MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), today announced in collaboration with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), the reintroduction of the Jumpstart on College Act, which aims to expand dual enrollment and early college programs, empowering high school students in their junior and senior years to enroll in college courses and earn credits at little or no cost for them and their families. Dual enrollment and early college programs make higher education more affordable for students, especially first-generation and low-income students, by reducing the number of courses they need to take as a student of a two or four-year higher education institution where they would otherwise have to pay tuition per credit hour. As a result of these programs, students complete their higher education degrees at higher rates.

“We know that education changes lives and the path to success in higher education and economic mobility includes the ability to get a head start on college courses. The Jumpstart on College Act will open doors and unlimited opportunities for underserved students to earn real college credit while still in high school, getting a jump start on their academic achievement,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “By expanding access to dual-enrollment programs and other resources, this legislation is essential in helping support students and their families towards academic success.”

“Dual enrollment and early college programs eliminate barriers to higher education, especially for low-income and first-generation students,” said Senator Markey. “The Jumpstart on College Act would expand these programs, lowering the cost of college and boosting college graduation rates. Every student should have the opportunity to achieve their educational dreams.”

“At a time where more and more young people believe the American dream is out of reach, dual enrollment programs lower the cost of higher education and help them achieve a degree faster,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “As a former high school teacher, I know firsthand that providing students the option to take rigorous courses will give them the confidence to pursue higher education — especially students who are the first in their family to go to college. I am proud to co-lead Rep. Espaillat’s Jumpstart on College Act to ensure that the wealth of these programs are available in school districts everywhere, not just those that can afford them.”

Specifically, the Jumpstart on College Act would:

1. Invest $250 million each year to establish six-year grants to support dual enrollment and early college high schools that primarily serve low-income students;

2. Create a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to partner with local school districts to support the development of these programs;

3. Provide financial support to states in order to develop and implement a statewide strategy for increasing access to dual enrollment programs for underrepresented students; and,

4. Improve college affordability by ensuring students pay nothing to earn college credit while in high school, including completion of a college degree or other postsecondary credential.

“States have made tremendous progress expanding dual enrollment, but without sustainable funding and infrastructure, growth can only go so far. The Jumpstart on College Act gives states the resources they need to build durable systems that support every student,” said Alex Perry, Coordinator of the College in High School Alliance. “This bill recognizes that high-quality dual enrollment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires strong state policies, data systems, transfer frameworks, and advising infrastructure. Jumpstart on College provides the funding to make these systems work at scale.”

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Markey’s work and leadership on this legislation.  Massachusetts has a bold and growing Early College Initiative and it would be extremely helpful to get the federal government more invested in this evidence-based and highly impactful effort,” said Chessye Mosely, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.

“Expanding early college opportunities is one of the most effective ways to close equity gaps in higher education,” said Nate MacKinnon, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges. “Massachusetts has seen the life-changing impact of early college, and we fully support legislation that will allow those successes to reach students nationwide.”

 

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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 — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on his vote to release and make public the Epstein files: 

“Let’s be clear, this is a White House cover-up and Donald Trump and his Republican allies have done everything in their power to block the truth and it’s time to bring the secrets out of the shadows,” said Espaillat.

“Today, I stood with House Democrats to vote in favor of the Khanna-Massie Resolution, which would force the DOJ to release the files to the full House and public. This effort marks a long overdue step toward justice for Epstein survivors and sends a strong message to his evil allies that we will hold them accountable.”

 

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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 – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Warrior Machinery has been impacted by President Trump’s expensive and erratic tariffs on steel, aluminum and machinery components found in construction and agricultural equipment 

RIALTO, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) toured Warrior Machinery, a local agricultural and construction equipment company that has been hit hard by Trump’s chaotic and reckless tariffs. Warrior Machinery has had to raise prices to offset losses from tariffs on imported inventory items, which have hurt the company’s sales. The company has lost customers and profits due to higher costs from Trump’s tariffs, putting financial pressure on its owners, employees and their families. You can find photos from the tour above and here.
“Trump’s reckless tariffs are hurting local businesses and driving up costs for Inland Empire families,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Everything that Warrior Machinery sells, from bulldozers to forklifts and tractors, now costs more because of this Trump tax on companies and consumers. This doesn’t just impact agricultural and construction companies; it impacts everyone. Instead of driving economic growth as he claims, Trump’s aimless tariffs are hurting American companies and workers by making everything more expensive. It’s time to roll back these costly and chaotic tariffs so that American businesses like Warrior Machinery can thrive.”
“Equipment Dealers, OEMs, and our customers are all working to adapt to dramatic and frequent changes to U.S. trade policy,” said Steve Nadelman, President and CEO, Warrior Machinery. “The impacts have been significant and broad-ranging for our industry. The uncertainty has created challenges for not only our business, but the local contractors that make up the majority of our customer base. We appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s engagement and focus on trade policy that supports growth, investment and job creation for companies that are ready to do the work and compete on level terms.” Tariffs on steel, aluminum and machinery components used in construction and agricultural equipment are hurting companies and consumers alike, driving up the prices of food, cars, housing and more. Trump’s reckless tariffs are raising the price of everyday goods and hurting working people. In California’s 33rd Congressional District, 99.4% of families will pay an average of $1,900 a year more thanks to Trump’s tariff policies and his Big Ugly Law.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/19/26] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici announced that legislation containing the 15 community projects she championed was recently signed into law. 

These projects will bring more than $16 million in federal investment to NW Oregon.

“This federal funding uplifts local priorities,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “These investments will build stronger, safer, more resilient communities across NW Oregon.”

The projects are:

$2 million for Portland State University’s Semiconductor Innovation and Nanoscience Equipment Purchase

The funding will be used to purchaseimaging and fabrication equipment for the University’s Semiconductor Innovation and Nanoscience Center.   

$1.092 million for City of Hillsboro’s Seismically Resilient Water Treatment Plant Chemical Building

The funding will be used for a seismically reinforced building foundation to allow swift restoration of safe drinking water to 450,000 residents after a major earthquake. 

$1.031 million for Oregon CASA Network’s A CASA for Every Child Project

The funding will be used to recruit, train, supervise, and support community volunteers to advocate on behalf of children and young people in the foster care system.

$1.031 million for Clatsop County’s Public Safety Equipment and 911 Operations Initiative

The funding will be used to replace and upgrade an outdated public safety communications system so first responders can communicate with each other and the public during an emergency. 

$800,000 for Multnomah County’s Pretrial Monitoring Program Behavioral Health Expansion Pilot

The funding will be used to add behavioral health staff to Multnomah County’s pretrial monitoring program for individuals who have been arraigned and released by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge pending trial.

$3.15 million for the City of Beaverton’s Senior Housing and Community Space Construction Project 

The funding will be used to build the ground floor and community space of a new affordable housing development for seniors in Beaverton.

$1 million for the City of North Plains’ Civic Center Construction

The funding will be used for design and construction of a new civic center that will help expand government services and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to gather for farmers markets, community meetings, and other activities.

$850,000 for the City of Portland’s Gateway to OMSI Project 

The funding will modernize and update key intersections along Water Avenue to address safety and congestion concerns and prepare the new OMSI District for growth and development.

$250,000 for Multnomah County’s Broadway Bridge Deck Replacement Project

The funding will be used toward the replacement of the failing driving surface on the movable portion of the Broadway Bridge to keep it in service and safe for the traveling public. 

$250,000 for the Salmonberry Trail Foundation’s Williams Creek Trestle and Learning Mile Project

The funding will enhance trail infrastructure, integrate educational elements, and maintain ecological health along a portion of the Salmonberry Trail.

$500,000 for TriMet’s LIFT Vehicle Replacement Project 

The funding will support the replacement of LIFT paratransit service vehicles that have exceeded their FTA useful life so TriMet can continue to provide safe, on time, reliable and accessible transportation. 

$2 million for the Port of Garibaldi’s Engineering for Seawall Replacement Project

The funding will be used to support the replacement of the Port’s breakwall to meet current seismic standards. 

$1 million for the City of St Helens Reservoir Replacement Project

The funding will be used toward the replacement of an existing reservoir in St. Helens that is currently out of service because of health and safety concerns. 

$850,000 for the City of Cornelius’ Community and Recreation Center 

The funding will be used for renovation and construction of the city’s first community and recreation center, delivering much-needed programs and services.

$250,000 for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s Americans with Disabilities Act Facility Upgrades Project

The funding will be used to complete necessary upgrades at THPRD’s recreation and swim centers to make them ADA-compliant and increase accessibility for residents with disabilities.

Under the rules of the House Appropriations Committee, Members of Congress can each submit up to 15 Community Project Funding requests for consideration during the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process. The reformed and transparent Community Project Funding process allows Members of Congress to advocate for specific community priority projects in a highly competitive process. 

You can find more information about the fifteen Community Projects she championed this fiscal year on Rep. Bonamici’s website: Bonamici.House.Gov/CommunityProjects

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SALINAS, CA — Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) visited the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to deliver a $500,000 check as one of her 13 community projects she submitted for the Fiscal Year 2026 congressional appropriations cycle. This funding will help support the next phase of expansion for the Complex, a critical investment that advances what is poised to become the largest sports facility between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

“I was proud to have submitted the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex as one of my community project requests this year, and I’m glad to see this funding coming to Monterey County,” Rep. Lofgren said. “This is a big investment in Salinas’ future as a regional cultural hub, and I am thrilled that Californians of all ages will get to enjoy this complex for generations to come.”

“This $500,000 investment is a major win for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and for the families and youth we serve across Monterey County,” said Jonathan De Anda, Executive Director of the Salinas Regional Sports Authority. “We’re grateful to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and the County of Monterey for their leadership and partnership in securing these funds. This support helps us continue building out high-quality, accessible natural grass fields that promote health, community connection, and opportunity for thousands of residents each week.”

“This federal funding represents a powerful investment in the health, well-being, and future of our young people,” said Monterey County District 1 Supervisor Luis Alejo. “The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will expand access to safe, high-quality recreational space for thousands of youths and families in Salinas, while also generating economic activity and strengthening regional pride. I’m proud to continue supporting a project that transforms underutilized county land into a lasting community asset for generations to come.”

Once completed, the Complex has the potential to serve up to 18,000 + children and youth weekly, along with their families. The expansion project, developed in partnership with the Salinas Regional Sports Authority, includes:

1. Eight new turf soccer fields
2. A 2,000-seat, lighted outdoor stadium with two synthetic soccer fields
3. A 35,000-square-foot indoor soccer arena featuring concessions, classrooms, and maintenance facilities
4. An outdoor sports court
5. An outdoor restroom facility
6. 421 new parking spaces and pedestrian walkways
7. An on-site irrigation well to serve both proposed and adjacent existing fields
8. Stormwater control facilities, including Low Impact Development (LID) features and infiltration basins
9. Environmental protections, including setbacks from Gabilan Creek and adjacent wetlands, as well as minor compensatory wetland restoration

Although the project site is owned by the County of Monterey, the Soccer Complex has been a partnership between the City of Salinas and the nonprofit organization, the Salinas Regional Sports Authority, which will construct and operate the next phases of the facility. Beyond expanding recreational opportunities, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. By revitalizing land once considered unusable and incorporating thoughtful stormwater management and habitat protections, the Complex demonstrates how community development and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Rep. Lofgren will continue to deliver checks to community project funding recipients in the near future, including a total of $750,000 for Salinas projects alone and nearly $3.2 million for projects in Monterey County.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

HIALEAH GARDENS, FL– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, is pleased to invite members of the media to attend a check presentation ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:45 a.m.

The event celebrates the $2,040,000 million in funding Congressman Díaz-Balart secured for the City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department to purchase 30 marked patrol vehicles. These marked police vehicles will make communities safer, help improve visibility for officers, deter crime, and create greater interactions within the community. This will bolster public safety and ensure our law enforcement officers are ready and able to keep the community safe.

This project received funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed by the President on March 9th, 2024.

WHAT: Check Presentation Ceremony

WHO:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation
• Yioset De La Cruz, Mayor, City of Hialeah Gardens
• Freddy Caceres, Captain, City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department
• Michael Lopez, Captain, City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department
• Luis Díaz, Chief, City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department
• Manuel Zardon, Deputy Chief, City of Hialeah Gardens Police Department

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 19th at 10:45 a.m.

WHERE: 13691 NW 107 Ave., Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018

All interested credentialed media must RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov

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

Espaillat to Hold Press Conference on Trump Administration Threats to NYC Infrastructure 

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

The funding will allow West Valley Water District to upgrade its nearly forty-year-old infrastructure, ensuring it can meet growing demand and safeguard the water supply

RIALTO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,092,000 in community project funding for West Valley Water District’s (WVWD) Cybersecurity and Water Reliability Project. This grant funding will strengthen the Inland Empire’s water reliability and cybersecurity by upgrading its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which controls the operations of wells, pumping stations and treatment facilities. 
Upgrading to a modern SCADA system will address physical and cyber vulnerabilities, streamline operations and ensure the reliability and quality of WVWD’s water service. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.
“As our region grows, it’s essential that our water infrastructure can keep up with people’s needs,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m excited to announce that I secured more than $1 million in funding to help upgrade West Valley Water District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. This project will modernize the system to prepare it for 21st-century challenges, including addressing cyber vulnerabilities and guarding against potential attacks. By proactively upgrading our water infrastructure, we can ensure that people in the Inland Empire will have reliable access to clean and safe water for years to come. I will keep working in Congress to deliver investments in our community that help make the Inland Empire the best place to call home.”
“Upgrading our SCADA system protects our water supply from cyber threats and strengthens system reliability,” said President Kelvin Moore, West Valley Water District. “Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Aguilar and our Board, we’re modernizing essential infrastructure responsibly and affordably. These improvements increase efficiency, reduce service disruptions, and ensure a dependable water system that will serve our community well into the future.”
In January 2026, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $7.4 million in federal community project funding grants for seven projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District.

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

By proactively replacing outdated infrastructure, the project will help maintain a reliable water supply to support public safety, economic growth and Californians’ well-being 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,092,000 in community project funding for Cucamonga Valley Water District’s (CVWD) Baseline Waterline Improvement Project. This grant funding will strengthen the resilience and dependability of the Inland Empire’s clean water infrastructure by allowing CVWD to replace 3,800 linear feet of 12-inch waterline along Baseline Road, spanning from Deer Creek Channel to Milliken Avenue. 
The new waterline will directly benefit more than 100,000 people in California’s 33rd Congressional District by providing a more resilient and dependable water distribution system to ensure the delivery of clean water to residents and businesses. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.
“Access to clean, reliable water is crucial for the well-being and quality of life of every Californian,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I am proud to deliver more than $1 million for Cucamonga Valley Water District’s Baseline Waterline Improvement Project. Our homes, schools, businesses and hospitals rely on our water supply to function and support daily life. That’s why water infrastructure upgrade projects like this one are such important investments for our community. By proactively modernizing this infrastructure, we’re preventing future water distribution issues that could put people’s health and safety at risk. I’ll keep fighting to deliver resources that help ensure the health of our neighbors in the Inland Empire for years to come.”
“We appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s partnership and support for this important infrastructure project,” said President Randall Reed, Cucamonga Valley Water District. “This federal investment allows us to address aging waterlines in a proactive and fiscally responsible way while reducing costs for our ratepayers.” 
“This project is about reliability and resilience for the community we serve,” said Vice President Jim Curatalo, Cucamonga Valley Water District. “By proactively replacing aging infrastructure, we’re protecting public safety and ensuring dependable water service for generations to come.”
In January 2026, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $7.4 million in federal community project funding grants for seven projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus for the 119th Congress.  
“As a third-generation Central Valley farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how the health of our fields and the vitality of our soils shape the future of our farms, our water supplies, and our rural communities. Healthy soil is the foundation upon which productive agriculture and resilient landscapes depend. I’m proud to join Congressman Finstad in launching the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus to elevate soil health science, support voluntary conservation, and invest in practices that strengthen our food systems while safeguarding the environment for the next generation. Advancing these priorities — from strong farm policy to responsible stewardship — remains vital to farmers and families across the country,” said Rep. Costa.  
“I know firsthand that farmers are the best caretakers of the land because our livelihood depends on it. The soil under our feet is our nation’s most valuable resource; it grows the food we eat, the fiber we wear, and the fuel that runs our vehicles. I’m proud to help establish the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus, bringing together Members from across the aisle to promote the importance of soil health and soil health science. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies that strengthen farmers’ ability to maximize yields, reduce input costs, and protect their land, ensuring they can pass their greatest asset down to the next generation,” said Rep. Finstad.
“Soils are not just an environmental issue, they’re an economic one,” said Jim Cudahy, CEO of the Soil Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. “Devoting attention, resources, and energy to our national soils is vital. We applaud the relaunch of the Congressional Soils Caucus to provide genuine leadership to a resource that we cannot take for granted. This is the epitome of what can and should be a bipartisan effort, to showcase research, support and accelerate innovation, and ensure that our producers have access to the tools and technical assistance that will deliver higher yields, strengthen farm viability, stabilize food costs, and keep U.S. agriculture competitive on a global basis.”
Congressional Soils Caucus Key Objectives:

Advance bipartisan leadership on soil health as the foundation for productive agriculture, clean water, and resilient landscapes.
Elevate soil health science and stewardship, recognizing soils as a vital, non-renewable natural resource essential to food, fuel, feed, and fiber production.
Support farmer-led, locally driven conservation, emphasizing voluntary, science-based practices tailored to regional soils and cropping systems.
Strengthen farmer economic stability by promoting soil health practices that improve yields, reduce input costs, and enhance long-term profitability.
Protect and enhance natural resources, including water quality, wildlife habitat, and soil carbon, while keeping working lands productive.
Increase awareness and education through bipartisan briefings and stakeholder engagement on emerging soil-related challenges and opportunities.
Promote resilience to natural disasters and climate extremes, including droughts, floods, and wildfires, through improved soil management.
Preserve agricultural land for future generations by ensuring farmers can protect and pass down their most valuable asset—their soil.

First Congressional Soils Caucus Event

The Congressional Soils Caucus will host its inaugural Capitol Hill briefing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
The event will feature interactive, hands-on demonstrations designed to introduce congressional staff to the importance of soil health and soil science.
Experts from across the country will connect soil health to key policy priorities, including water quality, PFAS, human health, and agricultural resilience.
The briefing will serve as the first official event of the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus, launching ongoing education and engagement on soil health issues.