MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Vice Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s “One, Big Beautiful bill”:

“Once again, House Republicans are delivering on the mandate we promised to the American people under the leadership of President Trump by passing the ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill.’ This legislation responsibly reduces excess spending while protecting vital programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare benefits, for eligible Americans in need.

It also provides taxpayers in Florida’s 26^th Congressional District with historic tax relief by making President Trump’s highly successful 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. Had the TCJA been allowed to expire on December 31, 2025, the average taxpayer in FL-26 would have seen a 24% tax hike. Instead, they are guaranteed deductions and get to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Additionally, this bill will permanently secure the border and stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our communities by making major investments in our border patrol agents. It also includes pro-family initiatives, such as expanding the child tax credit, which helps working families keep more of their earnings. Finally, it will unleash American energy and lower costs by reversing the Biden Administration’s burdensome energy policies.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) focused on efforts to advance American national security and diplomacy to ensure a stronger future during remarks at a Fiscal Year 2026 hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart said, “I firmly believe there is no one better who could serve as our Secretary of State at this critical time. Your steadfast leadership, devotion to country and to freedom, and your focus on national security are exactly why you have my full confidence in advancing President Trump’s foreign policy… Now, it’s time to work together on the FY26 budget to determine the appropriate funding levels going forward for the people and programs needed to advance our national security.

“From ensuring our key allies and partners around the world have the military assistance required to defend themselves, to preventing deadly infectious diseases from reaching our shores, to investments that lay the groundwork for American businesses abroad, to supporting those suffering under tyranny by standing in solidarity against oppressive – and often dangerously anti-American – dictatorships. That is American leadership – something President Trump has shown and that has been sorely lacking for the last four years.”

Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

Chairman Cole said, “We are leading with sharpened purpose to ensure Americans are safer at home and abroad. The work of the State Department is core to this mission and the cause of freedom – and every action and investment we make should protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and values. Secretary Rubio, we know your commitment to that duty – and it’s an honor to have you with us this afternoon. From day one, you’ve acted as a force multiplier for the President, and we deeply appreciate your service to our country.

“As you know, Mr. Secretary, peace through strength isn’t a matter of chance. It is the result of effective policy, national focus, and marshaling resources to where they drive maximum impact. The America First agenda – which has been mandated by the people – advances that critical doctrine. It’s not about retreating from the world stage – but resetting our guiding principles.” 

Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

Secretary of State Rubio said, “Today, America is back. Secure borders, safe communities and zero tolerance for criminal cartels are once again the guiding principles of our foreign policy… We are working with law enforcement to revoke the status of foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality, threaten our citizens, and express support for this nation’s enemies. The Department has taken President Trump’s policy message across Europe, securing the NATO Secretary General’s commitment to increased defense spending, recalibrating transatlantic political and economic relations to better serve American interests… 

“As Secretary, I have the honor of leading the world’s most talented diplomatic workforce. They deserve better. They deserve clear responsibilities and chains of command. They deserve a State Department that unleashes their full potential from the ground up, harnessing the capacities of every embassy, consulate, and bureau to set a course for a new American century. One where the power and prestige of the United States are unequaled by any other force in the world.”

Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement following the House Oversight Committee’s approval of the proposed legislation to create a unique ZIP code for the Town of Miami Lakes.

“I am pleased that for the third time, my bill to establish a unique ZIP code for the Town of Miami Lakes has been approved by the House Oversight Committee. The next step is to bring it to the House floor for a vote,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart. “I will continue advocating for the people of Miami Lakes who have waited over 20 years to create a stand-alone ZIP code, and I’m confident this legislation will pass the House chamber.”

The Senate Companion bill was introduced by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

Background:

In 2016, Díaz-Balart successfully included a provision in H.R. 6303 that would have authorized USPS to establish a dedicated ZIP code for Miami Lakes and several other municipalities. This bill passed the U.S. House and was sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Similarly, in 2018, Diaz-Balart introduced a bill to designate a unique ZIP code for Miami Lakes, which also passed the House and was sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Additionally, in 2019, 2021, and 2023 Rep. Díaz-Balart introduced similar legislation to address this issue.

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress, issued the following statement to mark the start of Pride Month on Sunday:

“During Pride, we come together as a community to celebrate living as our full authentic selves and stand together against hate and the ongoing efforts to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students, families, and individuals across our country. No one should be a second-class citizen in the United States, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community and to live free from discrimination and the harm it brings. As a gay person growing up, I wasn’t always sure there would be a place for me. But Granite Staters welcomed me for who I am, and I could not be more proud to serve them in Congress and fight for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in New Hampshire and across the country.”

“In light of the challenges our community continues to face, I want to say to every person who may find themselves wondering what the future holds for them: you are seen, you are supported, and you deserve the chance to be yourself. So be proud of who you are. We must continue to work to create a positive environment that respects everyone and protects personal freedoms. That is how we will continue to change our nation and world for the better.”

Pappas serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and is New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress. In his role as Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, he has helped to introduce and pass the Equality Act through the House of Representatives and enact the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Pappas also leads the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act, which would ban the use of panic defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal courts; the SERVE Act, which would guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies; and led successful calls for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reassess policy that blocked members of the LGBTQ+ community from donating blood.

In response to President Trump’s Executive Order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, Pappas has been an outspokenadvocate for trans servicemembers, including leading an appropriations request to prohibit any funding for the Department of Defense to implement the ban, and he is a cosponsor of the Fit to Serve Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination in the Armed Forces on the basis of gender identity.

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Maggie Hassan (NH) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) at a Memorial Day event at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery to honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

“Today at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, we paused to honor and pay our respects to all the brave service members who lost their lives defending our country since its founding,” said Congressman Pappas. “Every fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine is forever part of our American family, and we must never waiver in honoring them and their families. It is a tremendous price paid by some so that our freedoms and way of life can be enjoyed by all. Thank you to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, NH DAV, and all of the partners who helped host this important event.”

“It was an honor to be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery today to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our security and freedom,” said Senator Shaheen. “Generations of Granite Staters have answered the call to serve, and I join with everyone across our state in remembering our fallen heroes.”

“I was honored to attend this morning’s Memorial Day ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery honoring the heroes who gave up everything so that others could live in freedom,” said Senator Hassan. “We owe service members – both those who are with us and those who we have lost – our freedom and our very way of life. We each must live our lives honoring what they died for, defending our Live Free or Die values and fighting for freedom at home and abroad.”

“America is the land of the free because of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of the American people — past, present, and future,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Thank you to New Hampshire Disabled American Veterans for bringing together fellow citizens — veterans, military families, servicemembers —  from across New Hampshire today on the hallowed ground of our State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to honor truly honorable Americans: our fallen heroes.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Recognition Marks Highest Civilian Award for Appreciation and Distinguished Service to the Nation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel:

“It is with a heavy heart I share news of the passing of my dear friend, a beloved leader, and stalwart of our community, Congressman Charles B. Rangel.

Through our numerous conversations and collaborations over the years, his guidance, support, and faith helped propel legislative initiatives like the Second Avenue Subway that expanded during his tenure and the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which I helped establish as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a champion of creating pipelines for future generations.

Congressman Rangel was an iconic figure and a devoted patriot as a veteran of the Korean War; as a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); the Lion of Lenox Avenue for his love and loyalty to Harlem; an institution through his many endowments of service to erect namesake programs like the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program,  the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, and the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service. 

Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, friendship we developed over the years.”

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of their GOP Tax Scam:

“The only winners following the Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are the billionaire donors who will get massive new tax breaks and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes. This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people,” said Espaillat. “Once again Donald Trump has proven where his loyalties lie – with the extremely wealthy like his buddy Elon Musk. Donald Trump has no problem taking from poor to give to the wealthy.

“These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, from lack of health care, and from lack of housing.  This bill fails to uphold the values of our nation and is misaligned with the interests of working families — while making grocery bills and health care more expensive for tens of millions of Americans who rely on this assistance.”

Earlier this week, Rep. Espaillat denounced the GOP Tax Scam in remarks on the House floor, which may be watched here. House Democrats utilized every available tool to stop passage of the GOP Tax Scam and every single Democrat voted against its final passage. During yesterday’s Rules Committee hearing, Espaillat and more than 100 Democrats offered more than 500 amendments – to delay passage of the bill for more than 20 hours. 

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the House floor to deliver scathing remarks denouncing the Trump administration’s budget bill and its devastating impact to working families in New York’s 13th congressional district and in communities around the nation.

Video of Rep. Espaillat’s remarks may be watched here. 

The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat *as prepared for delivery*:

“More than half of the residents in New York’s 13th congressional district rely on Medicaid to receive primary and emergency health care. Almost four million residents in New York City rely on Medicaid. About three million of New York City residents are enrolled in the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Program, which allows coverage of prescription drugs and certain over the counter medications. 

“After promising the American people that Medicaid would be safe from cuts, Republicans spent several hours marking up a bill that would devastate Medicaid enrollment rates. To pay for the tax cuts for the wealthy, the bill would require harsh work requirements for Medicaid recipients that would terminate coverage for millions of low-income Americans.  Additionally, the bill would increase copays for Medicaid recipients which would significantly limit access to vital care services. It would also penalize states that have made the choice to use provide state-funded health care coverage to undocumented children and mixed status families.  

“Not only does this hurt the undocumented families that have relied on this health care for years, but it also infringes on states to do what they believe is best with their own state funding. Republicans also introduced a $300 billion cut to food stamps, which would impact the 300,000 people in my district who rely on the benefit to eat. Thirty-five percent of these recipients are children.

“Though Social Security cuts were not explicitly included in reconciliation conversations, the Trump administration and DOGE have repeatedly attempted to limit this program by trying to close social security offices, staff reductions, and reduced phone line access. These changes would impact the nearly 120,000 constituents in my district, particularly seniors, who rely on approximately $164 million in monthly benefits.

“Republicans have gone back on their promise to the American people. These changes would devastate the lives of millions of Americans. We must stand up to these attacks. I yield back.”    

 

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO – Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced that the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District is Carmen Casillas, a senior at Reavis High School and resident of Burbank, Illinois. Carmen’s mixed media piece, titled “La Artista,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning students’ artwork from across the country.

“La Artista” uses thick acrylic paint to create a textured, clay-like surface, inviting viewers to feel the joy and creativity that come from making art. The woman in the piece is depicted with colorfully painted skin, symbolizing how art transforms us both inside and out. A traditional, stylized apron in the painting pays tribute to the artist’s Mexican heritage, underscoring how culture and creativity shape identity and expression over time.

“I never cease to be amazed by the talented young artists in our community who submit their work for  the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman García. “Carmen’s piece, La Artista, is vibrant and deeply personal—it honors her heritage, celebrates the creative spirit, and reminds us that art has the power to shape who we are. I’ll be very proud to see it every time I walk to vote in the Capitol.”

“What inspired me to create this was exploring the artist within, and showing how colors and feelings collide while making my artworks in clay or paint,” said Carmen C. “This piece is also inspired by my family’s Mexican heritage, which has had a significant impact in my life, while celebrating its traditional culture and artworks.”

To view pictures of Carmen and her winning piece, click here.

About the Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in congressional districts nationwide. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Winners are honored locally and at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Their artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

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