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

Headline: Newhouse Votes for Final Government Funding Bills, Secures Over $25 Million for Central Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026 and H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

“The House of Representatives has just passed the remaining annual government funding bills. Despite the uphill battle we faced in this process, this legislation delivers on our commitment to rein in federal spending, root out waste, and refocus taxpayer dollars on the challenges in front of us,” said Rep. Newhouse. “We are meeting the threats of Communist China head on, with historic investments into our nuclear triad and domestic missile defense capabilities. We prioritized rural America by investing in rural health centers, rural education and apprenticeships for a strong workforce, and essential housing programs for Tribal communities.”

Newhouse added, “I am also delighted to announce I have secured over $25 million in funding to go directly to projects at home in Central Washington. As we prepare to begin the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process, I will continue to put the priorities of Washington’s Fourth District first and keep working to make sure we are responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

H.R. 7148 includes the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations bill, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Rep. Newhouse secured the following funding for projects in Central Washington.

Wenatchi Landing Project

Amount: $10,000,000

Marc Staub, Chair, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, said, “We are extremely grateful for Congressman Newhouse’s tireless efforts to include $10 million for the new interchanges in the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations bill that will provide connectivity to the Wenatchi Landing project. He has been a steady and consistent voice in support of this transformative project that will develop 317 acres in East Wenatchee that sits on both sides of US 2/97 east of the Odabashian Bridge along the Columbia River. The project will include mixed use, residential, office, industrial and commercial enterprises as well as commercial recreation opportunities creating hundreds of jobs and have an economic impact of between $586 million and $1.3 billion. This project will be a game changer for our county and region and we are thankful for Congressman Newhouse’s steadfast support for this project.”

Port of Warden State Route 170 Project

Amount: $2,500,000

Pat Millard, Executive Director, Port of Warden, said, “The Port of Warden is grateful to Congressman Newhouse for securing this vital federal funding for our Truck Access and Bypass Road Project. This investment will help us complete a safer, more efficient freight route that keeps heavy trucks out of residential neighborhoods and strengthens access to our growing industrial area. Congressman Newhouse’s support is instrumental in advancing infrastructure that protects our community, improves freight mobility, and positions Warden for long-term economic growth.”

Port of Quincy Rail Infrastructure Expansion Project 

Amount: $2,500,000

Curt Morris, Chair, Port of Quincy, said, “The Port of Quincy is deeply grateful to Congressman Newhouse for securing this critical federal investment in our rail infrastructure. This support will allow us to expand track capacity, open new industrial-zoned properties for development, and provide more efficient freight mobility options for the agricultural producers and food processors who rely on us. Congressman Newhouse has long understood the importance of modern, reliable infrastructure to the economy of Central Washington, and this funding will help us continue creating family-wage jobs, reducing congestion, and strengthening our region’s freight competitiveness.”

Village of Hope

Amount: $4,265,000

Gerald Lewis, Chairman, Yakama Nation Tribal Council, said, “We thank Congressman Newhouse for his dedication in helping us secure this critical funding to expand the Yakama Nation’s Village of Hope transitional housing program. We currently have a long waiting list of families in need of stable housing, and this funding will help us address the unmet needs of those unhoused and provide vulnerable individuals and families on the Yakama reservation with resources, support, and guidance to minimize their barrier to finding permanent housing and improve their overall quality of life by providing important wrap around services to help people access health care, employment and educational opportunities.”

Three Rivers Recovery Housing Project

Amount: $3,000,000

Matt Rasmussen, Deputy County Administrator, Benton County, said, “Benton County is proud to receive funding through the Congressional Directed Spending program to support our Three Rivers Recovery Housing project. This initiative will expand access to clean and sober living in an area where demand for these services exceeds 90% occupancy. By increasing housing options for individuals in active recovery from substance addiction, we help reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration into the community. The project is a vital component of the behavioral health services being developed in our region. We extend our sincere thanks to Congressman Newhouse for his leadership in bringing these much-needed resources to eastern Washington.”

Port of Moses Lake Infrastructure Development 

Amount: $600,000

Rich Mueller, Airport Director, Grant County International Airport, said, “It is the mission of the Port of Moses Lake to spur economic success, not only within our district boundaries, but throughout Central Washington and beyond. We would not be nearly as effective in bringing innovative industries and solid jobs to the Columbia Basin without the steadfast support of Representative Newhouse in our endeavors, be they in support of green energy, transportation innovation, or military readiness.”

City of Tonasket US 97 Reconstruction 

Amount: $948,000

Description: Funding will be used to construct access to common areas surrounding Port of Moses Lake ramp access. Project elements include the construction of aircraft taxi lanes, vehicle access roads, and other site preparation. This work will facilitate public and private development in partnerships to meet the current and accelerating demand, which will in turn create new jobs and generate additional revenue, as well as support life and safety operations.

Yakima Valley Emergency Operation Center

Amount: $1,953,000

Description: The Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management will transform an existing facility into a dedicated, fully operational 3,866 square-foot Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Yakima County.  The proposed EOC will provide a comprehensive range of services to support emergency management efforts, including real-time incident coordination, advanced communication systems, data analysis and situational awareness, public information dissemination, resource allocation and logistics support, training, and preparedness programs, and wildfire emergency response coordination.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT

The Defense Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $839.2 billion, and invests in America’s military superiority, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protects from threats at America’s border, and takes care of our troops and their families. This legislation:

Restores American Military Superiority by investing in next-generation aircraft, nuclear deterrence, missile defense, space dominance, and munitions production to deter China and defeat emerging threats.

Takes care of our troops and their families with a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers, sustains historic junior-enlisted pay increases, and improves quality of life.

Builds a more effective Department of Defense by cutting over $1.7 billion through efficiencies and management reforms while driving innovation, competition and cost savings.

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides $221 billion. This legislation:

Invests in primary health care in rural America and underserved communities and targets the scourge of illicit drugs.

Invests in the health workforce to connect skilled health care providers to rural communities and other underserved areas.

Protects America’s biosecurity against chemical, biological, and radiological threats to the homeland, and drives U.S. leadership in biomedical research and innovation.

Protects the right to life by prohibiting taxpayer funding for abortion on demand.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $102.883 billion. The non-defense portion of the allocation is $102.495 billion, and the defense portion of the allocation is $388 million. This legislation: 

Rebuilds America’s transportation system by modernizing air traffic control, hiring 2,500 air traffic controllers, investing in highways, ports, and airports to improve safety and mobility nationwide.

Strengthens national and maritime security by investing in maritime readiness, supply chains, and Buy American policies to counter China and protect U.S. interests.

Preserves housing for vulnerable Americans by fully funding rental assistance for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Maintains funding for Native Americans by investing in programs to uphold our nation’s Tribal trust obligations.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT

The Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, provides a total discretionary allocation of $64.4 billion, of which $3 billion is provided for defense activities. The bill also includes $6.3 billion in discretionary appropriations that are offset by fee collections and $26.37 billion as an allocation adjustment for major disaster response and recovery activities. This legislation: 

Secures the homeland and restores border control by refocusing DHS on stopping terrorists, criminals, and illegal crossings while strengthening air, land, and maritime security.

Fights fentanyl and transnational crime by strengthening counter-drug, human trafficking, and child exploitation enforcement to protect American communities.

Prepares communities for disasters by boosting FEMA disaster relief and firefighter grants to keep communities safe and resilient.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

MATSUI STATEMENT ON VOTES AGAINST DHS AND DOD FUNDING

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after voting against funding bills for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD).

 

“Today, I voted NO on funding the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense because I will not bankroll lawlessness or abuse of power carried out in Donald Trump’s name. When agencies entrusted with protecting the public terrorize communities and trample constitutional rights, Congress has a responsibility to draw a hard line.

 

“Under Kristi Noem’s leadership, DHS and ICE have unleashed a campaign of intimidation and violence that has made daily life feel dangerous for families across this country, including in Sacramento. Children are afraid to go to school. Parents are afraid to buy groceries. Neighbors are afraid to leave their homes. That is not public safety. It is fear as a governing strategy, and it has no place in a democracy.

 

“At the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth has overseen unilateral military actions carried out without transparency or accountability to Congress. That kind of unchecked power puts our service members at risk, invites escalation abroad, and erodes the constitutional balance that keeps our democracy secure.”

 

“Oversight is not optional. The Constitution is not negotiable. Sacramentans and communities across this country deserve national security that follows the law and is rooted in basic human dignity. I will continue to use every tool I have to hold Donald Trump’s administration accountable.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the below statement urging Congressional Republicans to pass nationwide, year-round E-15 in today’s three-bill funding package. In 2024, Republicans backed out of a bipartisan deal, pulling E-15 out of the year-end funding bill.

“Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Thune should grow a spine and stick to the bipartisan deal funding nationwide, year-round E-15. But once again, they’re cowing to President Trump’s demands to curry favor with major oil and gas companies,” said Rep. Kelly. “Our farmers in Illinois and across the country are ready to enhance our nation’s energy supply, reduce emissions, and lower fuel costs for all Americans. Instead, President Trump is more focused on buying Greenland, running Venezuela for oil interests, and bailing out Argentine farmers. Farmers already have to navigate President Trump’s challenging tariffs on top of rising costs and a lackluster Farm Bill. Let’s secure E-15 sales all year, nationwide.”

Rep. Kelly is a cosponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would require year-round sales of E15. Her district covers urban, suburban, and rural areas with over 4,500 farms.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and the Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released this statement following a tie vote on H. Con. Res. 68, legislation designed to prevent the Trump administration from further escalating hostilities in Venezuela:

“I’m disappointed we did not win this vote, but I want to be clear—this was important progress. We forced Republicans to go on the record after Donald Trump’s unauthorized, illegal strike. We made the vote as uncomfortable as possible for them. Ultimately, Speaker Johnson held a two minute vote open for half an hour—flying a Member of Congress in from Texas—all to end in a tie. It’s shameful that most Republicans voted against this resolution, but it was not an easy win for them.

“We were told the Trump administration would come to Congress before attacking Venezuela—they did not. To this day the White House still can’t give clear answers about why our troops were put in harm’s way, what comes next, or whether there will be more strikes or even boots on the ground again. And let’s be honest about what we got after all that chaos: Trump replaced one illegitimate dictator with another, kept the same corrupt cartel state in place, and now Republicans want credit for it. 

“Today’s bipartisan vote underscores there is strong opposition from across the political spectrum to Donald Trump’s foreign policy chaos and disorder. His adventurism in Venezuela isn’t about drugs or democracy, it’s about oil. And I for one don’t want to put American forces in harm’s way to defend Big Oil. This fight is far from over.”

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

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting no on the Homeland Security (DHS) Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bill. The bill provides funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), passed the House 220-207, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“The Homeland Security funding bill does not create accountability for ICE’s reckless enforcement agenda that is brutalizing communities in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I voted no and I am demanding that ICE follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency, like obtaining judicial warrants for searches and wearing identification.”

Larsen Demands ICE Oversight and Accountability

Rep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including:

– Prohibiting ICE officers from wearing masks during arrests;

– Requiring ICE officers to be trained in de-escalation;

– Prohibiting masked ICE officers from using restricted equipment, such as tear gas;

– Ending family and child detention;

– Ending DHS’s use of private detention facilities;

– Providing individuals in immigration detention with unlimited communication with legal counsel;

– Repealing the Alien Enemies Act, which President Trump has used to deport immigrants from Venezuela with no due process by accusing them of “invading” the United States; and

– A complete and independent investigation into the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Larsen Supports Funding for Disaster Relief and World Cup

Rep. Larsen supported other provisions of the DHS funding bill that provide significant funding for Northwest Washington priorities and important oversight provisions to ensure local communities receive the funds Congress has appropriated. The bill includes:

– $5.7 billion for FEMA, an increase of $873 million from FY25, including funding for SAFER Grants and Assistance to Firefighter Grants that help bring resources to emergency personnel and firefighters in WA-02.

– $13.52 billion to support the Coast Guard, an increase of $54 million from FY25.

– Significant oversight provisions to ensure that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem spends FEMA funding for disaster response and recovery.

– Directives that prevent FEMA from laying off substantial amounts of its workforce, closing or consolidating FEMA regional offices, or implementing elimination or reorganization plans without an act of Congress.

– New funding to prepare for a safe and secure 2026 FIFA World Cup.

– A 3.8 percent pay raise for air traffic controllers.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Troy Balderson (OH-12) introduced the Replacement Parts Availability Act, which amends the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to remove unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on automotive manufacturers. 

“Americans shouldn’t have to deal with unnecessary regulations when it comes to replacing their auto parts,”said Rep. Hudson. “Our bill enables auto manufacturers to continue to produce the parts they need without burdensome, unnecessary Washington regulations.” 

“For years, EPA’s inconsistent application of TSCA has created unnecessary red tape that raises costs and limits access to replacement parts for products Americans rely on every day. When materials needed for repairs are cut off, consumers are forced to replace entire products rather than repair them, driving up costs. This bill makes common-sense changes to TSCA that cut red tape, keep repair costs affordable, and protect consumers,” said Rep. Balderson.

“Warranty law requires automakers to provide factory-made replacement parts for many years after a vehicle is originally sold. But since 2016, EPA has prevented automakers and other manufacturers from using the chemicals needed to make those vehicle replacement parts in a safe and environmentally responsible way. What happens then? Consumers delay or skip routine repairs or buy dangerous knockoff parts from sketchy suppliers in China. That’s not a result anyone wants. Reps. Hudson and Balderson’s plan ensures consumers can get those essential replacement parts they need to safely and affordably repair their vehicles.” – John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation:

The problem: 

TSCA Section 6(c)(2)(D) directs EPA to exempt replacement parts for complex durable goods designed before a TSCA risk management rule is published, unless EPA finds, through a risk evaluation, that the replacement parts significantly contribute to the risk. EPA has applied this provision inconsistently across rulemakings, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and risking shortages of replacement parts.

What the bill does:

• Clarifies an exemption for replacement parts for complex durable and complex consumer goods designed before the publication of a TSCA rule.
• Limits EPA regulation of replacement parts to cases where EPA makes an express written determination, supported by substantial evidence in a risk evaluation, that the replacement part alone significantly contributes to the risk.
• Protects upstream supply by preventing EPA from prohibiting the manufacture, processing, or import of a chemical substance to the extent necessary to manufacture exempt replacement parts, with procedures to ensure activity is limited to replacement-part manufacturing.
• Provides a minimum 15-year transition period for any prohibition or restriction on replacement parts if EPA makes the required findings.

Why this matters:

The average vehicle on the road is more than 12 years old, and owners rely on replacement parts to ensure safe operation and to cover warranty repairs.

If EPA bans a chemical upstream, a “use-stage exemption” can be meaningless in practice because the material supply is cut off.

Clear rules help protect consumers, strengthen American manufacturing, and keep safety-critical repairs available for years to come.

Read the bill text here

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the key House Committee on Appropriations, responsible for all federal discretionary funding, today supported House passage of three of the four final annual appropriations bills for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (commencing October 1, 2026) but opposed the fourth.

The first measure which Case voted for included three of twelve annual appropriations measures:  

• The first bill includes $839 billion to fund the Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Case’s Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for developing the bill.  

• The measure also includes $224 billion for federal labor, health, human services and education programs – $50 billion more than President Trump’s budget request.

• The third funding bill appropriates $103 billion for the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development  (HUD), a historic $7.2 billion increase for HUD despite the administration’s call to cut the department in half.

The second measure against which Case voted included $64 billion – a decrease of $800 million below current funding levels – for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

“The Homeland Security measure includes many provisions for which I advocated throughout our appropriations process,” said Case, a member of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with jurisdiction over the bill. “However, I voted against the measure largely because it did not include any effective oversight over the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite widespread concerns.”

The DHS funding measure also passed the House, meaning that the House has now passed all twelve of Case’s Appropriations Committee’s annual funding bills. If as expected they pass the Senate next week and are signed into law by the President, another federal government shutdown will be averted.

Through his assignment on the Appropriations Committee, Case also secured the seven Member-designated Community Project Funding projects totaling $7.5 million across the bills that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i.

Details on each of the four bills are as follows:

Defense 

The FY 2026 Defense bill proposes to spend $838.7 billion, an increase of less than one percent over the FY 2025 enacted level, for federal agencies and programs in the DoD, including the military services and intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. 

“The Department of Defense measure not only funds programs critical to our national security interests in the Indo-Pacific but also continues to recognize the critical role Hawai‘i plays in the region,” said Case, who is in his eighth year on Appropriations. Case currently serves on its Subcommittee on Defense with jurisdiction over defense and intelligence community funding.  

Case highlighted programs and provisions that he requested and secured in the Defense funding measure that are especially critical to Hawai‘i, including:  

·         $30 million to continue efforts to replace O‘ahu’s outdated air surveillance radar, which is needed to defend Hawai‘i from missile attacks.

·         Directing the Navy to support a program to control and eradicate invasive coral at naval installations, which is in response to the invasive coral found at the mouth of Pearl Harbor.

·         Protecting the special contracting preference for Native Hawaiian businesses.

·         $369 million for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration program plus an additional $235 million for the cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation.

·         Funding for two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and are maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. 

·         $171 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.  

·         $167 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which helps defend Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats.  

·         Over $267 million for “Civil-Military Programs,” which will support Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Academy.  

·         $70 million for Impact Aid programs, which help Hawaii’s public schools by partially reimbursing the cost of educating military children.  

·         Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have been efforts within the department to streamline control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai‘i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region.  

Case requested and supported other programs and provisions in the measure that are especially critical to the broader Indo-Pacific, including:  

·         $8 million for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative (APRI) Program, managed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. APRI supports a wide range of exercises, humanitarian assistance, programs and training symposiums that help expand U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific. The initiative is an important tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  

·         Continued support for providing humanitarian and other assistance by U.S. military Civic Action Teams in the Freely Associated States.  

General military-related programs and provisions supported by Case related to the DoD overall include: 

·         3.8% basic pay increase for all military personnel. 

·         $1.3 billion for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund.  

A summary of the defense provisions is here. 

Transportation and Housing 

The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill incorporated important wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case including $5.5 million for Case’s Community Funding Projects (described below), as well as $22.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund (for both of which programs the President’s budget had proposed eliminating).

It also included Case’s request to continue funding for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the helicopter and small aircraft industry through accident investigation, analysis and recommendations to prevent future incidents, including several fatal accidents throughout Hawai‘i. 

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case secured the following six Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i: 

·         $2 million for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to repair Aloha Tower, including replacing its 40-foot mast, repairing the crown of the tower and replacing its windows to weatherproof the landmark.

This funding is essential to maintain Aloha Tower’s structural integrity, enhance public access and ensure that it remains a celebrated symbol of Honolulu’s history for generations to come. 

• $1 million for the City and County of Honolulu for its Waikīkī Vista Project. This project converts former Tokai University and Hawai‘i Pacific University classrooms into a consolidated, family-friendly emergency shelter and additional affordable housing units for low-income families. This investment will directly enhance the City’s ability to reduce family homelessness and expand affordable housing inventory in one of Hawaii’s most housing-challenged areas. 

• $850,000 for the City and County of Honolulu to support its Safe Harbor Support for Housing Survivors of Domestic Violence project. This funding will expand the Domestic Violence Action Center’s successful housing program by supporting property acquisition and staffing to increase safe and stable housing options for survivors and their children. 

• $850,000 for Kalihi Waena Elementary School to construct a new single-span pedestrian bridge with American with Disabilities Act-compliant access between Kūhiō Park Terrace and the school. The new bridge will replace dangerously deteriorating infrastructure and ensure safe and equitable access for students and community members. 

• $300,000 for Highlands Intermediate School to modernize and expand its media center infrastructure. The renovation will create a collaborative, technology-driven learning environment that fosters student creativity, innovation and digital literacy. 

• $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Parks System and Hawai‘i Nature Center to upgrade educational and operational facilities, including classroom expansion and replacement of a sustainable wetland wastewater system supporting environmental education for thousands of Title I students annually. 

• $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Broadband Office for broadband infrastructure development in our local community centers.

Funding will be used toward essential network enhancements, including rewiring, electrical system upgrades and the installation of Wi-Fi access points to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity.

The House’s Community Project Funding rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office.

Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.  

The bill also includes the following funding requested by Case for programs to improve access to affordable housing in Hawai‘i and nationwide: 

• $22 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which supports the building, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable homes. 
• $1.3 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing affordable housing.  
• $5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions. 
• $18.5 billion for project-based rental assistance.
• $7 billion for the Community Development Fund, which includes $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula programs.  
• $4.4 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants, which includes restored funding for the comprehensive approach to serving homeless youth.  

Other transportation and infrastructure programs requested and secured by Case include: 

• $390 million for the Maritime Security Program, $103 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $35 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point. 
• $145 million for the NTSB, which plays a crucial role in investigating civil transportation accidents like helicopter crashes, and issues safety recommendations to prevent future incidents.  
• $18.6 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including $13.7 billion to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce. 
• $64.3 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our highways. 
• $16.5 billion for the Federal Transit Administration.  

A summary of this funding measure is here. 

Labor, Health and Human Services and Education 

The annual appropriations bill for the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and much of the Department of Health and Human Services includes various related agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“This measure funds many critical Hawai‘i priorities I requested, especially for Native Hawaiians,” said Case. “National programs that are so key to advancing virtually all Americans across multiple fronts to realize the full opportunities of our country that the administration proposed be decimated have been funded by my Committee.

“This includes support for youth from preschool through higher education, public health research and delivery through the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, workforce development through the Employment and Training Administration and Job Corps, maternal and child health and family planning, and substance abuse.” 

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case was able to gain inclusion in the measure for his funding requests for federal programs and services especially important for the State of Hawai‘i including those affecting Native Hawaiians, workforce development, education, and community health care. These include:

·         $64 million for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian kupuna.  

·         $63 million for Native American job training programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. 

·         $46 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program. 

·         $25 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program. These funds will support tutoring, mentorships, internships, faculty development and other activities to support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students at the collegiate level.  

·         $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, with $10 million being included for Papa Ola Lōkahi. 

·         $5 million to establish a Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office within the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. These funds will be used to address Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander health disparities as well as supporting research being done by Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander investigators. 

·         $6 million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity within the Office of Minority Health to advance Indigenous solutions to achieve health equity and encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to partner with universities in these efforts. 

·         $4 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services.

·         $1.8 billion for the Job Corps Program, which provides career training and education for 16-24 year olds. 

·         $285 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program. 

·         $105 million for the YouthBuild program to provide at-risk youth with basic education and job skills training in the construction field. 

·         $66 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.  

·         $47 billion for the National Institutes of Health, to support a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research. 

·         $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer. 

·         $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, to provide high quality cost-effective health care to predominantly low-income and medically underserved communities. 

·         $12.4 billion for Head Start, equal to the FY 2025 enacted level. 

·         $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, equal to the FY 2025 enacted level. 

·         $1.5 billion for Career, Technical and Adult Education. 

·         $1.2 billion for the Federal TRIO Program, to provide academic support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans and individuals with disabilities. 

·         $129 million for McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which provides homeless youth with the health services and academic support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. 

·         $65 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants, which offer training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year institutions to help meet local labor market needs. 

·         $22.5 billion for federal student aid programs to provide $7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant award.  

Also included in the bill are multiple bipartisan provisions focused on pharmacy benefit manager reform through transparency and reporting requirements. 

There is also an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2027 to ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue to access telehealth services. 

A summary of this funding bill is here. 

Homeland Security 

The $64.2 billion Homeland Security Appropriations bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more. 

Despite his no vote on this funding bill, Case, through his assignment on the Subcommittee, secured $1 million for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (HIEMA) Emergency Operations Center IT Modernization Project. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project will fund the procurement and installation of touchscreen monitors for a new information wall at the emergency operations center to facilitate emergency response communications and instantaneous information sharing. 

“These facilities will share information in real time so that emergency responders can make informed decisions and take necessary actions to save lives and protect property in the event of a disaster,” said Case.  

The bill also responds to concerns raised about the Trump administration’s immigration efforts by: 

·         Rejecting the funding increase request for ICE.  

·         Reducing funding for ICE’s enforcement and removal operations by $115 million. 

·         Lowering Border Patrol funding by $1.8 billion (22 percent).

·         Strengthening oversight of ICE and other DHS federal funding through a $37 million increase (20 percent) to Office of Inspector General.

·         Including funding for both the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, two offices the Trump administration shuttered last year.  

Case also secured a number of other key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including: 

·         $337 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA.  

·         $342 million for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments. 

·         $342 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.  

·         $116 million to support the Coast Guard’s expanding mission in the Indo-Pacific. 

·         $15 million for the Coast Guard’s Honolulu Homeport Project, which funds expansion of operations and cutter maintenance activities at Base Honolulu.  

·         $100 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $9 million increase over FY 2025, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center.  

·         $65 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 397 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai‘i have received a host of forensic training courses. 

·         $48 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System.  

·         Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu.  

·         Language requiring a report on unmet requirements for the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point.  

·         Language encouraging TSA to address potential degradation of security scanning equipment at open-air airports. 

The measure also includes the following national priorities requested by Case:  

·         $13.9 billion for the Coast Guard.  

·         Report language supporting the growth of CISA support in the Pacific Islands.  

·         Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement and needs in the Indo-Pacific.  

·         Language requiring a briefing on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which is a major issue in the Indo-Pacific.  

·         $584 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA.  

·         $494 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats.  

·         $124 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.  

·         $95 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program.  

·         $50 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program.

A summary of the bill is available here.  

The measures now move to the full U.S. Senate for its consideration.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against today’s appropriations package, which includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

“President Trump has made it his mission to incite chaos and fear in Minnesota.

“Through their reckless and lawless ICE operations, the Trump Administration has targeted communities of color, ripped families apart, detained U.S. citizens, made it harder for local law enforcement to do their jobs — and as a result, endangered every single Minnesotan. Earlier this month, the President’s political stunt got Renee Good killed. Even that didn’t stop him.

“The time to stand up is now. I have said I won’t vote to give one cent to Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security, but after what we have seen in Minnesota, I refuse to give another penny to the Trump Administration. While there are certainly some important provisions in the bills before us today, I can’t in good faith support new funding for this Administration while they continue to terrorize our communities.

“This is not how we operate in America and it is certainly not how we operate in Minnesota. We must do everything in our power to fight this Administration and that means using Congress’ power of the purse to curb the President’s executive authority and send the message that enough is enough.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

The New York Times Editorial Board recently reported that President Trump has made at least $1.4 billion since he took office

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today for a final package of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills that included $7.6 million for investments in working waterfronts and other community projects in Maine.

The spending “minibus” passed the House with bipartisan support, 341-88, and now goes to the Senate. 

Golden won funding for the projects during negotiations over a wide-ranging spending package that funded the departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. The House has now passed all 12 appropriations bills necessary to fund the government through the fiscal year that ends October 1, 2026.

“This spending package delivers for Maine workers and families, most notably working waterfronts throughout Penobscot Bay that are the lifeblood of so many coastal communities,” Golden said. “Additional project funding will support infrastructure improvements, public works, and educational opportunities throughout the district. This kind of congressionally directed spending is only possible when Congress passes spending bills and is one reason I’ve long called for a return to regular order. I’m proud to have once again been able to deliver for Maine’s 2nd District.” 

Golden won funding in appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development to support eight community projects in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, including: 

• $2 million to improve the Stonington Commercial Fish Pier. Funds will be used for dredging necessary to support pier improvements and increased elevation of three feet for flood mitigation and to address climate-related sea level rise and storm surge at the Stonington fish pier.
• $1.4 million to rebuild the Town Dock in Swan’s Island. The dock is the only public access float in Burnt Coat Harbor, the working waterfront for Swan’s Island’s fishermen, and the access point for emergency responders and agencies helping citizens in times of need.
• $1.2 million to support working waterfront access at Henry Point in Jonesport. Funds will be used for infrastructure including a concrete and steel pier built atop the existing stone breakwater. The new pier will prove space for commercial boat berths. Current space constraints leave boats vulnerable to storm damage or expensive haul-out fees.
• $850,000 to expand the Fort Kent Public Works Garage. The 6,800-square foot expansion project aims to provide additional space for storing and maintaining snowblowers, plows, salt spreaders, graders and other essential vehicles and machinery.
• $850,000 to build the Mi’kmaq Environmental Laboratory. The facility will support water testing and provide education and training opportunities for Tribal youth and others interested in pursuing a career in science- and natural resource-related fields.
• $565,000 to upgrade Alden Hill Road in Jay. Funds will support enhancements to a 3,200-foot stretch of road to better support heavy loads, replace a dilapidated culvert, and lay new pavement. The upgraded road will facilitate wood product deliveries needed to support a new oriented strand board (OSB) plant at the shuttered paper mill site.
• $500,000 to support the expansion of Central Maine Community College’s Public Service Simulation Center in Auburn. The center prepares students to start a career in law enforcement, and its expansion will improve the functionality of the space for training by law enforcement agencies and public services organizations.
• $250,000 to increase sewage capacity and foster economic investment in Auburn. Increasing capacity at the Washington Street sewage pump station and for construction of a new Commerce Way sewage pump station will make business expansion and attraction within Auburn’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Tech Hub possible. Currently, Auburn does not have the sewage capacity to attract new businesses in that part of the city.

More details on Golden’s requests for FY2026 Community Project Funding can be found here. 

Local leaders involved with the community projects celebrated passage in the House:

Linda L. Nelson, economic and community development director for the Town of Stonington: “As Maine’s largest lobster port, Stonington’s working waterfront is vital for not just our local economy, but for the entire state. Our town has long identified the infrastructure upgrades that will be needed to keep our fisheries productive and this funding from Congressman Golden is key to making it happen. Stonington is grateful for this investment and excited to preserve our fishing heritage.”

Selectman Jason Joyce, Town of Swan’s Island: “Our Town Dock has been in disrepair for a decade, and the Fish Plant Committee (with the guidance of G.F. Johnston and Associates) designed a rebuild that will last for generations of islanders’ vessels. This project — crucial to supporting our working waterfront, first responders, and coastal community at large — has now been ensured after years of careful planning. We thank Congressman Golden for his commitment to the needs of fishing communities in his District. He’s given an example of how to truly represent our needs.”

Harry Fish, Jr., Jonesport Selectboard chairman, and John Church, Jonesport harbormaster and co-chair of the Henry Point Project Committee: “The Henry Point Working Waterfront project is desperately needed and supports local commercial fishermen and other marine-related businesses. Fishing, seafood harvesting and other marine businesses are the lifeblood and generational heritage of Jonesport and vital to our local, regional and state economy. The planned improvements will provide additional space and better access while allowing commercial fishermen to access and secure their boats more efficiently in the protected harbor. The Town of Jonesport thanks Congressman Golden for his support of this important infrastructure for the Henry Point Working Waterfront Project.

Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie S. Paradis: “The existing Public Works garage no longer provides a safe working environment for employees, due to space constraints and incompatible bay configurations. The Department has added more than 33 miles of plowing roadway without any expansion to the facility needed to support that growth. In winter, with temperatures sometimes below 0 degrees, the lack of adequate indoor storage directly impacts equipment reliability and emergency response. In extreme winter conditions, reliable and timely response is critical to ensuring safe access for school buses transporting students and continued operations at the Fort Kent Elementary school, Fort Kent Community Valley Rivers Middle/high school, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and uninterrupted emergency access to the hospital, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Exposure of essential equipment to severe weather conditions increases the risk of mechanical failure, which can delay response times and directly impact the safety of students, seniors, and residents who depend on timely municipal services. The building’s limited space forces trucks to be stored with wings raised inside the garage, creating unnecessary safety hazards for staff. Expanding the Public Works garage is essential to protect employees, preserve municipal assets, and ensure uninterrupted service to our community.”

Chief Sheila McCormack and Environmental Health Director Shannon Hill, Mi’kmaq Nation: “The Mi’kmaq Environmental Laboratory (MEL) in Presque Isle has been open since the early 2000s, providing drinking water analysis not only for the Tribal Community but all residents of Aroostook County. MEL also provides STEM youth engagement, internships and workforce development. Today, we are the only state-certified drinking water lab north of Newport, making our facility invaluable to Aroostook County. MEL has outgrown the current small space and must expand to service our area’s water testing needs. This support will assist in the planning and development of a new facility plus can provide matching funds to leverage more money that will be needed to complete this project.”

Jay Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere: “We are very grateful that the funding Congressman Golden put forward to support the Town of Jay’s Alden Hill Road project is moving forward. This project is critical to the redevelopment of the former paper mill in Jay and to the future economic prosperity of our community. This funding will provide needed financial relief to town residents who have faced increased burden since the mill’s closure and will allow an infrastructure project that will directly support the creation of new jobs in our economically depressed region. This will help bring back some of what was lost and will support the future growth and long-term sustainability of our town.”

Dr. Betsy Libby, president of CMCC: “Approval of Community Project Funding (CPF) would allow Central Maine Community College to enhance the Public Service Simulation Center, providing upgrades and new equipment for the training of criminal justice and conservation law personnel. Both CMCC students and local agencies use the facility to conduct training. CPF approval ensures these essential enhancements can be completed without placing an unsustainable financial burden on the college.”

Mayor Jeffrey D. Harmon, City of Auburn: “Approval of Community Project Funding (CPF) will empower the City of Auburn to advance an essential next phase of our Auburn Tech Hub Infrastructure Expansion Project, addressing a long‑standing sewer capacity issue that limits our community’s full economic potential. This investment will also strengthen system reliability and enhance operational efficiency for Auburn’s residents and businesses. Equally important, CPF approval ensures these critical upgrades can move forward without placing an undue financial burden on our community, while representing a forward‑looking investment.”

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