MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Baldwin, MI – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, along with Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, toured the North Lake Processing Center ICE detention facility in Baldwin. The visit follows their demand for answers regarding the December death of detainee Nenko Gantchev.

During the visit, the lawmakers inspected living conditions, reviewed medical care protocols, and met with facility leadership to raise concerns about Congressional oversight and detainee health and safety. The visit marked the latest effort by Rep. Stevens to demand transparency from ICE and hold the Trump administration accountable for its treatment of individuals in federal custody.

“An inmate died in ICE custody in Michigan, and ICE’s leadership has been silent in response to our requests for information and oversight,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Over the past year, ICE has seen an alarming increase in detainee deaths at facilities nationwide. Oversight matters. It is important for members of Congress to see these facilities firsthand rather than rely solely on public reports. Today was about getting answers for Nenko Gantchev’s family and demanding accountability from ICE on behalf of all the detainees who are being held in Michigan.”

Congresswoman Stevens has consistently stood up to the Trump administration, called for transparency, and pushed for a drastic overhaul of ICE to ensure humane treatment and accountability within the immigration detention system.

Stevens has been leading the fight to hold ICE accountable in Congress and to rein in Donald Trump’s repeated abuses of power during his Administration.

• Stevens cosponsored H.R. 7163, a proposal to divert ICE’s $75 billion slush fund to state and local law enforcement agencies.

• Stevens voted against the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, refusing to fund ICE’s operations without major reforms or accountability measures.

• Last year, Stevens cosponsored the VISIBLE Act to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and concealing their identities.

• Stevens joined over 150 of her colleagues in demanding that ICE end its surge of officers in Minnesota and conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent.

• Stevens and her Michigan colleague, Rep. Hillary Scholten, demanded an investigation into the death of Nenko Gantchev, an individual who died in ICE custody in Baldwin, Michigan.

• Following a lack of accountability or answers related to Gantchev’s death and the death of Renee Nicole Good, Stevens called for the immediate removal of Secretary Kristi Noem and cosponsored an effort to impeach her in the House of Representatives.

• Stevens voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which gave ICE its nearly $75 billion windfall.

• Stevens introduced the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act, legislation to prevent the President from deploying the military against Americans without express consent from state officials, an authoritarian tactic this President has used repeatedly to fuel fear and intimidation during aggressive ICE crackdowns.

• Stevens voted against the Laken Riley Act, which would sweep thousands of people into jails and detention centers at enormous taxpayer expense while diverting key law enforcement resources and potentially violating civil liberties.

 

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

February 16, 2026

ICYMI: Rep. Meeks Demands DHS Reform and Wins Vote to Lower the Cost of Living and End Trump’s Tariff on Canada

Rep. Meeks Discusses DHS Funding and Looming Partial Government Shutdown

It’s clear to Democrats, and to the American people, that ICE is out of control. Our communities asked us to act and we listened. That’s why Democrats suggested 10 comprehensive reforms to Department of Homeland and Security (DHS) and ICE including mandatory body cameras on federal agents, judicial warrants requirements, no masks, independent criminal and civil investigations and no deportation and detention of U.S. citizens, explicit prohibition on the excessive use of force, no targeting at sensitive locations, end racial profiling, and much more. Read my interview here with Queens Chronicle.

Congressman Meeks Passes Resolution to Lower Everyday Costs and End Trump’s Tariffs

This week, I forced a vote in the U.S. House to end Trump’s national emergency declaration and the tariffs imposed on Canada. These tariffs cost families in our community nearly $1,700 more a year. The so-called “emergency” used to justify this action never existed, and American families are now left to shoulder the financial burden of that decision. I will continue working to lower costs for working families, restore congressional oversight, and pursue responsible trade policies that strengthen our economy without straining our communities Read more here.

Rep. Meeks Grills SEC Chair Over Truth Social Investment Fund

I questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins during a House Financial Services Committee hearing about a Trump-backed company’s plan to manage “America First” investment funds tied to Truth Social. I warned that mixing politics with public investing raises serious ethical concerns, risks conflicts of interest, and could put everyday investors in danger.

Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump Republicans’ Attack on Affordable Health Care?

I’d like to hear from my constituents about how the Republican Shutdown and Big Ugly Law will affect you or your loved ones. I am fighting for lower health care costs, but I need your help. Please complete the form here to explain how the administration’s latest actions are affecting you.

Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others!

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

ELGIN, IL — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) convened a roundtable at The Centre of Elgin with Mayor Dave Kaptain, as well as other local elected officials, faith leaders, educators, and community advocates to discuss the impact of recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in and around Elgin. During the roundtable, participants shared firsthand accounts of fear and disruption caused by aggressive federal operations, including the use of force and a lack of transparency from federal authorities.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi outlined his ongoing oversight of DHS, ICE, and CBP, highlighting investigations into shootings and enforcement tactics, repeated letters demanding accountability from Secretary Noem, and legislation aimed at preventing excessive force and strengthening constitutional protections for communities across Illinois.

“The Trump administration’s abuses through DHS, ICE, and CBP are not making our communities safer — they are spreading fear, eroding trust, and undermining the rule of law,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Families in Elgin deserve protection, not intimidation from federal agents operating without transparency or accountability. I will keep confronting these abuses head-on — demanding investigations, advancing legislation to stop excessive force, and refusing to stay silent while this administration tramples constitutional rights and targets our neighbors.”

Since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has led extensive oversight of DHS, ICE, and CBP, sending more than 15 letters to federal officials, conducting facility visits, and introducing legislation including the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act and the No Private Bounty Hunters Act. He has also supported broader efforts to strengthen humanitarian standards in detention and impose stronger federal use-of-force requirements.

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

FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Council President Mike Karbassi announced $2 million in federal funding to support long-planned improvements along the San Joaquin River. This investment will help advance key projects aimed at expanding public access, enhancing recreation, and protecting natural resources along one of the region’s most treasured waterways. “This project reflects our commitment to stewarding the San Joaquin River while enhancing its natural beauty and maintaining the multiple purposes that the river provides,”said Congressman Costa. “By investing in these lands, we’re protecting local wildlife, expanding access for our communities, and making sure future generations can experience and take pride in the San Joaquin River.”  
“The San Joaquin River is one of our region’s greatest natural assets,” said Council President Karbassi.“Thanks to Congressman Costa’s leadership, we can continue building a riverfront that serves families, protects wildlife, and creates new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.” 
BACKGROUND
On February 5, 2026, Congressman Costa announced the passage of Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban (THUD) funding legislation, which included nine Community Project Funding awards totaling more than $11.2 million, which included $2 million dollars allocated to the San Joaquin River Parkway Project.  
These federal funds will extend the Lewis S. Eaton Trail by approximately 2.4 miles, expanding public access to 500 acres of open space along the San Joaquin River. The project would support multiple ADA-accessible entry points and recreation activities such as school tours, nature walks, paddle trips, while preserving the future of the San Joaquin River Parkway.  
The funding will support planning and development for potential projects, including: 

River West Fresno
Camp Pashayan improvements
Additional riverfront amenities and public access enhancements 

To learn more about additional federal funding Congressman Costa secured for FY2026, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

BE HEARD Act Would Prevent Workplace Harassment, Strengthen and Expand Key Protections for Workers, Support Workers in Seeking Accountability and Justice

Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), alongside Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2026. This bill takes critical steps to address workplace harassment and ensure workers can seek accountability and justice. The bill was first introduced in 2019.

In response to Trump and Andrea Lucas, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), eliminating workplace anti-harassment guidance and attacking transgender workers for using the locker rooms, bathrooms, and private spaces, this bill takes critical steps to address workplace harassment, protects against discrimination based on gender identity and sexuality, and ensures workers can seek accountability and justice.

“Every worker should be safe and respected in their workplace, this shouldn’t be controversial,” said Rep. Pressley. “Under the Trump Administration, the EEOC is weakening protections and exposing workers to discrimination, harassment, and abuse at their jobs. The BE HEARD Act would take critical steps to confront workplace harassment and ensure workers can seek the accountability they deserve when their rights are violated.”

“The Trump administration has proven time and time again that they couldn’t care less about workers, women, or victims of abuse—as they fired EEOC Commissioners, and got rid of important enforcement guidance to protect workers against harassment,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to re-introduce the BE HEARD Act, because whoever you are or wherever you work—everyone deserves to be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity at their job. While Trump helps giant corporations sweep abuse and discrimination under the rug, I will continue to push for this important legislation to expand protections for workers to ensure they get accountability and justice. I will always stand with women, with workers, and for fairness. I will keep fighting to make sure people feel safe in their workplace and get the justice they deserve.”

“When the Trump administration guts enforcement, workers pay the price. No one should have to choose between a paycheck and their dignity,” said Rep. Garcia. “The BE HEARD Act restores real accountability by ending the tricks that keep abuse in the dark, stopping retaliation from being the cost of speaking up, and making sure every worker has protections, no matter their job title or paycheck.”

“Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect in their workplace,” said Rep. Strickland. “This bill ensures that workers have the tools they need to address workplace harassment.”  

The BE HEARD Act includes key reforms including ending mandatory arbitration and pre-employment NDAs to help ensure transparency and expanding civil rights protections for workers—including independent contractors and interns, extending the time limit for reporting and challenging harassment, and ending the tipped minimum wage—a key reform to ensure workers don’t have to endure harassment from customers because their wages depend on tips.

Earlier this year, Andrea Lucas and Trump’s EEOC moved to rescind the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace—comprehensive anti-harassment guidance that was issued in April 2024, and was the EEOC’s first update on harassment since 1999. The 2024 guidance made much-needed and long-overdue updates to better reflect Congress’s intent, including addressing online harassment, and responding to the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County recognizing that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender orientation and sexual discrimination. Under Ms. Lucas, the EEOC has retreated from longstanding civil rights enforcement work, attacked law firms over their diversity efforts, and targeted the rights of trans workers in particular.

The BE HEARD Act will:

• Strengthen understanding of workplace harassment and help businesses prevent it: The BE HEARD Act invests in research about the economic impact of workplace harassment, requires regular reporting on the prevalence of workplace harassment, and ensures that workers have access to more information and training about what constitutes harassment and their rights if they are harassed. 
• Help ensure transparency: The BE HEARD Act puts an end to mandatory arbitration and pre-employment non-disclosure agreements, which prevent workers from coming forward and holding perpetrators and businesses accountable.
• Broaden and expand civil rights protections to all workers: The BE HEARD Act builds on and strengthens existing civil rights laws by expanding protections for workers, while also safeguarding existing antidiscrimination laws and protections. It strengthens civil rights protections for all workers and makes clear that the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of workplace discrimination. It also ensures that no matter where you work—and whether you are an independent contractor or an intern—your rights are protected.
• Empower workers who come forward with reports of harassment or retaliation to ensure they get support: The BE HEARD Act allows workers more time to report harassment, authorizes grants to support legal assistance for workers who have low incomes, invests in delivering more resources to the state level to help workers ensure their rights are protected, and lifts the cap on damages when workers pursue legal action and win their cases.
• Eliminate the tipped sub-minimum wage: The BE HEARD Act eliminates the tipped minimum wage, because tipped workers are disproportionately vulnerable to sexual harassment and discrimination by both clients and supervisors.

In addition to Reps. Pressley, Garcia, and Strickland the House bill is co-sponsored by: Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Judy Chu (CA-28), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).

In addition to Senator Murray, the Senate bill is co-sponsored by: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The legislation has been endorsed by: National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, A Better Balance, AFL-CIO, American Association of University Women (AAUW), American Civil Liberties Union, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), California Women’s Law Center, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Chicago Women in Trades, Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Coalition on Human Needs, Equal Rights Advocates, Feminist Majority, Gender Equality Law Center, Human Right Campaign, Human Rights Campaign, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Jewish Women International, Justice for Migrant Women, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, Lift Our Voices, MomsRising, National Action Network, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Black Worker Center, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Institute for Workers’ Rights, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues, PowHer New York, Reproductive Freedom for All, Service Employees International Union, Solar for Women, The Sikh Coalition, Vermont Works for Women, Women Employed, Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles, WorkLife Law.

A copy of the bill text can be found here and a one-pager of the bill is here.

Rep. Pressley has long been an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, demanding justice for those silenced and accountability for powerful abusers. 

In August 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Reps. Lieu and Ocasio-Cortez, reintroduced the Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

As a survivor herself, Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in demanding accountability, transparency, and healing for survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse.

In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

 In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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

Transitioning from aging septic tanks to sewers will raise the quality of life for Bloomington residents and attract new people and businesses to the area

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,092,000 in community project funding for San Bernardino County’s Bloomington Septic Conversion Project. This grant funding will expand and improve Bloomington’s sewage and water infrastructure by allowing San Bernardino County to install 1,200 linear feet of mainline sewer along the Valley Boulevard corridor, extending it to Alder Avenue. Once complete, the infrastructure project will improve wastewater treatment, promote better public health outcomes and drive development and economic opportunities in the unincorporated community of Bloomington. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“We all know how essential it is to have strong, reliable infrastructure; it’s what cities, counties and countries are built on,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m so proud to deliver over $1 million for San Bernardino County’s Bloomington Septic Conversion Project. This grant is more than just an investment in Bloomington’s sewage and water treatment infrastructure; it’s an investment in the community’s long-term housing development, public health and economic growth. Federal investments in projects for unincorporated communities like Bloomington are essential to ensuring that no Inland Empire resident gets left behind. I’ll continue to fight for more resources that help make life better for our entire region.”
“We want to thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for his continued commitment to the residents of Bloomington,” said Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “With a population of 17,000, Bloomington is one of our largest unincorporated communities in the county, and investments like the Bloomington Septic Conversion Project are critical to improving public health, protecting local groundwater resources, and supporting the long-term well-being of families who call this community home.”
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 – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman obtains the federal money in new government spending legislation signed into law; funding will greatly benefit the borough

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Rep. Brad Schneider and local leaders in Illinois, where he emphasized that Americans are struggling under the Trump economy and that Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living.

LEADER JEFFRIES: The state of the real economy in America right now is a mess. There is an affordability crisis that is not a hoax. It is very real. And that point was brought home clearly during this roundtable discussion. People are struggling with housing costs. People are struggling with healthcare costs. People are struggling with the cost of groceries. People are struggling with child care costs. People are struggling with the cost of running a small business, particularly as a result of the Trump tariffs.

The state of the real economy is a mess. The affordability crisis is one that we are committed to dealing with decisively. And the need to do that with great urgency, with the fierce urgency of now, was reinforced by this roundtable discussion. All across the country, Democrats are holding similar discussions because rather than talk at the American people, we want the American people to talk to us, to lay out their real, on-the-ground experiences, so when we go back to Washington next week, we can continue to press forward to do what we have to do to lower the high cost of living in this country. To make life more affordable. To ensure that people who are working hard and playing by the rules cannot just survive, which is hard to do in this environment, but can thrive here in America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. That’s the least that we can do. Make sure that when you’re working hard and playing by the rules, you can live an affordable life, a comfortable life and live a good life. That’s our commitment to the American people.

The road ahead of us is not going to be easy because our colleagues on the other side, led by the President, who promised to lower the cost of living on day one, are doing the exact opposite: making life more expensive for the American people. So I thank Congressman Schneider once again for hosting me. It’s always wonderful to be back here in the Chicagoland area. And I look forward to our continued work together, inspired by the stories that I heard from each and every one of the participants in the roundtable, that Congress needs to act. We need to act decisively. We need to get this situation turned around so we can bring the American dream to life for everyone.

Full press conference can be watched here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Sonoma County, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that three projects in Sonoma County will receive a total of $2.3 million in community funding from Rep. Thompson’s community project funding requests. Rep. Thompson secured $13,317,000 total for projects in California’s Fourth District in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“These community projects are about keeping people safe and giving families places to thrive,” said Thompson. “Whether it’s safer routes to school, improved pedestrian access, or a new playground for kids, this $2.3 million investment in Sonoma County will make a real, everyday difference.”

“Securing federal funding for the Donald Gap Transportation Project wasn’t just about closing a gap on a map—it was about closing a gap in safety and access for our community,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo. “For far too long, bicyclists and pedestrians along State Route 12 have lacked continuous, safe infrastructure to reach schools, transit, workplaces, and essential services. With this earmark we are making a meaningful investment in public safety, improving everyday mobility, and ensuring all residents—regardless of how they travel—can move safely and confidently through this corridor. We are grateful to Congressman Thompson for listening to our constituents’ concerns and delivering federal funding to the district. Congressman Thompson’s ability to secure not one but three earmarks for underserved, underrepresented communities in Sonoma County is a true testament of public service and ensuring we are uplifting all of our constituents. Our community is lucky to have such a strong advocate in Washington, and we are thankful for his partnership.”

“Each of these projects addresses infrastructure needs that have existed for decades in three underserved communities in Sonoma County,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey. “Thank you to Congressman Thompson for recognizing these needs and prioritizing the neighborhoods and residents of Roseland, Moorland and The Springs.”

The projects are: 

• $1,200,000 for the Donald Gap Transportation Project
• $850,000 for the Moorland Pedestrian and School Access Project
• $250,000 for the Tierra de Rosas playground equipment Project.

Background on these projects can be found below. 

Donald Gap Transportation Project: Provides $1.2 million to Sonoma County, CA for the Donald Gap Project which will provide active transportation improvements, including bike lanes and sidewalks along State Highway 12 (SR-12) where existing facilities lack safe access for bikes and pedestrians. The project will ensure that the surrounding community has safe and reliable active transportation access to the City of Sonoma. The community is heavily dependent on businesses along the SR-12 frontage where pedestrian and bicycle travel facilities are limited. Despite current limitations, the region is heavily trafficked by pedestrians and bicycles along SR-12, causing conflicts between a high concentration of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians both day and night. These conflicts have led to several pedestrian fatalities in the past few years, and this project will significantly improve safety and reduce this risk.

Moorland Pedestrian and School Access Project: Provides $850,000 to Sonoma County, CA for the Moorland Pedestrian and School Access Project. This project would complete the sidewalks along the southern half of Moorland Avenue, enabling residents to more safely access five bus stops, a nearby grocery store, and Andy’s Unity Park. The project would also develop a safer route to school for Bellevue Elementary students via a new trail segment along the existing publicly-owned road right-of-way. This trail would connect West Robles Avenue and Oasis Drive, two low traffic streets, and provide a more direct connection to the school than the existing route along Bellevue Avenue, which does not currently have a safe crosswalk. The project would also eliminate sidewalk gaps along West Robles Avenue and enhance two intersection crossings to complete the route.

Tierra de Rosas Playground Equipment Project: Provides $250,000 to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission for the Tierra de Rosas Public Plaza Park Furnishings and Equipment. This is a final piece of the Tierra de Rosas Public Infrastructure Improvements Project to prepare for construction of a mixed-use development on a currently blighted and largely vacant shopping center property situated in the heart of Santa Rosa’s Roseland neighborhood.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)
 
Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.
 
Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.
 
Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Lake County, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that three projects in Lake County will receive a total of $4.35 million in funding from his community project funding requests. Rep. Thompson secured $13,317,000 total for projects in California’s Fourth District in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“These federal investments will make Lake County safer, stronger, and more economically resilient,” said Thompson. “By improving roads, expanding workforce and educational opportunities, and enhancing public safety infrastructure, we are delivering resources that directly improve quality of life for families across our community.” 

“This investment represents an opportunity for our Tribe and the greater Upper Lake community, creating an ecosystem that supports education, entrepreneurship, workforce development and tourism,” said Danielle Cirelli, Chairwoman of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake. “We are especially grateful for the leadership of Congressman Mike Thompson for his instrumental support of the Tribe’s request. Throughout his time representing our community, Congressman Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for the Tribe, and we deeply appreciate his years of dedication and partnership.

“The South Main Street/Soda Bay Road Widening and Resurfacing Project will make a section of road that is quickly becoming one of the most traveled in Lake County safer,” said Lars Ewing, Director of Public Works for the County of Lake. “On project completion, it will provide for construction of a continuous center left-turn lane and bicycle lanes on both sides of the roadway. This $850,000 Congressional allocation, and the broader project it supports, will improve safety, and ease of access to businesses, for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic, alike.”

“The South Lakeport area serves as an important regional center for jobs, services, and commercial activity, and represents a significant opportunity for continued economic growth,” said Kevin Ingram, City Manager for the City of Lakeport. “The City of Lakeport and the County of Lake are committed to improving infrastructure along this critical corridor, and Congressman Thompson’s support has been instrumental in helping move this project forward. We appreciate his leadership and are excited to take this important step toward advancing the South Main Street/Soda Bay Road Widening and Resurfacing Project.”

“Lake County is very fortunate that Congressman Thompson continuously seeks to understand and fight for our priorities and most urgent federal funding needs,” said Brad Rasmussen, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors. “The South Main Street/Soda Bay Road Widening and Resurfacing Project will help Lake County’s economy, while providing critical public safety benefits. We truly appreciate the United States Congress, with Congressman Thompson’s capable leadership, recognizing these crucial Lake County projects as a matter of Federal priority.”

“This $350,000 investment will make a real difference in keeping Clearlake safe,” said Alan Flora, Clearlake City Manager. “By expanding our public safety camera system, we’re strengthening crime prevention efforts, supporting our officers with better tools, and protecting the neighborhoods and businesses that make up our community. We thank Congressman Thompson for delivering critical federal resources that directly improve public safety here at home.”

The projects are: 

• $3,150,000 for Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Community Center
• $850,000 for the South Main Street/Soda Bay road widening and resurfacing project.
• $350,000 for the Clearlake Public Safety Camera system.

Background on these projects can be found below. 

Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Community Center Project: Provides $3.15 million for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe to build a comprehensive community center providing educational and workforce training opportunities, meeting and work spaces, conferences and other event spaces, and partnership programs with local and regional community members. The Tribe will use the funds to design, plan, construct and purchase land for the center. The center will function as a central gathering place for Lake County, with programs and opportunities designed to benefit the broader community.

South Main Street Project: Provides $850,000 to the County of Lake, Department of Public Works for the South Main Street Widening and Resurfacing Project. The South Main Street Project will enhance road safety and traffic efficiency by widening the roadway and adding a center left-turn lane. The project will incorporate complete street elements, including the construction of Class 2 bike lanes aimed at improving overall safety for both motorists and bicyclists. The project will also improve access to local businesses, rehabilitate aging pavement such as cracks and potholes on the roadway, improve roadway surface drainage, and underground existing overhead utility poles.

City of Clearlake Public Safety Camera System: Provides $350,000 for a camera system that would help monitor high-risk areas, providing real-time information to emergency responders and residents, thereby improving evacuation procedures and overall safety. The camera system would allow the Clearlake Police Department to monitor high risk areas as well as other locations that see high crime and public safety risks. As a rural and small police department, the enhanced public safety camera system would minimize response times, strengthen crime prevention efforts, and improve public safety.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)
 
Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.
 
Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.
 
Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.