LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE COST OF LIVING IS WAY UP, AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IS WAY DOWN”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a press conference, where he emphasized that while Republicans are focused on issues that distract from the affordability crisis they have created, Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living in America.

LEADER JEFFRIES: One year into Donald Trump’s presidency, the verdict is clear: Donald Trump and Republican policies have been a complete and total failure, a disaster for the American people, and the American people know it. The cost of living is way up, and the quality of life of the American people is way down. And Republicans continue to be focused on all the wrong things. This week, the Republican focus has been on Greenland, Jack Smith and Bill and Hillary Clinton. That’s their focus this week. Not driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans in an environment where there is an affordability crisis that is crushing working class folks, middle class folks and the American people all across the country.

House Democrats are going to continue our focus on making life better for the American people, on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption wherever it is found in the Congress, at the Supreme Court and within the administration. The American people have clearly spoken as it relates to the failures of the Trump administration and Republican policies, particularly as it relates to the economy. Republicans need to wake up and stop trying to jam their extreme policies down the throats of the American people and work to actually get something done that is designed to make life better for everyday Americans. That’s our job, and that’s what Democrats will continue to be focused on: lowering costs, fixing our broken healthcare system and delivering a country that actually works for working class Americans.

Full press conference can be watched here.


Brownley Condemns DHS Funding Bill Amid ICE Lawlessness and Lack of Accountability

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement on her vote against the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

“In Ventura County and the Conejo Valley, and communities across the nation, ICE operations have been marked by alarming lawlessness, excessive use of force, and a disturbing disregard for human life.

“I could not in good conscience vote for a funding package that further empowers an agency of masked henchmen acting with impunity to terrorize our communities. Under Secretary Kristi Noem’s failed leadership, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has embraced chaos and fear over due process and civility, cruelty over the rule of law, and political theater over public safety. Instead of addressing systemic failures, Noem has allowed ICE to function as an unaccountable force, untethered from the basic standards that govern every other law enforcement agency in this country.

“House Democrats have been relentless in pushing for the urgent reforms needed to rein in ICE and restore the rule of law amid this very dark period in our nation’s history. These reforms include requiring judicial warrants, strengthening training and oversight, mandating body cameras, banning masked agents, and establishing clear accountability measures. Yet, House Republicans have rejected every one of these safeguards, choosing to enable abuse rather than protect the public.

“Our immigration system is undeniably broken, but it will not be fixed through fear, intimidation, or cruelty. We need a serious, bipartisan approach that creates an immigration system where those seeking employment, legitimate asylum seekers, and families who follow the law and pay taxes have a pathway to citizenship.

“Further, it should never be normalized for unidentifiable individuals, who may or may not even be federal agents, to terrorize communities, violate due process, subject detainees to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, or tear families apart.

“The suffering and trauma inflicted by the Trump administration’s immigration agenda in just one year stands in direct opposition to America’s values and constitutional principles. House Democrats refuse to be complicit in this reckless misuse of power, and we will continue fighting for a future that upholds the foundation and values upon which this great nation was formed.”

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Brownley Statement on Extreme GOP Bills Advancing Trump’s Anti-Choice Agenda

Washington, DC — Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, which for nearly half a century provided constitutional protection for abortion and affirmed the right to make personal health care decisions free from government interference. That protection was dismantled by the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, a devastating setback for reproductive freedom in the United States. Against this backdrop, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement on her strong opposition to two extreme, misleading bills brought to the House floor by anti-choice Republicans: the so-called Pregnant Students’ Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act.

“These bills are not about supporting families — they are about control,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “House Republicans are advancing Donald Trump’s anti-choice agenda by censoring medically accurate information, stigmatizing abortion care, and inserting politics and extremist ideology into the most personal health care decisions a person can make.”

The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act fails to address the real, day-to-day needs of pregnant and parenting students, including medical leave, academic flexibility, childcare, lactation support, and financial assistance. Instead, it deliberately withholds information about comprehensive reproductive health care, denying students information on the full range of lawful medical options they deserve.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act targets the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, a critical lifeline for over one million families who rely on it for food, housing assistance, and childcare. Rather than strengthening TANF to better support vulnerable families, the bill protects states’ ability to divert these scarce resources to so-called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers,” which are widely condemned by medical professionals for using deceptive and coercive tactics to deceive pregnant women and block access to abortion care.

“Using funds meant to help struggling families survive to advance an anti-choice agenda is not pro-family — it is cruel and immoral,” Brownley continued. “Donald Trump and his allies are willing to weaponize poverty, misinformation, and fear to impose their will on American families and strip away reproductive freedom.”

“Together, these bills advance a dangerous agenda of government control and bring us closer to a nationwide abortion ban,” Brownley said. “I voted no on both bills because families deserve real support, honest information, and the freedom to make their own health care decisions.”

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Brownley Statement on War Powers Resolution

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement after the House failed to advance H.Con.Res. 68, a Concurrent War Powers Resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

“At a moment when Congress should assert its constitutional authority and act as a check on a lawless executive, the Republican majority instead chose blind loyalty to Donald Trump over their constitutional duty to the American people,” said Congresswoman Brownley.

“The American people have been clear: they expect Congress to uphold the rule of law and prevent reckless, unauthorized military engagements. Yet, Republicans continue to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities, allowing this administration to operate without even the pretense of oversight or accountability. The result is a weakened Congress, a diminished Constitution, strained international alliances, and a United States that is increasingly viewed as unreliable and unserious on the world stage.

“As Donald Trump continues his authoritarian tactics, House Republicans have chosen to eliminate the rightful role of Congress as a co-equal branch of government. House Democrats, however, will not be silent. We will continue to call out abuses of power, demand transparency, and fight to restore Congress’s constitutional role.

“Democrats remain ready to work across the aisle to uphold the U.S. Constitution, our laws, and the will of the American people. I urge the Republicans who voted against this resolution to reflect on the oath they swore and to start defending our democratic institutions instead of enabling a dangerous and unchecked presidency.”

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Kamlager-Dove Votes “No” on DHS Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the statement below after voting “no” on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill:

“Our tax dollars should never be used to terrorize our communities. As long as Kristi Noem and her militarized, trigger-happy agents continue to operate without oversight or accountability, I will not support another penny for DHS.

“Republicans already handed Kristi Noem and DHS $191 billion—including $75 billion for ICE alone—in the Big Ugly Bill. They gutted our health care to bankroll their un-American and anti-immigrant agenda. And what have they done with our tax dollars? Killed U.S. citizen Renée Good and disappeared my constituent Vicente Ventura Aguilar, wasted $220 million on a frivolous photo op for ICE Barbie, and continued to trample our most basic freedoms. No more blank checks for this rogue agency.”

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Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Ukrainian Unity Day

Washington, DC – Today, Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), issued the following statement in recognition of Ukrainian Unity Day:

“Today, we mark Ukrainian Unity Day, honoring a nation whose unity is inseparable from its commitment to democratic self-government, cultural identity, and national dignity.

“As Ukraine enters its fourth year of full-scale invasion—following Russia’s initial invasion in 2014—it stands as a global symbol of democratic resilience under extraordinary pressure. During our visits to Kyiv and communities across Ukraine, we witnessed not only the hardship of war, but the determination of a people confronting an effort to erase them as a distinct nation—through attacks on civilians, critical infrastructure, language, history, and culture. These experiences left a lasting impression on each of us.

“This year carries added meaning as Americans prepare to commemorate 250 years of our own democracy. Ukraine’s struggle is a reminder that democracy is not simply about institutions or borders, but about a people’s right to exist freely, self-govern, and preserve their culture and identity. That right is being tested daily, yet it endures.

“The 1919 Act of Ukrainian Unification affirmed the their people’s aspiration to live as one sovereign nation. More than a century later, that aspiration remains alive in the resilience of families, the perseverance of communities through cold and darkness, and the preservation of Ukrainian language, traditions, and culture even during wartime.

“On Ukrainian Unity Day, our bipartisan Ukraine Caucus honors the endurance of the Ukrainian people and the unbreakable link between unity, democracy, and cultural survival.”

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Kaptur Calls For Transparency and Oversight in Rejecting Latest Homeland Security Funding Bill

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) voted to reject H.R. 7147, Appropriations legislation extending authorized spending levels for the Department of Homeland Security, citing reports of enforcement action violating law and order protocols based in basic Constitutional principles, and a serious lack of transparency around enforcement operating procedures. Kaptur called for the legislation to enshrine law and order protocols for accountability, transparency, and oversight attending to the award of federal contracts around arrest enforcement and detention, as well as to institute safeguards that protect bedrock Constitutional principles and safety for all.

“It is a fundamental tenet of democracy that no one person or no law enforcement agency in America is above the law. Basic questions about Constitutional protections and enforcement policy have gone unanswered for too long even as some in ICE violate basic enforcement standards that apply to every officer who wears a badge. Breaking into private homes without warrants, detaining residents without cause, and even deporting military veterans and US citizens including children with Stage 4 cancer is illegal and un-American. Operations that fall outside our Constitution put law enforcement and our communities at risk in a time of heightened tension.

"I have consistently supported lawful border security—funding a major Border Patrol station in Ottawa County and the 180th Fighter Wing’s Northern Border mission—done legally, openly, and with accountability. I have long a been a voice calling on Members of both parties to work together on bipartisan immigration enforcement policy. We can secure our borders and protect our communities without abandoning the United States Constitution.

"The rule of law protects everyone—officers and citizens alike. Law enforcement must be identifiable and accountable. Masks with no badges, no body cameras, and no oversight have no place in a democracy. ICE officers should follow the same excessive-force protocols as every police and Sheriff department in this country, wear visible identification, and use body cameras.

"I support citizens documenting what happens in their communities. Transparency is not a threat to public safety—it is the foundation of trust. The Administration’s refusal to enforce safeguards and its disregard for the legal prohibition against deporting US citizens is unacceptable. An improved version of the Homeland Security funding bill put before the House could and must accomplish justice for the American people."

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Whip Clark in Newsweek: The Affordability Crisis Defined Trump's First Year

"The political winds are at the backs of those ready to actually deal with the cost of living — whether Trump admits it or not."

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) wrote in Newsweek about the economic failures of Trump’s first year back in office and Democrats’ agenda for correcting course.

You can read the entire op-ed HERE or below:

The Affordability Crisis Defined Trump’s First Year

By Katherine Clark, U.S. Representative and House Democratic Whip

"Donald Trump is really going through it.

"He recently asked a gathering of House Republicans to explain 'what the hell’s going on with the mind of the public.'

"In Trump’s mind, prices are down '1,500%' amid a long-promised golden age of American prosperity. He has, after all, given himself an 'A+++++' on the economy.

"And yet, so few outside his circle of sycophants seem to agree. Consumer sentiment has collapsed to a nearly record low, while a majority of executives expect a recession within the next year.

"It’s not a mystery why. During his first year back in the White House, Trump has delivered three inputs to the American economy:

"Massive price hikes via tariffs.

"Cuts to health care, food assistance, utility assistance and other essential programs that would have otherwise helped people manage those price hikes.

"And huge tax cuts for the billionaire class.

"The consequences have been swift.

"The average family has already coughed up an extra $1,200 in expenses since Trump took office. Over the next year, they’re expected to lose another $2,100.

"Most family budgets simply cannot accommodate those increased costs. As a result, household debt spiked by half a trillion in the first three quarters of 2025. With shoppers forced to borrow their way through a wildly expensive holiday season, that number will rise even higher.

"None of this is encouraging for hiring managers. As a result, the job market has tightened at the precise moment when families could use a raise.

"In 2025, job creation fell to less than a third of what Democrats delivered the year before. Layoffs hit their highest level since the pandemic. Wage growth slowed to a crawl, especially for those already making the least. And hundreds of thousands of women were pushed out of the labor force entirely — largely driven by the cost of child care.

"All of this adds up to a weak and fragile economy where the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans account for half of consumer spending.

"These indicators paint a picture of egregious mismanagement by a Republican Party whose only agenda is a hyper-concentration of wealth in the billionaire class.

"But what these numbers can’t capture in full is the sense of anxiety that has settled onto American life.

"The pervading sense that the best is behind you. That relative comfort is the stuff of nostalgia. That things aren't going to get easier.

"Trump insists that the cost-of-living crisis is a 'hoax' — while suggesting Americans should simply buy their children fewer toys and school supplies.

"Democrats have taken a different tack, and have been running and winning on solutions to bring down the cost of living.

"This economic stagnation is solvable, if we make some different choices. If we stop slapping tariffs on groceries, stop prioritizing billionaires and start passing some commonsense ideas.

"We can cut the cost of child care to $15 a day with the Child Care for Working Families Act.

"We can cut premiums with a permanent health care tax credit.

"We can cut housing costs with new affordable units, tenant protections and a feasible path to home ownership.

"We can cut utility bills by investing in affordable energy sources — while making corporate users pay their fair share when they pull from the grid.

"And we can empower working people to win bigger paychecks with a union.

"That’s how you spur growth — by building a country where everyday people can afford to live, work and save.

"The political winds are at the backs of those ready to actually deal with the cost of living — whether Trump admits it or not."

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Whip Clark Statement on the 53rd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement:

“For nearly half a century, Roe v. Wade affirmed a woman’s fundamental right to control her own body and future. It was a critical step in America’s march toward true liberty and justice for all.

“Tragically, Republicans have overturned that progress and continue to attack women’s health care at every turn. Rural hospitals and community health centers are closing down. Forty-one states have an abortion ban in place. Doctors have been forced to choose between providing essential care or facing jail time.

“Donald Trump and the GOP have made their goal clear: they want our daughters to have fewer freedoms than generations past. But Democrats refuse to allow that grim vision to become a reality.

“Today, and always, we remain committed to fighting for reproductive freedom. We are determined to restore the protections of Roe and deliver the full access to health care that all women deserve.”

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Joint Leadership Statement on Homeland Security Funding Bill

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Donald Trump promised the American people that his deportation policy would focus on violent felons who are in the country illegally. Instead, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has aggressively targeted American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families.

Kristi Noem and ICE are out of control. Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end.

For weeks, Democrats have pushed House Republicans to adopt strong guardrails and accountability measures, including a judicial warrant requirement, prohibition on the detention and deportation of American citizens, use of excessive force restriction, enhanced training, body camera mandate and mask ban. These common sense measures are designed to ensure that ICE conducts itself like every other law enforcement agency in America.

We have a broken immigration system that should be fixed in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner. Democrats fought for meaningful, reasonable and necessary reforms meant to protect everyday Americans and immigrant families from the administration’s reckless and violent tactics.

Unfortunately, House Republicans have rejected the effort to address the serious concerns raised by the American people about the lawless conduct by ICE. For this reason, we are voting No on the Homeland Security appropriations bill.

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Whip Clark: “I Will Not Rubberstamp the Federal Government’s Use of Political Violence”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) took to the Floor to denounce Republicans' DHS funding bill that fails to protect American communities and instead advances the Trump administration's weaponization of ICE. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"Today is not about ICE funding. Republicans already gave ICE $75 billion. Today is about the fact that we have a mass paramilitary force terrorizing our communities. Republicans had the opportunity in this bill to enact common sense checks on ICE operations. They refused.

"First, they refused to ensure ICE abides by the same laws and procedures as our local and state police. That they're unmasked when on duty. That they actually wear the body cameras. That they wear a nameplate identifying who they are. And that they are held responsible for excessive force.

"Second, the GOP refused to join us in upholding the Constitution. Not only are these arrests warrantless, ICE has now determined they have the right to search your home without a judicial warrant. That is illegal, and it is unconstitutional.

"Third, they refused to make sure that the use of deadly force is always thoroughly investigated.

"When Renee Good was shot to death, Kristi Noem declared her a domestic terrorist within hours. The only investigation Noem was interested in was an investigation into Renee Good's widow. That is not justice. That is not security for the American people.

"Fourth, Republicans refused to agree to the simple concept that American citizens should not be detained and deported. That people going about their business should not be kidnapped because of the color of their skin, or because they’re engaging in peaceful protest.

"Finally, Republicans refused to prioritize the very real work that DHS does in our communities: Stopping fentanyl trafficking. Stopping child trafficking. Stopping cartels.

"DHS is taking those investigators off of those cases and putting them on ICE raids. It is at the expense of our national security.

"When the GOP can't even agree to commonsense guardrails, it is clear this isn't about immigration. This isn't about security. This is about state-sanctioned terror. This is about the political retribution of a vengeful president.

"I will not rubberstamp the federal government's use of political violence against its own people. And I am asking every member to join me in voting no."

To watch the full speech, click HERE.

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Kean Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance College Dormitory Fire Safety

(January 22, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) announced the introduction of the Seton Hall Fire Victims Remembrance Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish and regularly update fire safety standards for college dormitories nationwide. The announcement comes in commemoration of the 26th anniversary of the Boland Hall fire at Seton Hall University on January 19, 2000, which claimed three young lives and injured 58 students and first responders.

“It has been twenty-six years since the Seton Hall University dormitory fire, yet the lessons of that tragedy remain urgent,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Today, we honor the memory of those lost by taking concrete steps to prevent future tragedies and protect today's students nationwide. By establishing clear federal standards and ensuring accountability through public transparency, our bill ensures American universities prioritize lifesaving protections. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside my fellow New Jersey colleague, Congressman Gottheimer, to ensure campus fire safety receives the sustained attention and resources it deserves.”

“Every student deserves to be safe where they live, learn, and sleep,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “Too many families know the unbearable pain of losing a child because of preventable fire safety failures. This bipartisan bill honors the victims of the Seton Hall Bolan Hall fire by taking meaningful action to protect students, save lives, and ensure transparency.”

“Twenty-six years later, the lives of Aaron Karol, Frank Caltabilota, Jr., John Giunta, and the 58 students and first responders who suffered injuries remain permanently etched into our memory at Seton Hall,” said Monsignor Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., Seton Hall University President. “This legislation honors them, reaffirms our commitment to protecting students, and takes steps to ensure that such a tragic loss is never repeated. We are grateful to our elected representatives for recognizing the lasting impact of that day and for standing with our community in remembrance and resolve.”

“January 19, 2000, was a night that forever changed my life,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, Jr. (Seton Hall University Class of 2003). “I survived the Seton Hall fire, and in the aftermath of that night I gained a new appreciation for life. From that moment on, I made a commitment to live each day to the fullest, in honor and in memory of those seriously injured and my three classmates who lost their lives—John, Aaron, and Frank. I carry their memory with me always. With the help of Congressman Kean and his dedicated staff, we can further honor those we lost by turning tragedy into action. Passing this fire safety bill helps ensure that what happened that night will never happen again on any campus across the country.”

“We really appreciate the effort of Congressman Kean and his staff, as well as Congressman Gottheimer, in getting together the Seton Hall Fire Victims Remembrance Act,” said Craig McGraw (Seton Hall University Class of 2005). “The Seton Hall Fire was such a tragic event, and we're grateful there's now a bill on the federal level to help prevent something like this from ever happening again.”

Background:

On January 19, 2000, Seton Hall University students experienced an unspeakable tragedy when a fire erupted in the Boland Hall dormitory at approximately 4:30 am. The fire, which spread rapidly through the third-floor lounge, claimed the lives of three students—Aaron Karol, Frank Caltabilota, Jr., and John Giunta— and injured 58 others, many suffering severe burns. At the time, the dormitory lacked sprinkler systems, and the tragedy exposed critical gaps in fire safety infrastructure nationwide. It was one of the deadliest college fires in recent U.S. history.

In the fire's aftermath, New Jersey became the first state to enact mandatory sprinkler requirements for all college dormitories. Sprinklers were installed across Seton Hall's dormitories by summer 2000, and just months later, a newly installed sprinkler system contained another fire in Boland Hall with no injuries reported. Despite this progress in New Jersey, comprehensive national standards for college dormitory fire safety remain absent.

The Seton Hall Fire Victims Remembrance Act directs the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and fire safety experts, to develop national standards for fire safety suppression systems in dormitories and other residential facilities on college campuses. These standards will be updated every ten years to reflect technological advances and best practices.

The legislation also creates a framework for compliance and accountability:

Within one year of standards being finalized, and every five years after, colleges must assess and report their compliance to the Department of Education

Institutions meeting the standards will receive public designation as “Federally Recognized Fire-Safe Campus”

The Department of Education will publish all institutional assessments and provide technical assistance to help schools achieve compliance

The Secretary of Education and NIST will submit recommendations to Congress on pathways to optimal compliance

A copy of the bill text is available HERE.

Pictured on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, from left to right: Brian Fitzpatrick, Jr. (SHU '03), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), and Craig McGraw (SHU '05).

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Kelly to Health Insurance CEOs: Support the 'Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act'

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, during a Ways & Means Committee hearing, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, called on the CEOS from the nation's top health insurance companies to publicly support his popular bipartisan legislation, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. The legislation would streamline the Medicare Advantage (MA) Prior Authorization process, increase transparency around MA prior authorization, and more life-saving measures.

"If we can avoid the politics and talk about good policy, we can improve health care and lower costs for all Americans," said Rep. Kelly. "Today's hearing with health insurance CEOs highlighted the importance of passing quality bipartisan legislation, including my bill, the 'Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act,' which has nearly 250 co-sponsors. It would modernize and streamline the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process. 33 million Americans, including 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, who rely on Medicare Advantage would greatly benefit from this legislation. I call on these CEOs to support it."

You can watch Rep. Kelly full questioning of the CEOs by clicking here.

The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act has previously passed the Ways & Means Committee on two separate occasions and has also previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bipartisan legislation has 245 co-sponsors.

The legislation would:

Establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.

Increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.

Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.

Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.

Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.

You can find bill text here and a section-by-section here.

Hearing witnesses included:

Stephen Hemsley -- CEO, UnitedHealth Group

David Joyner -- Chairman and CEO, CVS Health

Gail Boudreaux -- President and CEO, Elevance Health

David Cordani -- President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, The Cigna Group

Paul Markovich -- President and CEO, Ascendiun

CVS recently endorsed the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act.


Kelly Statement on Fully Funding the America First Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement after the House passed the remaining appropriations bills and concluded its work on FY26 appropriations:

"By passing the final spending bill for this year's budget earlier this evening, House Republicans have fulfilled our commitment to fully fund our government for the next year, to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, and to make the America First agenda a reality," said Rep. Kelly. "I want to thank Speaker Johnson and our entire leadership team for restoring regular order in the House. By passing all twelve appropriations bills, we are advancing a full-year budget that creates certainty in Washington and for the American people."


During Homeland Security Hearing, Kennedy Presses Administration Officials on ICE Violence and Workforce Diversions

Officials Refuse to Recognize TSA Workers’ Right to Collectively Bargain

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Committee on Homeland Security hearing, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security representatives on the Trump administration’s dangerous immigration enforcement practices, the diversion of critical personnel away from their core missions along the northern border, and the erosion of labor protections for frontline staff.

(Congressman Kennedy’s full remarks here.)

“We know that Secretary Noem has taken thousands of federal personnel from their assigned duties, and this is felt acutely in my community of Western New York,” said Congressman Kennedy. “My district has four bridges that connect New York and Canada. And yet, many of these travel processing booths are empty because Secretary Noem is diverting resources from northern border communities. This drives up costs, takes away good-paying jobs, deters travel with our closest ally to the north, and makes things less safe.”

The reassignment of Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other DHS personnel away from their primary responsibilities to support aggressive domestic immigration enforcement operations has left ports of entry understaffed, slowed lawful travel and commerce, and undermined economic activity with America’s closest ally. These disruptions increase costs for businesses, delay travelers, and threaten jobs that depend on efficient cross-border trade. The hearing raised serious questions about how DHS can fulfill its responsibility to protect aviation systems, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies while experienced staff are pulled away to carry out unrelated interior enforcement missions. Notably, Acting TSA Administrator McNeil admitted that air marshals, put in place following 9/11 to keep mid-air flights safe, have been diverted to provide security for deportation flights, a distraction from their core mission.

In addition, Kennedy highlighted the broader implications of the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, pointing out the glaring absence of ICE leadership from the oversight hearing to answer for inhumane and unconstitutional tactics. Kennedy stressed that meaningful oversight is impossible when those most responsible for controversial and dangerous operations are not required to testify under oath.

During his questioning of TSA leadership, Kennedy pressed for accountability regarding agency staffing decisions and workforce treatment. He concluded his line of questioning by directly asking whether TSA employees should have the right to collectively bargain. Acting Administrator McNeil refused to answer, further underscoring the administration’s anti-labor posture toward frontline workers who are essential to keeping Americans safe.

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Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Homeland Security Funding Bill

"Donald Trump and Kristi Noem have weaponized ICE against the American people. The agency has terrorized communities, operated with impunity, and shown a complete lack of accountability under this administration.

That's why I voted against the Homeland Security appropriations bill. I support responsible border security and the essential work of agencies like FEMA and TSA, but this legislation offers no meaningful reforms to address the unconstitutional abuses by ICE that have resulted in deaths, illegal detentions, and violations of civil liberties.

Accountability is not optional, and constitutional rights are not negotiable. The American people deserve an immigration system that upholds the law and protects human dignity."


Rep. Mullin Votes NO on Department of Homeland Security & ICE Funding

I am a hard NO on Department of Homeland Security and ICE funding today.

The Trump Administration’s deployment of masked, poorly-trained ICE agents into American cities has led to violence, intimidation, and serious violations of Americans’ constitutional rights, including the killing of Renee Good, an unarmed 37-year-old mother of three.

Under Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS is abusing its power and blatantly violating due process. ICE agents are not only going after the “worst of the worst,” as they claim. Instead, they are terrorizing innocent families – undocumented immigrants and citizens alike – and creating fear and chaos in communities across the country.

DHS should not receive another penny while Secretary Noem allows ICE to send agents recklessly into our neighborhoods who operate without accountability or transparency.


Larsen Votes No on More Money for ICE

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting no on the Homeland Security (DHS) Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bill. The bill provides funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), passed the House 220-207, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“The Homeland Security funding bill does not create accountability for ICE’s reckless enforcement agenda that is brutalizing communities in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I voted no and I am demanding that ICE follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency, like obtaining judicial warrants for searches and wearing identification.”

Larsen Demands ICE Oversight and Accountability

Rep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including:

- Prohibiting ICE officers from wearing masks during arrests;

- Requiring ICE officers to be trained in de-escalation;

- Prohibiting masked ICE officers from using restricted equipment, such as tear gas;

- Ending family and child detention;

- Ending DHS’s use of private detention facilities;

- Providing individuals in immigration detention with unlimited communication with legal counsel;

- Repealing the Alien Enemies Act, which President Trump has used to deport immigrants from Venezuela with no due process by accusing them of “invading” the United States; and

- A complete and independent investigation into the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Larsen Supports Funding for Disaster Relief and World Cup

Rep. Larsen supported other provisions of the DHS funding bill that provide significant funding for Northwest Washington priorities and important oversight provisions to ensure local communities receive the funds Congress has appropriated. The bill includes:

- $5.7 billion for FEMA, an increase of $873 million from FY25, including funding for SAFER Grants and Assistance to Firefighter Grants that help bring resources to emergency personnel and firefighters in WA-02.

- $13.52 billion to support the Coast Guard, an increase of $54 million from FY25.

- Significant oversight provisions to ensure that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem spends FEMA funding for disaster response and recovery.

- Directives that prevent FEMA from laying off substantial amounts of its workforce, closing or consolidating FEMA regional offices, or implementing elimination or reorganization plans without an act of Congress.

- New funding to prepare for a safe and secure 2026 FIFA World Cup.

- A 3.8 percent pay raise for air traffic controllers.

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Larson, Horsford, Amo Launch Effort to Hold Commissioner Bisignano Accountable for ‘DOGE’ Data Theft at Social Security, Republicans Block Amendments from Advancing to House Floor

Washington, D.C. - Following new revelations that ‘DOGE’ employees stole sensitive records from Social Security and schemed to hand them over to a MAGA-aligned group trying to overturn elections, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01) introduced amendments to reduce Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano’s salary to $1 unless he immediately removes ‘DOGE’ employees from their databases, hands over all records related to ‘DOGE’ criminal activity at the Social Security Administration and mishandling of private records, and reverses the Trump Administration’s cuts to Social Security. After Ranking Member Larson presented their amendments in front of the House Rules Committee, every Republican on the Committee voted to block the proposal from advancing to the House floor for a vote.

View Ranking Member Larson’s full testimony here.

“For nearly a year, my Democratic colleagues and I have been calling for action to protect Americans’ privacy from Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ minions,” said Larson. “Our Republican colleagues have continued to bury their heads in the sand – even as we learned from a brave whistleblower that 300 million Americans’ records were copied to a vulnerable cloud. Yesterday, we found out from a court filing that ‘DOGE’ staffers traded confidential data on a private server and even schemed to hand over Social Security numbers to a MAGA group trying to undermine elections. On the Trump Administration’s watch, we’ve seen the largest data breach in our nation’s history, and now, ‘DOGE’ stealing records from the American people to support their right-wing agenda. Accountability starts at the top. Our amendments would have forced Commissioner Bisignano to remove ‘DOGE’ from Social Security’s databases and withhold his salary until all records related to the whistleblower report and bombshell court filing are handed over to Congress. Republicans voted in unison to block our efforts, refusing to hold this rogue Administration accountable once again. We cannot let this criminal activity continue to go unchecked. We have legislation to stop their unfettered access – and are demanding the full investigation and prosecution of the ‘DOGE’ members involved in this scheme. We need a vote, and we need it NOW.”

“For more than a year, the American people have watched the reckless negligence of the now-shuttered DOGE and its blatant mishandling of some of the most sensitive personal information our government holds,” said Horsford. “But the Trump Administration’s admission that this amounts to the largest data breach in American history is still staggering—and completely unacceptable. That’s why I’m standing with Ranking Member Larson to introduce three amendments that demand real accountability. Until the full truth is disclosed, the public deserves transparency—not excuses—and ironclad safeguards must be put in place, so this never happens again. The Social Security data of Nevadans and Americans across this country is not a political pawn, and it is not a playground for reckless experiments. People trust their government with their most personal information, and that trust has been violated. The time for accountability is now. Commissioner Bisignano must be held responsible for the damage caused by Elon Musk’s so-called federal agency, and the American people deserve nothing less than full transparency and real protections going forward.”

"We warned from the very beginning that Elon Musk and his DOGE henchmen should never have had access to Americans' Social Security data," said Amo. "We need to continue holding Trump's goons accountable for sharing this data with a group intent on 'overturning' elections and others up to no good. These commonsense amendments would make clear that Americans’ data must be protected, the law must be followed, and the public trust cannot be exploited."


Larson Secures $10.45 Million for Local Infrastructure Projects, Votes for New Investments in Medical Research, Affordable Housing, and Special Education

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for a bipartisan government funding package, which includes $10.45 million for community projects in the First Congressional District, defeats the Trump Administration’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education, restores 'DOGE' cuts to lifesaving medical research, and supports new investments in affordable housing.

“This bipartisan funding package we passed today is a complete and total rebuke of Trump’s attempts to slash everything from medical research to heating assistance for low-income households,” said Larson. “I commend Rosa DeLauro for her leadership in defeating every single one of President Trump and House Republicans’ efforts to undermine these vital services. Together, we reversed their cuts to lifesaving research, defeated his plan to close the Department of Education, and stopped his cuts to affordable housing programs – preventing the eviction of four million families nationwide. I’m proud to both secure the future of these programs and deliver more than $10 million in federal funding to support local infrastructure projects across Connecticut’s First District, including the first playground for kids in Hartland, new streetlights for East Hartford’s historic Main Street, and funding for cutting-edge resources to support our brave firefighters and police officers in Bristol. I will continue to work with our state and local partners to defend the resources families rely on from this reckless administration, support our communities with new investments, and advance solutions to make life more affordable for Connecticut residents.”

The bipartisan funding package provides Fiscal Year 2026 funding for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. Rep. Larson again secured language ensuring no federal funding is used to pursue a costly alternative engine to the Pratt & Whitney F135 as well as increased investments in engine spare production, protecting thousands of Connecticut jobs. He also helped secure a $366 million increase in funding for Homelessness Assistance Grants, which support programs at Mercy Housing and Shelter, the Community Renewal Team, and the YWCA of Hartford. Rep. Larson also secured $10.45 million in funding for the following First District projects:

$4.85 million for the Town of East Hartford to replace streetlights and refurbish historic buildings on Main Street, expand the Hockanum Linear Park Trail, and support a new fire station

$3.15 million for the Bristol Fire and Police Department to construct an active-shooter training facility, including an indoor shooting range and a Candidate Physical Agility Test Center

$1.95 million for the City of Hartford to improve stormwater drainage systems in the North End, restore the Hartford Public Library after it was flooded in 2022, continue to build the Hartline trail by linking Market Street to Edwards Street

$250,000 for the Town of Hartland to construct the town’s first and only playground, to be accessible to children of all abilities

$250,000 to fund the design and early development of the new CTRA Magnet Middle School for Hartford-area students

Larson and his Democratic colleagues defeated the Trump Administration’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education, restored cuts to lifesaving medical research, and secured new funding for affordable housing.

“My daughter lives with Cystic Fibrosis and because of the NIH, my daughter is able to take a lifesaving modulator that without the hard work of the scientists, researchers, and medical professionals who played a role in the development and testing of that medication, she wouldn’t otherwise have access to,” said Berlin resident, Kara Satalino. “We are extremely lucky that she has benefitted from the work of the NIH and will forever be grateful for their dedication to the research and development of medications and lifesaving therapies for my daughter and so many others who rely on their work!”

“HUD Continuum of Care funding allows providers in Greater Hartford to offer shelter, case management, and permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, including individuals with disabilities and families with children,” said Kara A. Capone, Chief Executive Officer of Community Housing Advocates, Inc. “Without it, the entire homeless service system collapses. This change ensures that even when federal funds are delayed, services will continue and our most vulnerable citizens won’t lose housing or support. We are incredibly grateful to Rep. Larson and the rest of the CT delegation for helping to ensure providers can maintain staff, operate programs, and continue helping people achieve long-term stability and success.”

The bipartisan funding package:

Increases funding by $415 million for the National Institutes of Health, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, ALS, diabetes, and Cystic Fibrosis research – rejecting President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s across-the-board cuts to lifesaving medical research and clinical trials.

Rejects President Trump and Secretary McMahon’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education, preserving student support programs and increasing funding for special education by $23 million.

Provides $150 million for Full-Service Community Schools, including a program in Hartford that serves over 20,000 students across four local school districts.

Sustains rental assistance to prevent the eviction of 4 million low-income families, defeating the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts, and increases funding by $130 million to support affordable housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

Provides a $366 million increase in homeless assistance grant funding, while adjusting the Continuum of Care (CoC) program administration to ensure community homelessness assistance partners in Connecticut aren’t subjected to catastrophic lapses in funding by the Trump Administration.

Provides $1.8 billion for Job Corps, $395 million for the Senior Community Service Employment for Older Americans Program, and $1.3 billion for AmeriCorps programs, protecting national service and job training programs the Trump Administration tried to eliminate.

Increases funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that serves over 100,000 Connecticut households, rejecting President Trump’s call to end federal home heating assistance.


Larson Votes to End Unauthorized Trump Military Operation Against Venezuela

“Our troops should not be sent abroad to fight another forever war so Donald Trump and his Big Oil benefactors can make a few quick bucks,” said Larson. “When Dick Cheney said ‘the oil will pay for it’ about Iraq, a misguided war that I opposed, we saw how that turned out for America and the Middle East. I was proud to join my colleagues to hold this reckless administration accountable for their illegal military action against Venezuela – which President Trump has said is ‘all about the oil.’ Today’s vote was a step in the right direction – Democrats were united, but too many Republicans sided with President Trump to reassert our war powers as a Congress. Americans have made it clear – they don’t want their hard-earned dollars wasted on a never-ending conflict.”

Earlier this month, Larson and Ways and Means Democrats wrote to oil executives, putting them on notice that if they collude with Trump to profit off of his “takeover” of Venezuela, they own the moral and legal consequences of that deal. Larson is also cosponsoring three other war powers resolutions, H.J.Res. 126, H.Con.Res. 51, and H.Con.Res. 61, in response to the Trump Administration's unilateral strikes targeting boats off the coast of Venezuela. In December, he voted for two resolutions to end the unauthorized strikes and prevent hostilities against Venezuela prior to President Trump’s operation.


Ranking Members Larson, Neal, Morelle, and Garcia Call to Investigate ‘DOGE’ Data Theft from Social Security, Vow to Launch New Inquiry into Musk Scheme to Share Records with MAGA Election Subversion Group

Washington, D.C. - Today, following this week’s bombshell court filing, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01), Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), and Oversight and Accountability Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (CA-42) announced House Democrats’ response to demand accountability for ‘DOGE’ data theft, including their scheme to hand over sensitive Social Security information, to a MAGA-aligned group trying to overturn elections.

View the full press conference here.

“For months, I have sounded the alarm on the danger ‘DOGE’ poses to Americans’ privacy and security,” said Ranking Member Larson. “The newest court filing that came out this week just how dire the situation is – and why Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ minions have been after your personal records. We have now learned that ‘DOGE’ not only traded private records on a private server, but they also schemed to hand over records to a MAGA group trying to overturn election results for Donald Trump and even sent confidential information from Social Security directly to Elon Musk’s top lieutenant. Every elected official and every American citizen should be screaming from the roof tops to demand accountability. Democrats will not stand by and let these criminal abuses of power go unchecked. House Democrats, across multiple committees, will be working together to fully investigate this violation of the public trust and get the answers the American people deserve. We will not let our Republican colleagues run and hide from the largest data breach in our nation’s history – on their watch.”

"When Ways and Means Democrats warned about the dangers of unvetted DOGE access to Social Security data, this is exactly what we feared,” said Ranking Member Neal. “Privacy is next to liberty in the American value set, and illegally copying Americans’ personal data onto unauthorized servers for the purpose of election interference is a five-alarm fire that demands immediate investigation and accountability. While House Republicans continue to ignore this crisis, I am grateful to Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John Larson for leading the fight for answers and to safeguard Americans’ most sacred promise: Social Security."

“Congressman Larson has been sounding the alarm about this for months. He was right. This Administration and its lawless DOGE lackeys are abusing Americans’ most sensitive information to violate Americans’ most precious right: the right to vote,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “This isn’t some far off D.C. problem – this affects real people. Social Security data in the wrong hands can be used to discount your vote. It can be used to challenge voters, purge voter rolls, and spread lies that undermine confidence in our elections. We cannot, and will not, let this go unchallenged.”

“Oversight Democrats have been investigating the Social Security Administration’s mishandling of Americans’ data for months, and the agency has finally acknowledged it lied about what DOGE was doing with highly sensitive information. These new findings raise serious concerns about whether the Social Security Administration has been fully honest with the court about how sensitive personal information was compromised. Oversight Democrats will continue our investigation to determine whether Americans’ data was exploited or weaponized and will not stop until the full scope of the wrongdoing is exposed,” said Ranking Member Garcia.


Lawler Advances Final FY26 Appropriations Package, Delivers Pay Raises for Troops, Public Safety, and Major Investments for NY-17

Washington, D.C. – 1/22/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, a bipartisan funding package that includes the final four appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026: Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, as well as additional Health Extender provisions.

The legislation strengthens national security, supports American workers and families, protects vulnerable communities, and delivers significant investments directly to the Hudson Valley.

“Finishing the appropriations process matters. It brings stability, it gives agencies the certainty they need to operate effectively, and it shows that Congress can still function when we focus on results. That’s what I’ve pushed for every step of the way, and that’s why I supported this final appropriations package,” said Congressman Lawler.

“This package includes a well-earned pay raise for our servicemembers, investments in public safety and infrastructure, and improvements to the World Trade Center Health Program for 9/11 responders and survivors, and protections for local safety-net hospitals, and extending AGOA and HOPE/HELP to support economic growth and global stability. I’m proud to support this last effort to fully fund the government for 2026,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

Key provisions of this package include:

Delivering for the Hudson Valley: The bill includes Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Lawler and additional New York projects, including:

$2.6 million for a new Rockland County Sheriff’s training facility;

$5 million for the Town of Clarkstown and the Nanuet Transit-Oriented Development;

$5 million for sidewalks in Ramapo;

$1.3 million for sidewalks in Orangetown;

$4 million for Village of New Square road infrastructure;

$1 million for Memorial Drive reconstruction in the Village of Suffern;

$99,000 for a Town-Wide Drainage Study in Ossining;

$1,000,000 for Bus Transit in the Village of Kaser;

$500,000 for Ready Transit in the Town of Ramapo; and

$534,000 for the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison.

Implements Patient-First Healthcare policies: The Health Extenders portion raises the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cap for safety net hospitals with significant Medicaid and Medicare dual eligible patients; eliminates previously authorized DSH cuts for two years; provides Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests; improves the formula for funding the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP); authorizes mental health providers to provide certain evaluations under the WTCHP; and authorizes the FDA to direct companies to study combinations of pediatric cancer drugs and therapies.

Supporting Our Troops and National Security: The Defense portion provides $839.2 billion to maintain America’s military strength and readiness, including a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers; investments to strengthen U.S. defense manufacturing capacity through a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network; additional resources to support servicemembers and their families.

Securing the Homeland and Protecting Communities: The Homeland Security portion provides $64.4 billion to protect the homeland and strengthen border security, disaster response, and public safety. It also includes $300 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide security for churches, synagogues, and other faith-based and community institutions; $684 million for AFG and SAFER grants to recruit, train, and equip firefighters; and funding to strengthen air, land, and maritime border security infrastructure.

Investing in Health Care, Seniors, and Workforce Skills: The Labor-Health and Human Services-Education portion provides $221 billion to prioritize core health and education needs, including increased funding for the Social Security Administration to improve customer service for seniors; $1.9 billion for community health centers, supporting care in underserved communities; a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to help families afford home energy costs; $12.4 billion for Head Start, supporting school readiness for low-income children; and continued support for career and technical education and community colleges.

Building Safer Transportation and Supporting Housing: The Transportation-Housing and Urban Development portion provides $102.9 billion to prioritize safety and improve essential services, including a $1.588 billion increase for the FAA to modernize air traffic control; resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers; and $2.427 billion for Amtrak, supporting reliable passenger rail service, especially in the Northeast.

Reauthorizes critical trade programs to stimulate the economy: The package includes reauthorizations of two preferential trade programs - HOPE/HELP for Haiti and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). HOPE/HELP strengthens and stabilizes economic development in Haiti and provides a necessary boost to industries during the political crises. AGOA is the foundation of our relationship with so many African countries and helps to counter the malign influence of China and Russia.

The package now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The full list of appropriations investments can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Rep. Mike Levin Votes No on 2026 Homeland Security Funding Bill Over Failure to Rein in ICE

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement on his vote against the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill due to the exclusion of guardrails on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the legislation:

“Congress cannot continue writing blank checks to any federal agency that fails to meet basic standards of accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights.

“I want to be clear at the outset: the vast majority of law enforcement officers, including our local police and sheriffs, serve their communities with professionalism and integrity. They earn public trust every day by following clear rules, respecting due process, and accepting oversight.

“Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for ICE under the direction of DHS Secretary Noem. Multiple documented incidents have raised serious concerns about ICE’s conduct. We have seen repeated cases involving excessive force, mistaken detentions, and enforcement actions affecting U.S. citizens and lawful residents. At the same time, ICE continues to operate with fewer safeguards than most major law-enforcement agencies.

“In response, we have proposed straightforward, commonsense accountability measures: requiring judicial warrants for home entries, setting clear limits on use of force, mandating body-worn cameras, and explicitly prohibiting the detention or deportation of U.S. citizens. These are standard professional practices across law enforcement and are rooted in the Constitution.

“Every one of these protections was rejected by Republican leadership.

“ICE was created after September 11 to strengthen national security and public safety. That mission depends on public trust and strict adherence to the law. When an agency operates without adequate guardrails or oversight, it undermines both.

“DHS is responsible for other critical functions that I fully support, including disaster response, port and border security, and cybersecurity. But Congress also has a duty to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to excuse misconduct or evade accountability.

“My position is simple: federal agencies must follow the law and operate transparently. Until meaningful safeguards are in place, I will not support funding that enables ICE to operate without proper oversight.

“Congress must insist on reforms that restore professionalism, accountability, and public confidence. This legislation does not do that, and that is why I oppose it.”

Background About Rep. Levin’s Actions on Immigration

Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has taken action to reform our nation’s immigration system, protect communities, and strengthen border security. His actions include signing four amicus briefs regarding birthright citizenship and data sharing for immigration enforcement to push back against the Trump Administration; conducting oversight visits to ICE detention facilities; and championing bills that would tackle our nation’s immigration and border challenges. Those bills include:

The Dignity Act is a comprehensive bipartisan immigration package that would expand enforcement at the border in exchange for increased pathways to legal status and substantive changes to our nation’s immigration system.

The American Dream and Promise Act would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. It would establish a permanent resident status for Dreamers for 10 years and grant individuals with TPS or DED a full lawful permanent resident status.

The American Families United Act would provide the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security the power to prevent the deportation of certain individuals if such a deportation would result in hardship for that individual’s American citizen spouse, parent, or child.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would improve the H-2A visa program, establish a new Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status, and provide support for farmers and farmworkers.

The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act would strengthen the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion and limits the broad executive authority to issue future travel bans.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act would make comprehensive reforms to our nation's immigration detention system by ending the use of private, for-profit detention facilities, prohibiting the practice of detaining families, repealing mandatory detention, and increasing oversight, accountability, and transparency of the immigration detention system.

The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act would establish clear standards on the use of force by federal immigration enforcement, limit the use of face coverings and specific crowd control equipment, and require the use of body and vehicle cameras during enforcement activities.

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Congressman Sam Liccardo Announces More than $14 Million in Federal Funding for Santa Clara and San Mateo County Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House passed a bipartisan funding bill that includes $10,995,144 that Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) secured for critical local priorities, including affordable housing, homelessness response, coastal resilience, and infrastructure improvements across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. This adds to the more than $3.2 million in local projects that Congressman Liccardo announced last week.

The more than $14 million in Community Project Funding investments support 15 projects throughout the district.

“Even with Washington at its most dysfunctional, we keep pushing to bring local taxpayer dollars back home,” said Liccardo. “These investments reach every corner of our district—supporting affordable housing, tackling homelessness, strengthening our resilience, and bolstering public safety. Local leaders pointed us toward our needs, and I’m proud we delivered.”

Santa Clara County, CA

$2,000,000 for Mountain View’s Evelyn Avenue Affordable Housing Project

Supports construction of a five-story development with 143 permanent affordable housing units for low-income households, in partnership with Charities Housing.

$1,145,144 for the City of Mountain View’s Charleston Slough Tide Gates Improvement Project

Improves flood protection and environmental management of a sensitive coastal waterway, reducing flood risk for Mountain View and Palo Alto.

“Thank you to Congressman Sam Liccardo for securing federal funding that will result in more affordable housing and lessen the flood risk in Mountain View. This federal investment for the Evelyn Avenue Affordable Housing Development at 57 – 67 E. Evelyn Avenue will result in new housing for low-income individuals and those experiencing homelessness. The replacement of the tide gate system at Charleston Slough will reduce the risk of flooding during significant storms. We are grateful for Congressman Liccardo’s leadership, which made federal funding for these two major projects possible.” – Mayor Emily Ann Ramos.

$2,000,000 for San José’s Seismic and Climate Resiliency Rental Unit Preservation Financing Program

Establishes low-interest financing to help preserve naturally affordable rental housing, support seismic retrofits, and improve energy efficiency for lower-income renters.

$850,000 for Palo Alto’s Fire Station #4 Project

Funds construction of a modern fire station designed to meet community needs and to continue to provide emergency services during major disasters.

$250,000 for Campbell’s Priority Development Area Enhancements Project

Improves walkability, bicycle and transit access, and streetscape conditions in Downtown Campbell and surrounding neighborhoods.

“The City of Campbell is grateful for our partnership with Congressman Liccardo and his staff that allows us to find ways to impact our community. Project funding for this important improvement will greatly improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety at a heavily used intersection in downtown Campbell.” – Brian Loventhal, Campbell City Manager

$200,000 for Los Gatos’ West Valley Mobile Navigation Center Van

Deploys a mobile navigation center delivering essential services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the West Valley.

"Meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors with dignity, care, and creativity is how communities like Los Gatos make real progress on homelessness. The crisis of homelessness is one of the defining challenges of our time. The West Valley Mobile Navigation Van provides a solution that brings critical services directly to people where they are. The residents of Los Gatos are deeply grateful to Congressman Liccardo for advancing this innovative, compassionate approach that will care for people across the West Valley." - Los Gatos Mayor Rob Moore

San Mateo County, CA

$2,000,000 for Pacifica School District’s Workforce Housing Project

Creates up to 70 new housing units in Pacifica, with at least 45 designated as below-market-rate workforce housing for teachers and school staff.

"We are thrilled to receive ($2,000,000) in federal funding for the Pacifica School District Workforce Housing Project. In a region where housing costs are a significant barrier, this award allows us to move forward with a project that provides security for our staff and strengthens the entire Pacifica community. This federal investment in our workforce housing, we are directly investing in the stability of our classrooms. Our educators are the heart of our community, and this funding helps ensure they can afford to live in the very neighborhoods where they teach. We thank our federal partners for recognizing and supporting this vital need." – Dr. Carisa J. Bowman, Pacifica School District’s Interim Superintendent

$1,200,000 for San Mateo County’s Strengthening Coastal Resilience Project

Supports infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness to ensure critical coastal infrastructure remains operational during extreme weather events.

“Adam Rak, the Chair of C/CAG, thanks Congressman Liccardo for securing federal funding to strengthen transportation safety and emergency preparedness along the San Mateo County coast. This investment will help keep critical intersections operating and improve public safety during power outages, evacuations, and other emergency events.”

$850,000 for San Mateo County’s Mirada Road Resiliency Project

Strengthens roadway and rock slope protection to prevent wave overtopping and repairs storm damaged road.

“The Mirada Road Resiliency Project will focus on long-term fixes to protect Mirada Road from flooding, erosion, and wave damage that have caused problems for years. Thanks to funding secured by Congressman Liccardo, we can now study and design solutions that will make the road and coastline stronger and better able to handle major storms. This includes reinforcing the road and stabilizing the nearby cliffs and rocks,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller. “These upgrades will help keep a vital road open and safe, support local tourism, and protect a key and popular stretch of the California Coastal Trail, along with access to Surfer’s Beach and Miramar Beach.”

$250,000 for the Woodside’s Mountain Home Road Bridge Replacement Project

Fully replaces a deteriorating bridge that provides residents critical access to Highways 84 and 280, particularly for emergency access and evacuation.

$250,000 for the Half Moon Bay’s Eastside Parallel Trail, Segment 2 Project

Expands and improves Coastside trail connections while enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety.

For more Community Project Funding information, see here.

About Community Project Funding:


Rep. Nancy Mace Calls Out Hypocrisy, Media Silence, And Failure To Protect Victims During Clinton Contempt Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 22, 2026) – During yesterday’s House Oversight Committee hearing on holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for ignoring a Congressional subpoena to appear in front of the House Oversight Committee, Congresswoman Nancy Mace delivered searing remarks condemning political hypocrisy, media silence, and a justice system which fails victims of sex trafficking, abuse, and violent crimes.

Rep. Mace forcefully rejected efforts to selectively apply the phrase “no one is above the law,” noting she was the only member of the committee who has held both Republicans and Democrats in contempt for defying congressional subpoenas.

But her remarks went far beyond Washington politics.

Drawing directly from real cases in South Carolina, Rep. Mace detailed how predators are repeatedly released, prosecutions are declined, and victims, especially women and children. are left unprotected.

“This is not political. This is personal,” Rep. Mace said. “We’re talking about children, girls as young as 14, being assaulted and trafficked by wealthy and powerful people. This should be nonpartisan.”

Media Blackout Following Charleston Press Conference

Rep. Mace also highlighted a media blackout following a press conference she held last week in Charleston with more than a dozen mothers whose children were put at risk by prosecutorial failures.

Despite the gravity of the cases mentioned by Rep. Mace, involving convicted pedophiles, repeat violent offenders, and victims who were later murdered, local media outlets failed to cover the event.

After her press conference, Rep. Mace revealed, a young child came forward, recognized one of the offenders discussed, and filed a police report the same day after alleging he had followed them in a park the week prior.

Watch Rep. Mace’s first remarks from the Oversight Committee hearing here:

https://youtu.be/AaL1zZNuKyc?si=6g-z5fCsNPH-DiLV

Accountability for Judges and Prosecutors

In a second video clip from the hearing, Rep. Mace addressed her calls to impeach corrupt judges who repeatedly release repeat, dangerous offenders. Rep. Mace noted she has publicly called for the impeachment of judges multiple times and has been threatened with contempt and jail time for speaking out, illustrating the kangaroo courts in South Carolina.

“This is what happens when people speak out in South Carolina, they are told to be quiet, told not to talk,” Mace said. “And therefore, I will not back down. Will continue to speak up. And I yield to no man who seeks to silence the truth.”

She also entered her Preventing Prosecutors from Protecting Predators Act of 2026 into the congressional record, underscoring her continued push to close legal loopholes and strengthen protections for women and children.

Watch Rep. Mace’s second remarks from the Oversight Committee hearing here:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/04RQrJ2tJd4

FULL TRANSCRIPT — VIDEO CLIP 1

House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaL1zZNuKyc

00:00

“I have a number of documents I would like to enter into the record this morning with unanimous consent. First of all, I want to ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop playing politics with justice. Not a single one of you voted for your own party to be held in contempt.

00:15

I'm the only member of this body, of this committee that has held both Republicans and Democrats alike in contempt for defying a congressional subpoena. So, the hypocrisy is real. And I don't want to hear anyone on the other side of the aisle say no one is above the law here on this. This is we're talking about human trafficking, sex trafficking.

00:36

We're talking about children, girls as young as 14 being assaulted, being trafficked by wealthy and powerful people. This is not political. This is personal. This should be nonpartisan. We should be working on this together. And it's incredible that we're politicizing rape. We're politicizing sex trafficking, are politicizing this entire Epstein thing, and it it just as a survivor I'm telling you it should not be, and I've done a lot of work

01:03

Mr. Chairman, in advocacy and writing legislation for victims of abuse, male female and children, man, woman and child. South Carolina, my home state Mr. Chairman, has a huge problem with all sorts of violent crimes, but sex trafficking in my state is up by over 400%. We have domestic violence in our state where you can't get a trial. And there was a case last year where a woman two years ago was kidnapped by her boyfriend, beaten to a pulp, perfaceious beaten.

01:35

Two years after he kidnapped her and beat her, he murdered her on Mother's Day because our local solicitor refused to prosecute that case. And I have rogue solicitors and prosecutors and attorney general who aren't doing anything to protect the people of South Carolina, women and children especially. Recently my attorney general prosecuted a case against convicted pedophile Donald Gresh.

02:02

Donald Gresh was convicted of having 1,900 images of toddlers as young as three being raped by animals. Donald Gresh, under the prosecution of my attorney general, Alan Wilson, served one day in jail. One day. Donald Gresh, isn't the only pedophile, convicted pedophile that we prosecute like that. My attorney general, Alan Wilson, prosecuted this case. This is Travis Reed Gaye.

02:32

Well, the other thing, too, is that Donald Gresh, he was facing 60 years in jail. Got one day. Travis Reed Gaye was facing 70 years, seven charges in 70 years in jail in South Carolina. My attorney general prosecuted this case. He plead guilty in November. Didn't serve any time. He got probation. He violated his probation 11 days later.

02:54

And if he violated his probation, he was to serve time in jail. The magistrate or judge probably didn't have a law degree. Let him out hours later. He has not served any required time for this kind of thing. And I did a press conference with a bunch of moms, over a dozen moms last week in Charleston, South Carolina, and there was a local media blackout.

03:20

I asked, was it my attorney general who prosecuted this case and left this pedophile out on the streets? Was he the one that led the media blackout? Well, I want my attorney general in my state to know that a young child came forward after seeing my press conference and recognized this man.

03:36

She filed a police report the same day because he allegedly followed her in a park the week before. This is Scott Spivey, killed, shot with a bullet in the back, shot at 17 times, not prosecuted by my attorney general. So, I'm going to ask unanimous consent, Mr. Chairman, to enter those three images into the record. This is Weldon Boyd.

04:00

This is Scott Spivey's killer who shot him in the back and has never really been investigated or prosecuted for that killing in South Carolina. I would like to enter that into the record. Mr. Chairman,

without objection to order. >>

04:21

This is Logan Federico. She was executed a year ago by a man named Alexander Dickey. Alexander Dickey was a convicted criminal. He had 39 arrests, 25 felony charges. He executed this beautiful 22-year-old daughter of Steven Federico in cold blood after stealing a gun. If her killer, Alexander Dickey, hadn't been let out by a rogue magistrate or judge or a prosecutor, solicitor that didn't care, she would be alive today.

04:46

Mr. Chairman, I would like to enter her image and her killer's image into the record.

Without objection to order, >>

05:05

I have another image. This is Eric Bowman. Eric Bowman beat his wife and has been alleged and is being investigated for other abuses against women and potentially underage girls. He was just let out free, Mr. Chairman, out of jail in South Carolina. He is a predator. I have reported him to law enforcement. He's under investigation, but I have written bill after bill about predators like Eric Bowman about voyeurism, about these sort of criminal sexual allegations. I would like to enter his image into the record

without objection to. >>

FULL TRANSCRIPT — VIDEO CLIP 2

Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/04RQrJ2tJd4

00:00

“Through the Epstein thing. This is a tweet that I did about judges. I learned that, you know, not all the judges have been forthcoming with information and files. I tweeted out on November 28th, impeach corrupt judges, especially South Carolina judges. I've done this about a dozen times or more.

00:15

I'm guilty as charged the uh last week an attorney named Robert Merting. I would like to enter his image into the record, too,

without objection so ordered. >>

He is trying to hold me in contempt and told a judge I'd be should be thrown in jail for among other things tweeting out that judges should be held, that that judges should uh be impeached.

00:32

This is what happens to survivors. This is what happens to victims. Um and >> and I'm sorry I would like to enter my predator bill into into unanimous consent as well

without objection so ordered. >>

And thank you.

BACKGROUND

Rep. Mace has led nonpartisan efforts to strengthen protections for victims of abuse, combat sex trafficking, and ensure accountability for those who abuse power, regardless of political affiliation. Her remarks underscore a central message: justice is not a partisan tool, and survivors deserve action, not excuses.

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Magaziner Statement on the Passing of Former RI Rep. Anthony DeLuca

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Anthony DeLuca, a leader with courage and humility, who made a tremendous difference for our state. I had an opportunity to work closely with Anthony and Sylvia as a board member of Marriage Equality Rhode Island. At a time when it was difficult for people of his generation to speak out for equality, Anthony’s voice never wavered. I am grateful for the difference he made as a Councilman, Representative and moral leader for our state.”


Malliotakis Bill to Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs Passes House

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) applauded the House passage of the bipartisan Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, the final appropriations package needed to responsibly fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes reforms she long-advocated for to rein in pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and lower prescription drug costs.

Since taking office, Congresswoman Malliotakis has been a vocal advocate for reining in predatory pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and reforms from legislation she sponsored are included in this appropriations package. She has hosted roundtables, held press conferences, and has written an op-ed highlighting the urgent need for PBM reform. This will have a positive impact on lowering drug prices especially for all Americans, especially for seniors who receive their drug coverage on Medicare. These reforms will help bring down the price of medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, pain management, and mental health conditions.

The reforms included would remove a perverse incentive that ties the price of a drug to PBM profits and instead require a flat fee in Medicare, which has driven up prescription drug prices. It also requires all drug rebates and discounts to be passed directly back to employers and their workers, strengthen patient access to local and independent pharmacies, and increase transparency so employers and consumers can better understand how drug pricing decisions are made. Together, these reforms hold PBMs accountable, protect small pharmacies, and help lower prescription drug costs for patients and families.

“Today, the House took bipartisan action to responsibly fund the remaining agencies of the federal government and crack down on the exploitative pricing tactics of pharmacy benefit managers—taking a major step toward real reform of a system that has driven prescription drug prices to record levels,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “PBMs' exploitative practices have left patients with skyrocketing prescription drug costs and have driven many independently owned ‘Mom & Pop’ pharmacies out of business throughout the country. Today, Congress has taken the necessary action to ensure these predatory practices through insurance companies are finally reined in so we can continue our work to drive down costs for patients.”

PBM Reforms Included:

Sec. 6224. Delinking PBM Compensation from Drug Prices (Medicare Part D)

This section restructures how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are compensated in Medicare Part D by prohibiting compensation arrangements that are tied to the list price of drugs. Instead, PBM payments would be required to reflect flat fees or other price-neutral arrangements. This also establishes new transparency requirements in PBM-plan contracts, including standardized definitions, enhanced reporting to plan sponsors, and audit rights.

Sec. 6702. Full Rebate Pass-Through for Employers

This provision mandates that PBMs remit 100 percent of all rebates, price concessions, and other remuneration received from manufacturers to the employer or sponsor of a group health plan. PBMs may still negotiate a separate flat administrative fee with the plan, but it cannot retain any portion of the manufacturer rebates. Plan fiduciaries are protected from liability if they unknowingly failed to comply because of a PBM’s failure to remit, provided they took reasonable steps to verify compliance and notified the Secretary of Labor upon discovery of the failure.

Sec. 6223. Pharmacy Access and Choice

This will strengthen beneficiary access to pharmacies by reinforcing “any willing pharmacy” principles in Medicare Part D. This would codify the existing regulatory requirement that PBM and plan contract terms be “reasonable and relevant,” with CMS directed to set standards to ensure pharmacy participation in Part D pharmacy networks is not restricted through contract design. These provisions are intended to improve access for beneficiaries and address concerns raised by independent pharmacies.

Sec. 6701. PBM Reporting to Group Health Plan Sponsors

This requires PBMs to provide detailed, semi-annual reports to sponsors of group health plans (employers and other plan administrators) that detail rebates, fees, and alternative discounts received by the PBM from drug manufacturers for each drug on the plan’s formulary, spread pricing arrangements, and rationale when higher-cost drugs are listed on formularies over lower-cost alternatives.


Rep. Celeste Maloy Elected Chair of Congressional Western Caucus

Yesterday, Representative Celeste Maloy (R, UT-02) was elected by unanimous consent to serve as Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, the largest caucus in the House.

Rep. Maloy assumes leadership of the Western Caucus following the passing of former Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), whose tireless advocacy for rural America left an indelible mark on the Caucus and the communities it serves.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected Chair of the Western Caucus,” said Rep. Maloy. “The trust my colleagues have placed in me, especially as I step into the figuratively and literally large shoes of the late Chairman Doug LaMalfa, is not lost on me. Doug was a relentless champion for rural America, and filling his shoes, along with those of the leaders who came before him, is a tall order but it’s one I am ready to attack with everything I have.”

Under Rep. Maloy's leadership, the Western Caucus will continue its mission to advance policies that strengthen rural economies, protect natural resources, defend property rights, and ensure energy independence. While the Caucus bears the Western name, its reach extends nationwide.

"The Western Caucus name may suggest the West, but our mission is national," Rep. Maloy emphasized. "Rural America and natural resources live in every state, and I will lead this Caucus with urgency, strength, and grit to ensure those communities are heard, defended, and never ignored."

The Congressional Western Caucus represents members from across the country who are committed to fighting for the priorities of rural Americans, including responsible land management, agricultural vitality, infrastructure development, and economic opportunity in communities often overlooked by Washington.

Industry leaders spoke in support of the new leadership.

“CRES congratulates Rep. Maloy as the next chair of the Congressional Western Caucus,” said Heather Reams, President and CEO Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. “Rep. Maloy is a true champion of all-of-the-above energy as well as western and rural American issues. CRES is proud to call her a friend and now Chair of the Western Caucus!”

Melissa Simpson, president of Western Energy Alliance and board member of the Western Caucus Foundation, said, “Rep. Maloy has come into Congress and demonstrated a matchless ability to wade deep into complex issues unique to the West. She became an instant leader on public lands policies related to energy development, land management, and water authority. From her time at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service where we first met, I’ve been impressed with her passion to serve people working the land to benefit their families and our nation. She goes to work with a smile and grace and with unflinching grit and determination. It’s no wonder she earned the respect of her colleagues, and we’re pleased she’s the new chairwoman of Western Caucus.”

Rep. Maloy's election as Chair positions her to be a powerful voice for rural communities at a critical time when these areas face unique challenges and opportunities in energy development, natural resource management, and economic growth.


BLM Approves Northern Corridor Highway Plan in Southern Utah

Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management approved the construction of the Northern Corridor, advancing a long-delayed transportation project critical to Washington County’s growing communities.

The project will connect Washington Parkway and Red Hills Parkway, allowing traffic to bypass downtown St. George and improving safety and travel time for residents throughout southern Utah. The decision also expands protected lands, adding thousands of acres of desert tortoise habitat and preserving popular recreation areas.

The Northern Corridor fulfills a requirement established by Congress in 2009, when it created the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and directed the Secretary of the Interior to preserve a northern transportation route across federal land. The approved corridor reflects years of planning and environmental review and was designed to address traffic congestion while minimizing impacts to public lands and wildlife habitat.

“I’ve worked on this issue for over a decade—first as a deputy county attorney in Washington County, then as a congressional staffer, and finally as a member of Congress,” said Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R, UT-02). “This decision is the result of decades of work, research, collaboration, and dedication on the part of a long list of elected officials in Washington County. After years of study and careful planning, a solution is now in place. The Northern Corridor balances conservation with the transportation needs of a fast-growing region. I’m grateful to local officials, the BLM, and the Trump administration for working together to move this project forward.”

Congressman Bruce Westerman (R, AR-04), chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said, “The Northern Corridor is a long-overdue and vital infrastructure project for the residents of St. George and this announcement from the Bureau of Land Management is a major win for Utahns. I’d like to applaud Representative Maloy for her steadfast leadership on this issue, including hosting the Committee for a field hearing in her district last Congress to bring attention to this problem.”

Approval of the right-of-way restores the original transportation plan contemplated by Congress and provides long-term certainty for local communities, public land managers, and conservation partners as the region continues to grow.

State and local leaders praised the decision as a long-awaited step forward.

“The Northern Corridor will improve local traffic, while providing significant protections for the Mojave Desert Tortoise and safeguard popular recreation areas from potential development on nearby lands,” said Redge Johnson, director of the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office. “This decision marks a breakthrough for a planning process that has held the county’s needs hostage for far too long.”

Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow stated, “Washington County is so pleased with the Trump Administration and its work that led to the federal decision announced today. This plan is the only feasible way to balance conservation and provide for our county’s transportation and recreation needs.”


Statement from Representative John W. Mannion on Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill

Renee Good should be alive. There are families in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley that have been torn apart. American citizens and people who are here legally have been terrorized by armed federal agents. Congress must confront the politicization of ICE as its tactics and mission grow more aggressive and increasingly at odds with the constitution, due process, civil rights, and the rule of law. This legislation does not do enough to ensure the safety of our communities or reign in this Administration’s efforts to deploy masked federal agents against Americans in their own neighborhoods.


MATSUI STATEMENT ON VOTES AGAINST DHS AND DOD FUNDING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after voting against funding bills for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD).

“Today, I voted NO on funding the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense because I will not bankroll lawlessness or abuse of power carried out in Donald Trump’s name. When agencies entrusted with protecting the public terrorize communities and trample constitutional rights, Congress has a responsibility to draw a hard line.

“Under Kristi Noem's leadership, DHS and ICE have unleashed a campaign of intimidation and violence that has made daily life feel dangerous for families across this country, including in Sacramento. Children are afraid to go to school. Parents are afraid to buy groceries. Neighbors are afraid to leave their homes. That is not public safety. It is fear as a governing strategy, and it has no place in a democracy.

“At the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth has overseen unilateral military actions carried out without transparency or accountability to Congress. That kind of unchecked power puts our service members at risk, invites escalation abroad, and erodes the constitutional balance that keeps our democracy secure.”

“Oversight is not optional. The Constitution is not negotiable. Sacramentans and communities across this country deserve national security that follows the law and is rooted in basic human dignity. I will continue to use every tool I have to hold Donald Trump's administration accountable.”

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Former Special Counsel Jack Smith: "Powerful Evidence" That Georgia Election Fraud Claims Were False

On Thursday, January 22, Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified to Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) and the House Judiciary Committee about the facts of his investigation into false claims by Donald Trump about election fraud during the 2020 election.