Bill to Re-Authorize FirstNet Clears Subcommittee Markup

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced that their bipartisan legislation, HR 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, advanced out of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology with favorable consideration.

This legislation would reauthorize FirstNet, a nationwide, preemptive broadband network used exclusively by first responders on the ground during emergencies and disaster responses. Created by Congress to address a clear need for improved public safety communications after 9/11, FirstNet provides first responders with reliable, secure connectivity when commercial networks are congested or unavailable.

“Our nation’s heroes and public servants who put their lives on the line to protect Americans need robust and reliable communications," said Congressman Dunn. “Since 2017, we have seen success from the First Responder Network Authority. Our job in Congress includes critical oversight of the program, including transparency over the contract and maintaining accountability at all levels. FirstNet is imperative to Florida’s Panhandle before, during, and after a disaster. That is why Congresswoman McClellan and I are working on this clear mandate to ensure our local communities have the resources they need to respond to emergencies.”

“Born out of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, FirstNet plays a critical role in helping first responders stay connected during emergencies. With increasingly frequent extreme weather events like the recent winter storm that swept through much of the East Coast and the South and cost three lives here in Virginia, this could easily mean the difference between life and death,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Congressman Dunn and I are working across the aisle to not only extend FirstNet’s current authorization, but strengthen the program’s governance, transparency and accountability measures. We have a responsibility to those we serve to not only ensure FirstNet continues to fulfill its core mission, but also to improve it for years to come.”

Click HERE to view Congressman Dunn's remarks.

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Rep. Estes Announces 2026 Annual High School Art Competition Dates

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has announced the annual Congressional Art Competition dates.

“Each year talented young artists have the chance to enter their best work in a fun and competitive event,” said Rep. Estes. “About 200 students from across the district enter their artwork in the Congressional Art Competition annually, and it's incredible to see the talent and skills young Kansans bring to life through their creativity. I encourage all high school students in our district to enter and be part of this fun and unique competition. I’m looking forward to once again hosting this event and seeing the work that will represent the Sunflower State in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C."

High school students in Kansas' 4th District may submit up to two art pieces for the competition. The deadline to submit artwork is Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All artwork submissions that meet the competition criteria will be displayed at Mark Arts in Wichita April 10 to May 2, with a reception Saturday, April 21, at 2 p.m. The winning artwork will be framed and shipped to Washington, D.C., to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with other winners from around the country. Prizes may be awarded.

Students and high school art teachers interested in learning more about the Congressional Art Competition should visit estes.house.gov/art.

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On the House Floor: Fedorchak celebrates Ray Curtis’s 109th birthday

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) spoke on the House Floor to congratulate a Notable North Dakotan, Ray Curtis of Minot, who celebrates his 109th birthday this week. Ray is the oldest living World War II Veteran in North Dakota.

Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker,

Today, I rise to recognize a remarkable North Dakotan—this handsome young man—Ray Curtis of Minot.

On February 11th, Ray will turn 109 years old.

He is the oldest living World War II veteran in North Dakota and one of the oldest in our entire country.

Ray served our nation during one of the most defining moments in world history.

Like so many from his generation, he answered the call without hesitation and helped secure freedom.

Ray now resides at Minot Lodge Senior Living, surrounded by family and caregivers.

North Dakota is so proud of Ray Curtis. We are grateful for his service, his sacrifice, and his example.

Happy birthday, Ray!

Congratulations on a life well lived in service to our country.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.

CLICK HERE to watch the full speech.

CLICK HERE to nominate a Notable North Dakotan so Fedorchak can feature them on the House Floor.


Leger Fernández, Schumer Introduce “Virginia’s Law” to Eliminate Statute of Limitations for Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Abuse

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) today joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, advocates, and the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre to introduce “Virginia’s Law,” landmark legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations to allow adult victims of sexual abuse and trafficking to file civil claims against their abusers.

Named in honor of survivor and advocate Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the bill ensures that justice is not denied simply because time has passed.

“Time should never be a weapon in an abuser’s arsenal,” said Leger Fernandez, Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. “For too long, sexual predators have hidden behind their wealth, their power, and the clock — counting on survivors to stay silent and statutes of limitations to protect them. Virginia’s Law makes clear: if you committed these crimes, you don’t get to run out the clock. Justice should not depend on a calendar. It should not depend on geography. And it should never depend on how powerful your abuser is.”

“Jeffrey Epstein depended on silence and fear, on a system that protected power instead of protecting people. Today we are saying no more. This bill carries Virginia Giuffre's name because she spoke when so many were told not to,” said Leader Schumer. “No survivor should ever be told again that the law failed them, and that time mattered more than truth. The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have waited long enough. Virginia waited long enough. The time for justice is now, and Congress must act.”

“Grief without action is another kind of silence. And Virginia did not survive what she survived just to be silenced again,” said Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts Jr.

“Virginia’s Law does more than honor her legacy – it protects the future of every survivor,” said Amanda Roberts, Virginia’s sister-in-law. “It says, legislatively and legally: we see you, we believe you, and what happened to you matters.”

Virginia’s Law:

Eliminates the statute of limitations under the existing cause of action in 18 USC 1595 to allow survivors of sex trafficking and forced labor to sue their abusers for violations of sections 1589, 1590, and 1591 without a time limitation.

Creates a new cause of action for survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking to sue their abusers for violations of sections 2241, 2242, 2243, 2421, 2422, and 2423 without a time limitation.

Includes a one-year lookback window to allow survivors of sex trafficking and sexual abuse crimes that occurred prior to the enactment of Virginia’s Law one year to bring a civil action.

In 2022, Congress enacted legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations for minors who were victims of sex trafficking and sexual abuse. However, under current law, in most instances survivors must file a civil claim against their abuser within 10 years of when the abuse occurred or within 10 years of when they turned 18. Further, for some crimes there is not even a remedy for the adult survivor to file a civil claim.

Current federal law fails to account for the trauma, coercion, fear, and manipulation survivors endure. Research shows that 94% of women who are raped experience PTSD symptoms in the weeks following the assault, and many survivors take years — sometimes decades — to feel safe enough to come forward.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s family — including Sky and Amanda Roberts — joined Congresswoman Leger Fernández, Leader Schumer, and advocates at today’s press conference, alongside representatives from World Without Exploitation and an attorney representing survivors.

Virginia’s Law sends a clear message: sexual predators and their enablers cannot run out the clock, hide behind jurisdictional loopholes, or rely on their power to evade accountability.

The text of the legislation can be viewed here.

Today’s press conference can be viewed here.

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández has long been a fierce advocate for the Epstein survivors. She met with survivors who courageously shared their painful stories, held a vigil on Capitol Hill honoring survivors of Epstein's abuse, and spent countless hours fighting against the Trump administrations' and Congressional Republicans’ distraction, deception, and coverup.

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Congressman Vince Fong Demands Transparency on $537 Million High-Speed Rail Settlement

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) is demanding transparency on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s recent decision to approve a $537.3 million change order – the largest in the project’s history – with Dragados Flatiron Joint Venture, the contractor for the 65‑mile segment through Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties.

According to the Authority’s Central Valley Status Report, the contractor has already received 597 change orders on this and other segments, totaling over $2.3 billion as of November 2025. This ongoing pattern of contract modifications raises questions about fiscal oversight, project management, and the proper use of federal taxpayer funds on a project that is both significantly delayed and over budget.

“Taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20).“The high-speed rail nightmare is a glaring example of structural mismanagement. Reckless, repeated contract amendments have squandered resources and precious tax dollars. Hardworking California taxpayers cannot afford to let this continue. This project should be canceled before even more money and time are wasted.”

In a letter, Congressman Fong requested detailed answers from the Authority by March 13, 2026, including:

• Whether federal funds were involved in the $537.3 million settlement and, if so, the amount.

• Steps taken to notify or consult federal oversight agencies, including the Federal Railroad Administration.

• Historical use of federal funds for prior change orders and associated costs.

• Any federal compliance reviews or audits conducted regarding the settlement.

• Internal controls or reforms implemented to prevent settlements of this magnitude in federally funded projects.

Congressman Fong has continually emphasized that Californians deserve accountability for how their tax dollars are being spent. Last year, he applauded Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for pulling federal funding on this failed project.

Read Congressman Fong’s full letter here and below:

Dear Mr. Choudri:

I am alarmed about news reports of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) recent decision to settle litigation with Dragados Flatiron Joint Venture, the contractor for the 65‑mile design-build segment through Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties, resulting in a $537.3 million change order, the largest in the Authority’s history.

According to the Authority’s Central Valley Status Report, this contractor has previously been issued 597 change orders on this and other segments of the project, with total modifications exceeding $2.3 billion as of November 2025. This pattern of repeated contract amendments raises serious concern about the Authority’s fiscal discipline and project management practices, including the use of federal taxpayer funds that have contributed to this significantly delayed and over-budget project.

To ensure accountability for taxpayers, I respectfully request a detailed response addressing the following questions:

• Were any federal funds included, directly or indirectly, in this change order with Dragados Flatiron Joint Venture, and if so, what portion of the $537.3 million do federal funds comprise?

• What steps did the Authority take to notify or obtain guidance from federal oversight agencies (including the Federal Railroad Administration) prior to approving this settlement?

• Have any federal funds been used to cover the cost of change orders, and if so, how many change orders involved federal funding, and what total additional costs were covered with federal funds?

• Were any federal compliance reviews or audits conducted to evaluate the necessity or propriety of this settlement? If so, please describe each such review or audit.

• What internal controls or reforms specific to federally funded projects have been implemented to prevent settlements of this magnitude in the future?

Please send a written response to these questions no later than March 13, 2026. Taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability regarding how their funds are being managed and why repeated contract modifications continue to escalate costs on this project.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

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Franklin, Carbajal, Moody Reintroduce Temp Act To Expand Freeze Protection For Specialty Crop Growers

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) today reintroduced the bipartisan Temperature Event Mitigation Policy (TEMP) Act, directing the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to research and develop an affordable crop insurance option to cover losses caused by cold exposure and freezes. The pair introduced the measure just days after prolonged freezing temperatures devastated Florida's specialty crop industry. U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Deep freezes can devastate Florida agriculture, which supplies much of America’s citrus, sugarcane, and other specialty crops,” said Congressman Franklin. “Growers across Florida are desperately working to recover from a recent damaging freeze. Despite being the backbone of our food supply, producers in Florida’s heartland still lack access to reasonably priced insurance that covers freeze events. Our bipartisan TEMP Act helps fill that gap by creating a temperature-based index policy that gives all specialty-crop producers a workable, affordable option when cold weather strikes. I thank Rep. Carbajal and my colleagues for joining me and Senator Moody for her leadership on this issue in the Senate.”

“Specialty crop growers on the Central Coast know all too well the devastation a single freeze can bring, yet existing crop insurance often fails to cover cold weather losses,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m co‑sponsoring the bipartisan TEMP Act to deliver an improved insurance option that shields specialty crops from cold weather losses. This legislation will give farmers in California and across the country the tools they need to safeguard their livelihoods.”

“While agriculture is a top driver of our state’s economy, many growers were recently left facing serious losses without access to affordable insurance options following the recent deep freeze,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m proud to introduce the TEMP Act in the Senate, to examine possible solutions for our farmers to manage temperature-related risks while recovering when extreme cold weather hits.”

Specialty crop producers in Florida and California face steep challenges accessing comprehensive whole-farm insurance policies, with premiums often running thousands of dollars per acre. While some specific perils, such as wind, are insurable at reasonable rates, no comparable option exists to cover losses caused by freeze events. The recent freeze in Florida highlighted this gap, leaving many growers exposed with limited tools to manage risk. The TEMP Act directs RMA to develop an index-based policy that reflects actual temperature impacts, giving growers a practical tool to manage risk and recover more quickly after damaging cold spells.

“Recent record cold temperatures across Florida have had real impacts on farmers and growers statewide,” said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "The Temperature Event Mitigation Policy Act would give producers a much-needed tool to manage freeze risk and protect their operations. Florida Farm Bureau Federation appreciates Senator Moody and Representative Franklin for advancing solutions that respond to the challenges farmers are facing right now.”

“FFVA appreciates the strong leadership of U.S. Representative Franklin, Senator Moody and members of the Florida Congressional Delegation in championing this important provision and for listening to the needs of Florida growers,” said Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. “A temperature‑based policy would give specialty crop producers a much‑needed risk‑management tool and strengthen their ability to recover from increasingly unpredictable weather.”

"Florida's citrus growers applaud Congressman Scott Franklin for reintroducing the Temperature Event Mitigation Policy (TEMP) Act, which seeks to expand meaningful risk management tools for specialty crop producers, like citrus, as recent winter storms have caused significant agricultural damage across Florida," said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. "Directing the United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency to develop a temperature-based crop insurance policy for freeze and cold exposure losses is critical to ensuring affordable, effective risk protection is available to growers who currently lack viable options."

House original cosponsors include: Reps. Carbajal (CA-24), Cammack (FL-03), Lee (FL-15), Steube (FL-17), Patronis (FL-01), Mills (FL-07), Fine (FL-06), Rutherford (FL-05), Buchanan (FL-16), Carter (GA-01), Soto (FL-09), Wilson (FL-24), Subramanyam (VA-10)


ICYMI: Rep. Friedman Rebukes Vice President Vance's Armenian Genocide Denial

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, February 10, 2026, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) issued a strong rebuke to Vice President JD Vance’s decision to publish, and then delete, a social media post recognizing the Armenian genocide, after the Vice President attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial.

The full rebuke is available here, and below.

“Absolutely cowardly behavior from Vice President JD Vance. You don’t get to lay a wreath at the Armenian Genocide memorial and then delete your post mentioning the genocide in order to appease Erdoğan. Your actions are an insult to the memories of the victims,” said Congresswoman Friedman (CA-30).

Friedman has been a leading voice against the Trump Administration’s persistent denial of the Armenian Genocide. In April 2025, she called out President Trump’s refusal to call the systematic murder of 1.5 million Armenians a genocide. Rep. Friedman has also attended local Armenian genocide commemorations and supported legislation to recognize the genocide.

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RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Condemns Trump’s Termination of Tens of Millions of Dollars in Los Angeles Public Health Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, February 10, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) condemned the latest attack by Trump terminating tens of millions of dollars in federal public health grants serving Los Angeles County. These cuts are a part of more than $600 million in congressionally approved investments being rescinded from four Democratic-led states. In Los Angeles, these cuts will impact programs that support HIV prevention, disease surveillance, and direct services for communities on the front lines of the fight against HIV.

In June 2025, Friedman led California Congressional Democrats in demanding the release of $19.8 million in frozen HIV prevention grants to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. That freeze forced LA County to functionally terminate contracts with 39 community health providers and nearly shut down HIV testing, PrEP navigation, and STD screening at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. After sustained pressure from Friedman, the administration reversed course and restored the funding in full.

“I led the fight against this administration when they froze HIV prevention investments last year, and we won. Now, President Trump is once again attempting to rip away tens of millions of dollars in investments for HIV prevention, public health workers, and groundbreaking research,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “These grants save lives. They connect homeless people to care, they support frontline organizations fighting HIV, and they build the public health infrastructure that protects my constituents. Just like I did last time the Trump Administration came after our communities, I won’t stop fighting back.”

Friedman represents organizations in Congress threatened by these cuts, including the Los Angeles LGBT Center which will lose $441,625 in investments for its Community High-Impact HIV Prevention Programs.

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Garamendi Releases Report Showing How Trump and Republicans Are Driving Up Costs for Families in CA-08

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) released new data showing how Donald Trump’s economic agenda and Republicans in Congress are increasing everyday costs for families in Solano and Contra Costa Counties, including higher prices for groceries, health care, housing, and other basic needs. The report was prepared using data compiled by the House Budget Committee.

“Solano and Contra Costa County families were promised lower prices. Instead, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have delivered higher grocery bills, rising rents, and more expensive utility costs,” said Rep. Garamendi. “This report makes clear that Trump’s tariff taxes are simply a national sales tax on working families, and that Republicans are doubling down on an agenda that makes it harder for families to get by while handing tax breaks to their billionaire donors.”


Rep. Gillen Statement on Indictment in Nafiah Ikram Case

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) released the following statement after an indictment was handed down in connection to the 2021 acid attack on Elmont resident, Nafiah Ikram.

"The unprovoked acid attack against Nafiah Ikram outside her home in Elmont five years ago was horrific and monstrous. For years, her attacker remained at large, posing a continued threat to our communities and denying the Ikram family the justice they deserve. That’s why in 2022, when Nafiah’s mother reached out for help advancing her daughter’s case, I made a commitment to stand by them and help. Since then, I have repeatedly advocated for a resolution to this case on Nafiah’s behalf. I’m relieved to see that an arrest has been made in the case. Now, Nafiah and her family are one step closer to receiving the justice and closure they deserve."


Video and Rush Transcript: Goldman Grills Ice Director Todd Lyons at House Homeland Security Oversight Hearing

“If you don't want to be called a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one.”

“There are well-documented instances of people, American citizens, being asked to show and prove their citizenship. Do you know what other regimes in the 20th century required similar proof of citizenship?”

“It’s long past time that you rein in your out-of-control agency and start following the law and the Constitution.”

Full Video Available HERE

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) cross-examined Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons over ICE’s “un-American and outright fascist” immigration enforcement tactics. Rep. Goldman grilled Lyons for forcing people of color to prove their citizenship — and demanded that Lyons “rein in [his] out-of-control agency.”

A rush transcript of the questioning is available below:

Rep. Dan Goldman: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Mr. Lyons, what guidance have you given to your agents about asking people walking on the streets of America to show proof of citizenship?

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons: Sir, as I stated earlier, the men and women of ICE, deportation officers and special agents, we conduct targeted intelligence driven operations. We don’t walk around in the streets asking people about their American citizenship.

Goldman: Really? So all of those individual American citizens who have been randomly asked are lying? Is that what you’re saying?

Lyons: Sir, if the men and women of ICE are conducting an investigation, whether it be for Title 8 immigration enforcement or Title 18 criminal enforcement, they’ll ask someone their nationality.

Goldman: Right but that’s not targeted because they’re asking all sorts of American citizens including off-duty law enforcement. Now, have you directed at any point your agents under the Supreme Court’s racial profiling ruling to only stop non-white people and those who look like immigrants to ask for their citizenship papers?

Lyons: No sir, I haven’t.

Goldman: Now, you are aware of course and there is well-documented, numerous well-documented instances of people, American citizens being asked to show and prove their citizenship. Do you know what other regimes in the 20th century required similar proof of citizenship?

Lyons: Yes sir.

Goldman: What?

Lyons: Sir, there has been various nefarious regimes that did that.

Goldman: Is Nazi Germany one?

Lyons: Yes. But I—

Goldman: Is the Soviet Union one?

Lyons: I-

Goldman: I’m asking the questions. Is the Soviet Union one?

Lyons: Yes sir, but I’m, I’m totally…this is the wrong type of questioning.

Goldman: I’ll tell you what the wrong type of questioning. Reclaiming my time.

Lyons: It’s not the men and women of ICE that are out there doing it every day. So to say that the men and women of ICE are Gestapos. Wrong.

Goldman: I’m reclaiming my time, I would like my time back please. Please give me another 15 seconds because he was unnecessarily speaking. You said in your opening statement that references to ICE as the Gestapo or the secret police encourages threats against ICE agents.

Lyons: 100%.

Goldman: The problem is, you have it backwards sir. People are simply making valid observations about your tactics, which are un-American and outright fascist. So I have a simple suggestion. If you don’t want to be called a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one. People are simply just observing what they are seeing. And that’s why people are making those comments.

Now I was a prosecutor for ten years, prosecuted mob bosses, organized crime, violent criminals, the actual “worst of the worst.” Not a single criminal law enforcement agent that I worked with wore a mask to conceal their identity. But your department, which is a civil law enforcement agency, is defending the use of masks by your agents because of a so-called rise in threats and assaults against your officers. Now you said in your opening testimony that assaults against ICE officers are up by more than 1400%, which is now even more than the 1300% that your gaslighting spokesperson Tricia [McLaughlin] from Ohio has recently been citing. But here’s the problem. There are two separate very detailed, very thorough investigative reports based on your own data that both conclude that assaults against ICE officers are up about 25%, which is far less, of course, than you assert and far less than you would expect from an agency that has more than doubled its hiring and has an even greater increase in arrests.

Now, why is that a problem Mr. Lyons? It’s a problem because the explanation that your agents are wearing masks because of fear of assaults or doxxing is outright bogus. You and your untrained, unqualified, unvetted, unidentified agents are intentionally terrorizing our cities and communities all over this country to avoid accountability for their excessive force and their lawless actions. That is why you’re wearing masks, so no one can hold you accountable and you know that the FBI is not going to because notwithstanding all the investigations all of you say are going on, the Department of Justice and the FBI has stated they are not investigating those two murders.

This is not the America I know and love. This is not the America my immigrant [family] came to and it’s long past time that you rein in your out-of-control agency and start following the law and the Constitution and I yield back.

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Rep. Tony Gonzales to DHS Leaders: Protect Law Enforcement, Transparency is Key

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During today's House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership on the safety of America's federal law enforcement. In the hearing, Congressman Gonzales discussed his new bill, the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott. Congressman Gonzales also received confirmation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons that the Trump administration is committed to releasing body camera footage from ICE agents.

For highlights from today's hearing, see below. Click here to watch Congressman Gonzales' full questioning.

Transcript lightly edited for clarity:

Congressman Gonzales: "Thank you, Chairman, and thank you, gentlemen, for your service to our great country. I was speaking to some agents who were deployed from Texas to Minnesota, just asking for the ground truth of what was happening. And one of the things that stood out to me is one of the agents said, Tony, it reminds me a lot of Fallujah. Having someone that served in Fallujah, that caught my attention. And so, my question, first, is to you, Commissioner Scott, is on the safety of our agents. In particular, I see that these task forces work, these anti-gang, these anti-terrorism task forces. But thinking of Fallujah reminds me, we were fighting a war that was the Persian Gulf when the world had changed. And so, my question is, is there a way we can protect our law enforcement, our federal law enforcement agents? I've got a bill, in particular, through bulletproof glass or ballistic windshields. Is that something you think could help protect the law enforcement officers who are on the front lines?"

Commissioner Scott: "I think that can help protect the officers on the front lines, but it goes much farther than that, because things have changed. So, the tactical infrastructure at the border, the bulletproof vests, all of that helps tremendously, but we're fighting a different fight now. The reason you saw so many people surge into LA at one point, and then now into Minneapolis, was because we had to surge additional resources into protect the ICE agents that were literally just going to try to make a lawful arrest. So, we had to put in two teams, one to do the arrest and another one to deal with the protesters. Luckily, CBP, well, not luckily, unfortunately, CBP has had to build out this capability over the years because we had been dealing with increased protests at the border, mass incursions, so we trained our people how to do crowd control. But let's not miss the fact that we have coordinated, well-funded, and I think insurgencies or terrorist organizations, however you want to call it, literally trying to prevent legal laws from being enforced in the United States. That is a dramatic change. That's why we've had to shift. So, we've got to figure out how to protect our officers and agents more holistically, on social media. How do we keep them from being doxed? When somebody goes to, like they did to Director Lyons, they follow his kid home and then have protests in his front yard and then put it out live on video. That needs to be a crime. I don't want to violate anybody's right to free speech, but going into your front yard and harassing your family just because you're a law enforcement officer, that should not be a protected action."

Congressman Gonzales: "The world has changed, and we need to change with it to make sure our federal law enforcement officers and their families are protected. My next question is for Director Lyons. Body cameras have been deployed in Minnesota. I think transparency helps regain public trust. Is there any plan to release any of the footage to the public?"

Acting Director Lyons: "100%, sir, that's one thing that I'm committed to, is full transparency, and I fully welcome body cameras all across the spectrum and all of our law enforcement activities. It is, sir. Body cam footage will be released."

Congressman Gonzales: "I agree with you completely. Everyone assumes this body camera footage is bad footage. In so many cases, it's the exact opposite, and we get a show from the officer's lens of what exactly they're dealing with on a daily basis, not just a 15-second clip we see on TikTok or whatever it may be. I'm very pleased to hear the releasing of more public footage. My next question is for you, Commissioner Scott. The question is really for all of us. As a member of Congress, what can I do to make sure what happened in Minnesota doesn't happen in my community?"

Commissioner Scott: "Put laws in place that protect our officers and agents so they can go out and do their job confidently and know they really, truly have the backing, and then got to plug it. Actually fund the programs. So when body cameras got rolled out to CBP, the technical capability, the camera got rolled out, but the funding for the personnel to support the programs and the data, that can drain basically all your other operations. So, fund the entire program so that we can be transparent and that we can make sure America knows what we're doing, because that trust is critically important."

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Goodlander Statement on Grand Jury Decision

Washington, D.C. — Tonight, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander released the following statement after a grand jury reportedly rejected an indictment attempt against Goodlander and her colleagues:

“President Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate me, arrest me, and hang me simply for doing my job. Today, an American grand jury honored our Constitution by standing up to an outrageous abuse of presidential power and taxpayer dollars. No matter the threats, I will keep doing my job and upholding my oath to our Constitution.”

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Moore, LaHood Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Housing for Foster Youth

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. This legislation aims to help youth transitioning out of foster care obtain housing by partnering with states and local services to better coordinate housing vouchers and opportunities.

“We must boost investments in our foster youth and foster families. That is one of my priorities as co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus on Foster Youth, and why I joined Rep. LaHood in introducing the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. Our bill would help improve coordination between existing housing programs at HUD and child welfare systems while providing states more flexibility to use Chafee funds to help cover housing-related costs and services for foster youth as they age out. These efforts will better support foster youth and their long-term stability,” said Congresswoman Moore.

"As Chairman of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee, I take seriously our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the best chance to succeed," said Congressman LaHood. "I thank Congresswoman Moore for her leadership and joining me to introduce the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act to better help youth transitioning out of foster care find stable housing. We must continue our work to uplift the most vulnerable among us and provide them with resources to pursue the American Dream."

Bill Highlights:

Improves access to housing by strengthening coordination with federal Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers available through public housing agencies.

Allows Chafee funds to be used for housing supportive services outside of the existing 30% cap on “room or board,” provides flexibility to determine the cap based on a rolling average over five years, and aligns age eligibility with FYI vouchers.

Background:

Nearly 35 percent of former foster youth experienced homelessness by age 21. Lack of stable housing is one of the biggest barriers to adulthood for transition-age foster youth.

The Foster Youth Housing Act clarifies that the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee) is intended to strengthen coordination between federal housing and child welfare programs.


Congressman Rogers Secures $37 Million More for Northern Bypass in Pulaski County

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) secured $37 million in federal funding for construction of the Northern Bypass in Pulaski County. The funding was part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill signed into law by President Trump on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Congressman Rogers also secured $45 million for the project, which was signed into law in 2024, bringing the total federal investment to $82 million for the project.

“This major federal investment paves the way for the future I-365 designation, connecting our region to I-65,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I have been working diligently with federal, state and local officials to map out important transportation projects in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, and this federal funding catapults our shared vision into reality.”

The new bypass will streamline a connection from the KY 461/KY 80 interchange near the Valley Oak Technology Complex to the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway at the US 27 interchange.

“We are grateful to Congressman Hal Rogers for securing $37 million for the Northern Bypass project,” said Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd. “This long-anticipated investment moves Pulaski County another step closer to completing this much needed project. Through strong partnerships between Pulaski County Government, Congressman Rogers, state leadership, and other regional stakeholders, the Northern Bypass will improve connectivity, increase traffic through our community, attract new business investment, support job creation, and expand economic opportunities which will strengthen Pulaski County’s role as a vital link between Eastern and Western Kentucky and beyond.”

“This investment is great news for not only Pulaski County, but also our region. Connecting the US-27/Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway interchange to the KY 461/KY 80 interchange creates a vital artery that will improve safety and is a strong step forward in expanding opportunities for local businesses, attracting new jobs, and strengthening our community’s future," said State Rep. Ken Upchurch, Chairman of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Once again Congressman Rogers has fought to provide our communities with vital funding and I appreciate his efforts.”

Congressman Rogers secured a total of $142 million for 14 Community Project Funding earmarks that have been signed into law for fiscal year 2026. Every county has the opportunity to apply for federal Community Project Funding in each congressional district.


Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Use NASA Technology to Track Methane Leaks

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joined Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) in introducing the Methane Monitoring Science Act, bipartisan legislation to improve federal coordination of methane monitoring technologies and methane emissions data sharing. The bill is designed to help energy producers and methane mitigation companies better identify leaks, reduce lost revenue, and strengthen the credibility of American energy in global markets.

“American energy competes in global markets where credibility matters. Right now, methane data is scattered across different systems, which makes it harder for U.S. producers to clearly show how they operate,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill directs NASA to use the satellites and data infrastructure it already runs to deliver more accurate methane measurements, without adding new regulations or expanding enforcement authority. When measurement is solid, American energy is stronger, exports are more competitive, and our national security is better protected.”

The Methane Monitoring Science Act directs NASA to develop a science-based strategy to assess current and future methane monitoring and detection capabilities, including ground-based, airborne, and space-based technologies, and to improve how methane data is integrated and shared. The legislation was included as an amendment in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 and was reported out of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on February 4, 2026.


Comisionado Residente anuncia $500,000 para capacitar trabajadores y limpiar terrenos abandonados en Puerto Rico

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente, Pablo José Hernández, informó hoy que la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA) seleccionó a Pathstone para recibir $500,000 mediante el programa Brownfields Job Training Grant, dirigidos a preparar trabajadores para la rehabilitación de terrenos abandonados y contaminados en la Isla.

“La selección de Pathstone permitirá capacitar a más de 100 residentes en destrezas ambientales críticas y acelerar la rehabilitación de terrenos abandonados en 12 municipios,” explicó el Comisionado Residente. “Esta inversión federal conecta a nuestra gente con trabajos bien remunerados y abre la puerta a nueva actividad económica en comunidades de toda la Isla.”

Desde su creación en 1995, el Programa de Brownfields de la EPA ha destinado cerca de $2,900 millones para evaluar y limpiar terrenos contaminados, ayudando a que propiedades abandonadas vuelvan a tener un uso productivo en comunidades de todo Estados Unidos.

Esta nueva iniciativa se implementará en 12 municipios incluyendo Naranjito, Orocovis, Barranquitas, Comerío, Salinas, Barceloneta, Manatí, Vega Baja, Vega Alta, Toa Alta, Aguas Buenas y Aibonito, donde muchas familias enfrentan mayores niveles de desempleo que en el resto del país. El objetivo es simple: preparar a residentes para trabajos reales y bien remunerados mientras se limpian y transforman terrenos abandonados en espacios útiles para la comunidad.

Con estos fondos, Pathstone capacitará a unas 110 personas en destrezas prácticas para el campo ambiental. Los participantes recibirán entrenamiento en seguridad, respuesta a emergencias, uso de equipo especializado y tecnologías modernas como drones. También aprenderán a manejar grúas horquillas y materiales peligrosos, inspeccionar asbesto y plomo, y pilotear drones.


Comisionado Residente impulsa prioridades para que los proyectos de agua y control de inundaciones avancen en Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, sometió un amplio paquete de prioridades para la próxima Ley de Desarrollo de Recursos Hídricos (WRDA, por sus siglas en inglés), el principal vehículo legislativo del Congreso para los proyectos del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de Estados Unidos, con el objetivo de destrabar obras paralizadas, fortalecer las costas, ampliar la protección contra inundaciones y modernizar los sistemas de agua potable y alcantarillado en toda la Isla.

“Estas son mis prioridades para Puerto Rico en WRDA: proyectos que avancen, comunidades protegidas y sistemas de agua que funcionen. Nuestro pueblo merece una infraestructura digna y confiable, y mi compromiso es asegurar que los recursos federales lleguen donde más se necesitan,” dijo el Comisionado Residente.

El Comisionado Residente sometió ante el Congreso y el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de Estados Unidos un paquete de prioridades para la próxima WRDA. Estas solicitudes responden a necesidades identificadas en distintas comunidades de Puerto Rico y buscan adelantar proyectos, fortalecer la protección contra inundaciones y apoyar inversiones federales en infraestructura.

Estudios de viabilidad costera — Autorización para nuevos estudios del Cuerpo de Ingenieros en Fajardo, Naguabo, Ceiba y Yabucoa, además de una evaluación a nivel isla sobre cómo la erosión costera amenaza el turismo, la vivienda y los negocios locales.

Incluir a Puerto Rico en programas nacionales de costas y riberas — Un cambio estatutario para que Puerto Rico pueda participar plenamente en programas de restauración de riberas y costas diseñados para reducir el riesgo de huracanes e inundaciones.

Ampliación de fondos para infraestructura ambiental — Una solicitud para aumentar la autoridad federal de Puerto Rico en proyectos de agua y expandir los usos elegibles para incluir manejo de escorrentías, protección costera y restauración ambiental.

Proyectos municipales (Corozal, Humacao, Loíza) — Solicitudes adicionales para mejoras en acueductos comunitarios en Corozal, obras de control de inundaciones en Humacao y un proyecto del sistema de acueductos comunitarios en el Municipio de Loíza.

Como parte de este esfuerzo integral, el Comisionado Residente también presentó el proyecto H.R. 7397 - Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act, que ordenaría al Cuerpo de Ingenieros realizar una evaluación completa a nivel isla de los envejecidos sistemas de agua potable y aguas usadas.

La medida requeriría que el Cuerpo de Ingenieros, en coordinación con la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Puerto Rico y otras agencias estatales y federales, rinda un informe al Congreso sobre:

La condición de tuberías, plantas de tratamiento y estaciones de bombeo en toda la Isla;

Qué proyectos ya autorizados por el gobierno federal avanzan — y cuáles permanecen detenidos;

Qué mejoras son necesarias para resistir tormentas y apagones; y

Cómo los gobiernos federal y estatal pueden coordinarse mejor para acelerar las obras.


Congresswoman Houlahan Secures $12 Million in Community Project Funding Grants for Chester and Berks Counties Organizations

Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced $12 million in community funding grants she has secured for 14 projects across Chester and Berks Counties. These funds will be invested in local workforce development, community safety, health care capabilities, and educational opportunities that will help Pennsylvania’s 6th District continue to thrive.

“This is a direct investment in the people and organizations that keep our community running,” said Houlahan. “I am proud to bring this funding back to our district to help the local fire departments, health care facilities, community college programs, and other essential organizations that are making Chester and Berks Counties safer, healthier, and better positioned for long-term success.”


Grand Jury Rebuffs Justice Dept. Attempt to Indict 6 Democrats in Congress

Originally published on The New York Times

Written by Alan Feuer, Glenn Thrush, and Michael S. Schmidt

Federal prosecutors in Washington sought and failed on Tuesday to secure an indictment against six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video in the fall that enraged President Trump by reminding active-duty members of the military and intelligence community that they were obligated to refuse illegal orders, four people familiar with the matter said.

It was remarkable that the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington — led by Jeanine Pirro, a longtime ally of Mr. Trump’s — authorized prosecutors to go into a grand jury and ask for an indictment of the six members of Congress, all of whom had served in the military or the nation’s spy agencies.

But it was even more remarkable that a group of ordinary citizens sitting on the grand jury in Federal District Court in Washington forcefully rejected Mr. Trump’s bid to label their expression of dissent as a criminal act warranting prosecution.

The move to charge the lawmakers — among them, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan — was, by any measure, an extraordinary attempt by Trump appointees to politicize the criminal justice system even for a Justice Department that has repeatedly shattered norms of independence from the White House and followed Mr. Trump’s directives to prosecute his adversaries.

But manipulating bureaucratic levers is not the same thing as controlling the entire criminal justice system.

Before Mr. Trump’s second term, it had been exceedingly rare for grand jurors to rebuff requests by prosecutors seeking indictments. It is now happening with increased frequency, as Mr. Trump’s appointees push ahead with questionable cases in an effort to appease him.

On Tuesday, prosecutors presenting the case sought to persuade the grand jurors that the lawmakers had violated a statute that forbids interfering with the loyalty, morale or discipline of the U.S. armed forces, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

They sought to bring charges against Mr. Kelly, Ms. Slotkin and their four colleagues in the House: Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger; Maggie Goodlander, a former Navy reservist; Chrissy Houlahan, a former Air Force officer; and Chris Deluzio, a Navy veteran.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

Ms. Slotkin welcomed the outcome. “No matter what President Trump and Pirro continue to do with this case, tonight we can score one for the Constitution, our freedom of speech, and the rule of law,” she said in a statement.

Mr. Kelly denounced the administration’s repeated efforts to target him and his colleagues.

“This is an outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackeys,” he said in a statement. “Donald Trump wants every American to be too scared to speak out against him. The most patriotic thing any of us can do is not back down.”

Time and again, the Justice Department under Mr. Trump has brought questionable criminal cases against foes of the president — among them, James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director, and Letitia James, New York’s attorney general.

Even though many of these cases have been weak, the department has apparently determined that it may be better to fail in court rather than push back against Mr. Trump’s well-known desire for revenge.

The president, emboldened by his success in bending the Justice Department and F.B.I. to his will, has intensified his effort to deploy the vast arsenal of federal law enforcement to pursue his political agenda and personal grievances.

The department recently opened investigations into Democratic officials in Minnesota who opposed his immigration crackdown, and arrested the journalist Don Lemon over his presence at a church protest in Minneapolis. Last week, the F.B.I. searched an elections office in the Atlanta area based on debunked claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

In November, Ms. Pirro, a longtime Trump ally, approved a criminal investigation into Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chairman, whom Mr. Trump has long sought to supplant.

The case against the lawmakers was prompted by an online video organized by Ms. Slotkin, a former C.I.A. analyst who served multiple tours in Iraq. It did not mention any specific order or military scenario. But it was released as Mr. Trump was authorizing strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and considered deploying active-duty military troops to American cities to quell protests.

The lawmakers took turns reading a statement in which they cautioned that the “threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.”

“Our laws are clear,” said Mr. Kelly, a Navy veteran and former astronaut. “You can refuse illegal orders.”

Almost immediately, the video drew the ire of Mr. Trump, who demanded that the lawmakers be punished and even suggested that they should be executed.

“SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” Mr. Trump wrote on his social media site. He shared another person’s post that said, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”

Days later, the six lawmakers disclosed that the F.B.I. had contacted the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms requesting interviews with them, indicating that a criminal investigation was underway.

“President Trump is using the F.B.I. as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress,” the four House members who took part in the video said in a joint statement. “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”

Mr. Kelly is also facing a separate investigation by the Pentagon into what military officials described as “serious allegations of misconduct.”

In a social media post in November, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the video was “despicable, reckless, and false,” and he asserted that the lawmakers, whom he disparaged as the “Seditious Six,” were encouraging troops to “ignore the orders of their Commanders.”

“Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion — which only puts our warriors in danger,” Mr. Hegseth wrote.


Congresswoman Houlahan talks AI data centers, ICE and federal shutdown in annual address

Originally published on WHYY.org

Written by Kenny Cooper

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Chester County, on Tuesday denounced a recent increase in immigration enforcement actions in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District.

Masked agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested two men Feb. 3 in a parking lot in Phoenixville, yanking one of the individuals from their vehicle in a chaotic scene.

The “plight of the people” that the country witnessed in Minneapolis has reached Chester County, Houlahan said during her seventh annual State of the Sixth address.

“ICE arrests were carried out in this community, and they’ve shaken families and raised fear and confusion, including among people who have lived and worked here peacefully for years and sometimes decades,” Houlahan said at the historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville.

Partisan disagreements over proposed reforms for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security could push the federal government into yet another partial shutdown.

“We need reform,” Houlahan said. “We are a nation of immigrants, but ICE is clearly not reform. ICE is undertrained. ICE is vastly, vastly overfunded. They have a budget that is larger than many countries’ entire defense budgets.”

The deadline for Congress to reach a deal on appropriations for the agency that oversees ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is Feb. 13.

Houlahan skeptical of AI data centers

ICE recently purchased a massive warehouse in neighboring Berks County for the potential use as an immigration detention center. The move prompted outcry from community advocates and elected officials, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Houlahan called the concept of detention centers “disturbing.” She said she’s unsure what can be done to stop the federal government, because the sale was a private transaction of private property.

Attendees also asked Houlahan about her thoughts on AI data centers. Shapiro has thrown his support behind the construction of such sites in Pennsylvania, citing the potential of increased tax revenue and jobs. Houlahan said that she doesn’t know enough about the topic. She said she’d need to learn more.

“My intuition is that this is not a good fit for our community for lots of different reasons,” Houlahan said. “But I also would say that we need to make sure that if and when data centers show up wherever they show up — because they’re going to show up — that they’re paying their share and that we’re not bearing the cost as individuals to the cost of them making their business work.”

Houlahan also criticized the Trump administration for hollowing out federal agencies while households face rising costs across the board. She said Berks and Chester counties are feeling the effects of Trump’s tariff policies.

“It’s estimated that the cost of a new home is up by about $10,900 on average because of the tariffs that have been imposed on some of the building supplies that we need to build our homes,” she said.

With midterm elections around the corner, Houlahan said she shares the same worries as some audience members that the Trump administration could attempt to nationalize voting. Critics of such a move fear it could lead to a constitutional crisis. Article 1, Section 4, of the Constitution grants states the power to run elections — not the president.

“Our democracy is not self-executing,” Houlahan said. “It doesn’t just run on its own and you set it and let it go. It really requires exactly what we’re doing here, which is participation. It requires listening, it requires learning, it requires accountability. I am accountable to you. It requires courage as well. We need to be as courageous as we possibly can be and put ourselves in uncomfortable places.”

Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District includes all of Chester County and parts of Berks County.


Hoyer: Mr. Putin, Do Not Misunderstand America's Commitment to Ukraine's Freedom

“I want to thank our Ukrainian guests, especially the children featured in this documentary, for coming all this way to share their stories. Their stories are important. It’s critically important to personalize to America the tragedy that has occurred, the carnage that is occurring, the savagery that is occurring on a daily basis. Because America has unfortunately been on the sidelines. Not always. Yes, there are some positive things happening, but we need to do more, much more. This war has touched your lives in different ways. Some of you have lost limbs. Some of you have lost loved ones. Some of you have lost your homes. All of you have lost a childhood in peace and safety, something that every human being and every child deserves. Yet, you're still here reminding this Congress and this country what is at stake in this world because Ukraine does not stand alone in this world, nor will the consequences of a loss by Ukraine be a loss only for Ukraine.

“It’s a war between democracy and despotism, freedom and fascism. It’s a fight against a dictator who is kidnapping, orphaning, wounding, and killing Ukrainian children every day: Vladimir Putin, a war criminal. A person whose country signed an agreement on a number of occasions saying that they would honor the territorial integrity of Ukraine. They lied. It’s a struggle for liberty [and] survival not only in Ukraine but also in America and around the world. Democracies must stand together if democracy is to survive. It is shameful that this Congress needs that reminder. You shouldn't have to ask us for support. We ought to already be giving it to you. I understand we have given it to you. In fact, we have voted at least 12 times since 2022 to support Ukraine. By over 80% on average, the majority of both parties have supported defending freedom on its front line, which is now Ukraine. You shouldn't have to ask us. We shouldn't have to pass another bill, but we do. We have the consensus to do so. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, as I said, at least 12 bills, young people, have been passed; all those 12 bills said, ‘We support Ukraine,’ or alternatively, ‘We do not support not supporting Ukraine.’ But ladies and gentlemen, we need the will to act. A sense of urgency, a sense of duty and responsibility to act. Yet we sit back while Kyiv burns.

“Young people, I first went to Kyiv in 1986. I was Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation with Europe. I went to tell other dictators of the same country, ‘We need to give Ukraine its freedom.’ I'm working on a discharge petition on the bill introduced by Greg Meeks, the former chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and a close friend and colleague of Michael McCaul. We've introduced a bill that is [called] the Ukraine Support Act. I talked to some of you about it, I talked to the Ambassador at the residence just the other day. It says what America needs to do: ‘We support Ukraine.’ Mr. Putin, do not misunderstand America's commitment to Ukraine's freedom. If we are to say that we need to pass a bill that says that. *applause* We have a [rule], young people, that says you can take a bill out of committee if it is not reported voluntarily. It takes 218 signatures on a petition to do that. We have, as of this time, right now, 217 signatures on that petition. We need one [more]. Just one, just one to come out with the bill and put it on the Floor. A bill which historically, over the last two and a half, three years, four years has gotten over 300 votes. It says we support Ukraine, we support its democracy, we support its territorial integrity, we support its people, and, yes, we support its children. All we need to have is one vote and then must come to the Floor, and the House needs to overwhelmingly say to Mr. Putin, ‘When we're with Ukraine, we are with Ukraine, and we will be with Ukraine until it is free, undiminished by demands for geography.' One more Member. That’s all we need.

“This war cannot end without the return of tens of thousands of children Putin has abducted. This war cannot end in the appeasement of the Russian bear. This war cannot end until this Congress acts, until we show an ounce of the courage that these children have shown, that the Ukrainian people have shown. We stood silent when another tyrant threatened, another tyrant invaded – it was then called the Sudetenland – [we] stood silent. We thought we could make a deal. We thought we could make a deal in 1994. We thought we could make a deal in 2014. We cannot make a deal with tyrants, dictators, and despots. We cannot make a deal that we can rely on. I ask all of you, as we watch this film, to see the agony and destruction caused by a war criminal called Putin. I ask all of you to urge just one more Member to sign a petition, a discharge petition that will bring that bill to the Floor. We cannot be silent. And we will get Members of the Congress of the United States to stand up for liberty and freedom. We need to bring the kids back. We need to bring justice and humanity back. We need to bring international law back. We need to let freedom ring in Ukraine. Thank you."


Ranking Member Huffman Blasts Whitewashing & Corruption Surrounding America’s 250th Birthday

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Democrats called out Republicans for allowing Trump to hijack America’s 250th Birthday celebration to sell access, hide his donors, and rewrite history — turning the country’s founding anniversary into a party exclusively for billionaires and a platform for Christian Nationalism.

Ranking Member Huffman opened the hearing by laying out a clear pattern of Trump’s corruption and House Republicans’ complicity, highlighting the un-American horrors they’ve let unfold across America.

“This corrupt, dishonest White House is trying to use America’s 250th milestone as a stage to promote an alternate reality and Trump’s fake America. The darker parts of our past are airbrushed out. The dire realities of this moment for democracy, for the rule of law, for immigrant communities, and for millions of Americans struggling to keep up with the cost of living, are obscured by gaslighting and declarations of a new golden age,” said Huffman.

“But anyone who falls for these gauzy lies, anyone who thinks our founders would approve of what Trump is doing to our country right now, is deluding themselves.

“Patriotic Americans should be sounding the alarm throughout this 250th year about what is happening in our country right now: unaccountable, militarized, secret police forces terrorizing communities, murdering some people in the streets for caring about their neighbors and peacefully protesting. Our free press is under attack for daring to show the public the truth. Actual history is getting whitewashed and censored from national parks and museums. Our democracy is teetering on the brink as a deeply unpopular president, who knows he is going to lose a free and fair election, proposes nationalizing elections. And all of you [Republicans] sit silently, even though you know what that means.

“And you let him hijack the country’s 250th anniversary to sell access, hide his donors, and rewrite history.”

Huffman went on to detail how House Republicans have let Trump – through Freedom 250 LLC – take over celebrations for personal and political gain.

“You let him clean house and put loyalists on the board of the National Park Foundation, open the door to foreign dark money donors to buy influence with zero oversight. They are raising untold sums that Trump is bragging he will use for vanity projects like a 250-foot Arc de Triomphe, whatever that is.

“They have siphoned off $100 million of taxpayer money to bankroll propaganda as the administration replaces the real story of our history with a whitewashed fantasy. The horror of slavery, the Native American genocide, all of that is out. Censorship and gauzy Christian nationalism, written by PragerU, are in.

“That is not patriotism. It is cowardice.

“We should honor the 250th anniversary of America by telling the truth. Maybe if we did that, it would jar some of you into remembering the oath you swore to uphold the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Huffman concluded.

Democrats discussed troves of evidence they’ve uncovered regarding Freedom 250’s involvement in the semiquincentennial celebrations and how taxpayer dollars are being funneled into secretive, partisan operations.

PAY-TO-PLAY CORRUPTION AND DARK MONEY: Freedom 250 LLC is a shadow fundraising operation designed to conceal the flow of public and private funds.

It was registered using Harvard Business Services, a go-to vendor for anonymous Trump-affiliated organizations, as a registered agent. Trump has stacked the National Park Foundation’s board with personal campaign finance operatives.

According to Committee documents and recently revealed evidence from PEER, sponsorship packages start at $500,000 for VIP access and speaking roles. $2.5 million buys a private photo with the President.

The NPF charter does not bar foreign donations, and Freedom 250 leadership openly courted foreign money at Davos, inviting countries and companies to help “shape” the American celebration in exchange for donations.

ERASING HISTORY FROM NATIONAL PARKS FOR TRUMP’S WHITEWASHED FANTASY: Despite massive public outcry and overwhelming opposition from most Americans, Trump has spent the past year stripping public spaces of references to slavery, the removal of Native Americans, and climate change. Real history is being torn off the walls of national parks and replaced with partisan propaganda.

Executive Order 14253 (March 2025) requires the removal of any public monument, sign, or exhibit on federal land that "disparages Americans past or living, including persons living in colonial times." Secretarial Order 3431 directs agencies to complete removals within 120 days and asks visitors to report "negative" historical information.

Meanwhile, taxpayer-funded "Freedom Trucks" are touring the country with AI-generated content produced by PragerU and Hillsdale College.

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM ON THE TAXPAYER DIME: The Trump administration is using this celebration to further erode church-state separation and force extreme Christian Nationalism on the American people, pushing a false narrative that our country was founded as a Christian nation.

Freedom 250's internal, nonpublic "Events Toolkit" includes "Faith-Based Messaging" such as "Our rights come not from government, but from God," recommends "pro-life" messaging, and proposes worship nights, family devotional picnics, and "scripture readings paired with quotes from the Founding Fathers."

Freedom 250 has partnered with PragerU, Moms for Liberty, and the America First Policy Institute. Christian nationalist activist Sean Feucht has publicly claimed he met with the federal America 250 team to plan "revival meetings sponsored by the U.S. government." A major prayer event on the National Mall will "rededicate our country as one nation under God," according to the Freedom 250 launch video.

More details on the evidence compiled by Natural Resources Committee Democrats can be found HERE.

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Rep. John James, Oversight Chair James Comer Push for Election Integrity in Michigan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John James (MI-10) is continuing his long-standing effort to protect the integrity of America’s elections by authoring a letter with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (KY-01) to the U.S. Department of Justice demanding answers and accountability following reports of non-citizens appearing in Michigan jury pools and voter registration systems.

The letter, sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, requests a formal briefing from the Department of Justice regarding these issues and steps being taken to prevent non-citizens from being improperly included in jury pools or voter rolls.

“This is not about the past. It’s about the future. It’s about rebuilding trust so Michiganders have faith in all our elections to come,” said James. “Until Michiganders can trust their elections, Michiganders will not trust their leaders. I’m thankful to Chairman Comer for leading the way to deliver accountability and answers to the American people.”

Michigan’s jury pools are generated using driver’s license and state identification records. State law also provides for automatic voter registration when individuals apply for a driver’s license or state ID unless they opt out, underscoring the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date voter eligibility records.

Recent reports from Macomb County have raised serious concerns about election administration and public confidence in Michigan’s systems. A cross-check of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Qualified Voter File and the county jury pool revealed significant breaches.

“In Michigan’s Macomb County, Clerk Anthony Forlini uncovered significant breaches during a cross check of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Qualified Voter File and the county jury pool,” the letter states. “Over a four-month period, 239 non-citizens were found to have been included in the jury pool. Of these individuals, 14 were identified as having been registered to vote at one point.”

This action builds on Congressman James’s leadership on election integrity. Last week, Rep. James joined a letter from the House of Representatives Michigan Republican Delegation to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson demanding answers on ongoing concerns about election integrity in Michigan.

"While you admit you are aware of instances of non-citizen voting you continued to erode public confidence by refusing to comply with a lawful request by the Department of Justice to provide them Michigan’s voter registration data to ensure that Michigan’s voter rolls are being properly maintained," the Michigan lawmakers wrote. "Your refusal to comply with the DOJ’s request and assist in building the public’s confidence in Michigan elections invalidates your statement to the Committee on House Administration that you believe your responsibility is to 'ensure our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that the results are accurate' because under your watch you have allowed an environment to persist where at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election."

Rep. James has long maintained that safeguarding election integrity is essential to maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions and protecting the fundamental civil right of every eligible American to vote. He twice voted in support of the SAVE Act, and is a cosponsor of the SAVE America Act to establish voter ID requirements for voting or registering to vote in federal elections.

To read the full letter to Attorney General Bondi click here.

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Jayapal Demands Trump Administration Rescind Illegal Detention Policy Denying Immigrants Bond Hearings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, is leading 62 Members of Congress in demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescind its July memo denying bond hearings to certain detained immigrants.

“ICE created a legal fiction on which to rely: that all immigrants who entered without inspection, regardless of the timing of their entry, are to be treated as if they are still seeking admission at the border, and therefore afforded fewer protections under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),” wrote the Members.

Typically, immigrants in the U.S. have been afforded the right to request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director, however, arbitrarily determined that immigrants who entered between ports of entry, even if they have been living in the United States for decades since that initial entry, are no longer eligible for bond hearings.

This policy has been rejected in court by judges from 35 different states, appointed by every single President since Ronald Reagan, including 33 appointed by President Trump himself. Despite hundreds of rulings that these individuals are entitled to bond hearings, immigrants across the country continue to be denied bond hearings due to ICE’s policy.

“This must end. As executive branch appointees, your job is to enforce the law. Over 300 judges have told you 1,600 times exactly what the law is. Now you must follow it. Rescind this absurd memo and allow detained immigrants the opportunity to obtain bond hearings,” concluded the Members.

The full letter can be read here.

The letter was signed by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeline Dean (PA-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), Valerie Foushee (NC-4), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesus “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).


LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN CHRISTIAN MENEFEE

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “ICE SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO ACT LIKE EVERY OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENTAGENCY IN THE COUNTRY”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a press conference, where he emphasized that ICE, CBP and the Department of Homeland Security are harming the American people and should all be dramatically reformed before continued funding for DHS is passed.

KATY TUR: Joining us, House Minority Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Thank you very much for joining us, sir.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.

KATY TUR: All right. Let’s talk about a deal. The White House says one thing. You say another. Republicans say a third. Are you going to get there?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the ball is in the Republicans’ court right now. We’ve made clear that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not brutalize or kill them. That shouldn’t be a controversial proposition. We know that ICE is completely and totally out of control. They’ve gone way too far, and they need to be reined in so that immigration enforcement in this country is fair, is just and is humane. And the only way to bring that about right now is for there to be dramatic changes in the way in which DHS conducts itself before any funding bill moves forward on Friday.

KATY TUR: There’s talk in the Senate about maybe extending this CR even further if there are good-faith negotiations. Some Democrats have said they believe that the White House and Republicans are trying to get there, and they may be willing to extend the CR. Do you believe the Republicans and the White House are negotiating in good faith? And would you agree to extending the CR?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I’m not supportive of a continuing resolution extension, in part because I haven’t seen any evidence that the White House and Republicans are willing to negotiate in good faith. We sent over a very detailed list of demands, common-sense proposals, including but not limited to a judicial warrant requirement that they’ve chosen to reject out of hand. The Fourth Amendment is not optional. It’s not inconvenient. It’s something that everyone should comply with. And our basic premise here is that ICE should be compelled to act like every other law enforcement agency in the country. That’s what we need to bring about. They’ve got legislative language that Senate and House Democrats have sent over to them. We’ve heard nothing but crickets in response in terms of a serious counterproposal. And so were we to agree to a continuing resolution in the absence of good-faith negotiations, that’s just a delay and a stall tactic that this administration will be utilizing.

KATY TUR: It sounds like you think there’s going to be a partial government shutdown on Friday.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we can either have dramatic reform of DHS, ICE, CBP and the way in which immigration enforcement is undertaken here in the country. Listen, these people, Katy, they promised that immigration enforcement was going to target violent felons who are here illegally. That’s not what’s taking place. They’re targeting American citizens, law-abiding immigrant families and American communities, which is why the American people are so horrified. And so, we either need dramatic change on the one hand, or listen, Republicans are going to make the decision to shut down FEMA, shut down the Coast Guard and shut down TSA, and that would be very unfortunate.

KATY TUR: I was going to ask about that, but again, it does sound like you’re pessimistic. What we understand about the White House’s counter-proposal is that they—it’s a non-starter, the judicial warrants. What else can you tell us about their counterproposal?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, they’ve indicated that they’ve got a problem with judicial warrants. They have a problem with any reform of the manner in which detention is being conducted. They’ve got a problem with prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks. By the way, police officers don’t wear masks. State troopers don’t wear masks. County sheriffs don’t wear masks. Again, ICE should conduct itself like every other law enforcement agency in the country. The White House apparently has a problem with independent investigations. Our view is that when ICE agents, under the color of law, are actually violating the rights of American citizens or law-abiding immigrant families, when they’re breaking state and local law, they should be held accountable. So, state and local officials should have the ability to investigate or prosecute violations of their law. These are all areas where the White House has indicated they’re not willing to go down that road, which basically means they wanna shut down DHS.

KATY TUR: Well, that to me sounds like there’s no compromise. There’s no middle ground. You’ve asked for a slew of things, and the White House is denying all of those things. So there’s nothing there that you guys can agree on as of now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the White House has indicated that there’s some openness to mandating body cameras. That’s important, but that can’t be the only thing that is done moving forward. That’s not dramatic change, and the White House has not even gone as far as saying we agree, mandatory body cameras, no exceptions. Their response, even in that area, has been ambiguous.

KATY TUR: I’m curious if I can ask you more broadly about immigration while I have you, because we’re obviously in an election season. Immigration is a very hot topic right now. It’s one that Republicans have used to try to paint Democrats as weak on the border and weak on immigration. And they say that Democrats are harboring criminals and putting Americans’ lives at risk. I obviously know Democrats would deny all of those counts. I wonder, though, if you have thought of a strategy on immigration for your party going into the midterms. And I’m just curious if we could put it between these two poles here. On the one hand—I’m going to play this—a sound bite from President Obama back when he was running for office the first time—I think it’s 2008—in a debate with Hillary Clinton. And then the second one is, I believe, Delia Ramirez, who spoke today at this House hearing with ICE and CBP, saying what she believes should happen to that agency. Let me play both.

RECORDING OF FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: It is absolutely critical that we tone down the rhetoric when it comes to the immigration debate because there has been an undertone that has been ugly. Oftentimes, it has been directed at the Hispanic community. We have seen hate crimes skyrocket in the wake of the immigration debate as has been conducted in Washington, and that is unacceptable. We are a nation of laws and we are a nation of immigrants, and we can reconcile those two things. So, we need comprehensive reform. We need comprehensive reform, and that means stronger border security.

RECORDING OF REP. DELIA RAMIREZ: As I’ve said before, DHS, ICE and CBP, they’re not really rogue. Congress designed DHS to violate our rights under the pretense of securing our safety. I’m going to say it loud and clear, and I’m proud to stand by what I say. DHS cannot be reformed. It must be dismantled, and something new must take its place, because if we let DHS persist, there will continue to be a weapon that can be pointed at anyone the government considers the public enemy.

KATY TUR: So, among the things that President Obama proposed back then was that immigrants had to learn English. He believed that anybody who crossed here illegally had to get to the back of the line. There was a fine that should be paid as well. It’s not something you hear generally speaking from Democrats today. So if you’re looking at the two polls that we just put in front of you, where do you believe the Democratic Party messaging should be?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first, we believe that the border should be safe, it should be strong and it should be secure. We certainly believe that our immigration system is broken and it needs to be fixed, but it should be fixed in a comprehensive way and in a bipartisan way. At the same period of time, we are a nation of immigrants and, of course, a nation of laws as well, as President Obama indicated, and we can reconcile the challenges there. That means that we, as Democrats, we’re going to always stand up for Dreamers, stand up for farm workers, stand up for law-abiding immigrant families who are contributing to this country in so many meaningful ways. And the American people know it, which is why they supported the notion of targeting violent felons who are here illegally and figuring out a pathway towards citizenship for others who are here working hard in their communities in order to bring to life that notion that we have been a nation of immigrants, are a nation of immigrants and part of our exceptionalism will continue to be as a nation of immigrants.

KATY TUR: Leader Jeffries, I know I’ve run out of time with you, but I appreciate you joining us, and if you ever want to have a longer conversation about immigration and where the party should stand on it, I’d love to have you back, sir. Thank you so much for coming on today.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you so much.

Full interview can be watched here.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON THE TRUMP TARIFFS: “THE ONLY MANDATE WE HAVE COLLECTIVELY IS TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor, where he emphasized that the American people are suffering under the Trump-Republican economy and that President Trump’s tariffs are making life unaffordable for many Americans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this rule, another reckless effort by the Republican majority to stop this House from doing something to stop the reckless Trump tariffs.

Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives, part of this Congress, is a separate and co-equal branch of government. We don’t work for Donald Trump. We don’t work for JD Vance. We don’t work for Republican billionaire donors. We work for the American people. And the Constitution, Mr. Speaker, gives this House the explicit authority with respect to tariffs. And yet, because apparently my Republican colleagues have been ordered by the current President not to allow an up-or-down vote on whether his tariffs are harmful to the American people, once again, we find ourselves discussing a rule to limit the ability of this Congress to act on behalf of the American people. This is consistent with what we’ve seen from the Republican majority, Mr. Speaker, from the very beginning of this Congress, which unfortunately continues to act like nothing more than a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, an agenda that’s not helping the American people. It is hurting the American people.

Yes, we have a cost-of-living crisis in this country. I know the President doesn’t wanna talk about it. He thinks it’s a Democratic hoax. No, the affordability crisis in this country is not a hoax. It is very real. Working class Americans, middle class Americans and everyday Americans are suffering because of the failed Trump-Republican economy. Donald Trump—his words—promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. More than a year later, in the United States of America, Mr. Speaker, costs haven’t gone down. Costs have gone up. Housing costs out of control. Healthcare costs out of control. Child care costs out of control. Electricity bills out of control. And the price of groceries and everyday goods completely out of control. And one of the reasons why the cost of living continues to crush the American people is because of the Trump tariffs, which have imposed thousands of dollars in additional costs on everyday Americans, making life even more expensive than it had been when this presidency began.

Why is it so complicated for Donald Trump to keep his promise to the American people to lower costs, to focus on making life more affordable? Instead, he’s gone the opposite direction, imposing tariffs on our allies in Canada and Mexico, in Europe, across the world, without any clear strategy, having an adverse effect on the pocketbook of everyday Americans. And this Congress is charged constitutionally with the ability to say yes or no as it relates to tariffs that have been imposed. In fact, the President should have sought our authorization. Instead, he’s using a fake emergency authority that hopefully the Supreme Court will make clear he does not have. And we certainly await that decision, but we don’t need to wait for that decision. We don’t work for the Supreme Court either.

The House, the Article 1 branch of government, the institution that the framers decided should be the part of government that’s closest to the American people, that reflects the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations, the fears, the concerns, the anxieties, the passions and the life experiences of the American people who are suffering right now in this failed Trump-Republican economy. That’s not just my simple observation. Fox News, the President’s favorite news source, in a recent public opinion survey, concluded that more than 70% of the American people believe, correctly, the economy is a disaster under this President. And one of the reasons why it’s a disaster is because of the reckless Trump tariffs. And the Republican majority, Mr. Speaker, won’t even allow an up-or-down vote. That’s what this rule is about: silencing debate and the will of the people’s representatives to do something meaningful to make life more affordable for the American people.

And so, I asked some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who know that this so-called mandate that Republicans apparently believe they had in the aftermath of the November 2024 elections—parenthetically, by the way—what mandate do you really think you have in this House when you have the narrowest majority that any party has had since 1930 during the Great Depression? In fact, we also know you wouldn’t even be in the majority right now had you not stolen three seats from the people of North Carolina with mid-decade gerrymandering in 2024. So we don’t want to hear anything about mandate. The only mandate we have collectively is to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, to drive down the high cost of living, to stop burying your head in the sand, to stop being a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, to stand up to him every now and then as part of a separate and co-equal branch of government. Stop the cult-like behavior, Mr. Speaker. It’s hurting your very constituents.

And so we have an opportunity, if we vote down this rule, to actually take up for consideration the resolution put forward by Congressman Meeks that would wipe out the unnecessary tariff imposed on our ally to the north in Canada. It’s a step that should have been taken a long time ago, but Republicans have been blocking this vote. And I just hope that a handful of Republicans will join every single House Democrat in opposing this rule so we can get to a debate on the actual substantive effort to stop the reckless and dangerous and harmful Trump tariffs as part of our commitment as Democrats to do what’s necessary to lower the high cost of living and to make sure that every single American in this country, when you work hard, when you play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life and live the good life. Not too much to ask for in the wealthiest country, America, in the history of the world. Work hard, play by the rules, live the good life. Good-paying job, good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and a good retirement, which means backing off your extreme attacks on Social Security and Medicare. That’s the Democratic commitment. And in order to help bring about that good life, Mr. Speaker, one of the most meaningful things that we can do as a body is to stop the harmful Trump tariffs. Vote no against this rule.

The Floor speech can be watched here.

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Kaptur Statement Responding To President Trump Call To Delay Opening Of Gordie Howe Bridge

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, and Defense released the following statement in response to President Trump’s February 9, 2026 statement in which he said he would not allow the opening of the $6 Billion Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

“Degrading the Gordie Howe Bridge is just the latest example of this Administration driving the car backwards, hurting an economy that was already straining America's workers. The attacks on our healthcare, educational systems, and treasured alliances that our nation has built at great human cost over our shared history may be theatre for the President, but it is once again our workers across the Heartland that will face the brunt of the pain.

“Canada has paid entirely for this extraordinary suspension bridge. Our Great Lakes freshwater economy is the third largest in the world. We maintain our continent’s longest binational coastline. Once the bridge opens, it will revolutionize multimodal trade between our nations. The Canadians are our Allies, our friends, our partners in building North America forward. This engineering masterpiece will not only create additional cross border trade between Windsor and Detroit — it will galvanize trade in Ohio and America's Heartland, opening up the entire Miami and Maumee Valley’s and transport of agriculture, goods, and cars across major expressways, rail lines, ports, and the I-80, I-90, I-75 nexus.

“Our Great Lakes economy is like no other with its industrial and agricultural bounty, the largest body of freshwater on earth, the longest US coastline with numerous ports, energy resources, cultural endowments, and unrivaled, natural beauty.

“If the President is just flailing for another distraction to divert public attention from the horror of the Epstein scandal, I would ask that he avoid doing further harm to our important trade relationships to Canada and join me in celebrating the marvel that is the Gordie Howe Bridge, brought to us by the dedicated partnership of two great Allied nations and the men women of the US and Canadian Building Trades."

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Whip Clark on GOP Voter Suppression Bill: "They're Afraid of Women Voting"

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined the Democratic Women's Caucus to denounce Republican legislation that would obstruct women’s right to vote ahead of the midterm elections. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"Today, we are here to talk about the SAVE Act. Once again, with this bill, Republicans have decided to prioritize themselves over the people they represent and the democracy they serve.

"Let’s be clear up front: This is not about protecting our elections. Republicans aren’t truly afraid of non-citizens voting — which we all know is already illegal, already grounds for deportation.

"They’re afraid of women voting.

"And let's look at the past year. What has complete Republican control of Washington meant for women and girls?

"Attacks on child care. Attacks on our servicewomen. Tariffs on strollers and car seats and school supplies. Cuts to food assistance. Cuts to Medicaid — a program that pays for nearly half of all births in America. They voted to criminalize OB/GYNs and demonize pregnant women. They engineered an economy so disastrous for working moms that at least 450,000 women have left the workforce.

"But they still find time to cover up for Jeffrey Epstein’s network of pedophiles.

"And now, Republicans have realized they have a political problem on their hand. Look at the latest Fox News’ poll: By a 10-point margin, women plan to vote for a Democrat for Congress.

"So are Republicans backtracking? Are they reaching out to women voters and saying let's bring down the cost of child care? Let's reverse those premium hikes for health insurance? No. They've decided to make it harder for women to vote.

"They are trying to place more red tape, more paperwork, more bureaucracy between women and the ballot box. While they also will funnel all of our voter information to DHS. No guardrails — just straight into the hands of Kristi Noem.

"This is the playbook that we have come to expect from this Republican Party. They make promises. They break those promises. And they try to hide from accountability by rigging elections.

"So we are here to say, as women of the Democratic Caucus: We are not going to let that happen.

"We are going to fight back here in the halls of Congress. We are going to fight back in the courts. And above all, we are going to keep fighting back out in our communities — where women and men are speaking up and making it clear: This is not the America we want. This isn’t the economy we were promised. And this isn’t the legacy that our children deserve."

To view the complete press conference, click HERE. To view photos, click HERE.

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