FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2026

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Barragán and Goldman Reintroduce Critical Legislation to Secure Housing and Supportive Services for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Dan Goldman (NY-10) reintroduced the Returning Home Act (H.R. 2994), critical legislation that will help individuals returning to their communities from incarceration to access supportive services and secure stable housing.

Nearly 2 million Americans are currently in prisons and jails, and nearly 80 million Americans have a conviction or arrest history. Upon their release, formerly incarcerated individuals often face significant barriers to stable housing, including limited financial means, weakened relationships, and discrimination in the housing market. As a result, they are at heightened risk of homelessness, which in turn increases their likelihood of re-incarceration, as people who experience homelessness are 11 times more likely to be arrested again. This bill would help to break this cycle by establishing a grant program for public entities and community organizations to create demonstration projects that provide housing and other supportive services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

“Stable housing can mean a stable life, but this is often not possible for the tens of millions of Americans across the country who are returning to their communities,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán. “Those returning to their communities have served their time, but they often face discrimination and unequal access to the resources they need to start over. The bill addresses this disparity and seeks to close the gap by specifically establishing funding and various supportive services to help our formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable housing. Together, we can break the ongoing cycles of homelessness and incarceration and build a future where everyone can live in a safer and more equal society.”

“True public safety and a fair justice system depend on ensuring that individuals returning to our communities have the foundation they need to succeed, starting with a roof over their heads,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “The Returning Home Act is a common-sense solution that breaks the vicious cycle of recidivism by providing stable housing, stipends, and critical supportive services to those who have served their time. We know that homelessness makes a person eleven times more likely to be re-arrested, and this bill addresses that crisis head-on by strengthening our neighborhoods and empowering families. By prioritizing stable housing, we are making a smart investment in rehabilitation that will build a safer, more just and more prosperous future for all.”

“The Returning Home Act, which would establish demonstration projects for housing justice-affected people returning from incarceration and authorize funding for rental assistance, housing stabilization services and financial stipends to families housing family members returning from incarceration, would be a significant step forward in reducing and preventing homelessness among people attempting to re-enter society,” said Steve Berg, Chief Policy Officer, NAEH.

“People with conviction histories face barriers when trying to secure housing. This lack of housing impacts public safety and contributes to the cyclical relationship between housing insecurity and criminal legal system involvement,” said John Bae, director of the Opening Doors initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice. “We commend Representatives Nanette Barragan and Dan Goldman for investing in long-term sustainable solutions to secure housing for individuals returning from incarceration.”

“The Fortune Society is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Nanette Barragán and Dan Goldman on the Returning Home Act. For nearly six decades, The Fortune Society has been at the forefront of supporting people returning from incarceration by providing a range of vital reentry services and supports, now serving over 18,000 people annually. We established housing for our participants over twenty years ago because it was clear that the people we served desperately needed safe, stable, and affordable housing, to have the necessary foundation to reliably access any needed treatment, reunite with family, and secure and maintain employment. Establishing the Reentry Rental Assistance and Housing Services Grant Program through this legislation is critical to advancing collective public safety in the face of our ongoing national housing crisis and serves as a meaningful investment in the dignity and humanity of formerly incarcerated people. Everyone deserves a home,” said Stanley Richards, President and CEO, The Fortune Society.

Key provisions of the Returning Home Act include:

$100 million annually under the Adult and Juvenile Offender State and Local Reentry Demonstration Projects of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, specifically for housing assistance and services.

Up to 24 months of rental assistance, prioritizing programs using a housing-first approach.

Funding for supportive services, including pre-release planning, housing placement, and housing stabilization assistance.

Ability for applicants to provide stipends to families housing returning individuals and financial incentives for landlords.

Spending requirements: at least 60% on rental assistance and no more than 15% on landlord incentives.

Endorsing organizations for this bill are as follows: National Alliance to End Homelessness, Voice of the Experienced, Voters Organized to Educate, Vera Institute, FICPFM, National Homelessness Law Center, and the Fortune Society.

Original sponsors include: Reps. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), James McGovern (MA-02), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

To see the full text of the bill, click HERE.

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Barrett, McGuire Introduce Legislation to Revive the American Dream for First-Time Homebuyers

Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07) and John McGuire (VA-05) today introduced the American Dream Act to help more individuals and families afford their first home. Specifically, the bill would incentivize older Americans to sell their homes by expanding the waiver of capital gains taxes on a sale to a first-time homebuyer.

“The American Dream of homeownership has become out of reach for too many young families across Michigan and the United States,” said Barrett. “Housing prices continue to rise as the supply of starter homes on the market shrinks because too many seniors feel financially locked into the properties they own. By offering an expanded tax incentive for selling to a first-time homebuyer, this legislation will finally shake things up by moving homes out of the rental market and into the purchase market while also driving costs down for new buyers and helping seniors afford the retirement they deserve.”

The average age of a first-time homebuyer in America is now 40 years old and continues to rise, as staggering hurdles inhibit new and younger families looking to invest in a home. Current law offers exemptions on capital gains taxes for people of any age, but only for their principal residence. The American Dream Act would waive capital gains taxes for seniors age 65 and older who sell any single-family home, including a vacation or rental home, for $500,000 or less to a first-time homebuyer. This expanded tax relief would put more houses on the market that are within reach for first-time buyers while also allowing seniors to sell their properties at an affordable price.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation, which takes meaningful steps toward restoring the American Dream of homeownership and a future for young people,” said Congressman McGuire. “The American Dream has always been to own a home, however that dream has been slipping away. Today’s housing market makes it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to find an affordable home, leaving many with little choice but to become a life-long renter. The American Dream Act addresses this challenge by incentivizing homeowners 65 years-of-age and older to sell properties valued under $500,000 to first-time buyers; increasing inventory and ensuring our younger generations have a fair opportunity to achieve homeownership. I am grateful to Representative Tom Barrett (MI-07) for co-leading and Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08) for being an original cosponsor of this vital piece of legislation. We are taking real steps to help the younger generation achieve the American Dream of homeownership by increasing the availability of affordable homes in our country.”

This legislation is the latest in a series of policy initiatives Barrett is leading that are aimed at Reviving the American Dream, one of the pillars of his newly announced Blueprint for a Better America.

Click here to read the bill.


Congressman Bean: “Let’s Stop Writing Social Security Checks to Dead People”

WASHINGTON—This week, DOGE Caucus founder and co-chair, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04), delivered remarks in support of S. 269, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, legislation to protect taxpayer dollars from fraud and to prevent Social Security benefit checks from going to deceased Americans.

To watch Congressman Bean's speech, click here.

Full speech, as prepared for delivery, is below:

Madam Speaker, if there’s one group of Americans who definitely shouldn’t be receiving federal payments, it’s the dearly departed.

There is a famous line in the movie The Sixth Sense, where the star says, “I see dead people.” Our Treasury Department doesn’t see dead people; they just write them checks.

Yet year after year, gaps in our data systems allow improper payments to flow to individuals who are no longer living. It’s wasteful, it’s avoidable, and it undermines trust in government-run programs.

As founder and co‑chair of the DOGE Caucus, I’m proud to support the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act. This is a commonsense, bipartisan effort to strengthen the accuracy of the Death Master File, improve data sharing across federal agencies, and ensure that benefits programs have the timely, reliable information they need to verify eligibility, and a pulse, before payments go out the door.

And the results speak for themselves. The Treasury Department recently announced it recovered $31 million in fraud and improper payments in just the first five months of implementing these reforms. This legislation makes those temporary provisions permanent and stops payments to deceased individuals moving forward.

Madam Speaker, this bill is a big step towards accountability, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this vital anti-fraud, anti-waste, anti-abuse legislation. As the saying goes, you can’t take it with you. So, let’s stop writing Social Security checks to dead people. Thank you. I yield back.

BACKGROUND

The legislation, successfully passed by the House and the Senate, will now be sent to the President’s desk for signature.

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Beatty Issues Letter to DHS Secretary Noem and Acting Director of ICE Demanding Transparency on Columbus ICE Detainees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of the recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) killings in Minnesota, Congresswoman Beatty is holding ICE accountable and demanding full transparency for the Columbus community members that have been detained. Last week, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued a letter to Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, condemning the recent surge of ICE activity and raids in Central Ohio.

“Since the start of “Operation Buckeye” on December 17, 2025, ICE officers have detained at least 214 people in the Columbus area – over 80% were Latinos and 10% were Black. These racially targeted raids began right before Christmas as a way to strike fear into the immigrant community and have largely targeted individuals without a criminal record. Furthermore, I have serious concerns surrounding the process and legal justification for this ICE operation,” Congresswoman Beatty said in the letter.

“During this operation, ICE has claimed that individuals detained are the ‘worst of the worst,’ yet investigations and on-the-ground reporting from Columbus contradict this claim. ABC 6 discovered that the majority of the detainees they investigated had no criminal records. One report even found that on December 17, 2025, ICE agents allegedly detained two U.S. citizens and a Mexican immigrant with a valid work permit, including a woman with an 8-month old child, and all three of these individuals did not have a criminal record.”

“Operation Buckeye is also specifically targeting sensitive locations as a way to increase fear and anxiety within the immigrant communities of central Ohio. There have been multiple first-hand reports of ICE targeting schools with large Hispanic populations. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic drop in attendance at churches and mosques as parishioners are afraid to attend,” Congresswoman Beatty continued in the letter.

“Any operation of this scale demands full transparency regarding the legal basis and the status of those detained.”

The full letter can be found HERE.

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Bergman Cosponsors Legislation to Ban Stock Trading by Members of Congress

This week, Rep. Jack Bergman cosponsored the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading individual stocks.

Concerns about stock trading by elected officials have grown in recent years, as multiple academic studies and media investigations have shown that Members of Congress have historically outperformed the broader stock market at rates that raise serious questions about access to nonpublic information.

Rep. Bergman noted, “The American people work hard for every dollar they earn, and they are right to be angry when politicians use insider information to trade stocks and game the system. The Stop Insider Trading Act helps restore trust by making clear that Members of Congress cannot profit from the same information they use to write the laws. This bill is about fairness, accountability, and making sure Washington plays by the same rules as the folks back home.”

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Brian Steil, passed the House Administration Committee today and now heads to the House floor for a vote.


Democratic Ways And Means Committee Members Seek Clarity From IRS On “Bags Of Cash” Tax Treatment Under Republican Tax Law

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Brad Schneider (D-IL), all of whom serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means, yesterday wrote to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requesting clarity on IRS guidance for the “no tax on tips” provision of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” tax legislation enacted last year by Republicans in Congress and President Trump. Their letter was submitted as an official comment on the rulemaking proposed by IRS and the Treasury Department for the federal register.

The Members inquired about how the provision would apply “when a government official has previously received cash payments in anticipation of future favors (e.g., government contracts).” They wrote:

“This letter seeks clarification regarding the application of selected proposed rules that would define qualified tips…

…

“There is an open question regarding the application of the tips deduction when a government official has previously received cash payments in anticipation of future favors (e.g., government contracts). The first question is whether such payments are customarily tips.

…

“Consider these factors in the case of a man who is broadly expected to become a high-ranking political official. This man is given a bag full of cash by a businessman who hopes to win future government contracts… The proposed regulations would exclude from qualified tips, ‘[a]ny amount received for a service the performance of which is a felony or -misdemeanor under applicable law is not a qualified tip.’ The statute makes no mention of distinguishing legal from illegal activity, and the final regulations should explain the authority for this distinction. Congress made no indication that payments for illegal activities should be excluded from the tips rule.

“This comment requests an example as follows: A political operative is a clear front runner for a high-level political job within the next six months. He is given $50,000 in cash in a bag in a parking lot, after a lunch discussing hopes that the payor will receive government contracts if the operative is put in a place of power. There is no guarantee of any service or result. Under these circumstances, the payment [is/is not] illegal and [is/is not] a qualified tip. [Describe treatment under OBBBA tips provision.]

“In crafting this example, and in the interest of additional clarity, the final regulations should further explain whether and when a payment like this is illegal.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here, and full text follows below.

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Re: Comment on Proposed Regulations Identifying Occupations That Customarily and Regularly Received Tips; Definition of Qualified Tips (RIN 1545-BR63)

This letter seeks clarification regarding the application of selected proposed rules that would define qualified tips, as published in the Federal Register on September 22, 2025. Clarifying the application of the final regulations would be in the interest of ensuring clarity to taxpayers and ensuring that the law is implemented as written by Congress.

Background

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed Public Law 119-21, 139 Stat. 72 (July 4, 2025), commonly known as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Section 70201 of OBBBA is titled “No Tax on Tips” and would add a new section 224 to the Internal Revenue Code. The provision does not actually exclude tips from being taxed. Instead, the general structure of the provision is a deduction against income taxes for tips received “by an individual in an occupation which customarily and regularly received tips on or before December 31, 2024.” The provision is limited by adjusted gross income, with phaseouts above the limit. The deduction cannot exceed $25,000. Under this structure, all tips will remain taxable under payroll tax rules. For purposes of this comment, the most important statutory provision is the definition of “Qualified Tips” provided in new Code section 224(d):

(d) Qualified tips.--For purposes of this section--

(1) In general.--The term “qualified tips” means cash tips received by an individual in an occupation which customarily and regularly received tips on or before December 31, 2024, as provided by the Secretary.

(2) Exclusions.--Such term shall not include any amount received by an individual unless--

(A) such amount is paid voluntarily without any consequence in the event of nonpayment, is not the subject of negotiation, and is determined by the payor,

(B) the trade or business in the course of which the individual receives such amount is not a specified service trade or business (as defined in section 199A(d)(2)), and

(C) such other requirements as may be established by the Secretary in regulations or other guidance are satisfied.

For purposes of subparagraph (B), in the case of an individual receiving tips in the trade or business of performing services as an employee, such individual shall be treated as receiving tips in the course of a trade or business which is a specified service trade or business if the trade or business of the employer is a specified service trade or business.

(3) Cash tips.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “cash tips” includes tips received from customers that are paid in cash or charged and, in the case of an employee, tips received under any tip-sharing arrangement.

Fact Pattern – Bags of Cash for in Anticipation of Government Contracts

There is an open question regarding the application of the tips deduction when a government official has previously received cash payments in anticipation of future favors (e.g., government contracts). The first question is whether such payments are customarily tips. The proposed regulations adopts definitions that “are consistent with IRS guidance defining tips for FICA and income tax withholding purposes in . . . Rev. Rul. 2012-18.” Rev. Rul, 2012-18 lays out factors to distinguish wages from tips. The following factors lean in favor of categorization as tips:

(1) The payment must be made free from compulsion;

(2) The customer must have the unrestricted right to determine the amount;

(3) The payment should not be the subject of negotiation or dictated by employer policy; and,

(4) Generally, the customer has the right to determine who receives the payment

Consider these factors in the case of a man who is broadly expected to become a high-ranking political official. This man is given a bag full of cash by a businessman who hopes to win future government contracts. In this case, each of the factors laid out in Rev. Rul. 2012-18 is present. But the inquiry does not stop there. The proposed regulations would exclude from qualified tips, “[a]ny amount received for a service the performance of which is a felony or -misdemeanor under applicable law is not a qualified tip.” The statute makes no mention of distinguishing legal from illegal activity, and the final regulations should explain the authority for this distinction. Congress made no indication that payments for illegal activities should be excluded from the tips rule.

This comment requests an example as follows:

A political operative is a clear front runner for a high-level political job within the next six months. He is given $50,000 in cash in a bag in a parking lot, after a lunch discussing hopes that the payor will receive government contracts if the operative is put in a place of power. There is no guarantee of any service or result. Under these circumstances, the payment [is/is not] illegal and [is/is not] a qualified tip. [Describe treatment under OBBBA tips provision.]

In crafting this example, and in the interest of additional clarity, the final regulations should further explain whether and when a payment like this is illegal.

We hope this comment is helpful, and we look forward to studying the final rules.


Mental Health Caucus Co-Chairs Beyer, Salinas Denounce Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Mental Health and Addiction Grants

Co-Chairs of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) today issued the following statement after the Trump Administration terminated more than 2,000 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants – nearly $2 billion in funding for organizations providing critical services across the country:

“The Trump Administration’s decision to unilaterally and abruptly withdraw grants that help provide essential mental health and addiction treatment services across the country is deeply troubling, dangerously shortsighted, and puts American lives at risk.

“Abruptly canceling these grants will force providers to halt suicide prevention efforts, overdose prevention and treatment programs, naloxone distribution, and peer recovery services with little to no warning. Treatment programs will be forced to close their doors, prevention efforts will stall, and American lives will be lost as a direct result.

“Those consequences will be immediate and severe, but they are avoidable. Addressing mental health and substance use disorders has never been a partisan issue. For decades, Democrats and Republicans have come together to expand access to care because addiction and mental illness affect families in every community across the country. Just last year, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act to equip communities with the resources necessary to combat substance use disorders and support mental health services passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump himself. And last March, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. renewed the public health emergency declaration addressing our nation’s opioid crisis.

“Terminating billions of dollars in SAMHSA grants directly contradicts these bipartisan commitments and the Administration’s own renewal of the opioid public health emergency, severely undermines the federal response to the opioid crisis, and jeopardizes the treatment and recovery infrastructure American communities rely on.

“The Trump Administration must immediately reverse course, reinstate these critical grants, and ensure the American public has the resources needed to support mental health and addiction treatment.”


Bishop Calls on Administration to Restore Funding for Mental Healthcare and Drug Treatment Programs

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) urged the Trump Administration to reverse course on its recent decision to cancel billions of dollars in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants. These grants provide resources for overdose prevention, addiction recovery, and mental health services and support local courts, healthcare providers, and community organizations that take on these challenges.

“At a time when the Trump Administration is willing to go to war over drug trafficking, its commitment to the fight seems less than genuine if they are simultaneously retreating from Americans who need our support here on the homefront. These cuts will make our communities more dangerous and cost the lives of those struggling with mental health and drug addiction,” said Congressman Bishop. “These cuts are a message to all the local community partners – our courts, our healthcare providers, and thousands of patients throughout Middle and Southwest Georgia that the might and strength of the United States is not focused on helping them.”

“Bipartisan investments in these federal programs that I have supported, along with my Democratic and Republican colleagues, over the past few years have been successful and resulted in the number of overdose deaths falling for the past two years. Today’s cuts by the Trump Administration jeopardizes the advances we have made,” added Congressman Bishop. “The Administration needs to reverse course on this misguided and harmful decision to gut mental health care funding.”

The local community was quick to react as well, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Columbus, Georgia.

“As a representative of NAMI Columbus on the Community Advisory Board of the Accountability Court, I am deeply concerned about the loss of approximately $900,000 in SAMHSA funding to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit’s accountability courts. These funds support Veterans Court, Drug Court, and Mental Health Court and provide essential treatment services for justice-involved individuals and vulnerable populations,” said Vanessa Dickert, Columbus Programs Manager for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Accountability courts are evidence-based and proven to reduce recidivism, and the elimination of this funding jeopardizes community health, and recovery outcomes.”

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Congressman Bishop Supports Bipartisan Bill That Stimulates Economic Growth, Protects Elections, and Keeps Americans Safe

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted for H.R. 7006, a bipartisan funding bill that covers financial services, general government, national security, and the U.S. Department of State. The funding will help hard-working Americans with tax filing assistance. The programs funded by this bill also help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed and create jobs. The bill also helps states with election security and supports America’s diplomatic efforts around the world.

“While this bill is far from perfect, it keeps the federal government open and working for the people and is a great improvement over the bill that initially came out of committee. Hardworking Georgians are the driving force of our state’s economy. This bill makes sure that the federal government is a solid partner as they set up businesses. It supports the IRS mission to be as responsive as possible to the taxpayer and seeks to ensure they get the refunds they are owed in a timely manner,” said Congressman Bishop. “Georgians should be able to trust that the government is spending their taxpayer dollars fairly, and this bill reasserts Congress’s Constitutional authority to direct the Trump Administration’s spending.”

H.R. 7006 passed by a bipartisan vote of 341-79 in the U.S. House, and it now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration before being signed into law by the President.

This bill is a result of hard work by Democrats and Republicans finding a bipartisan pathway forward. It will prevent $163 billion in cuts proposed by the Trump Administration, the most drastic of which would have decimated programs that help entrepreneurs, strengthen cooperation with our international allies, and help small businesses in rural areas secure loans.

Some highlights from H.R. 7006 include:

$1 billion for the Small Business Administration, including $330 million for new Entrepreneurial Development Programs

$45 million for Election Security Grants to be given to states to determine how to secure federal elections in their states

$324 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions programs that focus on high poverty areas

$456 million for the Office of National Drug Control Policy

$3 billion to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for Taxpayer services like pre-filing education and taxpayer advocacy

$6.8 billion for a new National Security Investment Program which consolidates previously separate economic and regional support efforts

$5.5 billion for humanitarian assistance, including through a new International Humanitarian Assistance account that consolidates previously separate disaster assistance and migration/refugee support programs

$1.4 billion for the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, which fights drug trafficking and transnational crime

$850 million for the American First Opportunity Fund, under congressional oversight, which supports emerging priorities

Last week, Congress passed Fiscal Year 2026 funding legislation for the U.S. Departments of Justice, Commerce, and Energy as well as federal programs covering science, water, and the environment. Congressional Democrats and Republicans continue to negotiate on legislation that will fully fund the remaining federal departments, agencies, and programs before funding runs out at the end of this month. The bill reaffirms Congress’s power of the purse.

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Representatives Blake Moore, John Moolenaar Introduce Legislation to Prevent Foreign Adversaries from Abusing American Surrogacy Industry

WASHINGTON — Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, introduced legislation to prevent foreign adversarial nations from abusing the American surrogacy industry to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and traffic infants abroad.

The Stopping Adversarial Foreign Exploitation of Kids in Domestic Surrogacy (SAFE KIDS) Act invalidates commercial surrogacy agreements with citizens of foreign adversary countries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and creates a misdemeanor for brokers—not surrogates—who knowingly facilitate these agreements.

Additional original co-sponsors of the bill include: Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Rich McCormick (R-GA), John McGuire (R-VA), Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), John Rose (R-TN), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Michael Rulli (R-OH).

“Allowing foreign adversaries unrestrained access to the U.S. surrogacy industry is a national security and humanitarian crisis waiting to happen," Rep. Moore said. Most of the developed world already bans international commercial surrogacy due to trafficking risks, and this bill is a strong step in the right direction to prevent bad-faith actors from taking advantage of U.S. surrogate mothers and the children they bear. Additionally, the national security and espionage risks that could emerge from China and Russia bringing children with U.S. passports into their countries should be further cause for alarm and grounds for immediate action.”

“Chinese nationals are exploiting gaps in US law to buy children from America. This practice is an unconscionable attack on American values. In one reported incident, a Chinese national made clear his preference to have 20 American children through surrogacy. Horrifically, this is not an isolated case and China is a country with a pattern of human trafficking. This legislation will ensure accountability and protect innocent children from nationals of foreign adversary countries who want to buy American babies,” Chairman Moolenaar said.

“I commend Rep. Blake Moore for introducing the SAFE KIDS Act, legislation that establishes needed accountability and guardrails for the U.S. surrogacy industry. The transfer of American-born citizens to China poses serious national security and human rights concerns. This legislation would end the practice of U.S. surrogacy brokers facilitating arrangements with North Korea, China, and Iran, while protecting U.S. children and mothers from exploitation by bad-faith actors," Rep. Aderholt said.

“Foreign adversaries are taking advantage of American generosity and tolerance to undermine U.S. national security and commit espionage, including through our surrogacy programs. It’s become dangerously common for malicious fraudsters of a foreign origin, particularly from Russia and China, to abuse our surrogacy programs to traffic children to their home countries. Without this bill, these wealthy foreign nationals exploit our rules to give their children, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, U.S. passports, allowing these individuals to gain the privileges of citizenship without ever raising them in the United States. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Moore’s SAFE KIDS Act to establish firm regulations that protect American surrogate mothers and their children from trafficking risks and threats to our national security,” Rep. Kiggans said.

"I have always defended the sanctity of life in all its forms, including standing firmly against the heinous practice of surrogacy trafficking. The SAFE KIDS Act is an effective and measured approach to preventing state-sponsored human rights abuses by China and Russia from occurring on our own soil," Rep. Dunn said.

"The SAFE KIDS Act closes a dangerous loophole that allows foreign adversaries to exploit our 14th Amendment through surrogate pregnancies. This bill protects vulnerable women and children while preventing hostile regimes from abusing U.S. birthright citizenship. I'm proud to co-sponsor this commonsense, national security–focused legislation," Rep. McCormick said.

“America’s surrogacy system should never be exploited by foreign adversaries to traffic children or game our citizenship laws," Rep. McGuire said. "I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the SAFE KIDS Act to protect women and children while closing an obvious national security loophole.”

"Allowing foreign adversaries to exploit Americans, traffic infants, and manipulate our citizenship laws are evil practices we must stop, yet federal law has failed to keep pace,” Rep. Kennedy said. "The SAFE KIDS Act draws a clear line stating that America will not tolerate these abuses. This is exactly the kind of fight Congress must take on, and I welcome the opportunity to stand with my colleagues to see it through."

“It is absolutely disgusting how far our adversaries are willing to go. Exploiting newborns and vulnerable U.S. surrogate mothers to obtain American citizenship is a dangerous loophole that must be closed,” Rep. McDowell said. “The Safe Kids Act gives law enforcement real authority to police and prosecute commercial surrogacy abuses, finally ending years of unchecked practices and putting national security and human dignity first.”

"Protecting children and defending our national security are core responsibilities of Congress. The SAFE KIDS Act closes dangerous loopholes that allow foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to exploit America’s surrogacy system for their own gain. Vulnerable children should never be treated as commodities or shortcuts to citizenship for hostile regimes. This commonsense legislation restores accountability by stopping brokers from facilitating surrogacy arrangements with adversarial nations. I’m proud to support this effort to put the safety of children and the interests of the United States first,” Rep. Moran said.

"The SAFE KIDS Act puts children and mothers first and shuts the door on foreign exploitation. Our laws should never allow adversaries like China to profit off vulnerable families or take advantage of women. This bill makes it clear: America will protect its people and enforce the law," Rep. Shreve said.

Background:

This bill was first introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and is the first of its kind to address national security and ethical risks posed by the largely unregulated U.S. surrogacy industry.

This legislation follows terrifying reporting on the abuse of newborns, as well as U.S. surrogate mothers who were deceived into giving birth to children for foreign nationals. The Wall Street Journal also found that a Chinese billionaire had more than 100 children born through surrogacy in the U.S., and that these babies could be brought (or even trafficked) to China as U.S. citizens instead of Chinese citizens.

The lack of regulation in the surrogate industry, which is bound only by informal guidelines from private groups, poses major risks that Congress can address.

While the Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy has attempted to provide a roster of ethical guidance for surrogacies, there is no legal mechanism to enforce surrogacy agencies' adherence.

Left unchecked by Congress, this issue poses long-term espionage risks of foreign adversary-connected parents raising children with U.S. passports, all due to an unchecked surrogacy process at home.

Full bill text can be found here.

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BOST BACKS RESPONSIBLE FUNDING PACKAGE TO SECURE THE NATION AND REIN IN SPENDING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for a foreign operations and financial services funding bill for the remaining fiscal year that prioritizes national security and core government responsibilities. The legislation reduces spending by more than $9 billion compared to current stopgap funding and blocks the continuation of Biden-era priorities.

“When we’re talking about the security of the American people, we need to spend smartly and do what it takes to protect our interests in a dangerous world,” said Bost. “Today’s vote strengthens the focus on our national security while saving taxpayers more than $9 billion. We’re aligned with President Trump and not apologizing for putting America first.”

The funding package supports financial solvency and national security, holds federal agencies accountable, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. Key provisions of H.R. 7006 include:

Strengthening national security and supporting allies like Israel and Taiwan

Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking and stopping taxpayer-funded programs that encourage illegal immigration

Modernizing the IRS to better serve taxpayers while preventing political targeting and fraud

Maintaining long-standing protections to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions

Fully funds the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to ensure it has the tools needed to investigate foreign investment by countries like China

Holding the United Nations accountable by cutting funding, tying assistance to reforms, and withholding taxpayer dollars until real reforms are made

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Bresnahan Leads Fix to Close Pay Gap for Federal Correctional Officers

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced he, alongside Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), introduced the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would bring pay for federal correctional officers in line with other federal law enforcement agencies, strengthening recruitment and retention to address the chromic and severe staffing shortages inside federal prisons.

“Our correctional officers, like those at USP Canaan, have been asked to do more with less for far too long, and it’s not sustainable,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This legislation provides a long-term fix that will help bring in new officers, keep experienced staff on the job, and cut the reliance on mandatory overtime, making our prisons safer for everyone.”

Federal correctional officers are facing unfilled vacancies, excessive mandatory overtime, and pay that falls far behind other federal law enforcement agencies. This strains workforce morale, disrupts inmate programming, and creates unsafe conditions inside Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act directly addresses these chronic issues by establishing a nationwide special pay rate to deliver a 35 percent base pay increase for federal correctional officers, with ongoing oversight to ensure it reduces staffing shortages and excessive overtime. By strengthening recruitment and retention, the legislation will allow facilities to restore essential programs, reduce lockdowns, and improve overall institutional safety.

This bill is supported by the AFGE CPL-33 Local 3003 and the AFGE Council of Prison Locals 33.

“On behalf of the 30,000 federal correctional officers who serve this country inside the most dangerous places in America, I want to thank Congressman Rob Bresnahan for his leadership on the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act,” said David J. Demas, President AFGE Local 3003 – Council of Prison Locals 33. “Your commitment to fair compensation, staffing stability, and officer safety is a vital step toward correcting long-standing inequities in federal law enforcement pay. We appreciate your continued support for the men and women who serve and protect.”

PA-08 is home to USP Canaan, located in Wayne County, one of the most dangerous maximum-security prisons on the East Coast.

This bill builds on Rep. Bresnahan’s work to support correctional officers and improve staffing at facilities like USP Canaan through proven, bipartisan solutions. These efforts include:

Working to end the delay in finalizing the switch to New York locality pay, which would increase take-home pay

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Bynum Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) announced that Anshu won the Congressional App Challenge for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. Anshu’s app, Grub.io, stood out for its innovative approach to addressing food waste, scarcity, and insecurity by connecting those in need with access to extra meals. The Congressional App Challenge celebrates student innovation, and Anshu’s work highlights the impact young people can have when technology is used to solve real-world challenges.

“Congratulations Anshu on winning the Congressional App Challenge for Oregon's 5th Congressional District!” said Rep. Bynum. “Students like you are the future and hold the keys to solving so many of our most pressing challenges. I am so impressed by your app and I look forward to meeting you when you visit DC.”

"I am very excited about this recognition for my work, meeting with Congresswoman Bynum, and the opportunity to visit Washington DC this spring!” said Anshu. “This has been a huge encouragement for me to continue developing my app and hopefully contribute to reducing food waste and food insecurity in Oregon. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, and to Congresswoman Bynum and her team!"

You can find out more about the Congressional App Challenge here and below.

Every year, middle and high school students across the country are invited to create a unique app on a platform of their choice as part of the Congressional App Challenge. This challenge highlights the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, and 35% of challenge participants in 2022 even described themselves as coding beginners!

Students may register as an individual, or as part of a team of up to 4 students. Submissions will be judged based on quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

All winners will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception, meet with Congresswoman Bynum, display their app in the US Capitol Building, and be featured on the House of Representatives website.

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Eastvale Postal Frustrations Addressed in Funding Package

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted with a bipartisan majority (341 to 79) of the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.

"As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to support another package of bills that fund important priorities for our region, state, and country,” said Rep. Calvert. “The bill passed today addresses longstanding frustrations of Eastvale residents and businesses, including not having a post office in the city, as well as their lack of a single, unique zip code. To combat fentanyl and other drugs in our communities, the bill provides critical resources for law enforcement agencies at all levels of government.”

Rep. Calvert's priorities included in the bill:

Eastvale Post Office: The bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to conduct a comprehensive analysis related to the construction or acquisition of a new post office in the city of Eastvale.

Eastvale Zip Code: The bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to conduct a review of communities, including Eastvale, where assigned zip codes overlap municipal jurisdictions, resulting in multiple city listings or incorrect listings. The bill directs the Postal Service to include in its review a set of solutions that could be utilized to ensure proper designations in the future, as well as options to designate a single, unique zip code for jurisdictions, like Eastvale, that are affected by this issue.

Riverside Courthouse: The bill includes language encouraging the General Services Agency to prioritize the completion of Courthouse Phase I feasibility studies and to consider reassigning internal staff or using consultant services.

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Program: The bill provides $298.6 million to help Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in areas determined to be key drug-trafficking regions.

Fentanyl: Maintains the current level of $1.4 billion for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, including increased funding to counter fentanyl.

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Bipartisan Carey Bill to Increase Small Business Creation Advances Out of Ways and Means Committee

To watch Rep. Carey’s remarks at the markup, click here or on the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, voted to advance his bipartisan NO BOSS Act, which he introduced with U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio-01), out of the Ways and Means Committee during a markup hearing.

The bill passed unanimously (41-0) out of committee and now awaits a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

“Our bipartisan NO BOSS Act will accomplish three simple goals: help more Americans start small businesses, grow the economy, and achieve the American Dream. I was proud to lead this bill through the Ways and Means Committee and thank my colleagues for their support. I now encourage all my colleagues in the House to pass it and get this legislation signed into law,” Rep. Carey said.

“Congress has an important role to play in encouraging entrepreneurship, removing unnecessary barriers to employment, and building new pathways to economic independence,” U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said. “That’s exactly what the NO BOSS Act does by expanding opportunities for unemployed workers to create jobs for themselves and strengthen local economies. I thank Representative Carey for his leadership on this bipartisan bill and for being a consistent champion for workers and jobs creators in Ohio and across America.”

More details on the NO BOSS Act can be found here.

Full text of the NO BOSS Act can be found here.

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Carey Votes to Advance Congressional Stock Trading Ban Out of Committee

To watch Rep. Carey’s remarks at the markup, click here or on the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15), a member of the Committee on House Administration (CHA), voted to advance the Stop Insider Trading Act out of the committee. The Stop Insider Trading Act, a bill led by CHA Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.-01) and cosponsored by Rep. Carey, would prevent Members of Congress from unfairly profiting by trading stocks using privileged information obtained from their elected positions.

The bill advanced out of committee 7-4, with all Republican members voting in favor, and now awaits a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

“During the previous administration, Americans saw politicians get rich and beat the stock market while record-high inflation hit hard-working Americans trying to make an honest living. This bill is the bare minimum that constituents should expect from their elected representatives, and I am proud that we are working to codify this bill that will work to restore trust in Congress. I thank Chairman Steil and my colleagues for coming together to enact simple safeguards that make sure we are here to serve, not profit,” Rep. Carey said.

Further details on the Stop Insider Trading Act can be found below:

If signed into law, this bill prohibits elected representatives from acquiring new individual stocks while holding office. Under this legislation, individual stocks held by newly-elected members of Congress prior to their swearing-in may be retained indefinitely.

If any member wishes to sell any of their previously-held stocks while serving in office, they must notify the Ethics Committee seven days before the asset’s sale. Failure to comply with this legislation may result in a fine of $2,000 or 10% of the asset’s value, whichever is greater, and may also result in forfeiture of the value of the sale.

Full text of the Stop Insider Trading Act can be found here.

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Case Announces Final House Passage Of Two More Of Twelve Annual Appropriations Measures Including Approval Of His Request To Continue Funding The East-West Center

(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the key House Committee on Appropriations, responsible for all federal discretionary funding, announced final House passage of a measure consolidating two more of twelve annual federal funding bills for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (commencing October 1, 2026).

The National Security, Department of State and Related Programs measure funds U.S. foreign policy efforts, including the Department of State, U.S. contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more.

The bill has historically provided for international diplomatic presence and outreach as well as foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and more. The bill’s proposed FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $50 billion, or $9.3 billion less than the FY 2025 enacted level, reflecting the administration’s focus on reducing such programs.

The other bill – Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) – funds the U.S. Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration (SBA), federal courts, the Federal Communications Commission, the Office of Personnel Management and various independent agencies. The bill’s proposed FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $26 billion, $3.1 billion below the current FY 2025 enacted level.

National Security, Department of State and Related Programs

Case, while opposing the overall funding reductions, welcomed support in the bill for various of his requests related to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific, especially $22 million for the East-West Center in Honolulu.

“As we continue to focus on the growing influence of the PRC in the Indo-Pacific, our national security interests must also include diplomatic engagement and assistance to promote peace and diplomacy in the region,” said Case.

“Continued funding for our East-West Center and other world-leading institutions in Hawai‘i supports our country’s standing in an area widely seen as the most dynamic and critical on earth.”

“For all seven of my years on Appropriations, I have ranked full funding for the Center at the top of my annual requests to my Committee because I believe not only in the Center’s invaluable work but in what it represents for Hawaii’s central role in the Indo-Pacific and in the broader benefits that bring high-quality jobs to our overall economy,” he said.

“Though we still await final approval by the Senate and the President, I’m grateful that my colleagues have again favorably considered my request, especially when the President’s budget proposed zero funding for the Center.”

Other bill provisions requested by Case, who continues as co-chair of the House Pacific Islands Caucus, include:

· $1.8 billion for the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which promotes peace, prosperity and democracy in the region.

· $175 million in assistance for the Pacific Islands region, the same as FY 2025 enacted levels.

· $20 million for the Pacific Islands Forum’s Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led and member-owned financial institution designed to support Pacific Islands nations facing climate change and disaster risks.

· $3 million for the Advancing Port Enhancement and Customs Security Program in the Pacific Islands.

· Funding for Pacific Islands exchange programs, with a focus on partnering with universities in Pacific locations.

· Funding for small grants programs to assist local communities across the Pacific Islands.

· Report language supporting the Peace Corps’ expansion in the Pacific.

· Funding for a demand-driven initiative to diversify trade opportunities in the Pacific Islands.

· Funding for a Flexible Microfinance Facility for the Pacific Islands, launched by the Development Finance Corporation with the Department of State.

· Report language supporting funding for free and open media in the Pacific.

· Funding for trade capacity-building activities in the Pacific Islands.

· Language requiring a report on ways to strengthen U.S. trade and investment with the Pacific Islands.

· Funding for unexploded ordinance removal in the Pacific Islands, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

· Language requiring a strategy for faith-based engagement for assistance in the Pacific Islands.

The bill further includes funding for several foreign policy programs supported by Case, although some at unacceptably low levels. Among them are:

$411 million for the Peace Corps.

$335 million for peacekeeping operations.

$1.2 billion to support international peacekeeping activities.

$667 million for educational and cultural exchange programs, which include the Fulbright programs.

$1.4 billion for contributions to international organizations.

$1.3 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

$915 million for maternal and child health programs.

“While I voted for this measure because it did fund many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, the bill as a whole weakens our global leadership when the world most needs our continued full engagement,” said Case.

“Yet this outcome was more favorable than the one proposed by the Trump administration and the previous House version,” continued Case. “The final version of the bill succeeded in rejecting the full extent of President Trump’s proposed cuts by investing $50 billion in U.S. global leadership, which is $19 billion or 61 percent above President Trump’s request.”

When Case spoke in Committee last year, he said the foreign affairs funding measure is a critical tool to ensure we do not “split our alliances, partnerships and friendships and cast our country as an unreliable partner,” allowing the People’s Republic of China to fill voids left by U.S. disengagement. His remarks are here.

A summary of the National Security and Department of State Appropriations bill is here.

Financial Services and General Government

“This measure funds many critical national and local priorities for Hawai‘i that I requested, in particular programs assisting some 134,000 small businesses that form the backbone of Hawaii’s economy,” said Case.

The bill provides $1 billion for SBA, an increase of $383 million above the budget request and $169 million above the initial House level. The bill includes $330 million, an increase of $13 million above FY 2025 enacted and $180 million above the request, for Entrepreneurial Development Programs.

“These include efforts that aid entrepreneurs, provide mentorship training and expand trade opportunities in the international marketplace,” explained Case.

The final version of the bill includes $324 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund Program, up from $277 million initially proposed by House Republicans.

Last year Case spoke in Committee in support of CDFIs, which play an important role in helping Hawai‘i. It assists specialized community-based financial institutions that promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low-income and minority communities. See his speech in the Appropriations Committee here.

Case stressed that in Hawai‘i alone, there are 11 certified CDFIs that in Fiscal Year 2023 made loans totaling $132 million. He urged full funding to the CDFI Fund and opposed any efforts to freeze CDFI funding.

Case also gained approval of his funding requests for several federal programs and services especially important for the State of Hawai‘i including:

· $28 million for CDFI Native Initiatives, which provides Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance awards to build the capacity of CDFIs serving Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.

· $5.3 million for the SBA Native American Outreach Program.

· $150 million for Small Business Development Centers, which supports six SBDC in Hawai‘i.

· $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program.

· $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program, which supports the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership.

· $9 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program.

· $20 million for the State Trade Expansion Program.

· $7 million for the Program for Investors in Micro-Entrepreneurs.

· $4 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program.

· $109 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program.

· $299 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program.

· $1.8 billion for Defender Services.

In addition, the bill included his provision directing the SBA to coordinate with relevant federal agencies, businesses, employees and financial institutions to expand employee business ownership, including cooperatives and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), provide technical assistance to assist employees in becoming business owners, and assist in accessing capital sources.

"ESOPs and similar employee ownership structures are vital to building succession plans to ensure small businesses remain in their communities where they belong,” said Case. “In Hawai‘i, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of ESOPs. Hawai‘i is home to the second-oldest ESOP chapter in the nation, underscoring the success and importance of employee-owned businesses in our state.”

This provision builds off Case’s bipartisan measure (H.R. 2993) that would assist small businesses to adopt ESOPs, which offer a tested solution to employment and business productivity, stability and ownership transfer. (See here for more information.)

“While this measure funds many critical national and local priorities for Hawai‘i that I requested, there are also severe funding cuts to national programs assisting small businesses, including efforts that aid entrepreneurs, provide mentorship training and expand trade opportunities in the international marketplace.”

In addition, the bill provides $45 million in funding for Election Security Grants to safeguard elections and democracy, $30 million above FY 2025.

“In addition, the bill invests in agencies that protect the public, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission at a level of $151 million, which keeps us safe against unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with defective products,” said Case.

A summary of the FSGG Appropriations bill is available is here.

This measure now moves to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.

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Casten Statement Opposing Minibus for Lacking Appropriate Safeguards

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 7006, for the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“This minibus fails to put all necessary checks on the Trump Administration’s escalating and unlawful conduct. It is the duty of Congress to conduct oversight and act as a check against the excesses of the Executive Branch.

“It does not sufficiently strengthen congressional oversight of the Trump Administration’s illegal actions in Venezuela and its increasingly reckless threats toward Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Greenland. Congress will not be a bystander while the Administration tests the boundaries of its authority and drifts toward conflict without a plan, transparency, or lawful authorization.

“I supported and fought for amendments in the Rules Committee that would have put guardrails in place and prevented U.S. taxpayer dollars from being used to entrench a dangerous policy in Venezuela. Unfortunately, the Committee refused to consider these amendments.

“Further, I am strongly opposed to the cuts to IRS enforcement funding included in this bill. This is an intentional policy choice that makes it easier for the most well-resourced corporations and individuals to dodge the rules while ordinary families and small businesses pay what they owe.

“I should also note that this bill is a vast improvement over the first draft prepared by Republican leadership, thanks in no small part to the work and negotiating skills of Rosa DeLauro and her fellow Democratic appropriators. While I could not support final passage, I am grateful for all that they did to make it much better than it otherwise would have been.”

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Sustainable Investment Caucus Statement Opposing H.R. 2988

Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2026)— Today, the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus released the following statement in opposition to H.R. 2988, the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act:

“We strongly oppose H.R. 2988 because it injects partisan politics into workers’ retirement plans and ties the hands of the people responsible for managing those savings,” said Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06) and Juan Vargas (CA-52). Under ERISA, fiduciaries already have a clear, enforceable duty to act solely in the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries.

“This bill would make it harder for fiduciaries to consider real financial risks and opportunities, limiting default investment options, and discouraging the responsible exercise of shareholder rights,” Casten and Vargas continued. “Fiduciaries should be able to consider all financially material factors, without fear of litigation, when protecting workers' hard-earned retirement savings.

“We urge our colleagues to vote no on H.R. 2988.”

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Castro, Jacobs, Stanton Introduce No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) introduced the No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act, legislation that would prohibit taxpayer funds from being used for an unauthorized war in Mexico.

The introduction comes after the U.S. conducted several strikes off the coast of Mexico, and President Trump shared on Fox News that the U.S. is “going to start now hitting land, with regards to the cartels” in Mexico.

“Launching the United States into another unnecessary—and unauthorized—war in Latin America is a destabilizing move that will come back to haunt the nation. My constituents in San Antonio don’t want the U.S. to spend billions in another war that risks destabilizing the region, mass migration, and human rights abuses. My legislation, the No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act, would protect our relationship with a close ally and prevent wasting taxpayer dollars on military force in Mexico,” said Congressman Castro.

“War with Mexico—whether authorized or not—would put American and Mexican lives at risk and wreck America’s relationship with our most important trading partner,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “Bombing Mexico won’t successfully address the fentanyl crisis or the problems posed by the cartels; in fact, it could fuel both and provoke the cartels’ retaliation against American citizens. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act, which would prohibit any taxpayer dollars from being used to wage a reckless and lawless war against Mexico. We must do everything possible to stop the U.S. from making a catastrophic mistake that we can’t take back.”

“Trump is threatening to start a military conflict in America’s own backyard. In no uncertain terms, unilateral military action against Mexico would be disastrous. This entire episode already threatens to undermine our two countries' deeply intertwined economies and real cooperation to disrupt the illicit drug trade. America's security goals must be achieved by working in partnership with Mexico, not attacking it—and certainly not without Congressional authorization,” said Congressman Stanton.


Castro Statement on Financial Services and State Department Funding Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on his decision to vote no on the Financial Services and State Department Funding Bill:

“I voted no on the Financial Services and State Department Funding Bill today.

“President Trump has engaged in illegal wars in Venezuela, the Caribbean, and Eastern Pacific. He is threatening allies and neighbors, including Mexico, Colombia, and Greenland, with invasion. He illegally closed down the United States Agency for International Development and cancelled congressionally-funded foreign assistance programs, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide, and has used foreign assistance funding to pay El Salvador to detain people in a gulag. He is pursuing a foreign policy that enriches his rich allies and endangers Americans.

“While I strongly support the State Department, our diplomats, and foreign assistance professionals, I believe that this bill does not sufficiently hold the administration accountable or stop its abuses.

“The bill also contains language that I oppose.

America First Opportunity Fund

“That includes the creation of an $850 million “America First Opportunity Fund” which gives the administration broad discretion over foreign assistance with what I believe are insufficient guardrails.

“At a time when Congress has struggled to get basic transparency from the administration, I cannot trust this President or his administration with what amounts to a slush fund.

Latin America Programs

“The bill’s funding for Latin America priorities is too narrowly focused on migration enforcement and punitive conditions, rather than a balanced strategy that addresses root causes, strengthens democratic institutions, and supports economic opportunity. This reinforces the President’s resurrection of the Monroe Doctrine and his assertion of unrestrained power to intervene in Latin America.

“The United States has a long history of damaging intervention in Latin America in support of authoritarian leaders, who ultimately abused their people. This led to destabilization, human rights abuses, disappearances, mass death, and mass migration. We are repeating the same mistakes that have contributed to the crisis in the Western Hemisphere today.

Foreign Military Financing for Israel

“I also oppose the bill’s language that provides Israel with $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing without new conditions or reporting requirements. This funding would be used by Israel to procure the same kinds of offensive weapons that have been used to devastating effect in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed by the Israel Defense Forces, with little to no accountability. The State Department has also consistently refused to provide the Congress with even basic answers on the use of these funds and the weapons provided to Israel. Congress also has a responsibility to ensure U.S. assistance is consistent with our laws, values, and humanitarian obligations. I believe providing Israel with this funding to buy even more weapons, especially without any new conditions or transparency, would be a serious mistake.

“I understand that this bill is the product of negotiations between Republican and Democratic leadership and is an improvement of the Republican-only proposal from last year which would have made deeper cuts to the State Department and foreign policy programs, but I cannot support it.”


Imposing sanctions and protecting human rightsSmith, Salazar introduce the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, and Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, today introduced legislation to impose targeted sanctions against the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship and hold it accountable for its crimes against the Catholic Church, the clergy, and the people of Nicaragua.

“Our bill outlines serious economic penalties that can be leveraged to hold the corrupt Nicaraguan government to account and bring swift justice and relief to the people of Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan people—including people of faith, opposition party members and leaders, and other political prisoners—have suffered for far too long under the oppressive rule of the Ortega-Murillo regime,” said Smith, who authored the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (PL 114-281) and has chaired four congressional hearings on the political crisis in Nicaragua.

“Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo are ruthless dictators who have hijacked Nicaragua and terrorized their own people,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “They jail political opponents, silence the Church, crush free speech, and destroy democracy, because they fear a free people.

“Their human rights abuses are undeniable and intolerable. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act, to impose real consequences, stand with Nicaragua’s political prisoners and people of faith, and send a clear message: the United States will never legitimize tyranny in our hemisphere,” she continued.

“By banning U.S. investment in Nicaragua’s economy, opposing other financial streams and support, and implementing targeted sanctions, this critical legislation puts Nicaragua on watch. We are turning up the international pressure on the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship to do right by the Nicaraguan people—to embrace free and fair elections and reject political repression,” noted Smith.

The Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026 (HR 7055) reauthorizes and amends the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 by expanding the criteria for sanctions, strengthening economic penalties, prohibiting U.S. financial assistance to and investment in Nicaragua, and reinforcing the importance of human rights protections and free and fair elections in the country.

Among its provisions, the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026 will compel the U.S. government to:

Immediately cease any U.S. investment in the Nicaraguan economy;

Oppose financial or technical assistance to the government of Nicaragua from members of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI);

Trigger targeted sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family following the arrest, prosecution, conviction, and/or sentencing of any individual under politically motivated charges; gross violations of political prisoners’ human rights; and support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine;

Raise international concerns about the human rights and democracy crises in Nicaragua and support the religious and opposition leaders and groups silenced by the Ortega-Murillo regime;

Provide funding and support for programs that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua, including programs that document human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime since April 2018; and

Seek a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua by calling for free and fair elections and the cessation of political violence in the country.


WATCH: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) underscores China's weaponization of AI technology to commit human rights abuses

At today’s House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, “Winning the AI Arms Race Against the Chinese Communist Party,” senior member Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) raised serious concerns about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s weaponization of AI technology to violate international human rights standards and spread disinformation about historical events, such as Tiananmen Square.

Watch his exchange with witness Matt Pottinger, former Deputy U.S. National Security Advisor, by clicking here.


Rep. Judy Chu Condemns Louisiana’s Attempt to Criminalize Abortion Care and Target California Doctors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to Louisiana’s indictment of a California doctor for providing abortion medication and its attempt to force extradition across state lines, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) issued the following statement:

“This is a dangerous escalation in the Republican campaign to end abortion everywhere,” said Rep. Chu. “Louisiana is trying to criminalize doctors in California for providing safe, legal health care that is protected under our state’s laws. That is an outrageous abuse of power.

“Abortion medication is FDA-approved, overwhelmingly safe, and used by millions of women nationwide. What truly puts women at risk is Louisiana’s extreme abortion ban, and now, its attempt to intimidate doctors nationwide by threatening them with prison sentences.

“This is not about patient safety. It is about exporting an extremist agenda beyond state borders and punishing providers for defying it. I support Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to reject Louisiana’s extradition request and uphold California’s abortion shield laws. California will not be complicit in attacks on doctors or patients.

“I will continue fighting in Congress to pass my bill, the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would restore the right to abortion care nationwide, ensuring that no provider is treated like a criminal and no patient is denied care because of where they live or who is in power.”


Higgins’, Kennedy’s Legislation to End Billions of Dollars in Improper Government Payments Passes House

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins’ (R-LA) and Senator John Kennedy’s (R-LA) legislation, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, passed the House and will head to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

The bill would ensure that deceased people are removed from government payment rolls by permanently requiring the Social Security Administration to share the “Death Master File” with the Treasury Department’s “Do Not Pay” system. In 2023 alone, the federal government sent $1.3 billion to deceased people. Read the bill text here.

“This legislation will immediately save American taxpayers billions of dollars. It’s a simple fix to address government waste,” said Congressman Higgins. “As a fiscal conservative, I’m eager to see this bill, which reduces wasteful spending without expanding the size of the government, signed into law. I appreciate Senator Kennedy for his diligent work to get this joint effort to President Trump’s desk.”


Rep. Clyde Announces 2026 U.S. Service Academy Nominations

GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) announced his nomination of 16 students from Georgia’s Ninth District as candidates to the U.S. Service Academies.

Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

“It is my honor to nominate these sixteen exceptional students to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” said Clyde. “Each and every nominee possesses remarkable leadership, intellect, and resilience. These patriotic young Georgians epitomize the best of what America has to offer, and I am confident that they will make the Ninth District proud in their future endeavors.”

This year, Rep. Clyde nominated the following candidates to one or more of America’s Service Academies:

Tanner Brannock of Dacula, GA | University of North Georgia | USAFA

Colton Couch of Hoschton, GA | Jackson County High School | USMMA and USNA

Mattox Couch of Hoschton, GA | Jackson County High School | USMMA and USNA

Dion Hawkins of Dacula, GA | Mill Creek High School and Kennesaw State University | USAFA

Bryson Howe of Cleveland, GA | White County High School | USMA and USNA

Yihyun “River” Jung of Lawrenceville, GA | North Gwinnett High School | USAFA, USMA, and USNA

Alexander Lee of Buford, GA | Peachtree Ridge High School | USAFA, USMA, and USNA

Yeonjae “Jenny” Lee of Suwanee, GA | North Gwinnett High School | USAFA and USNA

Mason Litt of Buford, GA | Buford High School | USMA

Marcus Major of Buford, GA | U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School | USAFA

Kalil Mazone of Suwanee, GA | North Gwinnett High School | USMA

Lily Price of Buford, GA | Georgia Military College | USNA

Elijah Richards of Buford, GA | Mill Creek High School | USAFA

Coleman Rudisill of Jefferson, GA | Jefferson High School | USAFA

Allison Shin of Dacula, GA | Mill Creek High School | USMA and USNA

Divya Tiwary of Suwanee, GA | Georgia Military Academy | USAFA

Congressman Clyde’s nominees were recommended by his Service Academy Advisory Board after a highly competitive interview process, which involves students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, and physical aptitude.

Students who receive a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy must still receive appointments of admission. If appointed, they will be offered the distinct honor of earning a higher education with the commitment of serving in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Students who receive appointments following the competitive process will enter their respective academies this summer.


Congressman Cohen Advocates Fort Pillow National Battlefield Study

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today addressed the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands, urging it to pass his Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act, a measure calling for a determination of the suitability of the existing state park as a unit of the National Park system.

The major Civil War battle at Fort Pillow in Lauderdale County on the Mississippi River north of Memphis was the site of a massacre of Union troops by Confederate forces in April 1864.

Congressman Cohen presented the history of the national landmark and the brutality of the fighting in which at least 300 soldiers were killed, including many members of the U.S. Colored Troops.

Congressman Cohen noted that the Joint Select Committee on the Conduct of the War, the congressional body that investigated after the war ended, called the massacre “a scene of cruelty and murder without parallel in civilized warfare.”

“Word of the massacre became a rallying cry for Black soldiers across the Union, which included 179,000 in the Army and 19,000 in the Navy,” Congressman Cohen testified. “There was a call to ‘Remember Fort Pillow!’ and honor those who fiercely fought for the preservation of the Union with the knowledge that surrender was not an option.”

Tennessee made the site a state park in 1971. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and became a National Landmark in 1974.

The bill now awaits action by the full Committee on Natural Resources.

See Congressman Cohen’s full remarks, including his introduction of Fort Pillow massacre victims’ descendants in the hearing room, here.

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Congressman Cohen Testifies on Surface Transportation Priorities

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about his priorities for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District and for improvements to national safety programs he has long championed.

The Committee invited individual members to present their priorities during its “Member Day” hearing as it works on the surface transportation reauthorization bill. See that testimony here.

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen highlighted advancements made from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and advocated for several bills he leads and champions. These bills include:

Complete Streets Act

Don’t Miss Your Flight Act

Safe Streets and Roads for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act

Language to request a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to identify some of the major issues with disability parking placard misuse and accessibility.

School Bus Safety Act

Stop Underrides Act 2.0

Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Reauthorization

Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act

Train Furtherance of Outstanding Onboard Dining Act (Train FOOD Act)

Train Establishment of Appetizing Table Service Act (Train EATS Act)

TN-9 secured more than half a billion dollars through the IIJA including, just to name a few:

Nearly $400 million to replace the I-55 bridge through the Bridge Investment Program;

Funding to modernize Memphis International Airport;

RAISE grants;

PROTECT funding to safeguard the Memphis floodplain;

Safe Streets and Roads for All funding to redesign our most dangerous intersection at Lamar Avenue, Kimball Avenue and Pendleton Street;

Grant support to study a new passenger rail connection; and

Millions more for broadband expansion and other critical investments across Tennessee.

Congressman Cohen hopes to build on this success and work with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to deliver surface transportation bill that meets the needs of Memphis and communities across the nation.

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Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen to Speak at Northside Square Ribbon Cutting

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will be among the speakers at Friday’s ribbon cutting for Northside Square, a major mixed-use project on the site of the former Northside High School. Congressman Cohen secured $1 million in fiscal year 2024 community project funding for Northside Square through the annual appropriations process to convert the vacant school into a community hub with affordable housing.

What: A ribbon cutting and celebration of Northside Square

Who: Speakers will include Congressman Cohen, Mayor Paul Young, representatives of The Works Inc. and ComCap Partners, prospective tenants and others

When: Friday, January 16, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: 1212 Vollintine Avenue (38107)

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

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Cole Votes in Favor of Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of H.R. 7006, a two-bill funding package covering the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) and the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations measures for the fiscal year 2026. After voting in favor of the package, he released the following statement:

“Congress is maintaining momentum on full-year government funding. President Trump signed the first three appropriations bills into law in November. Then, last Thursday, the House passed a package of three more funding bills. Now, today, we added two more bills to that tally,” said Congressman Cole.

“With this two-bill funding package, we are advancing the mandate of the American people and continuing to reign in President Trump’s golden age. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are supported, and consumer freedom is safeguarded. We protect our nation by strengthening cyber defenses and dismantling the networks that enable terrorism and drug trafficking. By realigning our diplomacy and national posture to deter threats, peace through strength is being restored,” said Congressman Cole.

“I am very proud of the hard work the Appropriations Committee, our Cardinals, Democratic Ranking Members, and Republican leadership has put in to get this legislation through the finish line. These bills serve a clear purpose – safety, security, and freedom – and I look forward to sending it to President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Cole.

Key Provisions in the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026

Financial Services and General Government

Modernizes the IRS to better support taxpayers and crack down on fraud.

Supports entrepreneurship and small business development.

Maintains “Buy American” provisions.

Protects consumer freedom in kitchen appliance, other tool, and recreational vehicle products through prohibition of Biden-era regulations.

Maintains critical pro-life riders.

Invests in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program to strengthen interdiction efforts and stop narcotics from entering our borders.

Takes steps to identify underutilized federal office spaces to cut wasteful Washington spending.

National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies

Reprioritizes funding in support of U.S. national security.

Eliminates wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, and divisive gender ideologies at the State Department.

Holds the United Nations accountable.

Holds foreign governments and bad actors accountable for their persecution of people of faith.

Confronts human trafficking.

Provides support, funds, or assistance for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Tawain.

Provides for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s malign influence.

Denies China access to U.S.-backed resources.

Prioritizes fiscal sanity with over $9 billion in cuts.

Oklahoma Priorities/ Congressman Cole Secured in the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026

Financial Services and General Government

$28 million for Native Initiatives at the Community Development Financial Institution Fun, improving financial capacity for tribal nations to expand community development.

$5.3 million for Native American outreach through the Small Business Association’s Office of Native American Affairs.

$324 million for the Community Development Financial Institution Fund, allowing for access to opportunities and economic growth in rural communities.

$27 million for the Small Business Association’s Women’s Business Centers.

$45 million for the Election Assistance Commission’s Election Security Grants to ensure our elections are safe from cyber threats and other bad actors.

Secured language requiring the General Services Administration to audit all its technology to identify IT products that were produced by companies with ties to the People’s Republic of China.

Secured language requiring the Office of Management and Budget to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the National Cyber Director to submit a report to Congress on the status of the deployment of Endpoint Detection and Response solutions, as well as a timeline of full coverage to combat cyber threats from sophisticated adversaries like Russia and China.

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CORREA VOTES FOR MINIBUS FEDERAL FUNDING LEGISLATION, PROTECTS MAIN STREET FROM FUNDING CUTS

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) voted in favor of H.R. 7006 - The Appropriations Minibus for Financial Services and General Government & National Security and Department of State and released the following statement:

“This legislation funds key government operations without inflicting $163 billion in the President’s proposed domestic cuts to programs that support small businesses on Main Street. This package also removes extreme GOP ‘poison pills’ that would have restricted access to reproductive care and blocked the IRS from offering free tax filing, ensuring Congress can focus on delivering services to the public, not advancing partisan policy fights.

This bill reasserts Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and reflects responsible, bipartisan stewardship of taxpayer dollars. It also makes critical investments in our economy and global stability, including $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions, $1 billion for the Small Business Administration, and $5.5 billion for international humanitarian assistance. I will continue working to protect our nation’s security at home and abroad while safeguarding the investments that help our communities thrive.”

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Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus Statement on Ambassador Kevin Rudd

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus, Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chair Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Ambassador Kevin Rudd, who will depart as Australian Ambassador to the United States on March 31, 2026.

“Ambassador Rudd will depart his post with a powerful legacy of bilaterial accomplishment and enduring friendship with the United States. Over the last the three years, Ambassador Rudd was an integral player as Congress worked to execute AUKUS authorities. His knowledge and expertise of the Indo-Pacific and international diplomacy were incomparable assets to the deliberative process,” the lawmakers said. “Congress’ relationship with Australia remains closer than ever thanks to Ambassador Rudd’s stewardship and engagement. The Friends of Australia Caucus wishes him all the best.”

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Following ICE Surge in Minnesota, Rep. Craig Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against DHS Sec. Kristi Noem

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-01) in introducing Articles of Impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, whose leadership has wreaked havoc on Minnesota communities and recently resulted in the killing of Minneapolis mother Renee Nicole Good.

In the wake of the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surge in Minnesota, Rep. Craig has led the fight against Secretary Noem’s continued efforts to strip Minnesotans of due process, push Minnesota state and local authorities out of the investigation of Renee Good’s killing and prevent Members of Congress from exercising their right to conduct oversight of federal immigration facilities. Rep. Craig and her colleagues have introduced three impeachment articles, citing obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust and self-dealing.

“Secretary Noem has shown us that she will do whatever it takes to advance President Trump’s heartless and dangerous immigration agenda,” said Rep. Craig. “Under her leadership, DHS has repeatedly ignored due process, denied Members of Congress their right to conduct oversight of immigration detention facilities and used immigrants as political pawns. This month, her political stunts in Minneapolis got a woman killed. Secretary Noem is a danger to every single Minnesotan – and that’s why today, I’m formally introducing Articles of Impeachment. Enough is enough.”

Following the murder of Renee Good by an ICE officer in South Minneapolis, Rep. Craig demanded that federal agencies, who had refused to share critical evidence with Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), work with state and local law enforcement to conduct a full and fair investigation into the incident.

Rep. Craig then attempted to conduct a Congressional oversight visit of the regional ICE detention center at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. She, Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03) were met with armed ICE agents and ultimately denied entry to the facility. Following the visit, Secretary Noem released a statement that inaccurately portrayed the events of the day and denied the Members’ legal right to conduct unannounced oversight visits.

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Rep. Crank Votes in Favor of National Security and Government Oversight Bill; Advances President's America First Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted to advance H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026.

The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act delivers on President Trump’s America First agenda by ending divisive, liberal Biden-era policies, restoring common sense to the federal government, and ensuring the Executive Branch has the resources it needs to execute the mandate given by the nation. The bill also includes language the Congressman advocated for directing the Colorado District Court to review the need for a new courthouse in Colorado Springs and that could support the seating of an Article III judge.

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act removes woke Biden-era poison pills and supports President Trump’s promise to realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The bill also maintains long standing pro-life protections to ensure American taxpayer dollars are not funding abortions in other countries.

"House Republicans are keeping their promise to advance the Appropriations process, while cutting out wasteful spending that existed under the Biden Administration," said Rep. Crank. "This Appropriations package will advance President Trump's agenda to make America safer, stronger, and restore common sense to the federal government."

Background:

The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act:

Protects taxpayers from government overreach;

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections;

Restores fiscal sanity and protects taxpayer dollars;

and more.

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

Champions America First foreign policy;

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world;

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections;

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars;

and more.

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