MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today announced that he secured more than $15 million in federal funding for critical community projects across the region. The funding, approved through the annual appropriations process, will support local priorities including infrastructure improvements, education and workforce development, public safety enhancements, flood mitigation, and transportation upgrades—projects identified in close coordination with local governments, educational institutions, and community partners.

 

Community Project Funding Secured

Elgin Community College — $2,000,000

City of Des Plaines — $1,800,000

 Village of Bartlett — $1,500,000

 City of Batavia — $1,200,000

• To build a new segment of the Fox River Regional Trail, restoring a dedicated off-road path and improving safety, connectivity, and river access for pedestrians and cyclists.

 Village of Schaumburg — $1,152,000

 Village of Elk Grove Village — $1,092,000

 Fox River Water Reclamation District — $1,092,000

 DuPage Water Commission — $1,000,000

• To fund planning and early work for a new Lake Michigan intake, regional treatment plant, and pipelines delivering safer, more reliable drinking water to up to 2 million residents in Cook and DuPage Counties.

 Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office — $1,000,000

• To modernize technology, case management systems, and secure infrastructure to support a growing staff and protect sensitive data.

 Village of Mount Prospect — $850,000

 Pace, Suburban Bus Division — $840,000

William Rainey Harper College — $765,000

Itasca Park District — $250,000

• To expand and remodel the Itasca Community Center, creating new and repurposed space for youth programs, senior services, and inclusive recreation.

County of DuPage — $240,000

• To reduce neighborhood flooding through a new detention pond, storm sewer improvements, and wetland and water-quality enhancements in the Nelsons Highview area.

Palatine Police Department — $239,000

• To equip the Community Engagement and Planning Bureau with gas and electric motorcycles and e-bikes to enhance patrols, traffic enforcement, and community-based policing.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding. Preliminary damage assessments performed in partnership with FEMA over the past two months estimate damage totaling $182.3 million. This is the second of two Major Disaster Declaration requests from Governor Ferguson. 

“As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s February 17 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through 22. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Jayapal and the other members of the delegation wrote. “The surge of rain in Washington state strained the state’s aging infrastructure, resulting in several levee breaches, leaving residents vulnerable to dangerous floods. In the middle of the night, residents of the city of Pacific were forced to quickly evacuate after a levee failed along the White River. While state and county officials have worked quickly to reinforce the breached sections, these are short-term solutions that leave our communities at risk of future extreme weather events.”

From early to mid-December 2025, severe storms and devastating flooding battered Washington state, threatening critical infrastructure as well as lives, property, businesses, and livestock across the state. The flooding caused severe damage that wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state, and is among the most devastating natural disasters to ever hit the state. 

“An initial damage assessment revealed extensive and widespread damage to critical infrastructure and local economies. Highway 2, one of the two major year-round connections between eastern and western Washington state through the Cascade Mountains, suffered several washouts of the roadway which temporarily closed access along the corridor. Extensive repairs led by the Washington State Department of Transportation allowed for a partial reopening, but 14 miles of the highway in Tumwater Canyon will remain closed for months. The only available local detour has been reduced to one-lane due to slope failures, and any cross-state detour to I-90 would add several hours per trip. Thousands of residents and businesses call the Highway 2 corridor home and are negatively impacted by the damage of these storms, not to mention the hundreds of farmers and producers that rely on Highway 2 as a gateway to access the seaports along Puget Sound,” the Members continued.

Joining Congresswoman Jayapal and Senator Murray in the letter to President Trump were Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10). 

“This extreme weather event has put significant stress on Washington state’s infrastructure, emergency response teams, and communities across the state. Throughout this crisis, state, local, Tribal, and federal first responders have stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep our communities secure,” Jayapal and the delegation concluded. “We are incredibly grateful for their diligent work and careful coordination to keep Washingtonians safe and informed throughout this disaster.”   

If FEMA approves Public Assistance as part of the major disaster declaration, Washington will qualify for grant funding up to 20 percent of the total damage assessment – in this case, a maximum of $36.6 million. Last month, Senator Murray led the Washington delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s request for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors. That application is pending.

Back in December 2025, Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved. 

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President,  

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s February 17 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through 22. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible. The surge of rain in Washington state strained the state’s aging infrastructure, resulting in several levee breaches, leaving residents vulnerable to dangerous floods. In the middle of the night, residents of the city of Pacific were forced to quickly evacuate after a levee failed along the White River. While state and county officials have worked quickly to reinforce the breached sections, these are short-term solutions that leave our communities at risk of future extreme weather events.  

An initial damage assessment revealed extensive and widespread damage to critical infrastructure and local economies. Highway 2, one of the two major year-round connections between eastern and western Washington state through the Cascade Mountains, suffered several washouts of the roadway which temporarily closed access along the corridor. Extensive repairs led by the Washington State Department of Transportation allowed for a partial reopening, but 14 miles of the highway in Tumwater Canyon will remain closed for months. The only available local detour has been reduced to one-lane due to slope failures, and any cross-state detour to I-90 would add several hours per trip. Thousands of residents and businesses call the Highway 2 corridor home and are negatively impacted by the damage of these storms, not to mention the hundreds of farmers and producers that rely on Highway 2 as a gateway to access the seaports along Puget Sound.  

This extreme weather event has put significant stress on Washington state’s infrastructure, emergency response teams, and communities across the state. Throughout this crisis, state, local, Tribal, and federal first responders have stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep our communities secure. We are incredibly grateful for their diligent work and careful coordination to keep Washingtonians safe and informed throughout this disaster.  

We reiterate our full support for the February 17 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance. We appreciate you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. 

Issues: Environment, Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $419,741 grant. The funding supports research into biomolecule modeling and characterization. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Dedicated academics, students and scientists support Virginia Tech’s growing role in scientific research.

“This HHS outstanding investigator award for more than $419,000 reaffirms Virginia Tech’s status as a premier research institution.”

BACKGROUND

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Outstanding Investigator Awards provide support for an investigator’s research program or lab rather than discrete research projects.

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) leads 40 of his Democratic colleagues in a letter calling on the U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to investigate World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s cryptocurrency business. At a recent House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Meeks pressed Treasury Secretary Bessent on reports that investors connected to the United Arab Emirates royals acquired a nearly $500 million stake in World Liberty Financial. 

“Evading questions, dodging accountability, and shirking ethical responsibility is the Trump Administration’s bread and butter,” Rep. Meeks said. “The Trump family’s $500 million deal connected to the Emirati royal family is not only a matter of national financial instability, but it also carries serious national security implications. Trust that the record will reflect whether Secretary Bessent chooses to answer to the American people, or his mob boss.” 

Amid all this, World Liberty Financial is seeking a national bank charter to issue a dollar-backed token, manage reserve funds, and provide digital-asset custody and exchange services. A national bank charter would give World Liberty Financial greater credibility and regulatory legitimacy, but independent experts have warned that digital-asset trust structures, particularly those lacking tested liquidity and resolution frameworks, can amplify systemic risk if approved prematurely. 

Secretary Bessent must do his job as one of our nation’s top financial regulators and assess financial and national security risks and conflicts of interest before approving any application from World Liberty Financial.

The Members wrote in the letter:

“Given the gravity of these circumstances, we request a response to the below questions by February 26, 2026:

1. What safeguards are in place to ensure that foreign government officials, sovereign proxies, or politically connected investors cannot use the bank-chartering process to gain leverage over the U.S. financial system or access sensitive financial or technological infrastructure?

2. What role do the White House and the Office of Management and Budget play in reviewing, approving, or otherwise influencing national bank or trust chartering decisions made by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)?

3. What role does the Department of the Treasury have, formally or informally, in reviewing national bank or trust chartering decisions made by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)?

The credibility of America’s banking regulatory framework, and of the institutions charged with protecting it, depends on transparency, independence, and a demonstrated willingness to resist undue influence. Our constituents need confidence that our banking system is governed by law, not proximity to power; by prudential judgment, not political convenience.”

Read the full letter, here.

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

Senator Alex Padilla Will Deliver the Democratic Response in Spanish 

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The Leaders also announced Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the Spanish language response to the speech. 

Leader Jeffries said: “I am honored to announce that Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to the State of the Union Address. A trusted public servant, Governor Spanberger began her career as a Postal Inspector and national security professional, protecting the country against our adversaries. She went on to vigorously serve her community in Congress. In November, she won the Governorship in Virginia by the largest margin for a Democratic candidate in six decades. Throughout her career, Governor Spanberger has worked to deliver real results for everyone, while upholding the Constitution.

“In her historic 2018 victory, she ousted a Republican incumbent to help deliver a Democratic House majority to serve as a check and balance on Trump’s first term. As the 75th Governor of Virginia and first woman ever elected to lead the Commonwealth, Abigail is a champion for lowering the high cost of living, saving healthcare from the relentless far-right assault and protecting the federal workforce so they can serve the American people without political interference,” Leader Jeffries continued. “She stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump, who will lie, deflect and blame everyone but himself for his failed presidency on Tuesday evening. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary this summer, Governor Spanberger embodies the best of America as a mother, community leader and dedicated public servant.”

Leader Chuck Schumer said: “Gov. Spanberger has always put service over politics — defending our national security and delivering real results for working families. She knows Americans want lower costs, safer communities, and a stronger democracy — not chaos and corruption. Gov. Spanberger will lay out a clear path forward: lower everyday costs, protect healthcare, and defend the freedoms that define who we are as a nation.”

Governor Abigail Spanberger said: “We are at a defining moment in our nation’s history. Virginians and Americans across the country are contending with rising costs, chaos in their communities, and a real fear of what each day might bring. Next week, I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve — leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.”

Abigail Spanberger is Virginia’s 75th Governor. In 2018, Governor Spanberger became the first Democrat in 50 years to be elected to serve Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served for three terms. Governor Spanberger began her career of public service as a federal law enforcement officer — working money laundering and narcotics cases. Governor Spanberger then joined the CIA, where she worked undercover as a case officer. Both at home and abroad, she collected intelligence, managed assets and oversaw high-profile programs to combat terrorism. Governor Spanberger and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three school-aged daughters.

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Leader Jeffries said: “The son of two Mexican immigrants and California’s first Latino U.S. Senator, Sen. Alex Padilla is a devoted public servant, extraordinary trailblazer and fierce fighter for Californians and the diverse community he represents. As Donald Trump, Kristi Noem and MAGA extremists have tried to silence the voices of our Latino brothers and sisters, Senator Alex Padilla has consistently fought back and proven Democrats will not bend the knee to this out-of-control administration. House Democrats are proud to have Senator Padilla leading the way as we communicate to Spanish-speaking households across the nation.”

Leader Chuck Schumer said: “As the son of immigrants, Senator Padilla knows firsthand what opportunity in America can mean — and he’s spent his career fighting to keep that promise alive. From lowering costs to defending our democracy, he’s delivered for working families. His message will stand in sharp contrast to President Trump’s chaos and self-dealing.”

Senator Alex Padilla said: “Americans don’t need another speech from Donald Trump pretending everything is fine when their bills are too high, paychecks are too low, and masked and militarized federal agents are roaming our communities violating Constitutional rights on a daily basis. We refuse to accept his failed economic agenda that makes billionaires richer while middle class Americans see their health care costs rise. We refuse to accept a federal government that weaponizes enforcement agencies against immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. And we refuse to accept attacks on the right to vote. There is a better path — one that lowers costs, safeguards our democracy, and reins in rogue federal agencies. Americans demand and deserve accountability, stability, and a government that works for them. That’s what I’ll be discussing on Tuesday.”

The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Alex Padilla is the first Latino elected to represent California in the United States Senate. A life-long Californian, Padilla grew up in a working-class community in the San Fernando Valley before earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Returning home after earning his degree, Senator Padilla was inspired to enter public service in response to California’s anti-immigrant Proposition 187. Padilla went on to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council, the California State Senate and as California’s first Latino Secretary of State where he oversaw a historic expansion of voting rights and voter participation, strengthening access to the ballot for millions of Californians.

First appointed to the Senate in January of 2021 to fill the vacancy of Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Padilla went on to win a full term in November 2022. In the Senate, Padilla has been a leader on issues ranging from immigration, to voting rights, to climate change, with the goal of ensuring everyone has the same fair shot at the American dream his own family had.

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

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

Washington, DC — Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, released the following statement on the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: 

“Even princes are not above the law. Rep. Thomas Massie and I forced the release of an email showing former Prince Andrew allegedly shared state information with Epstein. On February 9th, I called on King Charles to investigate and answer questions. Andrew is being held accountable because of the survivors, like Virginia Giuffre, who bravely spoke up.  

“We’ve also seen Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resign from DP World, the former Norwegian Prime Minister be charged with gross corruption, Peter Mandelson be fired as ambassador and step down from the House of Lords, Kathryn Ruemmler step down from Goldman Sachs, and other examples of accountability around the world. But why isn’t more being done here? We should start with Howard Lutnick resigning,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. 

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

WASHINGTON, DC —Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), issued the following statement on a significant ruling this evening preventing data-sharing with ICE. 

“I am appreciative of tonight’s court decision to uphold the law as well as the protection of taxpayer privacy,” said Espaillat. 

“Today’s ruling reaffirms that IRS data, especially sensitive taxpayer identifying information, cannot be handed over to immigration enforcement agencies freely without legal justification. This is a victory in our efforts to protect immigrant families as well as to reassure confidentiality obligations that the IRS must abide by.  

“As Chair of the CHC, along with my colleagues, we led an amicus brief in this critical case that led to the first court injunction against the Trump administrations illegal data sharing. I will continue to advocate to uphold the law and due process for all.”

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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) issued the following statement on the retirement of Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07): 

“Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) is a champion of New York, Puerto Rico, and all marginalized communities. She has made an indelible mark in Congress during her more than three decades of extraordinary service, leadership, and trailblazing achievements,” said Espaillat. 

“Nydia is a progressive champion and stalwart advocate for immigrants, women, families, and small businesses. As the first Puerto Rican woman ever elected to Congress, she shattered barriers and inspired countless others to pursue careers in public service to our nation. And as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), she orchestrated the confirmation of the first Latina to the United States Supreme Court. 

“Her legacy of leadership and impact will continue to inspire each of us, and I wish my dear friend the very best as she enters this next phase along her illustrious journey.”

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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, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA) introduced legislation that guarantees individuals held at immigration detention centers have access to congressional constituent casework services upon request. The Fairness and Access for Immigrant Rights (FAIR) Act would establish a clear, enforceable process for detainees in immigration detention centers to have access to the necessary privacy release forms (PRFs) and requires detention center facilities to notify the appropriate congressional office within seven days of a detainee’s request for assistance.

“Ensuring the privacy of vulnerable individuals and families seeking assistance from any government agency remains at the forefront of public service,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “Whether related to immigration, education, or healthcare coverage, individuals must fill out a privacy release form, not only to provide consent to work on their behalf, but to establish a transparent level of standards for how these cases are managed. I am proud to join Congressman Lieu as a co-sponsor of the FAIR Act to provide clear guidance for how detention centers manage requests for sensitive documents from detainees and their loved ones throughout the casework process.” 

“Constituent casework is an essential part of every congressional office’s representational duties because it enables us to advocate for and on behalf of constituents having problems with the federal government,” said Congressman Ted W. Lieu. “Casework has become an incredibly important tool during the Trump Administration’s extreme ICE raids, where we have seen innocent people and children, including American citizens, being inappropriately detained. Creating a clear and enforceable way for detainees to access the services of their congressional office is critical in protecting detainees’ rights. I am pleased to work with Representatives Jacobs and Espaillat on this important issue.”

“Congress can’t effectively conduct oversight and ensure accountability if the people in immigration detention facilities can’t reach out for help,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “I’ve heard from families of several detainees at Otay Mesa detention facility who didn’t have someone in their corner pushing to protect their legal and human rights simply because they hadn’t been given the forms that allow congressional offices to legally and effectively intervene on their behalf. That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the FAIR Act to guarantee that every detainee can request congressional assistance regardless of where and how someone is detained.”

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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