U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
$26.2 Million in Federal Aid Slated for RI Economic Development & Housing Initiatives
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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$26.2 Million in Federal Aid Slated for RI Economic Development & Housing Initiatives
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PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced that Rhode Island is getting a new injection of $26,226,873 in federal aid from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build stronger communities and address local priorities in housing, public facilities, infrastructure, parks, community services, homelessness
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WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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$26.2 Million in Federal Aid Slated for RI Economic Development & Housing Initiatives
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PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced that Rhode Island is getting a new injection of $26,226,873 in federal aid from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build stronger communities and address local priorities in housing, public facilities, infrastructure, parks, community services, homelessnessresources, and economic development opportunities.
This includes:
* $16,532,313 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
* $5,643,752 from the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) program
* $1,460,052 from the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program
* $1,591,374 from the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
* $999,382 through the Recovery Housing Program (RHP)
This federal funding supports local priorities that improve essential infrastructure and make a positive difference for neighborhoods. After seeking community input, CDBG and ESG funds are administered by the state and cities to non-profits and local entities based off of a competitive application process. The CDBG, HOME, and ESG funding may be allocated by the state and local communities from a period spanning July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
Senator Reed, who serves as both an authorizer on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and as an appropriator on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), helped secure these funds in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations law and stated: "This federal funding delivers far-reaching benefits that will strengthen neighborhoods, advance opportunities for local economic development, and ensure more Rhode Islanders have a safe, healthy place to live. These programs help cities and towns expand housing options and move forward with capital improvement projects that can spur economic growth and development. I'm committed to improving public infrastructure, boosting housing supply, and upgrading community assets. From increasing affordable housing opportunities, to repairing roads and extending sidewalks, to enhancing parks and clean water infrastructure, these funds help revitalize neighborhoods and enhance economic development."
"Safe communities and affordable housing are the building blocks to financial stability. These big federal investments will be a boon to Rhode Island families, who have gotten squeezed by rents in recent years amidst a nationwide affordable housing supply crunch. ?Kudos especially to Senator Reed, who is a national leader on housing policy and has long advocated for this grant funding on the Appropriations Committee," said Senator Whitehouse.
"Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home," said Magaziner. "I am proud to work with my colleagues in the Rhode Island congressional delegation to secure federal funding that will build more housing, repair local infrastructure, and improve quality of life for Rhode Islanders."
"Rhode Islanders deserve safe, affordable housing, no matter their income or background," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "This federal funding will help strengthen housing infrastructure, support efforts to end homelessness, and ensure communities across our state have the resources they need to thrive."
President Trump sought to eliminate CDBG, HOME, and other essential government programs. But for fiscal year 2026, Congress rejected President Trump's efforts to slash housing and community development funds and instead funded HUD at $77 billion, including $3.3 billion for CDBG nationwide, which essentially maintains the prior year's funding.
CDBG provides local communities with a flexible source of federal funding to address a wide range of neighborhood development needs. The funds may be used for capital-improvement projects or distributed to non-profit organizations to increase housing, supportive service, and job opportunities. Eligible communities may also apply to the state, which annually allocates federal CDBG funds through a competitive process. CDBG funds may also be used to address a variety of needs for revitalizing distressed areas by removing blight and assisting with infrastructure projects.
Several Rhode Island cities will split over $16.5 million from this round of CDBG funding, including allocations for:
Cranston: $1,091,152
East Providence: $729,741
Pawtucket: $1,751,123
Providence: $5,216,462
Warwick: $954,252
Woonsocket: $1,050,725
Rhode Island statewide: $5,738,858
TOTAL: $16,532,313
HOME provides funding to states and localities that communities use in partnership with local non-profits for a wide range of activities including building, buying, or rehabilitating affordable housing, which can be for rent or homeownership, or providing direct rental assistance to low-income families. Providence will receive $1,331,217 in HOME funds, while Pawtucket will receive $513,652, Woonsocket will receive $364,138 and a pot of funds for communities across the state will total $3,434,745.
ESG provides annual grants to state and local governments to upgrade and expand emergency homeless shelters and street outreach. In this round of funding, Providence will receive $459,410 in ESG funds, Pawtucket will receive $156,097, Woonsocket will receive $92,335, and communities across the state will share an additional $752,210.
Providence will also receive $1,591,374 in HOPWA funds, which help communities and nonprofit organizations offer housing assistance and related supportive services to low-income individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
To help more effectively combat the opioid crisis and ensure people with substance abuse disorders can access safe housing, Rhode Island will also receive nearly $1 million in Recovery Housing Program (RHP) funds. This federal funding will help Rhode Island provide stable, temporary housing to individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder.
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Original text here: https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/262-million-in-federal-aid-slated-for-ri-economic-development-and-housing-initiatives
Bell, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Bell, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
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Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) re-introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. The resolution honors the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and calls for increased public awareness, federal research investment, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition.
"Parkinson's
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WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Bell, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
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Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) re-introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. The resolution honors the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and calls for increased public awareness, federal research investment, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition.
"Parkinson'sdisease is a heartbreaking reality for far too many families," said Rep. Bell. "I'm proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Bilirakis because the patients and families impacted by this disease deserve to know that people are advocating for them. By publicly recognizing the scope of this disease, we are taking a step toward a better future for the families impacted- a future that includes earlier diagnosis, better patient care, and more funding for research and breakthroughs."
"Parkinson's disease is not just a diagnosis - it is a life-altering condition that impacts entire families and communities," said Rep. Bilirakis. "For too many Americans, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. This resolution ensures we elevate awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research and care. Congress must continue working in a bipartisan manner to confront the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease. Together, we can improve quality of life for those affected today while driving progress toward a cure for tomorrow."
"The Michael J. Fox Foundation commends Representatives Bell and Bilirakis for spearheading this bipartisan effort to recognize the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson's and related diseases," said Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. "As we mark Parkinson's Awareness Month, we remain focused on accelerating the pace of discovery and ensuring broader access to high-quality care. That means sustaining and increasing federal investment in Parkinson's research, advancing efforts to better understand environmental contributors to disease, and fully implementing the National Parkinson's Project to keep driving progress. We've seen remarkable advances in Parkinson's research, and by working together, we can reach a cure even faster for the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S. and around the world."
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects motor function, but it can also lead to cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges. Roughly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. The economic burden of the disease is estimated at more than $52 billion annually in the United States alone, including direct medical costs and indirect costs like missed work and caregiver time.
Reps. Bell and Bilirakis also introduced this resolution in 2025.
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Original text here: https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-bilirakis-lead-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-april-parkinsons-0
Artemis - NASA's Program to Return Humans to the Moon Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, April 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11643) on April 13, 2026, by science and technology policy analyst Rachel Lindbergh.
Here are excerpts:
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Artemis: NASA's Program to Return Humans to the Moon
Between 1969 and 1972, the Apollo program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed 12 American men on the Moon and returned them safely to Earth. Artemis, named for Apollo's twin sister in ancient Greek mythology, is NASA's program for a return to the Moon by American astronauts by 2028.
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WASHINGTON, April 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11643) on April 13, 2026, by science and technology policy analyst Rachel Lindbergh.
Here are excerpts:
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Artemis: NASA's Program to Return Humans to the Moon
Between 1969 and 1972, the Apollo program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed 12 American men on the Moon and returned them safely to Earth. Artemis, named for Apollo's twin sister in ancient Greek mythology, is NASA's program for a return to the Moon by American astronauts by 2028.
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Figure 1. Major Elements of the Artemis Missions, Current and Proposed
Source: CRS illustration based on information from NASA.
Note: In March 2026, the NASA Administrator announced that the agency intends to create a lunar outpost and "pause" development of the Gateway. Both proposals are included in this figure.
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Orion and the Space Launch System
The Artemis program has evolved from plans initiated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-267). The act established a statutory goal of "expand[ing] permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit" and mandated the development of a crew capsule and a heavy-lift rocket to accomplish that goal. The capsule, now known as Orion, and the rocket, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), have been in development since that time (see Figure 1).
Each Orion capsule consists of a crew module with room for four to six astronauts, as well as storage space and a docking port; a service module (contributed by the European Space Agency) to provide power and propulsion; and a launch abort system. The crew module is designed to be reusable and is the only portion intended to return to Earth at the end of a mission.
SLS is an expendable rocket designed to carry Orion into space and set it on an initial trajectory to the Moon. SLS could also be used for other missions involving heavy payloads or requiring very high thrust. As required by P.L. 111-267, SLS was designed to accommodate future upgrades in phases (known as Block 1, Block 1B, and Block 2) to increase its thrust capacity. Similarly, NASA planned to upgrade SLS's upper stages (i.e., in-space propulsion) by developing what is known as the Exploration Upper Stage.
The first launch of Orion on an SLS was in November 2022. This mission, known as Artemis I, was an uncrewed test flight near the Moon to certify safety for crewed flights. Artemis II, the first crewed test of Orion and SLS, occurred in April 2026. Orion and its crew of four traveled near the Moon before returning to Earth.
In February 2026, the NASA Administrator announced that, after Artemis II, NASA will use a single version of SLS in a "near Block 1 configuration," rather than upgrading to the Block 1B and Block 2 variants for future missions, in order to reduce complexity and accelerate manufacturing. Rather than developing the Exploration Upper Stage, NASA selected the United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur V Upper Stage in March 2026. The agency intends to award a sole-source contract, without competition, as NASA determined existing alternatives "fail to meet the performance requirements" or would require significant modifications or development.
Human Landing System
The Orion capsule is not designed to land on the Moon. Instead, astronauts are to transfer to a separate spacecraft, known as a Human Landing System (HLS), for lunar descent and ascent (see Figure 1). NASA selected two HLS providers: SpaceX, using a version of its Starship, and Blue Origin, using its Blue Moon lander. Both systems are still in development. Through committee reports and explanatory statements accompanying appropriations, Congress has repeatedly encouraged NASA to use more than one commercial provider in order to ensure redundancy and bolster competition.
In February 2026, the NASA Administrator announced that the Artemis III mission, to occur in mid-2027, will demonstrate one or both HLSs in low Earth orbit. Next, Artemis IV is to be the first human landing on the Moon since 1972 and is planned to occur by 2028.
In a March 2026 report, the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that both HLS providers have faced schedule delays and technical challenges that "have the potential to further impact lander costs and delivery schedules," particularly for a 2028 lunar landing. NASA is considering proposals from both providers to accelerate development in support of a 2028 lunar landing.
Other Elements
In addition to Orion, SLS, and HLS, NASA procures commercial space transportation services for small robotic missions through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program; the purpose of these missions is to demonstrate new technologies, explore potential landing sites, and conduct research. Other efforts include commercial procurement of spacesuits and development of lunar surface systems such as rovers.
Lunar Base
In December 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14369, "Ensuring American Space Superiority." The priorities outlined in E.O. 14369 include "establishing initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030," as well as developing a nuclear reactor for use on the lunar surface.
In March 2026, the NASA Administrator released the agency's plan to fulfill E.O. 14369. To establish a lunar base, the agency intends to use a phased approach. Initially, an increased cadence of CLPS missions would deliver initial elements and support research and technology development. In the next phases, the agency intends to progress from recurring lunar astronaut operations to continuous human presence.
As part of this shift, the agency intends to pause development of the Gateway, a modular platform designed to operate in a permanent orbit around the Moon. Gateway was intended to serve as a depot for storing supplies, a platform for science experiments, a location where subsystems launched separately could be assembled and integrated, and a rendezvous point where astronauts could transfer between Orion and HLS. The space agencies of countries such as Canada and Japan had planned to contribute components. In its shift from Gateway to a lunar base, NASA intends to "repurpose applicable equipment and leverage international partner commitments."
Issues for Congress
As Congress oversees the progress of the Artemis program and acts on NASA authorization and appropriations legislation, it may consider issues such as the architecture of the program, the planned schedule for a 2028 Moon landing, cost concerns for the program as a whole, and the role of the commercial space sector. Congress may consider the potential effects of recently announced changes.
Budget
For FY2027, NASA requested $8.5 billion for Artemis systems, an increase of $731 million compared with FY2026 appropriations. In addition to regular appropriations, Congress provided $6.7 billion for Orion, Gateway, and SLS through the FY2025 reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21), available through FY2032.
Congress may continue to consider the budget of (1) the overall Artemis program, (2) the individual Artemis missions, and (3) the various projects and components within the program. For example, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated in a 2025 report that cost overruns for three major Artemis projects total $6.8 billion. GAO further noted that "growing complexity and scope of future Artemis projects" could negatively impact the agency's future cost performance, particularly as these projects are interdependent and complex. Thus, Congress may contemplate whether adjustments to the provided funding levels may be necessary (e.g., shift funds from Gateway to the proposed lunar base) or whether to keep funding levels as they are.
Moon to Mars Architecture
Per the NASA Authorization Acts of 2022 and 2017 (P.L. 117-167, Title VII; P.L. 115-10), the Artemis program is a stepping stone for future Mars missions. P.L. 117-167 directed the agency to establish a Moon to Mars Office to oversee that approach. Policymakers continue to discuss NASA's Moon to Mars architecture. Topics of debate include whether the United States should pursue a sustained presence on the Moon; whether future Artemis missions should use SLS and Orion or whether the private sector could provide an alternative; the viability of the agency's various Artemis components, particularly HLS and SLS; and NASA's overarching Moon to Mars strategy and its implementation. Congress may also assess the Trump Administration's announced changes to this architecture.
During the 119th Congress, both the House and Senate have considered NASA authorization bills with differing perspectives on the Artemis architecture. In the House, H.R. 7273, as ordered to be reported, would direct the agency to continue developing major Artemis components and would reemphasize existing statutory requirements. (The markup of H.R. 7273 predated the Administrator's February 2026 announcement.) In the Senate, S. 933, as ordered to be reported, would permit the Administrator greater flexibility in changing the Artemis architecture.
Role of the Commercial Space Sector
In recent years, NASA has placed growing emphasis on procuring services from the commercial space industry. HLS, CLPS, and other Artemis elements are to be provided as a commercial service. The Trump Administration has supported expanding such efforts in future missions, such as by replacing SLS with commercial transportation services after Artemis V, as proposed in the President's FY2027 budget request.
In its continued oversight, Congress may assess NASA's acquisition approaches and the status of these commercial programs, particularly for HLS, which is a key component for future lunar landings. In its 2025 annual report, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) - an independent panel that reports to NASA and Congress on the agency's safety and management - expressed concern that HLS's complexity and delays "cast doubt" on the timeline and feasibility of the Artemis crewed lunar landing mission.
More broadly, Congress may assess NASA's use of commercial programs. NASA posits that the use of commercial services will encourage innovation, support the U.S. space industry, and reduce costs for the agency, assuming that commercial providers are able to attract non-NASA investment and customers. Other stakeholders have contended that limited or uncertain markets may hinder the effectiveness of such programs or of certain acquisition approaches. For instance, in its 2024 assessment of CLPS, the NASA OIG found that the agency relied on "overly optimistic" market assessments in selecting contracting approaches and schedules, leading to "cost increases and schedule delays" due to technical difficulties and "continuing market uncertainty."
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The white paper is posted at: https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF11643/IF11643.20.pdf
[Category: CRSCRS]
Amid Trump's War Driving Up Costs, Warren and Schumer Lead Democrats in Pressing Trump Admin to Crack Down on Big Food, Ag Price Fixing Squeezing Americans
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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Amid Trump's War Driving Up Costs, Warren and Schumer Lead Democrats in Pressing Trump Admin to Crack Down on Big Food, Ag Price Fixing Squeezing Americans
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Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. - As President Trump's war in Iran drives up food costs for American families and small businesses, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Minority Leader Schumer (D-N.Y.) led a group of four senators in pressing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crack
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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Amid Trump's War Driving Up Costs, Warren and Schumer Lead Democrats in Pressing Trump Admin to Crack Down on Big Food, Ag Price Fixing Squeezing Americans
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Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. - As President Trump's war in Iran drives up food costs for American families and small businesses, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Minority Leader Schumer (D-N.Y.) led a group of four senators in pressing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crackdown on food and agriculture companies engaging in grocery price fixing. The senators pressed the administration to lower costs for Americans by taking action to stop anticompetitive practices in the food supply chain and predatory pricing behavior, including breaking up illegal monopolies.
Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) signed onto the letter, which comes as oil, fertilizer, and other costs continue to surge as President Trump's war in Iran continues into its seventh week -making the need for action even more urgent.
In December 2025, President Trump issued an executive order purportedly aimed at investigating "price fixing and anti-competitive behavior in the food supply chain."
"[T]he Administration has yet to take any meaningful action to tackle consolidation and bring down food and farm input prices, which continue to squeeze farmers, small businesses, and consumers...Now, more than ever, it is time for the Administration to get serious about addressing these problems," wrote the senators.
Despite President Trump's promises to bring down prices "on Day One," Americans saw their grocery bills rise faster than overall inflation last year, leading them to pay an average of $310 more for groceries compared to 2024. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Donald Trump's illegal war in Iran has effectively halted the shipment of one third of global fertilizer supplies, leading to higher fertilizer prices for farmers that are expected to be passed on to consumers in the form of higher grocery prices.
Instead of working to lower costs, the Trump administration has undermined antitrust enforcement in the food and agricultural industries, including by forcing out the DOJ's top antitrust official and closing the FTC's investigation into surveillance pricing even after an initial report found that retailers frequently use people's personal data to tailor prices for goods and services.
"Excessive consolidation and anticompetitive practices by dominant firms are also major drivers of these price increases," wrote the senators.
Consolidation in the fertilizer and seed markets, which are similarly dominated by just a handful of companies, are also driving up prices for farmers and American families. Giant food retailers and suppliers continue to engage in exclusionary contracting practices (such as slotting fees, category captain arrangements, and volume-based rebates) and discrimination.
The senators called for the DOJ and FTC to take the following specific actions to take on retailers' and suppliers' anticompetitive practices:
* Crack down on violations of antitrust laws by giant corporations in the meatpacking, seed, fertilizer, and farm equipment sectors, including by breaking up these dominant companies;
* Scrutinize and, where appropriate, block anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions in the food and agricultural sectors; and
* Issue enforcement guidance on potential violations of the Robinson-Patman Act and investigate and take enforcement action where merited.
The senators also called on the FTC to:
* Pursue rulemaking and enforcement action to tackle exclusionary contracting practices by corporations; and
* Reopen its investigation into surveillance pricing and new rules and enforcement actions to address exploitative surveillance and dynamic pricing practices.
The lawmakers pressed for answers by April 27, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-trumps-war-driving-up-costs-warren-and-schumer-lead-democrats-in-pressing-trump-admin-to-crack-down-on-big-food-ag-price-fixing-squeezing-americans
Amata Congratulates 2026 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners
WASHINGTON, April 14 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Congratulates 2026 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for 2026, expressing appreciation to all the participating students, their teachers, the expert judges, the sponsors that make this opportunity possible for our students, and the American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities.First Place Winner
See more pictures
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Congratulates 2026 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for 2026, expressing appreciation to all the participating students, their teachers, the expert judges, the sponsors that make this opportunity possible for our students, and the American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities.First Place Winner
See more pictureshere
This year's first-place winner is Eve Filomena Snow, Tafuna High School for "The Beauty from One Generation to the Next." Her first-place art will be displayed for a year at the U.S. Capitol! She has also won a special trip to Washington, D.C. to join all the other winners from the other congressional districts.
Congratulations also to Joshua Utuone, Fagaitua High School, who earned second place with his two-part artwork "The Deed of Cession," and third place Christina Hudson, Tafuna High School with "Taema and Tilafaiga." Rounding out the top five are fourth place, Amosa Feagaiga, Leone High School, and fifth place Kayla Letufuga, Leone High School.
"What a wonderful job by these winning students, and by the entire group of 26 participants. I love their beautiful artwork and their enthusiasm, and I'm so pleased with them all," said Congresswoman Amata. "It was a special delight to be here in person for this competition. This event is a favorite of mine, and it is only possible especially though our local generous sponsors, as well as our artist judges, the art teachers and all American Samoa's educators."
"I will enjoy seeing Eve Filomena Snow's beautiful first-place art displayed in the U.S. Capitol soon," Amata continued. "I want to say a special thank you also to American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities for welcoming us and helping make this a meaningful celebration of art and creativity."
Each year, Congresswoman Amata and her local office work in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to select the top standouts, and under congressional rules, then determine just one to represent American Samoa in Washington. Any of American Samoa's public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition.
Each participant receives a plaque from Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata, and various prizes from sponsors. Congresswoman Amata extends her warmest fa'afetai to the many businesses and individuals who donated and helped make this year's Congressional Art Competition special for the students.
Malofie Congressional Arts Competition 2026
Special Acknowledgement:
Honorable Governor Pula'ali'i Nikolao Pula & Lt Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr
Honorable Congresswoman Uifa'atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen
Pastor Suipi Taala
American Samoa Department of Education
American Samoa Office of Instruction & Curriculum - Art Department
American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities Executive Director Ammon Fepuleai
Congresswoman Uifa'atali Aumua Amata's DC & District Offices
Judges:
Executive Director Marion Mageo
Ms. Pua Tofaeono
Ms. Keniseli Fanolua
Winners:
1 st Place Winner: Ms. Eve Filomena Snow
Tafuna HIgh School
2nd Place Winner: Mr. Joshua Utuone
Fagaitua High School
3 rd Place Winner: Ms. Christina Hudson
Tafuna High School
4 th Place Winner: Mr. Amosa Feagaiga
Leone High School
5 th Place Winner: Ms. Kayla Letufuga
Leone High School
Participants:
Samoana High School
Art Teacher: Mr. Barry Patane
Students:
Tatupu Leutele
Meilyn Leleai Tracy Moeoge
Maluai Vitale
Chau M Dang
Asherayne Romero
Layla Leota
Isabella Tavai
Tele'a James Tua
Tafuna High School
Art Teacher: Mr. Raymond Keleti
Students:
Carilyn Anesi
Charity Talisa
Christina Hudson
Siliana Savini
Eve Filomena Snow
Leone High School
Art Teacher: Mr. Tony Esau
Students:
Amosa Feagaiga
Saveliana Faaulusau
Leone Vavao
Kayla Letufuga
Janenoreen Poliko
Anovale Savea
Ilo Faumui
Fatauao Feleti
Fagaitua High School:
Art Teacher: Mr. Tyrell Vaimili
Students:
Joshua Utuone
Gabriella Paleso'o
Soniah Sootaga
Soterosa Tautua
Sponsors/Special Recognition:
Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow
BlueSky Communications CEO Mr. Tangavel Barlen Lutchmoodoo
ASTCA CEO Mrs. Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas
StarKist Samoa CEO Edward Min
Manu'a Inc
Mr. Ricardo da Rosa
Island Business Center
Issues : Education
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-2026-malofie-congressional-art-competition-winners
Alford Introduces Strategic Assets Protection Act to Ensure Nuclear Triad Sites Are Secure
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Introduces Strategic Assets Protection Act to Ensure Nuclear Triad Sites Are Secure
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced the Strategic Assets Protection Act. This groundbreaking legislation will direct the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review all foreign transactions involving real estate, businesses, critical infrastructure, or assets surrounding facilities associated with the U.S. Nuclear Triad, including Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), since
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Introduces Strategic Assets Protection Act to Ensure Nuclear Triad Sites Are Secure
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced the Strategic Assets Protection Act. This groundbreaking legislation will direct the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review all foreign transactions involving real estate, businesses, critical infrastructure, or assets surrounding facilities associated with the U.S. Nuclear Triad, including Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), sinceJanuary 1, 2017.
"America's national security is not for sale," said Congressman Alford. "For years, our foreign adversaries, including the CCP, have been purchasing businesses and real estate near sensitive national security sites with impunity. That ends now. Our nuclear triad is the cornerstone of our deterrence and President Trump's peace through strength agenda. I'm proud to introduce the Strategic Assets Protection Act to ensure our most valuable strategic assets are secure."
Read the text of the bill here.
This legislation directly responds to reports of potential Chinese Communist Party-linked ownership of a trailer park adjacent to Whiteman AFB, home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber fleet, as well as a golf club next to Barksdale AFB, which hosts the Air Force Global Strike Command.
The Strategic Assets Protection Act requires CFIUS to conduct a review of all transactions completed on or after January 1, 2017, that involve real estate, businesses, critical infrastructure, or assets located within, adjacent to, or functionally supporting facilities that host, maintain, modernize, test, command, or control components of the United States nuclear triad, including intercontinental ballistic missile facilities, ballistic missile submarine bases and shipyards, strategic bomber bases, associated weapons storage areas, nuclear command, control, and communications infrastructure, and any National Nuclear Security Administration production or research facilities.
Background:
Following reports suggesting CCP-linked shell companies purchased a trailer park adjacent to Whiteman Air Force Base, Congressman Alford requested and subsequently received a classified briefing on potential threats to Whiteman posed by the transaction.
Congressman Alford also sponsors the American Land and Property Protection Act, which will prohibit any official associated with a foreign adversary from purchasing any type of real estate anywhere in the U.S.
In 2023, Congressman Alford joined forces with Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to successfully fight to ensure Whiteman AFB was included on CFIUS' list of sensitive national security sites that require enhanced scrutiny.
***
Original text here: https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1543
Airport Financial Reporting: FAA Should Implement Controls to Improve Data Quality
WASHINGTON, April 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Airport Financial Reporting: FAA Should Implement Controls to Improve Data Quality
*
Fast Facts
Every year, about 500 airports must report data to the Federal Aviation Administration about how they collect and spend funds. Stakeholders, such as industry associations and researchers, use this data to analyze things like airports' financial performance.
We found that most of these airports submitted data to FAA. However, it's hard for FAA to track whether the airports did so on time.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Airport Financial Reporting: FAA Should Implement Controls to Improve Data Quality
*
Fast Facts
Every year, about 500 airports must report data to the Federal Aviation Administration about how they collect and spend funds. Stakeholders, such as industry associations and researchers, use this data to analyze things like airports' financial performance.
We found that most of these airports submitted data to FAA. However, it's hard for FAA to track whether the airports did so on time.The data in these reports also have anomalies and potential errors.
We made 3 recommendations, including that FAA improve the quality of the data on its website.
A flying airplane viewed from the window of an airport seating area.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created the Certification Activity Tracking System (CATS) website for officials at commercial service airports to file and certify their annual financial data, such as operating expenses and revenues. This database is the only centralized source of airport financial data. FAA, industry stakeholders, and researchers have used the data for multiple purposes. For example, a researcher used CATS data on airport revenues and expenses to develop policy options for Congress to improve airport financing.
Most airports required to submit data to CATS did so, but the extent of the timeliness and accuracy of CATS data is unknown. Airports that receive certain federal grants, provide commercial service, and had at least 2,500 passenger boardings in the prior year are required to submit data. Most of these airports did so for fiscal year 2023 (the most recent data available at the time of GAO's review), but some of the smallest airports did not, for reasons that included staff turnover. Limitations in CATS make it difficult for FAA to track whether airports meet reporting deadlines. Moreover, airports must report data within a certain period after the end of their fiscal year, which varies by airport. As a result, CATS users must wait almost a year to obtain data for a particular fiscal year. Further, CATS data have anomalies and potential errors, such as data from airports that were not required to file, which can affect totals for a given year.
Airport Financial Reports Submitted to FAA by Airport Category, Fiscal Year 2023
Note: While 506 airports were required to submit data, FAA allowed two airport sponsors to consolidate multiple airports into a single submission, resulting in 446 expected airport submissions.
FAA has taken some steps to improve CATS data quality, such as performing occasional data checks. However, FAA does not have sufficient data controls to ensure the quality of CATS data. For example, FAA does not have a procedure to consistently identify airports newly required to submit data due to increased passenger boardings. FAA officials told GAO they planned to update the CATS website, which could add this and other functions, but that the update had been delayed. Implementing data controls would result in better quality data to inform policy and other decisions. Additionally, FAA has not communicated specific data limitations to users. For example, information about the number of airports that submitted their financial data for a particular fiscal year could help users understand the completeness of the data and qualify the data for their purposes.
Why GAO Did This Study
Each year, approximately 500 commercial service airports must submit their financial data to FAA, within the Department of Transportation. These reporting requirements were enacted in 1994 to enable FAA to evaluate airports' compliance with revenue-use requirements and inform the public on how airports collect and spend funds, according to FAA. These airports are generally publicly owned and rely on a mix of revenue sources, such as airline payments, parking revenue, and federal grants.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes a provision for GAO to review airport financial reporting. This report examines (1) how FAA and stakeholders have used CATS data; (2) the extent to which CATS data are complete, timely, and accurate; and (3) the extent to which FAA has taken actions to improve CATS data quality and communicated any data limitations to users.
GAO reviewed CATS data for fiscal years 2019 through 2023; FAA guidance; and publications that cited CATS, identified through a literature search. GAO interviewed officials from FAA headquarters and nine regions; 12 industry stakeholders and researchers; and officials from 10 airports, selected at random but to reflect a range of sizes and regions. GAO also compared CATS data quality policies with federal data standards.
Recommendations
GAO is making three recommendations to FAA, including that FAA implement controls to improve the quality of CATS data and disclose known limitations of the data on the CATS website. The Department of Transportation concurred with the recommendations.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Federal Aviation Administration The Administrator of FAA, either through a CATS update or other means, should implement controls to improve the quality of CATS data, such as identifying airports required to submit data, tracking submission history, and identifying errors and anomalies. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Federal Aviation Administration The Administrator of FAA should clearly define the roles and responsibilities between headquarters and regional office staff in ensuring airports' compliance with CATS requirements, including clarifying the staff responsible for following up with airports to submit data. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Federal Aviation Administration The Administrator of FAA should disclose on the CATS website the known limitations of CATS data, such as the number of airports that have submitted financial information out of the total that were required to do so and the fact that airport sponsors may update their data over time. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107938
Ahead of Hearing, Ranking Member Merkley Releases Committee Fact Sheets on Trump's Budget Request to Congress
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following fact sheet on April 13, 2026:
* * *
Ahead of Hearing, Ranking Member Merkley Releases Committee Fact Sheets on Trump's Budget Request to Congress
Fact Sheets Detail How Trump is Out-of-Touch with the Needs of Working Americans; Begging Congress to Fund More War, Gut Programs for Families
*
Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, released fact sheets on the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget request to Congress that detail
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following fact sheet on April 13, 2026:
* * *
Ahead of Hearing, Ranking Member Merkley Releases Committee Fact Sheets on Trump's Budget Request to Congress
Fact Sheets Detail How Trump is Out-of-Touch with the Needs of Working Americans; Begging Congress to Fund More War, Gut Programs for Families
*
Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, released fact sheets on the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget request to Congress that detailhow the request would gut domestic programs families rely on to fund more war in the Middle East. The Senate Budget Committee will hold a hearing on the President's Budget request this week.
"This budget request fails to meet the needs of working Americans, and these fact sheets detail how President Trump is more concerned with gutting programs families rely on and throwing more money at war than lowering gas or grocery prices," said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley. "Congress must ignore this out-of-touch plea for more money for guns and bombs and get to work crafting a bipartisan budget that meets the needs of working Americans."
If Congressional Republicans acquiesce to the President's demands, it will mean:
* Exploding the Department of Defense budget to a staggering $1.5 TRILLION.
* Entirely eliminating the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income households pay critical energy bills.
* Cutting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $5 billion- including by eliminating three institutes altogether - severely hampering research and development that lead to breakthroughs in cancer, Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and countless other conditions.
* Slashing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) budget by over $2.5 billion, while entirely eliminating critical programs supporting disease prevention.
Detailed fact sheets are below:
Health Care (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-health-care-fact-sheet)
Housing (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-housing-fact-sheet)
Child Care, Education, and Energy Assistance Programs
Immigration (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-social-programs-fact-sheet)
Defense (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-defense-fact-sheet)
Social Security and Medicare (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-social-security-and-medicare-fact-sheet)
Energy (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-energy-prices-fact-sheet)
Climate (https://www.budget.senate.gov/download/pbr-fy27-climate-fact-sheet)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-member/newsroom/press/ahead-of-hearing-merkley-fact-sheets-trumps-budget-request
Congressman Bean Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners in Florida's Fourth District
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Bean Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners in Florida's Fourth District
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WASHINGTON -U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Florida's Fourth Congressional District during a celebratory reception held at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. A total of 17 students from across the district submitted 19 artistic pieces pertaining to the theme "Sunshine, Strength and Service."
The winners of the 2026 Congressional
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
* * *
Congressman Bean Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners in Florida's Fourth District
*
WASHINGTON -U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Florida's Fourth Congressional District during a celebratory reception held at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. A total of 17 students from across the district submitted 19 artistic pieces pertaining to the theme "Sunshine, Strength and Service."
The winners of the 2026 CongressionalArt Competition are listed below:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER : Hailey Nalepa, It Doesn't Happen Alone, Clay High School
CLAY COUNTY
Winner: Maya Vasquez, 6th Period, Orange Park High School
Runner-Up: Lily Porrazza, Firehouse Companions, Orange Park High School
DUVAL COUNTY
Winner: Jennet Koroglu, The Garden of Growth, Stanton College Preparatory School
Runner-up: Jackson Sanders, Bravery, William Raines High School
NASSAU COUNTY
Winner: Breanna Rodriguez-Rollins, Daddy's Girl, Fernandina Beach High School
Runner-Up: Shelby Rothenberg, Patience, Fernandina Beach High School
BACKGROUND
This year's theme honors the workers, neighbors, and everyday heroes who shape American life. It highlights the contributions of hardworking Floridians, including teachers, postal workers, nurses, veterans, and many others whose daily efforts often go unseen but are essential to strengthening our communities.
Each spring, the House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute sponsor a nationwide competition as an opportunity for high school students to showcase their talents. Students from Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties submitted their artwork for the competition, and local artistic professionals judged the pieces.
The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol Building.
***
Original text here: https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winners-floridas
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Preview - Week of April 13, 2026
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release:
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Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Preview - Week of April 13, 2026
*
Here's what to watch for from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture
On Thursday, April 16, the Committee on Agriculture will hold a full committee hearing called "For the Purpose of Receiving Testimony from the Honorable Michael S. Selig, Chairman, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission."
Appropriations
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release:
* * *
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Preview - Week of April 13, 2026
*
Here's what to watch for from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture
On Thursday, April 16, the Committee on Agriculture will hold a full committee hearing called "For the Purpose of Receiving Testimony from the Honorable Michael S. Selig, Chairman, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission."
Appropriations
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and RelatedAgencies will hold a budget hearing called "Department of Energy."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security will hold a budget hearing called "Department of Homeland Security: CBP, ICE, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Defense will hold a budget hearing called "The United States Army."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "Department of Agriculture."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "The Office of the United States Trade Representative."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security will hold a budget hearing called "Department of Homeland Security: CISA, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Secret Service, and FEMA."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "Department of Health and Human Services."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "United States Forest Service."
On Friday, April 17, the Subcommittee on Defense will hold a budget hearing called "National Guard and Reserve Forces."
Armed Services
On Wednesday, April 15, the Committee on Armed Services will hold a hearing called "Member Day."
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces will hold a hearing called "FY27 Missile Defense & Missile Defeat Programs and Activities."
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Readiness will hold a hearing called "Military Readiness for Fiscal Year 2027."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Military Personnel will hold a hearing called "Military Department Personnel Chiefs: Personnel Posture."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations will hold a hearing called "Defense Intelligence Enterprise - Challenges, Priorities, and Resourcing for Fiscal Year 2027."
On Friday, April 17, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation will hold a hearing called "Science, Technology, and Innovation Posture of the Department of Defense."
Budget
On Wednesday, April 15, the Committee on the Budget will hold a full committee hearing called "The President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request."
Education & Workforce
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections will hold a hearing called "Building an AI-Ready America: Understanding AI's Economic Impact on Workers and Employers."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing called "Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Employee Benefits Security Administration."
On Friday, April 17, the Committee on Education & Workforce will hold a hearing called "Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services."
Energy & Commerce
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing called "Healthier America: Legislative Proposals to Improve Public Health."
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing called "Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Energy will hold a hearing called "The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Energy Budget."
Financial Services
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets will hold a hearing called "Safeguarding Main Street: Combatting Fraud and Exploitation in Our Capital Markets."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions will hold a hearing called "Promoting Access to Credit for Everyday Americans."
Foreign Affairs
On Wednesday, April 15, the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee will hold a hearing called "Helping American Businesses Win Abroad: Strengthening U.S. Commercial Diplomacy."
On Thursday, April 16, the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee will hold a hearing called "Latin America After the Fall of Maduro."
House Administration
On Thursday, April 16, the Committee on House Administration will hold a full committee hearing called "Oversight with Secretaries of State: List Maintenance and Eligibility Verification."
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture will hold a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the United States Space Force."
Judiciary
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance will hold a hearing called "Restricted Rights: Second Amendment Under Fire."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Oversight will hold a hearing called "The Human Toll of Sanctuary Policies: Stories from Victims and Families."
Natural Resources
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills:
* H.R. 4219, the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025 (Case)
* H.R. 6251, To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Begich)
* H.R. 7288, the Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (Johnson)
* H.R. 8195, the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026 (Walberg)
Oversight and Government Reform
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Government Operations will hold a hearing called "Fraud Prevention: Understanding Fraud in Federally Funded Programs Run by the States."
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency will hold a hearing called "The IRS Under Audit: A Review of Operations at the Nation's Tax Collector."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs will hold a joint hearing called "Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Leadership, Security, and Prosperity."
Rules
On Tuesday, April 14, the Committee on Rules will meet on the following measure:
* H.R. 6387, the FIRE Act (Evans)
* H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act (Joyce)
* H.R. 6409, the FENCES Act (Pfluger)
* H. Res. 1156, Expressing support for tax policies that support working families (Kelly)
* H.R. 8035, To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027, and for other purposes (Crawford)
Science, Space, and Technology
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight will hold a hearing called "The State of Scientific Publishing: Assessing Trends, Emerging Issues, and Policy Considerations."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Energy will hold a hearing called "Subsurface Science and Technology: American Energy and Mineral Dominance."
Select Committee on China
On Thursday, April 16, the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party will hold a hearing called "China's Campaign to Steal America's AI Edge."
Small Business
On Wednesday, April 15, the Committee on Small Business will hold a full committee hearing called "Lower Taxes, Stronger Main Street: The Benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts."
Veterans Affairs
On Wednesday, April 15, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs will hold a full committee hearing called "Faster Decisions, Stronger Outcomes: VA's Work to Streamline the Disability Claims Backlog."
On Wednesday, April 15, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a markup on the following bills:
* H.R. 7319, the VA Bonus and Relocation Recovery Act (Self)
* H.R. 7950, To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes (Self)
* H.R. 7683, the VA Fiscal Management Modernization Act (Bergman)
* H.R. 8041, To establish an entitlement to a supplemental period of unpaid parental leave for employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Bynum)
* H.R. 8057, To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes (Miller-Meeks)
* H.R. 8052, the Veterans Infection Prevention Act (Kiggans)
* H.R. 8010, the VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026 (Kennedy)
* H.R. 7280, the Veteran DATA Act (Budzinski)
* H.R. 6654, the VAMOSA Act of 2025 (Mace)
* H.R. 8043, the Vets CLEAR Act (Ciscomani)
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity will hold an oversight hearing called "Bounce Houses, Drones, and Massage Chairs: A Review of VA's Purchase History in the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program."
On Thursday, April 16, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a markup on the following bills:
* H.R. 2283, the Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery Act (Bost)
* H.R. 6993, the BEACON Act of 2026 (Bergman)
* H.R. 6652, the U.S. Vets of the FAS Act (King-Hinds)
* H.R. 6444, the Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act (Jackson)
* H.R. 5999, To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment (Conaway)
* H.R. 6848, the Whole Health for Veterans Act (Deluzio)
* H.R. 6001, the Veterans with ALS Reporting Act (Crow)
Ways and Means
On Tuesday, April 14, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a field hearing called "Health Subcommittee Field Hearing on Modernized Health Care in Practice: Empowering Americans to Live Healthier Lives."
On Thursday, April 16, the Committee on Ways and Means will hold a full committee hearing called "Full Committee Hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr."
***
Original text here: https://www.majorityleader.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5911
Bynum Requests Over $36 Million for Oregon
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Bynum Requests Over $36 Million for Oregon
*
Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) announced 20 Community Project Funding requests for Oregon's 5th district for Fiscal Year 2027. The projects, which total over $36 million, span the entire district and include investments in clean drinking water, infrastructure, public safety, child care, and workforce development. Over $10 million of the funding would go to Central Oregon.
"When there's money on the table for Oregon, I'm always first in line,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Bynum Requests Over $36 Million for Oregon
*
Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) announced 20 Community Project Funding requests for Oregon's 5th district for Fiscal Year 2027. The projects, which total over $36 million, span the entire district and include investments in clean drinking water, infrastructure, public safety, child care, and workforce development. Over $10 million of the funding would go to Central Oregon.
"When there's money on the table for Oregon, I'm always first in line,elbows out, bringing home every dollar available," said. Rep. Bynum. "These projects are a vital step in making Oregon a better place to live. The funding will open doors to affordable child care, good-paying jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and better public safety resources. This money would make a real difference for our communities, and I will continue to fight for this funding in Congress."
In January, in an effort to confront the rising economic pressures on young Americans, Rep. Bynum launched her signature "K-30" agenda - a platform focused on supporting young Americans by improving access to education, housing, and the job market. Funding these projects is a continuation of Rep. Bynum's work to support the next generation by making Oregon more affordable and by increasing access to opportunity.
Projects
$1,501,408 for Expanding Manufacturing Technology Workforce Training in Central Oregon
* Recipient Name: Central Oregon Community College
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment as part of Central Oregon Community College's Manufacturing Technology labs in Redmond, Oregon.
$1,536,242 for the Redmond Childcare and Family Services Hub
* Recipient Name: Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority, dba Housing Works
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct a childcare and family services center in Redmond, Oregon.
$2,000,000 for the Cox Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement
* Recipient Name: City of Albany
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to replace undersized sewer pipe with larger pipe to minimize surcharging that leads to sanitary sewer overflows and facilitate downstream development.
$3,500,000 for the Canby Transit Operations Center
* Recipient Name: City of Canby
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct the Canby Transit Campus, creating a permanent Transit Operations Center that consolidates offices, dispatch, and operational functions on a public site.
$2,000,000 for the City of Lebanon's Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project
* Recipient Name: City of Lebanon
* Project Purpose : Funds will be used to purchase equipment to improve the efficiency and reliability of the City of Lebanon's wastewater treatment operations.
$450,000 for Wastewater Filter and UV Cover
* Recipient Name: City of Molalla
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to plan, permit, and construct a protective cover over a wastewater treatment area to safeguard equipment and improve operational performance.
$1,475,040 for the City of Mt. Angel's Water Reservoir Replacement Project
* Recipient Name: City of Mt. Angel
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to replace an aging water reservoir to ensure adequate fire flows.
$2,000,000 for the City of Redmond's Helmholtz Water Transmission Main
* Recipient Name: City of Redmond
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to complete a water transmission main to increase hydraulic capacity and ensure adequate fire flows.
$2,500,000 for the City of Silverton's Edison Water Tank
* Recipient Name: City of Silverton
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct a water storage tank and pump to provide backup drinking water and improve system reliability for the City of Silverton.
$2,000,000 for the City of Stayton's Emergency Drinking Water Intertie
* Recipient Name: City of Stayton
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct an emergency drinking water intertie to improve connectivity.
$900,000 for the Sublimity City Hall Improvements
* Recipient Name: City of Sublimity
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct a new, expanded City Hall and meeting space in the City of Sublimity.
$919,000 for the City of Sweet Home's Water Treatment Plant Emergency Power Resiliency Project
* Recipient Name: City of Sweet Home
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to install an emergency backup generator to enhance the reliability of critical infrastructure within a municipal water system.
$1,250,000 for the City of West Linn's Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
* Recipient Name: City of West Linn
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to install a new storm main line and other improvements to enhance drainage capacity and stormwater management in the City of West Linn.
$3,000,000 for Clackamas County's Middle Clackamas Interceptor Project
* Recipient Name: Clackamas County
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct the Middle Clackamas Interceptor.
$412,000 for Colton Fire Engine Replacement
* Recipient Name: Colton Rural Fire District
* Project Purpose: Funds would be used to replace an aging Fire Apparatus and associated equipment.
$2,298,673 for the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Equipment Acquisition
* Recipient Name: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
* Project Purpose: $2,298,673 for the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to purchase new body-worn cameras, supporting hardware and software, and a taser package to enhance officer accountability and community safety.
$2,000,000 for the Marion County Sheriff's Office Incident Command Center
* Recipient Name: Marion County Sheriff's Office
* Project Purpose: $2,000,000 for the Marion County Sheriff's Office to purchase an incident command center to improve emergency coordination and enhance regional resiliency across the county.
$2,387,307 for the Redmond Fire District Aerial Fire Truck and Equipment Acquisition
* Recipient Name: Redmond Fire and Rescue
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to replace an Aerial Fire Truck and associated equipment.
$4,500,000 for Rivergrove Water District's Asbestos Cement Pipe Replacement
* Recipient Name: Rivergrove Water District
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to replace aging asbestos cement water pipes.
$309,750 Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Wildfire Resiliency Program Expansion
* Recipient Name: Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District
* Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase equipment and further implement a fuels reduction and community-engagement program.
***
Original text here: https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-requests-over-36-million-oregon
Barrett, Agriculture Secretary Rollins Meet with Lansing Area Farmers and Livingston County Emergency Dispatchers
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:
* * *
Barrett, Agriculture Secretary Rollins Meet with Lansing Area Farmers and Livingston County Emergency Dispatchers
*
Lansing, Mich. - Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in mid-Michigan to meet with local farmers who are benefiting from both the tax relief and farm provisions Barrett and the president delivered through the Working Families Tax Cuts.
The congressman and secretary participated in a roundtable meeting with local farmers, toured
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Barrett, Agriculture Secretary Rollins Meet with Lansing Area Farmers and Livingston County Emergency Dispatchers
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Lansing, Mich. - Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in mid-Michigan to meet with local farmers who are benefiting from both the tax relief and farm provisions Barrett and the president delivered through the Working Families Tax Cuts.
The congressman and secretary participated in a roundtable meeting with local farmers, touredthe MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, and visited Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch where Barrett recently secured federal U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to upgrade their dispatch computer system.
"Michigan's farmers deserve a federal government that understands their challenges and ensures they can keep feeding our communities," said Barrett. "The Working Families Tax Cuts are putting more money back in the pockets of farmers and families, and I'm grateful to Secretary Rollins for joining me to hear it directly from the people of mid-Michigan. I was also proud to welcome her to Livingston County to highlight federal funding I secured for the new computer-aided dispatch system, providing emergency dispatchers the tools they need to keep our communities safe. I'll continue fighting to bring Michiganders' tax dollars home to benefit our communities."
"The Working Families Tax Cuts provided the largest investment in American agriculture, including boosting support for America's row crop and specialty crop farmers," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "It's thanks to members of Congress like Tom Barrett that the Michigan agricultural industry and those around the country will be able to use these investments."
At the Michigan State University Dairy Research Facility, Barrett and Rollins hosted a roundtable with farmers from across mid-Michigan to discuss the challenges they face and how the tax relief and farm provisions in the Working Family Tax Cuts are essential to their operations. After the roundtable, the officials toured the Dairy Research Facility.The officials then toured Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch, where Barrett recently secured a $495,000 federal investment for the county to purchase a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. This new streamlined system will improve call intake, location verification, dispatching the appropriate emergency response, record management, and more."Modernizing our computer-aided dispatch system will enable our team of professionals to efficiently field emergency calls and deploy first responders and law enforcement throughout Livingston County," said Livingston County 911 Director Kecia Williams. "Congressman Barrett's work to secure federal funding made this much-needed technological upgrade possible. We are grateful to Congressman Barrett and Secretary Rollins for visiting 911 Central Dispatch and supporting our mission to keep Livingston County residents safe."
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Original text here: https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-agriculture-secretary-rollins-meet-lansing-area-farmers-and-livingston
As Trump Administration Weighs Resuming Explosive Nuclear Testing, Rosen Visits the Nevada National Security Site to Observe Nuclear Stockpile Certification
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
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As Trump Administration Weighs Resuming Explosive Nuclear Testing, Rosen Visits the Nevada National Security Site to Observe Nuclear Stockpile Certification
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Senator Rosen Has Been An Outspoken Leader Against Resuming Explosive Nuclear Testing In Nevada
LAS VEGAS, NV - Last week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen visited the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) to see firsthand the work being done to certify the nation's nuclear stockpile without conducting explosive testing. The NNSS and its related facilities
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
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As Trump Administration Weighs Resuming Explosive Nuclear Testing, Rosen Visits the Nevada National Security Site to Observe Nuclear Stockpile Certification
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Senator Rosen Has Been An Outspoken Leader Against Resuming Explosive Nuclear Testing In Nevada
LAS VEGAS, NV - Last week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen visited the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) to see firsthand the work being done to certify the nation's nuclear stockpile without conducting explosive testing. The NNSS and its related facilitiesplay a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear stockpile as the only place in the country where subcritical experiments are conducted so that we never again have to detonate a nuclear weapon. Senator Rosen toured the Site's underground laboratory, which is undergoing a major mining and construction project that will host two of the most advanced radiographic machines in the world, which will provide greater certainty and data about the performance of the stockpile. This is far better data, experts say, than the information that could be obtained if the U.S. were to break the current testing moratorium and conduct an explosive nuclear test. In Senate Armed Services Committee hearings, Senator Rosen has received commitments from every nominee to lead the National Nuclear Security Administration and the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, that there is not a need to resume explosive nuclear testing and that they would not recommend a resumption.
"Nevada knows firsthand the terrible effects from explosive nuclear testing. When it comes to the radiation unleashed by these tests, what happens in Nevada won't just stay in Nevada - the entire country will feel the harm from these explosives tests," said Senator Rosen. "That's why the Nevada National Security Site is a facility of national importance as the only place in the country where state-of-the-art, science-based subcritical experiments verify the military effectiveness of our nuclear stockpile without needing to perform explosive tests. I've had the pleasure of visiting NNSS again and seeing firsthand how they perform their work to keep our nation safe, without resuming explosive nuclear testing. I will continue fighting in the Senate against any proposed measures that would expose our state to harmful radiation and hurt our economy."
Senator Rosen has been outspoken against a resumption of explosive nuclear testing in Nevada. She has helped introduce legislation to stop President Trump's reckless plans to resume explosive nuclear testing and led the Nevada delegation in sending a letter to the Trump Administration expressing outrage over the President's directive to resume explosive nuclear testing. In a recent committee hearing, Senator Rosen pushed back against a Trump Administration official who left the door open for restarting explosive nuclear testing. Senator Rosen also helped pass a bipartisan bill to support Nevadans harmed by radiation from Cold War nuclear testing.
The NNSS was the primary location for U.S. nuclear testing from 1951 to 1992, where 100 atmospheric and 828 underground tests were conducted. After President George H.W. Bush signed the testing moratorium in 1992, the U.S. developed the Stockpile Stewardship Program and science-based subcritical experiments to certify the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of our nuclear stockpile without the need for explosive testing. For decades, the directors of the national laboratories, commanders of U.S. Strategic Command, and the Secretaries of Defense and Energy - including during both terms of the Trump Administration - have annually certified the military effectiveness of our stockpile, and confirmed that it does not require a resumption of explosive testing.
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Original text here: https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/04/13/as-trump-administration-weighs-resuming-explosive-nuclear-testing-rosen-visits-the-nevada-national-security-site-to-observe-nuclear-stockpile-certification/
Artificial Intelligence Acquisitions: Agencies Should Collect and Apply Lessons Learned to Improve Future Procurements
WASHINGTON, April 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Artificial Intelligence Acquisitions: Agencies Should Collect and Apply Lessons Learned to Improve Future Procurements
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Fast Facts
Federal agencies use AI for facial recognition at airports, analyzing veterans' benefit claims, and more. They often work with private sector companies to acquire and support AI.
We talked with many agency officials about challenges acquiring AI. For example, some said there was difficulty accessing AI technical experts, like data scientists, to evaluate
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Artificial Intelligence Acquisitions: Agencies Should Collect and Apply Lessons Learned to Improve Future Procurements
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Fast Facts
Federal agencies use AI for facial recognition at airports, analyzing veterans' benefit claims, and more. They often work with private sector companies to acquire and support AI.
We talked with many agency officials about challenges acquiring AI. For example, some said there was difficulty accessing AI technical experts, like data scientists, to evaluatecontractor proposals. Officials also said it was hard to understand AI-related costs.
But the agencies we spoke with didn't regularly collect and share lessons learned from acquiring AI. Doing so could help them better prepare for using AI in the future.
Our recommendations address this issue.
A person with their hands facing up, with several icons and infographic elements floating over the hands with the letters A and I in the middle of the image inside an outlined box.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Federal agencies reportedly more than doubled their use of artificial intelligence (AI) from 2023 to 2024, and they used a range of approaches to acquire additional AI capabilities through fiscal year 2025. GAO identified trade-offs facing agencies as they acquire AI, and some associated challenges and benefits. For example:
* Agency-directed vs. vendor-driven approaches. Some agencies awarded new contracts in pursuit of AI solutions. In other instances, industry introduced capabilities to agencies in the absence of specific AI requirements.
* Contracts vs. other agreements. Agencies used different types of contracts to acquire AI capabilities. In some instances, agencies also leveraged other agreements not governed by federal acquisition regulations to develop more advanced AI capabilities.
* AI as a service vs. a product. Some agencies bought AI as a product, such as software. However, agency officials told GAO they acquire AI as a service where the vendor provides AI capabilities and outputs on an ongoing basis.
GAO identified several strategic and programmatic challenges agencies faced when acquiring AI capabilities.
Key Procurement Challenge Areas Identified by Selected Agencies
In April 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance to help agencies acquire AI responsibly. OMB directed agencies to update their AI policies to comply with OMB's requirements. GAO previously reported that agency-level implementation is critical to achieving acquisition goals directed by OMB ( GAO-25-107398 ).
In this review, GAO found the selected agencies were not yet systematically collecting lessons learned from AI acquisitions-a necessary first step to share knowledge about AI acquisitions in accordance with OMB guidance. OMB has stated that agencies should share knowledge about AI acquisitions through a web-based repository developed by the General Services Administration (GSA). However, officials at four agencies-GSA and the Departments of Defense (DOD), Homeland Security (DHS), and Veterans Affairs (VA)-told GAO they were not prepared to do so because their agency policies did not require them to collect lessons learned. As a result, the agencies are missing opportunities to identify and apply best practices-such as contract terms related to data rights or testing requirements-or to avoid mistakes as agencies increasingly acquire AI.
Why GAO Did This Study
Industry leads AI development, reportedly investing over $250 billion in 2024 alone. Federal agencies are finding many opportunities to use AI to execute their missions. They already use AI for veteran services, enhancements to weapon systems, and administrative tasks. To realize the benefits of AI, federal agencies often contract with companies to acquire solutions. Members of Congress and others have raised concerns about federal AI acquisitions. These concerns include long-standing acquisition issues, such as fostering competition, as well as issues specific to AI, such as training AI models on flawed data.
GAO was asked to review federal AI acquisitions. This report addresses (1) acquisition approaches agencies are using to adopt AI, (2) types of challenges agencies face when acquiring AI capabilities, and (3) the extent to which selected agencies are prepared to share knowledge related to acquiring AI solutions.
GAO conducted in-depth reviews of 13 AI acquisitions at four federal agencies-DOD, DHS, GSA, and VA. GAO selected these agencies based on maturity of AI acquisition efforts and approaches to acquiring AI capabilities, among other factors. GAO reviewed the agencies' relevant policies, and interviewed senior AI acquisition leaders at the selected agencies. GAO also analyzed OMB guidance.
Recommendations
GAO is making a total of four recommendations. Specifically, GAO is recommending that DOD, DHS, GSA, and VA update their policies to require officials to systematically collect lessons learned from AI acquisitions to enable sharing and application by other agencies. The agencies concurred with all of the recommendations.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment updates the department's policies to establish processes and require officials to systematically collect lessons learned from AI acquisitions-including best practices involving contract clauses-and submit them to the GSA-managed repository to enable sharing and application by other agencies. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should ensure that the Under Secretary for Management updates the department's policies to establish processes and require officials to systematically collect lessons learned from AI acquisitions-including best practices involving contract clauses-and submit them to the GSA-managed repository to enable sharing and application by other agencies. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
General Services Administration The Administrator of the General Services Administration should ensure that the Chief Acquisition Officer updates the agency's policies to establish processes and require officials to systematically collect lessons learned from AI acquisitions-including best practices involving contract clauses-and submit them to the GSA-managed repository to enable sharing and application by other agencies. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure that the Principal Executive Director of the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction updates the department's policies to establish processes and require officials to systematically collect lessons learned from AI acquisitions-including best practices involving contract clauses-and submit them to the GSA-managed repository to enable sharing and application by other agencies. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107859
Amazon Claims to Warren, Hank Johnson "No Improper" Bids in Melania Movie, Despite Reportedly Paying Three Times as Much as Next Highest Bidder
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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Amazon Claims to Warren, Hank Johnson "No Improper" Bids in Melania Movie, Despite Reportedly Paying Three Times as Much as Next Highest Bidder
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Warren: "Amazon's response reeks of desperation to please Donald Trump...This looks like bribery in plain sight. "
Text of Amazon Response (PDF)
Washington, D.C. - In a new response to Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Amazon claimed that there was "no improper" activity in its bid for the new Melania
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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Amazon Claims to Warren, Hank Johnson "No Improper" Bids in Melania Movie, Despite Reportedly Paying Three Times as Much as Next Highest Bidder
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Warren: "Amazon's response reeks of desperation to please Donald Trump...This looks like bribery in plain sight. "
Text of Amazon Response (PDF)
Washington, D.C. - In a new response to Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Amazon claimed that there was "no improper" activity in its bid for the new Melaniadocumentary despite what appears to be a corrupt pay-to-play arrangement with the Trump administration. Last month, the lawmakers opened an investigation into Amazon's investment in the Melania film and questioned whether it was used to secure favorable treatment from the Trump administration on antitrust suits, potential tariff exemptions, foreign trade deals, federal contracts, and tax cuts.
The company refused to explain its massive overpayment for the film's rights, insisting that it followed a "thorough and competitive bidding process" despite reportedly paying more than three times as the next closest bidder.
Amazon also said that its decision to license the film was "based on the film and series itself -the access, the story, and its cultural and historical relevance," again providing no business justification for the investment.
In reaction to Amazon's insufficient response, Senator Warren released the following statement :
"Amazon's response reeks of desperation to please Donald Trump. If there's nothing corrupt about this deal and the bidding process was truly "competitive", why won't Amazon explain why it reportedly paid three times as much as the next highest bidder? The logical explanation is that Amazon is trying to buy the President's favor by dumping millions into the Trump family's pockets. This looks like bribery in plain sight, and Amazon must give Congress -and the American people -answers now."
Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) also released the following statement :
"When we saw the oligarchs and tech bros gather in front-row seats at Trump's second inauguration - some of whom gave him millions for his re-election campaign - it raised the specter that the rich and powerful were going to wield dangerous levels of power and influence on the nation through their largess to this transactional and corrupt president. Amazon's 'nothing-to-see-here' response makes this fear even more of a reality. If there were truly nothing to see, then Amazon would have answered these basic questions."
Amazon reportedly invested at least $75 million in the documentary -with reports indicating that about $28 million of that will go directly to Melania Trump. To date, the film has only grossed around $16 million, raising questions about whether Amazon ever planned to break even on the film.
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Original text here: https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amazon-claims-to-warren-hank-johnson-no-improper-bids-in-melania-movie-despite-reportedly-paying-three-times-as-much-as-next-highest-bidder
Amata Welcomes HHS Newborn Hearing Grant
WASHINGTON, April 13 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Welcomes HHS Newborn Hearing Grant
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is pleased to welcome notice of a health services grant for universal newborn hearing screening and intervention.Dr. Anaise Uso in Congresswoman Amata's office just last month in a health delegation to DC with Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Annie Noa, Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Francis Vivao, and some of the group's family members
This is a discretionary continuation grant of $78,537
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Welcomes HHS Newborn Hearing Grant
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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is pleased to welcome notice of a health services grant for universal newborn hearing screening and intervention.Dr. Anaise Uso in Congresswoman Amata's office just last month in a health delegation to DC with Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Annie Noa, Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Francis Vivao, and some of the group's family members
This is a discretionary continuation grant of $78,537for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
"Thank you especially to Saposapoaluga Tuiolosega for the work leading to this grant, and everyone who helps ensure this essential program is active and available," said Congresswoman Amata. "This grant funds ongoing efforts to make sure our people's newborns are healthy and hearing properly right from the start, or get the treatment they need immediately. Thank you to all our medical professionals providing all the various kinds of services that are needed throughout our islands."
Maternal Child Health Information Systems Grant
Congresswoman Amata was also notified of a $2,096 discretionary health services grant, also from HRSA, for Maternal Child Health Programs Information Systems, under the MCHB State Systems Development Initiative program.
"Thank you to Dr. Anaise Uso for her work safeguarding the well-being of our mothers and young children. Every part of these programs is important and grants like these keep our systems up to date," concluded Amata.
ASDOH is led by Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono under the administration of Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr., and in Washington, D.C., HHS is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and HRSA by Administrator Thomas Engels.
Issues : Healthcare
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-welcomes-hhs-newborn-hearing-grant
Alford Welcomes SBA Administrator Loeffler to KC, Celebrates Historic Success of Working Families Tax Cuts
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Welcomes SBA Administrator Loeffler to KC, Celebrates Historic Success of Working Families Tax Cuts
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) welcomed Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to Kansas City, MO to tout the historic success of Republicans' Working Families Tax Cuts at Cupini's Italian restaurant.
"I was proud to welcome Administrator Loeffler to Kansas City to show her the positive impact our Working Families Tax Cuts are having right here in our community,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Welcomes SBA Administrator Loeffler to KC, Celebrates Historic Success of Working Families Tax Cuts
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) welcomed Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to Kansas City, MO to tout the historic success of Republicans' Working Families Tax Cuts at Cupini's Italian restaurant.
"I was proud to welcome Administrator Loeffler to Kansas City to show her the positive impact our Working Families Tax Cuts are having right here in our community,"said Congressman Alford. "From no tax on tips to relief for job creators, the Trump Tax Cuts are putting more money back into the pockets of small business owners and employees alike, just like those at Cupini's. This is what Main Street success looks like, and it's thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts. It's not often we have a member of the President's Cabinet in KC, and I was proud to host this historic visit.
Watch a video recap of Administrator Loeffler and Congressman Alford's visit with owner Franco Cupini here or by clicking the image above.
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Original text here: https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1541
