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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) led a bipartisan group of members calling for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to remove onerous guidelines that deter applicants from accepting Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding, leaving synagogues, churches, mosques less safe.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a FEMA grant program that provides funding for physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. It is designed to integrate and promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

“American religious groups, and especially Jewish communities, have seen record increases in violent incidents and hate-filled threats,” said Schneider. “I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Tenney to push back against onerous new rules that make our synagogues, churches, and mosques less safe. We will continue to root out hate and discrimination in all forms, so everyone can observe their faith safely and without threat of harm.”

“The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an essential resource that helps faith-based organizations and nonprofit institutions protect the people they serve,” said Tenney. “As threats against houses of worship and community organizations continue to rise, it is important that these institutions have confidence that the program will provide the support they were awarded. Our letter encourages DHS to provide that certainty by ensuring the program remains focused on its core mission of enhancing security for vulnerable communities.”

“As antisemitism and threats against faith communities remain at historic levels, NSGP is more essential than ever to help at-risk communities protect themselves from threats,” said Lauren Wolman, ADL’s senior director of government relations and strategy. “We are grateful to Representatives Schneider and Tenney for their bipartisan leadership in championing this lifesaving program and ensuring organizations can access those resources quickly, with confidence, and without unnecessary delays.”

Rep. Schneider led two letters calling for updated guidance for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – one in January, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, and one in February as part of a larger bipartisan call for action. In response, the Department of Homeland Security stated they were “actively developing clarifying guidance.” Such guidance has still not been put forward.

During Secretary Mullin’s confirmation hearing, Mullin said he would work to “streamline the process” for grants, including the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

View the full letter here and below.

Dear Secretary Mullin,

Thank you for your continued support for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides critical grants for the protection of at-risk faith-based and nonprofit organizations, including Jewish institutions and many others, facing a troubling rise in targeted violence and antisemitism. In recent years, attacks in San Diego, West Bloomfield, Jackson, Boulder, Washington, D.C. and other communities have shown that no faith tradition or religious institution is immune to violence or hate-motivated threats. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2025 was one of the most violent years for American Jews, with 203 assaults, including 32 incidents involving a deadly weapon, the highest number ADL has ever recorded. Additionally, ADL recorded 1,129 antisemitic incidents at Jewish institutions in 2025. While incidents on college campuses decreased, they remained nearly three times higher than before October 7^th.

As representatives of communities that include vibrant religious institutions, we appreciate how important these grants are to ensuring that synagogues, churches, mosques, schools and other high-risk nonprofits, and the people they serve, are safe and secure.

On February 5, 2026, we wrote to then-DHS Secretary Noem to express our concern that the Standard Terms and Conditions promulgated by DHS on April 18, 2025, created new compliance requirements for NSGP recipients that were unrelated to the security of grant recipients and their communities. As we stated in our previous letter, these Standard Terms and Conditions would divert limited funds and burden the institutions the NSGP is meant to protect. At that time, we urged DHS to issue clarifying guidance and, where appropriate, waive any terms and conditions unrelated to the grant’s core security purpose.
In DHS’ response to us on February 27, 2026, then-DHS Secretary Noem stated that DHS and FEMA were “actively developing clarifying guidance tailored for the NSGP, including examples relevant to houses of worship and other faith-based nonprofits.” Unfortunately, such guidance has not yet been put forth.

We are writing again today because the FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), as issued by FEMA on June 24, 2026, maintains these concerning new compliance requirements. Ascurrently structured, the FY 2026 NOFO carries forward the compliance requirements we previously identified and adds a new ground for termination not present in the FY 2025 terms: the authority to end an award “for convenience,” upon a FEMA determination the award no longer advances the “national interest.” This vague and expansive standard gives applicants little guidance about what is expected of them and raises concerns about mid-project terminations without warning. As NSGP requires organizations to front the costs of their security projects, the possibility of mid-award termination and, therefore, no reimbursement, may deter applicants from accepting the grant, leaving their institution vulnerable to attack.

We have always believed that NSGP should be as streamlined and effective as possible, with minimal red tape and compliance requirements focused squarely on security. You rightly expressed this same belief during your confirmation hearing. That is why we urge you to revise the FY 2026 NOFO and issue new guidance that removes or waives terms and conditions unrelated to the security of grant recipients, eliminates the new overly broad termination authority and ensures that the NSGP remains accessible to all eligible faith-based and community organizations.

In this time of rising antisemitic attacks and violence against diverse faith-based institutions, we believe it is crucial that NSGP remains a critical resource for all who seek to worship in safety and free from requirements unrelated to security.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

The $696 million in grant funding will support the Midwest Maintenance Facilities Modernization; the Chicago Rail Bridge Renewal; and the South Branch Bridge Rehabilitation

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

SOUTHERN PINES, NC –U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced Verizon has activated a new cell site near Moore County Airport, improving service for Verizon customers in the surrounding area.

“Folks in Moore County have told me loud and clear they need better cell service, and I’m glad we’re seeing results,” said Rep. Hudson. “When Mayor Clement raised these concerns, I brought Verizon to Moore County to see the problems firsthand. I appreciate Verizon following through and getting this site online, and I’ll keep working with providers to improve service across our community.”

The new service comes just weeks after Hudson visited the site near Moore County Airport with Verizon officials and Southern Pines Mayor Taylor Clement as part of his push for better cell service across the county.

Background

In July, Hudson brought Verizon officials to Moore County to see areas with poor cell service firsthand and hear directly from Mayor Clement about problems residents, businesses, and visitors were experiencing.

During the visit, Hudson and Clement toured a small cell site in Aberdeen, met with Verizon officials in downtown Southern Pines, and visited the cell tower near Moore County Airport that has now been activated.

Hudson previously met with Verizon officials in December 2025 to push for better service in Moore County and across the Ninth District. Hudson looks forward to continuing to work with Verizon and other providers to ensure that the Moore County community has the reliable, high-speed service it needs.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) released the following statement on a new analysis from researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finding that Medicare for All could save the United States more than $1 trillion in annual health care spending while providing universal coverage.

The updated analysis was released by researchers at Yale’s Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis in response to an inquiry from Rep. Khanna about the economic impact of a single-payer universal health care system. The researchers updated their peer-reviewed 2020 Lancet analysis using the most recent national data and accounting for coverage retractions enacted in 2025.

In a letter to Rep. Khanna, the researchers project that Medicare for All would reduce annual national health expenditures from $5.28 trillion to $4.24 trillion – a savings of $1.04 trillion, or nearly 20 percent of current health spending. The researchers also estimate that lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 50 would cost the federal government approximately $180 billion annually, after accounting for existing federal health spending, employer-sponsored insurance offsets and premiums paid by beneficiaries.

The analysis also found that Medicare for All could strengthen hospital finances and allow for higher reimbursement rates where needed. Hospitals currently provide approximately $52 billion in uncompensated care each year, which would be reimbursed in full under a single-payer system. Services currently reimbursed at Medicaid rates would rise to Medicare rates, while hospitals and health care providers would save on administrative costs associated with navigating insurers and prior authorization requirements. The researchers found that the more than $1 trillion in overall savings would provide room for additional targeted increases in reimbursement rates for certain hospitals or medical specialties where needed.

“Americans are drowning in medical debt while insurance companies and big pharma make huge profits. This analysis shows we can guarantee health care to every American and save our country more than $1 trillion every year. We can also strengthen our hospitals by ensuring they are paid for care that currently goes uncompensated and reducing the enormous administrative costs of our current system,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “The case for Medicare for All has never been clearer or more urgent. Congress must pass Medicare for All and finally guarantee health care as a right for every American.”

To read the full letter, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement after U.S. District Judge David O. Carter temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from suspending the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) from federal homelessness grant programs, protecting approximately $241 million in dedicated federal funding as well as immediate future funds supporting programs that serve more than 11,000 people.

“In the face of the Trump Administration’s continued attacks toward people experiencing homelessness, I am glad to see Judge Carter demonstrate some humanity. Los Angeles is on the front lines of America’s homelessness crisis and continues to confront it head on, with nearly 73,000 people experiencing homelessness on any night across Los Angeles County. Instead of working side by side to address this crisis, the Trump Administration’s response was to jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars and cut off critical services for more than 11,000 people in dire need of assistance, with no real plan for what would happen to them next.

Of course, none of this should surprise us. Time and time again, Donald Trump has made it painfully clear that he doesn’t give a damn about solving America’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis. Since returning to office, he wasted no time attacking the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the programs millions of Americans depend on. And more recently, when Democrats and Republicans in Congress handed him the most significant housing legislation in decades—and frankly an easy win—he threw a tantrum and refused to sign it. Thankfully, we did not need him. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law anyway.

While I commend this decision, a judge should never have to stop the President of the United States from making our nation’s homelessness crisis worse. This ruling is a reprieve, not a solution. Americans need affordable homes, stable housing, and a federal government that actually cares whether they have a roof over their heads.

Unlike Donald Trump, Democrats are not sitting around waiting for this crisis to get worse nor are we actively fueling it. While he told us himself that “no one gives a shit about housing,” I introduced the Ending Homelessness Act to make the investments necessary to move people off the streets and into safe, stable, affordable homes. And just as I worked across the aisle to get the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act across the finish line, I will continue fighting for real solutions. Trump can keep trying to tear down the programs Americans depend on. Democrats will keep building them back stronger.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

The Chicago Executive Airport and the Decatur Airport will receive a combined total of $7.95 million in federal funding for runway improvements, sound mitigation

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) today announced a total of $7,951,873 in federal funding for the Chicago Executive Airport and the Decatur Airport.  This funding stems from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, which supports the planning and development of public-use airports.

“Investing in our airports is laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability.  With this grant announcement for Decatur Airport, Illinoisans will see upgraded airport infrastructure, making travel safe and more efficient.  Additionally, this funding will ensure that Illinoisans who live near the Chicago Executive Airport can mitigate the sounds of flyovers while still having access to a quality airport,” Durbin said. 

“Illinois airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “This major investment will help modernize infrastructure, install new runway safety measures and support noise mitigation for surrounding neighborhoods. Together, we will continue working to make air travel safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our airports are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

“I’m glad to work alongside my colleagues and local leaders in Illinois to announce more than $3.8 million in federal funding to support noise mitigation around Chicago Executive Airport,” said Schneider. “This project will support the health and well-being of nearby residents while ensuring the airport can continue to serve Cook County. In Congress, we will continue working to deliver funding that supports local priorities and projects.”

Specifically, this grant funding will go toward: 

1. Decatur Park District ($4,081,873). This funding will go the construction phase of the Decatur Park District’s project to reconstruct existing runway signage at the airport; acquire and install three new wind cone navigational aids to provide pilots with critical airfield information; and reconstruct existing runway lighting.

 

2. Chicago Executive Airport ($3,870,000). This funding will go toward the state’s project to install sound installation mitigation measures for 2,202 residences impacted by airport noise exposure.  This funding allotment will support the project’s current phase, which consists of program planning, design services, and sound insulation for 110 residences. 

   

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is demanding answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) following delays of time-sensitive mail deliveries across Southeast Michigan. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, Congresswoman Dingell highlighted the responsibilities of the USPS to ensure deliveries are received in a timely fashion and the recent failures of the department to deliver voting materials during the Michigan primary elections. The mail was not returned, they sat in mailboxes, and they were not picked up.

“These delayed deliveries left many Ann Arbor residents without their scheduled absentee ballots and political mail, limiting their time to vote before the statutory deadline and possibly preventing them from casting their ballots and receiving important candidate information. USPS has a responsibility to deliver the mail reliably and on time, especially when those delays can directly affect Americans’ ability to participate in our democracy,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

Congresswoman Dingell ended the letter with a series of questions, including a request for future actions the USPS has put in place to ensure that a similar situation does not recur.

This effort follows an April letter to the Trump Administration demanding answers for similar mail delivery disruptions

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

This letter is regarding mail service disruptions in my district, particularly the delay of absentee ballots and political mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a responsibility to remain accessible to all communities and ensure the delivery of essential mail, including bills, medications, legal documents, and urgent communications. The reliable delivery of time-sensitive mail is of the utmost importance.

I was alarmed to hear that on August 1, 2026, five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan, were left without assigned letter carriers, resulting in mail going undelivered. Just as concerning, USPS management failed to contact available employees to seek additional assistance in covering these routes, allowing the mail to remain untouched. Although employees are not required to work based solely on management’s outreach, failing to make any effort to find volunteers is unacceptable, particularly given that the state’s primary election was held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. These delayed deliveries left many Ann Arbor residents without their scheduled absentee ballots and political mail, limiting their time to vote before the statutory deadline and possibly preventing them from casting their ballots and receiving important candidate information. USPS has a responsibility to deliver the mail reliably and on time, especially when those delays can directly affect Americans’ ability to participate in our democracy.

This incident is increasingly troubling, as I had raised concerns about persistent mail delays in Southeast Michigan in April of this year. One would expect the Postal Service to take these concerns seriously and to ensure that sufficient staffing and management procedures are in place to prevent similar failures. USPS plays a critical role in facilitating participation in our democratic processes, and I will continue to work to ensure my constituents have the reliable service they deserve.

I request clarity regarding this issue in my district and would like written responses to the following questions: 

1. Was USPS aware of the five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan not receiving mail on August 1, 2026?

2.  What future actions has USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur?

3. What steps have been taken to receive proper coverage for these five carrier routes?

4. Why were city carrier assistants or other employees not contacted to alleviate the situation? 

5. To what extent did overtime compensation and labor costs factor into the mail coverage decision?    

6. What were the delivery instructions for these routes and which level of management made the orders?

7. Was the mail eventually delivered to the five routes, and if so, when?

8. How will USPS ensure the statutory obligations and expectations of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 are met? 

9. What plan of action does USPS have in place to ensure this issue is resolved by November of this year?

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres

Donna, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), joined by Mayor David Moreno and officials from the City of Donna, delivered $2 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding he secured for Phase Two construction of the Donna Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Specifically, the funds will be used to develop the South side of the park with new recreational amenities, including a covered basketball pavilion, playground area, dog park, restrooms, workout stations, and a market walk for community events and vendors.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul concluded his third visit to Taiwan. While there, he gave a keynote speech at a forum focused on Indo-Pacific security and met with high-level officials including President Lai, who conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on him for his support of Taiwan. Chairman Emeritus McCaul released the following statement on his trip:

“At a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher, I was proud to visit Taiwan for the third time to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support. The increasing belligerence of the Chinese Communist Party poses a direct threat — not only to Taiwan, but to the entire global balance of power. That’s why I’ve been proud to support Taiwan, from championing the 2024 supplemental bill to spearheading AUKUS legislation to bolstering U.S.-Taiwan economic ties. I’m honored to receive the Brilliant Star from President Lai and will continue standing with Taiwan as we pursue a free and democratic future in which peace through strength prevails.”

McCaul delivered the keynote speech at Taiwan’s Ketagalan Forum, a conference on security across the Indo-Pacific. In his remarks, he emphasized how the U.S. is honoring its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Click to watch McCaul’s keynote speech

Next, McCaul met with President Lai Ching-te, who conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on him for his support of Taiwan. McCaul previously visited President Lai immediately after his inauguration. In response, the CCP conducted war games around the island throughout that visit and sanctioned McCaul. During this week’s meeting, McCaul spoke about how the CCP’s aggression has only reinforced his commitment to support a free and peaceful Taiwan.

McCaul receives the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon from President Lai (photos courtesy of the president’s office)

McCaul gifts President Lai a Texas A&M baseball jersey in recognition of Taiwan’s love of baseball

McCaul also met with Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, who discussed Taiwan’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its defense technologies.

McCaul with Vice President Hsiao at the Grand Hotel in Taipei

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a luncheon with McCaul, during which he and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung discussed the ties between Texas and Taiwan — particularly Taiwan’s recent investments in the semiconductor and technology industries in the Lone Star State.

McCaul with Foreign Minister Lin and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

McCaul also met with members of Taiwan’s parliament — the Legislative Yuan — and its speaker, President Han Kuo-yu, who presented McCaul with an array of Taiwanese fruits. In the meeting, legislative members discussed Taiwan’s recent defense budget and the importance of drone production and coproduction with Taiwan.

McCaul with President Han and other members of the Yuan

Before departing Taiwan, McCaul participated in meetings with Taiwan’s National Security Council and Ministry of National Defense to discuss strengthening Taiwan’s defenses against the CCP’s malign agenda in the region.

He also visited Shield AI, a U.S. drone company operating in Taiwan, and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). ITRI is the first organization outside the U.S. to certify that its drones contain no parts made in Communist China — a tremendous step toward freedom from CCP influence in their defense industry.

McCaul at the Industrial Technology Research Institute

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Governor Maura Healey in announcing a $139.6 million investment from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to make major improvements to the Haverhill Commuter Rail line, helping deliver faster, safer and more reliable service for thousands of riders every day.
The funding will support the final design and construction of the Haverhill Double-Track Project, a major upgrade project that will add approximately 6.8 miles of new track between Reading and Andover to allow trains traveling in opposite directions to keep moving instead of waiting for one another. The project will also upgrade four stations in Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover with high-level platforms, to make those stations more accessible, and will modernize signals to improve safety at 15 rail crossings.
The federal funding will be matched by $34.9 million from the MBTA, bringing the total investment in the Haverhill Line project to $174.5 million.
“This is a significant federal investment in the future of commuter rail across the Merrimack Valley. This funding will deliver faster, more reliable service for riders in Haverhill, Lawrence, and communities throughout the region, along with safer crossings and modernized stations that are fully accessible to seniors and riders with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I’ve been proud to fight alongside Governor Healey for federal funding like this because Massachusetts families deserve a transit system they can count on.”
“Since taking office, we’ve made historic investments to turn the T around, and riders are seeing the difference with fewer slow zones and more reliable service,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Now we’re keeping that momentum going. This $140 million award will help us make major improvements to the Haverhill Line that mean fewer delays, safer and more accessible stations, and better service for riders. We’re grateful to our federal delegation for helping us bring this funding home to Massachusetts.”
“This $140 million investment is not only going to make major safety, reliability, and accessibility impact along the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line, but it will also directly support Amtrak Downeaster operations and freight rail,” said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “New double track gives us more operational flexibility and the ability to decrease commute time along the line. Upgrading four stations with high-level platforms is another step closer to a fully accessible MBTA system, and modernizing our signals will help to move trains more safely and reliably through the intercity area. Improving freight allows for more efficient movement of goods and helps to control costs for the public. I’m grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey to make these continued improvements possible and for our Congressional Delegation, MassDOT, and the MBTA for advocating for this funding with the foresight that it will have benefits for decades to come. I also want to thank the Federal Railroad Administration for their partnership and ability to move this project forward and through construction.”
What This Means for Riders
Today, parts of the Haverhill Line have only one track, which means a train sometimes has to wait for another train traveling in the opposite direction to pass. If there is a problem with a train or the track, that single-track section can also cause delays to ripple across the line.
This project will add nearly seven miles of second track between Reading and Andover, allowing trains to move in both directions at the same time and giving the MBTA more options to keep service moving when problems arise. It will also make it easier for crews to perform maintenance without disrupting service or requiring shuttle buses. 
Approximately 10 miles of new fencing will also be installed along the corridor between Andover and Reading to help prevent unauthorized access to the tracks.
The project will also make Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover stations more accessible by adding high-level platforms that allow riders to step directly between the platform and train. The MBTA will improve signals at 15 rail crossings, eliminate the Tewksbury Street crossing in Andover and install approximately 10 miles of new fencing to improve safety along the tracks.
The improvements will benefit not only MBTA Commuter Rail riders but also Amtrak’s Downeaster service, which operates between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, and CSX freight service. By removing delays and increasing capacity, the project will strengthen passenger and freight rail connections throughout the region and support future improvements to rail service.
This funding is the latest championed by Congresswoman Trahan to support transportation-related projects throughout the district. Just this year, Trahan secured $1.2 million in federal funding for bridge improvements in Lawrence. Last year, she celebrated alongside Governor Maura Healey $251 million in federal funding secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project in Lowell. Trahan also secured $7,158,564 for the Lowell Regional Transit Authority and $7,194,360 for the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority to purchase new buses and improve service, helping better connect communities across the district.
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