A few weeks ago, I shared that we secured $12 million in community project funding for fiscal year 2026, supporting 14 projects right here in Chester and Berks Counties. Community project funding is a vital way that Members of Congress can advocate for projects in their districts, allowing federal dollars to have a targeted, tangible impact in our community. These funds are typically used for projects led by local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations, addressing infrastructure, public safety, workforce development, and other community needs.

Since sharing this news, I’ve had the chance to visit some recent awardees, and I am thrilled to see in-person just how valuable this funding is to our community.  

Community project funding grants are available most years, and with these 2026 funds secured, I am excited to begin the process again. My office is currently collecting and reviewing submissions for fiscal year 2027 from eligible nonprofits and local governments. More information on submissions is available here.

Here’s where you come in: I always want to make sure our community has a voice in selecting the projects we fund through this grant program. I rely on my team and an independent board of local community leaders who help us review and evaluate each and every application.

As a third-generation veteran and a member of both the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, I do know the cost of war. That is why, on Saturday, I was frustrated to learn that President Trump had taken the United States to war with Iran – without any demonstrated imminent threat to our country, without any explanation to the people, without a timeline, without a clear exit strategy, without any coordination with many of our allies, without any plan to evacuate U.S. citizens, and without Congressional approval.

Our Constitution requires Congress to authorize military action, meaning that war in Iran is literally unlawful without our approval. This matters because, when deciding to risk our servicemembers’ lives, Americans deserve to have their voices heard through the votes of their representatives. Many people voted for President Trump because he promised to be a president of peace. Many more Americans, regardless of who they voted for, did not ask for this either.

To be clear, Iran is a very bad actor on the world stage and has been for a long time. But vehement opposition to the Iranian regime is not the only factor to consider when taking our country to war. If we deem military force against Iran necessary, that decision must be made with a full understanding of how it impacts all of us and with a responsible, deliberate strategy to ensure that this is not another forever war.

Instead, right now, we do not know if U.S. troops will be needed on the ground, how much this operation will cost, how it will impact gas and energy prices at home, or what strategic victory looks like. We do not know the objective of this war, and we do not know what would end it. That is unacceptable.

Six Americans have already been killed in the chaos of this conflict and, in President Trump’s words, “There will be likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is.” Any leader asking us to make the incredible sacrifices of war has a responsibility to answer the critical questions of strategy and objective. But the Trump Administration has failed to even ask these questions, let alone offer answers. 

On Wednesday, speaking alongside my fellow Democratic veterans in Congress, I shared these concerns. I also expressed my frustration with Speaker Johnson for cancelling multiple days of votes, delaying Congress’ ability to get answers to these questions.

Yesterday, the House finally voted on a War Powers Resolution to end U.S. military hostilities against Iran unless and until Congress enacts a declaration of war. I voted YES. When our servicemembers go to war, we ask an incredible amount of them and their families. I urge my colleagues in Congress to show a fraction of the courage their service requires – to take back Congress’ authority over military action and to require clear and responsible strategy before ever sending our servicemembers into harm’s way.

From local priorities to global conflicts, my service to you is the thread that runs through all of my work. As always, thank you for the honor of representing you.

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress

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