MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in urging U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to reconsider the termination of the Franklin School District’s $486,386 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant. The grant, initially awarded in September 2024, was intended to support professional development and preventative measures against violence in schools and among students. In July, the Trump Administration terminated the grant, upending the district’s budget and forcing them to cancel planned safety trainings.

The Congressional delegation wrote, in part: “As members of the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, we write to urge the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider the termination of the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Program grant award to NH School Administrative Unit #18 [the Franklin, NH School District].” 

They continued: “On July 21st, the Department notified the school district of the termination of its grant. The letter from the Department claims that this grant was terminated because of its ‘potential to support activities not aligned with DHS’s current focus.’ Yet, according to DHS’s website on the program, ‘the TVTP Grant Program provides financial assistance to develop sustainable, multi-disciplinary prevention capabilities in local communities,’ in consultation with ‘mental health providers, educators… [and] social services… to help people who are on a pathway to violence before harm occurs.’ Franklin’s project precisely meets those objectives by equipping educators and administrators with the resources to understand the factors driving violence at schools and empowering students to take positive steps toward a constructive school culture.”

They concluded: “Ensuring that students have a safe and supportive learning environment with well-trained staff who are able to meet students’ mental and behavioral health needs must be a shared priority. In light of these considerations, we ask that the Department reverse its decision to terminate the Franklin School District’s grant.”

The letter can be read in full HERE.

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

In case you missed it, following the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wrongly sending foreclosure notices to veterans with VA home loans, Task & Purpose reported on how Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and his colleagues are demanding answers from VA Secretary Collins on how this serious error occurred and what steps the VA will take to reassure veterans their housing is protected.

Read the full story from Task & Purpose here.

Key Excerpts:

• Thousands of veterans who own their homes with mortgages backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs were stunned recently by a letter from the VA telling them they were at risk of foreclosure, according to members of Congress. Some, if not all, of the letters were sent in error, but the VA has yet to explain to the homeowners or Congress why the letters were sent. 
• “For many veterans and their families, such a notice can cause significant distress, confusion, and financial hardship—even if issued in error,” Democratic Reps. Mark Takano of California, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois wrote to Collins. 
• Sean Saball was one of the veterans who got a letter… He still, however, has not heard directly from the VA. “I left a message. I have not gotten any follow-ups at all,” he said. “I’m still kind of unsure of what the next steps are and if there’s any action that they need from me.”
• The erroneous letters come after the VA ended a program put in place during the Biden Administration with the goal of helping more than 40,000 veterans avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. 
• In their letter to Secretary Collins, Democrats wrote that the “rash” decision left many veterans and families at risk of losing their homes. “Against that backdrop, the widespread distribution of inaccurate foreclosure notices not only undermines confidence in VA’s loan servicing operations but also places undue emotional and financial strain on veterans who rely on VA for accuracy, support, and advocacy,” they wrote.

Background: 

Earlier this year, Pappas helped pass bipartisan legislation to establish a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan safety net program that will support veterans left facing foreclosure following the Trump Administration’s abrupt cancellation of the VASP program, and increase resources to end veteran homelessness.

In April Pappas immediately spoke out against the administration’s decision to abruptly end VASP during a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity markup, and called on VA Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reverse his decision to abruptly end VASP. In May, Pappas again spoke out against the decision to end VASP during an HVAC markup, rebuked VA Secretary Collins for ending the program when the Secretary testified before the Committee, and shared how constituents in New Hampshire’s First District would be impacted during a press conference with Congressional leaders.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 by the House of Representatives with a vote of 217-212.

“We have a responsibility to fund the federal government, and this clean continuing resolution does just that while allowing us to finish negotiating the appropriations bills that rein in federal spending,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

“Senate Democrats are threatening to shut down the government, furlough federal employees, stop essential services, and prevent servicemembers from being paid rather than pass a short-term extension of current fiscal year funding. Not one American benefits from a federal government shutdown; they must act to keep the government open.” 

Funding for the federal government is set to expire on September 30, 2025.  

This short-term, clean continuing resolution prevents harmful disruptions to national security, and the vital programs constituents rely on. It ensures Americans are not needlessly punished and allows the House and Senate to move forward with FY26 appropriations negotiations in regular order. 

See full bill text here.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter statement on House passage of government funding bill

Carter statement on House passage of government funding bill

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

Dingell Statement on Charlie Kirk House Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Resolution Honors HARLEM WEEK Co-Founder’s Extraordinary Contributions To Local Business, Culture, and Innovation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), led 77 colleagues on a letter demanding the Department of Education and the Department of Justice to protect English Learners. The agencies recently rescinded 2015 federal guidance that clarified states’ obligations to English Learner students. This rollback threatens to weaken enforcement of existing laws, strip protections for nearly 5 million students nationwide, and limit the ability of parents with limited English proficiency to make informed decisions about their children’s education.

The letter calls on the Departments of Education and Justice to:
 

• Reinstate the 2015 guidance;
• Fully fund and staff the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and Office of Civil Rights (OCR);
   
• Restore monitoring and enforcement mechanisms; and
  Clarify how they will enforce existing laws and precedents in practice.
   

“Every student in our nation deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve,” said Representative Espaillat. “Yet, the latest actions of the Department of Education are focused on stripping away the progress we have made to support millions of English Learner (EL) students. We cannot afford to leave these students and their families behind. We must do all that it takes to reverse course and put into place protections that will help them thrive.”

“This Administration is doing all it can to create an underclass of people by denying even the most basic right, like education, to people with immigrant roots. Nearly 5 million English Learning students nationwide rely on schools to meet their legal obligations regarding their education, and most of them are U.S. citizens. I once was one of these children, and without the additional resources that helped me become fluent, I would not have thrived,” said Rep. García. “Let me be clear: the law is still the law; pulling the guidance sends a dangerous signal that compliance is optional. This rollback undermines transparency, weakens enforcement and makes it harder for parents with limited English proficiency to make informed choices about their children’s education.” 

“I represent an immigrant-rich community. In South Florida—and across the nation—many of our children in schools are English learners simply trying to build their futures. America is built by immigrants from every walk of life, yet this administration will stop at nothing to terrorize immigrants through every possible avenue, even targeting children in the classrooms,” said Rep. Wilson. “Ripping away resources and guidance for English learners is a cruel and foolish decision. Our education system has always had an obligation to welcome every child who comes through our doors. Stripping away these English learning resources undermines the rights of millions of children, weakens our ability to help them become the English speakers the President claims to want, and betrays this nation’s commitment to immigrants. This decision must be reversed immediately.” 

“Rescinding this civil rights guidance is the latest assault on English learner children by the Trump Administration. Ending the guidance must not be an excuse to deny a student’s right to a quality education. We endorse Representative Garcia’s call for the guidance’s immediate reinstatement,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO, UnidosUS. 

A full text of the letter can be found here.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Grace Meng (NY-06) reintroduced the 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act, legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for immigrant first responders, workers, and volunteers who assisted with clean-up and search-and-rescue efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11th attacks. 

While saving lives during the attacks and cleaning up Ground Zero, workers were exposed to air contaminants, potential carcinogens, and now live with diseases linked to the exposure. Because of their immigration status, many of these brave New Yorkers face barriers to receiving the medical care they need. 

“September 11th marked one of the darkest days for our nation, and in the aftermath of the attacks, many immigrant workers—undocumented and unseen, stepped forward to help rebuild, clean, and care for a city and nation in crisis,” said Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Their courage, sacrifice, and determination were vital to our recovery, and their contributions during that critical time is a lasting reminder that the strength of this nation is rooted in the hands and hearts of immigrants. I proudly stand with my colleagues, once again, to introduce the 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers and volunteers who sacrificed at Ground Zero to help our nation recover.” 

 “Twenty-four years ago, thousands of undocumented first responders and volunteers risked their lives to help our city rebuild during one of our nation’s darkest days. They are American heroes. Yet, our country has virtually abandoned them as they struggle with the health impact of asbestos exposures and other related trauma and injury,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez. “It’s past time Congress delivers a pathway to citizenship for these brave New Yorkers and shows them the gratitude they are owed.” 

“Some 2,000 heroic immigrants worked tirelessly to help clean-up and save lives at Ground Zero,” said Representative Meng. “They made enormous sacrifices by putting their health and safety at risk, and now many struggle with serious health issues. Passing the 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act would be the right thing to do for immigrants who bravely answered the call in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. They put themselves in harm’s way for New York and the nation and have more than earned a pathway to citizenship.” 

The full bill text is available here.

# # #

Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

NEW YORK, NY – Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. (EDT), Representative Adriano Espaillat, in collaboration with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, will host a commemorative event celebrating the national historic site designation of Holcombe Rucker Park on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

The celebration will kick-off with a Legends Breakfast at the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel honoring the Rucker Family, Marius Family and Sandman Simms, followed by a site dedication and exhibition games that will begin at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) showcasing the New York All-Stars vs. Boston All Stars (Girls Middle School Game) and New York All Stars vs. Philly All Stars (Boys High School Game) at the famed Rucker Park at 155th St and 8th Ave. in Harlem.  

“It was an honor to introduce legislation that was signed into law recognizing the tremendous impact of the Harlem community, designating the Holcombe Rucker Park as a national commemorative site,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13). “Thank you to my colleagues, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, for their collaborative efforts to secure passage of the bill in the U.S. Senate and to each of the community advocates, who helped get this bill across the finish line. I am deeply appreciative for the support this historic bill has received from the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and our dear friend Lloyd Williams since day one. Our collective efforts have enshrined the legacy of Holcombe Rucker as one of America’s national commemorative sites that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.”  

“We are excited for the first time in over a century that Upper Manhattan has a new, federally-enshrined commemorative site,” said Voza Rivers, co-founder of HARLEM WEEK. “Rucker Park isn’t just a court; it’s a global sports & cultural mecca for legends like Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Bill Bradley, Wilt Chamberlain, Dave Cowens, Billy Cunningham, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, and Nancy Lieberman to name a few.”  

WHO: U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat
National Park Service
Elected Officials
Rucker Park Honorees

WHAT: Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Dedication  

WHEN: Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) 

WHERE: Holcombe Rucker Park — 280 W 155th St, New York, NY 10039

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

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