Dear Neighbor,

This week, as our team assists constituents with tax-related issues with the IRS, we have received questions from local military veterans who tell us they have been experienced issues receiving their 1099 Form this year.

On April 3, my team will be co-hosting a "1099 Open House" to serve those who served us! I have included more details below about the event and how our team can help.

Now, to the latest news from Washington and Western Pennsylvania, including an update on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In This Week's Newsletter:

• House Republicans pass DHS funding for 3rd time
• My IRS legislation advances to full U.S. House
• "1099 Open House" to serve military veterans
• Still time to enter the Congressional Art Competition

House Republicans pass DHS funding for 3rd time

The U.S. Senate remains divided on funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democrats continue to block commonsense solutions to end the partial government shutdown. But on Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the fourth time to fund DHS.

I'm proud to have voted YES on all these bills!

During a time of heightened global tensions -- and now with increasingly long lines at some of our Nation's airports, including Pittsburgh International Airport -- it's time for Senate Democrats to stop playing games with our national security and to join congressional Republicans to fund DHS.

The legislation:

• Reopens DHS: Brings an end to the Democrat-driven shutdown and gets the Department of Homeland Security back to full operations.
• Restores Critical National Security Functions: Returns essential agencies — including TSA, CISA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard — to full mission capacity to protect the homeland.
• Pays Our Personnel: Ensures the law enforcement officers, servicemembers, and civilian personnel protecting our homeland receive the pay they have earned.

My IRS legislation advances to full U.S. House

Last week, I joined my Ways & Means Committee colleagues to pass my legislation, the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, which would make commonsense reforms to the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Whistleblower Awards Program.

I'm happy to report the legislation passed unanimously! It now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

This vote is a win for the American taxpayer and the American worker. My commonsense, bipartisan legislation ensures the integrity of our Nation's tax laws. Exposing wrongdoing by tax cheats and fraudsters guarantees our voluntary tax system is fair for all Americans.

Learn more about the bill here.

"1099 Open House" to serve military veterans

Military veterans: If you are having trouble receiving your 1099 Form from OPM, our team is here to help you!

Join us for our "1099 Open House" on Friday, April 3 in North East as our staff, together with the team at the Mellon Veterans Outreach Campus, will be on hand to provide assistance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our offices or the Mellon Veterans Outreach Campus for more information.

Still Time to Enter the Congressional Art Competition!

A message for students, parents, and teachers: There is still time to enter this year's Congressional Art Competition!

The annual competition, officially sanctioned by the U.S. House of Representatives, provides high school students the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent on a national stage. The winning artwork from the 16th Congressional District -- which includes Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Butler counties, and a portion of Venango County -- will be displayed in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., from June 2026 through May 2027.

The deadline to enter is April 10!

Learn more about the competition on my website!

As always, my team and I are here to serve you. If you need assistance with a federal agency, please contact us -- we are just one call or email away.

See you in the community, and God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Mike Kelly
Member of Congress

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