Norton to Question Witnesses on Potomac River Sewage Spill and Study on Secondary Drinking Water Source for D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her question line ahead of today’s Transportation & Infrastructure hearing on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), where she’ll question Lt. Gen. William H. Graham, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, about the study she got authorized to identify a secondary drinking water source for D.C. Norton will also address the recent sewage spill in the Potomac River, which underscores the need for the District to have a secondary drinking water source. The Potomac River is the sole source of drinking water for the District.

“The recent wastewater spill into the Potomac River is a stark reminder that our capital’s water infrastructure remains dangerously vulnerable. Clean water is not optional; it is fundamental to public health and safety. This incident underscores the urgent need for a secondary drinking water source for the District so that residents are not left at the mercy of a single, aging system. We must act to protect our environment and the health of every family in our city.”

Norton’s question line follows, as prepared for delivery.

Question Line of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Hearing

February 24, 2026

The Army Corps supplies the District of Columbia’s drinking water, and the Potomac River is the only source of that drinking water. With only one day of backup water supply, man-made or natural events that make the river unusable for drinking water would put residents, the federal government and the regional economy at risk.

In 2022, at my request, Congress authorized the Corps to conduct a feasibility study of a “project for water supply, including the identification of a secondary water source and additional water storage capability for the Washington Metropolitan Area.” Congress has since appropriated $2,300,000 for the study.

Two weeks ago, the Corps informed me that it will likely limit the scope of the study to an expansion of the existing primary storage basin. That violates both the study’s authorization and appropriation. Expansion of the reservoir is not a secondary water source.

Lieutenant General Graham, why has the Corps decided to limit the study to the expansion of the reservoir?

Will you commit to expanding the scope of the study to identifying a secondary water source and additional water storage capability, as required by federal law?

What is the federal government’s plan to provide emergency drinking water to D.C. in the event the Potomac River becomes unusable for drinking water, as could have happened had a different portion of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed last month?

Last month, a section of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed, causing hundreds of millions of gallons of wastewater to flow into the Potomac River. Not only is this an environmental disaster, but it also underscored the urgency of a secondary drinking water source.

Lieutenant General Graham, will the Corps provide D.C. Water financial assistance for the long-term rehabilitation of the Potomac Interceptor?

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Pallone Underscores Trump’s Cost-of-Living Crisis with Gateway Worker as Guest at State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will attend President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight with Derrick Healy, a New Jersey Gateway Tunnel construction worker and member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America who was forced off the job when the Trump Administration froze congressionally approved funding for the project.

The funding was released only after a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to comply with the law, allowing construction to resume. Before that ruling, roughly 1,000 workers were sent home without pay, construction was halted, and one of the most critical infrastructure projects in the country was thrown into uncertainty. And while this portion of federal funding was released, the Trump Administration is continuing its appeal of the ruling that could put future Gateway funding and the paychecks of these workers in peril once again.

“Trump illegally froze funding for a project that supports thousands of New Jersey workers and forced families to wonder how they’d pay their bills,” Pallone said. “Derrick shouldn’t have needed a federal judge to get back to work. Gateway was on budget and on schedule until Trump decided to play politics with people’s livelihoods. I will keep fighting for the continued funding of this important project and do all I can to block the Trump administration’s efforts to halt it. If the President wants to talk about affordability tonight, he should start by explaining why he made it harder for working families to earn a paycheck in the first place.”

“Gateway is essential to our economy and to the hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on this tunnel every day,” said Governor Sherrill. “Trump freezing this funding was illegal and it put New Jersey workers and their families in an impossible position. We went to court because the law matters and because these jobs matter. The court agreed and the funding is finally moving again, but workers should never have been forced into this uncertainty in the first place.”

“People who actually work for a living can’t afford the basics anymore. Trump promised more building, more manufacturing, and more jobs in America. What’s he actually done? Nothing but play political games, cause chaos with our paychecks, and make it harder for blue collar people to do their damn jobs. Thanks to pressure from union workers, Congressman Pallone, Governor Sherrill, and others in the delegation, the Gateway project is back on track. I’m proud to be Congressman Pallone’s guest at the State of the Union to help send a message: stop the games and lower the high cost of living,” said Healy.

The Gateway Tunnel project supports thousands of union jobs and is essential to the daily commute of more than 200,000 riders between New Jersey and New York. When funding was halted, the disruption not only jeopardized workers’ livelihoods but also risked serious delays and potential cost overruns for taxpayers on a project that had been on budget and on schedule.

Pallone said Healy’s presence underscored a broader message ahead of and following the address: affordability starts with a paycheck, and New Jersey workers should not need a court order just to get back to work.


Pappas Becomes First Democrat to Back SECURE Minerals Act in the House

This week, ahead of a Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources legislative hearing on the Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) became the first Democrat in the House to cosponsor the legislation. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN), and U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (VA-01) and John Moolenaar (MI-02) introduced the legislation last month.

Critical minerals have emerged as a key chokepoint in the global economy, giving the People’s Republic of China enormous leverage, as it's demonstrated over the last year. Just as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the CHIPS and Science Act, which Pappas helped pass, have created more resilient domestic energy and semiconductor supplies, this bipartisan legislation will play a vital role in insulating the U.S. economy from external threats and creating good-paying jobs at home through the creation of a new Strategic Resilience Reserve (SRR).

“The creation of a new Strategic Resilience Reserve for critical minerals is a common-sense, bipartisan step that will secure our supply chains and minimize the leverage the Chinese Communist Party is able to exert against American businesses, workers, and families,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m glad to join Representatives Wittman and Moolenaar to push forward this legislation that will strengthen our economy and create good-paying jobs right here in the United States.”

Specifically, the legislation would establish the SRR in an independent government corporation—run by a seven-member board appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate—to focus on supporting the critical minerals market, including through stable prices, expanding domestic and allied production capacity and recycling, stockpiles, competitive markets and supply chain work, with minerals where the U.S. is reliant on China (including rare earths, where China controls 90 percent of processing) and recycling prioritized. The legislation also prioritizes support for projects that recycle, reuse, or repurpose critical minerals or extract minerals from mining or industrial waste.

The bill is supported by: the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Critical Minerals Association, Arizona State University, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, the Breakthrough Institute, Center for Public Enterprise, Employ America, Foundation for American Innovation, Institute for Progress, Jervois, New American Industrial Alliance, TechMet, and Zeno Power.

Background:

Since taking office, Pappas has led the fight in Congress to stand up to China’s growing aggression, hold it accountable for human rights violations and trafficking deadly fentanyl into the United States, and ensure that Americans can outcompete the world.


Pappas Demands Trump Administration Immediately Rescind New Rule That Would Slash Disability Ratings for Thousands of Veterans

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, joined Senate and House colleagues in demanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins immediately rescind the Trump administration’s new interim final rule that would change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated. This rule would lower disability ratings and compensation awards for disabled veterans who rely on medications to manage their health conditions by not taking into account the true severity of their disabilities.

“We write to request the immediate rescission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) interim final rule entitled ‘Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication' (RIN: 2900-AS49),” wrote lawmakers in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Though halting enforcement of the rule was a necessary acknowledgment of the widespread concern about its implications, the change made by the interim final rule is current law and remains in the Code of Federal Regulations. Without a complete and permanent rescission, veterans across the country will have to confront the unnecessary dilemma of continuing life-improving treatment for their conditions even though it could lead to a reduction in the benefits they have earned and desperately need.”

While VA Secretary Collins temporarily halted implementation of the rule last week following backlash from veterans and Veterans Service Organizations, he has not outright rescinded the rule—leaving veterans’ benefits at risk of being lowered. More than 18,000 public comments have been submitted opposing the rule, which was issued without advance notice to or consultation with veterans or Congress. Congressman Pappas and his colleagues stressed the harm the rule could cause by forcing veterans to make an “impossible choice” of following their prescribed treatment plan or risk losing their benefits.

The lawmakers continued raising alarm over this rule and the Administration’s secret process of publishing it: “This rule is a short-sighted and ill-timed reaction to the Ingram v. Collins decision. The appeal of that case is still ongoing, and VA’s attempt to circumvent the judicial process by publishing this rule is troubling…We agree with the court’s precedential holding in Ingram and believe VA must discount the beneficial impact of medication when rating disability compensation claims. Veterans and Veteran Service Organizations have also made it clear that veterans should not be penalized for complying with treatment. Veteran Service Organizations have made their voices heard in the wake of this rule, but have repeatedly not been included in the conversations leading up to VA policy changes. This is a troubling trend, as it signals a desire to cut veteran voices out of the system designed to provide for them.”

The lawmakers demanded urgent answers, including a description of the steps VA has taken to suspend implementation of the rule; a timeline for the rule’s rescission or replacement; action VA is planning regarding its appeal of the Ingram v. Collins decision; and information regarding what conditions and diagnoses are meant to be targeted by this rule and the estimated number of veterans who will be impacted. They also formally requested VA and the National Archives and Records Administration preserve all stored communication regarding matters related to the development and issuance of this rule.

Last week VA published an interim final rule to change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated without an appropriate public comment period. This new rule reverses the previous standard established in 2025 by the Ingram v. Collins court case, which required VA to discount the impact of medication when evaluating the severity of claims for certain disabilities. Instead, the rule directs examiners to rate veterans’ disabilities as they present and to disregard the impact of medication. This would require VA to issue lower disability ratings despite evidence showing veterans meet the requirements for higher ratings.


Pettersen, Bennet, Hickenlooper Demand DHS Sec Kristi Noem Abandon Plans for Expansion of ICE Detention Facility in Hudson, CO

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper demanded that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem abandon their proposed plan to open a new Immigration, Customs, and Enforcement (ICE) facility in Hudson, Colorado – which would increase ICE detention capacity in Colorado drastically from around 1,500 beds to more than 2,700 beds. In a letter to DHS today, they are demanding detailed answers regarding the contracts awarded to GEO Group, the planned conditions of the facility, health and safety standards, oversight mechanisms, and how DHS will ensure detainees have meaningful access to legal counsel and family visitation.

Pettersen, and other members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, learned of the new facility during an oversight visit they conducted at the Aurora ICE detention center last fall. This continued nationwide expansion of ICE operations comes after Trump and Noem’s ICE operation detained a record-breaking 3,800 children last year alone. Changes in arrest practices by this administration have also led to a 2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in ICE detention on any given day.

“ICE has lost its public trust and must be stopped until there is a complete overhaul of operations. They have been terrorizing our communities – conducting raids in secret and pulling people off the streets into unmarked cars, detaining children, and even killing American citizens in cold blood with impunity,” said Pettersen. “There’s not a chance in hell we’re going to sit back and allow this rogue, lawless agency to expand their despicable operations in Colorado. My stomach is sick thinking about the families being ripped apart and the kids forced to endure a lifetime of trauma and heartbreak from losing their parents. A new ICE facility in Colorado won’t make us safer – especially without guardrails to ensure basic, humane treatment of those at the facility. If DHS refuses to reverse course, we will continue to fight back against their unlawful practices and show up to conduct our duty to ensure oversight and accountability.”

“The Trump Administration has brought fear and chaos to Colorado with their cruel immigration policies,” said Bennet. “As ICE pushes to open a detention center in Hudson, we need more oversight, not less. Secretary Noem is also making it harder for us to visit these centers. This lack of transparency and accountability has to end. I will continue to push for necessary guardrails and critical reforms to DHS and ICE.”

“ICE is out of control,” said Hickenlooper. “The proposal to open another ICE detention center in Colorado, this one in Hudson, takes a bad situation and makes it worse.”

The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Sec. Noem and Director Lyons,

We write to express our profound concern regarding the reports of a letter contract with the GEO

Group to operate a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in

Hudson, Colorado. As ICE agents continue to terrorize our communities, illegally detain U.S.

citizens, and skirt congressional oversight of existing facilities, we strongly oppose the expansion

of ICE detention beds in Colorado.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, documents obtained through a

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit demonstrate that ICE issued a letter contract for the

GEO Group for $39,042,069 for six months of services for the so-called Big Horn Facility in

Hudson. The letter contract was dated December 1, 2025, with all terms and pricing redacted.

Additionally, ICE redacted more than 100 pages of documents purporting to justify why they

should award a sole-source contract to the GEO Group for the Hudson facility without full and

open competition. The operation of the Big Horn Facility for ICE detention would dramatically

expand their detention capacity in the state, reportedly increasing the available detention beds

from 1,532 at the Aurora GEO Detention Facility to more than 2,700 beds across the state.

We are deeply concerned that this expansion will lead to decreased oversight, reduced access to

legal representation for detained individuals, and increased geographical barriers for visitors. The

GEO Group and ICE have a demonstrated history of blocking Congressional oversight of the

Aurora GEO Detention Facility by refusing Members of Congress access to the facility,

withholding answers to oversight questions, and failing to respond to congressional casework

inquiries. There is no reason to believe that these illegal actions will not be continued in the Big

Horn Facility.

Additionally, immigration advocates across the state have raised concerns that locating a new

facility in Hudson, which is significantly more remote and less accessible than the Aurora

facility, will result in additional barriers to legal representation, advocates, and family members

visiting the facility to meet with detained individuals. The Hudson location lacks comparable

access to public transportation, is farther from legal service providers and advocacy

organizations, and would impose added travel time and costs on attorneys and family members

seeking to visit or meet with those detained. These obstacles risk delaying legal proceedings,

limiting access to counsel, and undermining detainees’ ability to maintain communication with

family members. Given these concerns, we therefore seek clarity into the Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) decision to authorize such a facility and what actions it will take to

ensure those detained in the facility will have equal and adequate access to legal representation

as their cases remain ongoing.

We strongly oppose the use of the Big Horn Detention Center as an ICE detention facility, and

we urge DHS to immediately abandon plans to expand detention capacity in Colorado.

Additionally, we request your response to the following oversight questions by March 13th, 2026:

1. Did the GEO Group receive a $39,042,069 six-month contract for the Big Horn

Detention Facility when no individuals were detained at this facility? Please provide an

itemized statement as to how that $39,042,069 was spent.

2. Please confirm the number of beds you expect the Big Horn Facility to hold.

3. What steps will the Department of Homeland Security take to share its plans for the new

facility with relevant local leaders, community members, advocacy groups, and other

relevant partners?

4. What steps will be taken to ensure that the Big Horn Facility will consistently meet

adequate health and safety standards, as required by the Performance- Based National

Detention Standards 2008, the Performance-Based National Detention Standards 2011,

the National Detention Standards 2019, and the Family Residential Standards?

5. What steps will DHS take to ensure that the new facility will respond appropriately to

congressional oversight as required under Pub. L. No. 118-47, div. C, tit. V 527 (a), 138

Stat 460, 619, and affirmed by Case No. 25-cv-2463?

6. How will DHS ensure that detainees within the Big Horn Facility maintain adequate

access to family visitation and meetings with relevant counsel and representatives?

7. Are there any other contracts with the GEO Group for ICE Department of Homeland

Security detention facilities in Colorado?

8. Have there been any discussions with local or county governments on the opening of Big

Horn? Have the Weld County Health Department and Colorado Department of Public

Health and Environment been made aware of their inspection duties?

Pettersen has consistently voted against Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, including opposing over $45 billion in funding for immigration enforcement in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” She also supports legislation to require DHS and ICE officers to clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions and has demanded accountability from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, including calling for Noem’s impeachment.


Rep. Pettersen Statement on Trump’s Delusional State of the Union Address

(Click Here for Photos)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after President Donald Trump’s delusional State of the Union address. Pettersen was joined by Evergreen High School shooting survivor and student council president, Tyler Guyton, as her guest for the speech.

“Families in Colorado are already struggling to make ends meet with the rising cost of groceries, housing, and health care. Parents are worried about their kids’ safety at school and whether their children will grow up with fewer opportunities than they did.

“Instead of delivering a clear and positive message that unites our country, Donald Trump doubled down on his anti-immigrant agenda, espoused more lies and hateful rhetoric, and name-called and mocked his political adversaries. He is unhinged and unwell. How much worse does it have to get before more people are willing to stand up for the rule of law and for our country?

“Families can barely scrape enough money together to put food on the table and pay their rent because of Donald Trump’s tariffs, mass firings, unlawful withholding of federal funding, and the cascading impact he is having on our spiraling economy. He is doing massive long-term damage to our economic stability and standing in the world while he is selling off our country’s interests to enrich himself — increasing his wealth by nearly $4 billion since he returned to office.

“Running for president was never about anyone but Donald Trump. He has never cared about anyone but himself and continues to show it every day. He is selling off the future of our kids and that’s a reality none of us should accept.

“Sitting in the chamber tonight with my guest, 18-year-old Tyler — the student council president at Evergreen High School — by my side, I was reminded why we can’t give up our fight for the future our kids deserve. A future where our kids are safe in their classrooms, opportunities aren’t just reserved for the wealthy, and you aren’t targeted based on what you look like or where you are from.

“This is not a time where we can sit on the sidelines. We can never give up on the fight to fulfill the fundamental promise of our country as Trump chips away at the American dream. The next generations are counting on us.”


Congresswoman Pou to Welcome Gateway Tunnel Worker as State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) will attend the State of the Union speech in the House chamber, joined in the visitors’ gallery by Justin Fowler, a resident of New Jersey’s Ninth District and a 20-year member of Laborers' International Union of North America Local 472, who will be there to represent the district and Gateway Tunnel workers.

“I am pleased that Justin will be my guest at tonight’s speech,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Justin will be there to represent all of the Gateway workers threatened by Donald Trump’s extortion threats and all of the families facing ever-rising cost of living. Workers like Justin are building the actual path to the future for our state and region. Like the thousands of New Jerseyans dependent on the Gateway Project advancing, he deserves a supportive economy and not the policies and propaganda offered by the President that threaten his job, harms our state, and weakens our nation.”

“I thank Congresswoman Pou for inviting me to the House to witness this State of the Union. It is a special honor to represent my family and my community in Congress. I came to Washington from the blizzard in New Jersey to deliver a simple message to the President and his administration: When you shut down a project like this, you are stopping jobs, families, and critical transportation progress. When funding stopped, it didn’t only pause construction but our entire lives. Let us finish the Tunnel so my kids and my neighbors will be able to use it for years to come,” said Fowler.

Pou is New Jersey’s only Democratic member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and its Highways and Transit Subcommittee. Ten days ago, she stood in Secaucus with Governor Mikie Sherrill to announce support for the state’s lawsuit to unlock funding for Gateway being unlawfully held up by this administration.

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World Cup Warning: Pou Again Blasts DHS Funding Delays

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Task Force overseeing World Cup security, served as Ranking Member at today’s hearing and demanded actions from the Trump administration over stalled funding, poor coordination, and mounting security concerns as the tournament rapidly approaches.

“Congress has appropriated $625 million for the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches, including my district . . . With only roughly four months to go, these cities still report they have not received this funding. This is completely unacceptable this close to kickoff. If DHS is going to play a role in this tournament, then DHS needs to be transparent, coordinated, and timely. The World Cup is a global stage. We need to act like we are ready for it. We’re running out of time,” Congresswoman Pou told her colleagues.

Concern about security funding was bipartisan. In response to questions from Chairman Garbarino, the Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee said the Fan Fest could be canceled in 30 days if the city did not receive funding passed by Congress and being impounded by DHS. A representative from Kansas City law enforcement also expressed concerns about security funding delays in answer to inquiries from Pou.

Pou’s district will host multiple FIFA World Cup matches, including the championship game. As Task Force Ranking Member, she has repeatedly warned that ICE enforcement actions and broader security gaps could jeopardize the tournament’s success.

At an oversight hearing on February 10, in response to a direct question from Pou, the head of ICE refused to rule out enforcement activity at or around World Cup games this summer when questioned by Congresswoman Pou. Two days later, Pou led a letter with her Task Force colleagues beseeching the Chairman to call an emergency hearing on ICE’s impact on the coming World Cup.

Congresswoman Pou has been a long-running critic of the Trump administration’s policies and actions that make Americans less safe. On October 14, 2025, Pou led 11 members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation calling on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to restore federal security grant funding that is being slashed by the Trump administration by nearly 50 percent. On January 26, 2026, Congresswoman Pou signed on to a letter demanding that Secretary Noem answer questions about deaths in CBP and ICE custody.

Recently, Congresswoman Pou called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to explain why ICE agents are systematically hiding vehicle license plates to mask their work and identities. In response, she introduced the PLATE Act (H.R. 7449), legislation that would forbid ICE agents from manipulating their vehicle license plates.

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Reschenthaler Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address:

“The Golden Age of America is here, and under President Trump’s leadership, our nation is stronger and more prosperous than ever before. In my lifetime, there has never been a President who delivered such bold promises and results for the American people.

Tonight, President Trump highlighted a renewed and revitalized America marked by economic relief for working families, record-low crime, and peace through strength. During his first year back in office, President Trump brokered historic peace deals, dismantled terrorist networks, and secured our borders - showing our adversaries that American leadership is back.


Congresswoman Ross Statement on Trump’s State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement:

“Unsurprisingly, tonight Donald Trump was divisive and deceptive.

“He touted a union that is strong and a country where every American can afford to get by and get ahead. But right now, millions of Americans can’t afford groceries, rent, utilities, health care, and other basic necessities. Instead of addressing these problems tonight, Trump praised his harmful tariffs that continue to jack up costs and promoted his “Big Ugly Law,” which cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy and ripped health care away from millions of Americans.

“When it comes to Donald Trump, promises made are promises broken. He said he would only deport violent criminals. Instead, his administration is targeting parents and breadwinners while terrorizing entire communities. He claimed he would “love and cherish Medicaid.” Instead, he signed into law the largest Medicaid cut in history. He said he would release the Epstein files. Instead, he continues to cover for himself and rich and powerful abusers at the expense of innocent victims.

“Tonight’s speech was a giant slap in the face to every North Carolinian who is struggling to make ends meet and every American who believes our leaders should tell the truth. Our country deserves better.”

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State of Immigration in America: Salazar, Senior Pastors Warn of Impact on Churches and Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) convened Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Pastor Charles Kuruku, Reverend Paul Marzahn, Reverend Abraham Hernandez, and senior pastors from across the country to address the state of immigration in America and the responsibility facing Congress at this pivotal moment.

As immigration dominates the national spotlight ahead of the President’s State of the Union address, Rep. Salazar warned that Congress can no longer postpone action. She outlined where the crisis stands today and pressed for immediate consideration of the DIGNITY Act (H.R.4393), legislation designed to restore order, strengthen accountability, protect American workers, and provide a structured path forward grounded in justice, responsibility, and the fundamental dignity shared by all people.

The stakes, she emphasized, extend far beyond politics. With millions of Christian families living in prolonged legal uncertainty and facing potential deportation, continued inaction could result in the largest forced loss of Christianity in American history through the removal of Christians from communities across the nation.

“Today, as Washington turns its attention to the State of the Union, we must confront the state of our conscience,” said Rep. Salazar. “This is not an abstract policy debate. It is parents afraid to bring their children to church. It is pastors watching once-filled pews grow empty. It is families living in prolonged uncertainty, unsure whether tomorrow will tear them apart. If Congress refuses to fix what it knows is broken, the consequences for Christian families and faith communities will not simply be political, they will define the moral character of our nation for generations.”

Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Senior Pastor of 180 Church, who delivered the benediction at President Trump’s inauguration at the U.S. Capitol, emphasized the role of faith leaders in addressing the human impact of immigration policy and the responsibility of the church in navigating complex community challenges.

“As pastors, we support our president as a relates to immigration. We believe that the church is a solution to the complex problems that we faced in our communities as it relates to dignify in deportation,” said Pastor Lorenzo Sewell.

The Impact on Faith Communities:

Recent reports highlight the broader impact immigration uncertainty is having on faith communities across the country:

In some immigrant-heavy congregations, church attendance has dropped sharply, in certain cases between 35% and 70% as parishioners fear leaving their homes amid enforcement activity.

Across denominations, 1 in 12 Christians in the United States is undocumented or has a close family member who is.

1 in 12 Christians is undocumented or has a close family member who is.

As many as 10 million Christians could face deportation under current law.

The DIGNITY Act: A Framework Guided by Biblical Principles

Rep. Salazar emphasized that the DIGNITY Act is grounded in Biblical principles, making it unlike any immigration legislation in American history.

The legislation reflects enduring moral teachings, including:

Forgiveness

Grace and second chances

Personal responsibility and restitution

Respect for the rule of law

Faith leaders warn that without legislative action, the impact on churches could be profound, destabilizing congregations, separating families, and weakening Christian communities across the nation.

Watch the full press conference here

A Growing National Coalition Backs the DIGNITY Act:

Momentum behind the Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393) continues to grow, with support now coming from over 35 Members of Congress and more than 70 national stakeholder organizations across the country, including most recently the National Association of Manufacturers. This expanding coalition reflects broad, cross-sector recognition that a serious, bipartisan immigration solution is urgently needed.

Supporters represent a wide range of voices from across the American economy and civil society, including employers, veterans, faith leaders, farmers, small businesses, construction and manufacturing industries, higher education organizations, community leaders, and immigrant-serving groups. Together, they underscore the diverse national support behind efforts to restore order to the immigration system, strengthen the workforce, and support long-term economic growth.

The growing list of endorsing organizations includes:

A-1 Global Holdings, American Bakers Association, American Business Immigration Council (ABIC), American Families United, American Latino Coalition, American Legion, Americans for Prosperity, American Seniors Housing Association, Anti-Defamation League, Asian American Christian Collaborative, Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, Bethel Consulting Group LLC, Brick Industry Association, Center for American Progress, Christian Family Coalition of Florida, Cleaning Coalition of America, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Critical Labor Coalition, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition (EWIC), Evangelical Immigration Table, FWD.us, Greater Houston Partnership, IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers), Improve the Dream, Jewish Federation of North America, Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada, LeadingAge, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), MIRA USA, National Association of Evangelicals, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Retail Federation, National Roofing Contractors Association, Nisei Farmers League, Niskanen Center, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA), Power Design, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Puerto Rico Builders Association (PRBA), Repatriate our Patriots, Secure Growth Initiative, Small Business Majority, State Business Executives, Steel Tank Institute-Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI-SPFA), Texas Business Leadership Council, Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), Third Way, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. for Success Coalition, United States Hispanic Business Council, Walroth-Sadurní Law, WERC, World Relief.

Resources:

One-pager on the Dignity Act - click here.

Detailed summary of the Dignity Act - click here.

Section-by-section breakdown of the Dignity Act - click here.

For the media kit - click here.


Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement in Response to the State of the Union

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union address.

“I chose not to attend the State of the Union. The State of the Union is supposed to be a serious event that gives an accurate assessment of the state of our country. I refused to participate when President Trump made a mockery of it by spreading partisan lies to advance his dangerous and harmful agenda. That’s exactly what we saw tonight as he tried to cover for the fact that his presidency has been a failure since day one.

“President Trump’s tariffs have raised costs for working families across Oregon. His Big Ugly Bill slashed SNAP and Medicaid. His immigration enforcement has spread fear and violence among the communities he promised to protect. His Department of Justice is protecting sexual abusers and pedophiles. At every turn, Trump has trampled on the Constitution and the rule of law, all while making Oregonians’ lives worse.

“Oregonians deserve leaders who will fight to lower costs and make life more affordable. That’s what I’m doing in Congress, and I will keep holding this Administration fully accountable.”

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Scalise Highlights State of the Union Guests Directly Benefitting from GOP Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to highlight President Trump’s record of lowering costs for hardworking Americans and securing the border. Leader Scalise also showcased two Louisianians directly benefiting from Republicans’ America First agenda.

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Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full remarks.


Scalise Highlights Trump’s Economic Success Ahead of State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined CBS Mornings to highlight President Trump’s work to rebuild the economy after Bidenflation, secure fair and reciprocal trade with our allies, and advance a peace-through-strength strategy to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

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Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full interview.


Following ICE Detention Facility Visit, Reps. Scholten, Stevens Issue Additional Demands for Accountability

WASHINGTON, DC – Following their recent visit to the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) issued additional demands for accountability to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons based on what they saw and heard during their visit.

“During our visit to the facility, we were told that over 100 detainees signed up to speak with us about their experiences inside the facility,” wrote Reps. Scholten and Stevens. “We were allowed to see fewer than 10 before our visit was cut short, including a pregnant woman and a man who was too afraid to provide details about facility conditions while ICE staff were listening in. When we requested to speak to the detainees without ICE supervision in the room, we were denied.”

In their letter, Scholten and Stevens describe what they saw and heard firsthand:

Many detainees do not have a clear understanding of the reasons for their detention, their due process rights, or what will happen to them next;

Detainees are being held at the facility for varying, unpredictable ranges of time, including six months or more;

Detainees fear retribution for speaking out about conditions at the facility;

Detainees and visitors are routinely denied privacy and must conduct all conversations under the supervision of facility staff; and

Detainees reported being held in solitary confinement for unclear reasons, facing severe conditions, including extreme temperatures.

The letter once again reiterates the Members’ unanswered questions from their December 2025 letter regarding the death of detainee Nenko Gantchev while in ICE custody, for which they never received a response, and poses new questions regarding conditions at the facility and policies surrounding the use of solitary confinement.

Regarding future Congressional oversight visits to ICE facilities nationwide, the Members made the following demands:

Members of Congress must be granted access to the North Lake Processing Center and other similar detention centers without prior notice to execute our Constitutional oversight duties on behalf of constituents.

Members of Congress must be allowed to speak with detainees at the North Lake Processing Center and other similar detention centers without supervision from facility or DHS staff. Detainees must not face any form of retaliation for speaking to Members of Congress.

The full letter is available here.

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Rep. Scholten Announces Megan Erskine, CEO and President of Catherine’s Health Center, as Guest for State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced Megan Erskine as her guest for the State of the Union (SOTU). Ms. Erskine is the CEO and President of Catherine’s Health Center, which provides access to high quality, affordable, and compassionate health care to families in West Michigan.

“Megan has dedicated her career to making sure families in her community can access affordable, quality healthcare, and I’m thrilled she is joining me as my guest for this year’s State of the Union,” said Rep. Scholten. “We all know health care isn't some abstract political debate; it’s a lifeline for families in West Michigan who are working hard and doing everything right, yet watching this administration try to strip affordable coverage from millions. I’ll keep fighting for West Michigan families every day in Congress, and I’m proud to do so tonight alongside Megan.”

“I’m honored to be here tonight on behalf of all of the people Catherine’s Health Center serves every day. For so many of our patients, access to affordable, quality healthcare is the difference between stability and crisis. When someone can get preventative care, manage a chronic condition, or access mental health support, it doesn’t just improve their health. It protects their job, their housing, and their ability to care for their family,” said Ms. Erskine. “I’m grateful to Congresswoman Scholten for inviting me this evening to shine a light on how much health care access and stability truly matter to our broader community.”

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Rep. Sewell Honors the Life and Legacy of JoAnne Bland on the House Floor

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life and legacy of civil rights icon, Ms. JoAnne Bland, who passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 72. A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home in Selma, Alabama. More information is available here.

Watch on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Foot Soldier, freedom fighter, and civil rights icon, Ms. JoAnne Bland, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72.

As a proud daughter of Selma, Alabama, JoAnne dedicated her life to the struggle for civil rights and voting rights. As an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she joined the movement at a remarkably young age, and at just 11 years old, she was one of the youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery.

But her courage did not end on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. By her early teens, JoAnne had been arrested at least 13 times for her participation in civil rights demonstrations. She was also among the courageous students who integrated A.G. Parrish High School, where she opened doors of opportunity for countless children to follow in her footsteps.

As an adult, JoAnne worked to educate others on Selma's role in the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that our legacy would continue to inspire future generations. She founded numerous organizations, including Foot Soldiers Park, Journeys for the Soul, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Her tours of Selma, Alabama were celebrated for being both informative and inspiring.

On a personal note, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by JoAnne Bland in the name of equality and justice. I know that I get to walk the halls of Congress as Alabama's first Black congresswoman because of her courage, resilience, and determination.

I am honored to have brought her as my special guest at President Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, and will miss her wisdom and friendship.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of civil rights icon, Selma's own Ms. JoAnne Bland.

May she rest in power and in peace.

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Congressman Brad Sherman Sounds Alarm on Potential Saudi Nuclear Deal; Moves to Require Tough Safeguards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, today issued a stark warning about a potential U.S.–Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement and announced he will reintroduce the No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act, bipartisan legislation he first introduced in 2018 with then-Senator Marco Rubio requiring affirmative congressional approval before any U.S.–Saudi nuclear agreement can take effect (see the 2018 bill and explanatory press release).

The Trump Administration has notified Congress of its intent to pursue a so-called “123 Agreement” with Saudi Arabia. Congressman Sherman warned that any deal lacking the strongest nonproliferation safeguards would threaten U.S. security and global stability and announced he will introduce a Resolution of Disapproval if the President submits an agreement that fails to include Gold Standard and Additional Protocol requirements.

“America should be leading the world in preventing nuclear proliferation — not lowering the bar,” said Congressman Sherman. “Any nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia must include ironclad nonproliferation protections. That’s why I am reintroducing the No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act. Without the strongest safeguards, we risk fueling nuclear proliferation in one of the world’s most volatile regions.”

The legislation would require affirmative congressional approval before any U.S.–Saudi nuclear agreement could take effect.

Sherman emphasized that any civilian nuclear cooperation must, at minimum, require Saudi Arabia to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol and permanently renounce uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing — the proven “Gold Standard” for preventing nuclear breakout. These same safeguards were included in the U.S.–United Arab Emirates nuclear agreement.

Without stronger statutory guardrails, Sherman warned, Congress would face steep procedural hurdles to block a weak agreement after the fact.

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Brown Statement on State of the Union

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) releases the following statement in response to Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight’s State of the Union was exactly what many Americans dreaded: a speech filled with distortions, political smears, and a version of reality that simply does not match what families are living every day. Instead of accountability, we heard deflection. Instead of honesty, we heard lies. And instead of a plan to bring people together, we saw more division.

“I’m disappointed, but I can’t say I’m surprised. That’s exactly why I chose not to attend.

“Instead, I spent the evening with Clevelanders, because I wanted to hear the real state of our union. And what I heard was clear: costs are up, life feels more and more unaffordable, and benefit cuts are making it worse. Small business owners are being squeezed by reckless tariffs. Community leaders are bracing for more funding cuts. And people are scared — scared of aggressive immigration actions, scared their basic rights are being chipped away, and scared about where this country is headed.

“I didn’t need to sit in that chamber to understand what’s at stake. I hear it every day from the people I represent — and I’ll keep fighting to make sure their voices are the ones that matter.”


Congresswoman Simon Boycotts the State of the Union, Highlights the Need for Justice for Survivors and a New Path Forward for All Americans

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) released the following statement after the President’s State of the Union. She did not attend, and instead, highlighted the work of her guest, Nola Brantley, co-founder of MISSSEY (Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting, and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth) in Oakland. MISSSEY is a survivor-led organization that is confronting human trafficking in Oakland, in Alameda County, and throughout California. Nola currently leads Nola Brantley Speaks where she advocates and conducts training work around youth empowerment and anti-trafficking.

Of the State of the Union, Congresswoman Simon said:

“It is abundantly clear that the current state of our union is dire. It does not matter what the President says today. The proof is in his Administration’s actions.

“From Day 1, this Administration has acted lawlessly and advanced policies that hurt people, not help them. Disregarding basic civil liberties that our elders fought for: gutting workers’ rights, covering up for his friends while survivors seek justice, willingly breaking our public education and health care systems, terrorizing immigrant communities, silencing and even killing people who disagree – the list goes on. This president is in service to no one, but himself. We know the truth: this Administration is not improving the state of our union, and a new path forward is necessary.

“My guest is Nola Brantley, who started MISSSEY, Oakland’s first ‘survivor-led, survivor-informed’ nonprofit supporting girls and young women experiencing exploitation. This Congress, Oversight Committee Democrats have fought to release the full Epstein files and secure justice for the survivors. This underscores a larger fight in our nation right now – we need a government that works for all, that works towards justice, that works to ensure people do not fall through the cracks.

“This path forward is not out of reach. In the Bay Area, we have continuously (re)built systems with courage and care and created beautiful new realities guided by histories of migration. As this Administration tries to erase the living history of this nation and eradicate collective belief in a government that works, we must continue to tell the truth, reject despair, and work towards the better. This thinking guides my work in Congress every day and the work I am doing with my Democratic colleagues to ensure that we legislate, conduct oversight and rebuild over this terror the day we get the gavel back.”

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The State of Our Union Is Strong — Because Economic Relief Is Finally Coming

As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, one thing is clear - the state of our union is strong because America’s economic comeback is underway.

Under President Joe Biden’s leadership, hope and optimism were at a low. Record inflation and high prices had become the norm. I spoke with Idaho families living paycheck to paycheck, seniors on fixed incomes, and parents who wondered whether they could afford school supplies. Americans nationwide bore the brunt of President Biden’s failed policies, and economic confidence was diminishing.

That changed when voters sent President Trump back to the White House to revive the United States economy, restore American prosperity, and bring back the American Dream.

In the past thirteen months, Republicans in Congress have worked alongside the President to deliver on that promise. We’ve passed legislation to strengthen border security, support our military and veterans, unleash American energy production, and — most importantly for working families — passed the largest tax cut in American history through the Working Families Tax Cuts.

Working-and middle-class Americans were severely impacted by Biden’s out-of-touch economic policies. President Trump and Republicans have worked together to deliver policies that benefit those who felt forgotten under President Biden and to make everyday life more affordable again.

For senior citizens, we eliminated the unfair double taxation of Social Security benefits. Nearly 90 percent of seniors who receive Social Security will pay zero tax on their benefits. In Idaho alone, roughly 300,000 seniors could benefit from this provision.

Thanks to this landmark legislation, hardworking Idahoans will keep more of their hard-earned money and save more on taxes. For instance, Idaho wages are estimated to rise by $3,600 to $6,400 over the next four years, and a typical Idaho family with two children could see their take-home pay increase between $7,200 and $10,200 compared to what it would have been had this bill not been enacted.

Millions of taxpayers report tips and overtime income on their tax returns each year. To support working Americans, we eliminated federal taxes on tips and overtime. In Idaho, about 24 percent of workers regularly earn overtime pay, and nearly 5 percent work in tip-based occupations. This means more money in Idahoans' paychecks this tax season.

We also secured a $10,000 deduction on auto loan interest for vehicles made in America, providing Americans with financial breathing room and strengthening American manufacturing. Furthermore, we honored our promise to America’s farmers, ranchers, and family business owners by permanently increasing the exemption for the burdensome death tax.

I’m not finished yet. The Working Families Tax Cuts expands opportunity zones, helping protect thousands of Idaho jobs while promoting continued housing development. It also extends the 199A pass-through deduction, benefiting 41,000 Idaho small businesses. This means that around 45% of all firms in the Gem State are eligible for the deduction.

In addition to permanently increasing the Child Tax Credit, one of the most consequential and exciting provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts is the creation of the new “Trump Accounts.” These accounts provide a $1,000 investment for American children born after January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, helping to set future generations up for financial success.

I have often said that the Working Families Tax Cuts may have been the most important vote I’ve cast since coming to Congress. I say this because the working families, seniors, farmers, and ranchers I spoke to under the Biden administration will see and feel the difference. Policies matter.

It’s worth noting that every single Democrat voted against this economic relief laid out above — against eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, against tax relief for seniors, and against increasing take-home pay for working families.

Like many Americans, I am optimistic about the direction our country is heading. While we gather to watch President Trump’s State of the Union address, we can sit back, relax, and feel confident that economic certainty and relief are on the way.


Rep. Simpson Applauds President Trump’s Leadership in State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address.

“After four years of Biden’s failed policies and countless lies, President Donald Trump’s leadership has turned our country around,” said Rep. Simpson. “We now have the most secure border in American history, regulatory reform, and our servicemembers and veterans are being taken care of. Crime is plummeting, inflation is down, and we’re no longer reliant on countries that hate us. Thanks to President Trump and Republicans in Congress, an economic comeback is underway. We enacted the largest tax cut in American history, allowing hardworking Americans to keep more of what they earn in real time. Additionally, we’re creating a new generation of investors with the visionary ‘Trump Accounts.’ Despite Congressional Democrats trying to obstruct President Trump's policy agenda by voting against economic relief, the financial security of future generations, and engaging in political stunts that jeopardize essential government operations — this time jeopardizing FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and other critical Homeland Security operations — our country is heading in the right direction. Americans are safer, their paychecks are bigger, and this shows that policies truly matter.”


Congressman Sorensen Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Strike Down Trump’s Tariff Scheme

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s tariff scheme is illegal without Congressional authorization.

“Donald Trump’s tariffs have bankrupted farmers, caused small businesses to close, and made it harder for my neighbors to pay their bills. Going around Congress, he recklessly and unlawfully taxed every American and today the Supreme Court righted this wrong,” said Congressman Sorensen. “It’s time for House Republicans to join Democrats to provide real cost relief for working families, repair our economy, and prevent any President from abusing their power ever again.”

Congressman Sorensen is a co-sponsor of the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act and the Small Business Liberation Act, two pieces of legislation that aim to rein in the President’s tariff scheme, lower costs for families, and ensure small businesses can keep their doors open.

Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th District in the United States House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for more than 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

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Congressman Sorensen's Statement on Not Attending the State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s State of the Union address:

"I will not be attending this year’s State of the Union. Because I already know the state of our union — families across Illinois are hurting. Neighbors are scared of ICE violence. Farmers are going bankrupt. Costs are too high, and this administration is failing to deliver an economy that works for us in the middle,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Instead of playing politics, I will devote the day working to lower costs, providing real results, and staying true to the people I serve.”

Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th District in the United States House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for more than 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

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Stefanik Statement on State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, released the following statement:

"It was an honor to attend President Trump’s State of the Union where he highlighted the significant results that he has worked with Congress to deliver to the American people including the largest tax cut in history, a secure border, and a peace through strength national security agenda that supports our men and women in uniform. As always, the incredible stories that President Trump shared about the American heroes seated with the First Lady were inspiring. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Olympic Caucus and the Representative of Lake Placid where the famed Miracle on Ice took place 46 years ago, my favorite part was honoring the incredible Team USA hockey gold medalists - they are American icons and heroes. America couldn’t be prouder of them. They have continued the extraordinary legacy of the 1980 Miracle team and inspired a nation and a new generation."


ICYMI: Strickland on CNN NewsNight, Calls Trump ‘Anti-Black President’

“He has taken so many actions during this administration that show he does not care about Black people.”

Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined Kasie Hunt on CNN to discuss the President’s upcoming State of the Union address. During her appearance, Strickland discussed her plans to not attend Trump’s speech:

“I am not going to Trump’s State of the Union address because he is anti-Black. He has taken so many actions during this administration that show he does not care about Black people…this overt anti-Black agenda does not work for me.” said Strickland.

“This President is divisive. You don’t go into U.S. cities and terrorize people. You don’t tell lies. You do not tell lies. And you do not become an anti-Black President who has come after African Americans. That’s divisive. That’s why I’m not going,” Strickland added.

At the table, Strickland also discussed Trump’s record-low approval ratings, his bad economy, how Trump is taking healthcare away from the American people, and his consistent lies to the public.

Watch the full interview here.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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Rep. Subramanyam Statement on ROTOR Act Vote

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released a statement following the ROTOR Act vote in the House. While it passed the Senate unanimously, the bill failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority needed for a suspension bill, failing by one vote. The bill was supported by the families of the victims of the Jan. 29, 2025 crash at DCA between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter, which killed 67 people.

Rep Subramanyam, a co-sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement:

“The families of the victims of last year's tragic crash came to the Capitol to ask Congress to prevent future crashes and give peace of mind to future air passengers. Instead, it saw House Republicans kill the ROTOR Act today, a bill that passed the Senate unanimously.

We owe it to the victims and their families to pursue real reforms and ensure safe skies. The ROTOR Act was a crucial first step. But this is not the end of this fight, and I will not stop pushing until it becomes law.”


Rep. Subramanyam Statement on Tonight’s State of the Union Speech

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union speech:

“As President Trump continues to break promises and make life harder, I will be listening closely to hear whether he will reverse failed policies that have raised costs, made communities less safe, and taken away health care and benefits from families across our country and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

I invited Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, as my guests with Ranking Member Raskin, to remind the President of one of his many broken promises. He vowed to release all the files and support victims, and yet he continues to side with his friends and withhold key documents. I want Trump to look Sky, Amanda, and all the survivors in the eye when he says there is no more to investigate with Jeffrey Epstein, even though 2.5 million documents haven’t been released and key witnesses were never interviewed.


Ranking Member Sykes Presses for Consumer Protections as Data Centers Expand Across Ohio

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a House Science Committee hearing on the expansion of data center infrastructure to support artificial intelligence, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) raised concerns about the impact these facilities can have on electricity costs, the environment, and local communities, particularly across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

Ohio is home to 217 data centers, the fifth most of any state, including multiple facilities in Stark and Summit counties. Several large-scale data centers operating or under construction in Rep. Sykes’ district are expected to consume electricity equivalent to tens of thousands of homes, which raises rising utility costs for local residents.

Rep. Sykes, Ranking Member of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, participated in the hearing titled “Powering America’s AI Future: Assessing Policy Options To Increase Data Center Infrastructure.”

“We need to put strong guardrails in place so that data centers support our communities rather than the other way around,” said Rep. Sykes. “Ohioans should not pay higher electricity bills so billionaires in Silicon Valley can see higher profits, and we must harness this growth in a way that creates jobs without increasing costs for working families.”

During the hearing, Rep. Sykes emphasized that while data centers can bring investment and job opportunities, Congress must ensure appropriate safeguards are in place so communities are protected and operators are held accountable as the industry continues to grow.


Rep. Sykes Announces Guest for State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that Matt DiLauro, President of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2L, will be her guest at tonight’s State of the Union Address.

Rep. Sykes selected DiLauro to highlight the vital role union workers play in Ohio’s economy and reaffirm her commitment to hardworking families. She is also promoting her bipartisan legislation, the No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act, which would eliminate federal income taxes on overtime pay so workers keep more of their wages. Rep. Sykes introduced the bill to expand overtime tax relief to employees excluded from the provisions in H.R. 1, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”

USW Local 2L represents thousands of tire and rubber workers in Akron, Ohio, and has a proud history of advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong benefits for its members. The local is a cornerstone of Ohio’s manufacturing sector and continues to play a vital role in supporting good-paying union jobs.

“Ohio’s workers are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve to keep every dollar they earn,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m proud to have Matt DiLauro in Washington as we continue the fight for fair wages and commonsense policies like the No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act.”

The State of the Union Address will be delivered tonight at 9 p.m. ET in the House Chamber.


Timmons Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Rep. William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress:

“As America approaches the 250th anniversary of our founding, President Trump made clear tonight that our nation is stronger, more prosperous, and more respected because Washington is once again focused on delivering real results for the hardworking men and women who keep this country running.

Over the past year, Republicans in Congress have worked alongside President Trump to cut taxes for working families, lower the cost of prescription drugs, secure our southern border, and restore law and order in communities across the country. These policies are already making a difference for families and small businesses throughout the Upstate who simply want to keep more of what they earn.

The winning is just beginning, and I remain committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to ensure the people of the Fourth District continue to see the benefits of a government that puts them first.”


Rep. Timmons - For Too Long, Washington Forgot About Hard-Working Americans

“They are the backbone of this country, and for too long the only people politicians in Washington seemed to care about were those inside the Beltway.

House Republicans are not treating this moment as a victory lap. We are treating it as a mandate to keep going. There is more to do, and I am confident that the winning is just beginning."

For Too Long, Washington Forgot About Hard-Working Americans by Rep. Timmons


Tonko Reacts to Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address:

“The president’s rambling speech was less a State of the Union and more of a state of delusion.

“While millions of Americans are struggling with rising health care, utility, and grocery costs, and people are living in fear that they and their neighbors will be carted away by masked agents — Trump patted himself on the back about his so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” that gives a $75 billion blank check to further weaponize ICE while gutting affordable health care by more than $1 trillion.

“Yet, in over 100 minutes, amidst reports that the Justice Department redacted dozens of pages in the Epstein files that contain allegations involving Trump, and with survivors present in the room, the president completely ignored the victims and acted as if the Epstein files never existed.


Tonko Sends Trump Letter Outlining Steps to Lower Energy Costs

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) led a letter with more than 50 members of the House to Donald Trump ahead of his State of the Union address, calling for the president to take tangible and immediate actions that lower energy bills and provide relief to Americans while improving the long-term outlook on energy prices.

“Despite your campaign promise of lowering energy bills by 50% in your first year in office, household electric bills have gone up 13% nationally and residential natural gas prices are up nearly 60% in the past year,” the letter reads. “This trend is expected to worsen in the years ahead.”

The letter continues, “The American people are counting on us to address the rising cost of energy. Families should not have to choose between heating their homes and paying for other necessities. Businesses should not face uncompetitive energy costs that threaten jobs and economic growth. While no single action will solve the energy affordability crisis on its own, it is clear that your administration has embraced numerous policies that have worsened the situation.”

The letter was signed by 53 House Democratic Members, including Reps. Barragán, Beyer, Bonamici, Boyle, Brownley, Carbajal, Casten, Castor, Chu, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Davis, Dean, DeGette, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Doggett, Fletcher, Friedman, Garamendi, Goldman (NY), Huffman, Jacobs, Keating, Kennedy (NY), Lee (NV), Levin, Lieu, Lynch, Magaziner, Matsui, McBride, McClain Delaney, McCollum, McGarvey, Min, Morrison, Mullin, Nadler, Norton, Pingree, Quigley, Salinas, Schakowsky, Sorensen, Stanton, Suozzi, Thanedar, Titus, Tlaib, Tonko, and Velázquez.

The full letter can be read HERE and below.

President Donald J. Trump

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Trump:

We write to urge you to take immediate action to address the energy affordability crisis facing American families and businesses. Despite your campaign promise of lowering energy bills by 50% in your first year in office, household electric bills have gone up 13% nationally and residential natural gas prices are up nearly 60% in the past year. This trend is expected to worsen in the years ahead.

Energy affordability challenges are not a hoax. We are hearing directly from our constituents who are feeling the financial impacts of higher utility bills. Tens of millions of U.S. households have struggled to pay energy bills or reported other energy cost concerns.

Your administration has taken numerous actions that have directly contributed to these rising costs that Americans are facing. As you prepare for the State of the Union, we urge you to use your address as an opportunity to change course and take the following immediate actions to lower energy costs and provide utility bill relief to Americans:

End the blockade of clean energy projects at the Department of the Interior. Your administration has actively sought to block renewable energy projects, issuing stop-work orders for offshore wind and implementing burdensome, unclear, and inconsistent permitting practices for renewable energy projects across the board. Blocking or stalling these projects will lead to higher electricity costs for American families and is already threatening grid reliability. In December, the independent, non-partisan grid operator ISO-New England stated, “canceling or delaying [offshore wind] projects will increase costs and risks to reliability in our region. Beyond increasing risk to reliability, delays of new generating resources also will adversely affect New England’s economy and industrial growth.” The true costs of these decisions have largely not yet been reflected in utility bills, but households will see the consequences in the years ahead. Cancelling the five offshore wind projects already under construction could raise electricity costs for Americans an estimated $45 billion over the next decade.

Call for re-enactment of energy cost savings tax credits. Last year, you signed into law a repeal of critical energy tax credits, which is expected to increase residential energy bills by over $100 annually in the near-term and as much as $400 annually by 2035. These credits reduce energy projects’ costs, and therefore their impacts on electricity customers. Longstanding consumer-facing credits helped directly reduce energy costs for consumers, allowing households to immediately cut their utility bills. There is bipartisan support for reinstating these credits, which drive investments in solar energy, wind energy, and energy efficiency upgrades to deploy new, low-cost energy resources and reduce energy consumption. Due to the loss of these incentives and uncertainty caused by your administration, nearly $35 billion in energy investments, along with 38,000 U.S. jobs, were cancelled last year.

End or provide exemptions from tariffs on equipment, materials, and components needed for energy projects. Energy projects rely on complex, international supply chains. While we support efforts to increase domestic manufacturing of energy technologies and construction materials, your reckless tariff policy is creating investment uncertainty and directly increasing project costs that are ultimately passed on to Americans through higher electricity rates. Under one scenario, Wood Mackenzie estimated that most types of energy technologies will experience cost increases of 6% to 11%.

End Department of Energy (DOE) orders forcing expensive, unnecessary coal-fired power plants to continue operating. In the past year, DOE has issued numerous “emergency” orders to require costly coal-fired power plants to postpone previously scheduled retirements and continue operating at great expense to ratepayers. These orders force Americans to subsidize expensive, polluting, and unneeded electricity generation when lower-cost alternatives are available, artificially inflating prices. The continued operation of one power plant in Michigan has cost people in that region an additional $80 million on their energy bills during just a four-month period last year.

Release DOE funding to promote residential energy savings. Since January 2025, DOE has been withholding previously allocated and approved funding for the vast majority of states to implement energy efficiency and appliance rebate programs. These funds are intended to lower the costs of purchasing ultra-efficient appliances and retrofitting homes, which will result in considerable savings on utility bills. The home efficiency rebates can help qualifying homes save up to $8,000, while the appliance rebates can help qualifying homes save up to $14,000. Together, these programs would lower energy costs for consumers by up to $1 billion each year. DOE should immediately make this funding available to states whose programs have not yet launched and are simply awaiting DOE approval, so that our constituents can claim rebates to lower their bills through efficiency upgrades, weatherization improvements, and adoption of heat pumps.

Reverse terminations of previously awarded energy grants. In the past year, your administration has terminated more than $30 billion of competitively awarded grants from DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intended to deploy low-cost energy projects and upgrade the electric grid. These awards include EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which includes the National Clean Investment Fund, the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, and the Solar For All program. These programs are estimated to result in $52 billion in energy cost savings over the next 20 years. EPA has the power to end its attack on these programs at any moment, which would allow funds to immediately start flowing to projects that lower energy costs across the country. Similarly, DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program provided several billion dollars in grants to modernize and harden grid infrastructure. Without these federal funds, the full cost of these infrastructure projects will be fully paid by utility customers, resulting in higher bills to maintain reliable service in the face of increasing numbers of extreme weather events.

Request additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget Request. These well-established programs provide a lifeline to struggling Americans. LIHEAP provides utility bill assistance to millions of Americans each year, but current LIHEAP funding levels are only sufficient to serve 1-in-5 eligible households. Through WAP, more than 35,000 households receive energy retrofits each year, resulting in an average of $372 in annual savings on their utility bills. These programs deserve more funding, and yet your past budget requests to Congress have sought to eliminate these essential, proven programs. You should reverse course and begin the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations cycle by calling upon Congress to provide significant increases to these programs.

The American people are counting on us to address the rising cost of energy. Families should not have to choose between heating their homes and paying for other necessities. Businesses should not face uncompetitive energy costs that threaten jobs and economic growth.

While no single action will solve the energy affordability crisis on its own, it is clear that your administration has embraced numerous policies that have worsened the situation. The actions we have outlined above are within your Administration's authority and can be implemented immediately to provide meaningful relief to Americans while improving the long-term outlook on energy prices.


Rep. Norma Torres Brings CA-35 Nurse and Labor Leader Linda Hippolyte to State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) highlighted the critical challenges facing healthcare workers in California’s 35th Congressional District by bringing Linda Hippolyte, a registered nurse and labor leader with United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), as her guest to the State of the Union Address. More than 31,000 UNAC/UHCP members are currently on strike for better working conditions and wages at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii.

Linda’s presence represents the voices of thousands of nurses and healthcare workers in CA-35, from Pomona to Ontario to Fontana, who provide essential care while facing increasing pressures from staffing shortages, funding cuts, and reductions to Medicare and Medicaid. Her role at the State of the Union highlights how these challenges not only impact patient care but also the local economy and the stability of hospitals in the Inland Empire.

“By bringing Linda to the State of the Union, we are putting a national spotlight on the healthcare workers who keep our communities healthy and our hospitals running,” said Rep. Torres. “She represents every nurse and frontline worker in CA-35 navigating understaffed hospitals, healthcare cuts, and rising costs. This moment is a reminder that health care cannot exist without hardworking healthcare workers like Linda, and dedicated workers who show up every day for our families.”

As a union leader, Hippolyte embodies the power of collective action in protecting patients, supporting working families, and keeping conditions at hospitals safe and sustainable. Her presence underscores the critical role unions play in ensuring safe staffing, fair contracts, and essential protections for healthcare workers.

“Our hospitals and communities are under enormous strain,” said Hippolyte. “Cuts to staffing, underfunded public programs, and reductions to Medicare and Medi-Cal are forcing nurses to work beyond safe limits and putting patient care at risk. We are seeing firsthand how these pressures impact families, seniors, and children who depend on timely, quality care. Standing together through our union is how we protect patient safety, support our healthcare workers, and safeguard the local economy. I was proud to bring the voices of Inland Empire nurses to the nation at the State of the Union.

Rep. Torres’ decision to bring Linda as her guest demonstrates her commitment to protecting the healthcare workforce, strengthening local hospitals, and ensuring the economic well-being of CA-35. This moment highlights the intersection of labor, healthcare, and the economy, showing that supporting frontline workers is essential to the health of both people and communities.

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Representative Tran Urges People Over Politics In Response to State of the Union Address

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight, I went to the Capitol to bring the voices of my constituents directly to the President. I listened to President Trump’s speech with an open mind and a commitment to the people of Southern California.

“Unfortunately, President Trump continues to employ chaos and lawlessness as a governing strategy. I heard a speech completely disconnected from reality and totally ignorant of the real challenges facing the American people. Instead of a plan to lower costs, keep our communities safe, and rein in federal overreach, I heard nothing but vitriol, division, and political gamesmanship.

“Instead of a plan to help small businesses thrive, President Trump doubled down on the illegal tariffs that will shutter their doors. Instead of a plan to refocus ICE on hardened criminals, President Trump continues his campaign of terror in our communities. Instead of a plan to care for our troops and their families, President Trump vowed to drag America into yet another forever war.

“I’m ready to work with anyone, in any party, who is serious about lowering costs, protecting our communities, and defending our democracy. The people of Southern California deserve leadership that will put people over politics and deliver the change we need.”

Since entering office, Representative Tran has fought for policies that make life easier, safer, and more affordable for LA and Orange County residents. He founded the Lowering Costs Caucus alongside Representatives Hillary Scholten (MI-06) and Greg Landsman (OH-01) to address the root causes of rising prices, and has introduced legislation to bring down health care and food costs for everyday families. He has repeatedly rejected legislation that would make essential health care more expensive for Californians, and recently voted to pass a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act’s cost-saving provisions through the House of Representatives. Tran has also championed efforts in Congress to increase transparency and accountability in ICE operations. He recently co-led the ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act with Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to provide a path for legal recourse for citizens whose Constitutional rights have been violated by ICE.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.


Congressman Valadao Releases Statement Following President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after attending President Trump’s State of the Union Address.

“I was honored to attend President Trump’s State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress,” said Congressman Valadao. “The President spoke about many issues that are critical to families across the country—from lowering costs and strengthening our health care system to expanding economic opportunity for the next generation and protecting our national security. These priorities are especially important to my constituents in the Central Valley, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to meet these goals.”

Congressman Valadao’s guest was Doug Verboon, District 3 Supervisor for Kings County.

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Congressman Van Drew Asks Residents Still Without Power to Report Outages Through Online Form

Northfield, NJ - In the aftermath of the recent winter storm, Congressman Van Drew's office is working directly with electric utility providers to report power outages across South Jersey and to help restore services as quickly as possible.

To make sure every affected location is being reported, residents who are still experiencing outages are asked to fill out a short online form with their contact information and location. The information collected will be shared directly with the electric company to ensure remaining outages are addressed as soon as possible.

Residents who are still without power can fill out the form here: Power Outage Survey


National Capital Region Delegation Demands Urgent Water Infrastructure Repairs and Modernization Following Potomac Spill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) today led 10 National Capital Region Representatives to demand the full authorization and funding of federal programs to repair and modernize critical water infrastructure nationwide, including urgent repairs to the Potomac Interceptor. The request follows a failure in the Potomac Interceptor pipeline which resulted in nearly 250 million gallons of sewage spilling into the Potomac River.

In a letter addressed to leaders of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Members requested specific funding to rehabilitate and modernize the Potomac Interceptor, in addition to the reauthorization of and increased funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund which helps states and localities repair and modernize wastewater infrastructure. Members also urged the prioritization of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) comprehensive study to identify a backup water supply for the Washington region, which currently lacks a secondary water source.

“Congress must play a role in solving this crisis, investing in our nation’s wastewater infrastructure, and preventing this and similar crises from recurring. The failure of the Potomac Interceptor is an acute crisis for our region…” wrote the Members. “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that ‘our water infrastructure is aging and in need of repair to withstand the challenges of the 21st century.’ EPA’s most recent Clean Watersheds Needs Survey found that our wastewater infrastructure will require more than $630 billion in repairs and updates over the next two decades, far outpacing local and state capacity.”

“These steps are essential to respond to the devastating sewage spill from the Potomac Interceptor, and to spare other communities from facing similar crises in the future, which will inevitably occur without immediate investments in our nation’s water infrastructure.”

The letter is signed by U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Eugene Vindman (D-VA).

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

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Dear Chair Graves and Ranking Member Larsen:

As Members of Congress from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, we write to urge the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Committee) to take urgent action to repair and modernize the Potomac Interceptor, a major regional wastewater conveyance pipeline for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Since January 19th, and escalating since February 7th, a failure in the pipeline has resulted in nearly 250 million gallons of sewage spilling into the Potomac River, creating serious environmental and health concerns for our constituents.

We have been closely monitoring the spill since it occurred, and are thankful that local partners and governments have already taken steps to manage its most immediate impacts and have remained in regular communication with our offices. The University of Maryland and local partners like Potomac Riverkeepers have monitored water quality and provided consistent public updates. The Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Health, and the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment, have all issued public notices or advisories to inform the public about the quality of the river. Meanwhile, D.C. Water has implemented emergency measures to prevent sewage from further spilling into the Potomac River while it installs medium- and long-term repairs. While those repairs will take time and cannot reverse the environmental and health impacts of the spill, they are essential steps toward ending this crisis.

Now, Congress must play a role in solving this crisis, investing in our nation’s wastewater infrastructure, and preventing this and similar crises from recurring. The failure of the Potomac Interceptor is an acute crisis for our region, but its failure was caused by the same aging infrastructure that exists across the country. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that “our water infrastructure is aging and in need of repair to withstand the challenges of the 21st century.” EPA’s most recent Clean Watersheds Needs Survey found that our wastewater infrastructure will require more than $630 billion in repairs and updates over the next two decades, far outpacing local and state capacity. Like other infrastructure included in that survey, the Potomac Interceptor’s age made it vulnerable to failure. The conduit, which runs from Virginia and Maryland to D.C. Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, opened in 1964—more than 60 years ago.

We therefore request that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure urgently act to repair the Potomac Interceptor. We also ask that you fully authorize and fund federal programs that prevent these crises for our region and others nationwide. Specifically, we request that the Committee:

Reauthorize, and increase authorized funding levels, for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF was specifically designed by Congress to help states and localities repair and modernize wastewater infrastructure like the Potomac Interceptor. Reauthorizing this program at or above the levels set in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is essential to enabling communities across the country to avoid wastewater spills and other crises.

Authorize specific funding to rehabilitate and modernize the Potomac Interceptor. Unlike other water systems nationwide, the Washington region’s system includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as a major infrastructure owner and manager. As the Committee prepares the biennial updates to USACE’s funding priorities and projects as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), we ask that you authorize urgent funding for comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization of the Potomac Interceptor. That funding will allow for structural repairs, pipe lining, ventilation improvements, access structure replacement, odor and corrosion control upgrades, and modernization of monitoring systems.

As part of WRDA 2026, direct USACE to prioritize the execution of the comprehensive study on a backup water supply for the Washington region required by section 8201(a) (14) of WRDA 2022 as modified by section 1351 of WRDA 2024. Unlike other major metropolitan areas, the region lacks a secondary water supply, which would provide critical redundancy in the event of a future crisis. The region cannot afford a delay in identifying that second source or a narrowing of the study to focus only on near-term or small-scale measures.

These steps are essential to respond to the devastating sewage spill from the Potomac Interceptor, and to spare other communities from facing similar crises in the future, which will inevitably occur without immediate investments in our nation’s water infrastructure. To deliver those investments, we also ask the Appropriations Committee’s subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, and on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, to fully fund the CWSRF and authorized Potomac Interceptor repairs as they prepare Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bills.


Rep. Walkinshaw Statement on  Trump’s State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) released the following statement in response to Trump’s State of the Union Address.

“Donald Trump is on the ropes, with record low approval ratings, failed policies, and a stinging rebuke from the Supreme Court. Tonight he did what Trump does when he’s on the ropes. He rambled aimlessly and lashed out.

He claimed we’re in the midst of a golden age for America with a roaring economy. That would be news to the 10 million Americans set to lose health care coverage because of his Big Ugly Bill and the hardworking families being crushed by the rising costs caused by his reckless tariffs, which he pledged to double down on.

Despite the presence of courageous Epstein survivors, Trump continued his pattern of callous disregard for their suffering. He continues to lead perhaps the biggest cover up in American history, refusing to release the files in accordance with the law. He wishes convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, but turns his back on the brave survivors of her and Epstein’s crimes.

Tonight, Congressional Republicans did what they do each day in the House Chamber — Trump’s bidding. They clapped when Trump said clap, stood when he said stand, and abandoned any previously held principles when he instructed them to do so. It was as embarrassing to watch their obsequiousness tonight as it is each day to watch them march in lockstep to his reckless agenda.”

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