MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which funds the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. 

“I voted in favor of this Consolidated Appropriations Act because it rejects the President’s extreme cuts proposed in his FY26 budget. I commend Ranking Member DeLauro for advancing core Democratic priorities in the bill, including investments in public health, affordable housing and childcare, and safe transit infrastructure, and many others. Democrats were also successful in eliminating dozens of extreme, partisan poison pill policy provisions pushed by Congressional Republicans and President Trump. These provisions would have prohibited access to reproductive healthcare services, eliminated gun violence prevention research, allowed junk health insurance plans, harmed Americans struggling to repay their student loans, cut funding for infrastructure projects in states that did not support President Trump in 2024, and repealed critical worker protections against wage theft.

“The Department of Defense Division of the bill fully funds the 3.8 percent pay raise for our servicemembers. And for shipbuilders in Hampton Roads, the bill provides a total of $27 billion for shipbuilding, including funding for the advance procurement of CVN-82, the Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs, and the midlife refueling and overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). This funding will ensure that our region’s shipbuilding and ship repair industrial base remains busy in support of our Navy.

“The bill also increases funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, or REPI. REPI has been a critical program towards protecting environmentally sensitive areas around Hampton Roads’ military installations and increasing our region’s resilience to sea level rise. As a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I worked with my colleagues to make sure it received adequate funding, and I am proud that this bill includes $220 million for REPI.

“I am also proud that the bill includes $8.7 million in funding for community projects across Hampton Roads that will expand broadband, enhance community-oriented resources, assist the unhoused, improve local infrastructure, and support local workforce development.”

Community Project Funding requested by Congressman Scott included in the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

• City of Newport News, Peninsula Digital Infrastructure Expansion Initiative, $2,000,000;
• City of Newport News, Safe Haven Empowerment Center Facility Improvements, $2,000,000;
• City of Hampton, Hampton Therapeutic Recreation Center Accessibility and Expansion Project, $850,000;
• City of Norfolk, Homeless Housing Center Improvements, $850,000;
• City of Chesapeake, Schooner Trail Park, $500,000;
• Hampton Roads Transit, Paratransit Fleet Expansion, $850,000;
• Virginia Peninsula Community College, Wellness & Workforce Center, $500,000;
• City of Chesapeake, Myer’s Road Sidewalk Expansion, $1,150,000.

Additionally, in H.R. 7147, the FY26 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, Congressman Scott secured $1,145,144 for the City of Portsmouth’s Gust Lane Flood Mitigation project.

In addition to this funding and what he secured in the earlier Minibus Appropriations Act, Congressman Scott delivered a total of $13.887 million in Community Project Funding for Virginia’s Third Congressional District in Fiscal Year 2026.

As Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman Scott issued the following statement on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Division of H.R. 7148:

“I applaud Ranking Member DeLauro and Vice Chair Murray for their work to secure funding for many of our shared priorities in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-H) funding bill.  Moreover, this bill is a strong rebuke of the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget which would have slashed funding for several agencies, including the Department of Education (ED), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB).  

“In particular, I support the provisions to rein in the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle ED by curbing illegal interagency agreements.  However, these provisions are only effective if Congress asserts its Article I authority and holds this Administration accountable for breaking the law.  

“Notably, this bill includes much of the work undertaken by the Education and Workforce Committee to curb opaque Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ (PBM) practices.  Specifically, this language will require transparency in PBM services that have driven up health care costs for workers and their families.

“While I would want to see more funding for critical programs, including an increase in the maximum Pell Grant and increased enforcement capacity to protect workers and their health coverage, I am relieved this did not codify Trump’s requested elimination of programs that Congress created to help students, workers, and families.  While far from perfect, the bill is dramatically better than the original funding request proposed by the Trump Administration.”

For more information and to access factsheets on the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act, please click the links below:

# # #

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Supports War Powers Resolution to direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.Con.Res. 68, a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

“It is incumbent on Congress to reassert its Article I constitutional war powers as the President has unilaterally attacked Venezuela, captured its president, and used deeply concerning rhetoric toward our NATO allies, including over who should control Greenland.

“As I stated last month when the House voted on two earlier War Powers Resolutions, the conduct of a foreign leader, however reprehensible, does not give any president the authority to disregard the Constitution or bypass Congress absent a clear and imminent threat to the United States. Our failure to act sets a dangerous precedent, weakens the legislative branch as a coequal branch of government, and grants this and future presidents unchecked power.

“All Members should be troubled that the Trump Administration has still failed to identify a clear legal basis for its military strikes in the Caribbean, the Eastern Pacific, and Venezuela, or for the capture of a foreign head of state. Even more concerning, the administration’s justification has continually shifted. At first, it claimed this was about drug interdiction, despite evidence that such military actions are among the least effective and most costly approaches. Now, it appears the real motive may be access to Venezuela’s oil reserves.

“The American people expect Congress to demand answers, confront these abuses, and uphold the Constitution by reasserting its war powers.”

# # #

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

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, led by Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Dina Titus (NV-1), passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee by a 45-2 vote. The bipartisan legislation aims to bolster the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as a strategic link between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“We must continue to make progress deepening the relationship between the United States and our allies in the East Mediterranean and beyond,” said Congressman Pappas, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our coordination with Greece, Cyprus, and other allies in regional security, energy, and infrastructure. I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen international cooperation to protect America’s security interests.”

“The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a central hub for energy and infrastructure connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India,” said Congressman Schneider. “This bipartisan bill ensures U.S. diplomacy keeps pace with that transformation, strengthening our partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt and supporting efforts like the U.S.-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that deepen regional integration. Thank you to Foreign Affairs Chair Mast and Ranking Member Meeks for allowing consideration of this legislation and to my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee for their broad support. I’m hopeful the full House will soon have an opportunity to advance this bill that will shore up global energy supply chains and bolster defense cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting a U.S.–India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is vital to enhancing energy security, economic integration, and regional cooperation,” said Congressman Bilirakis, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “I am pleased this legislation has passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, advancing a strategic initiative that will diversify energy routes, strengthen global supply chains, and promote efficient trade and investment. IMEC also provides a transparent and sustainable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing U.S. partnerships and regional stability.”

“I am pleased to see our bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act advance out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “This legislation reinforces America’s partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, strengthening cooperation on energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is crucial to securing American interests abroad,” said Congresswoman Titus. “By investing in the Eastern Mediterranean and recognizing it as a critical part of IMEC, we will be strengthening our energy security and defense cooperation in the region.”

The bill reinforces U.S. support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional initiatives including the 3+1 dialogue with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. It calls for:

• Elevating the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy;
• Institutionalizing strategic dialogues with IMEC and regional partners;
• Supporting cross-border infrastructure projects and energy interconnectors;
• Studying the expansion of U.S.–Israel innovation programs to the broader region;
• Evaluating multilateral models like Cyprus’s CYCLOPS center for regional coordination.

The legislation builds on bipartisan support for deeper regional integration, grounded in shared interests in energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination.

The bill text is available here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In his remarks, Crow said:

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

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

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

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

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

###

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

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

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

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

 

Los Angeles Fire Department Station Renovations – Los Angeles Fire Department

Amount: $2,000,000

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

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

Amount: $250,000

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

Grancell Village Affordable Senior Housing – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

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

Labor Community Services Food Bank Equipment Needs – Los Angeles County 

Amount: $1,200,000

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

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

Amount: $250,000 

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

Southwest Valley Park Improvements Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

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

 

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

Amount: $250,000

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

 

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

Amount: $850,000 

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

 

West Los Angeles VA Modular Home Construction – Los Angeles County

Amount: $850,000 

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

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

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

Amount: $1,031,000

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

High Bay Structural Test Lab – California State University, Northridge

Amount: $1,031,000

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

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

Amount: $2,062,000

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

West LA Real Time Crime Center – Los Angeles Police Department

Amount: $1,031,000

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

###

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

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

Removes Financial Barriers for Parents to Choose Life

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

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

Jumpstarts the American Dream for Newborns

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

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

Expands Childcare for Working Families

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

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

Gives Parents Flexibility and Options for their Children’s Education

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

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

Defunds Big Abortion

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

###

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

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

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

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

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

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

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

Major Investments Secured for West Virginia: 

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

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

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

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

###

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

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

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

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

The projects are:

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

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

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

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

$3 million — Erie County Industrial Park, Erie County

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

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

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

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

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

$2 million for Erie Coke Demolition Project, Erie County

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

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

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

Details on CPF rules and guidelines can be found here.

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

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###