One Year into Trump’s Costly, Corrupt, and Chaotic Presidency, Leger Fernández Recaps the Fight for New Mexicans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s Second term, Congresswoman Leger Fernández released the following statement and recap of her actions pushing back on the administration:

“Trump’s first year back has been an absolute disaster for New Mexico and the country. In 365 days, Trump has proven that he and his billionaire buddies are all he cares about — personally making over $1.4 billion dollars, an outrageous sum for any President or elected official. Meanwhile, New Mexicans are now paying $1,355 more on average for housing, energy, transportation, and other necessities thanks to his tariffs and policies,” said Leger Fernández.

“Trump betrayed the voters who wanted him to lower the high costs of living. Instead, his tariffs and attacks on health care, education, and nutrition programs have cost Americans thousands of dollars, and more Americans are out of work, hungry, and without health insurance now than they were a year ago. Despite having the highest unemployment in 4 years, Trump cares more about golden ballrooms and pardoning drug dealers and fraudsters who pay millions into his campaign coffers,” she continued.

“We’ve fought back against every part of his hateful agenda that hurts New Mexico and have proven that when the people rise up, even tyrants have to back down — like they did when they wanted to sell off your public lands. After Trump proposed a budget that zeroed out funding for the Institute for American Indian Arts, the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, and so many other essential federal programs, we got these and funding far above what President Trump requested for Tribal programs. On a bipartisan basis, we secured millions for the Navajo-Gallup water project and passed the Epstein Transparency Act. New Mexicans exposed to radiation following the explosion of the atomic bomb at the Trinity site are now eligible for $100,000 in compensation,” she continued.

Finally, as a member of the powerful Rules committee, I have used this platform to call out ICE’s abuses of power, which include attacks on immigrant communities, Latinos, Native Americans, and other people of color who are citizens and legal residents, as well as the wrongful detention — and now death — of U.S. citizens. I have also co-sponsored articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem for her department’s violent, authoritarian, and chaotic attack on our communities,” she concluded.

Holding Trump Accountable

In late 2025, Congresswoman Leger Fernández pressed Republican leadership during a key House Rules Committee hearing to build momentum for a clean, three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits. Her advocacy contributed to bipartisan support for a discharge petition that forced a full House vote to pass the extension in early 2026. The Republican-controlled Senate has yet to pass the bill to protect millions of families from steep premium increases.

As Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, the Congresswoman met with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, brought attention to their pleas for justice, and helped pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act to force the DOJ to release the Epstein files.

When the Trump administration attempted to fire hundreds of thousands of federal workers, the Congresswoman invited Arielle Pines, a VA employee and military spouse who was fired, to be her guest for Trump's first address to Congress. Together, they highlighted the unfair and irrational firing of thousands of public servants like Arielle. Arielle was reinstated to her position with the VA, where she worked on efficiency efforts.

When the Trump administration froze almost $18 million for New Mexican farmers through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Robert Lopez, a Tucumcari farmer, was left to fend for himself. The Congresswoman stepped in to help. She held apress conference with local farmers and conservation leaders to denounce Trump's funding freeze on USDA programs, including EQIP and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements. After mounting pressure from Congress and the public, the USDA unfroze much of the funding, including the EQIP funding owed to Mr. Lopez.

When Republicans in the Senate proposed selling over 3 million acres across the West to pay for tax cuts to billionaires, public pressure and the New Mexico Congressional Delegation’s work forced them to take the plan out of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

During the only hearing for the same bill in the House Rules Committee, the Congresswoman uncovered a secret provision to repeal an Excise Tax on Indoor Tanning Services while simultaneously cutting funding for hospital beds. After public scrutiny because of the Congresswoman’s questions, Republicans then removed the tanning bed section.

The Congresswoman held town halls in her district as well as in Republican districts because stopping harmful policies takes persistence, creativity, and a willingness to fight on every front—across the aisle and in ways that deliver for the people.

Congresswoman Leger Fernández remains committed to using every tool available to defend New Mexico families and communities.

Delivering for New Mexicans in Trump’s First Year

In 2025, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández delivered results for New Mexicans while pushing back against extreme federal policies and actions by the Trump administration that threaten working families, Tribal communities, and rural areas across the state.

Throughout the year, Congresswoman Leger Fernández’s office helped return more than $11.1 million to constituents through casework assistance, like helping veterans with benefits, seniors with Medicare, and businesses with SBA loans.

“My home was full of mud after the Oct. 19, 2024, flood in Chaves County,” said one constituent named Patricia from Chaves County. “FEMA kept either not responding or telling me my case hadn't been resolved yet”.

“I called Teresa Leger Fernández's office. That was on a Thursday. The following Thursday, FEMA deposited money into my bank account. I've praised Congresswoman Leger Fernández's office loud and long, and please feel free to use my story. If it weren't for her staff, I'd still be homeless and without the funds to repair my flood-damaged house,” she concluded.

Legislative Wins

Congresswoman Leger Fernández helped secure long-overdue justice for New Mexicans harmed by nuclear testing and uranium mining through the passage of amendments to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). This legislation opened the door for New Mexican downwinders and post 1971 miners and their families who had been left out of the initial legislation to receive compensation of up to $100,000. She also secured a $175 million ceiling authorization increase and capped the amount of funding paid by the City of Gallup in the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water appropriations bill to keep the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project on schedule, safeguarding access to clean water for Tribal and rural communities.

At a time when Trump’s attacks on clean energy are raising utility costs, Congresswoman Leger Fernández secured appropriations language to help modernize the electric grid, make it more reliable, and give utilities the tools to prevent power outages during extreme weather events. These provisions are based on her bills H.R. 5964, the Integrated Resource Planning Modernization Act, and H.R. 4338, the Weather-Safe Energy Act.

In Congress, Congresswoman Leger Fernández passed an amendment to support access to specialized medical care for military families stationed at rural installations, including Cannon Air Force Base. She also secured more than $7 million in Community Project Funding for eight projects supporting fire protection, education, water access, and community infrastructure across Sandoval, San Juan, and Taos counties and on the Navajo Nation. Learn more about the Congresswoman’s community project funding requests HERE.

The Congresswoman’s bill, H.R. 4284, the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act, was marked up by the House Natural Resources Committee, advancing legislation that would allow rural, Tribal, and land grant communities to recover their ancestral cemeteries located on National Forest lands.

The Congresswoman’s work also delivered results outside the legislative process, including pushing forward PFAS cleanup efforts at military bases. Through hearings, town halls, workshops, and legislative action, Congresswoman Leger Fernández continued advocating for clean water, affordable health care, veterans, Tribal Nations, rural families, and working New Mexicans.

###


CONGRESSMEN CARLOS GIMENEZ AND MARIO DIAZ-BALART MEET WITH MARIA CORINA MACHADO, VENEZUELA'S IRON LADY AND LIBERATOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) and Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) met with María Corina Machado, where they reaffirmed unwavering support and solidarity with the cause of freedom in Venezuela, María Corina Machado, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia as the duly-elected representatives of the people.

Congressman Carlos Giménez said, “Today, the United States House of Representatives welcomed my friend Nobel Laureate María Corina Machado. She is the bravest woman I will ever know, a fearless leader who embodies the courage and unbreakable will of the Venezuelan people. After enduring years of repression and threats from a brutal narco-terrorist regime, Maria Corina united the Venezuelan people behind a historic democratic movement. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump’s decisive actions in capturing dictator Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela is closer than ever to freedom. I will continue fighting tirelessly until all political prisoners are freed and the democratic transition in Venezuela succeeds in restoring the rule of law and fundamental rights and liberties.”

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “María Corina Machado is Venezuela’s brave liberator. She has survived years of repression, unjust and targeted indictments, and even threats to her life. Still, she has united her people, both in Venezuela and across the diaspora, through a remarkable movement. Against all odds, she exposed the fraud and illegitimacy of the Maduro regime, with the President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado winning the overwhelming support of the people in the 2024 elections.

Thanks to President Trump’s bold and decisive leadership in capturing Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores and to bring them to justice, Venezuelans are closer than ever to regaining freedom, democracy, and prosperity. This is a critical transition period for Venezuela, and I have no doubt that once free elections are held, Maria Corina Machado will again have the overwhelming support of the people.”

María Corina Machado said, “On behalf of the Venezuelan people, I want to express that we are a people who love and share the values of freedom and democracy—values practiced by the people of the United States, with whom we have long historically identified.

I want to especially thank President Trump and his administration, as well as those who, from the very beginning, clearly understood the existential nature of our struggle.

I also want to specially thank our representatives—Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar—for being genuine champions of our cause since the very beginning until the end!

When many doubted, when it seemed impossible, when some said it was impossible to defeat this tyranny and that we should resign ourselves to living under oppression, they placed their trust in the people of Venezuela.

Venezuela will be free.

Cuba will be free.

Nicaragua will be free.

The Americas will be free!!"

###


Comisionado Residente anuncia $7.9 millones para Barceloneta, Isabela, Mayagüez y Ponce

$2 millones para el Centro de Investigación de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez (UPRM) — Fase I, destinados a la creación de salones, laboratorios y espacios de capacitación de vanguardia para el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral en inteligencia artificial y ciberseguridad.

$2 millones para mejoras a las instalaciones del YMCA de Ponce, ampliando el acceso a programas comunitarios, fortaleciendo la accesibilidad y dotando al centro de capacidad para responder a emergencias.

$1.2 millones para la reconversión de una escuela pública cerrada en el Centro de Innovación Agroempresarial de Isabela, con el fin de apoyar el establecimiento de 15 nuevos agronegocios, generar empleos y revitalizar la economía local.

$1 millón para el desarrollo y construcción de viviendas comunitarias para adultos mayores en Barceloneta, apoyando a residentes de edad avanzada de ingresos bajos y moderados y promoviendo un envejecimiento digno y seguro.

$850,000 para el Proyecto de Desarrollo y Construcción del Centro de Avance de Pequeñas Empresas en Habilidades de Próxima Generación y Emprendimiento (SANSE) de San Sebastián para apoyar el emprendimiento, el desarrollo de habilidades de la fuerza laboral y el crecimiento de las pequeñas empresas que impulsen el desarrollo económico local.

$850,000 para el Proyecto de Revitalización de Vivienda Asequible del Municipio de Manatí para apoyar el desarrollo comunitario y la construcción de viviendas asequibles para familias de bajos ingresos.

$9.2 mil millones para el CDC, $8.9 mil millones para HRSA y $7.4 mil millones para salud mental y prevención del abuso de sustancias (SAMHSA).

$48.7 mil millones para el National Institutes of Health (NIH), incluyendo $6.6 mil millones para el National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 30 de mayo de 2025.

$1.8 mil millones para Job Corps, para crear oportunidades laborales para jóvenes en Puerto Rico. El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 23 de mayo de 2025.

$18.4 mil millones para fondos de Title I que apoyan a escuelas K–12 y $15.5 mil millones para educación especial.

$22.5 mil millones para Pell Grants, manteniendo la ayuda máxima en $7,395 para estudiantes, junto con $1.2 mil millones para TRIO y $2.2 mil millones para educación técnica. El Comisionado Residente ha sido un defensor constante de estos programas y ha abogado firmemente en contra de recortes a TRIO, incluyendo gestiones formales mediante carta enviada el 27 de julio de 2025.

$12.4 mil millones para Head Start y Early Head Start que benefician a miles de familias y niños en la Isla. El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 23 de mayo de 2025.

$4 mil millones para el Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 23 de mayo de 2025.

$12.3 mil millones para el presupuesto operativo de la Administración del Seguro Social (SSA), incluyendo $2.4 mil millones para actividades de integridad del programa para fortalecer la prevención de fraude y la eficiencia del sistema. El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 23 de mayo de 2025.

$292 millones para la Oficina de Servicios de Museos del Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), fortaleciendo a museos comunitarios como infraestructura cultural y educativa. El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 23 de mayo de 2025.

$18.6 mil millones para la Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), fortaleciendo aeropuertos y la seguridad aérea que conecta a Puerto Rico con el resto del mundo.

$64.3 mil millones para el Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) para programas de infraestructura y carreteras.

$3.3 mil millones para Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), apoyando proyectos de vivienda, infraestructura y desarrollo comunitario en municipios de Puerto Rico.

$38.4 mil millones para vales de vivienda (Sección 8) para ayudar a familias y adultos mayores a mantenerse en sus hogares. El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 21 de mayo de 2025.

$4.4 mil millones para asistencia a personas sin hogar, impulsados por gestiones formales del Comisionado Residente mediante carta enviada el 23 de mayo de 2025. El comisionado impulsó esta asignación mediante carta el 21 de mayo de 2025.

$876 millones para infraestructura portuaria de la Federal Maritime Administration, esenciales para la movilidad, y el comercio de Puerto Rico.

Inclusión de lenguaje de informe para evaluar la incorporación de Puerto Rico en el American Housing Survey, reconociendo la necesidad de contar con datos de vivienda más precisos para atender las necesidades habitacionales de la Isla. HUD deberá presentar un informe al Congreso sobre la viabilidad, cuánto tiempo tomaría, y qué recursos serían necesarios para llevar a cabo esta evaluación.


Democratic Women’s Caucus & Reproductive Freedom Caucus Sound the Alarm: UN Agency Merger Threatens Decades of Global Progress for Women

WASHINGTON, DC – Friday, January 16, Democratic Women’s Caucus Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Reproductive Freedom Caucus (RFC) Co-Chair Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), RFC Co-Chair Diana DeGette (CO-01), RFC International Women’s Rights Task Force Chair Grace Meng (NY-06), and DWC Chair Emerita Lois Frankel (FL-22) led 19 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Reproductive Freedom Caucus in a letter opposing the United Nation’s proposal to merge the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women under the UN80 Initiative.

The Members warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres that merging UNFPA and UN Women would jeopardize decades of global progress to address the unmet need for contraception, end preventable maternal deaths, center rights-based approaches to health care, and advance gender equality. The merger also threatens to undermine their distinct mandates and operational roles. The letter calls on the UN to preserve the independence of each entity to ensure their missions remain fully effective and resourced.

The Members emphasize their longstanding support for the unique missions of UNFPA and UN Women.

“As our legislative record can attest, we anticipate a future when we will once again work together with UNFPA to ensure a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UN Women, founded in 2010, has a separate and powerful mandate: to champion global gender equality by delivering programs, policies, and standards that uphold women’s human rights and to ensure coherence and coordination across the UN system.”

Maintaining the independence of the two entities, the Members stressed, is essential to their missions and to achieving global development goals.

“By weakening UNFPA and UN women’s unique mandates, we are concerned that the world will be unable to meet the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 3 on health, including universal access to sexual and reproductive health care and reducing maternal mortality. Safe, affordable reproductive and maternal health is a cornerstone of gender equity, but the broader work of empowering all women and girls globally extends well beyond UNFPA’s mandate and requires the independent role of UN Women.”

The Members concluded their letter by highlighting the importance of global leadership and coordination during a challenging political and funding environment.

“As countries cut their international spending, the world experiences the loss of USAID’s technical expertise, and policy changes globally harm communities’ ability to exercise their rights and get the care and information they want and need, this proposal risks further watering down the mandate, financing, and prioritization of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Additionally, this proposal would limit the scope and resources dedicated to the key work of UN Women including combatting gender-based violence, advancing economic and educational opportunities for women and girls, and promoting the participation of women in peacebuilding efforts.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Ayanna Pressley, Chrissy Houlahan, Dianna DeGette, Grace Meng, and Lois Frankel, the letter was signed by Hillary J. Scholten, Judy Chu, Deborah K. Ross, Gwen S. Moore, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Frederica S. Wilson, Laura Friedman, Adriano Espaillat, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mark Pocan, Sylvia R. Garcia, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, and Lizzie Fletcher.

###


Committee Democrats Uncover Potential Abuse of Power Scheme by High-Ranking Trump Official, Demand Independent Investigation

Evidence suggests third-highest ranking Interior official's family received $3.5 million windfall tied to lithium mine her office helped approve

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) the Department of the Interior's (DOI) Office of Inspector General to investigate Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Budd-Falen for potential conflicts of interest, ethics violations, and self-dealing related to her family's multi-million-dollar financial stake in a Nevada lithium mine.

Last November, Huffman and Dexter raised serious concerns over Ms. Budd-Falen's failure to come clean to Congress about her financial and ethical dealings, noting the potential that she still illegally had ownership in the cattle ranching entity KJM LLC. Although DOI continued to withhold that information from Congress, they sent the records to . Those records revealed that Budd-Falen not only kept her ownership interest in KJM LLC, but she also has a stake in three separate cattle ranching corporations.

New evidence compiled by Committee Democrats shows Ms. Budd-Falen may have abused her power while at the Department of Interior to give her family a $3.5 million windfall, tied to their ranching assets. Budd-Falen's family ranch sold water rights to Nevada Lithium Corporation that were essential for the company's Thacker Pass mine to move forward. In November 2019, while serving as Deputy Solicitor with authority over Fish and Wildlife Service matters, she secretly met with company executives in her DOI office. Her family wouldn't see the potential $3.5 million payday unless the mine won federal approval, which was still pending at the time.

The lawmakers’ investigation also uncovered that the project faced a series of obstacles and strong pushback from career scientists and other experts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These experts flagged serious concerns about the mine's impacts on endangered species and groundwater, calling portions of the environmental review wholly inadequate" and not “worth the paper ... it’s written on.” Those objections were ignored after political appointees got involved, with Bureau of Land Management officials threatening to "press the issue up the chain of command."

The Budd-Falen family got their final payday from Lithium Nevada Corporation in November 2023, only after the mine received federal approvals. Despite filing multiple financial disclosures during this period, Budd-Falen reported income from her family ranch as "None (or less than $201)."

Interior has refused to answer congressional inquiries and instructed staff not to cooperate with oversight requests, so the lawmakers are formally and publicly demanding the DOI Inspector General investigate whether Budd-Falen violated federal ethics rules and criminal conflict-of-interest statutes.

###


Smith: One Year In, President Trump Improving the Lives of All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri workers, families, farmers, and small businesses are better off today than they were this time last year thanks to President Trump delivering on his promises to fix the economy and put America First. Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement today commemorating the first anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, emphasizing Republican achievements in delivering historic tax relief, boosting economic growth, and improving living standards for Missouri families.

Congressman Smith said, “One year ago, President Trump took the oath of office with a bold vision to restore economic opportunity for working families and strengthen American competitiveness. In the months that followed, Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration have worked together to deliver pro-growth policies that are producing real results for the American people.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts, which I authored, represent the most significant tax relief in generations — permanently lowering tax burdens for families and workers, expanding key health care and education benefits, and fueling economic momentum. Under Republican leadership, families are seeing bigger take-home pay and growing wages relative to prices. In just one year, Americans have gained more household wealth than under four years of the Biden Administration. The economy remains resilient, with GDP growth beating expectations, inflation moderating, and the labor market staying strong.

“Thanks to these policies, families across Missouri are better able to afford the essentials of daily life. We will continue building on this progress — cutting taxes, defending American workers, and expanding opportunity across the country.”

Republican Economic Achievements in Year One of the Trump Administration

Historic Working Families Tax Cuts

Delivered the largest tax cut in U.S. history for working families, permanently lowering tax rates and expanding relief even further with things like a boosted standard deduction, larger child tax credit, and no tax on tips, overtime work, and seniors social security income.

Taxpayers are projected to receive the largest tax refunds ever, with families seeing average refunds near $4,000 in 2026.

The Working Families Tax Cuts are estimated to protect and create 7 million jobs nationwide, including 1 million annually from small businesses.

Pro-growth provisions like immediate expensing and R&D incentives are projected to boost real GDP by 4.6 to 4.9 percent over the next four years and increase investment by roughly 7 percent, fueling stronger long-term wages.

Incentives for Made-in-America manufacturing will strengthen America’s industrial base.

Ending Democrats’ disastrous OECD Pillar 2 tax deal, and instead standing up for American workers and businesses against unfair taxation by European competitors.

Stronger Economic Growth

U.S. economic growth has exceeded many forecasts: real GDP expanded at a 4.3 percent annualized rate in the third quarter of 2025, more than double Congressional Budget Office projections.

Increased economic output is reinforcing confidence among businesses and consumers alike — a clear sign of regained momentum in the U.S. economy.

Inflation and Cost-of-Living Improvements

After a four-year inflation crisis under President Biden, broad price growth has moderated — with key indicators showing inflation near long-range targets.

Moderating inflation helps preserve household purchasing power, particularly when combined with tax relief putting more money back in workers’ pockets.

Booming Wages and Household Finances

Real wages — adjusted for price changes — are rising: workers have seen positive real income growth since January 2025 compared to declines under prior administrations.

Wage growth has outpaced inflation in key segments, helping families better manage expenses for housing, groceries, transportation, and other necessities.

A Stronger Labor Market

Despite a challenging global economic environment, the unemployment rate has remained low — near 4.4 percent — underscoring a resilient labor market for job seekers.

Wages continue to grow as employers compete for talent, supporting broader household income gains.

Private-sector employment expansion remains a key driver of opportunity and economic resilience.

Eliminating Unfair Trade Loopholes

Permanently ended abuse by China of the de minimis loophole that allowed many packages valued under $800 to avoid U.S. tariffs.

Education, Savings, and Health Care Improvements Through the Working Families Tax Cuts

Expanded 529 accounts and scholarship funds for low-income families from President Trump’s working-class tax cuts, a game changer for parents trying to give their children a better future.

Individuals learning a blue-collar trade to get a good paying job will enjoy the same tax treatment for their educational expenses as the four-year college student.

Millions of low-income students across America will be able to use billions of dollars in newly funded charity scholarships for use in K-12 education to attend schools and pay for expenses that best meet their educational needs, as determined by their parents.

New permanent incentives for work that extends policies that help employers repay employee’s student loans.

Locked in and further boosted the doubled Child Tax Credit to $2,200 for more than 40 million American families.

Locked in and further boosts the doubled Standard Deduction, increasing it to $31,500 for families, helping the 91 percent of taxpayers who take advantage of this tax relief.

Trump Accounts that give millions of American children, regardless of background, a strong start at life, provide for stronger and more financially secure futures, and harness the strength of the United States economy to lift up the next generation. Under this policy, the federal government makes a one-time contribution of $1,000 to a private investment account for each newborn American baby, and grow alongside the economic revival that President Trump’s policies will deliver.

Supported working families and small businesses by expanding access to the childcare credit and making permanent the paid family leave tax credit.

Enhanced the adoption tax credit and indexes it for inflation to help more families experience the joy of adoption and grows the child and dependent care credit as well as flexible spending arrangements.

Expanded access to tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing families to better manage out-of-pocket medical expenses and plan for long-term care. Specifically, the bill expanded HSA access to millions on Obamacare plans, unleashed Direct Primary Care (DPC) arrangements for patients, and permanently allowed for telehealth visits before patients reach their deductible.

Strengthened program integrity in fraud-riddled Obamacare markets and lowered Obamacare plan premiums to ensure taxpayer subsidies only go to those truly eligible – including eliminating illegal immigrant eligibility.

Improved incentives to increase research in treatments and cures for rare diseases and invested in Medicare physician payments to ensure seniors have access to needed care.

Trump Administration Actions to Lower Health Care Costs


Ranking Member Jayapal Statement on DHS Funding

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding the appropriations package, including funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will likely come to the House Floor for a vote this week.

“While this DHS spending bill includes a handful of reporting requirements to the Appropriations Committee, as well as some funding for body cameras and inspections, it simply does not meet the moment we face in this country with the lawlessness of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. I understand that this is due to the complete refusal of Republicans to hold this Administration accountable. However, without real accountability and guardrails, I simply cannot support this bill.

“We have seen ICE and DHS descending on cities across this country, racially profiling, and rounding up immigrants and US citizens alike — many of whom have committed no crimes. We have watched in horror as they have dragged people out into the snow and as they have shot and killed US citizens. As they foment this terror and chaos on our streets, 37 people have died in ICE custody since Trump came back to office. Meanwhile, across the country, over 70,000 people are being incarcerated in immigration jails run by private, for-profit prison contractors and being denied due process and bond hearings in Trump’s mass detention effort that dozens of judges have said is not lawful. All of this is dangerous — not just for immigrants but for every single American worried about the erosion of Constitutional rights.

“As I have said over and over again, I simply cannot vote to give another cent to ICE and CBP until we have real, enforceable guardrails in place to end lawless enforcement, including requiring DHS to get a warrant and end the use of masked agents, to end detention abuses by ending the use of private, for-profit prisons, and to rein in DHS by ensuring that independent investigations can be conducted and meaningful consequences put into place for those who violate constitutional rights. Continuing to fund this agency without these guardrails is an affront to the Constitutional rights of US citizens and immigrants alike, and we must not be complicit in this.”


Brownley Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Reduce Backlog of Veterans Benefits Claims

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act, a bill authored by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) to give hiring preference to Veterans Law Judges who have three or more years of experience. Hiring judges with experience in veterans’ law will increase the number of cases decided, improve case accuracy, and incentivize experienced judges to remain in the field.

“Every day, far too many veterans across this country are waiting for a VA benefits decision,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “Not only are they waiting for the benefits they are due, but for the stability, security, and relief that comes with these benefits.

“Too often, this wait stretches from months into years. And during that time, veterans are left in limbo – unable to work, struggling to support their families, and forced to navigate a system that moves far too slowly for the urgency of their lives.

“In recent years, despite hiring new Veterans Law Judges, the Veterans’ Board of Appeals has often lacked the experienced personnel needed to move cases efficiently and accurately. This is in part due to the fact that in February 2020, the longstanding experience requirement for Veterans Law Judges was eliminated, opening the door to hiring judges without a background in veterans’ law.

“By prioritizing the hiring of experienced Veterans Law Judges to adjudicate claims efficiently and effectively, this bill will help reduce the backlog of cases and restore confidence in our judicial system. That means more cases decided, fewer delays, and stronger retention of professionals who already understand this complex and deeply consequential area of law.

“House passage of my bill is a meaningful step toward fixing a system that has too often let down the very people it was designed to serve. Veterans deserve a system that works with the same urgency and seriousness with which they served our nation.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 234,000 appeals are currently pending before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Repeat cases further strain the system and delay the Board’s processing of veterans’ cases.

H.R. 659 passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.

Read the full text of the bill here.

###


Khanna, Welch Lead 74 Bicameral Lawmakers in Urging Stronger Response from Trump Admin on Israel’s Efforts to Annex the West Bank

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) led 74 bicameral colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to push back against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli Government’s efforts to annex the West Bank, which have accelerated in recent weeks.

In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers expressed grave concerns about Israel’s ongoing efforts to undermine the Trump Administration’s stated policies and violate international law by illegally expanding settlements and forcibly displacing Palestinians from their lands, with irreparable consequences for the long-term peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The lawmakers wrote: “U.S. leadership is crucial at this moment. We need tangible steps to back these words with action, if we are to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza and the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict,”

“Despite the United States’ opposition to annexation, segments of the Israeli government have recently reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. Alongside the Knesset’s preliminary approval of two draft bills to impose Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, that body is also considering dozens of other proposed bills which, if enacted, would formalize various forms of annexation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Of particular concern are bills that would absorb settlements north, east, and south of Jerusalem to create an expanded municipality under Israeli control.”

The lawmakers continued: “Combined with the recent approval of the E-1 settlement project directly east of Jerusalem, these proposals would divide the West Bank into northern and southern enclaves, severing the contiguity of Palestinian land and —quite deliberately—undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. While this legislation is under consideration, de facto annexation through targeted violence, intimidation of Palestinian communities, and forced displacement is already widespread. Throughout the West Bank, Israeli settlers are driving Palestinians off their land and expanding Israeli settlements, including in Taybeh, Wadi Foquin, Silwan, and Al-Walaja.”

“We strongly urge the State Department to clearly communicate to the Israeli Government the negative consequences that the pending Knesset bills and construction of the E-1 settlements would have on the prospects for peace and security in the region, on the daily lives of Palestinians, and on Israel’s relations with the United States,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge the Administration to reimpose sanctions under Executive Order 14115 and to condemn the acts of de facto annexation undertaken by Israeli settlers.”

The lawmakers concluded: “As you, President Trump, and Vice President Vance have said, Israeli efforts to apply sovereignty or annex parts of the West Bank via the Knesset pose a grave risk to peace in the region and should not be pursued.”

In addition to Senator Welch, the letter is signed in the Senate by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

In the House, the letter is signed by Rep. Khanna and Reps. Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Jesús García (D-IL-04), Al Green (D-TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), James McGovern (D-MA-02), Kweisi Mfume (D-MA-07), Dave Min (D-CA-40), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-12), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07).

The letter is endorsed by J Street and New Jewish Narrative.

“J Street is deeply grateful for Sen. Welch’s leadership in pushing Secretary of State Rubio and the Trump Administration to ensure that the Israeli government ceases efforts toward de facto annexation of the West Bank. The unacceptable escalation in settler violence in recent years is now being complemented by formal Israeli government actions seeking to expropriate Palestinian land in the West Bank. These actions are working together hand in hand in an attempt to prevent a future Palestinian state,” said Hannah Morris, VP of Government Affairs, J Street. “Palestinian statehood, not occupation and annexation, is what will bring peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. For the sake of all in the region, the Israeli government must reverse these cruel and counterproductive actions.”

“The Trump administration has failed to stop the Israeli government from expanding settlements and destabilizing the West Bank in ways that harm Palestinians and the prospects for a better, more peaceful future. In 2025, we not only saw record high levels of settler attacks on Palestinians — we also saw the Israeli government approve nearly 30,000 housing units for settlers in the West Bank. This letter is a wake up call to Secretary Rubio. America’s failure to effectively press Israeli leaders on their reckless actions in the West Bank jeopardizes the administration's progress towards ending the war and their stated goal of achieving a lasting peace,” said Hadar Susskind, President and CEO, New Jewish Narrative. “Senator Welch and Rep. Khanna deserve credit for initiating this important letter. I hope that the administration pays attention to their clarion call.”

Read and download the full text of the lawmakers’ letter to Secretary of State Rubio.

###


Krishnamoorthi Introduces His ACLU-Endorsed No Private Bounty Hunters for Immigration Enforcement Act to Shut Down ICE’s For-Profit Tracking Program

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today introduced the No Private Bounty Hunters for Immigration Enforcement Act, legislation to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from outsourcing civil immigration enforcement functions such as skip tracing, surveillance, and location verification to private contractors operating under profit-driven or incentive-based arrangements.

“Turning immigration enforcement into a profit-seeking enterprise crosses a dangerous line,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “We are already seeing reckless use of force in militarized federal immigration operations, including fatal shootings and aggressive raids with little transparency or accountability. There is no justification for outsourcing coercive power to for-profit, armed private bounty hunters who would operate with even fewer safeguards. The answer is accountability under the law, not profit-driven enforcement in the shadows.”

“For months, the Trump administration has encouraged federal agents to use increasingly lawless and violent tactics against members of our communities,” said Kate Voigt, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU. “Using private bounty hunters is just one of the many inhumane tactics DHS is using to terrorize our communities and kidnap our neighbors. Congress must pass the ‘No Private Bounty Hunters for Immigration Enforcement Act’ without delay.”

The legislation comes amid mounting scrutiny of ICE and DHS enforcement practices nationwide. In recent weeks, fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, Illinois, and Oregon have drawn public outrage and renewed questions about the agency’s use of force, internal accountability, and investigative transparency during large-scale raids. At the same time, investigative reporting has revealed that ICE has relied on private firms, including companies tied to the for-profit detention industry, to track and locate individuals using commercial data and surveillance tools, raising alarms about privatized enforcement operating beyond meaningful public oversight.

Last year, Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to DHS leadership warning that proposals to hire private contractors to locate, surveil, and report on individuals within immigrant communities would invite abuse, errors, and the erosion of public trust, particularly in an enforcement system already struggling with oversight, vetting, and accountability.

The No Private Bounty Hunters for Immigration Enforcement Act would:

Bar DHS from contracting with private entities to conduct skip tracing, surveillance, or location verification for civil immigration enforcement;

Require the termination or amendment of existing DHS contracts that authorize those activities;

Prohibit per-person or bonus-based payments that incentivize contractors to locate individuals subject to civil immigration detainers; and

Direct the DHS Inspector General to conduct a rapid audit of all DHS contracts to ensure compliance.


Costs Up for Washington Families; Larsen Fighting Back

Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement after the Joint Economic Committee published a report outlining the higher costs Washington families paid in 2025:

“The average family in my state spent a whopping $2,008 more in 2025 than they did in 2024 because of the Trump administration’s failing economic policies. Housing costs like rent and mortgage payments were $411 more expensive on average for Washingtonians. Transportation costs like gas and car repairs were $496 more expensive. To make matters worse, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange estimates that health care premiums will rise $1,325 on average in 2026 for more than 25,000 people in Northwest Washington because Republicans allowed the ACA tax credits to expire on January 1.

“Tomorrow the President will lay out his plans for making housing more affordable in front of his billionaire buddies in a town where you won’t find a ski chalet under two million dollars. While he tries to waste your taxpayer dollars on buying Greenland, health care costs are skyrocketing for the people I represent at home.

“Too many families are being forced to choose between going to the doctor, paying rent and putting groceries on the table. Taxpayer dollars should be spent lowering costs and providing services our communities need, not attacking our NATO allies to soothe the President’s fragile ego.

“I will keep working to bring down costs. I will keep voting to extend the ACA tax credits and make health care affordable, and I will keep fighting for legislation to end the President’s cost-raising tariffs.”

###


Larson, Neal Demand Full Criminal Investigation into ‘DOGE’ Leak of Private Records to Musk Associates and Immediate Congressional Action to Safeguard Americans’ Privacy

“We have been warning about privacy violations at Social Security and calling out Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ for months,” said Larson and Neal. “Elon Musk and his ‘DOGE’ believe they are above the law and refused to appear before Congress. Republicans have blocked every effort to hold this Administration accountable, voting down our resolutions demanding documents, even changing House Rules to shield ‘DOGE’ from accountability and protect themselves from having to take another vote on the issue. Today, we learned alarming news that proves the brave whistleblower who came forward in August was right. ‘DOGE’ signed an agreement to share Social Security data with an organization trying to undermine state election results, sent 1,000 Americans’ personal records directly to one of Elon Musk’s top consiglieres, and shared the confidential data of Americans on a private server. The ‘DOGE’ appointees engaged in this scheme – who were never brought before Congress for approval or even publicly identified – must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for these abhorrent violations of the public trust.

“The time for talk is over. Chairman Smith and every Republican on the Ways and Means Committee must break their silence on what could very well be the largest data breach in our nation’s history and as we have now learned, may have implications for election security,” they continued. "Democrats have a bill to safeguard Americans’ privacy by blocking political appointees like Elon Musk and his ‘DOGE’ minions from accessing sensitive data systems at Social Security. Standing by and doing nothing is a dereliction of duty to the American people this Congress is sworn to serve.”

Larson demanded a markup and vote on the bill in June when the Supreme Court allowed ‘DOGE’ access to sensitive data at Social Security. After a whistleblower report in August confirmed that ‘DOGE’ had copied the personal information of 300 million Americans on to a vulnerable cloud, Larson and Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal called for immediate hearings and a full committee investigation on the report.


Larson to Oppose Homeland Security Funding Bill that Fails to Rein in ICE

Washington, D.C. - Ahead of a House vote later this week, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced his opposition to the Department of Homeland Security funding bill that provides new funding for ICE but does not include reforms to hold the agency accountable for their abuses of power.

“Donald Trump and Kristi Noem have transformed ICE into their own secret police force, accountable to no one,” said Larson. “They have sent armed, masked agents to snatch mothers from their children here in Connecticut, overseen the tear gassing of kids in Chicago, and even defended the execution of an American citizen in Minneapolis – baselessly castigating Renee Nicole Good as a ‘domestic terrorist.’ While Democrats fought for reforms in funding negotiations, the bill House leadership released today does not even come close to the accountability this moment demands, including unmasking agents, requiring warrants, and use of force requirements. Congress cannot in good conscience vote to authorize more funding for the culture of lawlessness that has taken hold at ICE. I will vote NO on funding for the Department of Homeland Security when it comes up for a vote this week.”

Earlier this month, after an ICE agent executed an American citizen, Renee Nicole Good, earlier this month, and a federal vehicle struck a protester in Hartford, Larson and Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) filed articles of impeachment against U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. He has also vowed to introduce legislation to stop ICE from operating in communities without notifying state and local law enforcement, and is a cosponsor of the following reforms:


Lawler Urges Department of War to Maintain Longstanding Partnership With Scouting America

Washington, D.C. - 1/16/25… Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressing concern over reports that the Department of War is evaluating its longstanding relationship with Scouting America.

Nearly 20 percent of cadets and midshipmen have partaken in scouting in their youth, earning ranks of Eagle Scout, demonstrating the program’s role in shaping the next generation of service members. For active-duty military families, access to scouting on military bases and installations would allow children of service members the opportunity to build friendships, develop skills, and maintain a sense of stability in their childhood, despite frequent moves.

“For nearly a century, administrations of both parties have supported this partnership in recognition of its nonpartisan value and positive impact. Scouting instills principles of preparedness, service, and responsibility, equipping young people to be successful members of society and active contributors to their communities through volunteerism and Eagle Scout service projects,” wrote the lawmaker.

The full letter can be found HERE.

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

###


Lawler Introduces Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill to Spur Housing Construction Near Transportation Hubs

Washington, D.C. - 1/20/26… Last week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Laura Friedman (CA-30), alongside Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), members of the U.S. Senate committees on Environment and Public Works and Commerce, introduced the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act. The bill cuts red tape to unlock transit-oriented development (TOD) projects that boost local economies and housing supply.

The Build HUBS Act makes several changes aimed at improving the usability of important infrastructure loan programs. These programs allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation to collaborate and prioritize projects that promote transit-oriented development.

“The Build HUBS Act is one of many bipartisan bills I’m proud to support to help tackle the housing affordability crisis. By making it easier for communities to build more housing near transit and align housing and transportation investments, we can move projects forward more efficiently. This bicameral, bipartisan effort expands workforce housing, strengthens local economies, and helps families live closer to where they work,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Too many communities are ready to build near transit but are blocked from securing the investments they need by unnecessary red tape,” said Congresswoman Friedman. “The Build HUBS Act breaks out the scissors and gives local governments the flexibility and tools to build more housing near jobs, services, and public transportation. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan step to address our housing shortage and create more connected, sustainable communities.”

“Utah is growing quickly, and that growth must be paired with smart, coordinated transportation planning and more attainable housing,” said Senator Curtis. “The Build HUBS Act helps us maximize transportation investments, makes better use of public land, and empowers local leaders to use existing infrastructure programs more effectively to build housing where it matters and makes sense.”

“Taking on our housing affordability crisis means using all the tools at our disposal,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Investing in transit-oriented development will have a positive impact on housing affordability, local economies, and quality of life. It’s not enough to make communities more affordable; we must also work to make communities more livable – that’s what the Build HUBS Act does. I am proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition leading this bill, and I look forward to working with all our colleagues to advance our legislation.”

The Build HUBS Act:

Extends TIFIA and RRIF for 5 years and clarifies the definition of “transit-oriented development.”

Implements a delegated lending model to retain federal oversight while adopting private sector efficiency and expertise.

Speeds up processing timelines for project review and funding.

Provides relief on certain requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, including for office-to-residential conversions and infill development.

Encourages these existing loan programs to prioritize projects that promote attainable housing.

TOD is a development strategy that creates dense, walkable, mixed-use development near public transportation. TOD increases land use efficiency, spurs neighborhood revitalization, and provides access to attainable housing, jobs, and services. The Transportation Infrastructure and Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs were amended to include TOD projects, recognizing the direct link between housing and transportation. However, TIFIA and RRIF have not yet realized their full potential for TOD projects due to unforeseen gaps in their authorizations. The Build HUBS Act remedies that.

“NAA applauds Senators Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Curtis (R-Utah), as well as Representatives Friedman (D-Calif.-30) and Lawler (R-N.Y.-17), for introducing the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services Act (Build HUBS Act), which cuts years of unnecessary federal red tape that delays multifamily housing, lowering costs and accelerating the construction,” said Bob Pinnegar, President and CEO of the National Apartment Association. “By reducing red tape in development, this bill increases housing supply, helps ease the affordability crisis, and delivers more apartments faster where communities need them most. We look forward to working with the sponsors to help address the critical lack of housing supply at all price points in the U.S.”

“The National Multifamily Housing Council commends Senators Blunt Rochester and Curtis and Representatives Friedman and Lawler for introducing the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services Act (Build HUBS Act) to update the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs to ensure that housing providers can access critical funding sources to spur the development of much-needed housing across the country,” said Sharon Wilson Géno, President of the National Multifamily Housing Council. “These critical modifications could facilitate the production of more than 100,000 new rental units. The TIFIA and RRIF programs play an important role in financing transportation projects; however, until now it has been impossible for housing providers to access and use them for transit-oriented development. As Congress considers the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization, we look forward to working on legislation that makes it easier for housing providers to utilize DOT funds provided by the TIFIA and RRIF programs.”

“The Build HUBS Act is an important step to address the nation’s housing crisis,” said Jeffrey D. DeBoer, President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable. “By expanding the Department of Transportation’s low-interest TIFIA/RRIF loan programs to finance housing in transit-oriented development projects this bill will increase the supply of housing in America, and bring more affordable housing options to communities across the country. We look forward to working with Congress to enact this legislation.”

“The housing shortage has made high-opportunity communities unaffordable for far too many people,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. “The Build HUBS Act strengthens federal investment by making TIFIA and RRIF work better for housing near transit, where access to jobs and services already exists. By modernizing and aligning these programs with housing production, the bill helps unlock new housing supply in the transit-served places people want to live and work.”

“The Build HUBS Act empowers regions and MPOs to create vibrant, connected communities where housing, jobs, and transit work together,” said Erich Zimmermann, Executive Director of the National Association of Regional Councils. “By reforming federal financing tools for transit-oriented development, this legislation helps local leaders provide attainable housing and improve quality of life in their regions.”

“I want to thank Senators Blunt Rochester and Curtis and Representatives Friedman and Lawler for their leadership on this important reform,” said Sarah Brundage, President & CEO, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders. “The Build HUBS Act makes critical improvements to existing federal loan programs, including by creating opportunities for more public-private partnerships, that would result in significantly more affordable housing near transit at no additional cost to the federal government.”

“NAHB commends Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), as well as Reps. Friedman (D-Calif.-30) and Lawler (R-N.Y.-17), for introducing the Build HUBS Act, bipartisan legislation that retools key Department of Transportation loan programs so they can be used for workforce housing,” said Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “Connecting housing and transportation options are fundamental for thriving communities. Offering improved, low-cost financing tools will add more funding options for builders to increase housing supply near transit routes.”

The Build HUBS Act is endorsed by Smart Growth America, American Planning Association, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Center for Community Progress, Enterprise Community Partners, Inclusive Abundance Action, LOCUS, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Apartment Association, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, National Association of Regional Councils, National League of Cities, National Leased Housing Association, the National Association of REALTORS, National Multifamily Housing Coalition, National NeighborWorks Association, The Real Estate Roundtable, and Up for Growth Action.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

###


Sánchez: President Trump’s tariffs on NATO allies play into Russia, China’s hands

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, released the following statement on President Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on eight NATO allies because of their opposition to U.S.-control of Greenland:

“President Trump is completely unhinged. He’s weaponizing tariffs against our closest NATO allies because they are defending the sovereignty of another NATO member.

“President Trump is playing into Russia and China’s hands. They want nothing more than to see NATO and our Western alliances crack. These eight countries are not our adversaries. They are some of our largest trading partners and friends.

“American families continue to pay the price for the president’s recklessness. The markets are rattled, our economy is weakened and prices keep rising as Americans pay the cost of the tariffs. All while Trump further isolates the United States from the rest of the free world.

“This has nothing to do with protecting America’s interests. It’s all about Trump’s ego and he is playing dangerously with the economic and military might of the United States.”


Individual Faces 21 Months In Prison For Threatening To Kill Rep. Mace, Bomb Congressional Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 20, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) confirmed federal prosecutors are seeking a 21-month prison sentence for an individual who threatened to kill the Congresswoman and detonate explosives at her Congressional office in a series of threatening communications sent last year.

The accused transmitted multiple threats via text message and email, explicitly threatening to blow up Rep. Mace's congressional office and murder the Congresswoman if she "stepped outside." The violent threats triggered an immediate investigation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) swiftly identified and located the individual, executing a search warrant at their residence. During questioning, the suspect confessed to making the threats.

The U.S. Attorney's Office has charged the accused with two federal counts of threatening to kill a federal official and is recommending 21 months in federal prison. She is expected to be formally sentenced and processed in the coming months.

Rep. Mace and her employees will prepare victim impact statements for the trial.

"These threats were credible, they were violent, and they were designed to do great harm," said Congresswoman Mace. "No American should have to fear for their life simply for serving their country. The FBI and federal prosecutors took swift action to ensure my safety and the safety of my employees."

The Congresswoman thanked federal law enforcement for their response and ongoing commitment to protecting Members of Congress and their employees from violent threats.

Threatening a federal official is a serious federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison under 18 U.S.C. § 115. The case serves as a stark reminder such threats have severe legal consequences.

###


Congressman Mackenzie Condemns Decision to Evict Federal Law Enforcement

Allentown, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, called out the decision by Lehigh County Controller Marc Pinsley and Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel to evict Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers from their offices in a county-owned building.

The Morning Call reports, in part: “Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel said he is evicting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigative unit from a county-owned building where it has occupied an office for more than three years but has never paid rent.

“The announcement came shortly after Controller Mark Pinsley held a news conference saying Homeland Security Investigations, a unit of ICE, owes the county more than $115,000.

“We’re going to deport ICE,” Pinsley said at the news conference Tuesday at the Lehigh County Government Center.

As District Attorney Gavin Holihan has made clear, the department is staffed by Homeland Security Investigations — a branch of the Department of Homeland Security that is not directly responsible for the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens.

From HSI’s website: HSI conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, contraband, weapons and sensitive technology into, out of and through the United States. HSI’s investigations are wide ranging – our cases include drug and weapons smuggling, cyber and financial crime, illegal technology exports and intellectual property crime. We also play a crucial role in investigating crimes of exploitation. This includes combating child exploitation, human trafficking, financial fraud and scams and other crimes against vulnerable populations.

“Politics should never get in the way of allowing law enforcement to do its job,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Instead of negotiating in good faith with HSI, Mr. Pinsley has chosen to attack an office that — I’m sure he knows — works to investigate human trafficking and other serious threats. This decision interferes with the work of those responsible for investigating some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, all in the name of radical politics. Law enforcement and the people of the Lehigh Valley deserve better than politically motivated stunts from self-interested extremists.”

###


Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Reaffirm Support for Taiwan

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Andy Barr (R-KY), and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) released the following statement:

“As co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, we reaffirm the United States’ strong commitment to Taiwan, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

Taiwan is an important economic and security partner whose stability is vital to U.S. national security interests. Its cutting-edge semiconductor industry and proposed $165 billion investment into the United States are helping us build the secure supply chains necessary for everything from consumer electronics to stealth defense equipment. Taiwan is strategically located among a network of U.S. allies, partners and waterways critical to U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific. Peace across the Taiwan Strait is in the national security interest of the U.S., and we will continue to stand by our key democratic partner to uphold our shared values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.”

###


Los legisladores Mario Díaz-Balart y Carlos A. Giménez se reúnen con María Corina Machado, la Dama de Hierro y Libertadora de Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hoy, los legisladores Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) y Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) se reunieron con María Corina Machado, y reafirmaron su apoyo y solidaridad inquebrantables con la causa de la libertad en Venezuela, así como con María Corina Machado y con el Presidente electo Edmundo González Urrutia, como los representantes legítimamente electos por el pueblo.

El legislador Mario Díaz-Balart dijo: “María Corina Machado es la valiente libertadora de Venezuela. Ha sobrevivido años de represión, acusaciones injustas y dirigidas, e incluso amenazas contra su vida. Aun así, ha logrado unir a su pueblo, tanto dentro de Venezuela como en la diáspora, a través de un movimiento extraordinario. Contra todo pronóstico, expuso el fraude y la ilegitimidad del régimen de Maduro, y en las elecciones de 2024 el Presidente electo Edmundo González Urrutia y María Corina Machado obtuvieron el respaldo abrumador del pueblo.

Gracias al liderazgo firme y decisivo del Presidente Trump para lograr la captura de Nicolás Maduro y a Cilia Flores y llevarlos ante la justicia, los venezolanos están hoy más cerca que nunca de recuperar la libertad, la democracia y la prosperidad. Este es un período de transición crítico para Venezuela, y no tengo ninguna duda de que, una vez se celebren elecciones libres, María Corina Machado volverá a contar con el respaldo abrumador del pueblo”.

El legislador Carlos A. Giménez dijo: “Hoy, la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos dio la bienvenida a mi amiga, la Premio Nobel María Corina Machado. Es una de las mujeres más aguerridas que he conocido, una líder valiente que encarna el coraje y la voluntad inquebrantable del pueblo venezolano. Tras soportar años de represión y amenazas por parte de un brutal régimen narco-terrorista, María Corina logró unir al pueblo venezolano en torno a un histórico movimiento democrático.

Gracias a las acciones decisivas del presidente Donald J. Trump para capturar al dictador Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela está más cerca que nunca de la libertad. Continuaré luchando incansablemente hasta que todos los presos políticos sean liberados y la transición democrática en Venezuela logre restaurar el Estado de derecho y los derechos y libertades fundamentales”.

María Corina Machado dijo: “En nombre del pueblo venezolano, quiero expresar que somos un pueblo que ama y comparte los valores de la libertad y la democracia—valores que practica el pueblo de Estados Unidos, con el cual nos hemos identificado históricamente desde hace mucho tiempo.

Quiero agradecer especialmente al Presidente Trump y a su administración, así como a quienes, desde el primer momento, comprendieron claramente la naturaleza existencial de nuestra lucha.

También deseo agradecer de manera especial a nuestros representantes—Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez y María Elvira Salazar—por haber sido verdaderos defensores de nuestra causa desde el principio y hasta el final.

Cuando muchos dudaron, cuando parecía imposible, cuando algunos decían que era imposible derrotar esta tiranía y que debíamos resignarnos a vivir bajo la opresión, ellos depositaron su confianza en el pueblo de Venezuela.

Venezuela será libre.

Cuba será libre.

Nicaragua será libre.

Las Américas serán libres!”


Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart and Carlos A. Giménez Meet with María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s Iron Lady and Liberator

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) and Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) met with María Corina Machado, where they reaffirmed unwavering support and solidarity with the cause of freedom in Venezuela, María Corina Machado, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia as the duly-elected representatives of the people.

Rep. Díaz-Balart said, “María Corina Machado is Venezuela’s brave liberator. She has survived years of repression, unjust and targeted indictments, and even threats to her life. Still, she has united her people, both in Venezuela and across the diaspora, through a remarkable movement. Against all odds, she exposed the fraud and illegitimacy of the Maduro regime, with the President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado winning the overwhelming support of the people in the 2024 elections.

Thanks to President Trump’s bold and decisive leadership in capturing Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores and to bring them to justice, Venezuelans are closer than ever to regaining freedom, democracy, and prosperity. This is a critical transition period for Venezuela, and I have no doubt that once free elections are held, Maria Corina Machado will again have the overwhelming support of the people.”

Rep. Giménez said, “Today, the United States House of Representatives welcomed my friend Nobel Laureate María Corina Machado. She is the bravest woman I will ever know, a fearless leader who embodies the courage and unbreakable will of the Venezuelan people. After enduring years of repression and threats from a brutal narco-terrorist regime, Maria Corina united the Venezuelan people behind a historic democratic movement. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump’s decisive actions in capturing dictator Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela is closer than ever to freedom. I will continue fighting tirelessly until all political prisoners are freed and the democratic transition in Venezuela succeeds in restoring the rule of law and fundamental rights and liberties.”

María Corina Machado said, “On behalf of the Venezuelan people, I want to express that we are a people who love and share the values of freedom and democracy—values practiced by the people of the United States, with whom we have long historically identified.

I want to especially thank President Trump and his administration, as well as those who, from the very beginning, clearly understood the existential nature of our struggle.

I also want to specially thank our representatives—Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar—for being genuine champions of our cause since the very beginning until the end!

When many doubted, when it seemed impossible, when some said it was impossible to defeat this tyranny and that we should resign ourselves to living under oppression, they placed their trust in the people of Venezuela.

Venezuela will be free.

Cuba will be free.

Nicaragua will be free.

The Americas will be free!!"

###


Maryland Congressional Delegation Presses Administration on ICE Actions in Maryland, Proposed Detention Facility in Hagerstown

Washington, DC—Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks were joined by U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Sarah Elfreth, Glenn Ivey, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership condemning enforcement actions across the state that have stoked fear, caused injury, damaged property, and denied individuals their due process rights and dignity.

The lawmakers’ letter cites constituent concerns about ongoing impacts of ICE operations on Marylanders. This includes the conditions of holding rooms at ICE’s Baltimore Field office, which are designed for short-term detentions not to exceed 12 hours. However, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations has utilized these facilities to confine individuals for days while denying them basic human needs and legal counsel. The letter also comes on the heels of news reports revealing ICE’s plans to hold as many as 80,000 detained immigrants in new warehouse-style detention centers around the country, including a processing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland.

“As members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, we write to express our serious concerns regarding Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) operations in our state over the past year, and to state our staunch opposition to reported plans to expand ICE detention. DHS and ICE have stoked fear throughout our communities by conducting reckless enforcement actions that have resulted in injuries, property damage, and unlawful or prolonged detentions without regard for our constituents’ safety and fundamental rights,” the lawmakers begin.

“These practices have no place in Maryland, are incompatible with our values, and underscore our opposition to any expansion of ICE’s presence in our communities,” they continued. “Any efforts to subject Hagerstown and Washington County to such a facility without the consent of state and local officials or our constituents is a serious violation of the principles of federalism and self-governance.”

The lawmakers go on to address the reported potential new ICE facility in Hagerstown, writing, “Our state has spoken. We believe no person in the United States, regardless of immigration status, should be subjected to inhumane conditions or detained without dignity or due process.”

The lawmakers concluded the letter with a demand for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to submit all documentation, including “planning materials, solicitations, proposals, site assessments, and communications” concerning Hagerstown and other locations in Maryland since last year.


Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Trump Administration Actions in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“The record of incompetence and cruelty by the Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security Sec. Noem is growing each day. Minnesotans across the state are facing masked, unprofessional, untrained federal agents who are making people feel afraid in their own communities by wreaking havoc.

“On Sunday, Americans were horrified to see ChongLy “Saly” Scott Thao, a Hmong elder and U.S. citizen, dragged out of his home in frigid Minnesota weather because ICE officers raided the wrong house. That same day, we learned that a Nicaraguan man arrested by ICE in Minnesota was taken to Camp East Montana in El Paso, where he died in ICE custody. Nasra Ahmed, a U.S. citizen and Saint Paul resident, bravely shared her story of two days in ICE detention during which her civil rights were repeatedly violated. Nasra was shackled by her wrists and ankles, injured by ICE agents, called a racial slur, and suffered a stress-induced seizure.

“Today, Minnesota law enforcement leaders spoke out against the rampant racial profiling and civil rights abuses by unprofessional and undertrained federal agents. I stand with our law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and earn the public’s trust. Their work is being undermined by unprofessional and undertrained federal agents. There is a right way to investigate and prosecute serious criminals. Sec. Noem and DHS agents are doing it the wrong way and only making our community more dangerous.

“Elders and those with disabilities are being forced to go without their in-home health assistants that help them to lead lives of dignity, and for some to survive. It is unacceptable that our neighbors are afraid to leave their homes or go to work. Small businesses are closing their doors as they and their workers are being targeted based on the color of their skin.

“How is DHS and ICE making Minnesota and our nation any safer?

“The Trump administration must be held accountable for the damage being done every day in Minnesota.”


Congressman McGarvey Demands Investigation into DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Impeachable Offenses

Today’s letter calls on congressional committee to begin formal impeachment process after McGarvey backed articles of impeachment last week

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 20, 2026) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) joined his colleagues in a letter to House Committee on Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, demanding the Committee immediately start investigation hearings into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s unlawful and potentially impeachable actions.

A House Committee investigation would be the first step in an impeachment process after McGarvey signed onto three articles of impeachment against Noem last week.

“Under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has done irreversible harm to our constituents, trampling the rights of all people and disregarding the rule of law," the letter states. "Secretary Noem has established a clear pattern of lawless behavior, mirrored in the behavior of rank-and-file members of her leadership team and enforcement agents. When taken together, her actions violate her oath of office.”

In the official request, the members accuse Secretary Noem of:

Misusing resources appropriated by Congress and engaging in unethical behavior.

Repeatedly making false and misleading statements to Congress and to the press.

Undermining the separation of powers and disregarding the role of Congress and the Courts.

Read the full letter to Judiciary Chairman Jordan here.

Read the full text of the impeachment articles here.

###


House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks' Statement on One Year Anniversary of U.S. Foreign Assistance Freeze

Washington, D.C. - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued a statement marking one year since President Trump’s executive order freezing U.S. foreign assistance, an action that suspended nearly all foreign assistance programs and resulted in the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the needless deaths of millions of people around the world.

“President Trump’s executive order abruptly ended decades of bipartisan progress countering poverty, eradicating infectious diseases, and saving lives overseas around the world. As a direct result of President Trump’s actions, an estimated 3 million people will die from preventable causes, 95 million people will lose access to basic health care, and at least 23 million children will be forced out of school.

“As the Trump administration presides over an unprecedented retreat from global leadership, China has filled the void left by the United States’ absence, tightening its influence over the world’s fastest growing economies and undercutting American businesses’ ability to fairly compete in emerging markets. Actions such as the dismantling of USAID have left the United States with fewer tools to counter these trends and advance our strategic interests.

“I applaud the dedicated staff who supported U.S. efforts to save lives, promote democracy, counter poverty, and foster stability overseas. I will continue to champion this work and broader U.S. global leadership, which is critical to protecting our national security. Cutting foreign assistance has not saved the taxpayer money, balanced the budget, or made us safer, stronger, or more prosperous. Instead, it has pushed countless countries closer to China and left the United States weaker and more isolated than when President Trump assumed office.”


Rep. Kennedy co-leads Legislation to Protect Utah’s Public Lands from Foreign Adversaries

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), alongside Reps. Newhouse (WA-04), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), John Rose (TN-06), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), and Mike Ezell (MS-04) introduced the Keeping Public Lands Out of Adversarial Hands Act to strengthen national security by taking steps to keep foreign adversaries from acquiring land or resources adjacent to America’s public lands. This bill protects Utah’s natural resources, safeguards our critical infrastructure, and safeguards against hostile foreign influence on U.S. soil.

“Utah cannot allow foreign adversaries to purchase our land,” said Utah Congressman Mike Kennedy. “The Keeping Public Lands out of Adversarial Hands Act will take a vital step by preventing foreign adversaries from purchasing land adjacent to our public spaces. This is a matter of national security, and this legislation takes a vital step towards protecting our territory and the public interest.”

Background

This legislation adds the Secretary of the Interior to CFIUS to review transactions for land or resources adjacent to land or sites owned or managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.


Miller-Meeks Secures $2 Million for Muscatine Infrastructure Project

IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) announced that $2 million in federal funding for the City of Muscatine’s Papoose Creek Lift Station Redundant Force Main Project has passed both chambers of Congress and is now heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“This is a major win for the City of Muscatine,” said Miller-Meeks. “This $2 million investment in local water infrastructure is about improving public health, preventing overflows, and protecting the environment, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used for real results. I was proud to fight for this project and include it in the appropriations process. With this bill now headed to the President’s desk, these funds will soon be on their way to Muscatine.”

"In 2019, our community faced a critical failure in the sanitary force main that carries the majority of Muscatine's downtown wastewater to the treatment facility, resulting in a significant discharge into the Mississippi River. This incident led to a consent decree from the Iowa DNR, requiring us to install a redundant line for enhanced reliability and environmental protection. The City immediately moved forward with planning for this vital redundant force main, which will add more than 5,000 feet of new infrastructure. This project boosts environmental safety, supports future city growth, and improves maintenance capabilities. With an estimated construction cost of $3.8 million, we are deeply grateful for the $2 million in federal funding secured through Congress. A special thank you goes to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks for her tireless work in championing this project and pushing it across the finish line. Her dedication delivers real benefits not only to our residents but to the entire Mississippi River watershed and our shared environment. Muscatine is stronger and more resilient because of leaders like Congresswoman Miller-Meeks—thank you for investing in our community's future!" - Mayor Brad Bark, Muscatine, Iowa

Project Details

$2,000,000 for the Papoose Creek Redundant Force Main in Muscatine: This project will construct new force main segments to increase wastewater system capacity, reduce combined sewer overflows during heavy rain events, and provide backup infrastructure during maintenance or emergencies.

Background:

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks included the funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations package, which has now passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.

This investment comes in addition to the more than $5 million in Community Project Funding Miller‑Meeks secured for Southeast Iowa that was previously signed into law by President Trump, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.

The President’s signature is anticipated in the coming days.

###


ICYMI: Rep. Dave Min on MN ICE Operation: This is a “Un-American,” “Evil,” and “Completely Illegal”

January 20, 2026

Rep. Min: “What you are describing is a full-scale, hostile invasion of the city by thousands of violent federal agents who are routinely and systematically violating the law by stopping, detaining, arresting and often assaulting people, including American citizens… What is happening right now in America is fundamentally un-American, it is evil, and it is completely illegal”

Washington, D.C. — Last week, Representative Dave Min (CA-47) joined members of Congress in Minnesota for a field hearing to conduct oversight of ICE misconduct and Donald Trump’s law breaking.

Over the past two weeks, ICE’s Operation Metro Surge has sent thousands of agents to the Minneapolis area, inflicting rampant lawlessness and violence upon Minnesotans.

Rep. Min has been outspoken about the lawlessness of ICE, sending multiple letters demanding answers from Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem, then-Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, and Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari.

Read and watch more below.

WATCH REP. MIN’S HEARING REMARKS HERE

Image

Spectrum News 1—WATCH HERE

Image

“You never thought it could happen here in the United States, where masked men are just literally going up to people in the random street, and just kidnapping, assaulting, disappearing them…. We saw this play out a little bit, less extreme, but we saw some of the same lawlessness last year. I am very concerned that this is going to come back to Southern California—that's going to impact our constituents again.”

The OC Register

Rep. Dave Min, in Minnesota, warns of future ICE actions in Southern California

Kaitlyn Schallhorn

Recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota — including the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis mother by federal officers — should be a warning to other communities, including Southern California, said Rep. Dave Min.

Min, an Irvine Democrat, was part of a group of more than two dozen Democratic lawmakers who converged in a chilly Minneapolis on Friday morning, Jan. 16, for a field hearing about federal immigration enforcement and the violence that has occurred in the area. They decried recent activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, including the killing of Renee Good, deaths of people in ICE custody, apparent deployment of tear gas on students and more.

Min said he participated in the hearing to show support for those in the community impacted by the ICE activity and because of concern for his constituents in Orange County.

“I’m concerned that what happened in Orange County — and Southern California more generally — last year is going to come back more violent and more extreme,” Min said. “What we’re seeing in Minnesota right now is much more activity and infused with a complete lawlessness and unaccountability and violence that didn’t exist last year in Southern California.”

“When ICE comes back to Southern California — and I think they will en masse at some point — I have deep concerns that if we don’t stand up right now with Minnesotans, this will be even worse for us and our communities,” he said.

Min, in an interview from Minnesota — where temperatures weren’t expected to get higher than 30 degrees and light snow was forecast on Friday — said he expects upcoming funding bills, related to Homeland Security’s budget, could be an avenue where Democrats concerned with ICE could make an impact. Still, he said criticism of recent ICE actions in Minnesota shouldn’t be partisan.

“What’s happening right now is grossly illegal and unconstitutional,” Min said. “This shouldn’t be a partisan issue, not a left or right thing. Everyone should come together to say federal law enforcement agents shouldn’t go around terrorizing people.”


Midland County Student Wins 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Levi Willette, Jayvyn Craves, James McGillis, and Nathan Glysz have won the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for Michigan’s Second Congressional District with their app, PhishHook. The web-based app provides phishing awareness training through interactive games and realistic scam email simulations designed to help users recognize and avoid online scams. The students have produced a video about their app, which can be seen here.

“Congratulations to Levi, Jayvyn, James, and Nathan on creating an innovative app that addresses an important cybersecurity issue,” said Moolenaar. “Learning to code and applying those skills to real-world challenges can open the door to strong career opportunities while also helping protect individuals and communities from online threats.”

Levi Willette and James McGillis attend Meridian Early College High School, while Jayvyn Craves and Nathan Glysz attend Bay City Central High School. Willette resides within Michigan’s Second Congressional District.

The Congressional App Challenge is a yearly competition held across the country in which students design and create original apps. For more information on how to get involved, visit the Congressional App Challenge website here.

###