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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

VALLEJO, CA – Today, Congressman Garamendi honored three students from the 8th Congressional District whom he nominated and have been accepted into one of the nation’s military service academies including the Army’s West Point, the Merchant Mariner Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy.

You can find photos from the event HERE 

“Every year, I have the privilege of nominating such a highly qualified cohort of high school students from the district to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I had the chance to meet with each of these students, and I’m pleased to announce that our country’s future is in good hands with these bright and capable future service members.”

Below are the names of the students nominated by Congressman Garamendi:

West Point Appointee

John Gregory – Pittsburg, CA

Merchant Mariner Academy Appointee

Jayden Bui – Elk Grove, CA

Air Force Academy Appointee

Trace Kyler Smith – Richmond, CA

Naval Academy Appointee

Willis Anh Tuan Sargent – Vallejo, CA

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

VALLEJO, CA—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) announced the winners of this year’s Congressional High School Art Competition at a ceremony in Vallejo.

You can find images of winning art from the event HERE

The grand prize winner was Heidy Iraheta for her piece, “Different”. Heidy’s work will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year in a gallery featuring winners from congressional districts across the country.

“Every year, I am impressed by the exceptional talent demonstrated by young artists throughout the region in the Congressional High School Art Competition. This year was no exception. I extend my sincere congratulations to Heidy for her outstanding work, Different. I look forward to displaying her piece in the halls of Congress, where it will be seen by visitors from across the nation,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I thank every artist who participated in this year’s competition. Our community is enriched by your creativity and vision, and I am grateful to represent such a talented district.”

Started in 1982, the nationwide Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives and is an opportunity to recognize and encourage student artistic talent across the country. The pieces were judged by a panel of independent judges who performed the tough task of narrowing down the winners. Teachers, parents, and mentors worked behind the scenes to offer encouragement, advice, and inspiration.  

Grand Prize Winner:

Heidy Iraheta, Richmond High School, “Different”

Second Place Winner:

Lucida Chen, Wang Qi Art Institute, “Dawn”

Third Place Winner:

Amara Jordan Redford, Benicia High School, “Figments”

People’s Choice Award:

Ariel He-Wang, Angelo Rodriguez High School, “The Distance in Memory”

The full list of student submissions is listed below:

Vallejo 

Vallejo High School  

• Blanca Rodriguez, “The Path of Growth” & “The Winds of Roots”
• Camia Gatlin, “Identity and Emotion”
• Harnold Santiago Fuentes Bustos, “The Door to the Future” & “The Path of Growth”
• Kashmere Holmes, “Deer” & “At the Pond”

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Jesse Bethel High School

• Geraldine Hope Sanchez, “Unto You”
• Janell Lewis, “City Streets”
• Marco Abude, “Applepede”
• Nathaniel Alcantara, “Ladder of Opportunity”
• Ray-Juanito Ruiz, “Big Eye with a Heart in It”
• Roberto Gunjardo, “Swingside View”
• Sabrina Bettencourt, “Test of Time”
• Saniah Pope, “Sea of Night Sunset”
• Steven Rojas Ramirez, “Zoey”
• Tatara Arbab, “Hope at the Face of Disaster”
• Trace Wilson, “Maintaining Peace Mountain”
• Ximena Contreras, “Silent Truth”

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Pinole Valley High School  

• Daveri Meremeyer, “Nostalgia Street”  
• Davi Joseph Santiago, “The Eyes of Mother and Child”  
• Vincent Balestreri Davis, “On the Run”

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Richmond High School

• Isabel Ruiz, “The Hope After Grief”  
• Jody Villenas, “Youth”

Benicia

Benicia High School

Albany

Albany High School

• Iris Yu, “The Impermanence of Growing,” “Out of Batteries” & “Yellow on the Outside, White on the Inside”

Hercules

Sylvester Greenwood Academy

Crockett

John Swett High School

Fairfield

Angelo Rodriguez High School

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

ALBANY, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement after the passing of humanitarian and entrepreneur, Ted Turner:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ted Turner. His vision transformed the landscape of American media—creating outlets that changed how we receive news, how we watch sports, and how the world sees itself. As an entrepreneur and innovator, he displayed a rare combination of bold risk-taking and relentless determination that pushed an entire industry forward.

“Beyond his business accomplishments, Ted Turner was a committed philanthropist whose generosity extended far beyond monetary gifts. His investments in conservation, education, and public discourse reflected a belief that those who prosper must also give back. That spirit of service and stewardship is a legacy that will continue to benefit communities here at home and around the globe.

“Vivian and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the many people whose lives were touched by his work. In moments like this we remember not only the accomplishments but the human being behind them—the curiosity, the drive, and the capacity to imagine a different future. May his family find comfort and strength in the memories they share, and may his contributions inspire future generations to lead with both ambition and compassion.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today joined the Mount Prospect Fire Department, local leaders, and first responders at Fire Station 11 to commemorate $850,000 in federal funding he secured to support critical renovations that strengthen emergency response capabilities in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.

“The Mount Prospect Fire Department has taken on expanded responsibilities—serving new areas, protecting more residents, and covering critical corridors like I-90. I secured this $850,000 investment to help them carry out their lifesaving mission. This funding means faster response times, safer working conditions, and more reliable coverage for the communities that depend on them,” said Krishnamoorthi.

The funding supported renovations completed in 2024 that enhance firefighter safety and expand operational capacity following the dissolution of the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District, after which the Mount Prospect Fire Department assumed responsibility for a significantly larger service area, including manufactured home communities without hydrant systems, commercial and industrial corridors, and a three-mile stretch of the I-90 tollway. The investment builds on steps the department has already taken to meet rising demand, including hiring additional firefighters, adding a fourth ambulance, and repositioning resources to improve coverage across the village.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus to End Youth Vaping and a leading congressional advocate for stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and youth vaping prevention, today issued the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration approved fruit-flavored vaping products for sale in the United States.

“By approving fruit-flavored vapes, the FDA has authorized exactly the type of product that fueled the youth vaping epidemic. I’ve spent years sounding the alarm about e-cigarette companies marketing flavored products that appeal to kids. Decisions like this should be driven by public health—not political pressure from Donald Trump. These products will inevitably make their way into the hands of young people. The FDA must closely monitor youth vaping rates and crack down immediately if they start climbing again. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that got a generation hooked on nicotine.”

As Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, Krishnamoorthi led multiple investigations into youth vaping and the marketing practices of e-cigarette companies, including efforts to crack down on flavored products that appealed to underage users. He has repeatedly called for stronger federal action to prevent youth nicotine addiction and hold companies accountable for marketing tactics aimed at children and teenagers.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement at today’s Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled: AI and the Grid: Meeting Growing Power Demand While Protecting Ratepayers.

This legislative hearing is the latest in the Committee’s work to meet the nation’s growing energy demand and secure our grid while providing affordable and reliable electricity to the American people.  

Chairman Guthrie’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

“Thank you, Chairman Latta, for holding this hearing, and thank you to the witnesses for appearing before us to examine seven proposals to modernize our electric system to meet the needs of the 21st Century.

“Throughout this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has spent considerable time examining the opportunities that arise from U.S. leadership in Artif
icial Intelligence development.

“We’ve evaluated the benefits of AI across every sector of our economy.
The national security issues with AI and adversarial nations like China and having whose values control AI is vitally important.

“We’ve looked at ways AI data growth and how it interacts with our electric system. The world is at a precipice of great change, and we must get this right.

“It is no secret that energy demands coming from data centers are raising concerns about affordability in our communities.

“But we are charting a path to ensure, and as the ranking member said, ‘ we can find common ground’ on that data center growth works for all Americans, and not just big tech companies.

When done right, research and evidence continue to show that load growth coming from data centers actually lowers costs for communities because new data centers bring needed investment into the grid modernization, while connecting baseload energy that keeps the lights on for everybody for 365 days a year.

“Even more, these investments raise significant tax revenue. We’re looking at one in my district that is going to raise significant tax revenue, and they can use that to pay for local communities, schools, public safety, and recreational parks.

“It should generate a nice source of revenue, and if you’re going to locate in a community, it should generate revenue in that community. And that is why legislation before us today focuses on ways to methodically plan, build, and pay for a grid that works for all the American households.

“These bills enhance the states’ important role in planning a more affordable, reliable grid. We are also ensuring that data centers are paying their fair share. Data centers should pay for the load that comes into the data centers.

“So, while we may not agree with every provision in the bill, these proposals will foster discussion on how to implement a vision of our electric system that keeps costs low for households and ensures U.S. leadership in the next generation economy.

“I look forward to today’s discussion, and I absolutely do look forward to continued discussions amongst all members of this committee to see that we beat China in the race. 

“Thank you, and I yield back.”

Chairman Guthrie’s five minutes of questions during today’s hearing can be found here.

Background:
This legislative hearing examined seven bills, including the Ratepayer Protection Act, Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, and Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act.  

– The Ratepayer Protection Act would protect ratepayers from footing the bill for large-load energy customers, like AI data centers, by requiring State regulatory authorities to consider establishing a large-load standard designed to cover the full cost of any upgrades to power generation, transmission, or distribution.

– The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold regional joint boards with State public utility commissions to study and identify best practices to plan out future electricity needs and how to deploy energy utilities effectively to customers.  

– The Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act would direct the Department of Energy, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, to study and report to Congress on opportunities to utilize AI and other high-performance computing technologies to enhance the capacity, reliable operation, and operational efficiency of the bulk power system.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

Andrea Pedro-Francisco has been held in ICE custody, while suffering from an untreated ovarian cyst, since February 5th

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, introduced the No Funds for Iran War Act to prohibit federal funding for President Donald Trump’s war with Iran. 

The Trump administration initially sought $200 billion from Congress for this war, in addition to requesting a $1.5 trillion budget for the Pentagon–the largest ever request in history. 

The No Funds for Iran War Act would ensure the Trump administration cannot prolong their illegal war and force Americans to make even more sacrifices for it without an official declaration of war or Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) from Congress.

“I won’t vote for a dime to continue this illegal war with Iran. It’s clear that President Trump has no endgame and no strategy,” said Congressman Crow. “Republicans must stop enabling this illegal war that has already killed 13 American servicemembers, cost us tens of billions in taxpayer dollars, and raised gas prices at home.”

Joining Crow on the legislation are Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY), 13 fellow Democratic veterans, and leaders of the House Armed Services, House Foreign Affairs, and House Intelligence Committees.

Crow has repeatedly condemned Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran and introduced a War Powers resolution to end this war. As an Army Ranger who grew up in a working class family and served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Crow has seen firsthand the repercussions of forever wars on servicemembers and hardworking Americans. He has also demanded answers on civilian deaths related to the war, including a U.S. strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were killed.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

The new shelter will improve the well-being and management of stray animals, abused pets and other abandoned animals in the Inland Empire 

BLOOMINGTON, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $2,000,000 in community project funding for San Bernardino County to build a new animal shelter in Bloomington, California. The Bloomington Animal Care Center will improve animal care and public safety in the Inland Empire by expanding shelter space and providing quality veterinary and animal control services.
Once complete, the Bloomington Animal Care Center will help the most in-need animals in San Bernardino County and support initiatives to decrease the spread of diseases like rabies, manage stray animals, and provide other preventive measures to keep animals healthy and the public safe. Additionally, the shelter will offer free or low-cost community resources such as pet adoptions, spaying and neutering, microchipping, dog licensing, vaccinations, animal shelter during local emergencies, volunteer opportunities and educational programs for pet owners. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.
“My top priority is improving the quality of life for everyone in the Inland Empire, and that includes animals who call our region home,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Californians are incredibly passionate about the well-being of pets and animals and understand the unique challenges we face in San Bernardino County. That’s why I’m proud to deliver this federal investment to build an animal shelter that will provide not just space, but also essential veterinary and animal control services to prevent the spread of disease, keeping both pets and people safe.”
“This investment moves the county forward as we expand animal care services for our residents,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “We appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s support in securing these federal funds to help build a modern facility in Bloomington that will improve care and give us the capacity to serve more animals. It’s a practical investment that supports public health, community safety and responsible stewardship of public resources.”
“This investment brings us closer to delivering a much-needed animal care center for Bloomington—expanding access to services, improving response times, and creating more adoption opportunities,” said Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “It’s an investment in the health, safety, and quality of life of our community.”
As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) was joined by Representatives Joe Wilson (SC-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), Earl “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), and Brian Jack (GA-03) in sending a letter to the Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Department of War, urging that changes to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon be halted immediately. 

In the letter, Congressman Allen and the members write: “We are writing to share our strong opposition to the proposal by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to downgrade the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon to an ambulatory care center… While DHA has notified Congress about the proposed changes, it is required by law that DHA submit a report to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on the proposed plans to restructure EAMC and Congress has 180 days to review the proposal before any changes are made.”

The members continue: “It is very concerning that DHA has circumvented the law and has proceeded to downsize the EAMC based on a previous administration’s plan to address their recruiting failures and lack of investment in the men and women of the military… Under these new circumstances, we urge DHA to reconsider the changes made at EAMC and to halt any further actions, with respect to delivery of care and staffing until Congress has assessed the plan.”

The members conclude: “While our servicemembers and their families are our priority, there are real national security concerns sending servicemembers into the civilian healthcare system… We are grateful to represent servicemembers and their families who face unique and complex needs due to their service. Again, we urge DHA to follow the letter of the law and halt any further changes to EAMC.”

BACKGROUND: On January 20, 2026, Congressman Allen sent a letter to the Honorable David J. Smith, M.D., Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency, seeking answers about potential changes in the scope of services provided at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon.

To read the full letter to Secretary Hegseth, click here.