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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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

WASHINGTON – Following House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026  (H.R.7567), commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement: “Food security is national security, and the Farm Bill is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation Congress works on because it determines how we put food on America’s dinner tables,” said Rep. Costa.“After three years of delays, I’m glad the House has finally made substantive progress but there is still more work to do. We must ensure the provisions that support American families, farmers, and producers remain while continuing to improve this bill in the Senate. I will keep working across the aisle to reverse harmful cuts to nutrition programs because in the richest country in the world, children, veterans, seniors, and working families should never be left wondering how they will put food on the table.” 
Rep. Costa secured several priorities in the Farm Bill, including bills he introduced and provisions he supported, such as: 

Secured major investments for specialty crops, with the bill including at least $30 million for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (H.R. 4173)and $20 million for mechanization and automation research for specialty crops.
Backed stronger trade programs, including Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, to help California farmers recover from tariffs, overcome trade barriers, and compete globally and doubling funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program (H.R. 1086).
Secured inclusion of the COWS Act (H.R. 5875), which will help dairies make practical conservation upgrades on their operations and support manure management practices modeled after California’s successful program. It helps farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and makes it easier to adopt precision agriculture technology by covering up to 90 percent of the startup cost.
Secured inclusion of the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program (H.R. 2496), which will help SNAP recipients afford and purchase more nutritious dairy products and strengthen support for dairy and livestock producers by keeping key safety net programs in place, extending dairy promotion and indemnity programs through 2031, and improving how dairy costs are reported.
Secured inclusion of the Headwaters Protection Act (H.R. 605), which will strengthen watershed partnerships between agricultural producers, local communities, and the U.S. Forest Service to protect critical water sources.  

Rep. Costa continues to seek changes to protect SNAP and Prop 12.
The bill now moves to the Senate. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reviewed President Trump’s social media broadside calling for Congressional redistricting in Tennessee, and made the following statement:

“Trump and the GOP want to take power away from Black voters in Memphis and nationwide. Donald Trump’s Jim Crow Supreme Court has emasculated the Voting Rights Act — the last line of defense in protecting fair representation in Congress for majority Black communities like Memphis, the same city where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed while fighting for Black Americans to have a voice in their own government. That’s the voice they’re trying to take away.

“The Voting Rights Act was the crowning jewel of legislation passed under President Lyndon B. Johnson, fought for by civil rights leaders like MLK and John Lewis. They’ve been dismantling it for years, and with this decision they want to put it to rest. It’s the greatest setback to civil rights since Plessy v. Ferguson in the Jim Crow era.

“It took the GOP less than six hours to start eyeing Memphis after the SCOTUS decision on Louisiana, and that tells you everything. The grift, the corruption, the mass deportations and violence, Trump and the GOP know it’s over after November — unless they can keep people from the polls, or redraw the maps entirely beforehand.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty right now, but you can count on this: I will not back down. My team and I are already in touch with experienced voting rights attorneys to see what can be done to try and stop this — more to come.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 by a vote of 224-200. Congresswoman McCollum voted against the legislation as it codifies cuts to SNAP nutrition assistance that Republicans first made in their budget law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Following the vote, Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement:

“This farm bill is three years late and still falls short for farmers and the American people. Last year the Republicans forced through their incredibly unpopular Big Ugly Bill, which has so far kicked 3.4 million people off SNAP. This farm bill could have restored those cuts to SNAP but instead continued them.

“I’m also disappointed that the Republicans decided to advance legislation filled with partisan poison pills, like the Save Our Bacon Act, which preempts state level animal welfare regulations. Furthermore, this farm bill rubberstamps Trump’s illegal trade war, which is driving up fertilizer, machinery, and gas costs for all American farmers.

“In 2018, the House of Representatives passed the farm bill with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 369-47. Today, we came together in a bipartisan fashion to attempt to pass some important amendments, like Rep. Luna’s amendment which removed a liability shield for pesticide companies. In the end, this farm bill does not meet the moment. I hope we can continue working towards a farm bill that supports everyone.”