MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Advance Agriculture Appropriations Bill

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. 

“House Republicans’ commitment to supporting the agriculture industry has never been stronger,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Rep. Newhouse continued, “This legislation funds programs utilized by the specialty crop industry in Central Washington, supports trade promotion programs, increases funding for vital research programs at USDA, and keeps the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of CFIUS to prevent our adversaries from purchasing American farm ground. Also included are my Community Project Funding requests for Othello Community Hospital in Adams County and the McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Grant County. Together, with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee, we have worked to address the needs of our farmers, ranchers, and producers while getting our fiscal house in order.”

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $26.27 billion, which is $380 billion (1.4%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs.

Below are projects in Washington’s Fourth Congressional District Rep. Newhouse secured funding for in this legislation. 

McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

Amount Requested: $2,104,604

Description: Phase 1 of Grant County Public Hospital District McKay Healthcare’s senior living expansion will add 16 assisted living units and 16 memory care units, along with a community wellness center featuring meeting spaces, a salon, art classroom, fitness area, and landscaped outdoor spaces. This first-of-its-kind continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Central Washington allows seniors to age-in-place safely, transitioning from independent living

to assisted living or memory care, and ultimately to skilled nursing if needed. This project addresses a critical gap in rural senior healthcare services in Grant County by expanding access to assisted living and memory care. Currently, comparable services are limited in the region, forcing many families to travel long distances to obtain care. The project will allow seniors to remain in their communities while receiving appropriate care, improve continuity with local healthcare providers.

Othello Community Hospital

Amount: $1,863,900

Description: The Rural Labor and Delivery Capacity Expansion Project will increase the capacity of Othello Community Hospital to provide top-rate care for our families here locally where more than 400 babies are delivered annually. The project includes features that improve access to care, health and wellness outcomes, and hospital infrastructure. This project integrates critical technology directly into the labor and delivery suites. There will be dedicated triage beds, vital monitors, NICU systems, newborn warming stations, and diagnostic imaging machines for the obstetric unit. To address access, the project will also provide a new ambulance so that families do not have to worry about how they will get to the hospital when events – like precipitous labor – occur without planning. This project will dramatically expand the family birth care to meet the growing need for services at Othello Community Hospital, a rural hospital with a high volume of labor and delivery.

###

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro, Suzanne Bonamici, and Adelita Grijalva introduced the Championing Honest and Responsible Transparency in Education Reform (CHARTER) Act, legislation that would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure funds made available under these Acts are not awarded to charter schools that enter into contracts with a for-profit entity for operating, overseeing, or managing the charter school.

“For-profit companies are disguising themselves as schools, trading in taxpayer funds for boosted profits at the expense of our children’s learning,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “For-profits, unlike non-profit organizations, are responsible for maximizing profit for their owners and investors, and that creates tension between what is best for students and what is best for profiteers. The CHARTER Act would reaffirm federal law and ensure that for-profit education management organizations can no longer exploit loopholes that have given them access to funding intended for non-profit entities. Education empowers the American Dream, and every child deserves access to a quality education that puts them first— not profits for owners and investors.”

“Profit should never be a driving force in public education, and charter schools should not be exploited to siphon federal funding into for-profit schemes,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful to be leading this initiative with Rep. DeLauro to keep student funding in public schools where it belongs.” 

“For too long, for-profit companies in Arizona and across the country have exploited loopholes to cash in on our public education system — putting profits ahead of students and operating with little accountability,” said Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. “That’s unacceptable. Every dollar meant for our kids should be going into classrooms, teachers, and resources — not into corporate pockets. I’m grateful to join Congresswoman DeLauro in introducing the CHARTER Act so that we can make clear that our children are not a business model to be profited off of.”

In 2006, the United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit Court in Arizona State Board v. United States Department of Education found that the terms ‘‘elementary school’’ and ‘‘secondary school’’ in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were limited to nonprofit entities, holding that for-profit charter schools were ineligible for Federal funds under the ESEA and the IDEA. In response to the decision, many for-profit charter schools reorganized as for-profit operators of nonprofit organizations, enabling them to continue to receive federal funds under the ESEA and the IDEA. Using this loophole, charter schools run by for-profit education management organizations (EMOs) or other charter school “operators” receive federal funds only to have their schools run by low-quality, for-profit companies determined to extract taxpayer dollars with no little to no public transparency.

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

Headline: Carter brings home wins for Georgia in House-passed Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Farm Bill, which includes hard-fought wins and recognitions for Georgia farmers.

Included in this bill are Rep. Carter’s request for a study on the Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) program, inspired by his bill, the Farmers’ AID Relief Act, and the renaming of the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, after the late President of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Francis “Abit” Massey.

“Georgia’s agricultural industry is the backbone of our economy and way of life. Representing the number one state in which to do business, where agribusiness is our top industry, I strongly support the Farm Bill. I proudly championed two provisions in this legislation, including a HIP-WI study to ensure the program properly protects farmers financially during disasters and the honoring of the late Abit Massey, a remarkable Georgia poultry giant, whose legacy should never be forgotten, said Rep. Carter. “American farmers feed and clothe our nation and the world, and they deserve policies that support their success.”

“The HIP-WI Program failed many Georgia farmers who were unfairly denied financial relief after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. I am proud that the 2026 Farm Bill includes language from our Farmers’ AID Relief Act to conduct a much-needed study on the HIP-WI Program to ensure it reflects real-world storm paths and protects farmers affected by damage,” said Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA).

“I am pleased that, today, the U.S. House voted to designate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, as the Abit Massey Poultry Research Center and to require a hurricane insurance protection-wind index report based on the Farmers’ AID Relief Act through the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” said Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). “This larger farm bill was made better because of these two bipartisan bills which honor a giant in Georgia Agriculture and help protect our ag producers when destructive storms hit. I am proud to have led both efforts with Congressman Buddy Carter.”

“The Farm Bill is critical legislation for America’s farmers, ranchers, rural Americans, and Georgians. In the legislation are major wins for our state, including text honoring the late Abit Massey, text honoring the late former Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and longtime Representative for Georgia, David Scott, and the creation of a study on how the USDA can improve data collection for HIP-WI calculations,” said Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Background:

The HIP-WI program is a wind-based insurance option managed by the USDA designed to protect farmers impacted by hurricanes. However, Hurricane Helene exposed the program’s vulnerability to inaccuracies, leaving farmers who experienced significant crop losses without protection. This bill would authorize a study to examine the loss of crop insurance coverage caused by a weather station outage, assess contingency plans, and report on the feasibility of obtaining data from land-grant colleges and universities or other third-party sources to support HIP-WI and Georgia farmers.

The bill also includes a provision to rename the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, after the late Francis “Abit” Massey, who passed away in June 2024 at the age of 96. Mr. Massey served as President of the Georgia Poultry Federation for 48 years and was recognized statewide for his leadership and instrumental role in establishing Georgia as a leading poultry producer, which has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is congratulating American Samoa’s national competitor in the Poetry Out Loud student program, held in the nation’s capital this week. Mr. Johnson Ailima, a senior at Fa’asao Marist High School, American Samoa’s Poetry Out Loud champion, represented the territory in Washington, D.C., and had a full slate of related activities in the Capitol.

Johnson Ailia with chaperones at Congresswoman Amata’s office

“Congratulations to Johnson Ailima for doing a great job first with his win in American Samoa, then representing our islands in the nationwide competition in D.C.,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I know you’ve had a wonderful time in the nation’s capital, and I appreciate your willingness to work hard on this project and through your example be part of motivating our students in upcoming years. Thank you to Poetry Out Loud’s program for offering both fun and learning experiences to students every year. Congratulations to the faculty and students at Fa’asao Marist High School as well for this representation. Thank you especially to Chaperone Faletua Ms. Imeleta Lilo, Mr. Tasi Sunia and Mr. Douglas Tauese, from the American Samoa Council Arts, Culture, & Humanities.”

Through this innovative program, high school students from across the country come together in one competitive dynamic poetry recitation, designed to improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and teach literary history. 

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary this year, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program focused on poems to celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture. In keeping with that theme, Johnson Ailima recited two rounds of poetry including “Susan B. Anthony” and “On Liberty and Slavery.” Beginning in 2005, the program has encouraged poetry recitation by more than 4.5 million high school student participants.

Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with states, territories, and jurisdictions and their respective arts agencies. Managed by Mid Atlantic Arts, Poetry Out Loud also provides free educational materials to teachers and organizers, including an online poetry anthology providing a published collection.

Poetry Out Loud participants have reported increased confidence for group discussions and more likelihood of joining volunteering efforts. The program goals include being a positive influence on school cultures, providing avenues for self-expression, and enhancing participant schools’ reputations.

###

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 $112,256 grant. The funding supports allergy and infectious disease research. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The National Institutes of Health provides Career Transition Awards to dedicated clinical investigators.

“This HHS grant for more than $112,000 helps Virginia Tech advance its clinical investigations related to allergy and infectious disease research.”

BACKGROUND

According to the National Institutes of Health, Career Transition Award grants facilitate the establishment of a record of independent research by the investigator in order to sustain or promote a successful research career. 

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

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

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“I am proud to have voted for bipartisan legislation to pay FEMA staff, Coasties, TSA agents, CISA experts and other DHS employees who do important work to protect our country. The people I represent need a fully functional FEMA to recover from December’s devastating floods. Passing this funding today is critical to disaster recovery and mitigation in Northwest Washington and around the country.

“The Senate passed this bipartisan legislation weeks ago, and I am glad House Republicans finally came to their senses and allowed the House to fund disaster relief, keep Americans safe and pay hard-working public servants.

“Since the beginning of the DHS shutdown, I have fought to pay DHS staff and require ICE to follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency. While hard-working families are struggling to afford health care and gas, Republicans voted to hand billions and billions of dollars to ICE and CBP with zero reforms and accountability.

“This fight is not over. I will continue to oppose full-year funding for ICE and CBP until their agents are required to follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency.”

Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to fund every agency within the Department of Homeland Security except ICE and CBP. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Rep. Larsen also voted against a Fiscal Year 2026 budget resolution that will begin a process to negotiate funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill passed the House by a vote of 215 to 211.

Rep. Larsen cosponsors legislation to fully fund FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA and every other agency within DHS except ICE, CBP and the Office of the DHS Secretary. He is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“Republicans are doing nothing in this Farm Bill to lower food prices for families, lower costs for farmers or lower tariffs for small businesses. This bill also does nothing to address the sky-high fertilizer and fuel costs caused by Trump’s illegal war in Iran. Congress should be helping farmers stay afloat, not hanging them out to dry.

“Republicans also blocked an amendment I supported to repeal the Big Ugly Law’s cuts to food assistance. Just in Washington state, the Big Ugly Law will take away 129,000 people’s SNAP benefits. I cannot support legislation that abandons hungry children and families.

“I will keep fighting to support Northwest Washington farmers and lower costs for all Americans.”

Today, Rep. Larsen voted against the 2026 Farm Bill. The legislation passed on a 224-200 vote.

Rep. Larsen offered an amendment to the 2026 Farm Bill that would increase funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) from $10 million to $15 million. FRSAN provides funding to reduce stress and improve the behavioral health of farmers and ranchers. Washington State University leads the program in the Northwest. Republicans did not allow the amendment to be considered for inclusion in the final Farm Bill.

Rep. Larsen also cosponsored an amendment to repeal the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law (BUL). This amendment is based on Rep. Hayes’ Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act, legislation that Larsen cosponsored to remove all the SNAP cuts in the BUL. Republicans did not allow this amendment to be considered for inclusion in the final bill.

Nearly one million Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits every month to purchase food. As a result of the BUL, 129,000 Washingtonians will lose their SNAP benefits if they fail to meet new work requirements, and 75,000 households will see a reduction in their monthly benefits. In Washington state, 25,801 people have already lost SNAP benefits because of the BUL.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) today announced that $1 million in federal funding he secured for a new emergency services center in Metuchen was included in the Department of Homeland Security funding bill passed by both Houses of Congress and on its way to the President, who is expected to sign it. 

“Helping our communities prepare for emergencies is one of the most important responsibilities we have,” said Pallone. “With this funding, Metuchen is one step closer to a modern Emergency Services Center equipped with the tools first responders need. This investment will strengthen coordination, improve response times, and give residents greater confidence that their community is prepared to respond to a crisis.”

The funding will help replace Metuchen’s current Office of Emergency Management facilities with a larger, modern center featuring advanced communications equipment, new training space, and expanded storage for emergency supplies. The facility will also include a dedicated space for coordination among emergency leaders as well as a call and dispatch center.

“I’m grateful to Congressman Pallone and his staff for sticking with this through a difficult and often unpredictable process, and for continuing to deliver for Metuchen,” said Mayor Jonathan Busch. “This project is one of the most important investments we can make in public safety, bringing our fire department, EMS, and emergency management under one roof in a modern, purpose built facility.”

The project was originally requested by Pallone as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process. The bill’s passage marks a significant step forward in delivering the funding, which now heads to the President to be signed into law.

The updated Emergency Services Center will be located at 500 Main Street in Metuchen.

###

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice vote a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — including funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Secret Service, and other agencies — after the majority of congressional Democrats previously voted to keep DHS shut down for more than 70 days.

This vote follows a separate vote Wednesday night to advance a budget resolution that would fund Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The budget resolution, commonly referred to as “Reconciliation 2.0,” would allow congressional Republicans to pass DHS funding — specifically for ICE and Border Patrol employees — by a simple majority in both the House and Senate.

“Over the last two months, during a period of heightened global tensions, Democrats have shamefully played games with American national security. This legislation says, ‘enough is enough,'” said Rep. Kelly. “From the start, House Republicans have voted to fund DHS. Democrats have not. This legislation puts our national security and the American people first.”

BACKGROUND

On March 27, Rep. Kelly and House Republicans voted for the fourth time to fund the Department of Homeland Security and to end the shutdown.

This new budget resolution would allow for a simple majority in both the House and Senate to advance DHS funding. Previously, A 60-vote majority is needed to advance a funding bill in the Senate, meaning Senate Democrats would have been required to join congressional Republicans to fund DHS.

Democrats have prolonged the shutdown by refusing to vote for funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).