023 alerta a las agencias locales de ambos lados de la frontera sobre descargas de aguas residuales sin tratar. La USIBWC realizó un Estudio Binacional de Calidad del Agua de noviembre de 2024 a diciembre de 2025 con la CONAGUA de México; los resultados preliminares muestran niveles elevados de bacterias, nutrientes, elementos traza y químicos orgánicos, y se espera que un resumen del estudio completo se publique próximamente.

A través del Programa Federal de Infraestructura de Agua Fronteriza de la EPA, que exige que México aporte un financiamiento igualitario, Estados Unidos ha invertido aproximadamente $44 millones en siete proyectos de infraestructura en Mexicali desde 2007, con una contraparte de aproximadamente $65 millones por parte de México. Actualmente está en desarrollo una expansión de $50 millones de la Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales Las Arenitas, con el objetivo de proteger al Río Nuevo de derrames de aguas residuales sin tratar mediante el aumento de la capacidad de tratamiento de la planta.

Antecedentes: La lucha continua del congresista Ruiz por el Río Nuevo

La visita de hoy se suma a años de defensa constante por parte del congresista Ruiz para atraer recursos y urgencia federal al Río Nuevo:

• El congresista Ruiz ha presentado y copatrocinado en repetidas ocasiones legislación federal, incluida la Ley de Restauración y Protección de la Calidad del Agua Fronteriza (Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act), una iniciativa bipartidista y bicameral del Congreso para combatir la contaminación transfronteriza continua de aguas residuales, basura y químicos en las cuencas del Río Tijuana y el Río Nuevo a lo largo de la frontera entre EE. UU. y México.
• En abril de 2026, el congresista Ruiz cuestionó al Administrador de la EPA, Lee Zeldin, durante una audiencia del Subcomité de Medio Ambiente de Energía y Comercio de la Cámara sobre el presupuesto de la EPA para el año fiscal 2027, obteniendo el compromiso del Administrador de visitar el Río Nuevo, participar en el estudio binacional de calidad del agua y aplicar el mismo modelo de respuesta federal utilizado para la crisis del Río Tijuana al Río Nuevo.
• El congresista Ruiz ha impulsado un acuerdo binacional “Minuta” modernizado para reemplazar la Minuta 264, que no se ha actualizado desde 1980 a pesar del deterioro continuo del río, y ha criticado los recortes federales propuestos al Fondo Estatal Renovable para Agua Limpia que socavarían los esfuerzos de limpieza.
• El 11 de mayo de 2026, el congresista Ruiz convocó una mesa redonda federal en el Edificio Hector Mario Esquer en Calexico con líderes de la Región 9 de la EPA, agencias federales y estatales, y residentes del Condado de Imperial, quienes compartieron testimonios de primera mano sobre dificultades respiratorias, irritación ocular y cáncer relacionados con el río.
• El 10 de agosto de 2026, la oficina participó en una Mesa Redonda del Río Nuevo organizada por las oficinas del senador estadounidense Alex Padilla y el senador estatal de California Steve Padilla en el Ayuntamiento de Calexico, junto con la Ciudad de Calexico, el Comité Cívico del Valle, el Distrito de Riego Imperial y el Condado de Imperial, para discutir los impactos ambientales y de salud pública del río, los desafíos transfronterizos de calidad del agua, y oportunidades de continuar la colaboración binacional y federal.
• Los votantes de California aprobaron $50 millones para la limpieza de ríos fronterizos a través de la Proposición 4 en noviembre de 2024; la Junta Estatal de Aguas finalizó las reglas para distribuir esos fondos el 22 de abril de 2026.
• El congresista Ruiz continúa apoyando el Proyecto de Restauración/Rehabilitación de la Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales de Calexico del año fiscal 2027 y otras prioridades de infraestructura local como parte de un esfuerzo más amplio por la inversión binacional en el Río Nuevo.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

CALEXICO, Calif. — Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) today toured the New River alongside U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Regional Administrator Mike Martucci and U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Commissioner Chad McIntosh, before joining federal, state, and local partners for a public roundtable on the river’s ongoing environmental and public health crisis.

During the tour, officials observed firsthand the conditions driving the New River’s public health and environmental crisis: a strong odor, water discolored a visible green and stretches of accumulated trash creating an environmental hazard along the riverbanks. The observations align with preliminary results from USIBWC’s binational water quality study, which show elevated bacteria, nutrients, trace elements, and organic chemicals in the river.

Following the tour, Congressman Ruiz continued the conversation with USIBWC, EPA, and local, state, and federal partners on binational funding responsibility for New River infrastructure, stronger oversight of ongoing projects, and the river’s role in restoring the Salton Sea. 

Participants pointed to binational cooperation on the Tijuana River as a model for the kind of high-level engagement needed on the New River. These discussions carried into the public roundtable at the City of Calexico’s Fernando “Nene” Torres Council Chambers, where USIBWC, EPA, and local officials provided updates on the status of New River improvements on both sides of the border, agency collaboration, and the binational water sampling study.

“Today’s tour and roundtable presentation with public comment about the New River is a demonstrable action and necessary part of the process to clean the New River. I am very thankful to USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh and EPA Regional Administrator Mike Martucci for hosting this gathering. It is vital that local participation and input be considered. I’m going to keep pushing for federal action and investments to protect the health of people in the Imperial Valley, and I want my constituents to know I’m not letting this go until an immediate and long-term solution is implemented,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25).

“We appreciate the involvement and support of U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., and other stakeholders as we continue to work together to address the New River’s binational challenges,” USIBWC and EPA said in a joint statement released today.

During the meeting, stakeholders identified three priority action items to guide the New River effort going forward. 

First, developing a clear EPA-USIBWC action plan and timeline, including progress on a modernized U.S.-Mexico Minute and Memorandum of Understanding, firm deadlines for Mexicali infrastructure projects, and public release of the binational water quality study. 

Second, identifying recurring federal and state funding for operations, maintenance, and monitoring, including Proposition 4 opportunities, and evaluating whether the federal Border Water Infrastructure Program should be expanded to address stormwater, trash, and other currently restricted needs. 

Third, establishing a formal role for Imperial County, the City of Calexico, public health officials, environmental organizations, and residents in the binational process, with regular public reporting on water quality results, infrastructure milestones, spill notifications, and public health outcomes. 

Participants also secured a commitment for EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to visit the New River and agreed to reconvene in Washington, D.C. to formalize next steps.

Background: The New River Crisis

The New River originates roughly 20 miles south of Mexicali, Mexico and flows 65 miles through Imperial County into the Salton Sea, carrying raw sewage, industrial waste, pesticides, and agricultural runoff across the border. It is widely regarded as one of the most polluted rivers in North America, and residents near the river have long reported elevated rates of asthma, cancer, and other health conditions.

USIBWC and EPA work with Mexico to monitor water quality and address sanitation issues under binational agreements including Minute 264, with the USIBWC Yuma Field Office overseeing ongoing monitoring. The U.S. and Mexican Sections of IBWC collect water samples twice monthly, and a Binational Technical Committee, including EPA, USIBWC, the City of Calexico, Imperial County, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Mexican agencies, and the North American Development Bank, meets every other month to review infrastructure projects and water quality data. 

Current priorities in Mexicali include rehabilitating and expanding the Las Arenitas and Zaragoza wastewater treatment plants; roughly $100 million has been invested by the U.S. and Mexico in Mexicali’s collection system since 2007. A notification protocol formalized in 2023 alerts local agencies on both sides of the border to untreated wastewater spills. USIBWC conducted a Binational Water Quality Study from November 2024 to December 2025 with Mexico’s CONAGUA; preliminary results show elevated bacteria, nutrients, trace elements, and organic chemicals, and a summary of the full study is expected to be released soon.

Through EPA’s Border Water Infrastructure Program, which requires a full funding match from Mexico, the U.S. has invested roughly $44 million across seven Mexicali infrastructure projects since 2007, matched by approximately $65 million from Mexico. A $50 million expansion of the Las Arenitas Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently in development, intended to protect the New River from raw sewage spills by increasing the plant’s treatment capacity.

Background: Congressman Ruiz’s Continued Fight for the New River

Today’s visit builds on years of sustained advocacy by Congressman Ruiz to bring federal resources and urgency to the New River:

• Congressman Ruiz has repeatedly introduced and co-sponsored federal legislation, including the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act, a bipartisan and bicameral congressional initiative to combat severe, ongoing transboundary sewage, trash, and chemical pollution within the Tijuana River and New River watersheds along the U.S.–Mexico border.
• In April 2026, Congressman Ruiz pressed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearing on the FY2027 EPA budget, securing a commitment from the Administrator to visit the New River, engage with the binational water quality study, and apply the same federal response model used for the Tijuana River crisis to the New River.
• Congressman Ruiz has pushed for a modernized binational “Minute” agreement to replace Minute 264, which has not been updated since 1980 despite the river’s continued decline, and has criticized proposed federal cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund that would undercut cleanup efforts.
• On May 11, 2026, Congressman Ruiz convened a federal roundtable at the Hector Mario Esquer Building in Calexico with EPA Region 9 leadership, federal and state agencies, and Imperial County residents, who shared firsthand accounts of breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and cancer linked to the river.
• On August 10, 2026, the office joined a New River Roundtable hosted by the offices of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and California State Senator Steve Padilla at Calexico City Hall, alongside the City of Calexico, Comité Cívico del Valle, Imperial Irrigation District, and Imperial County, to discuss the river’s environmental and public health impacts, cross-border water quality challenges, and opportunities for continued binational and federal collaboration.
• California voters approved $50 million for border river cleanup through Proposition 4 in November 2024; the State Water Board finalized the rules for distributing that funding on April 22, 2026.
• Congressman Ruiz continues to support the FY27 Calexico Wastewater Treatment Plant Restoration/Rehabilitation Project and other local infrastructure priorities as part of a broader push for binational investment in the New River.

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL — During a meeting at the Vatican last week, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a lifelong Cubs fan, presented Pope Leo XIV with a custom Chicago Cubs jersey, prompting a lighthearted discussion of the recent performance of the Cubs and the Pope’s beloved White Sox. The jersey reads “Da Pope” and bears the number 267, marking Leo’s place as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

“When I presented Pope Leo the jersey, he immediately reminded me that the White Sox had lost the night before, on Pope Leo Day at Rate Field,” Krishnamoorthi said. “We shared a laugh, and I asked him to spread some of that love to the Cubs and give us a little blessing to help our chances at an all-Chicago World Series. It was wonderful to see that even from the Vatican, the Pope still follows the Sox religiously.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

HUNTSVILLE, AL — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) joined fellow members of Alabama’s congressional delegation and Auburn University leaders Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the Auburn University Applied Research Institute Lab in Huntsville, highlighting the university’s growing role in strengthening America’s national defense and advancing cutting-edge technology.

Aderholt was joined at the August 18 event by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, Congressman Mike Rogers, Congressman Dale Strong, and his wife, Caroline Aderholt, who serves on the Auburn University Board of Trustees.

“This new facility represents the forward-thinking collaboration that keeps Alabama as a cornerstone of America’s defense industry,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Auburn continues to demonstrate how academic excellence, innovative research, and a commitment to service can come together to address the real-world needs of our warfighters and strengthen our national security.”

Aderholt has championed Auburn University’s work on the Pathfinder Multi-domain Operations program through directed appropriations. The program connects Auburn students and researchers with the needs of American soldiers, helping develop solutions to immediate battlefield challenges while providing students with hands-on experience supporting the nation’s armed forces.

“The Pathfinder Program has proven invaluable to our warfighters while creating a unique opportunity for Auburn students to put their talents to work in service to our country,” Aderholt said. “It is exactly the kind of partnership we should be encouraging—one that strengthens our national security while preparing the next generation of American innovators.”

The new Auburn University Applied Research Institute facility builds upon Alabama’s longstanding leadership in defense, aerospace, engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced technology. Located in Huntsville, the institute further connects Auburn’s research capabilities with the defense and technology community that has made North Alabama one of the nation’s most important centers for national security innovation.

“Auburn University is one of the proud pillars of innovation in our state, and this new facility is another example of Alabama leading the way,” Aderholt said. “From advanced engineering and cybersecurity to defense research, Auburn is turning world-class academic expertise into practical results. I am proud to support that work and look forward to seeing what will be accomplished here in the years ahead.”

The Auburn University Applied Research Institute represents a continued investment in defense research and advanced technology development, further strengthening Alabama’s contribution to the nation’s defense industrial base.

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