Scott Statement on the Passing of Judge Jerrauld C. Jones

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on the Passing of Judge Jerrauld C. Jones

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the passing of former Delegate and retired Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jerrauld Jones:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend, Judge Jerrauld Jones of Norfolk. Jerrauld and I have known each other for many years. We served together in the Virginia General Assembly and shared the same commitment to justice and equality. That commitment to justice was inherited from our fathers, who served on the school boards of Newport News and Norfolk respectively during the public school integration controversies following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954. Our families have remained friends from that time.

“Jerrauld was a brilliant jurist and dedicated public servant. A proud graduate of Princeton University and Washington and Lee University School of Law, he used his talents in service of others. He broke barriers and opened doors for those who came after him, not just as a legislator and judge, but as a community leader whose moral compass never wavered. 

“Whether in the courtroom or the State Capitol, Jerrauld brought intellect, compassion, and a fierce commitment to fairness and fidelity to the law. He was never afraid to speak out for what was right, and he always carried himself with dignity, humility and grace. 

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Lyn, his son Jay, and to all who knew and loved Jerrauld. His passing is a profound loss for the Commonwealth, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in the power of public service to make a positive impact for all.”

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Congressman DeSaulnier Announces Advancement of $35 Million for Projects to Benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he advanced 15 projects totaling over $35 million to benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties for consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. These projects would help to support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District. Each year Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“I am proud to again advance over $35 million in funding that would directly benefit communities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties by making our roads safer and more accessible, improving our outdoor spaces, providing cost-savings and environmental benefits through sustainability, and bolstering protection from crime and natural disasters,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I appreciate the effort of and collaboration with our local governments and organizations in submitting these projects, and I will continue to fight to see them through this legislative process and get the funding delivered to our district.”

“We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in advancing five projects that will improve safety, emergency response, and transportation infrastructure in Contra Costa County. These critical investments will ensure that Contra Costa continues to be a safe and welcoming place for residents and businesses to thrive. We appreciate the Congressman’s foresight in selecting these projects, which offer regional benefits to our community,” said Candace Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

“Central San wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing our Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Replacement Project. This critical project will provide direct community benefits by improving the resiliency of Central San’s wastewater operations during extreme weather events and significantly reducing its energy footprint. This federal funding will support the transition to a state-of-the-art UV system that will make the wastewater treatment plant more sustainable and energy efficient because it will decrease energy use and meaningfully reduce greenhouse gases produced annually,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.

“For truly safe and stable communities, we must make robust investments in public safety, including preventing and prosecuting organized retail theft and fighting labor trafficking. Efforts like the Healing and Justice for Survivors of Labor Trafficking program are designed to significantly increase funding for the number of Victim Witness Unit staff, allowing them to better provide education, outreach, and support for survivors. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s success in securing this crucial funding demonstrates his deep understanding of these fundamental needs,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County.

“We appreciate the support from Congressman DeSaulnier in advancing our Community Project Funding request to provide resilient and modern emergency power infrastructure to support the East Bay Regional Communications System.  This project will have a direct impact on improving the public safety radio infrastructure for our firefighters, ambulance crews, and all first responders throughout Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County.  Congressman DeSaulnier is helping us to keep our communities and our first responders safe with this critical infrastructure investment,” said Lewis Broschard, Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“Investing in energy-efficient storage infrastructure ensures County Connection can power our future fleet with greater reliability and lower costs. This system strengthens our ability to deliver vital transit service during emergencies and supports a cleaner, more resilient future for our community. We’re grateful that Congressman DeSaulnier shares our commitment to sustainability and smart investment in local transit,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager, Central Contra Costa County Transit Authority.

“We are extremely grateful to be included for consideration; upgrading our officer’s body worn cameras is an important public safety project for our residents and our police department,” said Cindy Darling, Mayor of Walnut Creek.

“The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) sincerely appreciates Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued support in advancing innovative transportation solutions in our county. This critical funding will allow CCTA to implement smart signal technology in the Cities of Antioch and Oakley, enabling signal synchronization, enhanced traffic flow, and smooth congestion. The upgraded system will also prioritize transit and emergency vehicles and support countywide efforts to achieve Vision Zero goals,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director, Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

“The City of Dublin is proud to have Congressman DeSaulnier’s support for our Community Project Funding Request for the Village Parkway Reconstruction and Complete Streets Project. This important project will address critical infrastructure needs by resurfacing roads, improving bicycle access, enhancing safety, and upgrading sidewalks near Dublin High School. Once complete, Village Parkway will be a significantly safer and more accessible corridor for all who live, work, and travel in Dublin,” said Sherry Hu, Mayor of Dublin.

“We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s vital support of this critical project. Upgrading our emergency generators will significantly enhance the resilience of the communication systems our first responders rely on during emergencies and disasters,” said Jon King, Board Chair, East Bay Regional Communications System Authority.

“Thanks to Congressman DeSaulnier’s support, the Marsh Drive Class I Bikeway Project will close a 1.3-mile gap in Contra Costa County’s expansive bicycle network, providing the residents of Pacheco and Martinez a low-stress and multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facility that connects to the 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail, improving connectivity to neighboring jurisdictions such as the City of Concord and City of Pleasant Hill, while also improving access to recreational areas such as the lower Walnut Creek channel and Pacheco Marsh. The project will help Contra Costa County achieve its ambitious “Vision Zero” safety goal of having zero fatalities or severe injuries along its road network,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works.

“We greatly appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier championing the Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project, a multi-modal project that will construct bicycle lanes and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure along Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village of Walnut Creek. The Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements will provide a critical connection to the region’s 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail and active transportation options for commuters and residents of Walnut Creek. This project will transform the road corridor into a model example of complete streets design, improving connectivity to light rail transit (Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station), high-density housing, and thousands of jobs, further supporting economic, health, and transportation benefits for the Contra Costa Centre and Walnut Creek areas,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works.

“This is more than a park project – it’s about honoring history, creating access, and supporting public spaces which will serve generations to come. The South of Bailey Road Community Development Project will open 890 acres of land to the public at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, laying the foundation for a regional destination rooted in community and remembrance. We deeply appreciate Representative DeSaulnier’s leadership in moving this vision forward,” said Sabrina Landreth, General Manager, East Bay Regional Park District.

“We are deeply grateful that Congressman DeSaulnier has again selected our Ocean Ambassadors educational program for consideration for Community Project Funding through the Appropriations Committee,” said Cecily Majerus, Chief Executive Officer, The Marine Mammal Center. “Environmental literacy is crucial. This critical funding support would allow the Center to expand our Ocean Ambassadors in Contra Costa County—bringing high-impact, standards-aligned marine science learning to more classrooms through educator training, coaching, and peer mentoring.”

“The Danville Townwide Fiber project is a transformative step toward a more connected and resilient community. By expanding our fiber infrastructure, we are ensuring that Danville’s traffic systems are smarter, safer, and prepared for the future,” said Renee Morgan, Mayor of Danville.

“We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued support and unwavering commitment to help Diablo Water District build a resilient water system capable of withstanding potential seismic risks to our underground transmission lines and above-ground steel reservoirs,” said Dan Muelrath, General Manager, Diablo Water District.

“On behalf of the City of Concord, I extend our sincere thanks to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing the effort to improve our Emergency Operations Center. His support is vital to addressing critical infrastructure needs that impact our emergency response and community safety. This funding will help transform the EOC into a modern, resilient facility that strengthens regional preparedness and protects lives. We deeply appreciate his leadership and commitment to public safety,” said Carlyn Obringer, Mayor or Concord.

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

  • $3,900,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
  • $3,000,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
  • $2,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
  • $2,000,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
  • $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays, and ease congestion.
  • $1,500,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

  • $4,000,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
  • $4,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
  • $272,918 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,7000 students and their teachers and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

Selection and submission of projects to the Appropriations Committee is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

 

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Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on Independent, Nonpartisan Agency Finding that the Trump Administration Broke the Law by Blocking Electric Vehicle Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, made the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent, nonpartisan government agency, issued a legal opinion finding that the Trump Administration violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by illegally withholding funds for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

“When the Trump Administration illegally suspended implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program in February, I immediately called on the Secretary of Transportation to reverse this reckless decision that would set us back in the fight against climate change, surrender global competitiveness to China, and hurt American drivers’ bottom lines.

I am pleased the GAO has issued this finding that the Administration’s actions were not just foolish – they were illegal. Congress appropriated funding for the NEVI program and the Department of Transportation must implement it by immediately releasing the previously approved funds to the states.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Honors Vietnam Veterans and Presents Bronze Star for Valor

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) hosted a special recognition ceremony honoring four local veterans for their distinguished service during the Vietnam War. Three veterans received official Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Pins, while one veteran was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for acts of heroism in combat. In the ceremony, Joseph Leuze, Jon Fisher, and Doug Elwell were awarded Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Pins as a symbol of the nation’s lasting gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The commemorative pinning follows a successful series of recognition events the Congressman’s office has hosted in partnership with other local officials to ensure that Vietnam-era veterans receive long-overdue acknowledgment.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also presented the Bronze Star to Douglas Beckmann, a constituent who risked his own life to administer medical aid to a fallen soldier during a ground operation against hostile forces. Mr. Beckmann contacted Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s office for help recovering his military records, including documentation of service-connected medals he earned but never received upon leaving the military. After the Congressman’s office reached out to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to request and review his records, NARA confirmed Mr. Beckmann had been awarded, but not presented with, the Bronze Star for his heroic actions on April 11, 1970. The medal was then provided for presentation to Mr. Beckmann in recognition of his service.

“These American veterans embody the very best of our nation—serving with courage, humility, and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than themselves,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “By recognizing their service, we reaffirm our solemn duty to honor the legacy of all who have defended our freedoms.”

The Congressman’s office continues to assist veterans and their families in obtaining overdue recognition and benefits earned through military service. Any veteran interested in receiving a commemorative pin or support with military records is encouraged to contact the Congressman’s office directly.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Honored as Governmental Leader of the Year by DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – At this week’s DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC) Annual Dinner and Recognition Ceremony, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) was presented with the 2024 Governmental Leader of the Year Award for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of local communities, particularly those impacted by the Canadian Pacific–Kansas City Southern Railway merger. The award, presented by outgoing DMMC President Mayor Scott Levin of Elmhurst, recognized Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s partnership with DuPage County mayors and first responders in elevating public safety concerns stemming from increased freight traffic, particularly the potential for blocked emergency routes and delayed response times. The nomination for the award was submitted by Village of Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn and Village of Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award from the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “This recognition is a testament to what we can achieve when local and federal leaders work hand-in-hand to put public safety first. Whether it’s protecting emergency response routes or strengthening infrastructure, I’ll continue standing with our mayors, first responders, and residents to ensure our communities are heard and protected.”

The DMMC, representing over one million residents, is a coalition of DuPage County municipalities committed to sound public policy, intergovernmental collaboration, and innovative governance.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Visits Rockford to Highlight How Trump’s Tariffs are Hurting Illinois Small Businesses and Workers

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

Latest stop on Krishnamoorthi’s “Trump Tariff Tour” underscores toll on manufacturing jobs and local economies

ROCKFORD, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) continued his “Trump Tariff Tour” with a visit to a warehouse operated by Milescraft, a family-owned power tool manufacturer. During the visit, Congressman Krishnamoorthi toured the facility with Milescraft CEO Simon Karkosch and spoke to members of the press about how President Trump’s blanket tariffs are driving up costs, stifling growth, and forcing Illinois businesses to make painful decisions, including layoffs.

“At Milescraft and across our state, the real cost of Donald Trump’s tariff war is being paid by small businesses and working families,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These blanket tariffs aren’t targeting bad actors or protecting American jobs; they’re raising prices, slashing margins, and threatening the very businesses and workers that keep our local economies going. This isn’t smart economic policy. It’s time to put Illinois jobs and families first by ending this destructive tariff policy.”

Founded in 2002, Milescraft has grown from a small Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) into a leading designer of woodworking tools and power tool accessories. The company now produces and distributes hundreds of products each year. However, under the burden of President Trump’s tariffs, they’ve been forced to cut jobs and grapple with rising input costs. According to recent projections, if all of President Trump’s proposed tariffs are implemented, they could cost the average American household more than $4,400 annually. Already, the Budget Lab at Yale estimates that the 2025 tariffs have increased consumer prices by 2.3 percent, reducing household purchasing power by $3,800 per year on average. Illinois in particular faces significant exposure, with over $82 billion in imports from Canada and Mexico — the state’s two largest trading partners — at risk from these tariffs.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi launched his Trump Tariff Tour last month at Testa Produce in Chicago, followed by stops at Kindred Farms in Atlanta and Cloud Mountain Kombucha Brewery in Urbana. At each stop, he has heard directly from those on the front lines of Illinois’ economy — and pledged to keep fighting for fair trade policies that protect working families and small businesses, not punish them.

Statement from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Trump Administration’s Student Visa Freeze and Social Media Vetting Proposal

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze new student visa interviews:

“I strongly oppose the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to freeze new student visa interviews and consider sweeping, undefined social media vetting for international students. International students help drive cutting-edge research, fuel our universities, and build the industries of tomorrow. These young people are not only scholars and innovators — they are vital to America’s economic strength and national security. By developing the next generation of technologies and the good-paying jobs that come with them, they help ensure the United States remains a global leader.

International students are drawn to our shores by the American Dream and the values that define us: freedom of thought, opportunity through education, and the strength of diverse perspectives. Shutting them out is not only discriminatory — it’s a strategic blunder. It weakens our global competitiveness and risks surrendering America’s leadership in innovation to nations that welcome the world’s talent with open arms. We must remain a country that opens doors to those who seek to learn, contribute, and help build a better future — not one that closes them out of fear.”

Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and Moore Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Electronics Manufacturing to America and Strengthen Supply Chains

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

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Blake Moore (R-UT) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to bolster domestic printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit substrate production, which will strengthen U.S. supply chain security in a critical technology sector. The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act will encourage domestic PCB manufacturing and R&D to reduce supply chain disruptions, address national security concerns related to foreign PCB production, and further enhance America’s economic leadership.

 

“While we’ve made real progress in domestic chip production, microchips can’t function without printed circuit boards – 90% of which are made in Asia, including half in the People’s Republic of China,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Our bipartisan bill reduces that dangerous dependence by rebuilding U.S. manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and supporting American workers.”

“There has never been a more important time for Congress to get to work on reshoring our manufacturing and strengthening our critical supply chains,” Congressman Blake Moore said. “The Chinese government’s open willingness to withhold access to technology and rare earth minerals proves that we are in a race against Beijing at all levels of the microelectronics ecosystem. This bill provides a tried-and-true approach to incentivizing American companies to produce printed circuit boards here at home: it will maintain the integrity of military and national security commercial materials, boost our economy and workforce, and usher in a new era of American manufacturing. I am grateful to reintroduce this bill with Congressman Krishnamoorthi and am hopeful this bipartisan effort will successfully move through the legislative process.”

“The PCBs Act addresses a critical and long-overlooked weakness in America’s electronics supply chain,” John W. Mitchell, IPC President and CEO, said. “Every electronic device relies on PCBs and substrates, but the U.S. no longer has the capabilities or capacity to meet current demand, much less address future technology requirements. This bill is a vital step toward rebuilding the nation’s ability to manufacture electronics from silicon to systems—an essential foundation for innovation, security, and economic strength.”

“Remember, chips don’t float. They need printed circuit boards and substrates to connect to any electronic device. With production of American-made semiconductors ramping up, we need to do the same for PCBs. Without a concurrent increase in support for PCBs and substrates, those new American-made chips travel to Asia to be packaged with Asian-made PCBs and substrates,” Shane Whiteside, Chairman of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA) and CEO of Summit Interconnect, said. “We need to end our over reliance on Asia through public and private investment. This bill will set that in motion.”

“From F-35s to F-150s, the modern world is built on printed circuit boards, and we need to make more of them in America,” David Schild, Executive Director of PCBAA, said. “This bill will lead to new factories, high paying jobs and an ecosystem to support the work being done by our colleagues in the semiconductor industry.”

Background

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the material on which semiconductors sit (often the green-colored surface in images of chips) and are a critical part of the supply chain. An assessment from the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security called for domestic investment and production of key information and communications technology products such as PCBs.

The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act includes the following provisions to incentivize domestic PCB manufacturing and R&D:

  1. Provides a 25% tax credit for the purchase or acquisition of American-made PCBs;

  2. Establishes a financial assistance program, modeled on the CHIPS for America Act, for American facilities manufacturing or researching PCBs;

  3. Requires a Presidential determination for single financial awards over $150 million;

  4. Provides for delay and technology clawbacks of award funds in the event that funding is not used efficiently or in a manner that raises national security concerns;

  5. Authorizes appropriations of $3 billion to carry out the program.

 

ICYMI: Funding Delivered by Congressman Boyle Leads to Temple Campus Arrest of Suspect Wanted in Three States

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined the Temple University and New Castle County Police Departments to announce the arrest of a burglary suspect who was wanted by authorities in PA, NJ, and DE.

This arrest was made possible by Congressman Boyle’s community project funding for the Temple University Police Department, which enabled the deployment of Flock license plate reading cameras. Boyle was joined at the press conference by Jennifer Griffin, Chief of Police and Vice President for Public Safety at Temple University, and Richard Chambers, Master Corporal and PIO at the New Castle County Police Department.

“Not been too long before we had tragically lost Temple Police University Officer Christopher Fitzgerald,” said Congressman Boyle. “And so I wanted to secure funds that would help the public safety effort in and around Temple University. To see the fruits of that labor actually lead to an arrest is incredibly exciting.  I thank again everyone who was involved in public safety in and around Temple University, and I thank all of the officers behind me. It’s never lost on me just what an enormously difficult job each and every one of you have in terms of keeping us safe.”

“I am very proud of our diligent police officers and detectives who made this arrest happen quickly,” said Jennifer Griffin, Chief of Police and Vice President for Public Safety at Temple University. “Temple’s license plate reading cameras were purchased through a grant that was secured by Congressman Brennan Boyle. We are so grateful and thankful for his continued support to make Philadelphia safer.”

“Detective Arnold from the Newcastle County Police was able to obtain a possible vehicle description,” said Richard Chambers, Master Corporal and PIO at the New Castle County Police Department. “Using the cameras, Detective Arnold quickly contacted the Temple University Police Department, and the Temple University Police Department quickly located the vehicle with the suspect in it.

Temple University was the first university in Pennsylvania to deploy the Flock license plate reader system. The system was used to locate a suspect wanted by the New Castle County Police Department for burglary and theft. New Castle County Police worked with the Temple University Police Department to quickly arrest him on Temple’s campus.  He was extradited to Delaware, where he pled guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor charge. 

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Congressman Crow, Lt. Gov. Primavera Discuss Trump’s Harmful AmeriCorps Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, representatives from Serve Colorado, and local non-profits held a roundtable to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to AmeriCorps. 
 

Since its founding in 1993, AmeriCorps has provided more than 1 million Americans with the opportunity to address challenges in their communities, especially in the areas of education, economic opportunity, veterans and military family services, health, the environment, and disaster services. In 2024, more than 6,600 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors served at over 700 local sites across Colorado. However, the Trump administration abruptly ended more than $400 million in AmeriCorps grants and laid off most of the full-time workforce, requiring more than 32,000 members to stop their critical work in communities nationwide. 

“Service makes our nation better, and AmeriCorps enables Coloradans to serve their community directly. Their service makes Colorado a better, safer place to call home. Trump’s cuts to AmeriCorps are narrow-minded, short-sighted, and will leave Colorado worse off. I’ll continue speaking out and fighting back,” said Congressman Crow.

“I’ve seen firsthand how national service changes lives — not just for those who serve, but for the individuals and families they support,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “This isn’t just a budget issue — it’s about what’s at stake for students, patients, and neighbors who rely on AmeriCorps programs daily. When you cut AmeriCorps, you don’t just shrink a program — you take away mentors from classrooms, hands from food banks, and care from underserved communities. We’re standing up to stop that from happening.”

“AmeriCorps is a proven pipeline into Colorado’s most critical industries, from education and public health to climate resilience. These cuts don’t just threaten AmeriCorps service across the state – they undermine our future workforce and the communities that depend on it,” said John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado.

Participants included: Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera; John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado; Manuel Aragon, Senior Director of Programs of Corps for a Change; Hannah Chung, Member of Corps for a Change serving at Vista Peak in APS; Barb Knapp, Manager of Spark Health Corps; Katie Navin, Executive Director of Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education; and Brittany Pimental, Senior Director of Operations for Denver Urban Gardens.

Congressman Crow strongly opposes the Trump administration’s efforts to gut AmeriCorps, and has supported bipartisan efforts to block these cuts. He has been vocal about balancing the federal budget in a way that does not take a sledgehammer to critical programs that working Americans rely on for their families and communities.

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