MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, today urged his congressional colleagues to reclaim their war powers and hold the Trump Administration accountable for its ongoing military adventurism abroad.

Crow’s push came the same day that the U.S. House voted on a Crow-backed War Powers Resolution reining in the Administration’s unauthorized military action in Venezuela. 

In his remarks, Crow warned that the Trump Administration risks plunging the U.S. into another forever war in Venezuela. He highlighted Americans’ lack of appetite for more reckless foreign intervention and underscored the need for leaders to focus on bringing down costs for every American.

Crow was joined by fellow Democratic veterans Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02); former Congressman and VoteVets Senior Advisor Max Rose; and a number of veterans.

Watch Congressman Crow’s remarks here, and find a transcript of them below.

In his remarks, Crow said:

“Good afternoon, I’m Jason Crow from the great state of Colorado, and I’m surrounded here by my fellow veterans, congressional veterans, and non-congressional veterans. We stand here in solidarity for Congress to retake its Constitutional power over War Powers, and to do the right thing for millions of veterans and military families. 

“I served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, was sent to war to help enrich oil companies and oil executives, saw Americans give their lives, and saw people have to go on tour after tour after tour, while people in this building failed to take the votes, failed to debate, failed to take votes to pay for it, so it added to our debt. 

“So I’m sorry, I get pretty damn hot as a three-time combat veteran when a five-time draft dodger like Donald Trump bangs the war drums and talks tough about sending our men and women into battle, into harm’s way, yet again. 

“Because what I learned years ago is that when elites in Washington, D.C. bang the war drums and talk tough, they’re not talking about sending their kids into battle, they’re talking about sending people like me and the people behind me into war—working class folks from towns around this country, from rural areas, from small towns. They’re the ones that have to jump into the tanks and pick up rifles and jump into helicopters and do the tough thing. Well, I’ve had enough of it. The appetite in America for endless wars and endless conflict for trillions of dollars just to pad the pockets of big oil and large executives, it should be done. 

“This is our chance. Congress has the opportunity to end it. To reinsert, as the Constitution required, this building, and these folks, back into the conversation and to resume control over war powers, and to end the endless cycle of war and conflict that we have seen over the last two decades. So we are standing here to call on every member of Congress to take the vote today to end these endless conflicts, to step back into the driver’s seat, and to do the right thing.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Sherman Oaks, California – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) announced that over $7 million in federal funds for projects in the San Fernando Valley and parts of the Westside of Los Angeles have been included in legislation passed by the House of Representatives. These 9 projects are in addition to 6 other projects that passed the House and Sente earlier this month.  

“These funds will address vital needs across our community including improvements to our local fire stations, public parks and infrastructure, as well as additional resources to address homelessness and services for those in need,” said Congressman Sherman.

The community projects approved by the House, and are expected to pass the Senate next week, are as follows:

 

Los Angeles Fire Department Station Renovations – Los Angeles Fire Department

Amount: $2,000,000

This funding will be used for needed repairs to Los Angeles fire stations.  The life expectancy of a fire station is 50 years, and 15 fire stations in CD32 are close to or older than 50 years.

Community Engagement & Enrichment Center at LA Pierce College – Pierce College

Amount: $250,000

This funding will be used to create the Community Engagement & Enrichment Center that will support underserved populations of the San Fernando Valley, providing them with a safe and educational environment.

Grancell Village Affordable Senior Housing – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

This funding will assist in building affordable senior housing at Grancell Village, supporting low-income and disabled seniors.

Labor Community Services Food Bank Equipment Needs – Los Angeles County 

Amount: $1,200,000

This funding will be used to modernize and upgrade the Labor Community Services (LCS) Food Bank Warehouse equipment, which will allow for the more economic, efficient, and nimble service in Los Angeles County. 

Los Angeles River Greenway Studio City Habitat Restoration, Beautification, and Safety Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $250,000 

This project will occur along the south bank of the Los Angeles River from Whitsett Avenue to Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Studio City and include new, native landscaping to replace existing, non-native plantings. The project will also install public lighting along the path, access pathways, and seating areas.

Southwest Valley Park Improvements Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

This project will improve and update the park spaces in the City of Los Angeles to make these critical open spaces more conducive to outdoor activities. These improvements – such as the installation of grass to replace turf, bleachers, running paths, lights, trees, and shade structures – will allow the most vulnerable members of our communities find respite from increased heat in the San Fernando Valley, the hottest part of the City of Los Angeles.

 

Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Dume Road Tunnel Lighting Upgrade Project – Los Angeles County

Amount: $250,000

The project will replace the existing high pressure sodium lighting with energy-saving LED lighting fixtures in the tunnels along Malibu Canyon Road, Kanan Road, and Kanan Dume Road. This upgrade will result in enhanced visibility, overall lighting reliability, and improve driver safety conditions.

 

Sepulveda Basin Pedestrian Safety & Access Improvements – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000 

The project will provide new and enhanced safe pedestrian pathways from underserved neighborhoods into the Sepulveda Basin recreation area, providing car-free access to LA28 Olympic Games venues. 

 

West Los Angeles VA Modular Home Construction – Los Angeles County

Amount: $850,000 

Los Angeles County will partner with the Greater Los Angeles VA to advance a proposed project at VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care that would serve as temporary housing under the Care, Treatment and Rehabilitative Services (CTRS) Program.

In addition, the following projects have already been approved by the House and Senate. The President is expected to sign them into law in days.

Santa Monica Mountains Brush Clearance & Wildfire Mitigation – Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)

Amount: $1,031,000

Lands within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) are in need of habitat restoration, in particular brush clearance and the removal of invasive plant species. This project is critical for preserving the wildlife habitat and reducing wildfire risk as the Palisades and neighboring communities recover from the 2025 LA Fires.

High Bay Structural Test Lab – California State University, Northridge

Amount: $1,031,000

The technology and equipment in this 1,100-square-foot lab will expand research opportunities, through testing on structural systems using different types of loads that reflect real-world conditions. In addition, the laboratory provides workforce training to CSUN students in STEM pathways as the lab’s projects have real-world applications.

Crisis and Incident Response through Community–Led Engagement (CIRCLE) Program – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $2,062,000

The funding will be used to help expand the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE) program, a 24/7 unarmed response program that deploys trained teams to address non-urgent LAPD calls related to unhoused individuals.

West LA Real Time Crime Center – Los Angeles Police Department

Amount: $1,031,000

The funding will be used to install a Real Time Crime Center in the West Los Angeles LAPD Division and expand the camera network around the community to reduce burglaries.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — The Working Families Tax Cuts removes financial barriers that can often discourage parents from choosing life. President Trump and Republicans enacted the most pro-life, pro-family legislation in history to empower parents and ensure every child has the care, opportunity, and resources they need for a fair start and a chance to succeed.

Removes Financial Barriers for Parents to Choose Life

The Working Families Tax Cuts helps parents provide for their children and remove financial pressures that making raising children more difficult:

• Makes Permanent the Doubled Standard Deduction: offers a direct ongoing tax benefit used by 90% of American taxpayers so working families can keep more of their hard-earned money.
• Boosts Child Tax Credit: makes permanent and increases the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 and indexes it to inflation which supports over 40 million working families.
• Improves Housing Affordability: expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to incentivize the construction of affordable homes for American families.
• Enhances the Adoption Tax Credit: increases maximum credit amount to $5,000 and indexes it for inflation to help offset adoption costs for American families.
• Invests in Rural Health Care: creates the Rural Health Transformation Program to award states $50 billion over five years to improve access to affordable health care for more than 60 million Americans living in rural areas.
• Promotes American-made Cars: helps working families purchase American-made cars with no tax on car loan interest up to $10,000 per year on new, U.S.-assembled vehicles.
• Lowers the Cost of Health Care: expands Health Savings Account eligibility so more American families can have better control over their health care spending.

Jumpstarts the American Dream for Newborns

The Working Families Tax Cuts offers parents options to start building children’s financial security from day one:

• Creates Trump Investment Accounts for Newborns: establishes $1,000 savings accounts to set every American newborn on the path to financial security at birth.

Expands Childcare for Working Families

The Working Families Tax Cuts gives parents support to care for their children without sacrificing income or career opportunities:

• Childcare Support: expands the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and Flexible Spending Arrangements to help families afford childcare.
• Paid Leave Tax Credit: makes paid leave permanently available to help parents care for children without sacrificing income.
• Employer-Sponsored Childcare Tax Credit: increases maximum credit from $150,000 to $500,000 annually, with an even higher $600,000 cap for eligible small businesses.
• Higher Credit Percentage: increases the percentage of qualified expenses covered under the employer-sponsored childcare credit from 25% to 40%.
• Expands Qualified Expenses: expands qualified expenses associated with childcare to building, expanding, or operating facilities, staff training, and scholarships.

Gives Parents Flexibility and Options for their Children’s Education

The Working Families Tax Cuts provides parents with flexibility to choose the best educational path for their children and confidently plan for their family’s future:

• Supports School Choice: creates the first-ever federal tax credit scholarship program for K-12 students and students with special needs to access alternatives to public schools with direct financial support.
• Enhances 529 Education Savings Accounts: allows flexibility to use 529 plans for K–12 education, including homeschooling, and covers costs of certain materials and activities.
• Expands Pell Grants: expands access for students to pay for short-term vocational and technical training programs that align with in-demand, high-skill, high-wage jobs.
• Simplifies Student Loans: simplifies student loan program and repayment process and adds guardrails so students can’t take on excessive debt they can never repay.

Defunds Big Abortion

The Working Families Tax Cuts ends the practice of Medicaid funds being funneled through a backdoor to abortion providers.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore applauded House passage of the final four Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, completing consideration of all 12 FY26 spending measures through regular order.

This final slate of bills includes the Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bills. This package achieves real reforms, cuts waste, and reorients our nation’s fiscal resources to advance America First priorities, including strengthening national security, securing the border, supporting rural health care and workforce development, and modernizing transportation and infrastructure critical to economic growth.

By passing these final bills, the House of Representatives has fulfilled its constitutional duty by completing the FY26 appropriations process through regular order. The legislation replaces reckless, Biden-era spending levels and priorities with a disciplined, Republican-led funding package that advances President Trump’s agenda, restores fiscal accountability, and delivers certainty for the American people.

In addition to advancing national priorities, the final appropriations package delivers targeted funding for projects that directly benefit West Virginia communities. These investments support critical infrastructure improvements, public health, workforce readiness, and economic development—particularly in rural and areas of the Mountain State.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“I’m proud that the House completed all 12 Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills the right way—through regular order on the House floor. These bills put America First, advance President Trump’s agenda, and replace reckless Biden-era spending levels and priorities with America First funding priorities, which includes cuts to many woke and wasteful programs. Most importantly, this package delivers real results for West Virginians and provides certainty for families, workers, and communities across the Second District.”

Major Investments Secured for West Virginia: 

The passage of the appropriations package advances regular order, while also including major local investments in West Virginia, championed by Congressman Riley M. Moore: 

• $1,000,000 for the Market Street Bridge Replacement for the West Virginia Division of Highways. This important project funds the initial engineering for the full replacement of the Market Street Bridge which carries WV Spur Route 2 across the Ohio River, Ohio Route 7, and Norfolk Southern Railroad. The bridge has been closed for more than one year due to unsafe conditions, including corrosion and deterioration. The closure has resulted in traffic delays, negative economic impacts on local businesses, and travel challenges for residents and commuters. This project is the first step in helping alleviate those significant disruptions to taxpayers’ lives.
• $6,400,000 for West Virginia University for the Personal Rapid Transit Guideway Rehabilitation. This funding will modernize the 50-year-old personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system through critical infrastructure upgrades. The project focuses on rehabilitating guideways, stations, platforms, staircases, and elevators to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the transportation
• $5,000,000 for new DOH District 4 Bridges construction and rehab. This project funds the construction and rehabilitation of five bridges in Clarksburg that are owned and maintained by the city. Clarksburg has sought funding through WVDOH for the construction/rehabilitation of these bridges to maintain the city and state road networks. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it improves critical infrastructure within the city limits.
• $2,000,000 for Northern Parkway Improvements for the city of Wheeling. This project will allow for complete reconstruction of an essential connector route between Main Street and several residential neighborhoods. Families, school buses, emergency vehicles, and local commuters use the route daily. The continued deterioration of this corridor poses a serious threat to mobility, emergency response, and quality of life. Rebuilding this roadway is critical to restoring safe and dependable transportation access for Wheeling residents.
• $1,000,000 for the Municipal Services Central Garage Facility in the city of Parkersburg. Parkersburg’s Central Garage currently houses several essential municipal operations including the City’s Streets Department, Street Cleaning Division, Electric Shop, and Sign Shop. The 55-year-old facility has significantly deteriorated and is undersized for the City’s current equipment inventory. This project includes the demolition of the existing structure and reconstruction on the site. This new building will better serve modern public works needs and improve efficiency to better deliver essential services to the residents of Parkersburg.
• $1,000,000 for Spencer’s Landing Development in Vienna for the Wood County Development Authority. This project will enable rehabilitation of the former Johns Manville insulation plant, which currently poses several safety risks to the community and must be surrounded year-round by a fence. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds as it cleans the site, including the removal of dangerous concrete and rebar, and prepares the site for future economic and recreational development for public use. This includes plans for ADA accessible areas, restrooms, food truck hookups, shelters, and other opportunities for economic growth.
• $1,000,000 for the Watson Fire Station Renovation for the city of Fairmont. This project funds the reconstruction of the aging Watson Fire Station. It is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it supports the reconstruction of a facility that directly enhances emergency response capabilities. The funds will ensure continued access to essential fire protection and emergency services for the Watson neighborhood, Fairmont State University, the Fairmont Technology Park, and surrounding areas.
• $900,000 for the Marshall University Aviation expansion at Marshall University. This project expands the facilities for Marshall University Aviation’s in-person training in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Constructing this training facility will allow for pilot training, as well as dispatcher and unmanned aerial system training for both students and individuals in the aviation industry. The facility will also support stand-alone courses or industry training as requested by local businesses. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds as the facility supports workforce growth in the aviation industry – an industry currently facing pilot and maintenance technician shortages.
• $2,000,000 for a new Gateway Center & Trail Connection in the city of Wheeling. This funding will pay for the initial costs of the Wheeling Gateway Center, a project that will house the Convention & Visitors Bureau, a WV Tourism outpost, and a heritage center. The Gateway Center will include public outdoor spaces and plazas, as well as a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle connection to the 18-mile Wheeling Heritage Trail. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds that supports safe, active travel, drives economic growth, and connects residents and visitors to the city’s cultural and recreational assets. This system transports approximately 12,000 passengers daily across three areas of the Morgantown Campus and downtown Morgantown. 

Congressman Riley M. Moore’s statement on how these projects are crucial to West Virginia’s infrastructure and constituents:

“These final FY2026 appropriations bills put West Virginians first. These projects are the kinds of important local investments that truly matter—projects that improve quality of life, protect our communities, and strengthen West Virginia’s future. From infrastructure and transportation to health care and workforce development, this package reflects a commitment to delivering results for the people of the Mountain State. I will never stop fighting for commonsense solutions that deliver real results for the Second District.” 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, announced $20.6 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) grants submitted by his office have been approved for projects within Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. The projects were included in the legislation passed by the U.S. House on Thursday.

The projects were included in the Transportation and Housing & Urban Development (THUD) and Homeland Security Bills. The legislation now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“I believe it’s important for everyone to remember: this money isn’t from the government. These are your taxpayer dollars at work in local communities,” said Rep. Kelly. “As my team and I reviewed this year’s projects, our priority was ensuring Pennsylvania taxpayers received the strongest return on their investment. I look forward to seeing these projects take shape in the months and years ahead.”

The projects are:

$7 million — Ekastown West 3R Rehabilitation, Butler County

This project would realign, construct, and rehabilitate the roadway of PA 228 in Clinton and Buffalo Townships.  PA 228 is a primary collector, and the project will improve commuting and transportation in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond by expanding upon traffic and safety improvements that have already been made on PA 228.

$3 million — State Route 422, Business Route 422 project, Lawrence County

This project would restore and resurface pavement along an 8.5-mile stretch of SR 422 in Lawrence County.  SR 422 functions as the primary artery throughout Lawrence County and this project will provide a safer, more efficient passage through the region while improving drainage and pedestrian safety.

$3 million — Erie County Industrial Park, Erie County

This new industrial park in McKean Township will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, attract businesses, and increase tax revenue, while also improving infrastructure, fostering business expansion, and promoting environmental stewardship. Erie County lacks the adequate infrastructure and facilities for industrial development; this project would provide the infrastructure for a new industrial park. 

$2.6 million — City of Erie Emergency Operations Command Center, Erie County

This project will construct a new Emergency Operations Center in the heart of Erie.  In 2021, the city noted advanced deterioration of the existing facility located at 311 Marsh Street. This new Emergency Operations Center will serve a 14-county region in Northwestern Pennsylvania and has far-reaching implications for increasing public safety, improving coordination and collaboration with first responders and law enforcement organizations, facilitating regional training opportunities, reducing crime, and improving the efficiency of effectiveness of disaster response throughout the region.

$2 million for State Route 18, Wilmington Road Betterment, Lawrence County

This project would restore and repave SR 18 between Wilmington Township and Neshannock Township, Lawrence County. The existing road surface is deteriorating and reaching the end of its useful life. SR 18 connects New Castle, PA to SR 208 and the towns of Pulaski, New Wilmington, and Volant.

$2 million for Erie Coke Demolition Project, Erie County

This project will demolish the existing smokestack and condemned structures at the former Erie Coke Site. Abandoned in 2019, the lakefront Erie Coke Site has been an environmental hazard in the City of Erie for nearly five years. This project would help remediate the environmental hazards presented by the abandoned site which would benefit the health and safety of the entire community and provide nearly 200 acres of usable lakefront property.

$1.05 million for Erie International Airport’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Vehicle, Erie County

This project would replace the existing Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, which has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer up to FAA standards.  A new ARFF vehicle would ensure FAA compliance, as well as enhance airport passenger, employee, and environmental safety. 

BACKGROUND

Earlier this month, Kelly announced the House passed $4 million of his Community Project Funding requests for water and sewer infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District.

In November, Kelly also secured $2.5 million in Community Project Funding for three local volunteer fire departments.

Congressional leaders resumed Community Project Funding (CPF), formerly known as ‘earmarks’, for the 119th Congress. With increased transparency and stricter guidelines, lawmakers were permitted to submit up to fifteen (15) funding requests during the appropriations process. Rep. Kelly fielded input from local leaders throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania before selecting these projects.

Details on CPF rules and guidelines can be found here.

In 2020, Rep. Kelly also delivered two BUILD Grants for the 16th Congressional District, including $25 million for improvements along State Route 228 in Butler County, and $21 million for the City of Erie’s Bayfront Parkway Project. In 2018, he also secured a BUILD Grant for the State Route 228 project worth $20 million.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke at a press conference to introduce her Haitian Women and Girls Peace and Security Resolution and press the Trump administration for an extension of TPS for Haitian Americans. 

LEADER JEFFRIES: As Members of the New York delegation, as Members of the Florida delegation, we understand how important the Haitian American community has been to vitality and prosperity in our states and, of course, we also understand that many Haitians who have been here for years pursuant to TPS have been contributing to communities all across the country in ways that have improved the livelihood of those communities.

I stand in strong support of Congresswoman Clarke’s resolution, particularly as it relates to the protection of women, children, girls and families. The situation in Haiti right now is not conducive to women or girls, children or families returning to a safe environment. There’s still a significant amount of progress that needs to be made with respect to an environment that has far too much gang violence, sexual violence and gender violence. And it is inhumane to send hundreds of thousands of people back to an environment that the Trump administration knows objectively places them at risk. And so, I joined the call for the extension of TPS beyond the expiration that is pending in early February and also support the effort to come to a comprehensive solution. Congress should act in connection with the broken immigration system that we have and recognize the value of hardworking immigrants, which has always been part of the great American journey.

The Leader’s full remarks at the press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), announced the passage of seven additional Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for Georgia’s 13^th District. On January 8^th, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass eight projects requested by Congressman David Scott, bringing the total approved funding to $14 million across fifteen projects.

My number one priority in Congress is to work with state and local leaders across the 13^th District to understand how I can best direct federal resources to the most pressing needs in our communities,” said Congressman David Scott. “The nearly $14 million in FY2026 funding will go towards repairing roads and sidewalks in Jonesboro and Stockbridge, upgrading Gwinnett and Newton County pipelines for residents to access clean drinking water, supporting Rockdale Veterans, and creating good-paying jobs. These are vital resources to improve basic infrastructure and lower costs for working families. I am proud to deliver investments that will reach nearly every part of our district and be felt throughout local communities for years to come.”

Each fiscal year, Members of Congress may submit up to fifteen CPF requests to the Appropriations Committee. Congressman David Scott’s requests were informed by extensive stakeholder engagement and community input. The approved FY 2026 projects reflect a broad range of priorities, including transportation improvements, public safety enhancements, water infrastructure upgrades, and Veteran services. Projects passed by the House of Representatives on January 22^nd include:

Project Name: City of Jonesboro Pedestrian Improvements Project
Approved Funding Amount: $3,028,059
Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro would use this funding to make pedestrian improvement in high-traffic areas, including the installment of sidewalks, adding pedestrian crosswalks, installment of ADA accessibility features, lighting, and turnup/turndown walls as required to tie with existing grades.

Project Name: Rockdale Veterans Transportation Program Vehicle Acquisition
Approved Funding Amount: $165,200
Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to purchase a new vehicle to supplement its Veteran Transportation Program, which assists honorably discharged Rockdale County veterans of any age with trips to the Veterans Hospital in Decatur and the VA clinics in Stockbridge and Covington.

Project Name: Henry County Panola Road Resurfacing Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,200,000
Explanation of Request: Henry County would use this funding to resurface  Panola Road from Fairview Road to State Route 155. Panola Road serves as a critical east-west connection in northern Henry County, providing access to commercial areas, the City of Stockbridge, and the nearby Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Project Name: Newton County Salem Road Utility Relocation Project
Approved Funding Amount: $850,000
Explanation of Request: The Newton County Water and Sewage Authority would use this funding to relocate critical water main, valves, fire hydrants, and 110-inch sewer piping to accommodate proposed improvements to State Route 162.

Project Name: MARTA Securing Rail and Bus Facilities 
Approved Funding Amount: $400,000
Explanation of Request: MARTA would use this funding to install anti-climb, anti-cut fencing around at bus yards and rail yard facilities to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous and dangerous areas.

Project Name: Rockdale River Trail Improvements 
Approved Funding Amount: $500,000
Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to connect two disconnected portions of the Rockdale River Trail. Connection these two portions of the trail would provide greater access to centers of business, downtown Conyers, recreational opportunities, and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

Project Name: Harvest Gwinnett Mobile Kitchen Project Vehicle Acquisition
Approved Funding Amount: $250,000
Explanation of Request: Gwinnett County would use this funding to purchase a 16-foot box truck with a lift for its “Live Healthy Gwinnett” initiative. The box truck with allows the county to more easily transport its mobile kitchens across cities and rural areas in the county.

The additional eight projects passed on January 8^th include:

Project Name: Newton County Sheriff Department Equipment Project
Approved Funding Amount: $39,000
Explanation of Request: The Newton County Sheriff’s Office would use this funding to purchase FAP-30 FBI-certified LES fingerprint sensors that would be used for mobile applications such as roadside stops, crime scene investigations, and serving warrants. Together, this equipment would give the law enforcement agency the capability to fingerprint offenders and victims efficiently and quickly.

Project Name: Gwinnett County for Transmission Main Replacement Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,092,00
Explanation of Request: The Gwinnett County Board of Supervisors would use this funding to upgrade the booster station facility, including installing a standby power source and updating the existing electrical system. This project with ensure that Gwinnett County residents will have adequate access to drinking water.

Project Name: Clayton County Police Department Precinct Anti-Crime Taskforce
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: The Clayton County Police Department would use this funding to purchase and outfit police cruisers which will conduct gang enforcement operations, surveillance, and offender apprehension. The police cruisers would be outfitted with lighting and siren systems as well as hardware kits that support the Police Department’s in-car cameras.

Project Name: Lawrenceville Police Department Equipment and Technology
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: The Lawrenceville Police Department would use the funding to purchase police cruisers which would conduct high-visibility enforcement, first-aid kits, trauma bags, mechanical breaching kits, a hydraulic breaching kit, and other equipment to enhance officer and civilian safety.

Project Name: Conyers Technology & Equipment for Strategic Preparedness
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: The City of Conyers Police Department would use this funding to purchase a mobile command vehicle and LTE-enabled portable radios to improve officer preparedness during large-scale incidents, high-threat situations, hostage rescue, and disaster response while enhancing the safety of first responders and civilians.

Project Name: City of Oxford for Water Main Replacement Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,092,000
Explanation of Request: The City of Oxford would use funding to disconnect the existing iron water main, install a new resilient water main, and reconnect water services lines to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water.

Project Name: Jonesboro Enhancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,031,000
Explanation of Request: Jonesboro Police Department would use this funding to purchase various pieces of equipment such as a portable message board trailer, portable LED light tower trailers, speed detection trailer, stop sticks, rapid ID devices, alcohol detection services, police cruisers, laptops, body cameras, and in-car cameras. This equipment will improve officer reporting, access to real-time information, and public communication during public emergencies.

Project Name: Newton County for Transmission Main Replacement Project
Approved Funding Amount: $1,092,000
Explanation of Request: Newton County would use this funding to install new 36-inch water main to replace the existing transmission lines. This project would ensure potable water for nearly all residents of Newton County

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes for Military Pay Raise, Securing the Border, and Rural Health Care

Congressman John Moolenaar voted for legislation that funds the Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and Labor. The legislative package includes a military service member pay raise, funding to secure the border, and support rural health care. 

“Today’s bills fund important programs that support Michigan families. They deliver a pay raise for our brave men and women in the military, bolster funding for rural health care, and strengthen our border security,” said Moolenaar. “They also invest in housing to make it affordable again.” 

This package includes: 

• 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members.
• $418 million for rural health, including increased funding for America’s rural
  hospitals, specifically targeting facilities at risk of imminent closure and increasing rural
  residency opportunities.
• $1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships.
• $18.3 billion for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding her vote to oppose the Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“Today, I voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which combines the funding bills for the Department of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development

“As Republicans refuse to address the affordability crisis and state that we don’t have enough money to fund healthcare for Americans, they are handing $838 billion to the Pentagon. That’s $8 billion more than was even requested by the President for a department that has never successfully passed an audit. Even a small portion of these funds could sustain health care subsidies for years, reinstate Medicaid funding for roughly 17 million people, eliminate homelessness, provide universal pre-K, or support proven anti-poverty measures like an expanded Child Tax Credit. 

“Thanks to the work of Democratic negotiators, this bill provides critical funding directly to our communities through Community Project Funding and preserves many programs that the Republicans tried to eliminate, including Continuum of Care, the Women’s Bureau, and Title II-A grants. It also expands our air traffic controller workforce by 2,500 personnel and boosts funding for rental assistance programs. However, like previous funding bills this Congress, it still lacks critical guardrails necessary to protect against this Administration’s illegal impoundments – or their refusal to spend money as directed by Congress – and therefore much of this funding may not reach the communities it is intended for. 

“Furthermore, it is irresponsible to continue to fund this runaway so-called ‘Department of War’ at a moment when President Trump is seeking out conflict in an egotistical campaign for power and Congressional Republicans refuse to assert their Constitutional power to authorize military force. This year started with Trump kidnapping the leader of Venezuela and since then he has threatened to use military force against Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, and Greenland, which would virtually destroy NATO and unnecessarily risk the safety of our troops.

“I am grateful that Democrat negotiators rejected partisan poison-pill policy riders. However, I was unable to vote for the bill as written.”

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