MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced members of his staff will host Community Office Hours across Georgia’s 12th District during the month of June.

During these events, members of Congressman Allen’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others. Community Office Hours are a quarterly resource provided by Congressman Allen’s staff designed to serve constituents closer to home. Congressman Allen himself will not be in attendance.

After the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“I invite anyone seeking help with a federal issue to take advantage of the one-on-one services my office provides. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, our dedicated caseworkers stand ready to help you. Please visit my team during Community Office Hours in June or contact one of our district offices for more information.”

See below for a list of Community Office Hours dates, times, and locations by county (excluding counties in which Congressman Allen has a permanent office):

Burke County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: County Commission Boardroom, Burke County Courthouse

111 E. 6th Street

Waynesboro, GA 30830

Candler County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Metter City Hall

49 S. Rountree Street

Metter, GA 30439

Columbia County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Grovetown City Hall

103 Old Wrightsboro Road

Grovetown, GA 30813

Effingham County

WHEN: Thursday, June 18th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Effingham County Board of Commissioners Office

804 S. Laurel Street, Suite 200

Springfield, GA 31329

Emanuel County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce

102 S. Main Street

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Evans County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Strickland Center for the Arts

707 W. Main Street

Claxton, Georgia 30417

Glascock County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Family Connections & Communities in School

370 W. Main Street

Gibson, GA 30810

Jefferson County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Community Club House

101 McNair Street

Wrens, GA 30833

Jenkins County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce

548 Cotton Avenue

Millen, GA 30442

Johnson County

WHEN: Monday, June 15th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Wrightsville City Hall

8647 S. Marcus Street

Wrightsville, GA 31096

Lincoln County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Lincoln County Courthouse

210 Humphrey Street

Lincolnton, GA 30817

McDuffie County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Administrative Building

210 Railroad Street

Thomson, GA 30824

Montgomery County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

WHERE: Montgomery County Courthouse

400 S. Railroad Avenue

Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Screven County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Screven County Courthouse, Commission Boardroom

216 Mims Road

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tattnall County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Glennville Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce

136 S. Veterans Boulevard

Glennville, GA 30427

Treutlen County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Treutlen County Commissioners Office

1830 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Soperton, GA 30457

Warren County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Warren County Chamber of Commerce

46 Norwood Street

Warrenton, GA 30828

Washington County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Community Health Care System

220 Morningside Drive

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wheeler County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Alamo City Hall

7 W. Main Street

Alamo, GA 30411

Wilkes County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

22B West Square

Washington, GA 30673

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

Dingell Statement on the Michigan Medicine and BCBS Contract Agreement

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

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rich McCormick (R-GA-07) requested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider its policy on screening human tissue donors for sepsis. In a letter to Kyle A. Diamantas, Acting Commissioner of the FDA, Representatives Dingell and McCormick asked that the FDA consider adopting the approach of screening for systemic infection, rather than sepsis diagnosis, before finalizing the draft guidance document “Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Disease Agents Associated with Sepsis by Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps)” (“sepsis guidance”).

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

Dear Acting Commissioner Diamantas:

We write today regarding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy on screening human tissue donors for sepsis. We share the agency’s goal of reducing infectious disease transmission via contaminated human cells, tissues, and cellular or tissue-based products (HCT/Ps), as evidenced by the House of Representatives passage of H.R. 1082, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act last year. As we continue to meet with experts and constituents in this field, we have heard that screening for systemic infection (meaning evidence of an active, disseminated infection with potential for communicable disease transmission), rather than a sepsis diagnosis, may be a more effective strategy for mitigating disease transmission. We therefore ask that the FDA consider adopting this approach prior to finalizing the draft guidance document “Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Disease Agents Associated with Sepsis by Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps)” (“sepsis guidance”). Assessment for systemic infection, rather than sepsis, aligns FDA’s goal of reducing communicable disease transmission by targeting actual infection risk.

When the FDA finalized its most recent guidance on donor eligibility (DE), in 2007, it was reasonable to classify sepsis as a relevant communicable disease agent or disease (RCDAD) as a surrogate measure for infection risk. However, given the evolution of “sepsis” in clinical practice since the 2007 DE guidance, a sepsis diagnosis is not a scientifically valid surrogate for communicable disease risk in tissue donation. As detailed below, reliance on sepsis as a surrogate may both unnecessarily exclude otherwise eligible donors and potentially fail to identify donors with true potential for disease transmission.

A primary concern is that multiple sepsis definitions remain in use, and experts continue to disagree on how the term should be applied in clinical practice as it relates to the presence of an infection. A sepsis diagnosis in a potential donor’s medical record may reflect an infection that warrants exclusion under donor eligibility criteria, or it may simply indicate a condition that requires additional clinical assessment. Some infections, even those that could contribute to a sepsis diagnosis (such as a urinary tract infection), are easy to treat and should not in and of themselves be disqualifying for potential tissue donors. Absent careful, case-specific evaluation, such an approach would seem to unnecessarily disqualify otherwise eligible donors. A study conducted by the American Association of Tissue Banks suggests categorical exclusion based on a prior sepsis diagnosis could result in an approximately 25 percent reduction in tissue donors, which will most likely have an adverse effect on the availability of tissue products for patients in need.

An additional concern is that sepsis does not seem to meet the three conditions provided by FDA to qualify as an RCDAD (i.e., risk of transmission, severity of effect, and availability of 

appropriate screening measures or tests). In particular, sepsis is not itself a transmissible disease and may not even be the result of an infectious disease. In cases where sepsis is the result of an infection, that infection may or may not pose a risk of transmission to a tissue recipient. In short, the designation of sepsis as an RCDAD conflates clinical severity with communicable disease risk and incentivizes formulaic decision-making that is not reflective of the true risk of disease transmission. By contrast, designating systemic infection as an RCDAD—rather than relying on the presence or absence of a sepsis diagnosis—could more consistently identify potential donors who present a meaningful risk of infectious disease transmission, particularly those with objective evidence of systemic infection but that were not septic and had no mention of sepsis in their medical record.

We appreciate your continued commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and oversight for HCT/Ps and to minimizing the risk of infectious disease transmission. We stand ready to work with you on these issues, and we encourage you to consult with stakeholders and experts in this area as you consider an appropriate path forward.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) for Survivors Act to promote the safety and security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and stalking. The legislation would allow survivors to take time off from work without fear of penalty, requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivors dealing with the aftermath of violence, provides access to unemployment benefits, and establishes insurance discrimination protections to support survivors–ensuring they are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.

“When we talk about domestic violence, we must recognize how many survivors are financially tied to their abuser, which ends up being a significant reason they stay with an abusive partner,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Survivors have unique needs in their journey to safety and economic independence, and this bill will support their ability to provide for their families.”

Highlights of the SAFE for Survivors Act include:

Increases Access to Leave

• The SAFE for Survivors Act allows survivors to take time off from work—five weeks of leave, two weeks of which must be paid—without penalty in order to contend with the consequences of gender-based violence, including attending court appearances, seeking legal assistance, and getting help with safety planning. For too many, access to these essential services can mean the difference between life and death.

Provides access to unemployment benefits

• The SAFE for Survivors Act allows survivors in every state access to unemployment benefits if they are fired or forced to leave their job because of abuse.

Enhances workplace protections

• The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits discriminatory employment practices in connection with survivors of domestic or sexual violence and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivors dealing with the aftermath of violence.

Provides Insurance Protections to Support Survivors

• The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse related claims, ensuring that survivors are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.

“Survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault should not be forced to choose between their health and safety and their paycheck,” said Senator Murray. “But right now, too many survivors, who often need to put significant time, energy, and financial resources into leaving their abusers, can’t afford to miss a day of work—this is heartbreaking and wrong. We must do everything we can to change this unjust reality—because survivors deserve some basic financial security to give them the flexibility to leave a dangerous situation. The SAFE for Survivors Act would take a huge step toward ensuring no one is stuck between worrying for their safety and making ends meet.”

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the legislation is co-led in the House by Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04).

“I know what it’s like to flee an abuser. In a life-or-death situation, no survivor should have to worry about money or a job. We need the SAFE for Survivors Act so that survivors can have economic protections they need as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Congresswoman Moore.

Gender-based violence is prevalent in the United States, with almost 1 in 4 women experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, and more than 1 in 5 women reporting an attempted or completed rape during their lifetime. Individuals who experience intimate partner violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and stalking often find that abuse and threats follow them from home into the workplace. This type of violence has direct consequences for survivors’ safety and economic security, which can affect their ability to recover, provide for their families, and remove themselves from dangerous situations.

The legislation is endorsed by National Partnership for Women amp; Families, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Just Solutions, Legal Momentum, Center for American Progress, Futures Without Violence, A Better Balance, Women’s Center amp; Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Jewish Women International, Center for Survivor Agency and Justice, Legal Voice, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Congresswoman Dingell last introduced this bill in 2024 alongside Senator Murray and Congresswoman Moore. Since entering the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Dingell has been a champion of policies supporting domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, including the Take It Down Act, Justice in Sentencing for Survivors Act, Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act, and Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. Congresswoman Dingell also serves as co-chair of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence.

The full text of the legislation is HERE.

A one pager is HERE.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) led 26 of her colleagues in requesting the Trump Administration to redesignate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because of ongoing civil unrest and armed conflict in the country. The initial 18-month protected status designation is set to expire on Wednesday, May 27. In a letter to the heads of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, the lawmakers stressed that the United States must extend TPS for Lebanon and continue providing refuge to Lebanese nationals escaping crisis. 

“The United States has long offered refuge to those seeking shelter from catastrophe. The ongoing unrest in the Middle East and the complex crisis in Lebanon provide an imperative to honor this commitment and support Lebanese nationals in their time of need. As such, we urge the administration to redesignate and extend TPS for Lebanese nationals before its scheduled expiration on May 27, 2026,” the lawmakers wrote.

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the effort is supported by U.S. Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Jesus Garcia (D-IL-04), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03).

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

Dear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Rubio:

This letter respectfully requests the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of State, to redesignate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We urge you to continue to protect Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States and permit those affected by the ongoing crises in Lebanon to continue to find safe haven in our country by extending the initial 18-month TPS designation scheduled to expire on May 27, 2026.

The situation in Lebanon remains unstable and the conditions needed for safe and dignified return for TPS-holders are not yet in place. The country is experiencing continued civil unrest and an escalating armed conflict that has extended from the country’s Southern Border to the Bekaa Valley and Southern Suburbs of Beirut, posing significant threat to civilian safety. The conflict has caused more than 1 million people, or 20 percent of the country’s population, to flee from the south to other regions of the country where they are living as Internally Displaced Persons. Missile strikes have occurred regularly throughout the past two months, killing numerous civilians and worsening the humanitarian crisis. This armed conflict and foreign intervention continue to generate significant instability and dangerous conditions for civilians.

In addition, to the security concerns, Lebanon’s socioeconomic conditions remain strained. The country is still recovering from a prolonged three-year stalemate that has impacted governance, economic stability, and public services. While there have been signs of progress, essential systems continue to struggle as a result of the ongoing crises.

The United States has long offered refuge to those seeking shelter from catastrophe. The ongoing unrest in the Middle East and the complex crisis in Lebanon provide an imperative to honor this commitment and support Lebanese nationals in their time of need. As such, we urge the administration to redesignate and extend TPS for Lebanese nationals before its scheduled expiration on May 27, 2026.

We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to your response.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is demanding answers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the despicable conditions at the Sycamore Meadows apartment complex in Superior Township. The HUD-funded apartment complex is facing scrutiny due to neglectful property management, inadequate maintenance services, and unhealthy and unlivable conditions.

In a new letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Congresswoman Dingell is raising concerns over prolonged periods without functioning furnaces during the winter months, recurring sewage backups and flooding, foul odors, rodent and insect infestations requiring tenants to cover vents, black mold, holes in ceilings, and ongoing drainage and plumbing issues.

“The residents of Sycamore Meadows deserve a safe, healthy environment to live in, along with management that both cares about and responds to their needs quickly. Residents should not have to report issues like mold growth or flooding multiple times to even get a response from property management, and HUD needs to step in when that is the case. These properties must continue to ensure that the needs of their tenants are adequately addressed in an efficient manner, and processes to address issues are resolved through a fair, timely, and transparent process. It is HUD’s responsibility to ensure that these properties meet these standards,”said Congresswoman Dingell. 

Congresswoman Dingell is demanding immediate action and answers to a series of questions from HUD, including asking for the Secretary’s timeline for addressing the living conditions facing residents at Sycamore Meadows.

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

Dear Secretary Turner:

This letter is regarding the Sycamore Meadows apartment complex in Superior Township. The Township Supervisor, board members, county officials, and legal aid groups have shared deeply concerning reports regarding its management and the conditions facing residents at the complex and have asked me to intervene. Reports include neglectful management, inadequate

maintenance services, and unhealthy, unlivable conditions. Sycamore Meadows is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized property and is therefore subject to stringent oversight by the Department to ensure it provides quality, affordable rental housing to tenants.

In 2021, the property was sold to a group that was subsequently convicted of mortgage fraud and ultimately defaulted on their Fannie Mae mortgage. Fannie Mae foreclosed on the property and petitioned the Washtenaw Circuit Court to appoint Tarantino, a Texas company, as a receiver of the property. Tarantino began managing the property in early 2025, in a manner that can only be described as despicable and unacceptable.

At least one building is experiencing persistent sewage backups and flooding severe enough to force residents to vacate the property, and the township to temporarily house them. Residents

have also reported prolonged periods without functioning furnaces during the winter months, recurring sewage backups and flooding, foul odors, rodent and insect infestations requiring tenants to cover vents, black mold, holes in ceilings, and ongoing drainage and plumbing issues.

Additionally, utility vouchers have not been processed in a timely manner, and residents have reportedly faced threats from DTE to shut off power, including during the winter. In many instances, management has allegedly responded that nothing could be done to address these conditions. These living conditions are dangerous and inhumane, and HUD must act immediately.

Local and county officials, as well as legal services, have attempted to intervene and assist by raising the issue with Tarantino, but they have been unresponsive and unwilling to address these issues.

Given the seriousness of these allegations, I am requesting HUD take immediate action to address the conditions at this property. To better understand HUD’s oversight of Sycamore Meadows and the standards and processes HUD uses to evaluate habitability and living conditions, please respond to the following questions no later than Monday, June 1, 2026:

1. What is your timeline for addressing the living conditions facing residents at Sycamore Meadows?

2. What are HUD’s current determinations on the living conditions of the property, and how often are these properties evaluated? Through what process are these determinations made, and what criteria contribute to these determinations?

3. What official at HUD is responsible for the oversight of this housing complex, and when is the last time they have engaged with the Township to discuss the status of the complex?

4. What proportion of units are inspected during evaluations, and is this cross-section of the complex the same units across multiple inspections, or is it a random sample each inspection?

5. How many buildings in the complex are facing sewage backups? What protocols are in place for HUD to address situations like this?

6. What actions has HUD undertaken to ensure the continued quality of life and dignity of Sycamore Meadows Tenants? Furthermore, what steps is HUD taking to ensure Sycamore Meadows has policies, procedures, staffing, and training in place to provide adequate maintenance and transparency for tenants?

7. Through what process can tenants raise concerns over continued failures to address maintenance issues, living conditions, and appeal procedures to HUD and property management?

8. What processes are in place for HUD to determine when a property manager has been neglectful and failed to meet HUD standards for affordable housing? What action is taken when that determination is made and how can the process be improved to respond to complaints in a timely manner?

The residents of Sycamore Meadows deserve a safe, healthy environment to live in, along with management that both cares about and responds to their needs quickly. Residents should not have to report issues like mold growth or flooding multiple times to even get a response from property management, and HUD needs to step in when that is the case. These properties must continue to ensure that the needs of their tenants are adequately addressed in an efficient manner, and processes to address issues are resolved through a fair, timely, and transparent process. It is HUD’s responsibility to ensure that these properties meet these standards.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced a bipartisan resolution to raise awareness of the mental health crisis in the agricultural industry, designating May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL). Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. 

“Farmers in Washington state and across the country face a variety of challenges, from extreme weather and skyrocketing costs to changing markets at home and abroad,” Congresswoman Schrier said. “Our agricultural industry is under stress, which has taken a toll on farmers’ mental health. I am proud to introduce this resolution to raise awareness of this rural mental health crisis and commit to supporting our producers in every way we can as they feed our country, uplift our economies, and bolster rural America.”

In Washington state, suicide rates within the agricultural industry are nearly 25% higher than the overall state rate. Top mental health risk factors faced by farmers, ranchers, producers, and farm workers in Washington include economic hardship, regulatory burdens, high physical and psychological demand, and a stigma against mental health services – according to a 2025 state report. 

“Our farmers are proud, salt of the Earth people, but they face tremendous pressures in a tough industry,” Congressman Bost said. “The stress that comes with the profession is real, with a suicide rate 3.5 times higher than the general population. Volatile markets, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather don’t just threaten a family farm’s bottom line, they take a toll on mental health, too. This legislation is a step towards making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to struggle alone.”

 “Colorado farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers face unprecedented challenges from severe drought to increased costs that can take a toll on their mental health,” Senator Bennet said. “I’ve consistently worked to expand access to affordable, reliable mental health care for all Coloradans and am grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Providing visibility and awareness to address these challenges is essential for progress.” 
“Farmers, ranchers, and ag workers have some of the toughest jobs in the country,” Senator Fischer said. “Right now, a struggling farm economy is making life even harder – and it weighs heavily on the minds of those who feed and fuel our nation. This resolution designates May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day and sheds light on the resources available for those in need. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan, bicameral effort as we keep working to ease the strain in farm country.”  

This legislation is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Farmers Union, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Rural Health Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Pork Producers, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and the Farm Credit Services of America. 

Click here for national resources available to those in need.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

My heart goes out to the workers and families affected by yesterday’s tragic chemical explosion in Longview. I stand with the people of southwest Washington and fully support the community’s efforts to get the answers and support they deserve. I am grateful for the first responders and local leaders working around the clock for their neighbors during this incredibly difficult time.

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) in reintroducing the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act, which would incentivize manufactured home park owners to sell the park to community residents or nonprofits, rather than another developer or landlord. As housing affordability remains a top concern for communities across New Hampshire, this legislation would allow more Americans to stay in their homes by protecting residents in manufactured homes from excessive rent increases.

Pappas secured three provisions in the House-passed amended 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing legislative package, the most consequential piece of housing legislation in decades.

“Granite Staters deserve affordable, safe, and secure housing. Manufactured housing is an affordable homeownership option but right now it can also leave families more vulnerable to displacement and predatory practices when they don’t own the land they live on. This legislation would incentivize manufactured home park owners selling their land to sell to current residents, keeping people in their homes and empowering families in the future,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’ll continue fighting to put homeownership back in reach for all.”

“Housing has become even more unaffordable for families across the Granite State, and President Trump’s tariffs and war in Iran are only making things worse,” said Senator Shaheen. “I am committed to doing everything I can to lower the cost of housing for Granite Staters and make New Hampshire a more affordable place to live. By helping residents of manufactured housing communities buy their communities, they’ll be protected from predatory rent increases and get real relief from high costs.”

Across the United States, over 20 million Americans live in manufactured homes, with more than 150 resident-owned manufactured housing communities in New Hampshire, also known as “manufactured home parks.” The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would create a 75 percent federal tax credit offsetting capital gains if a manufactured housing community is sold to a resident-owned cooperative or nonprofit, rather than another landlord, developer or corporation. This would incentivize the sale of manufactured housing communities to the residents themselves or a non-profit—lowering costs and protecting access to affordable housing in the Granite State by shielding residents from excessive rent increases that could price them out of their homes.

The bill text can be found HERE.

In the Senate, the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (ME) and Richard Blumenthal (CT). The legislation is endorsed by the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and Resident-Owned Communities USA.

“I’m excited to see Senator Shaheen reintroduce this critical bill to secure the American Dream in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Steve Saltzman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. “Manufactured housing is one of the most affordable homeownership opportunities available and we know that resident-owned communities help preserve and stabilize this opportunity by putting homeowners in control. New Hampshire is now home to 152 resident-owned communities which have preserved more than 9,000 homes for Granite Staters and their families. The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act is an important tool to bolster this proven model by incentivizing community owners to sell to the people who already live there, not an out-of-state investor.”

Pappas has worked to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to increase the affordable housing stock and tackle the housing crisis. He helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to support affordable housing financing and development by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. He also co-leads the Supporting Projects to Unleash Residential (SPUR) Housing Act, Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act, and the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act. He and the New Hampshire delegation have welcomed more than $30 million in federal grants to build more affordable housing across the Granite State.

Shaheen is leading efforts in the Senate to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable units for families struggling to find a place to call home. Earlier this year, Senator Shaheen secured three commonsense provisions—the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, Streamlining Rural Housing Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act in the landmark 21^st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act to expand supply of affordable housing, streamline construction and lower costs in the Granite State and across the country. In the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured upwards of $9 million in federal funding for affordable housing in New Hampshire. Recently, as part of her Affordability Action Tour, Senator Shaheen visited both West Lebanon and Laconia to discuss policy solutions to lower housing costs for communities across the state.

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