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

Larsen Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) introduced the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act. This legislation would empower the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better define and address extreme heat and to provide communities with more resources, including cooling centers, to keep people safe during extreme temperature events.

“Last year, Clark County suffered from the deadliest extreme heat season on record with 526 heat-related deaths,” said Rep. Titus. “While steps have been taken in recent years to combat the rise of heat-related illnesses, more needs to be done to improve emergency responses to this deadly threat. My bill will provide FEMA with the flexibility to expand its suite of mitigation measures against extreme heat, including cooling centers. It also requires FEMA to provide guidance to help communities better plan for extreme temperature events.”

“If Phoenix was being hit with a hurricane, or pummeled by tornadoes or extreme flooding, FEMA would be able to provide federal assistance. But despite extreme heat killing more people each year than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, states can’t request the same kind of federal assistance for heat emergencies. Extreme heat is a long-term natural disaster, and we need the federal government to start treating it as such,” said Rep. Stanton. “Our legislation gives FEMA the tools to address extreme heat—in coordination with state, local and Tribal governments—and keep Arizonans safe.”

Background

Extreme heat causes more deaths than tornados and hurricanes combined. Statistics show that the summer of 2024 was the deadliest for extreme heat, especially in Southern Nevada, where Las Vegas recorded its deadliest extreme heat season. According to weather indicators, the number of extreme heat events per year has increased in frequency and intensity, showing no signs of letting up.

Over the 4^th of July weekend in 2024, nearly 130 million people were under some sort of extreme heat threat, and temperatures in Southern Nevada reached a local record of 120 degrees. As heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations continue to increase, communities need more resources to protect individuals, including the ability to set up cooling centers to help vulnerable people maintain a safe body temperature.

The legislation is supported by the City of Las Vegas; National Association of Counties (NACo); Desert Research Institute; IBEW Local 357; United Steelworkers; BuildStrong America; and the NRDC.

A Section by Section of the bill can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

On Saturday, U.S. Representative Jack Bergman joined Michigan USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Joel Johnson to meet with maple syrup producers and announce critical federal relief for farmers and forest landowners impacted by the late March ice storm.

Speaking with local producers, Rep. Bergman and Director Johnson confirmed that assistance through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is on the way for Northern Michigan. Both programs are designed to help landowners recover from severe storm damage and restore their operations.

“This is about getting real help into the hands of our people. Folks who grow our food, manage our forests, and contribute to the economy of Northern Michigan,” said Rep. Bergman. “I appreciate Director Johnson’s leadership in pushing for the flexibility and federal approvals needed to make these programs work on the ground, especially for unique operations like our maple syrup producers.”

“We requested critical flexibilities to ensure producers can proceed with recovery efforts immediately and still retain critical ECP and EFRP access in the coming months” said Joel Johnson, State Executive Director for FSA in Michigan. “These flexibilities include a waiver of onsite inspection to expedite determination of need and approvals of restoration work and to forego the requirement of a producer request for work starting prior to submitting an application for certain emergency non-ground disturbance activities such as surface debris removal and fence repair. Before taking any other type of action, please call your local office.”

Director Johnson emphasized that his office has been actively working with federal partners to secure the necessary waivers that allow the ECP and EFRP to be applied effectively in Michigan’s unique agricultural and forestry contexts.

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides funding to restore agricultural production on land damaged by natural disasters — including a new provision specific to Michigan’s maple sap operations that suffered significant damage to taps and tubing.

Learn more about the ECP here: Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) | Farm Service Agency

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) assists owners of nonindustrial private forest land (NIPF) with recovery efforts. Eligible plots must be at least one acre in size, 120 feet wide, and at least 10% forested.

Learn more about the EFRP here: Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) | Farm Service Agency

Bergman encouraged all affected producers and forest owners to contact their local FSA offices immediately to learn more and determine their eligibility: “If you think these programs might apply to you, don’t wait – reach out today. Help is available.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

On Wednesday, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) hosted a roundtable discussion to highlight the devastating effects Republicans’ reconciliation bill will have on the health and wellbeing of Mainers and people across the country.  

During the conversation, which was hosted at PPNNE’s Portland headquarters, PPNNE leadership and patient advocates shared their insights and personal stories on how slashing essential health care programs, including the targeted defunding of Planned Parenthood clinics and devastating cuts to Medicaid, will impact people throughout the state. Participants included Nicole Clegg, CEO of PPNNE; Anna Mead, Advanced Practice Clinician at PPNNE; as well as three patient advocates: Michaela Cavallaro of Portland, Travy Moncure of Yarmouth, and Meredith Ruxton McIntosh of Hallowell. 

“Last week, House Republicans advanced one of the most egregious betrayals of the American people in our country’s history, passing a bill that will rip health coverage away from 13.7 million Americans in order to fund massive tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. The bill also specifically prohibits Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood clinics across the country. For many Mainers, Planned Parenthood might be their only option for critical services like cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, contraception, and routine wellness exams. Republicans are targeting Planned Parenthood simply because it provides abortions—and in the process, they’re going to hurt people, destabilize our health care system, and actually cost taxpayers,” Pingree said. “Today, we heard from a veteran who relied on Planned Parenthood for decades; a teacher and mother whose early care enabled her to build a career; and a woman whose access to timely treatment preserved her ability to start a family. I’m so grateful to Michaela, Travy, and Meredith for sharing their stories and helping make clear what’s at stake. If this megabill passes the Senate in its current form, the consequences for our state—and for women nationwide—will be catastrophic.”

“The goal of this reconciliation bill is to eliminate access to abortion by forcing Planned Parenthood to shut down. We are being targeted because Planned Parenthood health centers provide abortion care in states where it is legal. This is abortion opponents’ latest attempt to eliminate abortion in the U.S. Anti-abortion lawmakers are willing to throw Planned Parenthood patients to the wolves so they can eliminate access to abortion, and they’re willing to run up a nearly $300 million deficit to do it,” Clegg said. “Here’s the truth: Planned Parenthood health centers save lives. And, as we heard today from patient advocates, the services provided at Planned Parenthood—birth control, cancer screenings, basic wellness exams, and more – are a lifeline and an access point for people to have freedom over their own bodies, lives and futures. We are grateful for Rep. Pingree’s steadfast support of Mainers’ ability to choose Planned Parenthood as their trusted health care provider. Everyone deserves the right to access the health care they need, when they need it, no matter their zip code or how much money they have. It is our hope that lawmakers in Washington will reject this dangerous proposal and protect access to lifesaving care for Mainers and all Americans.”

“The care I received at Planned Parenthood when I could not have afforded care anywhere else allowed me to plan my family and my future on my own terms.  I want to live in a state and a country where, at a minimum, my daughter has access to the basic health care that I did when I was her age. She deserves the right to access the health care she needs, when she needs it,” Michaela Cavallaro said. “When I had nowhere to turn, I went to Planned Parenthood. The care I received at Planned Parenthood allowed me to become a mother when I wanted to be a mother. Everyone deserves that kind of care.”

“I relied on Planned Parenthood for my health care when I was younger and could not afford health insurance,” Travy Moncure said. “I was able to receive routine checkups, cancer screenings and birth control at Planned Parenthood, and these services were integral to my wellbeing and independence as a young woman. Had I not been able to access health care at Planned Parenthood during a time in my life when I could not afford care anywhere else, I know I would have struggled, and the trajectory of my life would have been very different.”

“Without the medical care and counseling that I was able to access through Planned Parenthood I would have likely dropped out of high school, never joined the military, never attended college or trade school and most certainly would have indulged in addictive substances to the detriment of my life,” Meredith Ruxton McIntosh said. “Planned Parenthood gave me the knowledge and information I needed to make decisions about my body and my health. Planned Parenthood provided my health care for years, no matter where I lived or how much money I had or did not have. Planned parenthood is a lifeline and we have to protect everyone’s access to essential health care.”

Background:

House Republicans’ reconciliation bill, which cuts Medicaid by $800 billion, narrowly passed the House last week without any Democratic support. Read Pingree’s statement on the passage here. 

More than 70 million Americans, including nearly 400,000 Mainers, rely on Medicaid for health care. 

In 2024, PPNNE provided care to Maine patients through nearly 10,000 visits, and 29% of those were covered by Medicaid. More than half of PPNNE’s patients had incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) has announced that six students from Georgia’s 11th Congressional District have received appointments to attend a U.S. military service academy. Each year, members of Congress are tasked with nominating students from their own district to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies.

“Being accepted to one of our nation’s service academies is an achievement that requires discipline and determination from an early age, and I am incredibly honored to nominate these outstanding students. The annual nominations process is a responsibility my office takes very seriously, and our esteemed academy selection board chooses only the best and brightest applicants from Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. Congratulations to the Class of 2029 on being selected to represent our state and district at some of the most prestigious institutions in the nation.”

United States Air Force Academy
Brady R. Walter, Kennesaw, GA, Allatoona High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Eva N. Yokley, Woodstock, GA, River Ridge High School

United States Military Academy
Rowan Z. Drews, Marietta, GA, George Walton Comprehensive High School
Jet C. Kennedy, Woodstock, GA, Etowah High School
Addison M. Rice, Powder Springs, GA, Harrison High School

United States Naval Academy
Jana E. Macon, Kennesaw, GA, Allatoona High School

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) applauded Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s announcement granting final authorization for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries from Port Arthur LNG Phase II in Port Arthur, Texas.

“Our region is once again leading the way in American energy dominance,” said Rep. Weber. “Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Wright, the LNG export project in Port Arthur is finally moving forward, something the previous administration stalled and obstructed at every turn,” said Rep. Weber. “The Gulf of America is the beating heart of America’s LNG industry, and Southeast Texas is proud to fuel freedom around the world. Instead of leaving our allies dependent on hostile foreign regimes, we’re now exporting clean, reliable, American-made LNG. This is a huge win for energy security, American jobs, and our national interest.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

May 30, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has sent a letter to the Florida Board of Governors urging them to reject Dr. Santa J. Ono as the next president of the University of Florida.Steube’s letter follows Tuesday’s UF Board of Trustees’ vote to advance Dr. Ono’s selection. Final confirmation now sits with the Florida Board of Governors, who is meeting Tuesday, June 3, at 1:00 p.m. in Orlando, Florida.“As a Double Gator, I am appalled and disappointed by the decision of the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees to select Dr. Santa J. Ono as its next president,” said Rep. Steube. “His dubious record throughout his career makes it clear that Dr. Ono is unfit to lead our state’s flagship university. Hollow assurances of an ‘evolved mindset’ cannot erase Dr. Ono’s history of preferential treatment for far-left causes, coupled with his cold indifference to student safety. I call on the Florida Board of Governors to reject this choice and find a suitable replacement who reflects the values and interests of the University of Florida.” Read the letter here.Background:

In May of 2024, after pro-Hamas demonstrators assaulted law enforcement, disrupted classes, and vandalized property on the University of Michigan’s campus, Dr. Santa J. Ono waited nearly three weeks before promising to take action to address the violence.
As President of the University of Michigan, Dr. Ono urged both faculty and students to embrace DEI, declaring in 2022 that they should “believe in and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
During his tenure as President of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Ono made “climate justice” a top priority and promised to integrate these principles across the university. He also promoted radical gender ideology, claiming there are “many great reasons for respecting gender identities and gender expressions.”
Dr. Ono has claimed that “systemic racism is embedded in every corner of any institution” in the United States.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) announced Angela Liu from Westlake High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 26th Congressional District. Liu’s piece, “Get on the Bus,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year. 

“Every year, I am in awe of the incredible talent of the young artists across our region who participate in the Congressional Art Competition — and this year was no exception. Liu’s artwork is an exceptional example of the creativity and talent that exists throughout our region, and I wholeheartedly extend my sincere congratulations to her and the winning piece that will represent our district in the Halls of Congress,” said Congresswoman Brownley. 

“Art is a powerful form of expression that allows students to express their emotions, channel their creativity, and advocate for the causes they care about. Our community is richer for the imagination, insight, and passion these young artists bring to the table. Each student who participated in this competition has contributed something meaningful — a piece of who they are, and a vision of who we can become.”

“I am deeply honored that my artwork has been selected as the first-place winner in the Congressional Art Competition. It’s especially meaningful considering the immense talents among the high school students in our region. I have participated in this competition for the past three years, and was recognized with an honorable mention last year,” said Angela Liu, the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. “Art has been an integral part of my life since childhood. What started as simple explorations has grown into a pursuit of techniques and the nuanced interplay of hues, values, and textures. During challenging times, drawing is my sanctuary, offering a way to calm my anxieties and nurture my spirit. Today, my artwork serves a purpose beyond personal fulfillment. I strive to use it as a medium to amplify my voice, connect with my community, and advocate for social justice.”

“In recent years, I’ve been drawn to the artistic approaches of Rembrandt and Sargent. I find the portrayal of people in art incredibly captivating,” Liu continued. My artistic goal is centered around creating characters that feel alive with their own narratives and distinct personalities that shine through in my work. In my winning piece, “Get on the Bus,” my intention was to offer glimpses into the life of the woman I depicted. I hoped to convey her confidence, her experiences as a witness to history, and the wisdom that comes with age, all within a brief moment captured on a bus.”

“It comes as no surprise to me that Angela has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,” said Scott Holloway, physics teacher at Westlake High School. “As her AP physics teacher for the past two years, I have been lucky to see Angela combine art and science with a passion. Angela is always creating, whether it be a new drawing or redesigning a project for her science classes. I have encouraged my students to put the A (art) in STEM to make STEAM, and Angela has truly embraced that ideology. She creates both informative as well as creative pieces that increase engagement and elicit more emotion. Angela continues to impress me on a regular basis, from 3-D printing an interactive geared heart for Mother’s Day to designing the physics club T-shirt designs for the year. I know her creativity will not only continue to be a passion for her, but will also inspire others to better interact with the world.”

“This year’s group of artists demonstrated their talents in a diverse array of media, exploring topics from observations of everyday life to deeply personal experiences,” said Jeffrey Bowen, Director of Library Programming and Public Affairs at Pepperdine University and judge of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. “Kudos to all the students for experimenting with form and compositions, and even taking some risks in their artistic endeavors. I congratulate the winner and the runners-up for their especially keen artistic eyes and execution of their ideas.”

“Seeing all of the amazing art pieces makes me realize the amount of talent that there is at the youth level and just how much potential they all have. This is a fantastic platform for students to showcase their art and, with it, share with the greater public a small piece of their life and perspectives, along with the expressiveness of their feelings and thought process about various themes through their amazing art,” said Jesus Delgadillo Galindo, judge of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

“This has been a valuable experience for me, and it is meaningful to be part of this selection process to ensure our district is well represented,” said Chuy Salgado León, judge of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. “It is also inspiring to see the subject matter that our youth take an interest in. The art I’ve seen through this competition reminds me that effort must match purpose in everything I do.”

Two honorable mentions were also recognized, including “Peaceful Dayspring” by Riley Rohrer from Oak Park Independent School and “La Pescheria” by Sebastian Costuche from Westlake High School. Their artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Brownley’s district offices in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard.

Started in 1982, the nationwide Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and is an opportunity to recognize and encourage students’ artistic talent across the country. 

Submissions from students in grades 9-12 across the 26th Congressional District were judged by a panel of local judges who work within the arts, academic, and social work fields. This year’s submissions were judged by Jeffrey Bowen, Director of Library Programming and Public Affairs at Pepperdine University; Jesus Delgadillo Galindo, a local artist and graphic designer from Oxnard; and Chuy Salgado Leon, a local graphic designer from Oxnard.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Local Issues

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

Wednesday, May 28^th, 2025, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., awarded over $1 million to the Divine Nine Organizations in Miami-Dade County.

The purpose of the Divine Nine Congressional Earmark is to upgrade, renovate, and build spaces where Divine Nine Organizations and the community can gather to teach and mentor our youth. It is our hope that these spaces will be used to especially expose our children to our history and our culture. In order to draw down funding, the charitable foundations must prove that they are purchasing, building, upgrading or refurbishing properties.

“I am especially concerned about preserving our history, which is being whitewashed across our nation,” said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. “African-American history IS American History, and we have a responsibility to protect it from erasure, extinction, and exploitation. We must leave a legacy for our children that must endure for generations.”

Additional notables in attendance included former International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and former President of Tennessee State University Dr. Glenda Glover; Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, City of Miami Gardens Councilman Reggie Leon, and City of Miami Gardens Councilwoman Katrina Wilson.

Derek Lightfoot from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. said, “The funds will be used to improve our existing fraternity house and community center. The improvements will include a new roof, hurricane windows and doors. This funding will further our initiatives to provide critical mentoring to youth in our community.”

Dr. Luvernice Croskey from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. said, “This award will allow us to expand and update our 8,000 sq ft facilities. These facilities strengthen our community.  Thank you again for this opportunity.”

Annette Brantley from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc said, “These funds will help with our Allene Taylor Memorial Center. It’s a legacy whose refurbishment will offer critical services that directly benefit our community, our new mentorship program, parenting counseling and support, tutoring, house assistance, community support and activities, and finally restore a cornerstone of our community.”

Carolyn Donaldson from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. said, “Our Zeta Center has served as a cornerstone of service. Over the past 30 years, we have provided a wide range of activities to the community. Youth mentorship, literacy support, maternal help, food distributions. It was in 2022 that we launched a comprehensive initiative to renovate and repurpose our facility.”

Brandon Fennell from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., said, “This grant will allow us to make vital upgrades to the Omega Activity Center, which has been serving the county since 1990. We will be able to transform the center into a safer innovation space where we can continue to educate our youth and create space to connect and thrive together.”

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated said, “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is 117 years old. It is the first Black sorority in the country and the largest. This sorority was given funds to purchase land to build a sorority house. As we move forward, we will continue to grow and push the limits on how many lives we can impact. We are the heart of our community, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha house will serve as a place for all children to enjoy.”

Approximately 200 people were in attendance. Line dancing, strolling, and stepping were part of the celebration which included a presentation by the ‘Miami Gardens Super Soul Steppers.’

In attendance were the leaders of the following organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter, the W.I.S.H. Foundation Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Dade County Alumnae Chapter, the Dade Deltas Foundation Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Beta Tau Zeta Chapter, the Zeta Blue Network, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Sigma Alpha Chapter, the Omega Activity Center Foundation Inc., Sig Al Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Beta Beta Lambda Chapter, the Beta Beta Lambda AlphaLand Community Development Corporation Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter, the Allene V. Taylor Memorial Center Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Miami Alumni Chapter, the Miami Alumni Kappa Foundation Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Rho Sigma Chapter, and the White Dove Community Foundation Inc.

This project was funded through a Congressional Earmark obtained by Congresswoman Wilson for the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressional Appropriations.

The event was held at the Omega Activity Center at Florida Memorial University, 15600 NW 42nd Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054.

For photos and B-Roll, click here.

For the full video of the event, click here.

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