MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum (OR-05) led their Oregon delegation colleagues—Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03)—in demanding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) follow the law and immediately reverse its termination of an $86.6 million federal award to Oregon under the Solar for All Program. 

“We are appalled and outraged at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) blatant and unlawful termination of $7 billion in federal funding for the 60 organizations that received awards through the Solar for All program. Solar for All funding has been approved by Congress and signed into law, and cancelling or rescinding these obligated funds is a violation of the law and the Constitution,” the Oregon delegation wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought. “Solar for All is fundamental to the EPA’s core mission of safeguarding human health and the environment, and your actions to illegally rescind these funds will result in even higher energy costs and a less reliable energy grid for families and Tribal communities.”

The $86.6 million grant went to the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to deploy a statewide Solar for All Program in partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the Energy Trust of Oregon. The funds—which were awarded under the historic Inflation Reduction Act and fully obligated—are intended to help create Oregon’s only statewide residential solar incentive program, but without them, working families across the state will struggle to harness the power of clean solar energy.

The lawmakers emphasized, “If fully funded and implemented, Oregon’s Solar for All program would serve over 8,000 low-income Oregon households, helping families install solar panels on their homes with little or no up-front costs. Until you terminated these funds, the state was on track to launch its Solar for All program and start offering incentives by the end of this year. Your recent actions have jeopardized these crucial services and stripped thousands of Oregonians of access to this cost-effective program.”

As Ranking Member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee and a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Merkley has led the charge to hold the EPA accountable for its disastrous funding freezes that have previously targeted the Solar for All program. He continues to use his position as the top Democrat on the subcommittee that oversees funding for the EPA to ensure the agency follows the law and has the necessary resources to carry out its mission of protecting human health and the environment.

“The EPA’s termination of the Solar for All program is a blatant failure of its duty to uphold enacted spending laws and ensure Americans have access to reliable and affordable electricity. Congress has yet to receive satisfactory responses and justifications for many of your unlawful and illogical actions. This is unacceptable and the agency must comply with the law and fulfill its responsibility to protect the livelihoods of all Americans and the environments where they live,” the delegation directed.

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Mr. Zeldin and Mr. Vought:

We are appalled and outraged at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) blatant and unlawful termination of $7 billion in federal funding for the 60 organizations that received awards through the Solar for All program. Solar for All funding has been approved by Congress and signed into law, and cancelling or rescinding these obligated funds is a violation of the law and the Constitution. Solar for All funds help families across the nation access reliable energy at an affordable price. Solar energy is one of the cheapest and most reliable forms of energy, and solar deployment is critical to meeting the nation’s rapid growth in energy demand. Solar for All is fundamental to the EPA’s core mission of safeguarding human health and the environment, and your actions to illegally rescind these funds will result in even higher energy costs and a less reliable energy grid for families and Tribal communities.

In 2024, the State of Oregon received an $86.6 million award from the EPA to develop a statewide Solar for All program. These funds, awarded under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, are fully obligated. Since January 2025, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has worked diligently in partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the Energy Trust of Oregon to design a cost-effective program with a focus on efficient procurement and project planning while also building strong partnerships with local community-based organizations across the state.

If fully funded and implemented, Oregon’s Solar for All program would serve over 8,000 low-income Oregon households, helping families install solar panels on their homes with little or no up-front costs. Until you terminated these funds, the state was on track to launch its Solar for All program and start offering incentives by the end of this year. Your recent actions have jeopardized these crucial services and stripped thousands of Oregonians of access to this cost-effective program.

If allowed to spend the federal funds it was legally awarded, the State of Oregon has plans to establish a program that would support solar panel installation on multi-family buildings and the development of community solar projects, while also investing in workforce development activities to ensure a robust and efficient solar industry in Oregon. This program would be the only statewide residential solar incentive program and without it, residential solar will not be a cost-effective option for low-income Oregonians. Now that the EPA has terminated federal Solar for All funds, thousands of low-income Oregonians will suffer from higher utility costs and less resilient energy sources.

The Solar for All program is crucial to meeting future energy needs in the Pacific Northwest while lowering household costs for working-class families. In Oregon, customers have suffered from exponentially increasing energy bills, with some utilities raising prices on residential households by 50% since 2020. Nationwide, the Solar for All program is on track to help more than 900,000 people install solar and reduce their electricity bills by at least 20 percent. The Solar for All program is designed to shield middle- and low-income families from these extreme price increases that place additional financial strain on households that are already struggling to pay their bills.

The EPA’s termination of the Solar for All program is a blatant failure of its duty to uphold enacted spending laws and ensure Americans have access to reliable and affordable electricity. Congress has yet to receive satisfactory responses and justifications for many of your unlawful and illogical actions. This is unacceptable and the agency must comply with the law and fulfill its responsibility to protect the livelihoods of all Americans and the environments where they live.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia yesterday to spotlight $750,000 in federal funding he secured for the organization to develop a new permanent satellite office serving North Philadelphia.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – This morning, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a virtual press briefing to sound the alarm about how the SEPTA funding impasse could cost southeastern Pennsylvania tens of millions in Amtrak funding and damage Amtrak’s ability to contribute to Philadelphia’s economy.

“Tens of thousands of my constituents rely on SEPTA to get to school, go to work, and to live their lives,” said Congressman Boyle. “But the SEPTA funding crisis doesn’t just impact SEPTA – it will severely impact Amtrak’s operations in our area. Tens of millions of dollars in funding for Amtrak is at stake, and if this funding is disrupted it will risk potential service cuts and threaten Amtrak’s ability to maintain basic rail infrastructure.”

Background:

• In FY25, SEPTA contributed $71.1 million to Amtrak to cover the operation of SEPTA service across the Amtrak system.
  • SEPTA contributed $42.3 million for capital projects and infrastructure work, such as tracks and signals in FY25.
  • SEPTA contributed $28.8 million in operating expenses, such as policing and station operations in FY25.
• Amtrak calculates that if SEPTA is forced to cut service, Amtrak will face almost $50 million in lost revenue.
  • Amtrak would be responsible for $30.7 million in total additional capital renewal spending due to missing SEPTA payments.
  • Amtrak would receive $18.9 million less in operating reimbursements from SEPTA if SEPTA is forced to slash service.
• As the primary owner and operator of rail infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and throughout Pennsylvania, Amtrak receives payments from users of its track, including commuter services such as SEPTA, to cover both the operations and capital investments along the corridor.
   

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem not signing off on more than $100 million in funds already approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.

“Over the last year, the people of Western North Carolina have displayed incredible bravery and resiliency as they recover from Hurricane Helene, but they still aren’t getting the federal support they deserve,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Sec. Noem continues to withhold more than $100 million in critical funding already approved by FEMA, hurting the ability for these communities to serve their residents. My colleagues and I in the North Carolina Congressional Delegation fought hard to secure relief funding for Western North Carolina because we know this isn’t a partisan issue. It is unacceptable that the administration keeps delaying the money our constituents are owed.”

“As North Carolina is currently under a state of emergency and faces another dangerous hurricane season, North Carolinians are anxiously wondering if they’ll be met with the same delays in support Western North Carolina is still experiencing,” Adams continued. “Hurricane Erin promises to bring strong winds and heavy rains to North Carolina, and our coastal communities are unsure they’ll receive the relief they need this year. I am calling on the DHS to release all FEMA funds for Western North Carolina and put a plan in place to ensure we can finally bring an end to these catastrophic delays.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) sent a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow expressing concern about parole policy changes, processing backlogs, and staffing reductions that have created uncertainty for constituents navigating the immigration system. In his letter, Rep. Panetta highlighted the consequences of the Trump Administration’s elimination of categorical parole programs and the impact on families and individuals in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Parole has been utilized for decades to allow people entry to the United States under extraordinary circumstances, including during war and international crises.  The current Administration reversed policies that had previously been used to admit vulnerable groups like Afghan allies persecuted by the Taliban, Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of their country, and nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.  USCIS reports that parole applications at the California Service Center now take up to 12 and a half months to process.  Meanwhile, USCIS has eliminated nearly 50 positions from its workforce.

“The Administration has instigated considerable changes to the parole program, including the end of categorical parole designations, significantly increased case backlogs, and concerns about staffing levels,” wrote Rep. Panetta.  “As a member of Congress, one of my proudest and most solemn roles is performing casework for my constituents, advocating on their behalf as they navigate the federal bureaucracy.  Addressing these concerns will help my constituents, help my office to better serve them, and improve the transparency and integrity of the immigration system.”

As part of legislative oversight, Rep. Panetta demanded prompt responses from the Administration on the criteria it is using to evaluate parole cases, its staffing plans, and the steps USCIS is taking to address delays in parole processing for constituents of California’s 19^th Congressional District.

The full letter to Director Edlow can be found here and below.

Dear Director Edlow:

I write to raise concerns and request clarity about new parole policies and their impact on my constituents.  The Administration has instigated considerable changes to the parole program, including the end of categorical parole designations, significantly increased case backlogs, and concerns about staffing levels.  This has led to uncertainty for my constituents as they seek to navigate the parole system, and complicated the casework process for my office.  I respectfully request that you outline the criteria and process for parole requests following the end of categorical programs, what USCIS has done to increase staffing levels, and how you plan to address backlogs and processing delays for parole and other applications.

Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) grants the executive authority to temporarily parole noncitizens into the United States.  While this is not an immigration process, and includes no direct statutory route to citizenship, parole has been utilized for decades to allow people entry to the United States under extraordinary circumstances, including during war and international crises.  The previous administration significantly increased the use of parole, in many cases as a means to swiftly admit large numbers of nonimmigrants from vulnerable groups like Afghan allies persecuted by the Taliban, Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of their country, and nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.  The Trump Administration has rejected such “categorical” parole, but individual constituents in my district continue to face the realities of family isolated abroad and challenges updating their own lawful statuses. 

These challenges are compounded by long application processing times at USCIS and reports of varying reductions and increases in USCIS staff.  By its own metrics USCIS reports that most I-131 parole applications at the California Service center have a processing time of up to 12 and a half months.  In February, USCIS dismissed almost 50 probationary employees amid a backdrop of sweeping and often indiscriminate DOGE reductions in force. While many of these factors are understandably in flux, taken together they raise significant and legitimate concerns for my constituents, many of whom have spent years working to secure safe passage for loved ones, or to normalize their status in the United States.

As a member of Congress, one of my proudest and most solemn roles is performing casework for my constituents, advocating on their behalf as they navigate the federal bureaucracy.  As a result, my office has a direct role in this process.  I therefore respectfully request you address the following questions in order to address my constituents’ legitimate concerns and help my office better serve them:

1. What criteria is USCIS prioritizing in parole cases?  Are people from national origins that had categorical protections under the previous administration being considered on a case by case basis?      Are the factors that were considered under the previous administration, such as instability in an applicant’s country of origin, connections in the United States, and previous service to the United States, as is the case for Afghan allies, still being considered in parole applications?
2. How much have wait times increased for California and other processing centers in 2025?      What is USCIS’s plan to address processing backlogs and wait times?
3. What does USCIS consider sufficient staffing levels to address application backlogs and constituent inquiries?  How is USCIS addressing its staffing shortages?  How is USCIS working to ensure staff are available to answer questions from congressional offices performing constituent casework?

Addressing these concerns will help my constituents, help my office to better serve them, and improve the transparency and integrity of the immigration system.  I appreciate your prompt attention to this important matter.

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin:   

“The fact that this meeting even took place—at the invitation of President Trump, on American soil, without Ukraine present, and with zero concessions from Russia—is an undeserved reward for Putin, who has continued to bomb Ukrainian schools and hospitals, abduct Ukrainian children, and refuse to negotiate meaningfully about an end to the horrific war he started. President Trump should have pressured Putin by imposing crushing sanctions on his war machine and providing Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself. Instead, by quite literally rolling out the red carpet, Trump has legitimized Russia’s aggression and whitewashed Putin’s war crimes. It’s shameful. 

“Diplomacy, even with our adversaries, should always be pursued—not to garner headlines, but to end brutal conflicts. But there was zero reason today to believe Putin would suddenly start negotiating in good faith, and every indication he would continue to play Trump, this time face to face.  

“As we learn more of the substance of today’s meeting and possible next steps, the Trump administration must now move forward in close coordination with our European allies and Ukraine. I implore my Republican colleagues in Congress to recapture the bipartisanship they once showed in defense of Ukraine’s democracy, territorial integrity, and freedom. We must pass new sanctions, provide new assistance to Ukraine, and put real pressure on Russia to bring about a just and durable peace to end this war.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security and the State of Nebraska announced plans to expand a facility in McCook, NE to house U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees.

“While the Trump administration has taken great strides to secure our borders, more work remains. Recent arrests in Nebraska of violent gang leaders wanted in El Salvador have shown President Biden’s failure to address the border crisis has impacted more than just border communities. The initial information provided about the McCook facility appears to support these efforts, and I look forward to learning more about this project.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Leaders from the Southwest Side gathered today in Gage Park to announce an immediate response plan for residents affected by severe flooding and to demand long-term investments in infrastructure to protect vulnerable neighborhoods.

Hosted by Ald. Jeylú Gutiérrez, the press conference brought together a united coalition of elected officials: Rep. Aaron Ortiz, Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., Sen. Javier Cervantes, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, and U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.

“Our families shouldn’t be left vulnerable year after year because of decades of disinvestment,” said Ald. Gutiérrez. “That’s why we are pushing for overdue infrastructure investments — for real solutions. We’ll keep fighting alongside our neighbors until they get the protection and support they deserve.”

The coalition outlined a coordinated action plan that includes:

• Immediate relief: supporting residents with 311 filings, documenting damages, and escalating cases with city agencies.
   
• Short-term response: hosting neighborhood resource pop-ups, coordinating with city and county departments, and completing the Flooding Impact Survey to capture the scope of damage and residents’ needs.

  Long-term solutions: advocating for federal, state, and MWRD investments in stormwater capacity, green infrastructure, and neighborhood-level flood prevention projects.

Officials each highlighted a unique role in the response effort:

Rep. Aaron Ortiz
“Flooding isn’t just water in a basement — it’s paychecks lost, bills piling up, and families drained financially. Relief programs must match the scale of this crisis, and I’ll keep fighting in Springfield to make sure working-class neighborhoods like ours get the investment we’ve been denied for too long.”

Commissioner Alma Anaya
“It’s more than just bad weather — it’s a public health emergency. Mold, contamination, unsafe homes — these are threats to our kids, our seniors, our families. Cook County will continue to coordinate services so relief and resources reach the neighborhoods that need them most. This is about environmental justice and equity.”

Sen. Javier Cervantes
“Too many immigrant families and renters don’t know where to turn, or fear speaking up when their homes are damaged. We need to guarantee protections for both renters and homeowners, so no family is left behind. Flooding is a safety issue, a health issue, and we need action at every level of government.”

Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr.
“Our kids shouldn’t grow up thinking floods are normal. As families send their children back to school, they deserve safe homes and safe streets. Springfield must dedicate funding for flood protections in working-class Latino neighborhoods — because fairness means our communities get the same level of protection as anyone else.”

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García pledged federal advocacy. 

“Southwest Side families are living through a disaster — and Washington must treat it like one. I’ve helped secure hundreds of millions of federal dollars for infrastructure in Chicago, Cook County, and Cicero, but the truth is, we need much more. At the same time, Republicans in Congress are pushing reckless cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service — the very agencies that help us prepare for and recover from floods. Our communities can’t afford cuts; they need more protection and more resources to stay safe. As the consequences of climate change continue to worsen, it’s our responsibility to mitigate the impact.

The event also featured residents sharing personal stories of flooding damage, underscoring the urgency of immediate relief and long-term investment.

For residents in need of assistance, officials urged:

• Report damages through 311 (online, app, or phone).
• Take photos of damages and where water entered.
• Save receipts for any repair or cleanup expenses.
• Contact local elected offices for help with casework or escalation.

Residents can complete the Flooding Impact Survey by Aug 22 here.

# # # 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Janesville, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) led the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting an expedited Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to support recovery efforts across Wisconsin following historic flooding. A PDA is the first step in establishing a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking federal assistance for recovery efforts in Wisconsin.

Congressman Steil previously reached out to the White House and FEMA immediately following the storms on August 10th and sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last week.

“I remain committed to helping Wisconsin families affected by this disaster access available resources,” said Steil. “Timely action is critical and I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support as we work with the Administration to quickly secure the resources necessary to help families in our community recover from this storm.”

For a copy of the letter, click HERE.

Background:

• On August 9 and 10, historic rainfall caused severe flooding in the Milwaukee region.
• On August 10, Congressman Steil contacted the White House and FEMA to request federal assistance to respond to the flooding.
• On August 11, Wisconsin declared a state of emergency.
• On August 13, the state of Wisconsin requested assistance from FEMA to respond to the flooding.
• On August 14, Congressman Steil joined his colleagues in writing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
• Today’s letter was signed by every member of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation. 

###

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Putin and his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy scheduled for later today:

“President Trump’s decision to roll out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin on American soil was a dangerous mistake that handed one of the world’s most notorious dictators a PR victory while failing to achieve any meaningful concessions from Russia. To begin to undo the damage this has done to Ukraine’s negotiating position and the United States’ standing with our allies, he must make absolutely clear in today’s meeting that President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have nothing less than our unwavering support as they continue to defend their independence.

“I continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty, and will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to provide the military and humanitarian aid that has been Ukraine’s lifeline. I urge President Trump and his administration to make clear today that American foreign policy will continue to serve our values and strategic interests, not the whims of authoritarian leaders.”