MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

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

Today, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, announced that his guest to Tuesday’s Presidential State of the Union address will be Marcus Stone. As a leading advocate for community health centers (CHCs), Mr. Stone is the CEO of Connect Health + Wellness, which serves Virginia communities in Henry and Patrick Counties as well as Martinsville City.

“It is my great pleasure to have Marcus Stone as my guest for this year’s State of the Union address,” said Griffith. “Mr. Stone is a steadfast believer in improving rural patient access to health care. As the representative of a Congressional district with 61 CHCs, I hope to highlight the importance of CHCs and our work together to strengthen rural health care.”

“It is an honor to represent Connect Health + Wellness and the patients we serve in rural Virginia at this year’s State of the Union,” said Stone. “As one of Virginia’s Community Health Centers, we are proud to be part of a statewide network committed to ensuring every family—regardless of income, background, or geography—has access to high‑quality, affordable primary care. Connect Health + Wellness is on the front lines of rural healthcare, serving as a lifeline for families across Henry County, Patrick County, and the City of Martinsville. As the CEO of Connect Health + Wellness, I am grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside Congressman Griffith to underscore how critical sustained federal support for Community Health Centers is to ensuring families can continue receiving comprehensive, affordable primary and dental care close to home.” 

BACKGROUND

Connect Health + Wellness operates multiple CHCs to serve rural patients. They have locations in Bassett, Virginia, and Ridgeway, Virginia, in Henry County, as well as in Patrick Springs, Virginia, in Patrick County.

Further, Connect Health + Wellness runs a separate dental clinic in Martinsville, Virginia.

In the summer of 2025, Congressman Griffith toured the Martinsville, Virginia, dental facility.

In a recent e-newsletter, Congressman Griffith detailed health extenders passed by Congress that include funding for CHCs.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in continuing to push Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to address the serious concerns raised by local Merrimack officials regarding ICE’s effort to build a new detention facility in the town. 

The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation wrote to Secretary Noem transmitting a letter from New Hampshire State Representative Bill Boyd outlining his opposition and concerns regarding ICE’s proposed Merrimack facility. Despite widespread public concern in Merrimack about the project, local Merrimack officials say they have still not been contacted by DHS or ICE about the project. 

“The accompanying letter details the potential negative impact this facility may have on the community’s economic development, as well as the potential strain such a facility would place upon the local economy, infrastructure, and public safety,” wrote New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation in their push on Kristi Noem to respond. “We share the local concerns expressed about the project, and these concerns must be addressed.”  

“We…request that you expeditiously engage with local leadership, including law enforcement and emergency services, regarding the proposed plan. We look forward to your prompt outreach to local officials, law enforcement, and emergency services,” concluded the Congressional Delegation.  

In January, Pappas led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in demanding that Secretary Noem swiftly acknowledge and address concerns raised by the Merrimack Town Council about reports that ICE plans to establish a new processing center in the town. In a letter earlier this month, Pappas also urged Appropriations Committee leaders to include language in any DHS funding to protect states’ and localities’ ability to make decisions about what is best for their communities.

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

Florence, Ala. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that his office, in partnership with the New Orleans Passport Agency, will host a Passport Fair on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the University of North Alabama Guillot University Center in Florence.

The Passport Fair will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to residents of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District by appointment only.

“This Passport Fair is an opportunity to make the passport application or renewal process more convenient for North Alabama families,” said Rep. Aderholt. “Whether you are planning a mission trip, family vacation, study abroad program, or business travel, my office is pleased to help connect constituents directly with passport officials to ensure they are prepared for international travel.”

“I am especially grateful to the dedicated staff of the New Orleans Passport Agency and to Secretary of State Marco Rubio for working with our office to make this event possible. Their partnership helps us better serve the people of Alabama’s Fourth District.”

The event will be held at:
University of North Alabama
Guillot University Center
131 Shelby Way
Florence, Alabama

Appointments are required and may be scheduled online at:
https://forms.office.com/g/DWhQiheGBT

Applicants must bring the following items:

• Unsigned Passport Application (available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
• Passport photo (2×2 inches, U.S. standard size; photos can typically be taken at most chain drug stores or photo centers)
• Government-issued ID or driver’s license
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship)
• For renewals: previous passport
• Payment (Credit or Debit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay accepted)

For additional information, constituents may contact Pam Abernathy at (256) 546-0201.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Last week, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) traveled across San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties as part of his “Central Coast Affordability Tour” to hear directly from students, small business owners, families, and more on how the cost-of-living crisis is personally impacting them. 

Download photos here.

“Last week, I visited colleges, small businesses, childcare providers, and more throughout the Central Coast,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I heard firsthand that the economy is simply not working for everyone. With the rising cost of housing, groceries, health insurance, and other necessities, families are in a crisis right now. The Trump administration has done nothing to fix this. In fact, their policies have made the affordability crisis worse. The tariffs are one of the broadest tax increases on families and businesses in American history. The ‘Big Ugly Bill’ will cause millions of people to lose their health insurance or see higher premiums. That’s why I worked with my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition to release an Affordability Agenda — a commonsense plan to help make life more affordable for the Central Coast by focusing on lowering five core costs that are too high for hardworking people: health care, housing, energy, family care, and household essentials like groceries. I’ll keep working to stand up for the Central Coast and keep fighting to lower costs.”

In San Luis Obispo county, Carbajal stopped by:

• City Farm SLO to hear how federal SNAP cuts and tariffs are hurting small farmers, increasing food insecurity, and tripling farming equipment costs.
• Cuesta College to discuss the impact of the cost-of-living crisis with students. The Congressman heard directly from Cuesta students regarding how the increased cost of living is impacting them and their ability to plan for the future.
• SLO Noor Foundation for a discussion on the “Big Ugly Bill” and its role in raising health insurance costs. 

In Ventura county, Carbajal stopped by:

• Ventura College to meet with students and staff to hear how the cost of living crisis is impacting college students.
• Spice-Topia, a small business in downtown Ventura, to speak with their owner about the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on their operations. Spice-Topia specializes in organic and Fair Trade–certified spices, teas, coffees, salts, and sugars, as well as kitchen tools. 

In Santa Barbara county, Carbajal stopped by:

• CommUnify’s Storyteller Children’s Center to meet with caregivers and discuss the ongoing child care crisis.
• Los Agaves Restaurant to speak with the owners about how tariffs and other policy changes are impacting their business.

Recent federal policy changes have worsened the cost-of-living crisis in America: Trump’s tariff taxes are crushing American consumers, costing the average family an extra $1,600 in 2025. Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill” ripped healthcare coverage from 15 million Americans and doubled or tripled monthly insurance bills for 22 million more – all to cut taxes for the richest Americans. 

As Vice Chair for Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition, Carbajal co-led the creation of the Affordability Agenda to offer a better path forward to lowering everyday costs in the short- and long-term by rolling back harmful policies pushed by Republicans in Washington, promoting competition and supporting small businesses to boost consumer choice, and breaking down regulatory barriers across the government to meet the needs of everyday Americans.

Affordability Agenda Summary:

Groceries & Household Essentials

• Restore certainty by rolling back Trump’s tariffs and advancing smarter, durable trade policies.
• Support small producers and crack down on price-gouging corporations to increase competition in the food marketplace.
• Lower internet bills by restarting the Affordable Connectivity Program.
• Increase the minimum wage and ensure workers have a seat at the table.

Health Care

• Reduce monthly costs by extending ACA tax credits and expanding access to prescription price caps.
• Protect patients from surprise medical bills and aggressive debt collection.
• Expand access to care by fully funding Medicaid and strengthening Medicare’s guaranteed benefits.
• Increase competition and transparency while cracking down on fraud and abuse.

Housing

• Cut red tape and update permitting and zoning to build four million homes in the next decade.
• Level the playing field by eliminating unfair tax breaks to private equity and large investors.
• Utilize innovative construction technologies to accelerate home production.
• Build more affordable homes by increasing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations and community benefits.

Energy

• Reform permitting rules to make it faster and cheaper to build energy transmission and generation infrastructure.
• Ensure energy is available and abundant by establishing a level playing field for all forms of energy.
• Reallocate electric grid costs to protect consumers from price hikes due to manufacturing and data center development.
• Invest in energy efficiency and home heating & cooling to lower residential energy costs.

Families

• Create a national paid family and medical leave program that covers all Americans.
• Support working families with expanded access to tax cuts and universal pre-K.
• Leverage federal resources and foster public-private partnerships to enhance care options and paid leave access.
• Invest in the home health and long-term care workforce to care for aging Americans.

You can read the full Affordability Agenda here.

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

The new rule announced by DHS is one of the cruelest changes to our immigration policies that I’ve seen during my time in Congress. It will have devastating consequences for thousands of Mainers and millions of people across the country. This isn’t about ‘restoring integrity’ to our asylum system. It’s about punishing asylum seekers, making it impossible to build lives and families here, and creating the conditions to detain and deport as many people as possible.

The overwhelming majority of asylum seekers living in the U.S. have fled truly horrific conditions in their home countries, including targeted violence, persecution, and political oppression. To suggest that they are frauds, or somehow gaming the system, is both grossly inaccurate and deeply insulting. These are human beings. They’re our neighbors and coworkers. They show up to work, send their kids to school, volunteer in their communities, and contribute to our economy every single day. Treating people as disposable political targets denies their humanity—and diminishes us all.

If DHS was serious about reducing backlogs, it would use a fraction of the hundreds of billions of dollars currently at its disposal to invest in more asylum officers. Instead, they’re using a bureaucratic logjam as an excuse to target millions of people for eventual deportation—all to meet some made-up quota from Stephen Miller. 

This rule change will make our immigration system less humane, more dysfunctional, and further undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection. It won’t make us safer, it won’t make us stronger, and it sure as hell won’t do anything to reverse the profound economic damage that this Administration is doing to our economy. This is about one thing: making our country whiter. Because people like Donald Trump and Stephen Miller believe that’s what will ‘Make America Great Again.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, announced that several of the nation’s leading pro-growth and small business organizations have endorsed their legislation to quadruple the amount of start-up costs small business owners can deduct in their first year of operations.

They also announced support from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), member of the Senate Finance Committee, who intends to lead the Senate companion legislation.

The American Innovation Act (H.R. 1778) would increase the deduction allowance from $5,000 to $20,000 and raise the phase-out threshold from $50,000 to $120,000. The bill also allows partnerships and S corporations to be eligible for the deduction.

“The American Innovation Act allows for investments in research and development to help small businesses grow and allow entrepreneurs to take that next step in their American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly. “This pro-growth tax policy will kickstart Main Street businesses, and it make it easier for these businesses to create jobs, support families and grow our local economies.”

“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American Dream,” said Rep. Buchanan. “During National Entrepreneurship Week, we should be focused on removing barriers for the job creators who drive the American economy. My American Innovation Act cuts taxes on start-up costs so small businesses can reinvest in their companies, hire workers and strengthen their local communities.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy,” said Blackburn. “The American Innovation Act would promote new business innovation by expanding tax incentives and putting more money back in the pockets of Tennesseans who are working to get their startups off the ground.”

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Ron Estes (R-Kan.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), Max Miller (R-Ohio), Blake Moore (R-Utah), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.).

According to the Small Business Administration, from 1994-2021, over 50 percent of new small businesses established during that period failed within five years. A U.S. Census Bureau report also found that 46 percent of businesses began with less than $25,000, underscoring the need to support small businesses with increased access to capital at the early stages of business creation.

The American Innovation Act has been endorsed by the S Corporation Association, the National Electrical Contractors Association, the National Association of Wholesalers, the National Venture Capital Association, the Angel Capital Association, National Taxpayers Union, the Center for a Free Economy and Americans for Prosperity.

“Nearly all job creation in the US comes from start-ups. Without them, millions of Americans would struggle to find work. The American Innovation Act encourages entrepreneurship and job creation by reducing the costs of starting a business. It’s an essential part of our economy, and the S Corporation Association supports it,” said Brian Reardon, President, S Corporation Association.

“NECA thanks Representative Buchanan for his commitment to the small business community and urges the swift passage of H.R. 1778. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this measure and fully unlock America’s infrastructure and energy potential,” said Marco A. Giamberardino, MPA, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Small businesses incur significant startup costs in their first year of operations, yet they can deduct only a small fraction of these costs from their taxable income. The American Innovation Act helps address this issue by increasing the deductible amount to $20,000, raising the phase-out threshold of the deduction to $120,000, and making partnerships and S corporations eligible to claim the deduction. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Mike Kelly should be applauded for leading this pro–small business legislation, which should be supported and co-sponsored by all members of the House of Representatives,” said Alex Hendrie, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

“Representative Buchanan’s American Innovation Act would strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by modernizing and expanding the startup cost deduction, giving founders greater flexibility to invest in their teams, operations, and local communities from day one. Venture capital is committed to backing founders who turn innovative ideas into high-growth companies, and NVCA is proud to support legislation that expands access to capital and reduces early-stage barriers so more founders can build and scale next generation companies in every corner of the country,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO, National Venture Capital Association.

“The Angel Capital Association is the leading professional association representing over 14,000 accredited individual investors, angel groups, funds and family offices providing critical early stage capital to entrepreneurs. ACA commends Congressman Buchanan and Congressman Kelly for their reintroduction of the American Innovation Act. Expanding the ability for early stage small businesses to deduct their start-up costs will provide entrepreneurs with a much needed capital boost. The American Innovation Act provides help for start-up companies at their most critical early stage time. As Congress continues to look for ways to support fast-growing USA based innovative companies, this legislation is an important part of the equation,” said Pat Gouhin, CEO, Angel Capital Association. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of Main Street America, and smart, pro-growth tax policy remains one of the most effective ways to help them succeed. The American Innovation Act builds on the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act by providing additional, targeted tax relief to entrepreneurs and job creators as they launch and expand their businesses. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Mike Kelly should be applauded for leading this pro–small business legislation, which should be supported and co-sponsored by all members of the House of Representatives,” said Thomas Aiello, Senior Director of Government Affairs, National Taxpayers Union.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman to bring New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Dr. Helen Arteaga to stand against President’s attacks on health care and their impacts on New York

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – With the 2026 tax filing season now underway, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she has arranged for free tax preparation and filing services at her Forest Hills district office. 

The Congresswoman, in collaboration with Urban Upbound and New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman, will provide free, high-quality tax preparation services every Tuesday through April 14. Appointments are available in one-hour increments and will be conducted by Urban Upbound’s certified tax preparers. Constituents can schedule an in-person appointment at uutaxbooking.org or by calling (718) 784-0877. 

Rep. Meng’s Forest Hills district office is located at 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 900, Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375. Tax preparation services at this location are available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Indonesian and Tagalog. The Congresswoman’s office can also arrange for tax preparation in other languages at nearby sites. 

This collaboration is made possible by Urban Upbound’s participation in the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) NYC Free Tax Prep Program, which ensures that eligible New Yorkers can have their taxes expertly prepared and filed, for free. Urban Upbound has partnered with DCWP for 20 years to help working families take advantage of tax credits, avoid junk fees and predatory filing services, and ultimately, maximize their tax refund. 

“I’m excited to provide these important services and I encourage constituents in need of assistance to take advantage of this no-cost tax preparation and filing service,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “I look forward to this valuable resource benefiting many throughout my congressional district and helping families keep as much money as possible in their pockets. Thank you to DCWP and Urban Upbound for making these services available to my constituents.”

“For too many families, tax season can feel overwhelming and expensive—but it doesn’t have to be,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Meng and Urban Upbound to bring free, IRS-certified tax preparation services directly to our district. This initiative helps working families claim the credits and refunds they’ve earned, avoid predatory fees, and keep more of their hard-earned money where it belongs—in their own pockets.” 

“For 20 years, Urban Upbound has partnered with DCWP to ensure working families can have their taxes filed by IRS-certified preparers, completely free of charge,” said Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Urban Upbound. “By opening their district office to us, Congresswoman Meng and Council Member Schulman have made it easier for central Queens residents to access this cost-saving service. We are grateful for their collaboration.” 

In the most recent tax season, Urban Upbound prepared and filed more than 21,000 tax returns for New Yorkers–returning over 28 million dollars in refunds and achieving a 98.2 percent accuracy rate– making it the #1 free tax preparation provider in New York State and #3 in the country. 

Urban Upbound can prepare and file taxes for households generally earning $97,000 or less annually. The deadline to file federal and New York State tax returns for tax year 2025, and to submit any tax payments that are due, is April 15, 2026. 

Urban Upbound is a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping New Yorkers achieve economic prosperity and self-sufficiency. The organization operates a large-scale free tax preparation program from over 50 locations across NYC and online via its virtual platform: uutax.org.