CORREA, MEUSER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO CRACKDOWN ON PREDATORY ONLINE SCAMMERS

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46), alongside Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-09), introduced the Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (SCAM) Act to combat predatory online scam advertisements. The bill has a Senate companion introduced by Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).

Online platforms have become a primary channel for scams and digital advertising fraud, including fake giveaways, fraudulent animal sales, ads for nonexistent products, government impersonation schemes, romance and health scams, and sophisticated impersonations using AI-cloned voices and stolen images that target consumers and legitimate businesses. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud losses in 2024 are estimated at $195.9 billion, including $81.5 billion lost by older adults.

“Every day, millions of hard-working American taxpayers on Main Street are falling victim to social media ad scams that are cheating them out of their hard-earned money,” said Rep. Correa. “Social media companies making money from ads have a responsibility to make sure they’re not fraudulent and put consumers first.”

The SCAM Act requires online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads, strengthens accountability when scams occur, and enhances enforcement of consumer protection laws by the Federal Trade Commission and state authorities.

“As Subcommittee Chairman of Oversight and Investigations, I learned Americans lose nearly $200 billion to financial fraud and scams. Half of which originate from social media,” said Rep. Meuser. “The SCAM Act is the next step in that investigation. Scammers should not be able to buy their way onto trusted online platforms and prey on vulnerable users. My legislation makes clear that when a platform profits from advertising, it has a responsibility to keep fraudulent ads off its site and protect consumers or face penalties. I’m appreciative of Congressman Correa’s partnership on this important legislation, which will help better protect Americans online.”

While many social media companies have begun investing in scam detection and prevention tools, fraud losses continue to surge. Criminals are still able to purchase advertisements, impersonate legitimate businesses, and target vulnerable users at scale.

Specifically, the SCAM Act accomplishes the following:

Bans paid scam ads by holding online platforms accountable when they profit from fraudulent or deceptive advertising and fail to stop it

Requires real advertiser verification and fraud detection, including ID checks, impersonation safeguards, and clear user reporting tools

Forces fast action on scams, with strict timelines to investigate reports and remove fraudulent ads

Enables enforcement and accountability, empowering the FTC, states, and harmed consumers

“It is critical that we protect American consumers from deceptive ads and shameless fraudsters who make millions taking advantage of legal loopholes,” said Senator Moreno. “We can’t sit by while social media companies have business models that knowingly enable scams that target the American people.”

“Online scam ads are costing hardworking Americans billions of dollars every year, and we can't let platforms profit while families pay the price,” said Senator Gallego. “I'm proud to see our colleagues in the House stepping up to support efforts to crack down on this growing problem. This bipartisan bill will hold companies accountable and strengthen protections for consumers across the country.”

The SCAM Act has garnered broad support from industry leaders and consumer groups, including:

“ABA commends Reps. Meuser and Correa for introducing the bipartisan SCAM Act and for taking this important step to protect Americans from the growing fraud threat,” said Rob Nichols, President and CEO of the American Bankers Association. “Each year, Americans lose billions of dollars to scams that originate in ads that appear on social media platforms, and this legislation requires social media companies to take reasonable steps to identify and prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads before they can do any damage. We urge lawmakers to support this legislation and join the banking industry and other stakeholders in the fight against fraud.”

“AARP, which advocates for the more than 125 million Americans age 50 and older, is pleased to endorse the Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct Act (SCAM Act),” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. “Online scam ads have become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, with criminals exploiting advertising on major social media platforms to target older adults. By establishing strong protections and accountability measures, the SCAM Act will help safeguard older Americans from fraud and reduce the spread of harmful scam ads.”

“The California Bankers Association supports the SCAM Act because it addresses online fraud at its source—paid scam advertising—before consumers are harmed. By requiring online platforms to verify advertisers and quickly remove fraudulent ads, this bill strengthens consumer protection and complements the significant fraud-prevention efforts already made by banks. We commend Representatives Lou Correa and Dan Meuser for their bipartisan leadership in sponsoring this legislation and for recognizing the growing and sophisticated threat that scams pose to consumers," said Kevin Gould, President and CEO of the California Bankers Association.

“As devastating scam losses continue to rise for the average person, some Big Tech platforms are turning a blind eye to the scam ads they profit from on their platform,” said Ben Winters, Director of AI and Privacy at the Consumer Federation of America. “This bipartisan bill places the appropriate responsibility on these platforms, and clarifies there’s no get out of jail free card for social media companies facilitating scams.”

"CBA applauds Rep. Meuser and Rep. Correa for introducing the Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (SCAM) Act,” said Lindsey Johnson, CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation takes the necessary common-sense steps to protect Americans from malicious actors by prohibiting online platforms from displaying fraudulent or deceptive advertising."

“The SCAM Act is a bicameral, bipartisan legislative solution that everyone should support,” said Erik Rust, Bank Policy Institute Senior Vice President & Head of Government Affairs. “Americans are shouldering higher costs and hardships due to the proliferation of fraud and scams, as nearly 3 in 4 U.S. adults have experienced some form of online scam or attack, many of which occur over social media and messaging platforms. We’re grateful for Representatives Meuser and Correa’s leadership in addressing this national crisis.”

“Tech platforms have massive reach and it’s their responsibility to prevent the misuse of their services for scamming consumers,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at the National Consumers League. “This bill would make clear that these giants must do more to protect the public.”

Read the full bill text HERE.

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Congressman Cuellar Raises Concerns About ICE Purchase of Detention and Processing Facilities, Presses for Transparency on San Antonio Site

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) purchase and expansion of large-scale detention facilities, including a processing center facility in San Antonio:

“I oppose ICE’s plans to purchase and expand large-scale detention facilities, including the processing center facility in San Antonio, and I’m pressing for clear answers from ICE as this project moves forward.

“It is clear ICE failed to consult with the community ahead of this purchase, but ICE officials have said the agency intends to brief Congress as plans develop. Based on the information that’s been shared so far, the proposed acquisition and retrofitting of the San Antonio facility could include about 1,500 beds and wrap-around services like medical care, but we still need more details concerning the plans, timing, and potential impact on our community's infrastructure.

“ICE has also stated that these operations would be funded through the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, which I voted against.

“ICE hasn’t confirmed a timeline for the San Antonio site, and final staffing and capacity could still change. Nationally, ICE has indicated these facilities altogether could total more than 80,000 beds, though ICE has yet to provide full details to Congress.

“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I don’t believe this is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and I don’t support this approach.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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DeLauro Leads Catholic Democratic Members of Congress in Statement of Principles on Immigration

WASHINGTON —Today, US Representative Rosa DeLauro, along with 43 other Catholic Democratic members of Congress, released the following Statement of Principles regarding immigration enforcement:

“As Catholic Democrats in Congress, we are guided by a living Catholic tradition that affirms the dignity of every human life, advances the common good, and demands that we protect the most vulnerable in our society through a strong and compassionate safety net.

We feel called in solidarity to stand with immigrants—especially those who are poor, marginalized, or fleeing hardship—and to ensure they are treated with dignity, justice, and compassion. As Catholics and elected officials, we believe that addressing long-standing inequities and expanding meaningful opportunities for immigrants is an essential part of our responsibility to community and to those most in need.

We adhere to the three basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration. First, we affirm that people have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families. Sacred Scripture consistently reminds us of our obligation toward the vulnerable and displaced. Jesus himself identifies with the migrant when he says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). Pope Leo XIV in his first encyclical Dilexi Te writes “The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking … And she knows that in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.”

Second, we believe every nation has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration. Church documents are clear, “Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions.” As such, Catholic social teaching approaches migration with realism: it affirms the right of persons to seek safety and opportunity while recognizing the legitimate authority of nations to regulate their borders. Sound immigration policy is ordered, humane, and sustainable, balancing solidarity with prudence in service of human dignity and the common good.

Finally, while regulating borders is consistent with Catholic social teaching, it is never a license for cruelty, indifference, or dehumanization. Border enforcement must be governed by justice and mercy.

Too often, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have failed this moral standard. Their actions have separated families, removed law abiding individuals from our communities, and tragically, contributed to the deaths of detained migrants and citizens like Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Pope Francis in 2019 stated that the Church’s “response to the challenges posed by contemporary migration can be summed up in four verbs: welcome, protect, promote and integrate." As legislators, we are entrusted with a parallel responsibility under the United States Constitution and our immigration laws, which provide pathways for refugees and asylees to seek protection.

We therefore call on the Trump administration to embrace these same moral imperatives—ensuring that immigration policies reflect our nation’s legal obligations, uphold human dignity, and honor America’s longstanding commitment to justice and mercy. As leaders in Congress negotiate reforms to ICE and CBP, we must bear the Church’s teachings in mind to ensure we are supporting our immigrant brothers and sisters. We urge our fellow Catholics to use their voice to share views with their family, friends, and neighbors.”

Members of Congress signing the statement: Rosa L. DeLauro, Nancy Pelosi, Robert Garcia, Sam Liccardo, Debbie Dingell, Madeleine Dean, Gabe Amo, Timothy M. Kennedy, Gil Cisneros, Mary Gay Scanlon, Nanette Barragan, Betty McCollum, Ted Lieu, Sylvia Garcia, Susie Lee, Teresa Leger Fernández, Tom Suozzi, Kristin McDonald Rivet, Jesús “Chuy” García, Mike Thompson, Joaquin Castro, Mark DeSaulnier, Val Hoyle, Greg Stanton, Kevin Mullin, Joe Courtney , Chris Deluzio, Jimmy Panetta, George Latimer, Juan Vargas, John B. Larson, James P. McGovern, Nydia Velázquez, Brendan F. Boyle, Lori Trahan, Marcy Kaptur, Joseph D. Morelle, Paul D. Tonko, Richard Neal, Frank Pallone, Jr., Nellie Pou, Robert Menendez, Adriano Espaillat

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Elfreth, Evans Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Domestic Violence-Related Homicides

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03) and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) introduced the bipartisan Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act. The legislation would authorize a national training and technical assistance center to support the promotion and adoption of lethality assessment programs (LAPs) in an effort to reduce domestic violence-related homicides.

“Research consistently shows that intimate partner homicide is often preceded by a history of abuse or controlling behavior, rather than occurring as the first act of violence. With thousands of these deaths each year, far too often, we miss the signs of intimate partner homicide. The Lethality Assessment Program, developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, is one of the best tools that law enforcement and community partners have to identify intimate partner violence and save lives,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “I’m introducing the Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act with Rep. Evans to take what we developed and learned in Maryland and help states across the country reduce domestic violence-related homicides.”

“As a former police officer, I’ve seen firsthand how lethality assessment programs help identify the most dangerous domestic violence situations, interrupt the cycle of violence, and connect victims with life-saving support. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Elfreth to ensure these proven, essential programs across the country have the tools, training, and resources they need to help prevent tragedies and save lives,” said Congressman Gabe Evans.

“Kansas was a pioneer in lethality assessment and related training in domestic violence cases. I'm proud to help lead this bipartisan approach to build on those efforts in a way that can save lives by supporting ongoing work nationwide,” said Congressman Derek Schmidt.

The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) is one of only two models of evidence-based intimate partner homicide prevention to be honored as a “promising practice” by the Department of Justice. Developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence in 2005, the purpose of the LAP is to help law enforcement officers and community professionals identify victims of intimate partner violence who are at high risk of being killed by their partners and to connect them immediately with local domestic violence services. The LAP includes a series of questions for law enforcement officers to identify high-danger victims and trigger a referral to local domestic violence services. By connecting victims to resources and assistance, the LAP closes the gap between victims and the services they need. This immediate handoff to a service provider distinguishes the LAP from other homicide prevention models and is a key to its effectiveness.

Since the creation of the program, at least 37 states have implemented some sort of lethality assessment program. However, there still is not one unified center for different models to get trained or receive technical assistance. The legislation will authorize the Attorney General to establish the first national training and technical assistance center to support states in adopting and standardizing LAPs.

This bill is supported by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

“Funding that supports the adoption of Lethality Assessment Programs is an investment in lives. LAP gives law enforcement a proven, research-based tool to identify domestic violence victims who are at the greatest risk of serious injury or death—before it’s too late. This program works. The more jurisdictions that adopt it, the more lives we will save. Creating a national training and technical assistance center focused on LAP will ensure this life-saving approach is implemented effectively and consistently across the country. We already have the tools to make our communities safer. Now we need to put them in the hands of law enforcement everywhere,” said Jennifer Pollitt Hill, Executive Director of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence.

“Domestic and sexual violence frequently occur together, with perpetrators often using both forms of abuse to maintain power and control. By helping first responders recognize these overlapping risks and connect survivors to lifesaving support The Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Act strengthens prevention and saves lives before violence escalates,” said Omny Miranda Martone, Founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA).

“The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is proud to support the Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act. Lethality assessments save lives by helping first responders quickly identify survivors at the highest risk and connect them to advocates and vital services. We are grateful for Representative Elfreth for introducing this bill and for her ongoing commitment to keeping survivors safe,” said Tonia Moultry-Pace, NNEDV Interim President & CEO.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), and Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02).

The full bill text is available HERE.

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Fedorchak Forum to be held Tuesday, February 24

Fargo, ND – Ahead of President Trump's State of the Union address, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) will host a Fedorchak Forum: Conversations with Constituents on Tuesday, February 24, at 5:00pm CT (6:00pm ET). This is the first in her series of statewide discussions for 2026, following eight discussions last year that reached 25,000+ North Dakotans.

North Dakotans who want to participate in the conversation must sign up on Rep. Fedorchak’s website by 12:00pm CT on Tuesday, February 24. For those who prefer to listen in, the forum will be broadcasted on her website.


Leger Fernández Introduces Legislation to Aid Tribal Police in Searching for Missing Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) along with Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), along with Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rick Larsen (D-WA) introduced H.R. 7490, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act, to grant the United States Marshal Service (USMS) the authority to both execute arrest warrants on behalf of Tribal law enforcement and assist in searching for missing children.

After introducing the legislation, the Representatives released the following statements:

“For too long, jurisdictional gaps have made it harder to protect Native children,” said Representative Leger Fernández. “When a Native American child goes missing, tribes should be able to utilize every tool to find them. Our bipartisan Tribal Warrant Fairness Act strengthens coordination between tribal and federal authorities, respects tribal sovereignty, and helps keep children safe.”

“For far too long, predators have preyed on vulnerable children in Indian Country at alarming rates. Yet, Tribal law enfrcement still faces obstacles and limitations when it comes to holding these predators accountable,” said Representative Cole. “By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between USMS and Tribal law enforcement, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act will make Native American communities safer and ultimately bring more criminals to justice. I would like to thank Representatives Issa, Larsen, and Leger Fernández for their coordination on this legislation, as it is critical that Tribal governments have the resources they need to protect their children.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues as we introduce the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act and reaffirm our shared commitment to the rule of law across all jurisdictions. This much-needed legislation will specifically strengthen public safety in these communities by improving coordination between Tribal and federal authorities and ensuring law enforcement is empowered to act swiftly in urgent cases, especially involving missing children,” said Representative Issa.

“Tribal warrants should be enforced to the fullest extent of the law, just like all other warrants,” said Representative Larsen. “I thank Chair Cole for his work to uphold Tribal sovereignty in Congress. I will continue working with him to better support Tribal law enforcement through this bill and other efforts to keep Tribes and communities across Northwest Washington safe.”

Background:

In 2023, the Not Invisible Act Commission found that federal law has set limitations on Tribal law enforcement, one of which is the inability and lack of authority for the United States Marshal Service (USMS) to assist Tribal law enforcement with warrants for arrest and searching for missing children, as the USMS would normally do with state, federal, and local agencies. Ultimately, this limits the USMS’ ability to execute Tribal arrest warrants.

The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would grant the USMS the authority to execute arrest warrants on behalf of Tribal law enforcement and allow the USMS to assist Tribal law enforcement in searching for missing children. Additionally, this legislation would allow for a more rapid apprehension of violent suspects, grant the authority to the USMS to act on an individual who has a violent felony arrest warrant from Tribal courts and poses a threat to public safety outside of Tribal lands, and allow the participation of Tribal law enforcement in the Fugitive Apprehension Task Forces.

Overall, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act will improve public safety, enhance interagency cooperation, and close jurisdictional gaps that often hinder law enforcement efforts on Tribal lands.

H.R. 7490 is a bicameral, bipartisan bill, as it was also introduced by Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) in the Senate. The legislation has also been endorsed by the United States Marshal Service (USMS), the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), the National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA), and the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT).

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Congressman Flood: Obama Era Regulation Rollback Saves $1.3 Trillion for Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood released a statement following President Trump’s rollback of the EPA’s so-called “Endangerment Finding,” an Obama-era rule created without congressional action.

“I applaud President Trump’s decision to overturn the so-called ‘endangerment finding,’ which was made during the Obama administration. This regulation represented a significant executive overreach and was never authorized by legislative action. The consequences of this bad regulation were dramatic. It raised costs on job creators and hiked consumer prices on goods like cars. Let’s be clear: America had clean air before this regulation was put in place and we’ll still have clean air after it’s rolled back, while delivering over $1.3 trillion in savings for American consumers.”


Congressman Flood's 2026 Presidents' Day Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement ahead of Presidents’ Day, which is observed Monday, February 16th.

“On this uniquely American holiday, we honor some of our greatest leaders and statesmen from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln and beyond. Through the years, citizen statesmen built the American republic into the greatest country in the world as they won the Revolutionary War, ended slavery, and rallied the people of our nation together to confront significant challenges. Even today, their leadership is a legacy that each successive American president continues to draw upon as they lead our country into the future.”


Congressman Fong Slams Senate Democrats’ Shutdown for Putting Homeland Security at Risk

Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) issued the below statement on Senate Democrats’ refusal to pass the full-year Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill for Fiscal Year 2026, which was already passed by the House in a bipartisan vote. By blocking an extension of DHS funding this week, Senate Democrats are causing a shutdown of DHS that is set to begin at midnight tonight.

“Democrats have once again chosen to shut down the government, abandoning responsible governance and forcing the men and women of FEMA, TSA, the Secret Service, and the Coast Guard to work without pay,” said Congressman Fong. “Shutting down the Department of Homeland Security is irresponsible; it threatens operations that ensure the safety and security of American communities, from our transportation systems to our cybersecurity and critical infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Even law enforcement programs that help children and trafficking victims will be impacted. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to abandon their reckless decision and work with Republicans to make our communities stronger and the homeland safer for all Americans.”

In a shutdown, many of DHS’ more than 250,000 employees will be forced to work without pay. Since ICE and CBP already received billions of dollars in funding last year, immigration enforcement and construction of the border wall will largely continue without interruption. However, the shutdown will disproportionately harm DHS’s other components, which are responsible for disaster response, cybersecurity, transportation security, and infrastructure protection.

BACKGROUND:

In January, the House passed six final appropriations bills, including a bipartisan agreement to fund DHS for a full fiscal year.In addition to funding to support the personnel and missions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), this legislation also provided funding for ICE body-worn cameras, deescalation training, and resources for DHS’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to enhance transparency.


Reps. Foushee, Kelly Introduce Bill to Expand Mental Health Services for Individuals Transitioning from Incarceration to Free Society

WASHINGTON, DC (February 13, 2026) — Yesterday, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 to expand mental health services for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. The legislation amends the Social Security Act to mandate that state Medicaid programs cover up to 12 mental health telehealth sessions for individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid and currently on home confinement.

"If we want to reduce recidivism and give people a real chance at getting on their feet and transitioning out of incarceration, we must give them the tools to do so. Mental health support is an important part of that foundation,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “By addressing the underlying mental health needs that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system, we can move beyond punishment and embrace a model of accountability with support.”

"Mental health support is critical for those transitioning from incarceration back to our community," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). "This bill is specifically for people in that transition period or in home confinement, which can often be lonely and difficult for those with mental health needs. We can set people on the right path as they prepare to reenter society with equitable access to mental health support."

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act builds on efforts to reduce recidivism. Individuals rejoining our communities are not provided the adequate mental health support needed to ensure successful professional, educational, and personal outcomes following periods of incarceration. By expanding mental health support, this legislation addresses an essential piece to successful reentry into free society.

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Prison Policy Initiative.

"The Prison Policy Initiative is pleased to endorse the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026. As we have noted previously, people on community supervision are twice as likely as the general population to have mental health support needs, yet roughly one-third report that those support needs are unmet. Home confinement, particularly when accompanied by electronic monitoring, can be especially difficult for those with mental health concerns and creates even greater barriers to accessing support. This Act takes a significant step in the right direction by increasing access to mental health tele-visits for previously incarcerated people." — Sarah Staudt, Director of Advocacy, Prison Policy Initiative.

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 is cosponsored by Reps. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Troy Carter (LA-02), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01).

The full bill text of the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 is available here.


Garamendi, Carbajal Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots.

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews.

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I'm honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.”

“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.”

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.”

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.”

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession.”

Read the full text of the legislation here.


Rep. Garamendi Statement on the Administration's Proposed Maritime Action Plan

“After years of underinvestment, our country is recognizing the critical importance of revitalizing America’s maritime industry for our local economies and national security,” said Congressman Garamendi. “There is much work to be done to strengthen our domestic maritime industry, and I am encouraged to see the Administration’s commitment to the maritime industry through the release of its Maritime Action Plan. To accomplish this vision, Congress needs to pass the SHIPS for America Act. The SHIPS Act represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to ensuring that America leads the global maritime industry, and I’m proud to champion it alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly. Today’s action is the next step in a long road ahead, but I’m confident we can usher in a new era for our workers, our local shipyards, and our community.”

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Rep. Gillen Secures $500,000 for Historic Garden City Firehouse, Hosts Press Conference with Local Leaders

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Watch the Full Press Conference Remarks HERE.

GARDEN CITY, NY — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04), joined by Village of Garden City Mayor Edward T. Finneran and Fire Department Chief James Taunton, announced a $500,000 federal investment in the Edgemere Firehouse. Congresswoman Gillen worked closely with local leaders to secure this funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. The investment will support critical renovations to the nearly 100-year-old fire station, helping modernize the facility, expand its capabilities and strengthen emergency services for the entire community.

“Thank you to all the brave firefighters who do so much to serve our community and the EMS workers who also operate out of this firehouse. I'm so proud to have worked with the mayor, the trustees, the chief and our local leaders to secure this critical investment,” said Rep. Gillen. “This renovation will directly benefit the fire department and enhance Garden City's emergency response, while preserving the beautiful historic character of this nearly 100-year-old fire station. The funding is the result of a tireless fight that we are continuing to wage in the Fourth Congressional District to make sure that we are bringing home more resources to the district. Long Island sends more to Washington than we get back and we are fighting to get back as much as we possibly can. Our taxes are way too high, and so we want some of those dollars back.”

“Today is an important and exciting day for the Garden City Fire Department and for the residents of our village. On behalf of our volunteer firefighters, I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Laura Gillen for securing this $500,000 federal grant. This grant is a direct investment in the safety of the residents of Garden City,” said James Taunton, Garden City Fire Department Chief. “For the past five years, our West End Firehouse has been uninhabitable. This year, through the hard work and commitment of our Mayor and Board of Trustees, we have begun moving this critical project forward. This federal funding helps offset the cost of essential upgrades and allows us to move ahead, ahead with confidence and fiscal responsibility.”

“Today, we gather to thank Congresswoman Gillen and her dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to securing federal funding to help finance the rebuild of the historic Edgemere Firehouse,” said Edward T. Finneran, Garden City Mayor. “This was no simple task. Faced with numerous obstacles, the Congresswoman's senior staff worked tirelessly for months, navigating the complicated maze of congressional committees and political realities to make this grant a reality. About eight months ago, we were told that a positive outcome was doubtful. Naturally, we were disappointed. But throughout the process, Congresswoman Gillen kept us informed and engaged.”

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Last year, Garden City Mayor Finneran and Fire Chief Taunton reached out to Rep. Gillen to advocate for this critical funding. Rep. Gillen later sent a letter of support to the House Appropriations Committee and successfully secured nearly $13 million in federal funding for community projects across New York’s Fourth Congressional District, including $500,000 for the Edgemere Firehouse.


Gomez, Ways and Means Members Call For Investigation Into Leak of Immigrant Taxpayer Information

WASHINGTON – Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) led 14 of their Ways and Means Democratic colleagues in calling on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate the leak of 47,000 taxpayers’ confidential information by the Internal Revenue Service to the Department of Homeland Security.

Despite strict privacy laws protecting taxpayers, the IRS agreed last April to share sensitive information, including names and addresses, of individuals who were being targeted for immigration enforcement. This agreement is just another example of the Trump administration recklessly and unlawfully violating the rights of immigrants and working families. Federal courts have since held that sharing this private data violates taxpayers’ rights.

“When agencies take advantage of public trust by illegally sharing taxpayer data, it creates an environment wherein undocumented individuals are not comfortable complying with tax law,” the members wrote. “Undocumented immigrants have paid taxes for years with assurances that they can safely do so – this illegal action has pulled the rug out from under working individuals who are trying to comply with the law.”

In addition to Gomez, Thompson, Sánchez, and Sewell, the letter was signed by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), John Larson (D-Conn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.).

Full text of the letter is available HERE and follows:

Ms. Heather M. Hill

Acting Inspector General for Tax Administration

Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration

901 D St SW, Suite 600

Washington, DC 20024

Dear Acting Inspector General Hill:

As members of the Committee on Ways and Means, we ask the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to immediately investigate the leak of confidential taxpayer information of 47,000 individuals reported today by the Washington Post in this morning’s article entitled IRS improperly disclosed confidential immigrant tax data to DHS.

Not only does this action endanger working, tax paying individuals who contribute to our economy, but it disincentivizes tax compliance for everyone. When agencies take advantage of public trust by illegally sharing taxpayer data, it creates an environment wherein undocumented individuals are not comfortable complying with tax law. Undocumented immigrants have paid taxes for years with assurances that they can safely do so – this illegal action has pulled the rug out from under working individuals who are trying to comply with the law. We are seeing an increasing rise of violence and illegality in President Trump’s immigration enforcement; it is highly unprecedented and completely inappropriate that the Department of the Treasury should take part in such efforts.

Since February 2025, we have been deeply concerned that confidential taxpayer information protected by Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code was being unlawfully and unjustly disclosed to or accessed by other government agencies. In fact, just last week, the Department of the Treasury responded to a letter from many members of this committee, alongside other Members of Congress, stating that they “share[d] our commitment to taxpayer privacy.”

On February 16, 2023, Chairman Jason Smith wrote to the Department of Treasury regarding a previous disclosure of private information, which has now resulted in the President suing the Internal Revenue Service for $10 billion. We similarly ask the following:

“Therefore, I request that TIGTA commit in writing that it will complete the following actions:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and timely investigation.

2. Produce a report that summarizes TIGTA’s investigation with findings and recommendations.

3. Provide these Members with a full copy of TIGTA’s unredacted report.

4. Make as much of that report public as possible, consistent with 26 U.S.C. § 6103.”

Thank you in advance for your attention to this request. We look forward to learning the results of your investigation.


Rep. Tony Gonzales Secures $2 Million Investment to Expand Drone Research and Teaching at UTEP Aerospace Center

EL PASO, TEXAS -- Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined officials at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to commemorate a $2 million investment to expand drone testing and operations infrastructure at the University’s remote facilities in Fabens and Tornillo, Texas. Congressman Gonzales secured the funding through his seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

“Leveraging drone technology is not only key to our economy, but to our national security. The $2 million I secured in federal funding for UTEP’s UAS program will expand drone and counter-UAS capabilities while boosting innovation, national security, and job growth in the region,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “UTEP’s Aerospace Center continues to be a leader for top-tier research, and I applaud President Wilson, her team, and UTEP’s faculty for their partnership on this critical project.”

The funding will expand UTEP’s unmanned aerial systems facilities in Fabens and the drone flight test range in Tornillo and includes updates like radar and electrical enhancement, technology infrastructure, and new equipment. UTEP will also hire staff and students to assist with teaching and research.

UTEP’s UAS facilities will also help meet the growing demand for drone training for aerospace, agriculture, criminal justice, computer science, and emergency management.

“This appropriation will help build our infrastructure for research in drone and counter-drone technology,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We are grateful to Congressman Gonzales’ support of this project, which will help not just UTEP, but the entire region.”

“This isn’t just about flying drones — it’s about solving real challenges in border security, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring,” said UTEP Aerospace Center Executive Director Shery Welsh, Ph.D. “We’re opening the door to cross-campus, cross-industry and governmental collaborations that will redefine what’s possible in unmanned systems research and accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies that keep the United States at the forefront of real-world operations.”

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Congressman Pat Harrigan to Co-Chair Berry Amendment Caucus

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) will serve as Co-Chair of the newly formed Berry Amendment Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to strengthening domestic defense manufacturing and reinforcing America’s military supply chains.

The caucus launches with double-digit membership and will focus on protecting and modernizing the Berry Amendment, which requires the Department of Defense to procure certain textiles, clothing, and other mission-critical materials from domestic sources. The effort aims to safeguard U.S. warfighters while strengthening American industry and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

“You cannot be the strongest military in the world while depending on foreign supply chains for mission-critical gear. The Berry Amendment protects our warfighters, protects American manufacturing, and protects our national security. As co-chair of this caucus, I am doubling down on a simple principle: the equipment that defends the United States should be made in the United States,” said Congressman Harrigan.

As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Harrigan has prioritized rebuilding the defense industrial base and ensuring America’s military is equipped with reliable, American-made materials. The Berry Amendment Caucus will serve as a platform to advance those efforts and reinforce the principle that national security begins at home.


Comisionado Residente anuncia $8.3 millones en fondos federales para conservación y pesca en Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció que Puerto Rico recibirá $8,368,683 en fondos federales para conservación de vida silvestre, restauración de recursos pesqueros y educación para cazadores y pescadores.

“Esta asignación fortalece la capacidad de Puerto Rico para proteger nuestros recursos naturales, apoyar la pesca y la caza responsable, y ampliar el acceso de nuestras comunidades a espacios de recreación al aire libre. Son fondos federales que llegan directamente al territorio y que deben traducirse en beneficios concretos para la Isla,” dijo el Comisionado Residente.

La asignación para Puerto Rico incluye $3,930,154 del programa de Wildlife Restoration and Hunter Education y $4,438,529 del programa de Sport Fish Restoration. Los recursos forman parte de un anuncio nacional del U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, que distribuye más de $1,200 millones a estados y territorios. Los fondos provienen de impuestos federales pagados por fabricantes de municiones, armas de fuego y equipo de pesca y recreación al aire libre.

Desde su creación, estos programas han canalizado más de $31,000 millones para apoyar la conservación, la educación ambiental y el acceso a actividades recreativas en todo Estados Unidos y sus territorios.


Comisionado Residente solicita a CBP detener la aplicación retroactiva de aranceles que afectan envíos a Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández solicitó a la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de Estados Unidos (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés) que aclare de inmediato cómo se están aplicando los nuevos aranceles recíprocos a mercancía que ya estaba en ruta hacia Puerto Rico antes de que entraran en vigor las fechas límite.

En una carta dirigida al comisionado de CBP, Rodney S. Scott, el Comisionado Residente advirtió que comercios en la Isla están enfrentando aranceles retroactivos significativos en algunos casos de hasta 125 por ciento sobre envíos que fueron despachados legalmente con Puerto Rico como su destino final antes de las fechas límite establecidas.

“Mi oficina ha recibido directamente planteamientos de detallistas e importadores en Puerto Rico que reportan consecuencias serias e imprevistas como resultado de la interpretación actual de CBP,” escribió el Comisionado Residente (Traducción del inglés). “Debido a que Puerto Rico no recibe la mayoría de la carga internacional mediante rutas directas, la gran mayoría de la mercancía destinada a la Isla debe transitar por puertos extranjeros como Panamá o Jamaica, bajo el mismo conocimiento de embarque y sin cambio alguno en el consignatario ni en la intención comercial.”

Puerto Rico depende de importaciones para más del 80 por ciento de lo que consume, incluyendo alimentos, medicamentos, combustible y suministros médicos. Debido a que la mayoría de la carga internacional se enruta a través de puertos extranjeros antes de llegar a la Isla, envíos realizados antes de la fecha límite de abril de 2025 ahora están siendo objeto de aranceles significativamente más altos si su tramo final salió de un puerto extranjero después de esa fecha. Comerciantes reportan cargos retroactivos, incluyendo aranceles adicionales de hasta 125 por ciento sobre ciertos productos provenientes de China, Hong Kong y Macao, incluso en mercancía que ya fue recibida y vendida.

Conforme al Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio de Puerto Rico, la Isla importa en promedio $2,600 millones en bienes cada mes. La aplicación de nuevos aranceles a mercancía que ya estaba en tránsito ha generado costos sustanciales e irrecuperables para los negocios y ha levantado preocupaciones sobre la estabilidad del suministro y el impacto en los precios para los consumidores en Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico’s Federal Representative calls on CBP to Halt Retroactive Tariffs Impacting Puerto Rico Shipments

Puerto Rico’s Federal Representative warns that goods already en route to the island are being hit with duties as high as 125 percent.

WASHINGTON, DC — Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández called on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to immediately clarify how new reciprocal tariffs are being applied to goods that were already en route to Puerto Rico before the cutoff dates took effect.

In a letter to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, Hernández warned that retailers on the island are facing steep, retroactive duties, in some cases as high as 125 percent, on shipments that were lawfully sent to Puerto Rico as their final destination prior to the tariff deadlines.

“My office has heard directly from retailers and importers in Puerto Rico who report serious and unintended consequences resulting from CBP’s current interpretation of its guidance,” wrote Resident Commissioner Hernandez. “Because Puerto Rico does not receive most international cargo through direct sailings, the vast majority of goods destined for the island must be routed through foreign ports such as Panama or Jamaica, under the same bill of lading and without any change in consignee or commercial intent.”

Puerto Rico depends on imports for more than 80 percent of what it consumes, including food, medicine, fuel, and medical supplies. Because most international cargo to the island is routed through foreign ports before arrival, shipments sent prior to the April 2025 tariff cutoff dates are now being assessed significantly higher duties if their final leg departed after the deadline. Retailers report retroactive charges, including additional duties of up to 125 percent, on certain goods from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, even for merchandise that has already been received and sold.

According to the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, the island imports an average of $2.6 billion in goods each month. The application of new tariffs to merchandise that was already in transit has created substantial, unrecoverable costs for businesses and raised broader concerns about supply stability and consumer prices across Puerto Rico.


Hinson Joins Iowa Delegation to Honor Fallen Iowa National Guardsmen by Renaming VA Clinics

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) joined the Iowa congressional delegation in introducing legislation to rename two Iowa Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in honor of Staff Sgts. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard, the Iowa National Guardsmen who were killed by an ISIS terrorist in Syria in December.

The Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act would rename the VA clinic in Des Moines to the ‘‘Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic’’ and the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department in Marshalltown would now be known as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”

"Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice for our precious freedoms, and it’s an honor to help ensure these VA facilities carry the names of Nate and Edgar, who gave everything for our country. This is a tribute to not just their service, but their families who stood beside them, and every veteran who receives care here will do so in a place that honors their sacrifices for generations to come." – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

“We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay. These brave Iowans paid the ultimate price while defending our nation’s freedoms, and now, it is our duty to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. I’m honored to lead this effort and tell the stories of their service by designating places in their hometowns that will serve generations of Iowa veterans. The legacy of Iowa’s heroes will continue to live on.” – Senator Joni Ernst

“We are forever indebted to Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar for their dedication and service, both to the people of Iowa and to the United States. They represent the best of us, and that’s why the entire Iowa congressional delegation supports this important measure. Placing their names on these two facilities will ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, especially by their hometowns.” – Senator Chuck Grassley

“Iowa lost two of its own when Staff Sgts. Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Howard gave their lives in defense of our country. They wore the uniform with honor, stood for something bigger than themselves, and represented the very best of the Iowa National Guard. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor will ensure their legacy endures as a permanent tribute to two Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice.” – Congressman Zach Nunn

“Iowa and our nation mourn the loss of Staff Sergeant Nate Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar—real Iowa heroes who were killed by terrorists as they defended their fellow servicemembers from an attack in Syria. I’m grateful to help introduce this legislation with the Iowa Delegation to rename two VA facilities in their honor to ensure their legacy of service endures, and their sacrifice is never forgotten. My thoughts remain with the Gold Star Families of Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar and the men, women, and families of the Iowa National Guard, who exemplify the very best of our state.” – Congressman Randy Feenstra

“As a 24-year Army veteran, I’m honored to join the Iowa Delegation in paying tribute to Staff Sgt Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Howard and Staff Sgt Edgar Torres-Tovar. These brave Iowans made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor ensures their legacy lives on, a lasting reminder of their courage, commitment, and the deep gratitude of a nation they served with distinction.” – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Statements from Governor Reynolds, local mayors, and officials in the surrounding communities can be found here.

Hinson joined President Donald Trump for the dignified transfer of remains as they were returned to their families. She also spoke on the House floor to honor the fallen servicemembers and joined the Iowa delegation in support of a resolution paying tribute to our fallen heroes.

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Hoyer Remarks at Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council Inaugural International Gala

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) received a Lifetime Achievement Award along with former Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) from the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council at their Inaugural International Gala. Below are his remarks as prepared:

"Good evening, I am honored to receive this award with my dear friend Ben Cardin. Serving on the Helsinki Commission was one of the defining chapters of my forty-five years in the House, and my involvement with Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the defining chapters of my time on the commission.

"I visited what was then Yugoslavia in 1990 before the war. There, one could sense that the country, the continent, and indeed the entire world was not at the 'end of history' but at an inflection point in history. The Balkans brimmed with possibility but also immense peril. As communism’s threat waned, the dangers of nationalism grew. In the West, leaders proclaimed the birth of a 'new world order.' But the question remained: what would that new order look like? Would democracy, international law, and human rights reign, or would strongmen, dictators, and demagogues rule? We on the Helsinki Commission knew that the answer could very well hinge on Bosnia's fate. We also knew that democracy’s triumph was anything but assured. Blinded by the promise of a new world order, however, others forgot an old lesson: tyrants never respond to weakness. That came at a cost.

"I saw that cost with my own eyes, in 1998, when my colleagues and I observed the excavation of the mass grave in Srebrenica. I will never forget what I saw that day. What made that sight even more sickening was that we had seen it coming – and we could have stopped it. Even before widespread fighting began in Bosnia in 1992, the Helsinki Commission warned that a humanitarian disaster loomed. We held dozens of hearings between 1992 and 1995 on the human rights violations occurring in Bosnia. Ben and I even led a congressional delegation to Sarajevo in 1994 when Serbian forces still had it under siege. The stories we heard were horrific. Snipers killing elderly civilians as they gathered food, water, and firewood. A group of children killed by a shell when they were out sledding. A public market was bombed. The United Nations and its member states were not without means to respond, but they were indecisive and feckless in the face of clear aggression. UN monitors like those in Rwanda observed atrocities but believed themselves powerless to respond. The war crimes continued despite the presence of UN safe zones and peacekeepers. The UN's weapons embargo on the former Yugoslavia hobbled Bosnia's ability to defend itself. Our European allies were reluctant to put troops in harm’s way.

"From the start, I called for the United States to take action. Bob Dole, Joe Biden, Dennis Deconcini, Frank McCloskey, Chris Smith, Frank Wolf, and my friend Ben [Cardin] all made that appeal. The House agreed to a resolution I introduced to isolate Serbia, enforce the UN’s sanctions on Milosevic’s regime, create an international tribunal to prosecute the war criminals, and to authorize the use of force to stop the genocide. We also sponsored legislation to lift the embargo on Bosnia – which Congress passed in 1995 after years of effort. Although President Clinton vetoed that legislation because he had a different approach to achieving our shared goal of ending the genocide, Congress sent a signal of America’s resolve to our allies and adversaries. We helped break through the diplomatic logjam, and the Dayton Accords brought the war to an end by the end of the year. I only wish that the West had responded in time to save the tens of thousands of people who lost their lives. We cannot bring them back, but we can and must remember them.

"I fear, however, that we are once again forgetting the lessons we relearned after Srebrenica. Today, Vladimir Putin wages a brutal, unprovoked, and criminal war against Ukraine and its people. Today, Kharkiv is described as a 'human safari,' just as Sarajevo was just over three decades ago. Today, Ukrainian children are being abducted, orphaned, wounded, and killed, just as Bosnian children were. Recently, our national and international response has been piecemeal. There is consensus in Congress that we must act to help Ukraine, but we lack the political will to do so. We need only one more Republican signature to put the Ukraine Support Act on the Floor for a vote – just one signature of courage to join every Democrat in standing up for freedom, international law, democracy and decency.

"The risks of inaction are far greater than the risks of action. This is our Churchill or Chamberlain moment. Being here tonight gives me hope that we will meet this moment. It gives me hope to see this vibrant community strengthening the bond between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gives me hope to hear how the partnership between the Maryland National Guard and the Bosnian military is enhancing our mutual security. And it gives me hope to see that democracy endures in Bosnia thirty years after I observed its first post-Dayton election – though I recognize many challenges persist. American democracy has its own challenges. But together, I have faith that we can overcome them. Because it doesn’t matter whether it’s Bosnia or America or Ukraine or anywhere else: democracy’s survival is never inevitable. It requires vigilance. It requires cooperation. It requires courage. And, above all, it requires action. Thank you."


Jayapal, Raskin, Garcia Demand DOJ End Its Outrageous Secret Surveillance of Members Reviewing Epstein Files

Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2026)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, and Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, are demanding that the Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately cease its attempt to obstruct and intimidate Members of Congress by covertly monitoring their searches of the slightly-less-redacted Epstein files.

At an oversight hearing this week with the House Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Pam Bondi was photographed with a document entitled ‘Jayapal Pramila Search History’ that contained a list of unredacted Epstein files Rep. Jayapal reviewed at DOJ a day prior. This photograph revealed that DOJ had secretly accessed and analyzed Members’ search histories and used that information to prepare Attorney General Bondi to launch partisan attacks instead of answering oversight questions.

“This surveillance of Members as we perform our constitutional oversight duties, done without our knowledge or consent, is a blatant violation of the separation of powers and further evidence that this DOJ will stop at nothing to protect Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s co-conspirators, accomplices, and enablers while denying justice to survivors and the American people,” wrote the Ranking Members.

DOJ’s Office of Legislative Affairs organized the file review process under false pretenses, disclosing only that it would log Members’ dates and times of access—while concealing any plan to track searches and document views in detail. In a letter authorizing the review of unredacted materials, DOJ made no mention that Members’ search histories would be tracked, recorded, or disseminated for any purpose.

More than a dozen Democratic Members, as well as Rep. Thomas Massie, have reviewed the files and may also have been subjected to DOJ surveillance. Even Republican Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the practice, stating that it is “not appropriate for anybody to be tracking” Members’ review of documents.

The surveillance marks a broader pattern by this DOJ of obstructing congressional oversight of the Epstein matter. Members are required to travel to a DOJ annex, use a limited number of DOJ-controlled computers, navigate cumbersome software, and review files under the watch of DOJ staff. Congressional staff are barred from assisting and have even been prohibited from entering the building.

With only four computers available for Members’ review, the lawmakers warn it would take more than seven years for Members to review the more than three million Epstein-related pages DOJ has partially released—while millions more pages remain fully withheld or heavily redacted.

The Members are demanding a meeting with Attorney General Bondi to develop a new protocol that allows Members of Congress to meaningfully review the fully unredacted documents—including by giving access to review terminals on the Capitol Complex and access for select Committee staffers. They are also demanding that DOJ (1) publicly release all files—with all the survivors’ information, and only the survivors’ information, properly redacted—as required by law and (2) provide information regarding the purpose and extent of the surveillance of Members.

“The American people and federal law demand nothing less,” the Ranking Members concluded.

Click here to read the letter.


LEADER JEFFRIES: “DONALD TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS HAVE DECIDED THAT THEY HAVE ZERO INTEREST IN GETTING ICE UNDER CONTROL”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a press availability, where he reiterated that while Democrats are committed to dramatic reforms to ICE and CBP, Republicans are shutting down DHS over their refusal to rein in these out-of-control agencies.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It appears increasingly likely that at midnight tonight, DHS funding for the Coast Guard, for FEMA and for TSA will lapse. Why? Because Donald Trump and Republicans have decided that they have zero interest in getting ICE under control. The American people know ICE is out of control and that they need to be reined in. And Democrats are working hard to do just that.

We believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not brutalize or kill them, which is what we’ve seen in Minneapolis with the cold-blooded killing of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. In this country, immigration enforcement should be fair, it should be just and it should be humane. That’s not what’s taking place right now in the United States of America, where law-abiding immigrant families are being violently targeted and American communities are being brutalized.

Dramatic changes are needed at the Department of Homeland Security in terms of ICE and CBP. Absent that, Republicans have decided to shut down parts of the federal government once again.

Full press availability can be watched here.


Rep. Mullin Secures Federal transportation funding to advance key San Mateo County projects

San Mateo County, CA – Federal transportation funding included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill will help advance several critical transportation projects across San Mateo County, supporting safety improvements, congestion relief and expanded mobility options for residents and travelers.

The bill includes congressional directed spending for multiple San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) priorities sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin, reflecting continued federal investment in the county’s transportation infrastructure. The funded projects address long-standing needs at major corridors, local streets and multimodal connections throughout the region.

“The federal government plays a crucial role in helping improve infrastructure and transportation systems across America. As a Member of Congress, delivering for our district is my top priority and I’m proud to partner with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to bring home millions of dollars for essential public projects,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “This funding will have widespread local and regional benefits by addressing traffic congestion, expanding bicyclist and pedestrian routes, and improving safety at one of the California’s most hazardous rail crossings.”

Funding included in the bill supports the following TA projects:

$3.15 million for the Broadway Grade Separation Project in Burlingame, which will improve safety and traffic flow by separating roadway and rail operations.

$850,000 for the 84/101 Reimagined Project in Redwood City, supporting planning and design efforts to address congestion at one of the county’s busiest interchanges.

$2 million for Woodland Avenue Safety Improvements in East Palo Alto, focused on enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety along a key neighborhood corridor.

$850,000 for the Huntington Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project in San Bruno, expanding safe and accessible travel options for people walking and biking.

$500,000 for the U.S. 101/Holly Street Interchange and Overcrossing Project in San Carlos, aimed at improving traffic operations and multimodal connectivity.

The TA recognizes the role of Congress in prioritizing transportation investments and is grateful for Rep. Mullin’s work in Washington, D.C., to secure federal resources that help advance projects benefiting San Mateo County communities.

“These investments will help move forward projects that improve safety, strengthen regional connections and support economic vitality,” said TA Board Chair Julia Mates. “Reliable federal funding is essential to delivering transportation improvements of this scale and complexity. We are grateful to Congressman Mullin for securing this much-needed funding.”

The TA will continue working with federal, state and local partners to move these projects forward and pursue additional funding opportunities to support a safe, reliable and sustainable transportation system.

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Air Force Briefing on Military Construction

On Thursday I received a brief from Air Force Brigadier General Christopher Leonard on military construction projects in Tinian, Saipan, and Rota. Brigadier General Leonard is the Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection at the Pentagon. We discussed the current status and plans of Air Force construction in our islands and I encouraged him to push for greater military engagement with our local small businesses and community partners.


Catch Up with Kim -- February 13, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman
February 13, 2026
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FAA Briefing on ATC Modernization

On Tuesday, I joined a bipartisan briefing held for Members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies to receive an update on the FAA’s nationwide air traffic control modernization effort. The presentation outlined major upgrades now underway, including the replacement of aging radar systems, enhanced runway safety technologies, and expanded weather-monitoring capabilities, supported by $12.5 billion in federal investment. These efforts are important for remote communities across the country where reliable air service is essential for healthcare, commerce, and tourism. We will continue to ensure that the CNMI is heard as these modernization projects advance.


Full Markup on House Veterans Affairs Committee

On Thursday, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a markup on several bills beneficial to veterans, survivors, and their families. I voted in favor of H. R. 3726 the Fisher House Availability Act of 2025, H.R. 785 the Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025, H.R. 3482 the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, and H.R. 6047 the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026. These bills address a range of issues affecting our veterans, including homeownership, support for catastrophically disabled veterans, senior veteran healthcare, and other critical needs. To view markup proceedings, click here.


Happy Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year begins on February 17, and I want to wish everyone in the CNMI a very Happy New Year. This season is about renewal, reflection, and the hope that comes with a fresh start. Our islands are home to families who carry these traditions with pride, passing them down through generations and sharing them with the broader community. May the year ahead bring good health, steady progress, and prosperity to your homes and businesses. Gong Xi Fa Cai to all who celebrate.


Lady Dolphins Make Waves

Congratulations to the Marianas High School Lady Dolphins for an outstanding start to this year’s Public School System-Northern Marianas National Physical Sports Federation (PSS-NMNPSF) Interscholastic Outrigger Race Series. Their dominant showing, sweeping both the 1,000-meter and 500-meter events with remarkable speed, discipline, and teamwork, highlights the strength of our student-athletes and the cultural pride reflected in outrigger paddling. We’re incredibly proud of all our participating schools for carrying forward this tradition and showcasing the competitive spirit that makes the CNMI shine. Way to go, Lady Dolphins!

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Nadine Deleon Guerrero Visit

Nadine Deleon Guerrero, network director of the CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC), visited the Congressional Office while she was in DC for the America’s SBDC Annual Leadership Summit convening SBDC network directors around the country. She shared how Small Business Administration programs have helped CNMI small businesses and areas where SBA programming could be made more “CNMI-friendly”. Hearing stories about the challenges and successes of our local entrepreneurs is enormously helpful for my work on the House Small Business Committee, and I look forward to working with her to adjust federal policies to best benefit CNMI small businesses.


Opportunities with VHA Reorganization

The Veterans’ Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing Wednesday to discuss the modernization of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). VHA has not been updated in over 30 years. This has caused delays and bureaucratic confusion which results in inefficient care for veterans. The new proposed system is more direct with less red tape and has the goal of placing the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s veterans and their families. I asked the VA Secretary about how improvements to VHA would benefit the territories. See my exchange with Secretary Collins here.


Small Business Committee Markup

On Wednesday my colleagues on the Small Business Committee and I voted to advance three bipartisan bills to the full House. Two of these bills would enact measures to combat fraud in Small Business Administration lending. H.R. 7401, the Small Lending Fraud Prevention Act, would require SBA employees who process loans to certify beforehand that they do not have any conflicts of interest. H.R. 7412, the Put America on Commission Act of 2026, would establish an Office of Whistleblower Awards at the SBA that would examine reports of SBA loan fraud by the public and distribute monetary rewards upon conviction resulting from the information provided. Finally, H.R. 7396, Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, would codify the Office of Native American Affairs at the SBA, add new reporting requirements and add a sunset provision in seven years that would force Congress to evaluate the work of the office at that time.


T&I Committee Markup Supports Jobs, Infrastructure, and Water Protection

The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advanced several bipartisan bills on Wednesday that deliver results for communities throughout the nation. From strengthening American manufacturing and encouraging job reshoring, to preventing water pollution, these measures reflect our commitment to economic growth and responsible stewardship of our taxpayer resources. For the CNMI, initiatives that expand economic development opportunities and protect water quality are especially important as we work to build resilient infrastructure, support local jobs, and safeguard our natural resources for future generations.


Larsen Condemns Trump Administration Demolishing Key Climate Regulations

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“Protecting Washington state's environment is a top priority of mine. The Trump administration’s decision to ignore established science about climate change is reckless, stupid and dangerous,” said Rep. Larsen. “From flooding to wildfires, Northwest Washingtonians know that climate change is real and causing measurable harm to communities across the Pacific Northwest. I will continue fighting for federal dollars that protect local ecosystems and invest in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.”

Yesterday, the Trump administration repealed the Endangerment Finding, which is the scientific determination that gives the United States government the authority to combat climate change.

Larsen Fights Against Endangerment Finding Rollback

In September 2025, Rep. Larsen joined 153 of his House Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opposing Administrator Lee Zeldin’s proposed rollbacks of EPA’s landmark Endangerment Finding and vehicle emissions standards, and also signed a letter that raised concerns with the EPA’s proposal to eliminate federal greenhouse gas pollution standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Rep. Larsen also joined six other members of Washington’s Congressional Delegation in a letter to Administrator Zeldin about how his proposal to eliminate the 2009 Endangerment Finding would harm Washingtonians’ health and welfare by exacerbating wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events.

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Larson Blasts Republican Coast Guard and TSA Shutdown to Shield ICE from Accountability

East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement ahead of the Department of Homeland Security shutting down on Saturday due to a lapse in funding. Republicans are refusing to negotiate in good faith on efforts to rein in the Trump Administration’s abusive immigration enforcement tactics, Coast Guardsmen and TSA officers will go without pay, while ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue to receive funding from Donald Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’

“Some of our civil servants and troops will be forced to work without pay for the third time in the last six months, thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress,” said Larson. “ICE is shooting American citizens in the streets, snatching mothers from their children in our communities, and illegally blocking Members of Congress from even visiting their facilities. Democrats offered a plan to keep workers paid and fund other operations at the Department of Homeland Security while negotiations continue, but Republicans are holding funding for our Coast Guard and TSA hostage as they put ICE’s reign of terror and fealty to Donald Trump ahead of the American people. We cannot approve another penny for Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s secret police force. ICE needs to be torn down and replaced.”

Larson is a cosponsor of the No Secret Police Act to require ICE agents to identify themselves, the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to bar ICE raids in schools, hospitals, courthouses, places of worship, and social service agencies, and the DHS Use of Force Oversight Act to require agents to only use the force needed to carry out arrests and has vowed to introduce legislation to stop ICE from operating in communities without coordinating with state and local law enforcement.


Larson, Neal Condemn ICE Infiltration at Social Security

“Under this administration, ICE has been transformed into Donald Trump’s secret police force – accountable to nobody. They are killing Americans in our streets, sending masked agents to snatch mothers from their children, and illegally blocking Members of Congress from even visiting their facilities. Today, we were informed that ICE is attempting to infiltrate the Social Security Administration too – using field offices to further round up and detain people, and scaring people out of getting the benefits they need. It was bad enough that Donald Trump and Kristi Noem have already used Social Security as a means to get immigrants to ‘self-deport.’ We led the effort to stop them and passed legislation to prevent them from continuing that policy. Now, Congress needs to act to end ICE’s reign of terror in our communities and block this cruel and inhumane plan.”

Last year, after New York Timesreporting revealed the Trump Administration’s efforts to mark living people as dead at Social Security in an attempt to pressure immigrants to leave the country, Larson and Neal spoke out and the policy was soon reversed. Last month, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to prevent the Social Security Administration from meddling with death records to target residents. It became law earlier this week.


Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bill to Protect Waters from Plastic Pollution

Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Hillary Scholten (MI-3) reintroduced the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, to address plastic pollution in our nation’s waterways and along our coasts.

This bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a rule that prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other types of plastic into our nation’s waters. Currently, EPA does not have an established federal rule to address plastic pellets specifically, and most states do not have meaningful regulations to combat plastic pollution.

“Much of our coastal district relies on the beautiful coastline to support our local economy, bolster tourism, sustain wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities,” said Rep. Levin. “Plastic pellets not only pollute our waterways and our coastline, but they also endanger public health. The damage they cause is preventable. Our Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would end the discharge of plastic pellets into our nation’s waters and protect our treasured natural resources. I thank Rep. Scholten for her partnership on this bill, and I look forward to it moving through the legislative process.”

“In West Michigan, we care deeply about protecting the rivers and lakes our communities rely on every day,” said Rep. Scholten. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, which would require the EPA to set clear rules to prevent microplastics from entering our waterways in the first place. This commonsense step will help keep our environment clean, protect wildlife, and preserve the natural resources that make Michigan such a special place for generations to come.”

Plastic pellets are a form of microplastics. When dumped or spilled into the ocean and our waterways, these pellets absorb toxic chemicals and attract harmful bacteria that threaten marine life. Seabirds, fish, and other wildlife often mistake pellets for food, ingesting these hazardous substances. For these animals, pellets can block their digestive tracts, threaten their lives, and ultimately even contaminate the food humans eat.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would prevent further ecological and public health harm from plastic pollution by requiring the EPA to issue a rule addressing plastic pellets nationwide.

The bill is endorsed by the American Bird Conservancy, Environment America, Environment California, Environment Michigan, Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, PIRG, Surfrider, 5 Gyres.

“Plastic pellets in the environment can harm birds that confuse this type of pollution for food,” said Annie Chester, Policy Director at American Bird Conservancy. “The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would prohibit discharges of plastic pellets, safeguarding waterways that birds and people rely upon. American Bird Conservancy thanks Reps. Levin and Scholten for championing this legislation.”

“Plastic pollution is everywhere—from the beaches of California to Pennsylvania’s top trout streams, and from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf Coast of Texas. Sometimes, it’s obvious, for example, ubiquitous plastic grocery bags. But perhaps a bigger problem is something much smaller—the hard-to-notice plastic pellet. When animals ingest this plastic, they can get sick and even die. We should be doing everything we can to stop plastic pollution, but shockingly, some companies still dump and spill large quantities of plastic pellets directly into our waterways. That’s why it’s urgent that Congress pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act,” said Lisa Frank, Executive Director, Environment America

“Oceana thanks Representatives Mike Levin and Hillary Scholten for addressing plastic pollution by reintroducing the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act," said Christy Leavitt, Senior Campaign Director at Oceana. “Plastic pellets can easily spill or wash into our oceans, rivers, and lakes, and they are extremely difficult to clean up because of their small size. These tiny pieces of plastic contribute to the growing plastic pollution crisis and flood of plastic into our oceans and fresh waterways. Congress should pass this much needed bill to protect our coasts, communities, and wildlife.”

“The Clean Water Act is meant to protect our nation’s waters from pollution, but right now tiny plastic pellets are literally slipping through the cracks in huge quantities,” said Dr. Anja Brandon, Director of Plastics Policy at Ocean Conservancy. “These microplastics can resemble fish eggs and are often ingested by seabirds, turtles, fish, and other marine life. We applaud Rep. Levin for reintroducing the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act to leverage America’s landmark water pollution law to keep deadly plastic pellets out of our ocean. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to pass this commonsense legislation in our fight against the ocean plastics crisis.”

“Hundreds of citizen scientists participating in last year's International Plastic Pellet Count found nearly 50,000 plastic pellets in waterways around the world in just a matter of minutes, primarily in the United States. That's just the tip of the iceberg: an estimated 10 trillion plastic pellets end up in our oceans each year. Plastic pellets can escape into the environment at every step of the supply chain, and despite their small size, cause big problems for our environment, especially our waterways, where they can harm wildlife and public health. U.S. PIRG is calling on Congress to pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act to address this often unseen threat,” said Grace Vickers, Beyond Plastic Associate at PIRG.

“Some of the most harmful plastic pollution is also the hardest to see,” said Jenna Schwerzmann, Plastic Pollution Initiative Coordinator with the Surfrider Foundation. “Our oceans are already overwhelmed with plastic at the end of its life; plastic producers should not be adding to that burden by allowing preventable losses of virgin plastic before it even becomes a product. The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act is a commonsense step to stop this pollution at its source and hold polluters accountable.”

"5 Gyres is proud to stand behind leaders like Congressman Levin who are advancing real solutions to plastic pollution. The production of plastics has an immense impact on our waterways and communities. For far too long, plastic producers have been allowed to pollute our nation without consequence. The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would finally hold corporations accountable, using the Clean Water Act, a bedrock environmental law, to regulate polluters,” said Paulita Bennett-Martin, Senior Strategist of Policy Initiatives at 5 Gyres.

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Ranking Members Lofgren and Amo Slam EPA for Elimination of Office of Research and Development

“The Trump Administration’s attack on science is disastrous. Without a doubt, the American people will be harmed by this Administration’s reckless decisions,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. “Just two days ago the EPA repealed the science-backed endangerment finding and today officially notified Congress what we knew all along – EPA’s elimination of independent science at the agency. Despite EPA Administrator Zeldin’s absurd denials, and Republicans’ obsequious insistence that ORD was still functioning, the truth is finally revealed. Trump and Zeldin have no intention to follow the law and support the use of the best available science but instead get rid of research to allow companies to pollute our Earth without regard to the health of American people.”

“Trump's destruction of the independent research office at EPA is now complete,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee. “Trump and Zeldin's reckless choice to shutter the office studying how to best protect Americans from pollutants, emissions, and climate change, will leave people sicker and worse off. Once again Trump is letting polluters run wild and showing he cares more about his wealthy friends than whether Americans have access to clean air and water.”


Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Legislation To Deport Illegal Aliens Convicted Of Animal Cruelty

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 13, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Illegal Alien Animal Abuser Removal Act of 2026, legislation which makes illegal immigrants convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting offenses inadmissible to the United States and subject to immediate deportation.

“If you come here illegally, you’re already a criminal. Add animal cruelty to the list and you’re on the next flight back to where you came from,” said Congresswoman Mace. "We have a duty to protect the voiceless from torture and abuse. Animal cruelty is a proven red flag for violence against people. These criminals escalate. Our bill makes it crystal clear: commit these sick acts and you're deported. Immediately. No second chances."

The Illegal Alien Animal Abuser Removal Act of 2026 would:

Make any illegal alien convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting under federal, state, tribal, or local law permanently inadmissible to the United States

Make any illegal alien already in the country convicted of these offenses immediately deportable

Apply to both misdemeanor and felony convictions

Animal cruelty is not a victimless crime. The FBI has identified animal abuse as a warning sign of violent behavior, including domestic violence and child abuse. Removing these offenders from the United States strengthens public safety while protecting innocent animals from further harm.

"The message is clear: abuse animals, get deported. America will not be a sanctuary for animal abusers, especially ones who broke into our country illegally in the first place. Pack your bags,” Mace added.

SEE BILL TEXT BELOW:

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Rep. Nancy Mace Issues Statement On Senate's Failure To Fund DHS, Impending Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 13, 2026) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace issued the following statement after the Senate failed to move forward with a Department of Homeland Security appropriations measure, prompting a partial government shutdown at midnight tonight:

“The Senate's failure to advance DHS funding threatens a shutdown going far beyond ICE.

“The Coast Guard, FEMA, TSA, and key anti-trafficking programs are all on the line. The consequences: compromised airport security, weakened maritime operations, and dangerous gaps in our efforts to stop human trafficking and respond to natural disasters.

“But what hits even harder is the impact on the Lowcountry. Charleston houses critical Coast Guard operations and a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center training federal, state, and local officers nationwide. These facilities are the backbone of our security and law enforcement infrastructure and key drivers of our economy. The men and women serving there and the families depending on them can't be collateral damage in Washington's political games.

“Congress must fund DHS and stop gambling with the agencies keeping Americans safe.”

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Congressman Mackenzie Calls on Congress to Fund the Department of Homeland Security

Encourages action to pursue commonsense reform, limit impact on servicemembers

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, called on Congress to work together to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, whose funding has been blocked by Senate Democrats. Congressman Mackenzie has voted to fund the Department as part of deals which passed the House, but Senate Democrats have repeatedly prevented this appropriation from receiving the 60 votes needed.

Congressman Mackenzie has called for Congress to pursue commonsense, bipartisan reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability while also advocating for greater cooperation on the part of local municipalities. The DHS funding bill passed by the House included $20 million for body cameras, requirements for de-escalation training, and additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, the Congressman recently participated in a DHS oversight hearing.

“Once again, some in Congress are choosing to prioritize partisanship ahead of public safety,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “There is broad, bipartisan agreement on reforms that will safeguard ICE transparency and accountability, which was already reflected in the existing DHS funding bill. It’s disappointing that instead of building on this progress, some in Congress are choosing to pursue yet another partisan shutdown.”

While the shutdown ostensibly targets ICE and CBP, these agencies have already received funding through reconciliation. This leaves other essential agencies, including TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, most impacted. Congressman Mackenzie is a cosponsor of the Pay our Coast Guard Parity Act, which would protect the salaries and benefits of servicemembers in the Coast Guard in the event of a shutdown.