The Western Struggle – Feb 26, 2026

Schiff EPA Bill, Merkley Housing Push, and Hageman Endangerment Reversal Lead Environmental Fights

Schiff Bill Demands EPA Transparency from Corporate Polluters

• Schiff introduces legislation for EPA focus on accountability.
• Targets corporate honesty on environmental impacts.
• Congress acts amid administration inaction.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Senator Adam Schiff announced a new bill aimed at forcing the Environmental Protection Agency to emphasize transparency. The measure addresses corporate polluters who reportedly avoid full disclosure of their environmental effects. Schiff emphasized that without administration pressure, lawmakers must intervene to enforce standards.

Corporate accountability safeguards communities from hidden pollution risks.

Senate Clears Cape Fox Land Act for Alaska Conveyance

• Bill finalizes land entitlements for Cape Fox Village.
• Passed by unanimous Senate consent after delays.
• Conveys remaining owed lands in Southeast Alaska.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Senator Lisa Murkowski celebrated the passage of the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act. The bipartisan legislation designates and transfers lands long due to the Cape Fox Native corporation. It overcame objections from some colleagues to advance non-controversial land measures.

True cooperation delivers justice for Alaska Native communities.

Previous delays stemmed from broader holds on land-related bills in the Senate. This act resolves a decades-old entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.

Merkley-Hawley Bill Targets Wall Street Home Purchases

• Bipartisan effort to curb billionaire corporate home buying.
• Aims to lower housing costs for families.
• Prevents Wall Street profit focus on single-family homes.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Senator Jeff Merkley teamed with Josh Hawley to introduce legislation banning large investors from acquiring single-family houses. The bill responds to rising prices driven by institutional buyers. Merkley noted strong bipartisan support to prioritize families over profits.

Housing stability strengthens American neighborhoods.

Wyden-Crapo Specialty CROP Act Aids Farmers Exports

• Bill requires detailed USDA data on trade barriers.
• Helps specialty crop growers navigate foreign markets.
• Informs Congress on expanding export opportunities.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Senators Ron Wyden and Mike Crapo unveiled the Specialty CROP Act to support fruit and vegetable producers. It mandates better information from the Agriculture Department and Trade Representative. This assists farmers in overcoming international hurdles.

Accurate data empowers rural economic growth.

Begich Celebrates Senate Passage of Cape Fox Land Act

• Legislation streamlines land management in Southeast Alaska.
• Creates new revenue for local communities.
• Restores Alaska priorities in Congress.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Congressman Nick Begich highlighted the Senate passage of the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act. The bill facilitates conveyance and boosts economic potential for the region. It marks a step in fulfilling longstanding Native land claims.

Land rights fuel sustainable development.

Barragán Demands Probe into CBP Elderly Man Death

• Agents left blind man in freezing conditions.
• Calls for accountability in tragic incident.
• Investigation needed for border patrol actions.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Representative Nanette Barragán condemned Customs and Border Protection over the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam. The elderly, nearly blind man was reportedly dropped miles from home on a cold night. She insisted on a full review and consequences for involved agents.

Humanity must guide border enforcement.

Levin Praises Navy Hero Williams Receiving Medal of Honor

• Honors 1952 dogfight against Soviet MiGs.
• Classified story revealed after 50 years.
• Recognizes extraordinary courage in Korea.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Representative Mike Levin praised Captain Royce Williams upon receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Trump during the State of the Union address on February 24. Williams downed four enemy planes in a historic aerial battle despite heavy damage. The event remained secret for decades due to Cold War sensitivities.

Valor inspires generations of service members.

Vasquez Launches Portal for New Mexico Community Funds

• Secured $16.6 million last year for local projects.
• Open for FY2027 requests until March 10.
• Targets infrastructure, safety, and housing needs.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Representative Gabe Vasquez opened applications for federal community project funding in his district. Eligible groups can seek support for water systems, public safety, and other priorities. He encouraged submissions to build on prior allocations.

Local investments drive community progress.

The portal focuses on Tribes, governments, and nonprofits for essential developments.

Newhouse Condemns Ruling Endangering Northwest Dams

• Court order increases spill harming salmon.
• Threatens clean energy and irrigation systems.
• Activists use judges to challenge infrastructure.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Representative Dan Newhouse criticized a federal ruling mandating more water spill over Columbia River dams. He argued it damages fish populations and strains the power grid. The decision reportedly favors environmental groups over balanced resource management.

Balanced policies protect both fish and farms.

Hageman Hails Reversal of EPA Endangerment Finding

• Overturns rule lacking legal or scientific basis.
• Ends bureaucratic overreach on emissions.
• Boosts energy and manufacturing sectors.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 26 (TNGB) – Representative Harriet Hageman welcomed the reversal of the EPA’s Endangerment Finding on greenhouse gases. She claimed it never held up under scrutiny and burdened businesses. The change shifts control back to Congress.

Sound rules unleash American industry.