Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)
For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland
May 6, 2026 202-808-6129
PRESS RELEASE
CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR RONALD RUSSELL
U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ronald E. Russell:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share my deepest condolences on the passing of former Senate President Ronald E. Russell Esq., a man whose life was a testament to the profound impact one person can have on an entire community.
“Ronald Russell was, in every sense, a son of these islands. Raised by his beloved grandmother, the legendary educator Eulalie Rivera, he carried her commitment to education and community throughout his life. His public service was deeply shaped by his roots in Frederiksted, his education as an attorney, as an athlete representing his home, and a belief in service to Virgin Islanders at every level of government. From his work as legal counsel to the Board of Education, the Public Services Commission, the Coastal Zone Management, and the Judicial Ethics Commission, to his distinguished tenure in the Legislature, culminating in his service as Senate President of the 29th Legislature, Senator Russell gave the best of himself to his people.
“As Delegate to Congress, I was proud to work alongside him as he demonstrated his intellectual rigor and deep humanity. His passing leaves a void in our public life.
“To his wife, Royette, his children, his family, his colleagues at the V.I. Bar, and the community of Frederiksted that shaped him and that he served so faithfully, please know that you are in my and Jonathan’s prayers. May God grant you comfort and peace, and may Senator Russell’s legacy continue to inspire the next generation of Virgin Islanders called to serve. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) announced that they secured $1,850,000 in federal community project funding for the reconstruction of Brooklyn’s Broadway Corridor.
Leader Jeffries and Rep. Velázquez were joined by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Sandy Nurse (CD-37), NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn, Community Board 4 District Manager Celeste León and others.
“Taxpayer dollars should be spent right here, on the ground in the community, to make your life better, and Congresswoman Velázquez and I are bringing home almost $2 million. This really is an all-hands-on-deck effort to make sure we’re bringing resources back to the community to improve the lives of the people that all of us are privileged to represent and fight hard for each and every day,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “The Broadway Corridor is the heart and soul of this community, and we want to make sure that we treat this area with the dignity and respect that it deserves.”
“Broadway is a lifeline for the small businesses, families and commuters who rely on it every day. Securing $1.85 million to help rebuild this corridor means safer crosswalks for our kids, better sidewalks for our seniors and a roadway that finally meets the needs of the community. I’m proud to partner with Leader Jeffries to bring these federal dollars to Brooklyn,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).
“NYC DOT has worked to upgrade safety at intersections along Broadway over the years, but we know the corridor poses safety and infrastructure challenges that requires a full roadway rehabilitation. This federal funding from Leader Jeffries and Congressmember Velazquez is an important step to develop this project—and we thank all the elected officials and the community for their support,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn.
“This investment from Leader Jeffries and Representative Velázquez represents a true collaboration from the federal and city government to make a meaningful difference in this neglected corridor of Broadway. From Williamsburg to East New York, locals have long demanded action to make Broadway safe for pedestrians and drivers alike. With this investment from our Congressional leaders alongside my joint investment with Council Member Sandy Nurse, the ball is now in DOT’s court. The time has come to finally fix Broadway,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
“This corridor is a lifeline. We use it every single day. There are tons of small businesses on this corridor, immigrant-owned businesses, women-owned businesses. We want to see this corridor invested in so that people can feel safe, that we can have pedestrian safety, vehicle safety and that it looks like a world-class city that we are already in,” saidCouncil Member Sandy Nurse (CD-37). “This is just seed money on a very, very expensive project, but a project that is long, long overdue. I’m really, really grateful that it’s coming to fruition, and I’m looking forward to moving the project forward.”
“Bushwick has seen so much change. Yet there are parts that are still frozen in time, and Broadway is an example of that. And we don’t take it for granted, the partnership that we have with our local elected officials. That’s something that’s special,” said Celeste León, District Manager for Community Board 4. “We hear from the residents in the community. We hear about the seniors that have an accident and fall. We hear about the parents that have children say, ‘why does our neighborhood look like this?’ when they see neighborhoods that have a different environment, a different quality of life. And we are put in that position where we have to respond to those questions. And so, we thank our leaders for hearing us and for listening and for advocating.”
The federal funding for the New York City Department of Transportation will be used to remove the deteriorated concrete on Broadway between Flushing Avenue and Eastern Parkway and install an asphalt roadway that can be more easily maintained. It will also include safety improvements, including curb extensions, sidewalk repair and raised crosswalks at select locations.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California
May 06, 2026
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02), alongside other Bay Area lawmakers, urged the Trump administration to release millions of dollars of Congressionally approved funds for San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex), which have been subject to bureaucratic delay at the U.S. Department of Interior.
The San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an important part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and in December 2022 and January 2023 experienced severe winter storm damage to its berms, levees, and pump stations that are critical to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s ability to protect Bay Area communities from flooding and manage and restore natural habitats.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern that the Complex has yet to receive the full $70 million allocated to them as a part of the 2025 American Relief Act, funding that is crucial to addressing winter storm damage and preventing future flooding in Northern California.
“We understand that most of these funds have not been released to the Refuge Complex. Further, we understand that the Department of the Interior is requiring any expense action over $50,000 to be approved by various Assistant Secretaries within the Department. This bureaucratic delay is unnecessary and inefficient, especially for dollars that were appropriated by Congress for major disasters three years ago,” the lawmakers wrote.
“We urgently request that you release these funds Congress has appropriated to the Complex to address storm damage and emergency repairs, protect adjacent communities and highways from flooding, and protect important Silicon Valley communities,” the lawmakers continued.
In addition to Huffman, this letter is also signed by Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif. And Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), and Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District
VALLEJO, CA – Today, Congressman Garamendi honored three students from the 8th Congressional District whom he nominated and have been accepted into one of the nation’s military service academies including the Army’s West Point, the Merchant Mariner Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy.
“Every year, I have the privilege of nominating such a highly qualified cohort of high school students from the district to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I had the chance to meet with each of these students, and I’m pleased to announce that our country’s future is in good hands with these bright and capable future service members.”
Below are the names of the students nominated by Congressman Garamendi:
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District
VALLEJO, CA—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) announced the winners of this year’s Congressional High School Art Competition at a ceremony in Vallejo.
The grand prize winner was Heidy Iraheta for her piece, “Different”. Heidy’s work will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year in a gallery featuring winners from congressional districts across the country.
“Every year, I am impressed by the exceptional talent demonstrated by young artists throughout the region in the Congressional High School Art Competition. This year was no exception. I extend my sincere congratulations to Heidy for her outstanding work, Different. I look forward to displaying her piece in the halls of Congress, where it will be seen by visitors from across the nation,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I thank every artist who participated in this year’s competition. Our community is enriched by your creativity and vision, and I am grateful to represent such a talented district.”
Started in 1982, the nationwide Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives and is an opportunity to recognize and encourage student artistic talent across the country. The pieces were judged by a panel of independent judges who performed the tough task of narrowing down the winners. Teachers, parents, and mentors worked behind the scenes to offer encouragement, advice, and inspiration.
Grand Prize Winner:
Heidy Iraheta, Richmond High School, “Different”
Second Place Winner:
Lucida Chen, Wang Qi Art Institute, “Dawn”
Third Place Winner:
Amara Jordan Redford, Benicia High School, “Figments”
People’s Choice Award:
Ariel He-Wang, Angelo Rodriguez High School, “The Distance in Memory”
The full list of student submissions is listed below:
Vallejo
Vallejo High School
Blanca Rodriguez, “The Path of Growth” & “The Winds of Roots”
Camia Gatlin, “Identity and Emotion”
Harnold Santiago Fuentes Bustos, “The Door to the Future” & “The Path of Growth”
Kashmere Holmes, “Deer” & “At the Pond”
—
Jesse Bethel High School
Geraldine Hope Sanchez, “Unto You”
Janell Lewis, “City Streets”
Marco Abude, “Applepede”
Nathaniel Alcantara, “Ladder of Opportunity”
Ray-Juanito Ruiz, “Big Eye with a Heart in It”
Roberto Gunjardo, “Swingside View”
Sabrina Bettencourt, “Test of Time”
Saniah Pope, “Sea of Night Sunset”
Steven Rojas Ramirez, “Zoey”
Tatara Arbab, “Hope at the Face of Disaster”
Trace Wilson, “Maintaining Peace Mountain”
Ximena Contreras, “Silent Truth”
—
Pinole Valley High School
Daveri Meremeyer, “Nostalgia Street”
Davi Joseph Santiago, “The Eyes of Mother and Child”
Vincent Balestreri Davis, “On the Run”
—
Richmond High School
Isabel Ruiz, “The Hope After Grief”
Jody Villenas, “Youth”
Benicia
Benicia High School
Albany
Albany High School
Iris Yu, “The Impermanence of Growing,” “Out of Batteries” & “Yellow on the Outside, White on the Inside”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
ALBANY, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement after the passing of humanitarian and entrepreneur, Ted Turner:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ted Turner. His vision transformed the landscape of American media—creating outlets that changed how we receive news, how we watch sports, and how the world sees itself. As an entrepreneur and innovator, he displayed a rare combination of bold risk-taking and relentless determination that pushed an entire industry forward.
“Beyond his business accomplishments, Ted Turner was a committed philanthropist whose generosity extended far beyond monetary gifts. His investments in conservation, education, and public discourse reflected a belief that those who prosper must also give back. That spirit of service and stewardship is a legacy that will continue to benefit communities here at home and around the globe.
“Vivian and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the many people whose lives were touched by his work. In moments like this we remember not only the accomplishments but the human being behind them—the curiosity, the drive, and the capacity to imagine a different future. May his family find comfort and strength in the memories they share, and may his contributions inspire future generations to lead with both ambition and compassion.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today joined the Mount Prospect Fire Department, local leaders, and first responders at Fire Station 11 to commemorate $850,000 in federal funding he secured to support critical renovations that strengthen emergency response capabilities in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.
“The Mount Prospect Fire Department has taken on expanded responsibilities—serving new areas, protecting more residents, and covering critical corridors like I-90. I secured this $850,000 investment to help them carry out their lifesaving mission. This funding means faster response times, safer working conditions, and more reliable coverage for the communities that depend on them,” said Krishnamoorthi.
The funding supported renovations completed in 2024 that enhance firefighter safety and expand operational capacity following the dissolution of the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District, after which the Mount Prospect Fire Department assumed responsibility for a significantly larger service area, including manufactured home communities without hydrant systems, commercial and industrial corridors, and a three-mile stretch of the I-90 tollway. The investment builds on steps the department has already taken to meet rising demand, including hiring additional firefighters, adding a fourth ambulance, and repositioning resources to improve coverage across the village.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus to End Youth Vaping and a leading congressional advocate for stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and youth vaping prevention, today issued the following statement after the Food and Drug Administrationapprovedfruit-flavored vaping products for sale in the United States.
“By approving fruit-flavored vapes, the FDA has authorized exactly the type of product that fueled the youth vaping epidemic. I’ve spent years sounding the alarm about e-cigarette companies marketing flavored products that appeal to kids. Decisions like this should be driven by public health—not political pressure from Donald Trump. These products will inevitably make their way into the hands of young people. The FDA must closely monitor youth vaping rates and crack down immediately if they start climbing again. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that got a generation hooked on nicotine.”
As Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, Krishnamoorthi led multiple investigations into youth vaping and the marketing practices of e-cigarette companies, including efforts to crack down on flavored products that appealed to underage users. He has repeatedly called for stronger federal action to prevent youth nicotine addiction and hold companies accountable for marketing tactics aimed at children and teenagers.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement at today’s Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled: AI and the Grid: Meeting Growing Power Demand While Protecting Ratepayers.
This legislative hearing is the latest in the Committee’s work to meet the nation’s growing energy demand and secure our grid while providing affordable and reliable electricity to the American people.
“Thank you, Chairman Latta, for holding this hearing, and thank you to the witnesses for appearing before us to examine seven proposals to modernize our electric system to meet the needs of the 21st Century.
“Throughout this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has spent considerable time examining the opportunities that arise from U.S. leadership in Artif icial Intelligence development.
“We’ve evaluated the benefits of AI across every sector of our economy. The national security issues with AI and adversarial nations like China and having whose values control AI is vitally important.
“We’ve looked at ways AI data growth and how it interacts with our electric system. The world is at a precipice of great change, and we must get this right.
“It is no secret that energy demands coming from data centers are raising concerns about affordability in our communities.
“But we are charting a path to ensure, and as the ranking member said, ‘ we can find common ground’ on that data center growth works for all Americans, and not just big tech companies.
When done right, research and evidence continue to show that load growth coming from data centers actually lowers costs for communities because new data centers bring needed investment into the grid modernization, while connecting baseload energy that keeps the lights on for everybody for 365 days a year.
“Even more, these investments raise significant tax revenue. We’re looking at one in my district that is going to raise significant tax revenue, and they can use that to pay for local communities, schools, public safety, and recreational parks.
“It should generate a nice source of revenue, and if you’re going to locate in a community, it should generate revenue in that community. And that is why legislation before us today focuses on ways to methodically plan, build, and pay for a grid that works for all the American households.
“These bills enhance the states’ important role in planning a more affordable, reliable grid. We are also ensuring that data centers are paying their fair share. Data centers should pay for the load that comes into the data centers.
“So, while we may not agree with every provision in the bill, these proposals will foster discussion on how to implement a vision of our electric system that keeps costs low for households and ensures U.S. leadership in the next generation economy.
“I look forward to today’s discussion, and I absolutely do look forward to continued discussions amongst all members of this committee to see that we beat China in the race.
“Thank you, and I yield back.”
Chairman Guthrie’s five minutes of questions during today’s hearing can be found here.
Background: This legislative hearing examined seven bills, including the Ratepayer Protection Act, Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, and Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act.
– The Ratepayer Protection Act would protect ratepayers from footing the bill for large-load energy customers, like AI data centers, by requiring State regulatory authorities to consider establishing a large-load standard designed to cover the full cost of any upgrades to power generation, transmission, or distribution.
– The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold regional joint boards with State public utility commissions to study and identify best practices to plan out future electricity needs and how to deploy energy utilities effectively to customers.
– The Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act would direct the Department of Energy, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, to study and report to Congress on opportunities to utilize AI and other high-performance computing technologies to enhance the capacity, reliable operation, and operational efficiency of the bulk power system.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)
Andrea Pedro-Francisco has been held in ICE custody, while suffering from an untreated ovarian cyst, since February 5th
EL PASO, TX – Today, as part of her continued efforts to get her constituent Andrea Pedro-Francisco released from ICE custody so that she can receive the care that she needs, U.S. Representative Angie Craig traveled to El Paso, TX to visit Pedro-Francisco and conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities. Pedro-Francisco is currently being held at the El Paso Service Processing Center after having been detained at Camp East Montana.
During her visit, Rep. Craig toured both the El Paso Service Processing Center and Camp East Montana, the country’s largest migrant detention facility, which has been mired with reports of inhumane conditions, abuse and a recent measles outbreak. Rep. Craig also had the chance to speak with medical staff and meet with Pedro-Francisco to hear from her directly about her experience in detention. Andrea is living in immense pain, and despite an ultrasound performed by ICE’s medical team last week, which confirmed the cyst, she has still not been given a treatment plan or adequate care.
“We need [Andrea] to get the surgery that physicians in Minnesota, and now here, are saying that she needs,” said Rep Craig. “We prayedtogether, we talked about her hopes and her needs. She doesn’t believe that physicians here are going to allow her to get the surgery. I refuse to accept that. I hope that the officials here will look at her most recent ultrasound, will review the massive amount of medical evidence that she needs the surgery and will allow her to get the care that she needs.”
Pedro-Francisco, a resident of Burnsville, MN was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on her way to work on February 5th. She was scheduled to have surgery for an ovarian cyst on February 11th, but instead, was sent to El Paso, where she has yet to receive adequate medical treatment. Her condition is worsening by the day and her petition for habeas corpus was recently denied.
Despite repeated efforts by Rep. Craig’s office to facilitate her release or, at a minimum, ensure she receives the necessary treatment while in detention, ICE officials have failed to provide Andrea with the proper care prescribed by her doctors in Minnesota. Rep. Craig is calling for Andrea’s release through humanitarian parole.