Brownley Introduces Joint Resolution of Disapproval to Block Harmful VA Abortion Rule

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), to formally overturn the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) recently finalized abortion rule.

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) co-led the resolution. All Democratic members serving on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, including Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rep. Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Rep. Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), Rep. Herb Conaway, M.D. (NJ-03), and Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03), are original cosponsors of the resolution. The Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Reproductive Freedom Caucus, Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), are also original cosponsors of the resolution. This effort is also supported by several veterans’ service organizations and a coalition of organizations supporting reproductive freedom.

On December 31, 2025, the Trump administration published a final rule in the Federal Register, effectively ending abortion access at VA, except in very limited life-threatening circumstances. The rule, first proposed in August of 2025, rescinds a Biden-era VA reproductive healthcare regulation that provided veterans access to abortion care in instances of rape, incest, and threat to life or health, and that allowed VA providers to discuss abortion with patients who were experiencing unwanted or high-risk pregnancies and pregnancy complications.

Democrats immediately fought back, with more than 230 Members of Congress joining a September 2, 2025, public comment letter led by Ranking Member Mark Takano and Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Despite this comment letter and the thousands of other public comments submitted in opposition to the proposed rule, VA moved forward without making changes to reflect the concerns of veteran stakeholders, the public, and their elected representatives.

In addition to finalizing its proposed rule, in December 2025 VA also issued an internal memo reinstating a near-total ban on abortions and abortion counseling, with no exceptions in the case of rape, incest, or threat to health. The memo was effective immediately, thereby circumventing the standard 30-day delayed implementation period in the rulemaking process.

The Congressional Review Act is a law that enables Congress to overturn agency regulations. If the joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the president (or if Congress overrides a presidential veto), the rule covered by the legislation cannot go into effect or continue to be in effect.

“The Trump administration’s extreme abortion ban puts veterans at risk and prevents doctors from providing the care their patients need,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health. “House Democrats believe veterans deserve compassionate, comprehensive health care and honest conversations with their doctors — free from political interference. That is why I am leading my Democratic colleagues in introducing this resolution to make clear that this dangerous policy cannot stand. Veterans who survive rape or incest deserve care, not barriers, and doctors should never be silenced when patients are seeking medical guidance. The VA must deliver consistent, comprehensive care to all veterans — guided by medical need and science, not extremist and dangerous ideology.”

“VA’s rule leaves veterans with less access to abortion care than individuals covered by every other federal healthcare program, including the Bureau of Prisons, which covers this essential care in instances of rape, incest, and threat to life,” said Ranking Member Takano (CA-39) of the VA abortion rule.“Veterans fought for our freedoms, and now this administration is stripping them of their freedoms. We trusted them to carry out the missions of our country, but VA no longer trusts them to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions. My fellow Democrats and I will not stand by as VA undoes the critical progress we made during the last administration. I thank Congresswoman Brownley for her leadership on this joint resolution of disapproval.”

“Trump’s Department of Veterans Affairs is ripping abortion care away from our servicewomen. The Trump administration is imposing their own religious views on women veterans who were willing to make the greatest sacrifice to serve our country,” said Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “Remember, reproductive health care is essential to keep women alive during difficult pregnancies, to allow the termination of a pregnancy following rape, and to allow women the freedom to determine how and when to have a family—in essence to give women veterans the freedoms that they were willing to fight for to preserve for our country.”

“Those who fought for our freedoms abroad deserve to have their freedoms respected and needs met at home. Yet, as families across the nation gathered for the holidays, this administration mounted a targeted attack on those veterans,” said Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “That was their gift from this President: a dangerous abortion ban, issued quietly overnight. Veterans and their families, not politicians, should be the ones making medical decisions about their bodies and futures. We say no to this abortion ban. We say no to compromising the quality of VA health care in the name of political extremism. And we say no to this sham of a rule.”

“The VA exists to serve all who served, including women in need of abortion counseling in extenuating circumstances,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “With nearly 70% of our members overwhelmingly supporting women veterans’ access to care post-Dobbs, IAVA applauds the CRA action taken in both the House and Senate, which would ensure that timely and necessary care is continued.”

“With the stroke of a pen, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) increased the risk of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by reducing veterans’ access to basic, necessary, and life-saving reproductive health care. The removal of abortion care and counseling places veterans at further risk, particularly women and gender-diverse veterans who have already sacrificed their health in service to this country. These actions are not merely administrative or ideological policy shifts; they are dangerous barriers to essential medical care,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America. “To uphold its mission to serve those who have served, the VA must withdraw this policy. Abortion care and counseling are not simply about choice, they are matters of health, human rights, and survival. Preserving access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care is essential to honoring the service, sacrifices, and dignity of women and minority veterans.”

“Veterans were promised care, dignity, and respect when they raised their right hand to serve. This decision breaks that promise. Stripping veterans of access to abortion care and even basic medical counseling is cruel, medically dangerous, and fundamentally dishonest. Veterans, especially women veterans, face higher rates of complicated and high-risk pregnancies because of their service. Denying them full, evidence-based reproductive healthcare is not about protecting life, it is about imposing ideology at the expense of veterans’ health and autonomy. The VA exists to serve veterans, not to make their most personal medical decisions for them,” said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of Vet Voice Foundation.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs banning reproductive healthcare is a profound betrayal of those who have sacrificed for our country. By eliminating comprehensive healthcare access that veterans have earned, this ban disregards the overwhelming public opposition demonstrated by thousands of comments, many made by Common Defense members. It’s essential that Congress overturn this ban and prioritize the health and well-being of our veterans. Our service members deserve better than this callous erosion of their rights,” said Naveed Shah, Political Director of Common Defense, a membership organization of progressive US military veterans.

The joint resolution of disapproval is also endorsed by 12 organizations dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of our nation’s veterans, including the Modern Military Association of America, Service Women’s Action Network, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Rights, Guttmacher Institute, National Council of Jewish Women, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, and the National Partnership for Women & Families.

“After all that veterans have sacrificed to defend our freedoms, it is appalling to strip them of the right to make their own health care decisions,” said the group of endorsers in a joint statement. “We applaud every lawmaker who signed on to this resolution condemning the rule to ban abortion care and counseling at the VA, including in cases of rape or incest, and we urge both chambers to act swiftly to overturn this extreme policy that puts veterans’ health and safety at risk.”

Disabled American Veterans has also endorsed the joint resolution of disapproval.

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Joint Democratic Leadership Statement on Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security

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

Taxpayer dollars are being weaponized by the Trump administration to kill American citizens, brutalize communities and violently target law-abiding immigrant families. The country is disgusted by what the Department of Homeland Security has done.

Republicans are planning to shut large parts of the government down on Friday so that the DHS killing spree unleashed in Minnesota can continue throughout America. That is immoral.

Dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security are needed. Federal agents who have broken the law must be criminally prosecuted. The paramilitary tactics must cease and desist. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not kill them in cold blood.

The violence unleashed on the American people by the Department of Homeland Security must end forthwith. Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives.

We can do this the easy way or the hard way.

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Kelly honors Crawford County veterans' organization leaders as first 2026 Community Champions

MEADVILLE, PA -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) recognized Phil and Laurie Davis as the first Community Champions of 2026. Phil is the Commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 52 in Meadville and, together with his wife Laurie, have dedicated themselves to serving veterans in Crawford County.

"Our 16th Congressional District is full of incredible service-minded military veterans and service members, and Phil and Laurie sure exemplify that. I want to thank them for their service for their incredible service to our local veterans and for their years of dedication to our country and to the Crawford County community," said Rep. Kelly.

Under Phil's and Laurie's leadership, The Post has packed boxes and sent them to deployed services members for 25 years. They have held a POW/MIA recognition day vigil and Motorcycle ride every year for over 27 years, and other community and veteran-related events. Additionally, they are one of the only Color Guard that perform Military Honors for veterans that pass away. Phil and Laurie operate these initiatives only by donations and their Saturday Dinners to raise money.

Additionally, Phil served in the United States Army from 1970-1971, during which time he was deployed to Vietnam.

You can read Rep. Kelly's full remarks about Phil and Laurie in the Congressional Record here.

Learn more about the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 52 in Meadville here.

BACKGROUND

The Community Champion Award is a citation instituted by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities.

Each winner is presented with an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly’s office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official Congressional Record.


Office of Congressman Mike Lawler Closes 8,000 Constituent Cases

Pearl River, N.Y.– 1/27/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced a significant milestone for his district offices’ casework team, which has now closed over 8,000 constituent cases and over $39 million in funding for the residents of New York’s Hudson Valley since he took office in January 2023.

Congressman Lawler’s casework team has assisted thousands of families and individuals across Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties with issues involving federal agencies, including Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, immigration services, passports, disaster assistance, and tax-related matters.

“Every case that comes through our office represents a real person who needs help, and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether it’s a senior trying to access Social Security, a veteran fighting for earned benefits, or a family navigating a federal agency, my team is committed to cutting through the confusion and delivering results. Since taking office, we’ve closed more than 8,000 cases,” said Congressman Lawler.

To get help with a federal agency or to open a constituent case, please visit lawler.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency or contact the Pearl River Office at (845) 201-2060 and the Carmel Office at (845) 743-7130.

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

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Lawler Introduces Legislation to Protect Children From Harmful AI Companion Chatbots

Washington, D.C. - 1/27/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act, bipartisan legislation to protect minors from the growing risks posed by AI companion chatbots.

As AI companion chatbots become more prevalent, particularly among young users, the CHAT Act establishes clear, enforceable safeguards to ensure children are protected from exposure to self-harm content, suicidal ideation, and inappropriate interactions with artificial intelligence systems that are often mistaken for real people.

“We have a responsibility to make sure our children are protected, not exploited, by AI technology. Parents across the country deserve peace of mind knowing that AI platforms interacting with their kids have real safeguards in place, including age verification, parental consent, and clear boundaries. The CHAT Act puts families first and ensures innovation never comes at the expense of our children’s safety,” said Congressman Lawler.

Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

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Lofgren Backs Impeachment Articles against DHS Secretary Noem

SAN JOSE, CA - Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and former impeachment manager, announced that she would be supporting articles of impeachment filed against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

"Under Kristi Noem’s watch, ICE has unleashed chaos in Minneapolis and cities across this country," Rep. Lofgren said. "Lawless agents are executing mothers and nurses in the streets, and her response to these tragedies has been to label these victims as terrorists and lie to the American people about what we’ve seen with our own eyes. Beyond that, she has been illegally obstructing congressional oversight of ICE facilities. As a former impeachment manager myself, I take the impeachment process very seriously; it’s not a tool that should ever be used for partisan games. However, Secretary Noem’s misconduct leaves Congress with no other choice. Today, I am signing onto the impeachment articles filed against Secretary Noem, and I will continue doing everything in my power to protect American's constitutional rights and hold this administration accountable."

Lofgren has served as an impeachment manager three times: the 2009 impeachment of Judge Samuel Kent for sexual assault and obstruction of justice; the 2010 impeachment of Judge Thomas Porteous for corruption and making false financial disclosures; and the first impeachment of President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. She was also a member of the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and was a staffer for Judiciary member Don Edwards in 1973, where she helped to prepare articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon.

The articles of impeachment in H. Res. 996 filed by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) can be read here.

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Lofgren, Judiciary Democrats Press Chairman Jordan for Hearing with Secretary Noem Following Fatal Shootings of American Citizens by DHS in Minneapolis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded Chairman Jim Jordan hold a House Judiciary Committee hearing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem following the fatal federal agent shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis who were peacefully exercising their First and Second Amendment rights.

The House Judiciary Committee Majority’s own website says that “the Committee’s oversight responsibility for the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security” is “[p]articularly important in our time.” Yet not a single witness from DHS has appeared before the Judiciary Committee during this Congress.

“This Committee has devoted years of oversight to alleged First Amendment violations by social media companies and has subpoenaed foreign companies over censorship concerns abroad. Mr. Chairman: look what’s happening right in front of our eyes. Federal agents have shot dead two American citizens in the past two weeks for doing no more than exercising their fully protected rights to protest, observe, and record law enforcement in public,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers want answers regarding the killings of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse and lawful gun owner who was filming law enforcement activity, and Renée Nicole Good, an unarmed mother of three who was observing an ICE operation from her vehicle.

Immediately following the shootings, Secretary Noem publicly labeled both victims “domestic terrorists” without evidence. But video footage viewed nationwide and verified by multiple news outlets contradicts DHS’s claims and all but proves that the shootings were without any legal justification.

Footage shows Mr. Pretti holding a cell phone when he was tackled by multiple agents and shot repeatedly in the back. Video also appears to show agents removing a firearm from his possession before another agent fired ten shots. Minneapolis Police have confirmed that Mr. Pretti had a valid permit to carry under Minnesota law and no criminal record.

Similarly, video evidence shows that Ms. Good was shot while seated in her car observing an ICE operation. Although DHS claimed she attempted to run over agents, footage shows her steering her car away from the agent who fired three shots into her vehicle.

“The attempted cover-up by DHS requires an inquiry by the House Judiciary Committee. Mr. Chairman, if your commitment to the First and Second Amendments—not to mention the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process—is genuine, as we have always believed it to be, then this Committee cannot look away when federal agents gun down Americans for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers’ demand comes amid reports that Secretary Noem will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3.

Click here to read the letter to Chairman Jordan.

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Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan National Cemetery Transparency Act

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, introduced the bipartisan National Cemetery Administration Annual Report Act of 2026, alongside Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), to improve transparency and provide Congress and the public with clearer insight into the operations and future needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

The bill would require the VA to submit an annual public report to Congress detailing the operations, performance, and resource needs of the National Cemetery Administration. By making this information easily accessible to both Congress and the public, the legislation ensures that veterans and their families receive the dignity, honor, and care they have earned.

“Veterans and their families deserve transparency when it comes to the care and long-term planning of national cemeteries," said Congressman Mackenzie. “This legislation strengthens congressional oversight of the National Cemetery Administration and ensures we have the information needed to better serve those who have worn the uniform.”

“The National Cemetery Administration Annual Report Act affirms our commitment to honoring veterans with dignity and respect," said Congressman McGarvey. "By shedding light on how we care for veterans in their final resting place, we can ensure their service is never forgotten. I’m grateful to Rep. Mackenzie for leading this bipartisan effort for our nation’s veterans and their families.”

The legislation is supported by veterans service organizations:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Paralyzed Veterans of America

“The burial benefits earned by our nation's heroes represent a final, sacred promise from a grateful nation. DAV is pleased to support the National Cemetery Administration Annual Report Act of 2026, which would help strengthen transparency, accountability and long-term planning within the National Cemetery Administration (NCA),” said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer. “We applaud Rep. Mackenzie and Rep. McGarvey for introducing legislation to help ensure that NCA continues to keep that final, sacred promise for generations to come.”

Specifically, the legislation would require the VA to publish an annual report detailing:

The number of interments performed by NCA, broken down by cemetery, interment type, and eligibility category

Burial options available at each national cemetery

Customer satisfaction metrics

A nationwide map of all national and VA-grant-funded veterans’ cemeteries

The number of veterans interred in VA-grant-funded cemeteries

The number of Presidential Memorial Certificates, headstones, markers, and medallions provided

Information on completed and planned cemetery construction projects

Data on grants awarded for veterans’ cemeteries, including recipients, amounts, and purposes

The number of interments of unclaimed veteran remains

Any additional metrics the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines appropriate

Importantly, the bill requires the report to be made publicly available online, ensuring families, researchers, veterans’ advocates, and policymakers can easily access the information.


Representative Mannion (NY-22) Introduces 'Restarting Education After Disasters' Act to Help Schools Reopen and Recover

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today introduced the Restarting Education After Disasters Act, legislation to strengthen federal support for communities with schools forced to close due to natural disasters and severe weather.

The legislation is inspired by the experience of students, families, educators, and school workers in the Oneida City School District, where the high school was closed for months following severe flood damageThe legislation is co-led by Representative Troy Carter (LA-2) and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28).

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, “As an educator for almost thirty years, I know that kids learn best in person, with stability, structure, and as little disruption as possible. What students, teachers, and families in Oneida experienced made clear that when disasters shut down schools, the consequences are felt far beyond the building. This bill is about making sure schools have the resources they need to reopen and recover quickly.”

Representative Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) said, “After a disaster, it’s imperative that we prioritize getting our students back into classrooms. This bill ensures schools aren’t left behind simply because a disaster didn’t receive a federal declaration. By reauthorizing and strengthening the Restart program with reliable funding, expanded eligibility, and clear authority to address urgent facility repairs, this bill gives states and schools the tools they need to recover faster and smarter. When schools are forced to close for weeks or months, students pay the price—and this legislation ensures federal support is there when it’s needed most.”

Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) said, “I’m happy to join Reps. Mannion and Carter in introducing this legislation to provide an annual source of emergency relief funding for K-12 schools. The Department of Education’s Restart program is essential to helping schools reopen after disasters. But currently, Restart only receives one-time funding through specific disaster supplementals,” said Rep. Chu. “One year after the Eaton Fire devastated my district in Southern California, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures including multiple schools, our community still hasn’t received a federal disaster supplemental. By providing annual funding for the Restart program, the Restarting Education After Disasters Act would ensure schools in my district and around the country don’t have to wait on a disaster supplemental to receive vital relief.”

Matthew T. Carpenter, Superintendent of Oneida City School District said, “Oneida City School District experienced extreme flooding forcing the closure of our high school. Had this legislation been in place prior to this event, additional federal resources could have helped accelerate our recovery and reduce the disruption experienced by our students, families, teachers, and school staff. We are grateful to Congressman Mannion for his consistent support throughout this process, including his assistance in securing critical USDA grant funding. Oneida’s experience shows why schools need timely, flexible disaster recovery support, and we hope the lessons learned here help improve outcomes for school communities across the country.”

The Restarting Education After Disasters Act reauthorizes and improves the U.S. Department of Education’s Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (Restart) Program. The legislation would authorize multi-year funding, available until expended, for the Restart Program, ensuring predictable and timely assistance to affected schools.

Importantly, the bill expands eligibility to include schools impacted by state-declared disasters, not just federally declared emergencies—addressing the gap that left Oneida students and educators without access to critical federal support. Although New York State issued a disaster declaration, the absence of a federal declaration left the district ineligible for FEMA assistance and other federal recovery resources—placing significant financial and operational strain on the local community.

The legislation also ensures that Restart funds can be used for facility and equipment repairs and minor renovations, helping schools pay for urgent infrastructure needs. In addition, it prioritizes assistance for schools closed for 30 days or more, directing resources to communities facing the most severe disruptions.

Congressman Mannion will visit students in Oneida during their first week back in the building, following a prolonged and difficult period of remote and hybrid learning. His visit will underscore the educational and emotional toll that extended school closures take on students, families, teachers, and school staff—and the importance of getting students back into classrooms as quickly and safely as possible.

Schools across the country are facing increasing disruptions from floods, fires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. The Restarting Education After Disasters Act ensures federal education recovery funding is reliable, equitable, and responsive.

The Restarting Education After Disasters Act is endorsed by: New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Build America’s School Infrastructure Coalition (BASIC).


Rep. Diaz-Balart to Attend Ribbon-Cutting Celebrating the Completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project After Years of Leadership on Everglades Restoration

Collier County, FL – On Wednesday, January 28, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, one of the largest wetland restoration efforts in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project will restore natural water flows over an 85-square-mile area (~55,000 acres), improving the area’s hydrology, allowing for the return of more balanced plant communities, increasing aquifer recharge, and sending fresh water to the coastal estuaries in a more natural manner.

Event Details:

WHO:

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26)

Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle

Major General Jason Kelly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Colonel Brandon Bowman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Alexis Lambert, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Drew Bartlett, South Florida Water Management District

Rob Moher, President, Conservancy of Southwest Florida

WHAT:

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Picayune Strand Restoration Project at Miller Pump Station

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

1:00 p.m. ET

Media availability immediately following ribbon-cutting

WHERE:

Ceremony site at the Miller Pump Station

64th Ave SE, Naples FL 34117

United States Army Corps of Engineers Picayune Strand Restoration

5233 Everglades Blvd S, Naples, FL 34117

Background:

Picayune Strand – 2011

Congress authorized the Picayune Strand Restoration Project in 2007 as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

The South Florida Water Management District expedited construction by filling in and plugging seven miles of the Prairie Canal and completing approximately 25 percent of the road removal.

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project will restore natural water flows over an 85-square-mile area (~55,000 acres).

The project will improve the area’s hydrology, allow for the return of more balanced plant communities, increase aquifer recharge, and send fresh water in a more natural manner to the coastal estuaries.

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Mast, Florida legislators call for inclusion of National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in newly created system

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast today called on the Secretary of the Navy, John C. Phelan, to include the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida in the U.S. Navy’s Museum System. With bipartisan support from both chambers, 28 members of Florida’s federal delegation joined Mast in urging the Department of the U.S. Navy to formally recognize the museum’s historic significance.

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum sits on the original training grounds of the U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base in Fort Pierce, where the Navy trained its first frogmen during World War II. Founded in 1985, the museum preserves the history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare. The museum offers exhibitions ranging from the Naval Combat Demolition Units and Underwater Demolition Teams of World War II to today’s Navy SEAL Teams.

“The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum tells the story of our most elite warriors on the very ground where that legacy began,” said Rep. Mast. “These are the service members who cleared beaches under fire, carried out harrowing missions, and defended America in dire conditions while facing unimaginable hostility. Officially including this museum within the U.S. Navy Museum System ensures their legacies are preserved, honored, and shared for future generations.”

Creation of, and criteria for inclusion in, the U.S. Navy Museum System is authorized by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. Consistent with the criteria for designation, the museum maintains historical significance, public accessibility and outreach, and it strives for strong alignment with the U.S. Navy’s mission of preserving its heritage. Official designation would aid the museum’s ability to improve educational outreach and expand public access while reinforcing its partnership with the Department of the Navy.


MATSUI, THOMPSON CALL FOR NATIONAL DHS OVERHAUL AT PRESS CONFERENCE AT JOHN MOSS FEDERAL BUILDING

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Thompson (CA-04) held a press conference outside the John E. Moss Federal Building to call for urgent oversight, transparency, and accountability of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), warning that unchecked federal enforcement is putting lives at risk in Sacramento and across the country.

Following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Matsui, Thompson, and their Democratic colleagues are demanding a stop to ICE funding and Kristi Noem’s removal from office. The chaos in Minneapolis is the latest escalation in Americans’ concerns about federal agencies operating without sufficient oversight. The members also pointed to the John Moss Federal Building, which houses ICE personnel in Sacramento, as another focal point for growing concern over federal law enforcement practices operating without transparency or accountability. In recent weeks, peaceful demonstrators outside the building have been seriously harmed, including incidents involving a DHS vehicle and a violent attack on legal observers.

“From Sacramento to Minneapolis, we are seeing the same dangerous pattern: more force, less transparency, and no accountability from DHS and ICE,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This is the fifth time I have stood outside this building demanding answers from a rogue agency. The fact that we are here again shows how persistent and unchecked this abuse of power has become. Secretary Kristi Noem must be held accountable, ICE needs to get out of our communities, and Congress must stop funding abuse disguised as enforcement. We will not stop fighting until there is real and independent accountability.”

“Like so many Americans, I am sickened by ICE’s killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis,” said Congressman Thompson. “This is just the latest in ICE’s abuses across our country, including in Sacramento. Enough is enough. There is nothing legal, moral, ethical, nor humane with what’s going on in Minnesota and our Republican colleagues in Congress need to grow some courage and join us to impeach Kristi Noem, cut ICE funding, and stop the chaos.”

“NorCal Resist affirms our commitment to our immigrant community and to defending fundamental democratic and human rights values this administration seeks to ignore through immigration enforcement,” said Giselle Garcia, Program Director, NorCal Resist. “May all representatives in Congress oust each transgressor and hold them accountable for their crimes against humanity. May the people continue to resist in the face of repression and fight for the world we deserve.”

For months, Congresswoman Matsui has repeatedly pressed DHS leadership for information about conditions inside the John Moss Federal Building and the treatment of individuals detained there, as well as the conduct of federal agents operating in and around the facility. Matsui’s continued presence at the Moss Building reflects an ongoing effort to bring transparency to operations that remain largely hidden from public view, despite serious concerns raised by advocates, legal observers, and community members.

At the federal level, Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Thompson have emerged as leading voices in demanding accountability at the highest levels of DHS. They were among the first Members of Congress to co-sponsor articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, citing systemic failures in leadership and oversight. Last week, Matsui and Thompson also voted NO on legislation to provide funding to DHS, arguing that Congress must not continue to expand the power and resources of agencies that have demonstrated a pattern of terrorizing communities and trampling constitutional rights.

The legislative fight now moves to the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers face a critical decision: approve DHS funding or hold the line. With lives at stake, Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Thompson reiterated that Congress cannot continue to fund DHS.

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Rep. McBride Applauds House Democratic Leadership’s Call for Accountability at DHS, Reiterates Support for Impeaching Noem

Wilmington, DE — Today, Delaware’s Congresswoman Sarah McBride applauded House Democratic Leadership calling for immediate accountability at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and reiterating that Secretary Kristi Noem must be removed or face impeachment proceedings.

Rep. McBride was among the first Democrats in Congress to publicly call for Secretary Noem’s impeachment earlier this month. Following her leadership, two-thirds of House Democrats have since signed on to cosponsor articles of impeachment introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly. Rep. McBride has consistently voted against DHS funding and Rep. McBride reaffirmed her commitment to voting no on funding for DHS after the murder of Alex Pretti.

“Secretary Noem is one of the most unqualified individuals to ever lead a federal agency. Under her leadership, ICE has targeted and terrorized immigrant communities indiscriminately and they are violating basic rights and freedoms left and right. Their operations have violated the rule of law and the rights of our neighbors.

“And now they’re on a killing spree. In the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the American people watched ICE agents gun down two individuals in broad daylight only to then watch DHS leadership and Secretary Noem go on TV and lie to the public about what we saw with our own eyes.

“At the same time, Trump and congressional Republicans are rushing to expand ICE’s budget with no accountability, and are willing to shut down our government to continue to inflict their cruelty on American streets. Public trust in ICE and CBP has been irrevocably undermined and they do not deserve one more cent.

“I was one of the first members of Congress to call for Noem’s impeachment, and I am renewing that call today. Accountability can’t stop there, the federal agents who have murdered American citizens must be criminally prosecuted.”

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Statement from Congresswoman April McClain Delaney on ICE's Warehouse Purchase in Washington County

Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney posted the following statement:

"We have now confirmed the facility ICE purchased in Washington County. According to the county’s circuit court records, the address is: 16220 Wright Road, Williamsport, MD, 21795.

"ICE’s covert acquisition of a warehouse in historic Williamsport - carried out without transparency, community input, or accountability - is unacceptable. I am in contact with the Governor’s office and Team Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and local leaders to demand answers from the Department of Homeland Security. Let me be clear: planning a detention facility behind closed doors is not governance - it is intimidation. For DHS to make such egregious plans in the cloak of darkness is yet another example of a lawless agency hellbent on harassing, assaulting, and killing our neighbors.

"Last week, I stood alongside hundreds of residents across Western Maryland to deliver a clear message to the Trump Administration: we do not want this facility in our backyard. Our communities will not be steamrolled, and our neighbors will not be targeted in silence. We will organize. We will show up. We will speak out. We will sue. And we will not stop fighting – together - until this proposal is stopped and our community is respected."

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.


McCollum Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional App Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) held a virtual event to congratulate Riddhi Singhvi of Stillwater Area High School for winning the 2025 Fourth Congressional District App Challenge. Singhvi’s app, Bite Balance, was chosen by an independent judge from the Fourth Congressional District.

Bite Balance is a wellness application designed to improve user health by replacing calorie counting and manual food logging with simple, AI-driven insights. Bite Balance helps users understand how food, activity, and rest work together to support gut health and daily energy use. Users take a photo of their meals, which the app analyzes to assess nutrition quality, fiber, and food processing, generating a Gut Balance Index. This information is combined with real-time data from wearables devices, i.e. an Apple Watch, tracking activities, sleep, and stress levels. Producing a single, easy-to-read “Bite Balance” score. The app also provides three core insights: nutrition quality, energy balance, and recovery to guide users to healthier and more mindful choices. By eliminating tracking and focusing on long-term habits, Bite Balance aims to offer a science-based, user-friendly approach to wellness that empowers people to better understand their bodies and build sustainable health routines.

Congresswoman McCollum also congratulated second-place winner Ethan Finch of Stillwater Area High School for his app ArticuRace, and third-place winner Karthik Uppala of Math and Science Academy for his app EchoLens.

“It is a pleasure to congratulate Riddhi Singhvi as the winner of the 2025 Fourth Congressional District App Challenge, and recognize Ethan Finch and Karthik Uppala for their outstanding entries,” said Congresswoman McCollum. Bite Balance is Riddhi’s first solo entry to the MN-04 Congressional App Challenge. Riddhi and her brother, Coolsjes, a rising senior had previously entered second place during the 2024 Congressional App Challenge.

This year’s judge was Metropolitan State University senior Calvin Yang, who is majoring in Computer Science. Yang’s experience includes an internship at Trusted Semiconductor Solutions working on AI models and integrations. His relevant focus is on Algorithms and Data Structures; Organization of Programming Languages; Database Management Systems; and Machine Learning.

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide STEAM competition where students create an application or "app" for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices. Fourth Congressional District middle and high school students are encouraged to enter next year's competition by submitting an app of their own creation by late October 2027.

Students and educators can find more information about the competition at mccollum.house.gov.

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ADVISORY: Viewing and Panel Conversation on "Rovina's Choice" Documentary

One Year Later: The Deadly Consequences of Dismantling USAID & U.S. Foreign Assistance

A viewing and conversation on “Rovina’s Choice”

You are cordially invited to join Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for a viewing of the Oscar short-listed short documentary film “Rovina’s Choice,” a harrowing account of a mother’s efforts to save her daughter from sickness and starvation in the wake of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Following the viewing, a panel will examine the devastating impacts of the administration’s cuts to foreign aid on vulnerable communities around the world, the implications of those cuts on Americans’ security, and where the United States goes from here.

Opening Remarks:

Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

A Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Panelists:

Representative Gabe Amo, Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Dr. Atul Gawande, Executive Producer of “Rovina’s Choice” and former Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID

Annie Wong, Co-Director of “Rovina’s Choice”

Moderated by Jane Mayer, Staff Writer at The New Yorker

About the Film:

Through the story of one woman trying to save her daughter from starvation, “Rovina’s Choice” traces the effects of Donald Trump’s executive order suspending U.S. foreign aid—made within hours of being sworn into office in January 2025. Rovina Naboi’s devastating story represents the global impact of that decision on the world’s most vulnerable populations, and how it stopped decades of progress combating severe malnutrition and infectious disease.

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM


Menendez, Frost Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Pedestrian Safety by Eliminating Bus Operator Blind Spots

Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act Would Require Federal Government to Update Safety Standards for Bus Designs

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressmembers Rob Menendez and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) introduced the Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish safety standards for bus designs to eliminate bus operator blind spots. The legislation would improve pedestrian safety while causing little to no cost increases for motorcoach operators and bus manufacturers.

“We are introducing this legislation to save lives with design changes for buses that can be implemented with minimal costs,” said Congressman Menendez. “Pedestrians on our streets have been struck and killed by buses due to preventable design flaws, and this bill would prevent many of these tragic incidents. The federal government should be doing everything within its power to require the adoption of bus designs that have already proven to be safe, cost-efficient, and feasible in countries around the world. I look forward to working to pass this legislation.”

“Too many families have lost loved ones because bus drivers are forced to make turns they can’t fully see,” said Congressman Frost. “An average of 88 people are killed every year in crashes involving public transit buses, and most of those tragedies happen during left turns when a massive blind spot blocks the operator’s view. That’s why I’m co-leading this bill with Rep. Menendez, it simply requires new buses to give drivers a clear view so we can prevent these tragedies and make our streets safer for everyone.”

“Eliminating blind spots on buses helps Bus Operators navigate crowded city streets while also increasing safety for riders, pedestrians, and other drivers,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “The TWU strongly supports the Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act to upgrade buses to make them safer for everyone.”

Bus-to-person collisions account for 35% of all bus transit fatalities and 14% of all transit fatalities. Buses in active operation in Europe and Asia already adhere to certain design standards that prevent these accidents, which primarily occur at crosswalks when buses make left-hand turns and strike pedestrians due to a blind spot in the front left of the bus structure. In December of 2025, a pedestrian was killed in North Bergen when he was struck by a NJ TRANSIT bus.

This legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe motor vehicle safety standards to require that all new buses manufactured for sale in the United States have a minimally obstructed forward-facing view from the driver’s seat of the covered motorcoach.

Buses with cameras or other technological means of allowing a minimally obstructed forward-facing view from the driver’s seat of the bus that expands the range of the forward-facing view of the driver or provides a view of an obstructed area would be exempt from these standards.

Congressman Menendez has been a leader on transit issues and pedestrian safety, having previously served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Menendez has secured millions in funding for pedestrian safety infrastructure. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and sits on the Subcommittees on Environment, Energy, and Communications and Technology.


Reps. Mfume & Sessions introduce Vote By Mail Tracking Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) and U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the transparency of mail-in ballots, boosting confidence in our elections and helping Americans verify that their votes are counted. The Vote By Mail Tracking Act would add an official logo and standardized tracking barcodes to each mail-in ballot, allowing voters to track their ballot's status. Congressman Mfume co-led the introduction of this bill in September 2023, during the 118th Congress, and it later passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 396-6.

“Over 47 million Americans voted by mail in the last General Election, and those voters deserve to know that their ballots have been delivered and counted. This common-sense legislation will help voters track their mail-in ballots at every stage of delivery and will aid in election administration – thereby strengthening the electoral process as a whole. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation and urge its passage to help give each voter peace of mind over the status of their mail-in ballots,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

“Free, fair, and transparent elections are fundamental to our democracy, and Texans expect their government to get this right,” said Congressman Pete Sessions. “I am proud to co-lead the reintroduction of the Vote by Mail Tracking Act to bring greater accountability, reliability, and confidence to the vote-by-mail process. This bipartisan legislation builds on overwhelming support from the last Congress and implements commonsense safeguards, like ballot tracking and clear Postal Service standards, to ensure every lawful vote is handled securely and responsibly for voters in Texas and across the nation.”

The Vote by Mail Tracking Act would help voters track their ballots and have confidence that election officials count their votes. Under this bill, each mail-in ballot envelope must:

Contain a United States Postal Service (USPS) barcode;

Meet USPS design requirements and standards for machinable letters; and

Include the Official Election Mail logo.

Some states already have ballot tracking systems available for voters to use, but in other states it can be hard to verify if a ballot arrives on time. This bill would make transparency the standard nationwide so every eligible voter trusts that their vote is safely received and processed. The Vote by Mail Tracking Act is cosponsored by 25 Members of Congress and endorsed by the National Association of Postal Supervisors.

Click HERE to read the bill's full text.

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THOMPSON, MATSUI CALL FOR NOEM IMPEACHMENT, ICE FUNDING CUTS AFTER MINNEAPOLIS KILLINGS

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) held a press conference outside the John E. Moss Federal Building, which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Sacramento, to call for urgent oversight, transparency, and accountability of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE, warning that unchecked federal enforcement is putting lives at risk in California and across the country.

Following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Thompson, Matsui and their Democratic colleagues are demanding a stop to ICE funding and Kristi Noem’s removal from office. The chaos in Minneapolis is the latest escalation in Americans’ concerns about federal agencies operating without sufficient oversight.

“Like so many Americans, I am sickened by ICE’s killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis,” said Congressman Thompson. “This is just the latest in ICE’s abuses across our country, including in Sacramento. Enough is enough. There is nothing legal, moral, ethical, nor humane with what’s going on in Minnesota and our Republican colleagues in Congress need to grow some courage and join us to impeach Kristi Noem, cut ICE funding, and stop the chaos.”

“From Sacramento to Minneapolis, we are seeing the same dangerous pattern: more force, less transparency, and no accountability from DHS and ICE,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This is the fifth time I have stood outside this building demanding answers from a rogue agency. The fact that we are here again shows how persistent and unchecked this abuse of power has become. Secretary Kristi Noem must be held accountable, ICE needs to get out of our communities, and Congress must stop funding abuse disguised as enforcement. We will not stop fighting until there is real and independent accountability.”

“NorCal Resist affirms our commitment to our immigrant community and to defending fundamental democratic and human rights values this administration seeks to ignore through immigration enforcement,” said Giselle Garcia, Program Director, NorCal Resist. “May all representatives in Congress oust each transgressor and hold them accountable for their crimes against humanity. May the people continue to resist in the face of repression and fight for the world we deserve.”

Congressman Thompson and Congresswoman Matsui were among the first Members of Congress to co-sponsor articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, citing systemic failures in leadership and oversight. Last week, Thompson and Matsui also voted NO on legislation to provide funding to DHS, arguing that Congress must not continue to expand the power and resources of agencies that have demonstrated a pattern of terrorizing communities and trampling constitutional rights.

In addition to voting against funding for ICE last week, Congressman Thompson has introduced legislation to require ICE agents to wear body cameras and prohibit them from wearing masks or police insignia. The Congressman has also hosted numerous Know Your Rights workshops for local businesses and community members to help people learn their rights when interacting with federal agents.

The legislative fight for DHS funding now moves to the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers face a critical decision: approve DHS funding or hold the line. With lives at stake, Congressman Thompson and Congresswoman Matsui reiterated that Congress cannot continue to fund DHS.


Moolenaar, Walberg, Scott, and Owens Introduce National School Choice Week Resolution

Congressman John Moolenaar, the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, alongside Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced a resolution to recognize January 25 to January 31 as National School Choice Week. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Moolenaar's fellow co-chair of the School Choice Caucus, will introduce the resolution in the U.S. Senate.

"Students deserve to have the chance to pursue the best education available to them, one that provides the best environment for learning, and one that provides them the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Parents must have a role in their child's education. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as we introduce this resolution to recognize parents' rights in their children's education," said Moolenaar.

“When parents have access to a wide range of educational options—traditional public, charter, private, magnet, or homeschooling—students are more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. School choice recognizes this reality by empowering families to select learning environments that best match their children’s unique needs and talents. School Choice Week affirms our shared commitment to helping every child succeed,” said Walberg.

“National School Choice Week is a celebration of opportunity and a reminder that education is not one-size-fits-all. When families have a choice, kids have a chance!” said Scott. “My life’s experience attending schools with fewer resources as well as schools offering greater opportunities has shown me the importance of empowering parents to choose quality education for their kids. Having more good teachers and mentors can change the direction of one’s life. It certainly did for me!”

"Our most important national resource is our children, and ensuring that they are the best educated in the world should be our foremost priority. Where you live should not limit you to the quality or type of education your children can receive. There are more options out there for students and their families than they may realize and good schools across the education spectrum," said Owens. "I encourage parents everywhere to seek out opportunities that help their children achieve their potential."

The text of the resolution can be found here.

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Neal Announces $960,000 Earmark for Town of Spencer Sewer Collection Systems

Spencer, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Spencer Town Administrator Jeffrey Bridges to announce $960,000 in federal funding for the Town of Spencer’s sewer collection systems.

This allocation was made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024. Funding for this project has been obligated.

“As congressional authority continues to come under attack, today’s announcement is an important reminder of where the power of the purse lies, and that is with Congress. This is certainly a worthwhile investment, one that will ensure families, businesses, and residents in Spencer continue to have access to safe, reliable water,” said Congressman Neal. “Having helped draft the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am pleased that Massachusetts received more than $500 million to provide clean and safe water by improving water infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. Investments like the one being announced today will further enhance our efforts in communities like Spencer, helping modernize aging systems and safeguard both the public health and the local environment.”

The Town of Spencer’s sewer collection systems transport wastewater away from homes, businesses, and other facilities to treatment plants for processing and disposal, helping to prevent the spread of diseases and other health hazards. In 2018, the town developed an Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) Control Plan as part of a comprehensive strategy to identify and reduce I/I in sewer collection systems. Funding secured by Congressman Neal will help address priority areas in need of upgrades throughout the town’s sewer collection system, ensuring the long-term protection of public health and the local environment.

“We sincerely appreciate the support of Congressman Neal and his securing of these funds for critical repairs and improvements to the Town’s sewer system,” said Spencer Town Administrator Jeffrey Bridges.”These improvements are necessary for the progress and future success of the community. Without this grant, the repairs would be delayed indefinitely to the detriment of the community.”

Under guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested CDS funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2024. CDS requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments, and eligible non-profit entities, were permitted to receive CDS funding.

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As NCAR Faces Potential Dismantling, Rep. Neguse Calls on Coloradans to Make Voices Heard During NSF Public Comment Period

Lafayette, CO — On Friday, January 23, the National Science Foundation (NSF) sent out an outrageous “Dear Colleague Letter” purportedly asking the scientific community for input on how to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). In the letter, the NSF reiterated its intent to “restructure” the research institution and the weather-related capabilities it operates. The agency also asked for input on opening “ownership of the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab building [located in Boulder, Colorado] for private use.”

In response to the NSF’s letter, Congressman Joe Neguse intends to mobilize a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to submit a formal response in the comment process.

“I urge all Coloradans to make their voices heard. The National Science Foundation is accepting public comments until March 13th,” said Congressman Neguse.

Neguse has forcefully condemned the White House’s plans to dismantle NCAR since reports first surfaced. Earlier this month, he succeeded in protecting funding for vital programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations legislation. However, Neguse voted against the CJS bill as a result of its omission of statutory language that he proposed and fought for — on a bipartisan basis — to prevent attacks on the cutting-edge research institution.

“Donald Trump’s blatant and unlawful retaliation against Colorado must end. His latest attempt would destroy the federally-connected agencies and institutes tasked with keeping our communities safe and hand off their life-saving work to the highest bidder. It’s reprehensible and we will continue to fight against it on all fronts. NCAR is a vital, cutting-edge research institution, and dismantling it would be reckless, dangerous, and place the United States at a serious competitive disadvantage,” said Congressman Neguse.

Individuals interested in submitting a document responding to NSF’s letter must do so by March 13, 2026. The NSF’s letter concerning NCAR is available HERE.

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Norton Announces Retirement at End of Term

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that she will retire at the end of this term.

"I've had the privilege of representing the District of Columbia in Congress since 1991. Time and again, D.C. residents entrusted me to fight for them at the federal level, and I have not yielded,” Norton said. “With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I have raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans the same rights given to residents of the states for 35 years.

"The privilege of public service is inseparable from the responsibility to recognize when it's time to lift up the next generation of leaders. For D.C., that time has come. With pride in all we have accomplished together, with the deepest gratitude to the people of D.C., and with great confidence in the next generation, I announced today that I will retire at the end of this term.”

Norton’s unrelenting advocacy has produced prolific and transformative results for the District. Her major legislative accomplishments include the revitalization of entire sections of the city – the Wharf, Capitol Riverfront, NOMA, Walter Reed and St. Elizabeths West campus for the Department of Homeland Security, and most recently the transfer of the RFK Stadium site to the District of Columbia. The D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program, or DCTAG, which Norton established, makes up the difference up to $10,000, between in state and out of state tuition at public universities for D.C. residents. The program helps thousands of D.C. students, who lack the type of robust public university system that residents of states enjoy, attend college each year.

“Although I’ve decided not to seek reelection, I will never falter in my commitment to the residents I have long championed. I will continue to serve as D.C.’s Warrior on the Hill until the end of my current term.”

A civil rights leader who helped plan the 1963 March on Washington, an accomplished attorney who argued and won at the Supreme Court, the first woman to lead the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and a tenured professor at Georgetown Law before she was elected to Congress, Norton plans to continue to find ways to serve the District of Columbia after her current term ends. Her legacy is one of tireless service marked by an unrelenting focus on the well-being of those she represents. As Norton transitions into this new phase of service, her role as a champion for the people of D.C. will remain as vibrant and vital as ever.

Norton concluded, “Thank you to my constituents for choosing and trusting me to fight for you in Congress 18 times. I will leave this institution knowing that I have given you everything I have. And while my service in Congress is ending, my advocacy for your rights, your dignity, and your capacity to govern yourselves is not.”

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Pallone: Trump Freeze of Congressionally Approved Gateway Funding Puts Jobs, Regional Economy at Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today condemned President Trump’s decision to freeze federal funding that Congress already approved for the Gateway Tunnel project saying:

“Trump froze federal funding Congress already approved for the Gateway Tunnel, and now nearly 1,000 union workers who are on the project right now are about to be sent home and construction is days from shutting down. Over the life of the Gateway Tunnel project, we’re going to see 100,000 jobs created and 20 billion dollars in economic activity, but Trump is willing to blow that up because of some made up culture war. Existing Hudson River rail tunnels are 115 years old, they were wrecked by Sandy, and if just one of those tunnels breaks down, three out of every four trains into New York stop running. Trump can restore Gateway funding today or he can own the damage he is about to cause to commuters and the regional economy. This is plain reckless, and New Jersey knows exactly who is responsible.”


Reps. Panetta, Bilirakis, Moylan & Sens. Blumenthal, Sheehy Introduce New Legislation To Strengthen Health & Safety Standards For Military Housing

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) were joined by Reps. James Moylan (R-GU) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tim Sheehy (R-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Shelby (R-AL) in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral, Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act. This bill would strengthen protections for over 700,000 servicemembers and their families across the country living in privatized military housing.

An estimated 700,000 servicemembers and their families are affected by hazardous conditions in military-provided housing, including prolonged mold exposure, which is associated with elevated risks of respiratory illnesses, neurological symptoms, developmental delays in children, and other severe health effects. The MOLD Act addresses these conditions by setting enforceable health and safety standards, mandating independent inspections, and requiring transparency in reporting habitability issues such as water damage, humidity, and mold.

“In their service, our military members and their families sacrifice a great deal. The last thing they should have to deal with is shoddy conditions, including mold, in their military housing,” said Rep. Panetta. “The MOLD Act will help ensure that privatized military housing is up to standard with frequent inspections, proper repairs and renditions, and better response times by landlords. This legislation is our way to ensure that military readiness starts at home.”

“This measure will help ensure that military families are protected from housing that endangers their health. They deserve the gold standard, nothing less,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “The MOLD Act will require strict health and safety standards, independent inspections, and financial accountability for contractors. This bipartisan, bicameral reform deserves quick passage so servicemembers and their families have a safe place to call home.”

“Our servicemembers and their families should never have to choose between serving their country and living in safe, healthy homes,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Military families at MacDill and across the country have faced unsafe housing conditions, including mold and other hazards, with too little accountability. This legislation addresses those failures by setting enforceable health and safety standards, requiring independent inspections, and increasing transparency. It’s about accountability, dignity, and keeping our promise to military families-no one who serves our nation should be forced to worry about their family living in unhealthy conditions.”

“For too long, military families have been forced to live with mold, moisture, and unresolved health hazards in housing they were promised would be safe,” said Rep. Moylan. “The MOLD Act finally establishes enforceable standards, independent inspections, and real accountability for contractors who fail our servicemembers. Living in a Pacific region where extreme weather and humidity are a constant reality, I know these risks cannot be ignored. I’m proud to work with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to ensure military families, whether in Guam or across the mainland—have strong protections, clear reporting tools, and a Department of Defense that is fully accountable to the people it serves.”

“After volunteering to serve our great nation, America’s military deserves the best — from equipment on the battlefield to housing here at home,” said Sen. Sheehy. “As a veteran who is married to a veteran, it’s an honor to serve our community each day in the Senate. I’m proud to lead this critical piece of legislation to bring accountability to the process of ensuring our men and women in uniform and their families have housing conditions and can focus on securing America’s future.”

“For too long, thousands of military families residing in privatized military housing have suffered the consequences of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions,” said Sen. Hirono. “From widespread mold to rat infestations, these atrocious living environments have caused severe health concerns for our military families and have forced them to bear the financial burden of repairs. Ensuring servicemembers and their families have safe and habitable housing is not just our responsibility, but critical for military readiness and morale. I am proud to introduce the MOLD Act to hold housing contractors accountable for addressing these issues and to better protect our military families.”

The MOLD Act addresses these concerns by:

Requiring the Pentagon to issue humidity and ventilation standards within 1 year, and releasing test results to tenants within 10 days.

Requiring inspections at move-in and move-out dates, after complaints, and after repairs. Inspections must be by certified third-party professionals. Failed units must be remediated or tenants relocated within 30 days.

Establishing a complaint hotline for 24/7 reporting, and requiring a landlord response within 5 business days.

The MOLD Act is endorsed by Change the Air Foundation, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Safe Military Housing Initiative, Military Housing Coalition, National Military Families Association, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI).

“This is a historic moment for military families. Thanks to Senator Blumenthal and the other Congressional sponsors, the bipartisan Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act is an immediate response to a crisis that in this generation has simultaneously harmed military families’ health, degraded mission readiness, and weakened the future force. For too long, unsafe housing conditions, particularly mold and water damage, have gone unaddressed, leaving families unprotected due to a lack of transparency and accountability. The MOLD Act finally treats unsafe housing as the serious public health and military readiness issue it is. Change the Air Foundation is proud to support this legislation because it puts military families first, strengthens military readiness, and affirms that no one who serves our country should be asked to sacrifice their health or their family’s well-being because of where they live,” said Brandon Chappo, Director of Public Policy, Change the Air Foundation.

“Military families deserve safe, healthy homes — period. Blue Star Families supports the MOLD Act, a bipartisan effort to protect service members and their families from mold and unsafe conditions in privatized military housing. By establishing mandatory standards, independent inspections, and contractor accountability, this legislation takes an important step toward ensuring safe living environments. This isn’t just a housing or quality-of-life issue — it’s a readiness issue and a basic obligation to our nation’s military service members and their families,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families.

“Accountability is essential when neglect and inadequate maintenance result in hazardous military housing conditions. Service members and their families should not have to sacrifice their health or well-being due to substandard housing,” said MOAA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret).

“A safe home is a matter of basic human decency. But too many military families are living with mold and other hazards that threaten their health, often with no real recourse. The MOLD Act establishes clear standards and accountability so families can count on safe, healthy homes. We’re grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Sheehy and Representatives Wittman and Panetta for standing up for military families,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association.

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ICYMI: ‘Pappas proposes bipartisan new energy tax credit for working families’

January 27, 2026

In case you missed it, the Union Leader reported on new bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) to provide a refundable tax credit to families struggling with high energy costs, saving households hundreds of dollars a year on energy. Specifically, the legislation would provide individuals and households who spend more than 3% of their income on energy with a refundable tax credit equal to 75% of the excess amount they spend on energy.

Read the full story from the Union leader here.

Key Excerpts:

Chris Pappas is proposing a temporary 75% federal income tax credit for moderate-income families that pay more than 3% of their annual income on energy costs.

“No family should ever wonder if they can afford to keep their home warm during the winter months,” Pappas said. “That’s why I’m introducing several bipartisan bills today that create a new energy tax credit to put money back in people’s pockets, help military families weatherize their homes and improve energy transmission so that we can bring down energy costs at the source.”

A family making $50,000 a year that pays the average cost of energy in New Hampshire ($223 per month) would get a refundable tax credit of $882, which would cut their costs by a third, Pappas said.

Pappas is introducing two other related bills, one the Transmission Facilitation Program Reauthorization Act to bring back a Department of Energy program that gave states and communities federal aid for projects that develop new power lines or upgrade existing ones.

The Heroes Home Energy Savings Act that Pappas is offering would increase spending for the federal weatherization assistance program and give active-duty and reserve military families grants to help reduce their energy bills.

New Hampshire has among the highest average energy bills in the nation.


Pappas Calls for Impeachment of Secretary Noem

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced he is calling for the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. He is also cosponsoring articles of impeachment introduced against Noem in the House.

“Secretary Noem is not fit to continue in her position. If she does not resign, Congress must start proceedings to impeach her. Under her leadership, we have seen violations of due process and our constitutional values, enforcement operations inconsistent with the law and accepted standards and protocols, and a failure to coordinate with local law enforcement. In the wake of the killing of two citizens in Minnesota, she blatantly lied to the public by claiming both individuals were ‘domestic terrorists.’ She has not provided the leadership and transparency that Congress and Americans deserve. We need an investigation of the shootings in Minnesota, a thorough evaluation of training and standards, and full accountability. Secretary Noem has lost the trust of the American people and has violated her oath. She must be removed from office."

Last week, Pappas introduced the PUBLIC SAFETY Act to redirect almost $75 billion in excess funding from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement programs to help hire and train 200,000 local cops nationwide. Pappas’s bill would not affect ICE’s regular appropriations, leaving the agency with historically normal funding levels to conduct traditional immigration enforcement operations.


Durbin, Pingree, Buchanan Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Legislation to Establish ‘Produce Prescription’ Program for Veterans

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) today introduced the Produce Prescription for Veterans Act, new legislation that would authorize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide produce prescriptions to veterans. These produce prescription programs would allow veterans who have diet-related chronic conditions to be “prescribed” vouchers or debit cards that allow them to purchase free or discounted fruits and vegetables.

“As food costs climb and food deserts make grocery stores inaccessible, Americans—especially our veterans—are struggling to eat enough fruits and vegetables, contributing to high rates of chronic illness in the U.S.,” Durbin said. “With the Produce Prescription for Veterans Act, we can put fresh foods within reach by implementing a ‘produce prescription’ program so that our veterans have the means to put fruits and vegetables on their plates.”

“For their service and sacrifice, our veterans deserve the best health care possible—including access to fresh, healthy food,” Pingree said. “Study after study has shown that eating more fruits and vegetables can be enormously beneficial to people suffering from chronic health conditions. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is an important step towards improving veterans’ health, reducing long-term health care costs, and ensuring that nutritious foods are available to any veteran who needs it.”

“I’ve long believed that prevention should be at the heart of our health care system, especially when it comes to those who’ve served our country,” Buchanan said. “The Produce Prescription for Veterans Act puts the ‘food is medicine’ approach into action by helping veterans manage diet-related chronic conditions before they worsen. Making sure veterans have access to fresh, nutritious whole fruits and vegetables is a simple way to improve health outcomes and strengthen their quality of life.”

“When a doctor prescribes eating more fruits and vegetables to manage chronic illness, veterans should have access to those nutritious foods just as they would have access to a medication. We applaud Senator Durbin and Reps. Pingree and Buchanan for introducing this language, which establishes produce prescriptions as a medical service within the Veterans Health Administration and opens the door for veterans to receive the full breadth of healthcare services they deserve,” said Sam Hoeffler, Director of the National Produce Prescription Collaborative.

“Today’s legislation takes a pivotal step forward in integrating fruits and vegetables into healthcare at scale. After years of successful pilots, we know produce prescriptions work. IFPA and our members are deeply grateful to Representatives Buchanan and Pingree and Senator Durbin for their leadership in bringing this bill forward and for recognizing of the critical role fruits and vegetables play in addressing chronic disease. By incorporating this program into the standards of clinical care for the Veterans Health Administration, the results could be transformational for the health of those who have served our nation,” said Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association.

Currently, less than 13 percent of Americans consume their recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables. Inaccessible produce, due to rising grocery costs or Americans living in food deserts, contribute to the high rate of diet-related chronic conditions – heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and certain cancers – in the U.S. Veterans experience a disproportionally high rate of chronic disease as compared to non-veterans, and nearly 25 percent of post-9/11 veterans report being food insecure—almost double the rate of the general population.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that adults who participate in produce prescription programs consume 30 percent more fruit and vegetables a day. AHA also found that all participants in a produce prescription program saw a measurable decrease in blood pressure and blood sugar.

The Produce Prescription for Veterans Act would seek to improve health outcomes for veterans by establishing new authority for the VA to provide veterans with vouchers or debit cards to purchase fruits and vegetables. The legislation would build upon the success of the pilot program launched at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities in Houston and Salt Lake City in 2023. These pilot programs have been expanded to New York, North Carolina, and Maryland.

In April 2024, Durbin and Pingree wrote to then-Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough to request information about the implementation of produce prescriptions in the VA. The VA responded that it does not have the existing authorities to “provide direct support (i.e., food or money to purchase food) to veterans to address food insecurity.” The VA’s lack of authorities prevent veterans across the nation from accessing produce prescriptions to improve their diet-related chronic conditions.

The Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act has earned the endorsement of the National Produce Prescription Collaborative.


For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

January 27, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR BRYAN’S FINAL STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS

ST. THOMAS, USVI – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) released the following statement in response to Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s final State of the Territory Address:

As I shared in my 2026 New Year’s message, we live in a time that calls for resolve, clarity, and shared purpose, and for recognizing that progress requires hard work and persistence. Tonight’s address underscored that reality by detailing the scale of recovery now underway—from federally funded rebuilding across our islands, to long-delayed infrastructure projects finally moving into construction, to reforms that have stabilized core systems like healthcare, energy, and pensions. I commend the Governor for his detailed review of accomplishments and would like the community to understand that the federal legislative victories that have paved much of this progress happened through relentless advocacy, strategic partnership, and an unwavering commitment to securing what our territory deserves from the federal government.

For Virgin Islanders, progress is not measured in speeches alone. It is measured by whether disaster recovery dollars are reaching our communities, whether our hospitals and clinics are being rebuilt and strengthened as outlined tonight, whether energy reliability is improving and costs are coming down, whether our schools and roads are moving from plans to construction, and whether our families can see a path toward stability. Many of the initiatives discussed in the address required congressional action led by my office, including securing historic disaster recovery funding, permanently improving the Medicaid match, restoring the rum cover-over rate, and reducing federal cost-share requirements that made large-scale rebuilding possible.

The permanent restoration of the rum cover-over rate to $13.25 per proof gallon—a victory the Governor rightly celebrated—was the result of years of coordinated effort with our congressional allies. Similarly, the permanent decrease of the required local Medicaid match from 45% to 17% by the federal government, which I had written into legislation, represents a transformational policy win that enables our healthcare system to serve over 29,000 Virgin Islanders annually without bankrupting our local government tax.

When the Trump Administration threatened to impose devastating maritime fees that would have inflated costs on everything from building supplies to groceries, as a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade policy, I presented the rationale for a Caribbean waiver, negotiated with the administration to make changes—and we won.

The $25 billion in federal recovery funds now rebuilding our schools, hospitals, roads, and infrastructure is the direct result of federal legislation I championed and defended. The reduced federal match requirement from 10% to 2%—saving Virgin Islands taxpayers $2 billion—did not materialize on its own. It required strategic legislative maneuvering and persistent pressure, calling in favors to the Biden Administration.

Through the American Rescue Plan Act, I was able to legislate that the Virgin Islands receive a permanent reimbursement of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit that has brought in annual funding of between $20 and $40 million to our local government. I was delighted when Governor Bryan and our legislature earmarked these funds for tax returns and the 8% retroactive payments to our government employees.

I also want to address the challenges we continue to face. Energy reliability remains a pressing concern for our families and businesses. The conviction of three cabinet members reminds us that the people’s trust is sacred and must be constantly earned through transparent, ethical governance. And as we look ahead to the significant infrastructure investments on the horizon, we must ensure that the next administration has the capacity, integrity, and vision to sustain this momentum. The road ahead demands more than ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings. It requires the discipline to maintain what we build, the wisdom to plan for sustainable growth, and the courage to make difficult decisions about how we invest in our collective future.

Our work is far from finished. The next four years will test our resolve as federal recovery dollars flow into active construction projects across all three islands. We must rebuild not just structures, but systems. We must create not just jobs, but careers. We must invest not just in today’s needs, but in tomorrow’s capacity. My team and I remain firmly committed to working Governor Bryan through the final year of this administration and the 36th Legislature to ensure that every federal dollar serves our people effectively and that every policy decision strengthens our foundation.

As Virgin Islanders look ahead, we must shift from recovery to readiness in ways people can feel in our homes, at work, in our schools, and in our communities. We have come too far to settle for progress that cannot be sustained. The work ahead calls for continued action, clarity, and commitment. It is time to keep building on what has been earned—let’s get to work.

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Ranking Member Raskin Statement on Impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

Washington, D.C. (January 27, 2026)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement calling on House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to immediately commence impeachment proceedings to remove Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem from office, or face a complete oversight and impeachment inquiry by House Democrats:

“Under the failed leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security has unleashed a shocking assault on the most basic Constitutional rights and freedoms of the American people. Masked agents at ICE and Border Patrol have brutally killed two American citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, depriving them of life and liberty with no due process of law. Far from condemning these unlawful and savage killings in cold blood, Secretary Noem immediately labeled Renée and Alex ‘domestic terrorists,’ blatantly lied about the circumstances of the shootings that took their lives, and attempted to cover-up and blockade any legitimate investigation into their deaths.

“Unless Secretary Noem resigns or is fired, the Judiciary Committee’s Chairman, Jim Jordan, should immediately commence House Judiciary Committee impeachment proceedings to remove her from office.

“If he refuses to do so, as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, I will work with Ranking Members Thompson and Garcia of the Homeland Security and Oversight Committees to immediately launch a complete oversight and impeachment inquiry into all potential constitutional crimes committed by Secretary Noem related to these homicides as well as to other episodes of bureaucratic lawlessness and corruption that may involve treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

“Rep. Robin Kelly’s H. Res. 996, a resolution to impeach Secretary Noem, has galvanized Members of the House of Representatives to express their outrage at Secretary Noem’s conduct and has properly propelled our committees along this path.

“We must build on this resolution, through fact-finding, public hearings, and committee reports detailing all of Secretary Noem’s potential high crimes and misdemeanors and take our case to the American people. This process—which the House has followed in every successful impeachment—will afford us the best opportunity to build the most fitting and powerful case for impeachment and removal for office. It will also enable us to conduct a broad campaign to educate the American people about this sequence of oppressive governmental actions, to counter and ‘impeach’ the Administration’s persistent lies, and to develop legislative solutions to prevent any future assaults on the rights and liberties of the American people by an increasingly autocratic and out-of-control Executive Branch.

“House Republicans may indeed continue to refuse to do their constitutional duty, but we stand ready and determined to defend the rights and freedoms of all the American people.”

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Over three-fourths of House Democrats support Rep. Kelly’s impeachment articles against Noem

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly has gained 162 cosponsors, over three-fourths of House Democrats, for her impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Members of Congress supporting impeachment of Secretary Noem represent swing to deep blue districts. After Alex Pretti was shot and killed in Minneapolis by an ICE agent, 50 Members joined as cosponsors.

“Kristi Noem has blood on her hands. Under her watch, at least six people have been killed by her rogue agents, including Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and Silverio Villegas González in Chicago. Each time, Secretary Noem lied to our faces and tried to justify the murder of innocent lives. People are disgusted by her.

“With me stands 162 House Democrats ready to impeach Secretary Noem, but we need the majority of Congress to open their eyes to her brutality and unconstitutional actions. She wrongfully steered a $200 million ad contract to her friend, using taxpayer dollars to recruit new ICE agents with racist, neo-Nazi propaganda. She’s then given those agents free rein to terrorize our communities with no regard for human life. An ICE agent cursed Renee Good after killing her and another federal agent said, ‘Boo hoo,’ after killing Alex Pretti. In clear contempt of the Constitution, she’s prevented Congress from conducting our oversight duties to hold her accountable—but we still have one power to use against her: impeachment. All of Noem’s violations rise to impeachment, and I urge the rest of my colleagues to join us.”

These 162 Members of Congress cosponsor articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem:

Adam Smith; Adelita S. Grijalva; Adriano Espaillat; Al Green; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Alma Adams; Andre Carson; Andrea Salinas; Angie Craig; April McClain Delaney; Ayanna Pressley; Becca Balint; Bennie G. Thompson; Betty McCollum; Bill Foster; Bonnie Watson Coleman; Brad Sherman; Brendan F. Boyle; Brittany Pettersen; Chellie Pingree; Chris Deluzio; Chris Pappas; Chrissy Houlahan; Dan Goldman; Danny Davis; Darren Soto; Dave Min; Debbie Dingell; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Deborah Ross; Diana DeGette; Dina Titus; Don Beyer; Donald Norcross; Doris Matsui; Dwight Evans; Eleanor Holmes Norton; Emily Randall; Eric Sorensen; Eric Swalwell; Eugene Vindman; Frank Mrvan; Frederica S. Wilson; Gabe Amo; Gabe Vasquez; George Latimer; Gil Cisneros; Grace Meng; Greg Casar; Greg Landsman; Gregory W. Meeks; Gwen Moore; Haley Stevens; Henry C. ("Hank") Johnson, Jr.; Ilhan Omar; J. Luis Correa; Jahana Hayes; Jake Auchincloss; James P. McGovern; James R. Walkinshaw; Jan Schakowsky; Janelle Bynum; Jared Huffman; Jasmine Crockett; Jason Crow; Jennifer L. McClellan; Jerrold Nadler; Jesús G. "Chuy" García; Jill Tokuda; Jimmy Gomez; Joaquin Castro; Joe Courtney; Joe Neguse; John Garamendi; John Larson; John Mannion; Johnny Olszewski; Jonathan Jackson; Joyce Beatty; Juan Vargas; Judy Chu; Julia Brownley; Julie Johnson; Kathy Castor; Kelly Morrison; Kevin Mullin; Kweisi Mfume; LaMonica McIver; Lateefah Simon; Laura Friedman; Laura Gillen; Linda T. Sanchez; Lizzie Fletcher; Lloyd Doggett; Lois Frankel; Lori Trahan; Luz Rivas; Madeleine Dean; Marilyn Strickland; Mark DeSaulnier; Mark Pocan; Mark Takano; Mary Gay Scanlon; Maxine Dexter; Maxine Waters; Maxwell Frost; Melanie Stansbury; Mike Levin; Mike Quigley; Mike Thompson; Morgan McGarvey; Nanette Barragán; Nikema Williams; Nikki Budzinski; Norma Torres; Nydia M. Velazquez; Pat Ryan; Paul Tonko; Pramila Jayapal; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Rashida Tlaib; Raul Ruiz; Richard Neal; Ritchie Torres; Rob Menendez; Robert C. "Bobby" Scott; Robert Garcia; Salud Carbajal; Sam Liccardo; Sara Jacobs; Sarah Elfreth; Sarah McBride; Scott H. Peters; Sean Casten; Seth Moulton; Shomari C. Figures; Shontel M. Brown; Shri Thanedar; Steny Hoyer; Stephen F. Lynch; Steve Cohen; Steven Horsford; Suhas Subramanyam; Summer Lee; Susie Lee; Suzan DelBene; Suzanne Bonamici; Sydney Kamlager-Dove; Sylvia Garcia; Teresa Leger Fernandez; Terri A. Sewell; Tim Kennedy; Troy Carter; Val Hoyle; Valerie Foushee; Veronica Escobar; Vicente Gonzalez; Wesley Bell; William R. Keating; Yassamin Ansari; Yvette Clarke; Zoe Lofgren.