Pelosi Statement on Five Years Since January 6th Insurrection

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement marking five years since the January 6th insurrection:

“Five years ago today, the United States Capitol was attacked in a violent insurrection incited by the President of the United States for one purpose: to overturn a free and fair election and cling to power in clear violation of the Constitution. January 6th was not an aberration and it was not spontaneous. It was the culmination of a sustained assault on truth, on the rule of law, and one of the most sacred principles of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power.

“On that day, Members of Congress, staff, and journalists were hunted and forced to flee for their lives as the halls of Congress were desecrated. Law enforcement officers were beaten, crushed, and scarred—physically and psychologically—while defending the seat of American democracy. Some paid the ultimate price. We honor the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. Capitol Police and the law enforcement officers who stood their ground so that the work of democracy could continue.

“We must speak plainly: January 6th was an attempted coup. It was an effort to nullify millions of lawful votes and subvert the will of the American people. But the attack failed because of the courage of public servants who gave proof through the night that our flag was still there by refusing to bend to pressure, threats, or intimidation. On that day, the Constitution held and we kept the Republic.

“Yet the danger did not end when the Capitol was secured. The same falsehoods that ignited the violence on that day continue to be spread. The same contempt for democratic norms continues to corrode our Republic. There is an ongoing effort to rewrite history, excuse the inexcusable, and glorify those who attacked our democracy — including with blanket pardons which sanitize an attack on the Constitution itself and endorse lawlessness. The American people must remain vigilant that those who seek to forget, minimize, or excuse January 6th invite its repetition.

“On this fifth anniversary, remembrance alone is not enough. We have a responsibility to defend democracy with clarity and resolve: to protect the right to vote, to uphold the rule of law, to reject political violence in all its forms, and to demand accountability for those who would place themselves above the Constitution. The strength of our democracy lies in our willingness to confront the threats against it.

“January 6th stands as a stark warning and a solemn charge. We must choose truth over lies, courage over cowardice, and democracy over autocracy. The future of our Republic depends on it."


CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MARKS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6TH ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY

"Five years ago today, our nation witnessed an unprecedented assault on American democracy. History will forever regard January 6, 2021, as a dark day when our constitutional process and democracy were attacked evidence shows that it was a coordinated attempt to subvert the will of the American people and halt the peaceful transfer of power that has been the bedrock of our republic for over two centuries.

"As a result of the bravery of the Capitol Police and other law enforcement, this attempt to overturn the 2020 election results failed. Tragically, more than 140 law enforcement officers were injured, and five officers lost their lives in the aftermath. While the physical scars on the Capitol have been repaired, the damage to our democratic institutions requires constant vigilance to guard against future threats.

"The work of defending democracy is never finished. It requires each generation to stand firm against those who would undermine free and fair elections, who would substitute violence for the ballot box, and who would choose power over principle.

"Today, as we remember and honor those who defended democracy that day, we must also commit ourselves to protecting the truth about what happened. This was not 'legitimate political discourse.' This was not a 'tourist visit.' This was an insurrection, incited by lies about a stolen election—lies that persist today and continue to threaten our democratic process.

“As we enter the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth, we should use this year to recommit ourselves to the continuation of this democratic experiment until all its citizens have the opportunity to the American dream.

“On this solemn anniversary, I stand with my colleagues in Congress—and Americans across the country—in our unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic values that define us as a nation. We will not forget January 6, 2021, and we will not allow it to happen again."


Amata Honors the Life of Congressman LaMalfa, Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the life and memory of her friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who served as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Congresswoman Amata worked with him as a Vice Chairman of the Caucus, and as colleagues in the House Natural Resources (HNR) Committee. In fact, Congressman LaMalfa and Congresswoman Amata shared both their HNR Subcommittee assignments, working together in Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, as well as Indian and Insular Affairs.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Chairman LaMalfa. He was elected one term before I was, so I’ve known him throughout my time in Congress. He faithfully represented the people of his large, agricultural district of inland Northern California. As a fourth-generation farmer, he was an excellent fit to lead the Western Caucus, which focuses on many key land and water issues, including our nation’s resources, forests, and wildlife.

“Doug was a kind and genuine person, who held strong and patriotic beliefs, and was willing to work with colleagues wherever possible. The Washington Post once described him as ‘affable, approachable and pragmatic’ which is true, but he was also highly principled and willing to take a stand. He was a champion for our nation’s rural and remote places.

“It’s an honor to have known him and served with him. He served the people of his district well, and the whole of the United States through his dedication. His legacy includes upholding the American tradition of family farms and the importance of national food security.

“He will be profoundly missed, but I take comfort that he was a man of faith in Christ, and a belief in God’s grace. My condolences to his family, loved ones, and constituents. May God bless and keep them in this time.”

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18)

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Rep. Kelly introduces bill addressing Tesla, electric vehicle door releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced a bill addressing safety concerns with electric vehicle doors, including Tesla’s doors that have trapped people in their own cars. At least 15 people have died in car crashes due to Tesla doors not opening.

The Securing Accessible Functional Emergency (SAFE) Exit Act will require the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a final rule to establish performance and labeling requirements for electric doors. The SAFE Exit Act will also require electric vehicles, like Tesla, to have easy-to-find manual releases for each door. There is currently no federal standard for electric vehicle doors.

“Profits and, least of all, style, should not come before people’s lives. Elon Musk and his Tesla designs are not safe, nor efficient, and it has cost people their lives,” said Rep. Kelly. “When crashes or power loss leave drivers and passengers trapped inside their own cars, that is not innovation—it’s a safety failure. Just like requiring basic safety standards like seatbelts, my SAFE Exit Act will protect consumers. As the auto industry continues to innovate, we must ensure people’s safety.”

The SAFE Exit Act is also endorsed by Consumer Reports.

“It’s critical for people to be able to immediately get out of the car during a vehicle fire or similar emergency. Yet electronic door handles can fail and become unusable if a car loses electrical power, making it impossible to exit the vehicle when seconds matter most,” said Cooper Lohr, Senior Policy Analyst of Transportation and Safety at Consumer Reports. “Fortunately, this problem has a solution: every car should be required to have intuitive, accessible, and easy-to-find manual releases that work even when power fails. We thank Congresswoman Kelly for introducing the SAFE Exit Act, which is a smart, timely response to a very real and growing safety risk."

Over 35,000 consumers have signed a recent petition calling on automakers to change the design for electric-power doors.

The newly introduced legislation will require manufacturers to provide a means for first responders to access the car when electric power is lost. It will also require labeling to ensure drivers and passengers can easily locate a manual release in emergency situations.


Rep. Kelly shares testimony five years after January 6 insurrection

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) remembered the insurrection on January 6 five years ago, participating in an unofficial hearing held by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02), chairman of the former January 6 Select Committee.

“I will never forget crawling on my hands and knees in the House gallery as I escaped violent insurrectionists five years ago. That day, brave Capitol Police Officers saved us from a dangerous mob,” said Rep. Kelly. “In an outrageous decision, President Trump pardoned January 6 insurrectionists. This president does not care for law and order or checks and balances, proven again when he unilaterally decided to force a regime change in Venezuela.

“We need to uphold democratic norms — and condemn anyone who tries to overtake our democracy, including the president. Congress’s job is to oversee the White House, not play second fiddle to a wannabe dictator. It’s beyond time for Republicans to grow a spine and work with us to create a government that works for all people.”


Congresswoman Ross Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol

Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol:

“Five years ago, President Trump incited a violent mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol and attempted to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. Today, we remember the fragility of our democracy and just how close we came to losing it. I join patriotic Americans from both parties in mourning the lives we lost on that awful day, especially the courageous Capitol Police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of my colleagues and our democratic system.

“Unfortunately, five years later, President Trump and his Republican enablers continue to rewrite history and deny the truth of what occurred on January 6, 2021. In one of the very first acts of his second term, Trump pardoned hundreds of violent January 6th rioters. Since then, he has persisted in shamelessly peddling lies about the central role he played in the insurrection. Moreover, despite being required to do so by law, Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to unveil an official plaque honoring the officers who bravely defended the Capitol on January 6th.

“As leaders and lawmakers, we must never be afraid to tell the truth about the events of that terrible day. We must never be reticent about condemning those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions for political gain. And we must not only commemorate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, but pledge to continue fighting for our sacred democracy every single day.”

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Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement on the Anniversary of the January 6th Attack on the Capitol

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement recognizing the fifth anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Five years ago, Donald Trump incited a violent insurrection to stop the peaceful transition of executive power and falsely declare himself the winner of the 2020 presidential election. January 6th will always be remembered as one of the darkest days of our democratic republic.

“In the five years since, Republicans have attempted to re-write history and deny the motivation and the mastermind behind the events of that horrific day. Acknowledging January 6th as anything less than what it was—a violent attack on our democracy—is an insult to the hundreds of law enforcement officers who stood to protect our Capitol and to the millions of voters who made their voices heard in the 2020 election.

“The rule of law must apply to everyone, and the person in the oval office is not a monarch. You cannot say you stand for law and order and then turn your backs on the same officers who defend the same constitution that you were also elected to defend. We cannot forget that on January 6th or any other day.”

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Scalise Statement on Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.):

“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa. Doug faithfully served the people of California in the State Assembly and the State Senate before being elected to the U.S. House in 2012.

“A fourth generation rice farmer, he fought passionately for the region’s agricultural community and small businesses, and in 2024 was elected Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, which focuses on the priorities of Western and rural America. He also worked to bolster disaster recovery efforts and funding for rural schools.

“Doug was a hardworking team player and happy warrior, known to spread joy throughout Capitol Hill with his famous LaMaffles. Doug will be deeply missed.

“My prayers are with his wife, Jill, and his family."


Schakowsky Reintroduces Bill to Protect Grieving Families from Medicaid Estate Seizures

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families, reintroduced the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act, legislation to end the federal requirement that forces states to pursue repayment from the families and estates of deceased Medicaid recipients who received long-term care.

Under current law, state Medicaid programs are required to recover the costs of long-term care services after a beneficiary’s death, which often results in placing liens on or forcing the sale of a family home. Even when states recognize the harm caused by this practice, federal law leaves them little choice.

“Families should not face financial ruin while they are grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “Yet every year, thousands of families are shocked to learn that Medicaid is demanding repayment, which sometimes totals hundreds of thousands of dollars, for care their loved one needed. Too often, the only way states can recover this money is by seizing the family home, wiping out generational wealth and causing immense emotional and economic harm.”

The Medicaid Estate Recovery program is little known but widely destructive. Since 2021 alone, thousands of Illinois families have lost their properties as a result of this mandate. Nationwide, the policy disproportionately harms low-income families, blue-collar households, and communities of color.

“Medicaid is the only public benefit program that requires families to pay back the cost of care after a beneficiary’s death,” Schakowsky continued. “This policy keeps families in poverty, discourages seniors and people with disabilities from seeking care, and fails to meaningfully offset Medicaid costs. This ineffective program recovers less than 1% of total long-term care spending. It is unjust and cruel.”

Consider the case of a widow who owns a modest $90,000 home and has two adult children with limited incomes. After suffering a stroke, she spends her final years in a nursing home, with most of her care covered by Medicaid. Following her death, her children receive a bill for $150,000 in nursing home costs, which forced them to sell the family home and surrender every dollar to the state.

“This is not how our nation should treat its seniors or their families,” Schakowsky said. “We need a real, humane long-term care policy that provides dignity, security, and peace of mind. I am proud to reintroduce this bill and will continue fighting to end this cruel and unnecessary practice.”

The Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act would repeal the federal estate recovery mandate and prohibit harmful practices such as placing liens on a Medicaid recipient’s home during their lifetime. The legislation would give states the flexibility to protect families while preserving access to long-term care.

“By forcing the sale of family homes, Medicaid estate claims keep families in poverty, perpetuate the racial wealth gap, and increase the risk of homelessness,” says Eric Carlson, Director of Long-Term Services and Supports Advocacy, Justice in Aging. “The Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act will relieve low income older adults from having to choose between getting the care they need or risking their family home.”

"Estate recovery laws punish families simply because a loved one with a disability needs long-term services and supports through Medicaid. These policies allow the government to take homes from low-income families, undermining their stability and blocking opportunities to build even modest wealth, particularly harming families of color. At a time when access to both health care and housing is more urgent than ever, the National Health Law Program strongly supports the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act and urges the 119th Congress to end this harmful and inequitable practice,” said Jennifer Lav, Director, Disability Practice Area, National Health Law Program.

“National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA): “NAELA is extremely grateful to Representative Schakowsky for continuing to bring attention to this important issue. Our members frequently work with individuals who are trying to balance their need for Medicaid’s long-term services with a desire to pass along their family home to the next generation. No one should have to make that choice.” said Alexander T. Graham, Chief Executive Officer, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

“Consumer Voice is extremely grateful to Representative Schakowsky for reintroducing this bill. The estate recovery program is an outdated system that punishes low income Medicaid recipients and their families who take advantage of long term care supports and services. It also serves as a barrier to access to services, since many eligible individuals forgo necessary care out of fear of losing their home. This bill would make access to LTSS easier, remove the financial and housing burden on low income families, and ensure that individuals are able to receive care without fear of repercussion,” said Sam Brooks, Director of Public Policy, Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

The Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sylvia García (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23).

The Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act is endorsed by Justice in Aging, National Health Law Program, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, and the Epilepsy Foundation.

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Rep. Sewell Testifies at Hearing Marking Five Years Since the January 6th Insurrection

Washington D.C. — Today, in observance of the fifth anniversary of the deadly January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) testified at House Democrats' hearing entitled "After January 6th: Setting the Record Straight on the Capitol Insurrection." Rep. Sewell described her experience as one of 30 lawmakers trapped in the House Gallery as rioters breached the Capitol. She condemned President Trump's decision to pardon the violent criminals involved in the insurrection, commended the bravery of the Capitol Police and law enforcement officers who responded, and called on her Republican colleagues to work together to prevent such an attack from happening again.

Watch it on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: It's hard to believe that five years have passed since the horrific January 6th attack on our nation’s Capitol. For me, it is a memory that will be seared in my brain forever.

As many of you know, I was one of the 30 Members of Congress trapped in the House Gallery as the Capitol was breached.

If I close my eyes, I can still hear the thundering sound of the mob and the pounding of the door of the House Chamber. I can still feel the sense of sheer terror as we struggled to fit on our gas masks and crawled on our knees toward the only open door at the opposite end of the gallery.

As I sat huddled with my colleagues, I remember trembling and softly weeping, not just for our safety, but for the devastating threat to our democracy. Many of us frantically dialed our loved ones, unsure of what the next hours would bring.

I don’t think that any of us fully understood the magnitude of the danger that we were in until we got home in the wee hours of the morning and turned on the television.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined what I saw: the images of rioters waving confederate flags, smashing windows, assaulting police officers, and threatening to kill Members of Congress, and even the sitting Vice President.

What we saw on January 6th was an attempted coup. It was an effort to subvert the will of the American people and overturn the results of a free and fair election. It was incumbent upon all of us to condemn the violence we witnessed—and those who waged it.

There are moments throughout history that have tested us as a nation. January 6th is one of them, as was Bloody Sunday in my hometown of Selma, Alabama, and the bombing of the Four Little Girls at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, and so many other defining moments along the way.

Those moments can either make us stronger as a nation or they can tear us apart. We can use them as an opportunity to heal or to move forward, or we can sweep them under a rug for the sake of political convenience.

It's maddening that so many of my colleagues across the aisle continue to choose the latter.

I find it shameful that President Trump chose, as the first action of his second term, to condemn [sic] the criminals responsible for the violence.

I find it equally disturbing that Speaker Johnson refuses to honor the brave officers who defended our democracy by installing the plaque that Congress voted on and passed more than three years ago.

They say that if you don’t know your history, you are bound to repeat your history. As a Member of Congress that represents Alabama's Civil Rights District, I often tell my constituents, "if we don’t tell our stories, others will tell our stories, and they may not get it right."

I am grateful to Leader Jeffries, Chairman Bennie Thompson, for giving us this opportunity to tell our stories and to shine a light on the horrific events of January 6th.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many Capitol Police officers and law enforcement officers who defended our democracy that day.

I also want to thank my fellow "Gallery colleagues," as we call ourselves. I want to thank them for checking on us, even now, five years later. This is the first time that I've been able to publicly speak about it because, frankly, I could not believe that in our place of work, in the People's House, we were threatened that way.

January 6th was a dark day in our nation’s history, and I hope we can all work together to ensure that such a heinous attack never ever ever happens again.

I want to thank all of you for being here today and I want to thank my fellow Gallery colleagues for your courage.

Thank you.

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Congressman Brad Sherman Statement on the Anniversary of the Palisades Fire

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — On the one-year anniversary of the January 2025 Palisades Fire, Congressman Brad Sherman issued the following statement reflecting on the impact to Pacific Palisades, the federal response, and the continued need for disaster recovery funding:

“One year ago, the Palisades Fire tore through Pacific Palisades, destroying homes, displacing families, and permanently changing our community. The damage was swift, devastating, and deeply personal for many throughout our communities.

Because of decisions made during the Biden Administration, the federal government has expended $7 billion to respond to the Los Angeles-area wildfires so far. That funding helped clear debris, provide temporary housing, and give Palisades families a real chance to begin rebuilding. Unlocked by President Biden’s initial disaster declaration, many more billions of federal dollars are expected to come in the near future, to support the state's infrastructure rebuilding projects.

Unless Trump closes the door, California expects to receive approximately $15 billion for rebuilding. However, we need a Supplemental Appropriation to increase the grants to underinsured homeowners.

The Trump Administration has signaled to congressional Republicans that at this time it does not support a supplemental disaster appropriation to provide additional assistance directly to families and businesses — not for Southern Californians, not for Texans and Wisconsinites impacted by severe flooding, and not for residents of other states hit by major disasters in 2025.

Natural disasters do not recognize state borders or political parties. Abandoning communities still recovering from catastrophe, including here in the Palisades, is wrong and short-sighted.

I am proud that C-130J Super Hercules firefighting aircraft I secured years ago for the California National Guard helped protect lives and property in the Palisades. Preparedness saves lives.

One year later, Pacific Palisades continues to rebuild. I will keep fighting to make sure our community is not forgotten and that the federal government meets its responsibility to stand with Americans when disaster strikes."

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Sherman Marks Five Years Since the January 6th Attack on Democracy

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement to mark the fifth anniversary of the January 6th attack on our democracy:

"Five years ago today, our democracy was tested. On January 6th, a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol to overturn a free and fair election. Law enforcement officers were injured, lives were lost, and the peaceful transfer of power was put at risk.

We must never minimize what happened or allow it to be repeated."

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Rep. Haley Stevens Slams RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Rollback; Reaffirms Call for Impeachment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Secretary RFK Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services announced an overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule.

In response to RFK Jr.’s reckless actions threatening Michigan families, MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement.

“RFK Jr. is ignoring decades of reliable science and making our children less safe—this is the latest step. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is supposed to protect the health of the American people. Instead, at every turn, RFK Jr. actively chooses to make our country sicker.

“RFK Jr.’s conspiracy agenda is dangerous and unacceptable. He must be impeached. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in holding RFK Jr. accountable and cosponsor my Articles of Impeachment. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to end this dangerous anti-science agenda and keep Michigan families safe.”

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Rep. Summer Lee Condemns Attacks on Democracy on Fifth Anniversary of January 6 Insurrection

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JANUARY 6, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) released the following statement marking the fifth anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol:

“Five years ago, the American people watched in horror as violent insurrectionists overtook our nation’s Capitol. This white supremacist-fueled assault was an attack on Black and brown voters, working people, and the everyday people who fought to make their voices heard in a historic election. It put the lives of Capitol workers, staff, police officers, and Members of Congress at risk, and continues to pose an existential threat to our democracy.

“Rather than lower costs, make housing affordable, protect healthcare, or deliver real relief to working families, Trump chose to use his first act in office to pardon or grant clemency to every person convicted for their role in the insurrection. And today, we are seeing the consequences play out as this administration grows more reckless and more brazen in its abuse of power. As we mark this solemn anniversary, we must recommit ourselves to defending democracy by protecting voting rights, rejecting the authoritarian power grabs we are witnessing in real time, and ensuring our government answers only to the people, not the powerful.”


Rep. Sykes Reintroduces Bipartisan AIRSHIP Act to Advance Safe, Sustainable Airship Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) reintroduced the bipartisan Airship Improvement Research for Safety and Humanitarian Innovation Projects (AIRSHIP) Act. The bill supports research and development of modern airships to promote sustainable air cargo transportation, improve disaster response, and provide humanitarian aid in areas that are hard to reach by traditional aircraft.

“Airships are not just part of our history, they are part of our future,” said Rep. Sykes. “Ohio’s 13th Congressional District is home to the world-famous Goodyear Blimp and the Akron Airdock. This legislation will support our community’s leadership in airship technology, and it will encourage the innovative use of airships to safely deliver supplies, reach communities in need, and respond to natural disasters in an environmentally friendly way.”

"From the Wright Brothers to the NASA Glenn Research Center, Ohio has a rich history of advancing aviation technology. We must continue that legacy by investing in research and development across the full spectrum of aircraft, including airships, which have unique capabilities that allow them to service remote areas or those affected by disaster," said Rep. Joyce. "I want to thank Rep. Sykes for her leadership on this legislation and for championing continued innovation in American aviation."

The AIRSHIP Act allows NASA to launch research initiatives to explore how airship use can improve safety, noise, environmental impact, and resiliency. It also gives NASA the authority to award grants to teams from universities, industry, and government to advance next-generation airship technologies.

The legislation has been endorsed by Goodyear and the University of Akron, showing strong local support for advancing airship technology.

“Akron’s rich history in airship technology has made a meaningful impact on both the city and the state of Ohio. The University of Akron (UA) is pleased to endorse the AIRSHIP Act,” said Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of the University’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science. “We look forward to opportunities for our faculty and students to continue leading research and technology initiatives that advance innovations in the airship industry.”


Statement from Rep. Sykes on the Fifth Anniversary of the January 6th Insurrection

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement marking five years since the January 6th insurrection at the United States Capitol:

“Five years ago today, our nation witnessed a violent assault on our democracy. A mob, fueled by lies and misinformation, attacked the United States Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power guaranteed by our Constitution.

“That day, more than 100 U.S. Capitol Police officers were injured while defending our democratic institutions. In the days and months that followed, some officers lost their lives as a result of the trauma inflicted by the attack. The physical and emotional toll of that violence continues to be felt by law enforcement and their families. Their bravery and sacrifice remind us that democracy is not self-executing. It must be protected by people willing to stand up for the rule of law, even in the face of danger.

“In the years since January 6th, many of those responsible for this violence were convicted in courts of law. Their subsequent pardons by President Trump do not reflect true accountability, nor do they erase the harm done to our institutions, to law enforcement, or to the American people.

“January 6th was a dark chapter in our nation’s history and a stark warning. We cannot take our democratic norms for granted. It is incumbent upon elected leaders at every level to reject political violence, uphold the Constitution, and tell the truth, especially when it is difficult.


Congresswoman Tenney Highlights New Tax Filing Benefits Under the Trump Tax Cuts

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today encouraged constituents to prepare for tax filing season by reviewing new tax relief provisions made available under the Trump Tax Cuts and the guidance released by the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS published detailed information to help taxpayers understand how the new law affects filing for the 2025 tax year. Key provisions include allowing eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips and up to $12,500 in eligible overtime pay, with higher limits for joint filers. The law also includes enhanced relief for seniors and maintains pro-growth policies that support small businesses and working families. These commonsense changes are designed to reward hard work, let Americans keep more of what they earn, and ensure taxpayers can file correctly while taking full advantage of the new benefits.

“Hardworking Americans deserve a tax code that rewards work instead of punishing it, and the Trump Tax Cuts deliver exactly that,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Service workers who rely on tips, employees who put in overtime hours, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small business owners across NY-24 now have real opportunities to keep more of their hard-earned money. These reforms recognize the value of work, strengthen family finances, and bring fairness back to the tax system. As filing season approaches, I encourage constituents to review the IRS guidance, understand how these provisions apply to them, and make sure they claim every benefit they earned under this law.”

For full IRS guidelines and more information, click here.

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Tonko Marks 5 Years Since January 6th Attack on U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today released the following statement on 5 years since the violent attack on January 6, 2021 by insurrectionists on the U.S. Capitol building:

“5 years ago, as Congress gathered to do our constitutional duty and certify the results of the 2020 Presidential election, a violent mob ripped down doors, broke through windows, and beat law enforcement officers to storm the U.S. Capitol building and prevent the peaceful transfer of power. I was sitting in the House Gallery when we were rushed out by courageous Capitol Police, who sprang into action to protect me, my colleagues, and our republic that day.

“Hundreds of those rioters were later tried and convicted; but last year, on day one of his Presidency, Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 of these criminals — a number of whom have since gone on to commit other crimes, including one man who was pardoned a second time by Trump for an unrelated gun conviction.


On Fifth Anniversary of January 6 Insurrection, Rep. Norma Torres Introduces Legislation to Defend Democracy, Ensure Accountability, and Preserve the Truth

Washington, D.C. —Today, on the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection in the U.S. Capitol, Congresswoman Norma Torres announced a package of three bills to confront the ongoing threat posed by political violence, prevent history from being erased, and strengthen accountability for those who sought to overturn the results of a free and fair election.

“Five years ago, I was inside the House Gallery as a violent mob stormed the Capitol, chanting threats, and attempting to stop the peaceful transfer of power,” said Congresswoman Torres. “January 6th was not just an attack on a building, it was an attack on our democracy, our Constitution, and everyone who serves the American people. We cannot allow that day to be minimized, erased, or ever repeated.”

The legislative package introduced by Rep. Torres on January 6, 2026 includes:

The January 6th Truth and Transparency Act: This bill directs the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to produce public, recurring reports on recidivism by individuals who participated in the January 6th attack and were later pardoned under Presidential Proclamation No. 10887. The reports will document subsequent arrests, charges, convictions, and law-enforcement encounters to ensure the public and Congress have clear, factual information about the real world consequences of granting mass pardons to insurrectionists.

Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026:This legislation ensures that a conviction related to the January 6th insurrection can count as a recidivist sentencing enhancement for future federal crimes, even if the individual was later pardoned. The bill recognizes participation in the attack as a demonstrated pattern of anti-democratic, violent conduct and allows courts to impose recidivist enhanced penalties for future offenses to protect public safety and democratic institutions.

The January 6th Oral History Project Act:To ensure the truth of January 6 is never rewritten or forgotten, this bill directs the Library of Congress, through the American Folklife Center, to establish a comprehensive oral history project. The program will collect video, audio, and written testimonies from Members of Congress, staff, Capitol Police officers, journalists, and others affected by the attack, preserving firsthand accounts for future generations.

“Democracy does not defend itself,” Torres continued. “Accountability matters. Truth matters. And memory matters. These bills are about making sure we learn from January 6th instead of erasing it. Those who chose violence against our Constitution can never again believe they are above the law.”

Congresswoman Torres has consistently led efforts in Congress to address the aftermath of January 6th, support Capitol Police and staff, and strengthen democratic safeguards. As a former 911 dispatcher, she has also been an advocate for public safety, accountability, and the rule of law.

“January 6th will always be part of our history,” Torres said. “The question is whether we meet that history with courage and clarity or allow silence and distortion to take its place. I choose courage.”


Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. Statement on January 6, Revisited: An attack on Our Democracy!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement:

“Five years ago today, our nation witnessed something we never believed possible in a modern American democracy. A violent mob, fueled by deliberate misinformation and incited by the words and actions of a sitting president, stormed the United States Capitol in an effort to overturn a lawful election and halt the peaceful transfer of power. This was not spontaneous outrage. It was the predictable result of months of lies that undermined confidence in our electoral system and encouraged Americans to see one another as enemies rather than fellow citizens.

“The attack left people dead, law enforcement officers injured, and the seat of our democracy desecrated. But the deeper damage was to something less visible and far more fragile: the public’s faith in democracy itself. When leaders normalize falsehoods, attack the legitimacy of elections, and excuse political violence, they weaken the very guardrails that have held this republic together for more than two centuries. History teaches us that democracies rarely collapse all at once. They erode when the rule of law is treated as optional and when power is pursued without regard for truth or consequence.

“Even now, I feel the gravity of January 6 every time I walk through the Capitol. This building is not just marble and stone. It is a symbol of our shared commitment to self-government. To attack it is to attack the idea that in America, leaders are chosen by the people and held accountable by the law.

“January 6 must remain a warning, not a footnote. Defending democracy requires more than remembrance. It demands courage from those in power, honesty from those who lead, and vigilance from all of us. We owe it to future generations to protect free and fair elections, reject political violence in all forms, and reaffirm that no individual is above the Constitution. Our democracy is only as strong as our willingness to defend it, especially when it is tested.”

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Senator Baldwin Supports Bill to Prevent All-Out War Against Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following months of bombing in the Caribbean and Pacific, the unauthorized military attack on Venezuela, and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the Trump Administration, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced she joined her colleagues in pushing forward a bill to prevent the United States from getting into an all-out war in Venezuela. The bill, the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act, prohibits the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela without explicit Congressional authorization.

“President Trump stormed into Venezuela and is drawing the U.S. into another forever war just to take Venezuela’s oil and enrich his big oil buddies. Simply put, this is not what Wisconsin families signed up for. This puts all the men and women who don the uniform at risk, reeks of corruption, and just shows the President is focused on everything except lowering costs and the issues that keep Wisconsin families up at night. The President cannot just start wars at a whim; he needs to get the people’s approval – and that means Congress signing off,” said Senator Baldwin.

The Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act does not prevent the United States from acting to defend itself or its citizens from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack, pursue lawful counternarcotics operations, or provide humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people.

The legislation was led by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Full text of the legislation is available here.

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Sen. Jim Banks Touts Historic Indiana Football Season, Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) spoke on the United States Senate Floor about the Indiana Hoosiers’ historic football season under Coach Curt Cignetti and praised Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

Click Image Above to Watch the Full Speech.

Full remarks as delivered:

“Thank you, Madam President,

As we begin the new year, there a lot of things that members of Congress and the American people are paying attention to. There’s something that’s really extraordinary going on in my home state of Indiana, and it’s not just Hoosiers who are paying attention —the whole country is following Indiana football.

I’m the first in my family to go to college, and it was a no-brainer for me to attend Indiana University in Bloomington. Everyone knows that IU is a basketball school. IU has won five national championships, we had the legendary 1976 undefeated in the NCAA—the only undefeated team in college basketball history.

When I got to college in the 1990s, one of the reasons that I attended IU was to watch Bobby Knight coach basketball games. We had great players over the years—Isiah Thomas, Damon Bailey, Steve Alford, and so many others who played at Assembly Hall and made Indiana proud. Assembly Hall is the mecca of college basketball, and it’s one of the reasons I wanted to go to college there in the first place.

Madam President, when I go back to IU and attend basketball games, I still get choked up during the pregame show at Assembly Hall every single time.

But IU was never known as a football school. Sure, we had great talent—Antwaan Randle El was there when I attended IU—but IU football always had a lot more downs than it had ups. In fact, when I was a student, the football program was so bad that they gave free season tickets to students living in the dorms, and at every game the stadium was hardly ever even half full except for those occasions when the Ohio State Buckeyes came over the state line to play in Bloomington.

As IU fans, we were trained never to get our hopes up about Indiana football. But now, my, how the tides have turned.

Now the entire country is watching one of the greatest turnarounds in sports history.

From being college football’s all-time leader in losses to now having an undefeated season—where we won the Rose Bowl, the Big Ten Championship, and a Heisman Trophy winner—IU football has captured the country’s attention. In fact, the great Dick Vitale said that quote “Hoosier football is the greatest turn around” he’s ever seen.

When IU’s President Pam Whitten and Athletic Director Scott Dolson brought on Coach Curt Cignetti, IU’s program turned around almost overnight. When my wife and I attended the game earlier this season against Wisconsin, the stadium was absolutely packed, a real change from what past games used to look like.

Coach Cignetti has brought great pride to the state of Indiana.

Madam President, I want to highlight the incredible young man who led IU to glory this season, the great Fernando Mendoza.

Just three weeks ago, he became the first Heisman Trophy winner in Indiana University’s history—When I was in college, I got to tell you, it would have been impossible to imagine having a Heisman Trophy winner at Indiana University.

But Madam President, what makes this man truly exceptional is not simply his award -winning career on the field. What makes Fernando so incredible is that he represents the very best of what we hope to see in our nation’s young people, a combination of excellence, character, faith, and service to others.

In fact, a few days ago Fernando led the Hoosiers to an incredible 38–3 victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl, winning the first ever Rose Bowl in IU’s history, and the first win in the modern playoff era for the Indiana Hoosiers

Right after the game, Fernando was asked about the win, and you know what he said? Before anything else he said, “My team and I want to give all the glory to God.” In all of his interviews, Fernando always makes sure to thank God first. That is a man who has his priorities straight. That is a man who is proud to live out his faith, who honors God in everything he does.

But there is more. With Fernando Mendoza, there is really no “I” in team. When he received his Heisman Trophy, Fernando made it clear that it wasn’t his trophy alone. Instead, he said that it was quote “Our trophy.” And that is why he has made the gracious decision to keep the Heisman Trophy in Bloomington, Indiana, because the trophy belongs to the university and to the fans, he said. I am incredibly proud of that decision, and I thank Fernando Mendoza for making that decision. I can’t wait to go to Bloomington to see it.

In his Heisman Trophy speech, Fernando mentioned how his family has always stood by his side throughout his career, and that they never stopped believing in him.

Fernando particularly thanked his mother, Elsa. He said quote“this is your trophy as much as mine.” Elsa suffers from Multiple Sclerosis [Sklu-rosis], a tough and often painful disease. In honor of his mother, Fernando has raised over $100K to fight MS—what an incredible act of kindness, and what a special way to honor his mother.

In that Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, after thanking his teammates, his family, and Coach Cignetti, Fernando addressed the young people who might be tuning in. He said quote “I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know: I was you. I was that kid too. I was in your shoes. The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you and you need to believe in your own abilities.”

Madam President, our young people need role models today more than ever, and they need role models like Fernando Mendoza. He shows them that faith matters, that family comes first, and that hard work pays off.

He’s proof that you can be a champion on the field and still be humble. That you can be competitive and still put God first. That success means nothing if you’re not using it to help others.

Fernando Mendoza is the kind of young man I want three daughters to look up to, and other kids of their generation to look up to.

Indiana is lucky to have him, we are proud to have him, and America is better because of him.

Madam President, I don’t know how this story ends. Semi-final game in Atlanta on Friday that I look forward to attending. Championship game in Miami the following week.

I can’t wait to cheer on the Hoosiers, I don’t know how this great story ends. The Hoosiers have the possibility to be the first team ever to win 16 games and go undefeated.

But I can’t tell you how much pride the great state of Indiana has and this football team wearing the Indiana on their uniform. They represent us so well. The Hoosier state is proud.

And I wanted to take a moment, Madam President to just come to the floor and simply say: Go Hoosiers.

I yield back.”

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Barrasso Celebrates Historic Rural Healthcare Investments

“More communities will be better served. More patients will receive care. More lives will be saved. Rural America will have what it deserves: high-quality healthcare that is available when you need it – where you need it.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about the $50 billion Rural Healthcare Transformation Program, which was created by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and will deliver funding to every state.

Wyoming is set to receive $205 million in 2026 to support local hospitals, emergency services, and staffing healthcare workers.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“For 24 years, I practiced medicine in my home state of Wyoming. I know how important affordable, reliable, quality local care is for our citizens and our communities.

“In our frontier state, distance too often stands between patients and the care they need. I want everyone in Wyoming to be able to get the care they need, from the doctor they choose, at a price they can afford. That’s why I fought last year to create the Rural Health Transformation Program.

“We begin this year celebrating historic news. Every state in America is now receiving the first round of funding from this new program. $205 million is heading straight to Wyoming. It is heading straight to our Critical Access Hospitals and Emergency Medical Services. This will allow us to address Wyoming’s unique healthcare challenges.

“Money is also heading to our community colleges. Now, they will have more money to strengthen, train, and retain nurses, lab technicians, and additional essential healthcare workers. If we want our healthcare professionals to remain local, we must train them locally. Now, hospitals, clinics, and health centers in vulnerable rural communities will have necessary resources. This will allow them to treat patients closer to home.

“More choices and better care is a direct result of the Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law. The Rural Health Transformation Program is the largest federal investment in rural healthcare in American history.

“Democrats talk constantly about access to healthcare. Yet when Republicans proposed this vital rural healthcare program, every single Democrat voted against it. Then, Democrats disgracefully tried to defund it. When Democrats shut down the government last fall, one of their demands was cutting $50 billion from rural hospitals. That tells you exactly how little these far-left radicals value rural America. Democrats have a long history of thumbing their noses and turning their backs on rural communities.

“At the same time, Democrats voted last summer to continue to provide taxpayer-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants. They did this even as we uncover massive amounts of healthcare fraud in Minnesota. Scammers stole billions of taxpayer dollars.

“Republicans are committed to ensuring Americans have the healthcare they deserve.

“In September, I attended the grand opening of a new hospital in Pinedale, Wyoming. For years, the nearest hospital was 85 miles away. The 85 miles included curvy roads and a mountain pass. If the roads were closed due to weather, another hospital was more than 100 miles away in a different direction. The new Sublette County Hospital will save lives. Republicans want rural communities across America to have what Pinedale has now – care they need, from the doctor they choose, right where they need it.

“Regrettably, many other rural communities are not as fortunate. Since Obamacare became law fifteen years ago, over 100 rural hospitals have closed. It’s yet another broken promise from the failure that is Obamacare. Republicans are reversing that trajectory. We are strengthening hospitals, supporting providers, and keeping care closer to home.

“This is just the beginning. Hundreds of millions of dollars are flowing now. More funding will follow every year for the next five years. More communities will be better served. More patients will receive care. More lives will be saved. Rural America will have what it deserves: high-quality healthcare that is available when you need it – where you need it.”

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Video: Blumenthal Marks Five Year Anniversary of January 6 Insurrection

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) delivered remarks on the Senate Floor marking the five-year anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Blumenthal recalled his experience as he and his colleagues were evacuated from the Senate Chamber by Capitol Police officers and rushed to safety.

In today’s remarks, Blumenthal urged all Americans to remember what happened on that day:

“Do not forget five years ago rioters invited by President Trump tried to destroy our democracy. Trump pardoned and glorified them, and even empowering some of them in key administration offices. We cannot allow him to rewrite history.”

“Do not forget police were brutally attacked, injured and killed for doing their job to enable a peaceful democratic transition of power. They still bear the scars, so does our democracy.”

“Do not forget democracy is not guaranteed. It cannot be taken for granted.”

“Do not forget it is our duty to remember the truth.”

Before delivering his remarks on the Senate Floor, Blumenthal joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Senate and House Members, at an event on the Senate Steps to mark five years since the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. Video of that event is available here.

The video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here and the full transcript is copied below.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. President. As we all remember, if we were here five years ago, this building was attacked, this Capitol was stormed, democracy was under siege – not just the physical structure but our lives, literally.

Each of us has a memory of that moment. And I will never forget – I’m sure most of my colleagues won't either – how we left this chamber, without panic but certainly in a surge of emotion, as we heard the pounding at the doors, as we were told to move quickly. Senators were ordered to move out of harm's way. And we saw through the windows of the doors or face-to-face, some of us, the pipes and baseball bats. It was a moment that nobody who went through it can ever forget. Because insurrectionists scaled the walls, they smashed windows, they forced their way through the doors into this chamber and the House. They broke into the legislative branch of government.

And it wasn't simply a symbolic move – it was literally to stop the counting of the electoral votes, to halt the peaceful transition of power, which is the trademark of our democracy.

Five years ago, Capitol Police and other law enforcement stood between these attackers and ourselves – members of this body. They resisted the insurrectionists trying to scale these walls with their own bodies, and they were hurt. One hundred and forty officers were injured, several died. Five perished.

And in that terrible moment, one of the darkest times in the history of our democracy, we came together. We joined arms, maybe not literally, but we were together in that undisclosed location – Republicans and Democrats – who had walked at a pretty good pace through the halls, and then confined together, guarded by members of law enforcement as well as the military. We were together and we felt under threat together, but we decided when we were asked, that we would stay. We would not go home for the night as some of the security wanted us to do. We would stay to count the votes.

As dark as that moment was in the history of the United States of America, we can be proud, as a body, of that decision to count the votes and do our duty rather than shirk it in the midst of that continuing unknown and potential danger, as the security literally went through the broken glass and the desecrated offices and this very chamber to make sure that there were no bombs or rioters left and we could come back with some assurance of safety.

That moment we came together five years ago. Five years ago.

And what a difference five years makes. In the past five years, segments of society have latched onto baseless and harmful conspiracy theories about the attack. There are January 6 deniers just as they are election deniers and there are Holocaust deniers. We live in an era when conspiracy theorists can spread falsehoods through social media and other means around the globe, certainly around our country. And these baseless and harmful conspiracy theories are right now in a book by the current FBI director, Kash Patel who claims that the January 6 attack was, quote, “the insurrection that never was,” end quote, and was encouraged by “Deep State” agitators as a pretext to persecute Trump supporters.

Well, we know who incited the January 6 insurrection. It's on tape. It can be seen. In a speech outside the White House on January 6, Donald J. Trump claimed to a crowd of thousands of Trump supporters that, quote, “we won this election and we won it by a landslide,” end quote. He promised to, quote, “stop the steal,” end quote. He vowed we will never give up, we will never concede. And most damningly, he told that crowd: if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore.

And that is when the crowd marched down the National Mall to this building, which they stormed, to the police officers whom they attacked, and the doors that they knocked down. They entered the Capitol at 2:00 PM; not until 4:17 PM did Donald Trump call those supporters to go home. Two hours after people were injured and some died.

So we shouldn't be surprised, perhaps, that Donald Trump in one of his first acts in office pardoned all of those rioters – blanket pardon – even those who caused the death of the Capitol Police.

And maybe we shouldn't be surprised that just several weeks ago, when I asked three judicial nominees – three lawyers nominated to be federal District judges by Donald Trump – was the Capitol attacked on January 6? They refused to answer. Each of them parroted a standard remark to the effect of, President Biden was certified as the winner. They refused to tell the truth about January 6.

That is how history is degraded. That is how history is rewritten. That is how the truth is suppressed. That is why we are here today. That is why I am standing here to make sure that history is preserved.

You know, we say often, we want to speak truth to power. We need to speak history to authority. We need to speak the truth to America about what happened on January 6. Notwithstanding all of those conspiracy theorists, the Department of Justice Inspector General reported, quote, “[there is] no evidence . . . that the FBI had undercover employees in the various protest crowds, or at the Capitol, on January 6.” No FBI, CHS, that is confidential human sources, were authorized to enter the Capitol or a restricted area, or to otherwise break the law on January 6.

I'm under no illusions. I know this speech is not going to talk any of those conspiracy theorists out of their deep-seated beliefs. But we owe it to our children, and I owe it to two grandchildren born in the last six months that we preserve history despite the blanket pardon, despite the distortion of history that has occurred.

So we are here today to say to our Republican colleagues, join us in preserving that history. Join us in making sure the truth is told from this chamber to America to all of our country.

Do not forget five years ago rioters invited by President Trump tried to destroy our democracy. Trump pardoned and glorified them, and even empowering some of them in key administration offices. We cannot allow him to rewrite history.

Do not forget police were brutally attacked, injured and killed for doing their job to enable a peaceful democratic transition of power. They still bear the scars, so does our democracy.

Do not forget democracy is not guaranteed. It cannot be taken for granted.

Do not forget it is our duty to remember the truth.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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Booker in New Video Marks 5th Anniversary of Jan. 6, Condemns Trump’s Corrupt Use of Presidential Pardons

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a new video this morning reflecting on the violence of that day and sharply criticizing President Donald Trump’s use of the presidential pardon power. Booker highlights the case of Brian Sicknick, a Capitol police officer from New Jersey, who was beaten while defending the Capitol and died days later.

“It’s January 6, the fifth year anniversary of the horrific attack on this Capitol. Many of them savagely beating police officers, attacking them with bear spray. Many of them pled guilty to their vicious crimes, and yet President Donald Trump gave a blanket pardon to every single one of them. But now a pattern and practice of corruption from the President of the United States. He has abused his pardoning power in a way that we have never before seen…

“Brian Sicknick from New Jersey was a Capitol police officer on that day, was so viciously beaten, and would later, just days later, die. The people that beat him have been pardoned by this president. That is not law and order. That is injustice.”


Duckworth, Durbin Join Gallego to Demand Answers on Harms of Diverting Federal Agents for Immigration Enforcement

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in sending a letter to President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding answers on the impact of the Administration’s decision to pull thousands of federal law enforcement personnel away from their work keeping dangerous criminals off the streets and reassign them to arrest, detain and deport primarily non-violent immigrants.

“You have pulled agents away from some of the federal government’s most critical criminal investigations, weakening the very work that ensures public safety. In a world in which we must prioritize the use of limited resources, an agent arresting non-violent immigrants necessarily means one less agent available to catch child predators and drug traffickers,” the Senators wrote. “This diversion represents a deliberate choice: a stunning abdication of the basic responsibilities of the executive branch to the American people, and a direct threat to the security of communities across the country.”

Though the majority of immigrants arrested have no criminal background, many agents across the federal government have been pulled off of cases involving child exploitation, drug trafficking, sanctions evasion, cyberattacks, domestic extremism and foreign adversaries mid-investigation.

There have been reports of reassignments at agencies across the federal government, including nearly 25 percent of agents at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and 80 percent of agents at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The redirection of resources has been especially devastating at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), one of the primary agencies responsible for combatting child exploitation, human trafficking, fentanyl smuggling and cartels. HSI personnel themselves have warned that these reassignments are dismantling one of the country’s most effective child protection and national security forces.

“Redirecting these investigators to pad deportation statistics is not simply irresponsible—it is a dereliction of duty with life-or-death consequences that puts the safety of our children in jeopardy,” the Senators continued. “No modern administration has ever attempted a reallocation of this scale or recklessness.”

The Senators’ letter also calls out the dangerous national security implications of the Administration’s decision, including damage to cyber and critical infrastructure defenses that protect the systems Americans rely on every day for necessities like clean water, air conditioning and electricity.

“Taken together, these actions are more than just a routine shift in administration priorities; they represent a systematic dismantling of the very institutions that protect Americans in their homes, online, and in their communities,” the Senators continued. “The fact that the majority of individuals arrested during immigration enforcement operations to date have had no criminal history belies the administration’s claim that it is targeting the ‘worst of the worst.’ Instead, it suggests that federal law enforcement capacity is being sacrificed to fuel a politically orchestrated deportation drive. That tradeoff is indefensible, and it puts Americans at risk to serve a political narrative, not a security strategy.”

In their letter, the Senators requested:

A full accounting of personnel diverted to immigration enforcement from all federal agencies since January 20, 2025, including numbers, assignment duration and mission details;

A list of all investigations paused, terminated, or reassigned as a result of, in whole or in part, these diversions, including those related to child exploitation, cyber intrusions, human trafficking, drug smuggling, domestic extremism, terrorism financing and violent crime;

Any threat, risk, or operational assessments informing the decision to divert personnel;

All formal taskings or communications directing agencies to provide personnel for immigration enforcement surge operations;

Any internal objections raised by agency leadership or career investigators regarding the diversions, and how these objections were addressed; and

Any internal assessments completed to gauge the impacts of these diversions, including on investigations into child exploitation, human trafficking, cybercrime, counter narcotics and national security investigations.

In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Gallego, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

Read the full letter HERE.

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Durbin, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Call For Inspector General Audit Of Justice Department’s Failed Release Of Full Epstein Files

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined a bipartisan group of Senators in writing to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume to request the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) perform an audit of DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein.

The Senators wrote: “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential. As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (‘DOJ OIG’) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.”

The Senators concluded: “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes. Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.”

In addition to Durbin, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI).

A PDF copy of the letter is available here.

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Durbin, Duckworth Join Gallego To Demand Answers On Harms Of Diverting Federal Agents For Immigration Enforcement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in sending a letter to President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding answers on the impact of the Administration’s decision to pull thousands of federal law enforcement personnel away from their work keeping dangerous criminals off the streets and reassign them to arrest, detain, and deport primarily non-violent immigrants.

“You have pulled agents away from some of the federal government’s most critical criminal investigations, weakening the very work that ensures public safety. In a world in which we must prioritize the use of limited resources, an agent arresting non-violent immigrants necessarily means one less agent available to catch child predators and drug traffickers,” the Senators wrote. “This diversion represents a deliberate choice: a stunning abdication of the basic responsibilities of the executive branch to the American people, and a direct threat to the security of communities across the country.”

Though the majority of immigrants arrested have no criminal background, many agents across the federal government have been pulled off of cases involving child exploitation, drug trafficking, sanctions evasion, cyberattacks, domestic extremism, and foreign adversaries mid-investigation.

There have been reports of reassignments at agencies across the federal government, including nearly 25 percent of agents at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and 80 percent of agents at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The redirection of resources has been especially devastating at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), one of the primary agencies responsible for combatting child exploitation, human trafficking, fentanyl smuggling, and cartels. HSI personnel themselves have warned that these reassignments are dismantling one of the country’s most effective child protection and national security forces.

“Redirecting these investigators to pad deportation statistics is not simply irresponsible—it is a dereliction of duty with life-or-death consequences that puts the safety of our children in jeopardy,” the Senators continued. “No modern administration has ever attempted a reallocation of this scale or recklessness.”

The Senators’ letter also calls out the dangerous national security implications of the Administration’s decision, including damage to cyber and critical infrastructure defenses that protect the systems Americans rely on every day for necessities like clean water, air conditioning, and electricity.

“Taken together, these actions are more than just a routine shift in administration priorities; they represent a systematic dismantling of the very institutions that protect Americans in their homes, online, and in their communities,” the Senators continued. “The fact that the majority of individuals arrested during immigration enforcement operations to date have had no criminal history belies the administration’s claim that it is targeting the ‘worst of the worst.’ Instead, it suggests that federal law enforcement capacity is being sacrificed to fuel a politically orchestrated deportation drive. That tradeoff is indefensible, and it puts Americans at risk to serve a political narrative, not a security strategy.”

In their letter, the Senators requested:

A full accounting of personnel diverted to immigration enforcement from all federal agencies since January 20, 2025, including numbers, assignment duration, and mission details;

A list of all investigations paused, terminated, or reassigned as a result of, in whole or in part, these diversions, including those related to child exploitation, cyber intrusions, human trafficking, drug smuggling, domestic extremism, terrorism financing, and violent crime;

Any threat, risk, or operational assessments informing the decision to divert personnel;

All formal taskings or communications directing agencies to provide personnel for immigration enforcement surge operations;

Any internal objections raised by agency leadership or career investigators regarding the diversions, and how these objections were addressed; and

Any internal assessments completed to gauge the impacts of these diversions, including on investigations into child exploitation, human trafficking, cybercrime, counter narcotics, and national security investigations.

In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, and Gallego, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

Durbin has continuously spoken out against the Trump Administration’s dangerous diversion of federal law enforcement to carry out the President’s mass deportation scheme. In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Durbin questioned Administration officials about how many of their agency’s operational employees have been reassigned to immigration enforcement. Durbin also led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in pressing Attorney General Bondi on her reallocation of resources from mission-critical DOJ projects to purported “immigration enforcement initiatives.” Additionally, Durbin urged the Department of Justice’s Inspector General to investigate the arbitrary removals, forced retirements, and reassignments of senior FBI leadership and supervisory agents—and how these actions have degraded the Bureau’s national security and law enforcement operations.

Read the full letter HERE.

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Durbin Statement On Fifth Anniversary Of The January 6th Insurrection At The U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement marking the fifth anniversary of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021:

“Five years ago on this day, armed insurrectionists overran the Capitol in a violent attempt to overturn a free and fair election. They did so at the direction of a bitter and defeated President intent on clinging to power by any means possible.

“In the wake of that attack, five law enforcement officers, who defended this body and the ideals it represents, lost their lives and more than 140 officers were injured.

“Unfortunately, this President and his allies have worked to distort and whitewash the reality of that tragic day. On his very first day back in office, President Trump pardoned the more than 1,500 people charged and convicted of offenses related to January 6. Tragically, those pardons were just the start. Over the past year, Trump has suggested the rioters should be compensated for being prosecuted; unlawfully purged the Department of Justice of dozens of career prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases; and filled his administration with loyalists who deny the reality of January 6, including one who attacked our Capitol.

“Violence for political purposes is never acceptable—in any form—and we must not allow it to be normalized. Those who fear the truth or attempt to distort it face a lesson in history. The reality of events will prevail and those who distort it will be relegated to a shameful trash heap reserved for traitors and liars.”

-30-


Durbin, Whitehouse Press Susie Wiles On Her Access To The Epstein Files

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles admitted in a Vanity Fair interview that she’d read the Epstein files and knew Donald Trump was named in them, despite unclear authority to access the material

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) pressed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on her access to sensitive materials in the Epstein Files, as well as her role in the Department of Justice’s bungled, partial release of the files in violation of the December 19 deadline in the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act.

In a letter to Wiles, Durbin and Whitehouse wrote: “In a recent Vanity Fair profile, you said you have read ‘the Epstein file’ and that President Trump ‘is in the file’; ‘was on [Epstein’s] plane’; and is ‘on the manifest.’ Please be kind enough to explain when and where and under what authority you gained access to this material.”

Whitehouse and Durbin requested answers to the following questions:

What were the materials in “the Epstein file” you referred to in your Vanity Fair interview?

Had material in the file you reviewed been presented to a grand jury?

When did you first gain access to “the Epstein file” and what was the schedule of your review of it?

For what purpose did you gain access to this information?

Did you share with President Trump any information contained in the file you reviewed?

Please describe your role in any process related to the review, redaction, withholding, or release of material in the “Epstein file,” including any processes involving the Department of Justice or Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A PDF copy of the letter is available here.

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Fischer Announces Military Academy Nominations for Class of 2030

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) released the names of the Nebraskans she is nominating this year for U.S. service academies.

“I’m proud to nominate 40 impressive Nebraska students for acceptance to our nation’s prestigious military academies. Each student has proven themself as a dedicated leader, bringing unique skills and perspectives to their communities. I wish them the best as they continue through the process, and I thank them for choosing this path of service,” Fischer said.

Fischer’s nominees for the Class of 2030:

Leo Bailey of Omaha to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Patrick Bursaw of Ravenna to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Liam Buscher of Bellevue to U.S. Air Force Academy

Daniel Castillo of Omaha to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Carly Connell of Omaha to U.S. Air Force Academy

Jacob Cover of Weeping Water to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

William Dennis of Fort Calhoun to U.S. Military Academy

Aidyn Einkorn of Scottsbluff to U.S. Military Academy

Jackson Froeschl of Lincoln to U.S. Air Force Academy

Hayden Fuqua of Kearney to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Lars Gallagher of Lincoln to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Alexander Gotschall of Atkinson to U.S. Naval Academy

Chloe Grabenbauer of Bellevue to U.S. Naval Academy

Ethan Grinsteinner of Elkhorn to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Jack Hagge of Lincoln to U.S. Air Force Academy

Henry Hendershot of Omaha to U.S. Naval Academy

Kate Hessel of Omaha to U.S. Air Force Academy

River Hill of Lincoln to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Reese Holscher of Kearney to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Deonte Kerns of Lincoln to U.S. Military Academy

Justin Kramer of Kennard to U.S. Air Force Academy

James LaFramboise of Gretna to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Zane Larson of Elkhorn to U.S. Naval Academy

Vincent Maxwell of Lincoln to U.S. Air Force Academy

Madyson McAtee of Beatrice to U.S. Air Force Academy

Cian McMahon of Papillion to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Mitchell Minnich of Omaha to U.S. Naval Academy

Landon Mooney of Valentine to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Amelia Nelson of Omaha to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Benjamin Nicola of Bellevue to U.S. Air Force Academy

Matthew Pochop of McCook to U.S. Naval Academy

Owen Quakenbush of Omaha to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Grant Rieser of Omaha to U.S. Military Academy

Weston Roberts of Omaha to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Katherine Rowe of Columbus to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy

Cohen Sand of Lincoln to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Aydenn Scherff of Aurora to U.S. Military Academy

Clara Spargo of Benkelman to U.S. Military Academy

William Tabor of Elkhorn to U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Izaak Vakoc of Verdigre to U.S. Military Academy


Gallego Introduces Amendment to Block Military Force Against Greenland

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Appropriations bill to prohibit the use of funds for military force or other hostilities against Greenland.

“Families are getting crushed by rising grocery and housing costs, inflation is up, and Trump’s name is all over the Epstein files. Instead of doing anything to fix those problems, Trump is trying to distract people by threatening to start wars and invade countries – first in Venezuela, and now against our NATO ally Denmark,” said Senator Gallego. “What’s happening in Venezuela shows us that we can’t just ignore Trump’s reckless threats. His dangerous behavior puts American lives and our global credibility at risk. I’m introducing this amendment to make it clear that Congress will not bankroll illegal, unnecessary military action, and to force Republicans to choose whether they’re going to finally stand up or keep enabling Trump’s chaos.”

This amendment would make it so none of the funds made available by the Senate Defense Appropriations bill may be obligated or expended for the use of military force, the conduct of hostilities, or the preparation for war against or with respect to Greenland.

Trump has repeatedly doubled down on his claims that Greenland should become part of the United States. On Sunday, after announcing that the U.S. has taken control over Venezuela, Trump said that he “absolutely” wants to take over Greenland, and that he would revisit the topic in a few weeks.

Read the amendment HERE.

1/5/26


Gallego Introduces Amendment to Block Taxpayer Funds from Paying for January 6 Insurrectionist’s Military Funeral Honors

WASHINGTON – On the five-year anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Appropriations bill to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for military funeral honors to insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt.

“Five years ago today, a violent mob stormed the capitol to overturn our democracy. I was on the House floor on January 6, and I remember hearing the pounding on the doors, seeing my colleagues barricading the doors with furniture, and fearing for our lives. This decision to grant one of those insurrectionists, Ashli Babbitt, full military honors, including a military burial, is indefensible and deeply disrespectful to the service members who have honorably worn the uniform,” said Senator Gallego. “That’s why I’m introducing this amendment to make sure that taxpayer dollars are not used to pay for military funeral honors for an insurrectionist. She did not die protecting Americans, she died betraying the Constitution of the United States.”

In late August of last year, the Trump administration announced it is offering full military funeral honors for Babbitt. This amendment would make it so none of the funds appropriated by the Senate Defense Appropriations bill could be spent for military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt because she is considered ineligible for such honors due to her participation in the January 6, 2021 insurrection.

Read the amendment HERE.

In September, Senator Gallego condemned the Air Force’s decision to grant Babbitt military honors and introduced a resolution on the Senate floor to block Babbitt from receiving the honors.

1/6/26


Gallego Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Harms of Diverting Federal Agents for Immigration Enforcement

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) led 29 Senators in sending a letter to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Attorney General Bondi demanding answers on the impact of the administration’s decision to pull thousands of federal law enforcement agents away from their work keeping dangerous criminals off the streets and reassign them to arrest, detain, and deport primarily non-violent immigrants.

“You have pulled agents away from some of the federal government’s most critical criminal investigations, weakening the very work that ensures public safety. In a world in which we must prioritize the use of limited resources, an agent arresting non-violent immigrants necessarily means one less agent available to catch child predators and drug traffickers,” the Senators wrote. “This diversion represents a deliberate choice: a stunning abdication of the basic responsibilities of the executive branch to the American people, and a direct threat to the security of communities across the country.”

Though the majority of immigrants arrested have no criminal background, many agents across the federal government have been pulled off of cases involving child exploitation, drug trafficking, sanctions evasion, cyberattacks, domestic extremism, and foreign adversaries mid-investigation.

There have been reports of reassignments at agencies across the federal government, including nearly 25% of agents at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and 80% of agents at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These diversions are especially devastating at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – one of the primary agencies responsible for combatting child exploitation, human trafficking, fentanyl smuggling, and cartels. HSI personnel themselves have warned that these reassignments are dismantling one of the country’s most effective child protection and national security forces. To mitigate the damage, some investigators have even tried to work on their cases at nights or on weekends.

“Redirecting these investigators to pad deportation statistics is not simply irresponsible—it is a dereliction of duty with life-or-death consequences that puts the safety of our children in jeopardy,” the Senators continued. “No modern administration has ever attempted a reallocation of this scale or recklessness.”

The Senators’ letter also calls out the dangerous national security implications of the administration’s decision, including damage to cyber and critical infrastructure defenses that protect the systems Americans rely on every day for necessities like clean water, air conditioning, and electricity.

“Taken together, these actions are more than just a routine shift in administration priorities; they represent a systematic dismantling of the very institutions that protect Americans in their homes, online, and in their communities,” the Senators continued. “The fact that the majority of individuals arrested during immigration enforcement operations to date have had no criminal history belies the administration’s claim that it is targeting the “worst of the worst.” Instead, it suggests that federal law enforcement capacity is being sacrificed to fuel a politically orchestrated deportation drive. That tradeoff is indefensible, and it puts Americans at risk to serve a political narrative, not a security strategy.”

The Senators requested:

A full accounting of personnel diverted to immigration enforcement from all federal agencies since January 20, 2025, including numbers, assignment duration, and mission details;

A list of all investigations paused, terminated, or reassigned as a result of, in whole or in part, these diversions, including those related to child exploitation, cyber intrusions, human trafficking, drug smuggling, domestic extremism, terrorism financing, and violent crime;

Any threat, risk, or operational assessments informing the decision to divert personnel;

All formal taskings or communications directing agencies to provide personnel for immigration enforcement surge operations;

Any internal objections raised by agency leadership or career investigators regarding the diversions, and how these objections were addressed; and

Any internal assessments completed to gauge the impacts of these diversions, including on investigations into child exploitation, human trafficking, cybercrime, counter narcotics, and national security investigations.

The letter was also signed by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

Read the full letter HERE.

1/6/26


WATCH: Senator Gallego Speaks on Fifth Anniversary of January 6th Insurrection

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke on the Senate floor today alongside many of his Democratic Senate colleagues on the five-year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

In his speech, Senator Gallego called out the Administration’s decision to grant military funeral honors for one of the insurrectionists, Ashli Babbitt. In September, Senator Gallego, a Marine Corps combat veteran, condemned the decision and introduced a resolution to block Babbitt from receiving the honors. Yesterday, he introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Appropriations bill to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for Babbitt’s military funeral honors.

Read his remarks below:

Today marks five years since January 6th — the day a violent mob attacked the United States Capitol in an effort to overturn a free and fair election and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.

It was not a protest. It was not a misunderstanding. It was an assault on our democracy.

I was there that day, as many of my colleagues were.

I remember the pounding on the doors of the House chamber. I remember stacking chairs against these doors to stop the mob from entering. I remember helping to evacuate the floor as the mob was taking over the Capitol.

And I remember looking around — thinking about my family, and whether we would make it out safely.

That day left scars — on this institution, on our democracy, and on the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to defend it.

I served in the United States Marine Corps, and I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. And I know what it means to take that oath seriously — not just in uniform, but in life.

Which is why I will be offering an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill to ensure that military funeral honors remain reserved for those who defended the Constitution, not those who sought to overthrow it.

Last year, the Administration offered military honors for Ashli Babbitt.

Ashli Babbitt was not a hero. She was part of the violent mob that tried to overturn our democracy.

She ignored repeated lawful orders from Capitol Police. She pushed to the front of the crowd. She helped smash a window into the Speaker’s Lobby and attempted to force her way through a barricaded door while armed with a weapon.

She did not die defending this country. She died trying to tear it down.

Military funerals are sacred. They are reserved for those who upheld their oath — who defended the Constitution and the rule of law.

To grant those honors to someone who participated in an attack on this Capitol would dishonor every service member who actually served to uphold that oath.

I have seen real sacrifice. I have buried Marines who gave their lives protecting others. That is honor.

Those who serve are expected to uphold military standards even after they leave service. When you violate the law and betray your oath, you forfeit the privilege of military honors.

If we equate the January 6 insurrection with genuine sacrifice, we cheapen everything our service members have done in defense of this country. We erode trust in our military. And we feed the dangerous lie that January 6 was anything other than a betrayal of our democracy.

Taxpayer money should not be used to provide military funerals to someone who took part in an attack on this Capitol.

This is about accountability. It is about honoring those who truly served with integrity.

And it is about making clear — five years later — that we will not rewrite the history of January 6.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and to remember the men and women who have defended this country honorably – those who upheld their oath, protected our democracy, and continue to serve with courage and sacrifice.

1/6/26


Grassley Announces New Legislative Director

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced the promotion of Nic Pottebaum to Legislative Director, who assumed the role on January 1. Grassley’s outgoing Legislative Director, James Rice, will depart at the end of the month after 25 years in Grassley’s office.

“Since James joined my office in 2000, he’s been a tireless advocate for the people of Iowa and a great benefit to my staff. His deep knowledge of public policy that impacts Iowans and world affairs is unmatched, and I’m very thankful for his years of service, hard work and loyalty. His institutional knowledge and passion for his work will be missed,” Grassley said.

“Nic is a battle-tested policy expert who’s well-suited to lead my legislative team. In addition to serving five years in my office, Nic has built a reputation of excellence during his time working for former Governor Branstad, Governor Reynolds and President Trump. In Washington, I’m blessed with a talented team of public servants who help me represent?Iowans, and I thank Nic for his willingness to take on this leadership role, Grassley continued.

A Marion native, Pottebaum joined Grassley’s Senate Finance Committee staff as a Health Policy advisor in December 2020. Through various roles on Grassley’s personal and committee staff, Pottebaum has led the senator’s efforts to help lower prescription drug prices and bring down health care costs for families. Previously, he worked as a Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during President Trump’s first term. He also served as a policy advisor for Iowa Governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds. Pottebaum earned bachelor’s degrees in both economics and political science from the University of Iowa.

Born and raised in Davenport, Rice served in Grassley’s Washington, D.C., office since 2000, becoming a Legislative Assistant in 2001. In 2018, Rice was promoted to Legislative Director, overseeing Grassley’s policy staff dedicated to enacting meaningful legislation. Rice holds a Bachelor of Arts from Drake University in Political Science and History, as well as a master's degree in Statecraft and International Affairs from the Institute of World Politics.

Background:

All other members of Grassley’s senior leadership team remain the same. It includes Jennifer Davis, Chief of Staff; Penne Barton, Deputy Chief of Staff; Clare Slattery, Communications Director; Matt Rector, State Director; and Penny Vacek, Deputy State Director. Kolan Davis is Staff Director for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Grassley is chairman, and Rita Lari is Deputy Staff Director.