MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) delivered $8 million in federal funding for the Enhancing Eastern Shore Freight Rail Growth and Reliability Project, a high-priority infrastructure initiative to repair and upgrade the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Centreville 9 and Chestertown freight rail lines in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties.

Statement from Congressman Harris: 

“Reliable freight rail service on the Eastern Shore is critical to the economic success of businesses across Maryland’s First District. I’m proud to have delivered this federal funding, which will allow MDOT to address overdue maintenance and repairs on these lines, improve reliability, and reduce the risk of future track shutdowns that disrupt local businesses.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) voted with House Republicans to advance H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, a package that continues the House’s work to complete FY26 funding through regular order, replace inflated Biden-era spending levels, and deliver targeted investments aligned with President Trump’s America First agenda.

“Supporting the men and women of Fort Bragg, and their families, is my top priority,” said Rep. Hudson. “This package strengthens our military, takes care of our troops, keeps America safe, and enacts Trump-era priorities. We’re funding our military, protecting taxpayers, and delivering results for North Carolina.”

Hudson Wins for NC-09

Fort Bragg Wins

• $4M for Pathfinder Airborne Program partnership with UNC at Fort Bragg, focused on rapid innovation driven by soldier feedback. 
• 6 million to support readiness projects and upgrades at Fort Bragg
• More than $8M for enhancing SOCOM, border security, and allied interoperability. 

Health Care Wins (NC-09) 

• Includes Rep. Hudson’s Multi Cancer Early Detection Act to ensure seniors have access to all types of cancer screenings.
• Delays payment cuts for laboratories to ensure all Americans have timely access to lab tests and results. 

What This Package Does

This legislation keeps Congress on track to finish all 12 Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills the right way — through regular order, not last-minute, Christmas-week spending deals.

Under Republican leadership, this package:

• Funds President Trump’s agenda and America First priorities, with a focus on strength, security, and competitiveness.
• Keeps FY26 spending below what another continuing resolution would lock in, delivering real savings for taxpayers.

Key Highlights

Defense

• Strengthens readiness and modernization so America can deter, fight, and win.
• Delivers a 3.8% pay raise for every servicemember.
• Blocks funding for DEI programs, Critical Race Theory, and abortion-related travel, consistent with Department of War (DoW) policy.
• Supports counter-drug programs and the National Guard’s counter-drug mission.

Homeland Security

• Provides full-year funding to secure the homeland and restore border control—because a continuing resolution would preserve outdated Biden-era assumptions and spending.
• Ends programs and spending that incentivized illegal immigration, including tents and NGO-related support used during the Biden border crisis.
• Strengthens frontline capability across DHS, including:

• Coast Guard investments to counter adversaries and expand capability.

• CBP resources refocused on operational border needs.

• Secret Service support for personnel and preparations for major National Special Security Events.

• FEMA support for preparedness and key grant programs.

• TSA investments for improved security equipment.

Labor–HHS–Education

• Prioritizes what matters: medical research, resilient medical supply chains, classrooms, and workforce training.
• Maintains long-standing pro-life protections, including the Hyde Amendment.
• Supports rural hospitals, primary care, health centers, and workforce development to strengthen access and outcomes.
• Rescinds the IRS funding expansion intended to audit everyday Americans.

Transportation–HUD

• Invests in transportation safety and infrastructure, including increased support for the Department of War (DoW).
• Funds FAA modernization and staffing, including hiring 2,500 new air traffic controllers.
• Implements efficiency reforms to cut bureaucracy and strengthen accountability.
• Supports defense readiness tied to maritime and tanker security programs.

Additional Provisions

• Extends key health programs supporting community health centers, rural and underserved hospitals, and telehealth for seniors.
• Lowers health costs with PBM transparency and accountability and expands access to generic and biosimilar options.
• Extends trade preference programs with Haiti and sub-Saharan African countries through December 31, 2026.

Continues critical extensions included in the prior continuing resolution, including TANF and the National Flood Insurance Program.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus, hosted “Race Day at Rayburn,” an interactive event in the Rayburn House Office Building featuring NASCAR driving simulators, a friendly competition for Members and staff, and a reception with leaders from across the motorsports world.

The event included appearances by Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, and Richard Childress, along with NASCAR executives and industry stakeholders, and concluded with podium awards recognizing top simulator finishers. 

“Motorsports reflects the best of America: speed, innovation, and grit,” said Hudson. “Today was a fun way to bring that spirit to the People’s House, while underscoring how this industry supports jobs, small businesses, and communities across the country.”

Hudson also honored the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa, recognizing his lifelong passion for racing and his support for the industry and the communities behind it.

Motorsports drives an estimated $69.2 billion in economic impact nationwide, supports more than 318,000 jobs, and generates roughly $8.2 billion in annual tax revenue.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) announced he earned an A+ rating from the Susan B. Anthony List National Pro-Life Scorecard for the fourth year in row. The A+ rating reflects Congressman Kustoff’s strong pro-life record, including votes, bill co-sponsorships, letters, and other legislative actions taken to protect unborn life.

“Protecting life, especially the most vulnerable, is one of my most important responsibilities in Congress,”said Rep. David Kustoff. “I have consistently supported pro-life policies, voted to defund Planned Parenthood, and stood with millions of Americans who believe every unborn child deserves protection. I am proud to earn this rating from the Susan B. Anthony List and will continue fighting for a pro-life agenda for West Tennessee.”

“Rep. Kustoff has voted consistently to protect the lives of the unborn and to stop forced taxpayer funding of abortion. This includes delivering the largest pro-life legislative victory in two decades by defunding Big Abortion businesses, like Planned Parenthood, of Medicaid dollars for one year through the reconciliation bill H.R.1. Rep. Kustoff also stood strong against attempts to further subsidize plans that cover elective abortion,”said Jamie Dangers, Director of Federal Affairs, SBA List.

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

Griffith Statement on Winter Storm Fern, State of Emergency

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) has secured more than $2 million in federal Community Project Funding in Fiscal Year 2026 to support recreational infrastructure improvements in Woodbridge Township and expand senior services at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center in Edison.

 

“These projects strengthen the kinds of public spaces that support healthier, more connected communities in Woodbridge and Edison,” said Pallone. “From playgrounds and athletic fields to senior centers, this funding helps ensure residents of all ages have access to safe, accessible spaces in their own neighborhoods.”

 

In Woodbridge, Pallone secured $1.2 million to support new playgrounds in Hopelawn and Fords and the construction of a youth cricket field in Iselin, expanding access to recreational space across multiple neighborhoods.

 

“Woodbridge Township stands in partnership with Congressman Frank Pallone’s Community Project Infrastructure initiative that supports recreational infrastructure improvements in Woodbridge Township to include funding for community and neighborhood all access playgrounds and athletic fields – major economic and community development projects that will enrich Woodbridge Township and neighboring communities,” said Mayor John E. McCormac. 

 

In Edison, Pallone secured $850,000 to expand the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, increasing capacity for senior wellness, educational, social, and recreational programming and improving access for a growing senior population.

 

“I thank Congressman Pallone for securing $850,000 for Edison’s Minnie B. Veal Community Center.” said Mayor Sam Joshi. “Our cherished senior population will benefit immensely from the addition of more space, services, and engagement opportunities. With this funding, this central location can ensure the continued enrichment within our senior community.” 

 

Both projects were requested by Pallone through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process, which allows members of the U.S. House to direct Community Project Funding toward locally identified community infrastructure and quality-of-life priorities.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), a vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, has added her name as a co-sponsor to H.R. 7100, the Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025. The bill was introduced in the House on January 15^th by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).

“No religious community should ever feel afraid to worship in America,” Rep. Lofgren said. “Sikh Americans have faced increased discrimination and hate crimes, and it’s necessary for the Department of Justice to elevate its attention to this issue. I’m proud to represent a large Sikh community in San Jose, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government combats anti-Sikh discrimination.”

“After listening directly to Sikh families and community leaders in North Jersey it is clear that Congress has to take decisive action,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “The bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act will turn those conversations into action — strengthening how our federal government defines, tracks, and prevents anti-Sikh hate crimes so that every American can practice their faith freely and safely.”

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act would establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination within the U.S. Department of Justice, tasked with creating a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate; developing an educational program on anti-Sikh discrimination for schools, law enforcement, and higher education institutions; issuing an annual report to Congress on hate crimes and discrimination targeting Sikh Americans; and engaging directly with Sikh communities and advocacy organizations to inform prevention and enforcement efforts.

The legislation is supported by national Sikh organizations, including the Sikh Coalition, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and American Sikh Caucus Committee.

Rep. Lofgren represents a significant Sikh community in San Jose. The largest Sikh house of worship outside of India, Gurdwara Sahib of San Jose, was formerly located in the district represented by Lofgren, and following 2022 redistricting, is less than half a mile outside of California’s 18th district.

The bill text can be found here.

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which funds the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. 

“I voted in favor of this Consolidated Appropriations Act because it rejects the President’s extreme cuts proposed in his FY26 budget. I commend Ranking Member DeLauro for advancing core Democratic priorities in the bill, including investments in public health, affordable housing and childcare, and safe transit infrastructure, and many others. Democrats were also successful in eliminating dozens of extreme, partisan poison pill policy provisions pushed by Congressional Republicans and President Trump. These provisions would have prohibited access to reproductive healthcare services, eliminated gun violence prevention research, allowed junk health insurance plans, harmed Americans struggling to repay their student loans, cut funding for infrastructure projects in states that did not support President Trump in 2024, and repealed critical worker protections against wage theft.

“The Department of Defense Division of the bill fully funds the 3.8 percent pay raise for our servicemembers. And for shipbuilders in Hampton Roads, the bill provides a total of $27 billion for shipbuilding, including funding for the advance procurement of CVN-82, the Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs, and the midlife refueling and overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). This funding will ensure that our region’s shipbuilding and ship repair industrial base remains busy in support of our Navy.

“The bill also increases funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, or REPI. REPI has been a critical program towards protecting environmentally sensitive areas around Hampton Roads’ military installations and increasing our region’s resilience to sea level rise. As a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I worked with my colleagues to make sure it received adequate funding, and I am proud that this bill includes $220 million for REPI.

“I am also proud that the bill includes $8.7 million in funding for community projects across Hampton Roads that will expand broadband, enhance community-oriented resources, assist the unhoused, improve local infrastructure, and support local workforce development.”

Community Project Funding requested by Congressman Scott included in the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

• City of Newport News, Peninsula Digital Infrastructure Expansion Initiative, $2,000,000;
• City of Newport News, Safe Haven Empowerment Center Facility Improvements, $2,000,000;
• City of Hampton, Hampton Therapeutic Recreation Center Accessibility and Expansion Project, $850,000;
• City of Norfolk, Homeless Housing Center Improvements, $850,000;
• City of Chesapeake, Schooner Trail Park, $500,000;
• Hampton Roads Transit, Paratransit Fleet Expansion, $850,000;
• Virginia Peninsula Community College, Wellness & Workforce Center, $500,000;
• City of Chesapeake, Myer’s Road Sidewalk Expansion, $1,150,000.

Additionally, in H.R. 7147, the FY26 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, Congressman Scott secured $1,145,144 for the City of Portsmouth’s Gust Lane Flood Mitigation project.

In addition to this funding and what he secured in the earlier Minibus Appropriations Act, Congressman Scott delivered a total of $13.887 million in Community Project Funding for Virginia’s Third Congressional District in Fiscal Year 2026.

As Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman Scott issued the following statement on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Division of H.R. 7148:

“I applaud Ranking Member DeLauro and Vice Chair Murray for their work to secure funding for many of our shared priorities in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-H) funding bill.  Moreover, this bill is a strong rebuke of the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget which would have slashed funding for several agencies, including the Department of Education (ED), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB).  

“In particular, I support the provisions to rein in the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle ED by curbing illegal interagency agreements.  However, these provisions are only effective if Congress asserts its Article I authority and holds this Administration accountable for breaking the law.  

“Notably, this bill includes much of the work undertaken by the Education and Workforce Committee to curb opaque Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ (PBM) practices.  Specifically, this language will require transparency in PBM services that have driven up health care costs for workers and their families.

“While I would want to see more funding for critical programs, including an increase in the maximum Pell Grant and increased enforcement capacity to protect workers and their health coverage, I am relieved this did not codify Trump’s requested elimination of programs that Congress created to help students, workers, and families.  While far from perfect, the bill is dramatically better than the original funding request proposed by the Trump Administration.”

For more information and to access factsheets on the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act, please click the links below:

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Supports War Powers Resolution to direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.Con.Res. 68, a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

“It is incumbent on Congress to reassert its Article I constitutional war powers as the President has unilaterally attacked Venezuela, captured its president, and used deeply concerning rhetoric toward our NATO allies, including over who should control Greenland.

“As I stated last month when the House voted on two earlier War Powers Resolutions, the conduct of a foreign leader, however reprehensible, does not give any president the authority to disregard the Constitution or bypass Congress absent a clear and imminent threat to the United States. Our failure to act sets a dangerous precedent, weakens the legislative branch as a coequal branch of government, and grants this and future presidents unchecked power.

“All Members should be troubled that the Trump Administration has still failed to identify a clear legal basis for its military strikes in the Caribbean, the Eastern Pacific, and Venezuela, or for the capture of a foreign head of state. Even more concerning, the administration’s justification has continually shifted. At first, it claimed this was about drug interdiction, despite evidence that such military actions are among the least effective and most costly approaches. Now, it appears the real motive may be access to Venezuela’s oil reserves.

“The American people expect Congress to demand answers, confront these abuses, and uphold the Constitution by reasserting its war powers.”

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

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, led by Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Dina Titus (NV-1), passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee by a 45-2 vote. The bipartisan legislation aims to bolster the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as a strategic link between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“We must continue to make progress deepening the relationship between the United States and our allies in the East Mediterranean and beyond,” said Congressman Pappas, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our coordination with Greece, Cyprus, and other allies in regional security, energy, and infrastructure. I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen international cooperation to protect America’s security interests.”

“The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a central hub for energy and infrastructure connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India,” said Congressman Schneider. “This bipartisan bill ensures U.S. diplomacy keeps pace with that transformation, strengthening our partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt and supporting efforts like the U.S.-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that deepen regional integration. Thank you to Foreign Affairs Chair Mast and Ranking Member Meeks for allowing consideration of this legislation and to my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee for their broad support. I’m hopeful the full House will soon have an opportunity to advance this bill that will shore up global energy supply chains and bolster defense cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting a U.S.–India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is vital to enhancing energy security, economic integration, and regional cooperation,” said Congressman Bilirakis, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “I am pleased this legislation has passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, advancing a strategic initiative that will diversify energy routes, strengthen global supply chains, and promote efficient trade and investment. IMEC also provides a transparent and sustainable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing U.S. partnerships and regional stability.”

“I am pleased to see our bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act advance out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “This legislation reinforces America’s partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, strengthening cooperation on energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is crucial to securing American interests abroad,” said Congresswoman Titus. “By investing in the Eastern Mediterranean and recognizing it as a critical part of IMEC, we will be strengthening our energy security and defense cooperation in the region.”

The bill reinforces U.S. support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional initiatives including the 3+1 dialogue with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. It calls for:

• Elevating the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy;
• Institutionalizing strategic dialogues with IMEC and regional partners;
• Supporting cross-border infrastructure projects and energy interconnectors;
• Studying the expansion of U.S.–Israel innovation programs to the broader region;
• Evaluating multilateral models like Cyprus’s CYCLOPS center for regional coordination.

The legislation builds on bipartisan support for deeper regional integration, grounded in shared interests in energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination.

The bill text is available here.