MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced $1 million for Women Aware Inc. in New Brunswick to strengthen services for survivors of domestic violence in Middlesex County. 

“Women Aware provides lifesaving support for survivors at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and this funding will help strengthen those services in Middlesex County,” Pallone said. “At a time when many victim service organizations are facing devastating funding uncertainty, this investment is especially important. Survivors deserve stability, safety, and access to care without wondering whether support programs will disappear. I will keep fighting to ensure New Jersey organizations have the federal resources they need to continue this work.”

The funding will support the development and expansion of the Middlesex County Family Justice Center, direct services for survivors, and specialized training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and emergency room personnel responding to domestic violence and strangulation cases. 

Last year, Pallone led a push urging the Trump Administration to release nearly $10 million in aid for New Jersey programs supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking after delays threatened critical services statewide.

Women Aware previously warned that reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act funding could force cuts to residential and non-residential programs that help survivors rebuild their lives and regain stability. Pallone has continued pressing the federal government to release delayed victim assistance funding to prevent layoffs, service reductions, and closures at organizations across New Jersey.

“This grant strengthens the cornerstone of safety in our community by allowing us to provide critical training for law enforcement and medical personnel. It ensures that when a survivor reaches out, whether in an emergency room or a courtroom, they are met with a response that is trauma-informed, expert, and rooted in justice,” said Women Aware CEO Phyllis Yonta, MSW, MA, DVS.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced the opening of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. This annual competition encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by creating and showcasing their own software applications.

“The Congressional App Challenge offers local students a chance to showcase their creativity and technical skills,” said Rep. Kelly. “I am continually impressed by the talent and ingenuity of our students, and I look forward to seeing the innovative apps they develop this year.”

The 2025 winner was Giovanni Di Domenico of Cranberry Township, Butler County.

Competition Details:

Eligibility: Open to all middle and high school students residing or attending school in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District.
Submission Deadline: October 26, 2026.

Students are encouraged to register early to receive updates and resources. 

How to Participate:

• Register for the competition at: www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us
• Develop an original app on any platform (e.g., mobile, web, desktop).
• Submit the app along with a demonstration video and required documentation by the submission deadline.

The winning app from Pennsylvania’s 16th District will be featured on the Congressional App Challenge website and displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. Winners will also be invited to the #HouseOfCode celebration in Washington, D.C., where they can showcase their app to Members of Congress and the tech community.

For more information, please contact Julie Swartfager, Director of Constituent Services, at Julie.Swartfager@mail.house.gov.

Learn more about the competition at Kelly.House.Gov/Services/Congressional-App-Challenge and at www.congressionalappchallenge.us

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) introduced the Stop Oil Exports to Lower Gas Prices Act to protect American consumers from rising energy costs and economic instability by halting exports of U.S.-produced crude oil during the ongoing war with Iran.

America produces more oil than we use and is a net exporter of both petroleum and refined products. If we prohibit exports, the supply will exceed the demand, and prices for American consumers will drop. Currently, American oil is going to Europe and Asia to replace Middle East oil, reducing the domestic supply and raising the prices Americans pay.

“During this period of international instability, we have a responsibility to use all available tools to defend American families and our economy,” said Congressman Sherman. “This bill prioritizes consumers by directing our energy resources toward lowering costs here at home instead of allowing companies to chase higher profits at the expense of American consumers,” Sherman added.

The legislation would prohibit U.S. crude oil exports until (1) the President certifies that hostilities with Iran have ceased and (2) the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened to global commerce. 

The bill would implement a targeted export ban designed to stabilize domestic energy markets, reduce inflationary pressure, and prioritize U.S. supply during a period of international crisis. It also includes limited flexibility for cases where certain crude oil cannot be efficiently refined domestically, allowing narrowly tailored export licenses provided that refined products are returned to the United States.

Recently, Congressman Sherman pressed President Trump to immediately exercise this authority and pause U.S. petroleum exports until hostilities with Iran cease and global energy markets stabilize. In his letter to Trump, Sherman emphasized that such action would help shield American consumers from unnecessary price increases, reduce inflationary pressure, and ensure domestic energy supplies remain available during a period of global instability. 

“Suspending crude oil exports during the Iran War is a lawful, targeted, and necessary step,” Sherman added. “American oil should first and foremost benefit the American people, who continue to suffer from the affordability crisis cause by President Trump’s reckless policies.”

To read Sherman’s letter to Trump, click here. 

To view bill text, click here. 

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki requesting more information on how the federal government monitors large amounts of cash being transported internationally. This letter comes on the heels of reports that fraudsters in Minnesota were able to able to send large amounts of taxpayer money from Minnesota through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Somalia, where some the cash ultimately ended up in the hands of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

Current law requires individuals carrying more than $10,000 in U.S. currency out of the country to file FinCEN Form 105, Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (CMIR). However, recent reports raise questions about whether existing oversight and coordination between federal agencies is sufficient to identify potential abuse.

Rep. Stauber penned the following questions to Secretary Bessent and FinCEN Director Gacki: 

1. What process does FinCEN use to confirm the accuracy and completeness of CMIR filings submitted at airports and other ports of entry?
2. Does FinCEN share CMIR data with other federal agencies – such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General, or state Medicaid fraud control units – to assist with identifying potential fraud involving federal benefit programs?
3. What tools are used to observe patterns of unusually large amounts of cash being transported out of the country or frequent currency exports that could indicate fraud or abuse of federal assistance programs?
4. Are there significant differences in the levels of declared currency exports across U.S. airports, and if so, what factors might explain elevated levels of outbound cash as specific locations such as MSP?
5. How does FinCEN coordinate with federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice, Customs and Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement entities, to investigate suspicious activity identified through CMIR filings?
6.  From an enforcement and investigative perspective, would a temporary pause or restriction on international remittance transfers, including those involving individuals under investigation for fraud or abuse of federal benefit programs, be an effective tool in exposing potential fraud, or could such a policy negatively impact ongoing investigations or intelligence gathering efforts? 

In this letter, Rep. Stauber concludes, “Strong oversight of large international cash transfers is essential to protecting taxpayer dollars and preventing fraud in federally funded programs. Greater transparency in how this data is monitored and shared among federal agencies will help Congress determine whether additional safeguards or legislative action are needed.”

Read the full letter HERE. 

This is not the first action Congressman Stauber has taken to prevent fraudsters from sending American taxpayer money overseas. Last month, the Congressman joined Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach in introducing the Preventing the Repatriation of American Benefits Act to restrict the amount of money noncitizens receiving federal benefits can send abroad, ensuring money meant for American assistance stays at home.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Preventing the Repatriation of American Benefits Act in response to the fraud and national security threats exposed across Minnesota’s social service programs. 

This legislation is designed to ensure that federal assistance remains within the United States by restricting the amount of money noncitizens receiving federal benefits can send abroad. The bill revokes welfare eligibility for non-citizens who send more than $1,000 back to their country annually.

This comes in the wake of reports that at least $9 billion of American taxpayer dollars were siphoned off through fraud schemes in Minnesota. Investigations have revealed that millions of these defrauded dollars were sent overseas, including to the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist organization Al-Shabaab.

“It was deeply disturbing to learn that millions in stolen Minnesota welfare dollars were sent back to Somalia and landed in the hands of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab,” said Rep. Stauber. “Hard-earned Minnesota taxpayer dollars must help our own citizens, not foreign criminals. I’m proud to co-author this legislation with Rep. Fischbach to put an end to the madness and ensure every dollar intended for American families stays in America.”

“We are done watching our hard-earned money be sent overseas while the programs meant for our own citizens are gutted by fraud,” said Rep. Fischbach. “This bill puts a stop to the flow of American dollars out of our country. It is time we prioritize our own communities and ensure money meant for American assistance stays right here at home.”

By closing the loopholes that allowed fraud to flourish, this legislation ensures that federal assistance supports vulnerable individuals and families within the United States, rather than funding criminals abroad.

View the bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), introduced a resolution recognizing May 10^th as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. 

Between 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide. This devastating crisis is made worse by longstanding barriers to mental health care, including the high cost of health care, low mental health literacy, language access challenges, and cultural stigma that too often discourages individuals from seeking help. 

The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the critical importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and raises awareness to break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking care. The also encourages health agencies to adopt policies that improve access to and utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities.

“For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Rep. Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10^th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.”

“In the face of growing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is more important than ever that AANHPI communities are seen and their struggles are not ignored,” said Rep. Tokuda. “AANHPI Mental Health Day is about breaking the deep-rooted stigma around mental health in our communities and continuing our work to expand awareness and access to culturally competent care.”

“Mental health issues are a hidden crisis facing the Asian American community,” said Rep. Strickland. “Cultural and language barriers obstruct the already limited resources available for mental health, and raising awareness is the first step towards addressing this crisis.”

“Nearly every family has been touched by mental health challenges in some way. That is why we must keep breaking down barriers to care, confronting stigma and making sure every person can get the support they need,” said Rep. Matsui. “For too many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, quality mental healthcare remains out of reach. This resolution raises awareness of those barriers, while calling for the resources and infrastructure our communities need to heal and thrive.”

“With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Sen. Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.” 

Last year, Rep. Chu and Senator Hirono reintroduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025, which instructs SAMHSA to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth.

The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Meng, Mullin, Takano, Thanedar, Watson Coleman, Nadler, Tonko, Tran, Barragán, Simon, Krishnamoorthi, Peters, Salinas, Min, Menendez, Jayapal, Pocan, Case, Norton, Goldman, Subramanyam, Scott, and Lieu.

“National AANHPI Mental Health Day this year sits with us particularly heavily, as we feel our communities’ dual celebratory joy during AANHPI Heritage Month alongside the mental health burden of a deeply unaffordable economic reality, lack of widespread access to culturally-responsive mental health supports, and ongoing attacks on our immigrant and Indigenous communities. Despite these challenges, the resilience and solidarity of our communities across the country remain, and there exists an enormous wealth of community knowledge, mobilization, and sustained activism to protect and foster our collective wellbeing,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Community Engagement & Communications Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA).

“The National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day Resolution is a welcome step to address the insufficient access to mental healthcare providers and in-language services that AANHPI communities have faced for far too long. Now, with growing cuts to health care affordability and increased immigration enforcement reaching into previously protected spaces like schools and hospitals, fear and instability pose even steeper challenges,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “The need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services has never been more urgent. Meaningful investment in a diverse mental health workforce and language access services are essential to ensure our communities are not left behind.”

“The establishment of a National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day is an important step in recognizing the unique mental health needs and experiences within AANHPI communities,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By elevating awareness and fostering culturally informed conversations, this designation can help reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek the care and support they deserve. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Chu, Rep. Matsui, Rep. Tokuda, and Rep. Strickland for their commitment to advancing mental health equity.”

The resolution is endorsed by National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA); Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; South Asian Public Health Association; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Cuaresma Counseling; Sakura Foundation; Wellness with Andrea Jakucs & Associates; Japanese American Citizens League; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); API Tennessee; United Chinese Americans UCA WAVES- Youth Mental Health Collaborative; Taulama for Tongans; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Stop AAPI Hate; AAPI Equity Alliance; SPEAK, a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans and Kin; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; TPB Strategies LLC; Asian Girls Ignite; Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI), CUNY; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF); National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA); Hepatitis B Foundation; Prevention Institute; Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL); Chinese American Citizens Alliance; AAPI Data; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education; National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA); Thriving Asians; American Muslim Health Professionals; and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, AAJC.

The full text of the resolution is available here. 

If you or a loved one need mental health support, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC)—On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Congressman Al Green introduced the “Original Resolution Commending the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its efforts to facilitate peace between the United States and Israel with Iran.” The resolution recognizes Pakistan’s role as a neutral and reliable mediator amid a devastating conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life, mass displacement, and substantial financial costs to the global community. A copy of the resolution is accessible by clicking here.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Amid a war marked by loss of life and immense suffering, we must recognize those working to bring peace. Pakistan’s role as a neutral partner reminds us that diplomacy is still our strongest path forward. By commending these efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to choosing dialogue over destruction and pursuing a peace that values innocent lives touched by this conflict.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — On Thursday, May 7, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse will host an in-person town hall meeting in Weld County. Neguse will be joined by local leaders, provide an update on his work for the people of Colorado’s 2nd District, and take live questions from audience members.

This will be his 23rd public town hall of the 119th Congress—more than all members of Colorado’s House delegation combined.

What:      Weld County Town Hall
When:     Thursday, May 7 @ 4:30 PM
Where:    645 Holbrook Street, Erie, CO 80516

RSVP for this community gathering HERE.

Congressman Neguse has represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Covering more than 12,000 square miles, the district is one of Colorado’s largest and most rural, spanning twelve counties: Boulder, Weld, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, Summit, Jackson, Routt, and Broomfield.

Last year, Neguse visited 50 cities and towns across the district. He also hosted 17 in-person town halls—more than every other member of Colorado’s U.S. House delegation combined. The Congressman kicked off 2026 on the same note, convening two town halls during the first week of the new year. Thursday’s event will be his 6th in-person town hall event of the year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Representative Tom Cole (OK-04), along with Representatives Frank Lucas (OK-03) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05), joined Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Bryan Bedford in touring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center’s Air Traffic Control Training Academy. The tour, which included visits to the Tower Simulator System Lab and the En Route Automation Modernization Lab, provided an overview of controller training programs and technologies used to prepare the aviation workforce.

Throughout their time in Congress, Representatives Cole, Lucas, and Bice have been able to secure federal dollars for the Center. This year, through Fiscal Year 2026 funding, the Representatives fought for and secured $152 million dollars to ensure the facilities at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center remain the gold standard for all operations occurring at the Center, as well as for air traffic controller recruitment, training, and equipment to ensure the next generation of air traffic controllers have the tools they need to learn how to safely conduct air traffic within the national airspace system.

After the tour, the Representatives and Administrator Bedford released the following statements:

“Thanks to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma has long been a hub for aerospace and aviation industry development. The Center is not only a key administrative, research, and safety hub for the FAA, but it is also home to the FAA Academy, which is the only training center in the country for FAA-certified air traffic controllers. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that America’s national aviation industry cannot exist without the workforce the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center produces – and that was made very clear through the advanced technology and new curriculum we saw on the tour today,” said Congressman Cole. “I would like to thank FAA Administrator Bedford for taking the time to come out to Oklahoma, as it is critical for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to continue to thrive.”

“I’m grateful to the Oklahoma congressional delegation, including Chairman Tom Cole, Representative Frank Lucas, Vice Chair Stephanie Bice as well as Senators Lankford and Armstrong for their strong leadership here in Oklahoma. This center is one of the crown jewels of research and development, and sustainment for the national airspace system,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “It all happens here. Training new air traffic controllers, technicians, and first and second level engineers. We had the most successful recruiting day in the history of the FAA for our air traffic controllers, we’ve shortened the hiring process and we are getting trainees into the Academy faster than ever.”

“It was a great day in Oklahoma City with Administrator Bedford as we toured the impressive Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center,” said Congressman Lucas. “The innovative technology that we saw today has, and will continue to, completely change the training curriculum for future aviation experts. This will bring our nation’s opportunities in aviation to new heights, and it will also enable our workforce to be equipped with more skills and services that will only further advance their careers. I’m optimistic about the future of aviation, and I’m proud that this innovation is occurring here in Oklahoma’s third congressional district.”

“It was great to be alongside Administrator Bedford at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. On his visit, the first by an FAA Administrator in a decade, we witnessed the incredible work happening daily in Oklahoma City. I was proud to see new innovate technologies, funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which are helping to prepare future air traffic controllers and the next generation of professionals. Their mission is critical and the Oklahoma delegation is laser focused on providing the support they need,” said Congresswoman Bice.

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