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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding documents and answers regarding the Trump administration’s decision to route Venezuela oil revenues into an offshore account in Qatar.

In the letter, Meeks questions the legal basis of the arrangement, and warned the offshore account could enable corruption, skirt accountability, and shield assets from legitimate creditors seeking legal recourse against the Maduro regime.

A PDF of the full letter can be found here.

“I am writing to express my grave concern that the administration is operating an offshore slush fund for Venezuelan oil revenues while systematically denying Congress the information required to fulfill our constitutional oversight duties. This is unacceptable.

“Following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the President declared on X that Venezuela’s oil was our oil. That assertion is factually incorrect and legally indefensible. On January 9, the administration declared an international emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), apparently intended to shield Venezuelan oil-related foreign deposit funds from American individuals and businesses holding valid judgments against the Maduro-Rodriguez regime. Rather than clarifying the legal and policy basis for these actions, your testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) on January 28 further obscured the administration’s approach.

“While responding to questions about the administration’s plans for Venezuela’s oil revenues, you described a scheme under which profits from Venezuelan oil sales are routed through an offshore account in Qatar, with the State Department monitoring and approving disbursements. You described this arrangement as ‘novel’, ‘a short-term mechanism,’ and ‘the best we could come up with.’ You further stated that this short-term mechanism will remain in place until the administration develops a plan to convert the Qatar-based accounts to those controlled by the U.S. Treasury, without specifying a timeline to do so.” 

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

Headline: Scott Statement on Passing of Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the passing on Rev. Jesse Jackson:

“Today, I join the rest of the nation as we collectively mourn the passing of civil rights leader and international icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson. After growing up in the segregated south, he lived a life of service on the front line of the fight for civil rights. He showed what was possible for this nation as he inspired countless others to fight for a future in which America lived up to its foundational promises of equality and justice for all. Many of us continue in his footsteps as we push for equity in education and affordable health care for all, and as we continue to protect the rights of workers. 

“Rev. Jackson’s legacy is felt not only on the national and global stage, but also here in Virginia’s Third Congressional District. His family’s deep roots in Hampton and Newport News—through his in-laws—created a lasting and personal connection to our community. Those ties reflect the broader bond Rev. Jackson shared with the people of the Commonwealth, particularly with communities that have long been at the heart of the fight for civil rights and social progress. I offer my condolences to his wife, Jackie, as well as his children, his loved ones, and the countless Americans who were inspired by his extraordinary life of service.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA  – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) released a new staff report titled Privacy, Trust, and Effective Government: A Bipartisan Blueprint for Modernizing the Privacy Act. The report was developed following extensive stakeholder input submitted in response to a Request for Information (RFI) Trahan circulated in 2025 examining potential updates to the Privacy Act of 1974.The report comes amid growing concerns about the federal government’s handling of Americans’ sensitive personal data, including recent incidents that have exposed weaknesses in existing privacy protections and oversight mechanisms.
 
“The Privacy Act was written for a world of file cabinets and mainframe computers, not one defined by cloud storage, data brokers, and AI,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Americans should be able to trust that their personal information is handled responsibly by their government. This report lays out practical, commonsense updates to strengthen privacy protections, restore public trust, and ensure the federal government can operate effectively in the digital age.”
 
The staff report outlines a bipartisan framework to modernize the Privacy Act of 1974, including recommendations to:
 

Strengthen limits on the collection, use, and sharing of Americans’ sensitive personal data.
Update definitions and safeguards to reflect modern systems, technologies, and practices.
Improve transparency so individuals can understand how their data is used by the federal government.
Enhance oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of personal information.
Bolster enforcement to ensure timely and meaningful redress when abuse occurs.
Right-size requirements to promote compliance while enabling effective government operations.

Enacted more than 50 years ago, the Privacy Act of 1974 has not kept pace with the scale, speed, or complexity of how the federal government now collects and uses personal data. As agencies increasingly rely on digital systems and third-party contractors, outdated protections leave Americans vulnerable to privacy abuses while hindering responsible data processing and eroding trust in government.
 
The report is intended to inform bipartisan, bicameral efforts to modernize federal privacy law and ensure that government data practices meet the expectations of the American people in the 21st century.
 
A copy of the report released today can be accessed HERE.
 
This report is the latest step in Trahan’s push for government privacy reform. Its release follows efforts Trahan has led regarding DOGE’s alleged mishandling of Americans’ sensitive data housed in the Treasury Department’s payment system and separately at the  National Labor Relations Board and Department of Interior. Trahan has similarly led House Democrats in investigating the Trump Administration’s data consolidation efforts at key benefits agencies. In March 2025, Trahan issued her RFI to  rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson:

“My dear friend Rev. Jesse Jackson devoted his entire life to fighting for dignity, equality, and opportunity for all. From his transformative organizing and tireless advocacy in Chicago to his leadership on the national stage, his courage and conviction inspired millions and strengthened the civil rights movement across this nation.

“I was honored to work alongside him for many years and witness firsthand his unwavering commitment to justice.

“My heart is with the entire Jackson family and all who loved him. May we honor his extraordinary life by carrying forward the fight for justice he so fiercely believed in.”

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

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the statement after Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing:

“Reverend Jesse Jackson showed us what it means to keep hope alive. His faith, courage, and lifelong fight for justice will forever impact our country and future generations. Now, his legacy lives through every one of us who stands on his shoulders, and his work continues through his organizations like Rainbow PUSH. In Chicago, Rainbow PUSH brought our community closer together and served as a voice for the voiceless. I am honored to have called Rev. Jackson a friend, supporter, and constituent. May he forever rest in power.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified Congress of the elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) – the office that develops the best available science and methods for EPA’s use in decision making for protecting public health and the environment. 

“The Trump Administration’s attack on science is disastrous. Without a doubt, the American people will be harmed by this Administration’s reckless decisions,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. “Just two days ago the EPA repealed the science-backed endangerment finding and today officially notified Congress what we knew all along – EPA’s elimination of independent science at the agency. Despite EPA Administrator Zeldin’s absurd denials, and Republicans’ obsequious insistence that ORD was still functioning, the truth is finally revealed. Trump and Zeldin have no intention to follow the law and support the use of the best available science but instead get rid of research to allow companies to pollute our Earth without regard to the health of American people.”

 “Trump’s destruction of the independent research office at EPA is now complete,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee. “Trump and Zeldin’s reckless choice to shutter the office studying how to best protect Americans from pollutants, emissions, and climate change, will leave people sicker and worse off. Once again Trump is letting polluters run wild and showing he cares more about his wealthy friends than whether Americans have access to clean air and water.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that today she and all of D.C. mourn the passing of her friend, civil rights leader, and former D.C. Shadow Senator Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“The District of Columbia and our nation mourn the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pioneer whose leadership reshaped civil rights advocacy and American politics. I was honored to work alongside him during his service as D.C.’s Shadow Senator and throughout his lifelong fight for equality and democracy.

“From the front lines of the civil rights movement to national campaigns that expanded the political imagination of this country, Jesse Jackson lifted up the voices of those too often unheard. He turned protest into progress and transformed moral conviction into political action. His work built bridges across race, class, and geography, helping redefine what inclusive democracy could look like in America.

“In his years representing the District, Rev. Jackson stood firmly for D.C. statehood and full self‑governance. He recognized that the denial of representation to D.C. residents was a civil rights issue at the heart of America’s unfinished democratic promise.

“Rev. Jackson’s courage, faith, and belief in the power of ordinary citizens to change history will endure. His legacy is a challenge to us all to continue the struggle for equality, for voting rights, and for a democracy that fully lives up to its ideals.”

Jackson served as D.C. Shadow Senator from 1991-1997. Norton was first elected to Congress in 1991.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. This competition is an exciting way for a student from our region to represent the Ninth Congressional District in Washington, DC. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the Ninth District.

The chosen theme for 2026 is “Celebrating 250 Years of America.” Interested students must submit a photograph of their original artwork to either my Christiansburg or Abingdon office by 5:00 pm on Friday, April 17 for consideration. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed student information release form to qualify. The 2025 student information release form can be found at the bottom of this page.

The overall winner of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and will be invited to Washington for a reception. The second and third place selections will be displayed in my Christiansburg and Abingdon offices.

Art works entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth. Artwork must be two-dimensional and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds. The work may be:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed)
• Collages: must be two dimensional
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photographs

All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Kasey Walden of Bristol’s Virginia High School won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. Her artwork is entitled ‘George Washington, Virginian’

If you would like more information on the annual Congressional Art Competition, please contact my Abingdon office at (276) 525-1405 or visit the Congressional Art Competition website.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson:

Today, our nation mourns the loss of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a towering figure in the fight for justice, voting rights, and human dignity. Rev. Jackson was a moral voice for the voiceless, a fearless advocate for the poor and marginalized, and a champion for civil and human rights here at home and around the world.

I have been honored to know him personally, to walk beside him, to march with him, and to stand with him in the continuing struggle for justice.

From my earliest years to the night he stood by me during my first election to Congress and throughout the years since, Jesse was a great friend and advisor who will always remain in my heart. Even in his health struggles, his presence continued to remind us of his unshakable belief that democracy thrives when people show up, speak up, and exercise their power.

Rev. Jackson helped carry the civil rights movement into the modern era, showing that racial justice, economic justice, voting rights, and representation are inseparable. Through Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH, and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he built lasting institutions that expanded community services, economic empowerment, and political mobilization. His presidential campaigns and decades of grassroots activism strengthened civic engagement, deepened Black political power, and proved that a Black candidate could compete on a national stage.

His distinguished life of activism was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. Rev. Jackson’s leadership shaped movements. His courage opened doors. His voice stirred the conscience of a nation. He taught us to lift our voices and to keep hope alive.

Today, we honor him by carrying his charge forward. We will keep marching. We will keep fighting. And we will keep hope alive.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)