Ciscomani Announces Rural Rancher for 2026 State of the Union Guest

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is proud to announce Ben Menges will be his guest for this year’s State of the Union in Washington, D.C. Ben is a fifth-generation Arizona rancher, running Menges Ranch in Safford, Arizona. He currently serves as the president of Graham County Farm Bureau.

“Ben and his family are deeply rooted in southeastern Arizona,” said Ciscomani. “Their responsible approach to ranching is a testament to how one of our state’s oldest and time-honored professions can not only survive but thrive in our high technology 21st century economy. I’m honored Ben will be joining me in Washington next week as my guest at the State of the Union.”

Ben Menges expressed his gratitude for Congressman Ciscomani’s invite:

“I’m proud to attend the State of the Union as a representative of agriculture for our district and our state, and I’m beyond proud to stand with Juan Ciscomani as he fights for an industry the world can’t live without.”

He explained his passion for Arizona’s agriculture industry and thanked Congressman Ciscomani for the work he has done to support farmers throughout AZ-06:

“The spaces between our cities and towns in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District are predominantly filled with agricultural land. Desert agriculture is some of the most efficient and productive in the nation, but this does not mean farming and ranching in our state isn’t faced with a broad array of issues. It is refreshing to know Congressman Ciscomani has worked on behalf of those who produce our food and fiber.

“He contributed lines to the One Big Beautiful Bill for cattle ranchers who have suffered cattle losses as the result of the presence of federally-protected Mexican Gray Wolf. Time and again, he has highlighted the importance keeping Arizona agriculturalists in business. Currently, he is working to resolve decades-old water issues among irrigators within our district. Needless to say, the future of Arizona agriculture would be much brighter if it were left solely up to Juan Ciscomani.”

Ben and his wife, Ashley, were recent national second-place winners in the 2024 Young Farmer and Rancher Excellence in Agriculture competition, just one of the many ways in which they have worked to carry on the legacy of excellent ranching.

Throughout his career, Ben has accomplished great work in Arizona’s agriculture industry. He has dealt extensively with the management of endangered species, including the Mexican gray wolf. Ben has continually advocated for increased compensation for losses suffered from wolf predation, an effort that he still remains committed to.

Ben believes in the importance of embracing public land for food production, in order to ensure the stability of agricultural operation such as his own. He is a firm supporter of positive and healthy partnerships between ranchers and federal agencies as a way to nurture public understanding of the benefits that come with integrated land use.

Congressman Ciscomani is honored to invite Ben to accompany him to the 2026 State of the Union in our nation’s Capital and looks forward to this opportunity to highlight an invaluable member of Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District. Individuals such as Ben are who make southeastern Arizona the rich and unique region it is.

See Ben’s reaction to the Congressman’s invitation HERE.

You can read more about Ben Menges and how his efforts have impacted southeastern Arizona HERE and HERE.

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CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE LAUNCHES LISTENING SESSION TOUR WITH COMMUNITY BOARDS 8 & 9 IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 20, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Rep. Clarke launched her Central and Southwest Brooklyn listening session tour at the Central Library, where she addressed the devastating impacts of the Trump administration’s unconstitutional policies and failed leadership

See pictures from the Listening Session Here

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:

“Under the failed leadership of President Trump and his cabinet, constituents across New York’s Ninth Congressional District are experiencing the harmful impacts of this administration’s policies.

“Brooklyn is one of the world’s great cultural hubs, home to neighbors representing countless countries, cultures, and faiths,” said Rep. Clarke. “Yet communities across my district have been hit hard by this administration’s unconstitutional tariff policies, cruel and inhumane immigration actions, cuts to Department of Education programs and funding, restrictions on infrastructure investments in blue states, and the rising cost of living — from groceries and healthcare premiums to housing and energy costs.

“My constituents are hurting. They are scared, and many are struggling to maintain their households and pursue the American Dream amid rising costs and a lack of accountability from Washington.

“That is why I must listen directly to community concerns by meeting people where they are. I welcome neighbors from community boards across the district to participate and make their voices heard.

“I encourage NY-09 residents to follow me on social media @repyvetteclarke and my website, clarke.house.gov, as we will announce upcoming listening session dates.”

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Rep. Clyde Honors Sky Valley Police Officer as Special Georgian of the Ninth

GAINESVILLE, GA – Yesterday, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) recognized Sky Valley Police Officer Andrew Williams as a Special Georgian of the Ninth following his recent extraordinary act of service.

On February 19th, Rep. Clyde visited Sky Valley – "Georgia's Highest and Coolest City" – to join Sky Valley Mayor Benita Cotton-Orr, Chief of Police Ron Baumes, and local community members in honoring Officer Williams. During the event, the Congressman delivered remarks highlighting Williams' bravery. Additionally, Rep. Clyde presented Officer Williams with a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a Special Georgian of the Ninth certificate.

On January 22nd, Sky Valley Police Officer Williams observed a fire during his patrol along Georgia Highway 246. After notifying Rabun County Dispatch, he proceeded to investigate the matter, identified a residential fire, and quickly sprang into action.

Officer Williams rushed toward the burning house to determine if anyone was inside. He found two elderly homeowners attempting to locate their pet and belongings amidst flames and black smoke. Officer Williams safely guided the couple out of the home and away from the fire. As the three fled to safety, propane tanks inside the home exploded — consuming the house in flames.

“In the face of dangerous, fiery conditions, Officer Williams went above and beyond for his fellow North Georgians without hesitation,” said Clyde. “His swift, selfless, and courageous actions truly represent the gold standard of law enforcement service. It is a privilege to honor Officer Andrew Williams as Special Georgian of the Ninth for his heroism and life-saving work.”

Throughout the year, Rep. Clyde recognizes a Special Georgian of the Ninth to honor constituents, businesses, or organizations for making a difference in North Georgia.


U.S. Forest Service Announces Retroactive Funding for Secure Rural Schools Program

Today, the U.S. Forest Service announced $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments for 2024. This decision follows the December 18, 2025, three-year reauthorization of the program, which was supported by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ).

Congress first enacted the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act over twenty years ago, which guaranteed funding for rural schools, infrastructure projects, wildfire mitigation, and other essential services.

In Washington, Rep. Crane worked to build momentum toward reauthorization, and Congress ultimately approved a three-year extension, securing funding for rural communities’ schools and other critical services.

For more information, please click here.

“The reauthorization of SRS is a win for every county in Arizona’s Second Congressional District. Additionally, the timely action by the Trump administration to provide retroactive payments underscores the President’s commitment to rural America,” said Rep. Crane. “I’m proud to have been part of the bipartisan, bicameral coalition working to restore this vital program that delivers for rural Arizona.”


Crow Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision to Strike Down Trump’s Tariffs

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s reckless tariff policy:

“Donald Trump’s tariffs are a tax on every American. They’ve raised costs on Colorado families, threatened small businesses, and hit working Americans the hardest.

“Today’s decision reaffirms what the Constitution has said all along: these tariffs are illegal and unconstitutional. The ruling is a relief for working families that Donald Trump has turned his back on, and it sends a message to this President that he is not king.

“Trump, J.D. Vance, and Republicans said they would lower prices. But instead they cut health care, passed tax giveaways for the richest Americans, and have protected the corrupt elite.

“Our country’s leaders should be focused on making life better for working people. I’ll continue fighting to make life more affordable for Coloradans.”

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Congressman Cuellar Commends Supreme Court Ruling Striking Down Sweeping Tariffs, Protecting Texans from Higher Costs

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose sweeping tariffs exceeded the authority granted under that statute, reaffirming that the Constitution assigns Congress the authority over tariffs and taxation. U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), released the following statement in response:

“In its ruling today, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed that the Constitution gives Congress the authority over tariffs and taxation.

“I’ve long opposed these sweeping tariffs because they function as a hidden tax on families. Texas consumers and small businesses pay the price through higher costs on everyday goods and materials. This ruling strengthens our international trade community by reinforcing clear rules of the road that provide certainty, encourage fair competition, and help ease price pressures at home.

“South Texas is a hub of international commerce. Our ports of entry, logistics networks, and cross-border partnerships depend on stable, predictable trade relationships. When our international trade community has clarity and consistency, businesses can plan, invest, and grow.

“I support strong trade policy that gives our international trade community the certainty it needs, protects consumers from higher costs, and supports the men and women whose jobs depend on commerce. We can confront unfair practices without driving up prices. That requires transparency and a clear strategy that promotes growth and long-term competitiveness.

“As we move forward with USMCA negotiations, I’m working to ensure Texas remains a leader in North American trade and that our region continues to benefit from expanded economic opportunity.

“I’ll continue working on bipartisan solutions that strengthen our international trade community, lower costs for families, and support good-paying jobs here at home.”

El congresista Cuellar elogia el fallo de la Corte Suprema que elimina los aranceles generalizados y protege a los tejanos de costos más altos

Laredo, TX – En una decisión de 6 a 3, la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos dictaminó que el uso de la Ley de Poderes Económicos de Emergencia Internacional de 1977 para imponer aranceles exorbitantes excedió la autoridad otorgada por ley, reafirmando que la Constitución otorga al Congreso la autoridad sobre aranceles e impuestos. El congresista estadounidense Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta:

“En su fallo de hoy, la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos reafirmó que la Constitución otorga al Congreso la autoridad sobre aranceles e impuestos.

“Me he opuesto durante mucho tiempo a estos aranceles radicales porque funcionan como un impuesto oculto para las familias. Los consumidores y las pequeñas empresas de Texas pagan el precio con mayores costos en productos y materiales de uso diario. Esta decisión fortalece nuestra comunidad comercial internacional al consolidar reglas de juego claras que brindan certidumbre, fomentan la competencia justa y ayudan a aliviar la presión sobre los precios en el país.

“El sur de Texas es un centro de comercio internacional. Nuestros puertos de entrada, redes logísticas y alianzas transfronterizas dependen de relaciones comerciales estables y predecibles. Cuando nuestra comunidad comercial internacional tiene claridad y coherencia, las empresas pueden planificar, invertir y crecer.

“Apoyo una política comercial sólida que brinde a nuestra comunidad comercial internacional la certidumbre que necesita, proteja a los consumidores de costos más altos y apoye a los hombres y mujeres cuyos empleos dependen del comercio. Podemos enfrentar las prácticas desleales sin aumentar los precios. Esto requiere transparencia y una estrategia clara que promueva el crecimiento y la competitividad a largo plazo.

“A medida que avanzamos con las negociaciones del T-MEC, estoy trabajando para garantizar que Texas siga siendo un líder en el comercio de América del Norte y que nuestra región continúe beneficiándose de una mayor oportunidad económica.

“Seguiré trabajando en soluciones bipartidistas que fortalezcan nuestra comunidad comercial internacional, reduzcan los costos para las familias y respalden empleos bien remunerados aquí en casa.”

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Davids’ Statement After Supreme Court Strikes Down President Trump’s Tariffs

Today, after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down President Trump’s tariffs, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement. The Court’s majority held that the Constitution “very clearly” grants Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a win for Kansas families, workers, and small businesses who have been paying the price for reckless tariffs that raised costs at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the farm,” said Davids. “The Constitution is clear: Congress — not any one president — has the authority to set trade policy. I’ll keep fighting for smart, targeted trade enforcement that holds bad actors accountable without forcing hardworking Kansans to shoulder the cost of failed policies.”

Background:

Davids has consistently pushed back on the President’s tariffs and supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer that are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs that are raising prices for hardworking families.

Kansas families are feeling the pinch of Trump’s tariff policies. The Budget Lab at Yale University estimates the average American household will pay $2,400 more annually because of tariffs, with clothing and textiles seeing the biggest spikes. Contrary to claims that tariffs will strengthen the economy, experts warn they will instead lead to higher inflation and slower job growth.

According to Harvard Business School data, tariffs added roughly 0.7 percentage points to inflation in 2025, raising the cost of both imported and domestic goods. Popular items are more expensive, including:

Clothing accessories: +15 percent

Jewelry: +8 percent

Household tools: +6.2 percent

Appliances: +5.6 percent

Meat: +6.2 percent

Fruit: +5.5 percent

Coffee and tea: +9.2 percent

Household supplies like toilet paper: +4.7 percent

Many retailers — including Walmart, Dollar General, and major food producers — have announced or implemented price hikes to cover tariff costs. American families are footing the bill for the administration’s reckless trade policies.

These chaotic tariffs have also threatened key industries in Kansas, including agriculture and manufacturing, by increasing the cost of imported equipment and materials and by inviting retaliatory tariffs on exports. This reckless approach to trade policy underscores the need for thoughtful, bipartisan solutions that promote fair trade without harming American consumers and businesses.


Following Deadly Midair Collision, Rep. Sharice Davids Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Aviation Safety, Protect Flyers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to last year’s deadly midair collision of Flight 5342 from ICT to DCA, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) helped introduce the ALERT Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing aviation safety systems, strengthening air traffic controller training, and reducing the risk of future tragedies.

“There isn’t a single person in Kansas who wasn’t touched in some way by this horrific tragedy,” said Davids. “When lives are lost in a preventable accident, Congress has a responsibility to act. The ALERT Act follows expert recommendations to strengthen training, modernize safety systems, and reduce the risk of midair collisions — protecting pilots, passengers, military personnel, and communities on the ground.”

On January 29, 2025, Flight 5342 departed Wichita (ICT) bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). As the flight approached its destination, it collided midair with a military training helicopter, tragically killing the two pilots, two flight attendants, and 60 passengers on the airplane, along with all three crew members aboard the helicopter.

The ALERT Act, split between civilian air travel and military aircraft safety, is informed by recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and addresses concerns about airspace congestion, communication failures, outdated collision-avoidance systems, and coordination between civilian and military aircraft.

Specifically, the ALERT Act would:

Upgrade Aircraft Collision Warning Systems

Direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to evaluate and implement improvements to advanced collision-avoidance technology on commercial aircraft.

Establish a timeline for deploying updated systems that provide earlier and clearer warnings to pilots.

Strengthen Air Traffic Controller Training

Create expert working groups to modernize controller training standards.

Improve risk assessment tools to help controllers identify hazards in real time.

Increase transparency if safety recommendations are not adopted.

Improve Airspace Communication

Study technology that detects “blocked transmissions,” which occur when radio messages overlap and critical information is lost.

Provide Congress with cost and implementation recommendations.

Review Airspace Congestion and Airport Capacity

Require the FAA to assess safe arrival and departure rates at congested airports.

Review aircraft spacing requirements in complex airspace environments.

Enhance Military Aviation Safety

Require closer coordination between the Department of Defense and the FAA on collision-avoidance systems.

Strengthen helicopter safety management systems, particularly in shared civilian-military airspace.

And more

Read Davids’ statement commemorating the recent one-year anniversary here.

Following the tragic collision, Davids and her Kansas colleagues expressed their steadfast solidarity with the families and communities affected by the tragedy. Davids has taken several additional steps to improve aviation safety and honor the lives lost:

Met with the victims’ families in Wichita and pledged to be a voice for transparency and reform in the investigation.

Pressed FAA and NTSB experts in a U.S. Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing on air traffic controller shortages and safety protocols.

Toured the Olathe Air Traffic Control Center to highlight critical staffing needs and renew her call for increased investments in aviation safety infrastructure.

Responded to initial NTSB recommendations with a commitment to act on any legislative fixes needed to keep passengers and crew safe.

Pledged to act on recommendations from an initial NTSB investigative hearing on the tragic midair collision.


Dingell Statement on SCOTUS Rejection of Trump Tariffs

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States ruling to strike down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching, global tariffs.

“The conservative Supreme Court’s decision today striking down President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs underscores what I've been saying, that trade policy cannot be chaotic. Tariffs are a tool in the toolbox, but they must be used strategically in ways that strengthen, not weaken, American manufacturing and supply chains. Trump’s tariffs were sold as a lifeline for manufacturing. Instead, they were a hidden tax on working families, squeezing small businesses and creating uncertainty, which only hurt our communities.

“We must be supporting our domestic industry, especially our auto industry and its workforce, and bringing capacity home so that we’re not dependent on our foreign adversaries in a time of global uncertainty. Across-the-board tariffs risk harming the very workers and companies we seek to protect, disrupting integrated supply chains, and pushing investment offshore. Our workers and businesses need predictable trade policy that levels the playing field with nations that play by the rules, that protects American jobs and innovation, and that reaffirms our commitments to our closest allies. I believe this ruling should be a moment for Congress and the Administration to work together on clear, targeted authorities grounded in law, so that we advance our industries and U.S. competitiveness and security globally.”


DeLauro Statement on Supreme Court Striking Down President Trump’s Unilateral Tariffs

US Representative Rosa DeLauro issued the following statement regarding news that the Supreme Court has ruled by a 6-3 margin that President Trump’s blanket tariffs applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional:

“These tariffs raised prices. People in America are suffering every day from the cost of living crisis--they are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to pay the bills. Inflation is killing them. And President Trump’s tariffs were pouring gasoline on the fire, raising the cost of everything from coffee to kitchen cabinets. Americans paid 90 percent of the cost of these tariffs last year, totaling nearly $1,800 in additional costs on average for each family. These were extreme price hikes that families could not afford, and which empowered big corporations to price gouge.

“Now the Supreme Court has ruled: the president has no authority to do this. It is a relief for American families who were suffering from higher prices due to his trade war.


DelBene Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Decision

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s tariff case decision:

“Today’s decision is a win for American families struggling under the high prices caused by President Trump's tariffs and an important step toward stopping Trump’s senseless trade wars.

“The president is not a king. These tariffs were always illegal. The court validated today that Congress – not an unchecked president – has the constitutional authority over trade policy.

“Republicans in Congress could have easily ended this economic crisis by standing up for their communities. Instead, they chose to bend the knee to Trump while families, small businesses, and farmers suffered from higher prices.

“The administration has promised to use other avenues to maintain these illegal tariffs. Congress must step up to put an end to this chaos and protect our economy.”


DelBene on Trump’s Latest Tariff Scheme: ‘Illegitimate Use of the Law’

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s promise to impose Section 122 tariffs after his loss at the Supreme Court:

“Trump is already trying to go around the Supreme Court decision striking down his illegal tariffs. He is trying to issue a new set of tariffs that will raise costs on millions of American manufacturers, farmers, and families — without a vote in Congress.

“His remarks earlier are completely inconsistent with Section 122. I will continue to oppose this illegitimate use of the law.

“It is clear that Congress cannot continue to sit on the sidelines and must rein in Trump’s destructive trade policy. I hope my Republican colleagues find the courage to oppose these new tariffs.”


Deluzio Joins Local Chefs for Conversation with Western PA Restaurants, Small Businesses, Farmers

February 20, 2026
Press Release
ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA
– Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) helped lead a roundtable conversation focused on today’s challenges facing Western Pennsylvania restaurants, small businesses—with a focus on extreme weather. Held in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District at Chengdu Gourmet in Ross Township, event attendees included State Senator Lindsay Williams, State Representative Emily Kinkaid, farmers, restaurant owners and chefs from Western Pennsylvania and beyond, sustainability and tourism organizations, Casa San Jose, and others.
“Restaurant workers and small business owners give our communities so much—so it was great to hear from them about challenges in the restaurant industry and agriculture sector,” said
Congressman Deluzio
. “We cannot turn a blind eye to the impact of extreme weather events on our food, farms, and small businesses.”
Agriculture is a
major part of Pennsylvania’s economy
, contributing about $132 billion each year and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Top agricultural products in the state include milk and other dairy products, chicken eggs, meat chickens, corn, cattle and calves, mushrooms, and other crops.
The
National Restaurant Association estimates
that Pennsylvania’s eating and drinking places generated around $50 billion in direct economic output in 2025, supporting 500,000+ jobs and delivering about $16.3 billion in labor income to workers in the Commonwealth.
Independent restaurants are key to Western Pennsylvania’s regional economy—employing around 79,000 people. When this economic activity is disrupted by extreme weather, the impacts ripple through small businesses, producers, jobs, and the community’s economy.
Photos from Congressman Deluzio’s event at Chengdu Gourmet are
available here
.
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Ezell Announces Frank Mallette as State of the Union Guest

Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that Frank Mallette of Vancleave, Mississippi, will join him in Washington as his guest for this year’s State of the Union Address.

Mallette is a respected construction professional and road builder whose work has helped improve infrastructure and strengthen communities across South Mississippi. Through decades of hands-on experience, he has played an important role in building and maintaining the roads and transportation networks that support local commerce, public safety, and economic growth.

“Frank represents the hardworking men and women who keep Mississippi moving,” Ezell said. “From building roads to strengthening our infrastructure, his work supports our economy and improves daily life for families across the Gulf Coast. I am honored to have him as my guest for the State of the Union.”

As a resident of Vancleave, Mallette embodies the strong work ethic and commitment to community that define Mississippi’s Fourth District. His contributions to infrastructure development reflect the critical importance of skilled trades and the role they play in supporting economic opportunity and regional growth.

Ezell looks forward to highlighting Mallette’s contributions while bringing the voice of Mississippi’s workers and builders to the nation’s capital.


Congressman Fine Introduces Legislation to Protect Puppies From Sharia

Washington, DC - Congressman Randy Fine introduced the Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act. The bill was filed in response to comments from an advisor to Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York City, who stated that because owning a dog as a pet violates Islamic law, it should be banned. As part of her comments, she said, “New York City is coming to Islam.”

This legislation would prohibit federal funds from being provided to any state or local government that bans dogs as pets. Islamic law cannot be forced on the United States of America. It is the right of all Americans to own a dog.

“In America, we will not allow anyone to tell us that we cannot have dogs. My bill protects Americans’ right to own a dog and would not allow federal funding to be given to any state or local government that bans them as Haram.There are 57 countries that are Sharia compliant; the United States will not be the 58th.”- Congressman Randy Fine

“Given the choice between puppies and Sharia, I choose puppies every time. Our tax dollars should not fund any state that chooses to ban dogs as ‘haram.’ We cannot allow Sharia law to continue to infiltrate our communities, undermine our Constitution, and threaten our way of life. Enough is enough.” - Congressman Chip Roy

“In America, we cherish dogs—loyal companions, beloved family, and yes, true gifts from God. Any foreign ideology that tries to strip Americans of our right to own dogs is not welcome here,” said Congressman Keith Self. “I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Randy Fine’s Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act. We love our dogs, but this isn't just about pets—it's the opening salvo against our way of life. First, they come for our dogs, then our daughters and wives, then they come for every freedom-loving American. Sharia has no place in America—keep your hands off our dogs and our liberties!” - Congressman Keith Self

“Sharia Law is wholly incompatible with Western society. I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Fine’s bill that protects commonsense American rights.” - Congressman Brandon Gill

Congressman Fine's original cosponsors include: Reps. Keith Self, Chip Roy, Andy Harris, Brandon Gill, Eli Crane, Mary Miller, Sheri Biggs, Mark Harris, and Andy Ogles.


Finstad Announces State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced that he has invited Rochester Chief of Police Jim Franklin to attend the 2026 State of the Union as his guest.

Chief Franklin was appointed chief of police on July 26, 2018, becoming the City’s 19th chief law enforcement officer. Serving the largest city in Minnesota’s First Congressional District, Chief Franklin has been committed to advancing an environment of continuous improvement centered on policing that prioritizes meaningful partnerships, trust-building, and collaboration to keep our communities safe.


Congresswoman Fischbach in Lake Bronson

Minnesota District 7 -- Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach toured the northern part of the Seventh Congressional District recently, stopping by Steve Porter’s deer farm in Kittson County. Porter has been actively raising awareness of how government regulations are affecting the livelihoods of deer farm owners. He has directly felt the effects at his farm. He also invited other farmers to the meeting who have been dealing with the extreme regulations. After the conversation, Porter took the Congresswoman for a ride around his property so she could see firsthand how the regulations would affect individual farms.

The congresswoman is fighting to protect the rights of these farmers and ensure that federal tax dollars only go to states that treat all farmers fairly. Political agendas cannot be allowed to eliminate parts of our agricultural industry.

During the Congresswoman’s time at Steve Porter’s Trophy Whitetails, they also discussed the importance of delisting grey wolves from the Endangered Species List. In December, the U.S. House passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, which the Congresswoman co-sponsored, which will delist the grey wolf. That legislation is now in the U.S. Senate and is awaiting a vote. The grey wolf has been fully recovered and has now become a threat to livestock. It is essential that the Senate take up this issue.


Statement on Supreme Court’s Tariff Decision

“Congressman Fitzpatrick applauds today’s Supreme’s Court decision, which validates the Congressman’s opposition to blanket and indiscriminate tarriffs that are not narrowly tailored, and that do not lower costs for the American consumer. Moreover, this decision validates the Congressman’s vote last week to strike down any tariff authority that does not meet this standard.”

“Families are already stretched thin due to an ongoing affordability crisis that has been caused by hyper-partisan politicians from both political parties for decades. Congressman Fitzpatrick fully supports the enforcement of our trade laws, fixing inequities and injustices, and holding bad actors accountable. This should always be done in a collaborative manner with a bipartisan, bicameral majority in Congress.”

“However, the Congressman has always, and will always, oppose any broad tariffs that raise costs on the American consumer. His focus is, and will always remain, on reducing the financial burden on our working families.”


Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher on Supreme Court Decision To Strike Down President Trump’s Tariffs

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement after the Supreme Court released its decision in Learning Resources v. Trump, ruling that President Trump lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose tariffs unilaterally.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is the right one, and it is an important victory for the rule of law and for the U.S. Constitution at a time when both are under attack. President Trump did not have the authority that he claimed to have; Congress does. The Supreme Court said so in its ruling. Democrats in Congress—including me—have been saying that all along.

“President Trump’s immediate reaction—belittling the ruling, insulting the justices, rejecting the outcome, and imposing new tariffs—is entirely consistent with his statements and actions over the last year and incredibly dangerous for our country.”

Last week, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for a bipartisan resolution to end President Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Since President Trump started his trade wars in April, Congresswoman Fletcher has co-sponsored several other bills to terminate these tariffs and to prevent the President from unilaterally imposing them, including the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, H.R. 2888; the Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025, H.R. 1903; the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, H.R. 2459; and the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, H.R. 2464.


Congressman Flood on Supreme Court’s Tariffs Decision: We Must Respect the Rule of Law and Continue Building a Resilient Economy

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on U.S. President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

"While we all pause to understand the full implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, we must respect the rule of law. I am confident that President Trump and Congressional Republicans can continue advancing our historic efforts to build a resilient domestic economy that benefits hardworking Nebraskans in light of this ruling. I trust that President Trump and Congress will use every lawful tool available to keep growing our economy and ensure American goods compete on a level playing field abroad."


Rep. Foushee Calls on Trump Administration to Restore STEM Research Funding, Provide Transparency on PCAST

WASHINGTON, DC (February 20, 2026) — Yesterday, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) led 24 House Democrats responsible for oversight of federal science and technology initiatives in a letter to Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and David Sacks, Special Advisor for AI and Crypto and Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), calling for transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to federal STEM education and research and development (R&D).

In the letter, the lawmakers warn that steep proposed cuts to federal science agencies and a lack of publicly available information about the PCAST threatens the United States’ longstanding leadership in science and technology innovation. Although PCAST was reestablished in January 2025, the Administration has provided no recent public updates on its membership, activities, or progress. The most recent materials available on OSTP’s website date back to 2021, and PCAST was not referenced in the Trump Administration’s most recent Science and Technology Highlights.

“Serving as the bedrock for national innovation, federal R&D expenditures have driven U.S. scientific and technological superiority,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is our responsibility as Members of Congress to ensure that as these paradigm-shifting technologies emerge, we preserve our national competitiveness in the sciences and technology, supporting sustained and long-term federal investment in STEM education and research. To that end, we request that you provide a formal report of PCAST’s plans and updates in advancing our scientific and technological innovation.”

Federal investments in STEM education and R&D are critical to cultivating and retaining talent, building an AI-capable workforce, and strengthening our cybersecurity infrastructure, and enabling economic growth and job creation across communities. Significant proposed funding cuts to agencies that support these efforts risk undermining scientific progress and global competitiveness. As Congress begins consideration of FY2027 appropriations, the lawmakers are calling for greater accountability and renewed commitment from the Administration.

“Historically, PCAST has served to provide expert policy guidance for the administration to forward the U.S.’s leadership in scientific and technological innovation, convening both public and private sector expertise,” the lawmakers continued. “Rather than articulating its science and technology vision, the President’s FY2026 Discretionary Budget Proposal sought to decrease total federal R&D funding. Given the lack of action undertaken by PCAST, we request that you provide a formal report of PCAST’s current membership, initiatives, and projected meeting schedule, in addition to any achievements made in the past year. Furthermore, we request your official support and commitment to strengthening federal STEM education and R&D funding. We cannot afford to curtail our own growth and innovation by underfunding essential research and development programs.”

The letter also details how the President’s FY2026 budget proposal would reduce overall federal R&D funding by 22 percent compared to FY2025 levels, severely gutting capacity across nearly every major science agency, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Department of Energy (DOE). Most striking is a proposed 43 percent cut to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These proposed cuts have drawn bipartisan opposition, with both House and Senate Appropriators rejecting the President’s drastic cuts to critical agency funding in the bipartisan spending package that passed both chambers last month.

The letter was signed by Reps. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Don Beyer (VA-08), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Sarah McBride (DE-At-Large), April McClain-Delaney (MD-06), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and George Whitesides (CA-27).


Rep. Foushee Urges Amazon to Comply with Durham Workers Demands for Town Hall

DURHAM, NC (February 20, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) sent a letter to three site leaders responsible for overseeing operations at Amazon fulfillment centers and delivery stations in Durham, North Carolina, directing them to organize a townhall with local workers and union leaders.

“As one of the largest employers in our community, workers at the local Amazon facilities in Durham deserve to have their concerns heard and questions answered by company leadership,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “It takes courage for workers to stand up and demand transparency and fairness in the workplace. Amazon must show that it respects its workforce by holding an open town hall, engaging in honest dialogue, and ensuring there is zero retaliation for speaking out.”

The letter details how workers at Amazon Delivery Station DRT8, Amazon Fulfillment Center RDU5, and Amazon Fulfillment Center SNC3 formally requested an open, on-site town hall with Amazon management and representatives from Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity & Empowerment (“CAUSE”) to ask questions, receive information, and engage in dialogue about their rights and concerns. The Congresswoman noted that many workers across all three facilities support unionization and hold membership in Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity & Empowerment, warning that Amazon’s refusal to host an open forum stifles free discourse and raises serious concerns about the company’s transparency, accountability, and respect for its Durham workforce.


RELEASE: Friedman Co-Leads Bill to Provide Automatic Refunds of Illegal Tariff Taxes

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, February 20, 2026, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced that she is helping lead new federal legislation that would guarantee automatic refunds to small businesses that were impacted by the Trump Administration’s tariffs, which were just ruled illegal by the Supreme Court earlier this morning.

“The Supreme Court finally ruled what we all knew to be true: these tariff taxes are illegal. Over the past year, President Trump has cost families $1,200 and forced small businesses to pay roughly $200 billion in tariffs – now it’s time for the President to pay them back,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “That’s why I’m proud to help lead the RELIEF Act, which will make sure that America’s small businesses are paid back every single cent that was taken from them by Trump’s illegal tariffs.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimated that Trump’s tariff policies cost America’s small businesses about $200 billion this past year. The Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act would provide these businesses with immediate relief. The legislation was introduced by Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Representative Friedman is an original cosponsor.

The RELIEF Act would:

Apply to all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025

Set a strict timeline for refunds of 90 days after enactment

Cut red tape around the application process for small and independent businesses

Rep. Friedman has long fought against the Trump Administration’s reckless tariff policy. She stood shoulder to shoulder with parents and school administrators to rally against tariff-driven price hikes on the first day of classes for schools across Los Angeles. She also toured the Port of Los Angeles to see first-hand how tariffs impacted one of America’s busiest ports and the local economies and jobs that depend on regular trade.

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Garamendi State of the Union Guest is 73-Year-Old Grandmother, Local Constituent Deported by ICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today. Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced that he is leaving his State of the Union Address guest seat empty in order to honor Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother and local constituent who, despite living in the United States, was cruelly detained and later deported by ICE. In response to this announcement, Congressman Garamendi released the following statement:

"I am dedicating my State of the Union guest seat to my former constituent, 73-year-old grandmother Harjit Kaur. She is unfortunately unable to attend because she was cruelly deported to India in the dead of night. This seat is for her and every person across the country that's been caged, detained, and killed at the hands of Trump's secret police force. Let her empty seat be a stark symbol of the human cost of Trump's cruel deportation agenda.

"President Trump promised to go after the "worst of the worst' in his immigration policy. Yet his administration's decision to cruelly deport a 73-year-old grandmother with no criminal record—who faithfully reported to ICE every six months for more than 13 years—is one more example of the thousands of individuals across the country whose lives and families have been upended by Trump's ICE.

"Unfortunately, this has become far too common under Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. I dedicate this seat to Harjit, to her family, and to everyone affected by this rogue administration."


CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ DELIVERS +$78 MILLION IN INVESTMENTS FOR FL-28

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) announced that 12 key projects across Florida’s 28th Congressional District have been awarded federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, delivering more than $78 million in critical investments for public safety, national security, infrastructure, education, water quality, housing, and economic development.

“I am proud to have secured more than $78 million in federal investments that deliver real, measurable results for the people of Florida’s 28th District,” said Congressman Gimenez. “From equipping our law enforcement officers and strengthening our water infrastructure, to advancing national security and expanding affordable housing, these funds directly enhance the safety, resilience, and economic vitality of our community. Every dollar was secured with accountability and purpose. I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure our district receives its fair share while protecting taxpayer dollars and putting America’s security first.”

The complete list of awarded projects and funding amounts appears below.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LAW ENFORCEMENT

City of Sweetwater Policing Equipment and Safety Project

Awarded: $1,050,000

Sponsor: City of Sweetwater – 500 SW 109 Avenue, Sweetwater, FL 33174

Funding will modernize policing equipment, including an integrated closed-circuit camera and license plate reader system connected to CAD operations. These upgrades will enhance crime prevention, intelligence sharing, resource allocation, and real-time officer awareness.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Vehicles Project

Awarded: $2,100,000

Sponsor: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office – 9105 NW 25 Street, Doral, FL 33172

Funding will provide marked patrol vehicles and prisoner transport vans to meet operational demands in a county of 2.8 million residents. These investments will enhance officer visibility, community engagement, and operational efficiency while reducing strain on patrol resources.

NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE

Joint Interagency Task Force – South Command and Control Facility

Awarded: $50,000,000

Sponsor: U.S. Southern Command – 9301 NW 33rd St, Doral, FL 33172

Funding will construct a five-story Command and Control facility at Truman Annex, Naval Air Station Key West. The facility will include a SCIF, Operations Center, and Network Operations Center, strengthening interagency coordination and national security operations in the Western Hemisphere.

FIU Interdisciplinary Engineering & Computing Initiative (Semiconductor & National Security)

Awarded: $2,100,000

Sponsor: Florida International University – 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, FL 33199

Funding will establish state-of-the-art equipment to strengthen semiconductor supply chain resilience, train the workforce under the CHIPS Act, and mitigate national security vulnerabilities in advanced manufacturing.

HEALTH & INNOVATION

FIU Health Innovation District – Health Across the Lifespan

Awarded: $2,100,000

Sponsor: Florida International University – 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, FL 33199

Funding will support advanced transcriptomics and genomics research equipment, strengthening medical research partnerships and expanding cutting-edge healthcare innovation across South Florida.

WATER & ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Critical Water Infrastructure Improvements – Florida Keys

Awarded: $750,000

Sponsor: Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority – 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL 33040

Funding will support installation of a 6-mile redundant transmission pipeline to enhance system reliability and ensure continuous potable water supply.

Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Project (FKWQIP)

Awarded: $5,578,000

Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – 701 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Funding will advance water quality protection efforts that preserve the Florida Keys’ marine ecosystem and sustain the region’s $1.3 billion tourism economy and 21,000 related jobs.

Homestead Pump Station 11 Improvements

Awarded: $2,200,000

Sponsor: City of Homestead – 100 Civic Court, Homestead, FL 33030

Funding will upgrade wastewater pumping capacity and infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and long-term resilience.

TRANSPORTATION & COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY

Sugarloaf Boulevard Bridge Replacement

Awarded: $2,300,000

Sponsor: Monroe County – 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040

Funding will replace an aging bridge with a resilient structure designed to withstand future tropical storms, including shoulders and protected pedestrian/bicycle access.

South Dade Corridor Project – Segment 3

Awarded: $1,000,000

Sponsor: Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works – 701 NW 1 Court, Miami, FL 33136

Funding will support trail development connecting five municipalities and 14 BRT stations, expanding connectivity, recreation, and open space restoration.

EDUCATION & HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Historic Reynolds School Renovation

Awarded: $3,000,000

Sponsor: Monroe County School District – 241 Trumbo Road, Key West, FL 33040

Funding will restore the hurricane-damaged historic property, enabling its use for district operations and supporting future affordable workforce housing initiatives.

HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Sweetwater Housing Development Project

Awarded: $6,000,000

Sponsor: Miami-Dade Housing and Community Development – 701 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33136

Funding will support a 326-unit mixed-income development, including workforce and 55+ housing, addressing urgent affordable housing needs in Miami-Dade County.

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Goldman Presents $250,000 Federal Grant Award to Avenues for Justice

Funding Will Connect Justice Involved Youth to Job Opportunities, Prevent Recidivism

New York, N.Y. - Today, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) presented a $250,000 Community Project Funding Award to Avenues for Justice (AFJ), an alternative-to-incarceration program that aims to help keep young people out of the criminal justice system.

Rep. Goldman requested and secured funding for the project, which was included in a package of bills to fund the federal government. Goldman secured $13,756,000 for 15 community projects in NY-10 in the FY 2026 appropriations process.

The funding award will support AFJ’s HIRE Up program, which connects justice involved young people to workforce development and job readiness training. Rep. Goldman was joined by Executive Director of Avenues for Justice Elizabeth Frederick as well as justice involved youth who are graduates of AFJ programs at an event in the East Village to celebrate the new funding.

“AFJ’s HIRE Up program sets the standard for community-based support for at-risk youth by ensuring that young people not only avoid future incarceration, but also develop the skills they need to enter the workforce and build a successful future for themselves,” said Rep. Goldman. “This is a proven, effective model that creates opportunity, opens doors, and helps our neighborhoods stay safe. I am proud to have secured funding to expand this program and will continue fighting for federal funds for outstanding programs like this one around the City.”

“Between the combination of volatility in the public and private funding sector, a reversal in DEI and racial/criminal justice commitments, and economic uncertainty impacting individuals across classes, 2025 was one of the most turbulent years in the nonprofit sector for minority-focused organizations like AFJ,” said Executive Director, Liz Frederick. “Through grants like the DOJ’s JAG though, it allows organizations like ours to continue the life-changing work we’re doing in 2026 to support NYC’s young adults. Alternative to incarceration (ATI) funding statistically shows how community-based solutions, such as what we are doing here at AFJ, creates accountability, healing, and a fairer criminal justice system for our young Black and Brown people.”

“With dogged determination and support from the Congressman Goldman and District 10, AFJ’s Executive Director, Liz Frederick, never gave up in trying to secure this funding from DOJ," said AFJ Board Chair Dean Schaffer. "It is a testament to the AFJ story, Liz’s efforts, along with Congressman Goldman’s relentless support of our organization, that we were able to secure this grant in the current environment. This type of funding is critical to ensure that AFJ continues to provide the necessary services for our Participants. It's even more important in the current fundraising environment.”

The $250,000 federal grant will support AFJ’s HIRE Up program, which connects justice involved young people to services and workshops for job readiness, digital and financial literacy, and other skill-based learning to keep them out of jail and prison. The funding will help keep young people from further involvement with the criminal justice system, decreasing crime in the area and ensuring that local law enforcement resources are focused on other priorities. In 2025, AFJ served 691 at-risk youth. On average, 94% of court-involved participants are not reconvicted of a new crime within three years of enrollment in the HIRE Up program.

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Gooden Introduces Bill to Eradicate Sanctuary Cities

WASHINGTON –Today, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the End Sanctuary Cities Act to permanently end sanctuary jurisdictions by penalizing state and local officials who willfully interfere with the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

The bill addresses sanctuary policies in more than a dozen states that have created safe havens for illegal immigrants by blocking cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. These policies undermine federal law, weaken public safety, and obstruct law enforcement operations to remove dangerous criminals from American communities.

“Sanctuary cities are nothing more than government-sanctioned obstruction of federal law. If local officials choose to shield criminal illegal aliens instead of protecting Americans, they should be held personally accountable,” said Rep. Gooden.

The End Sanctuary Cities Act:

Makes it illegal for state and local officials to impede or obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

Prohibits officials from harboring illegal immigrants, shielding them from apprehension, or withholding immigration records from federal authorities.

Prevents state and local officials from banning cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration officials.

Requires state and local officials to notify federal authorities before releasing illegal immigrants from custody.

Imposes criminal penalties on officials who knowingly release illegal immigrants who later kill or seriously injure another person.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the Senate companion of the End Sanctuary Cities Act.

Read the bill texthere.


Goodlander, Pappas Hear From Over 11,000 Granite Staters Opposing Merrimack ICE Facility

**More than 90% of survey respondents oppose a taxpayer-funded ICE processing center in Merrimack**

Concord, N.H. – Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the results of their statewide survey asking Granite Staters their thoughts on the proposed ICE processing center in Merrimack. More than 11,000 Granite Staters responded to Goodlander and Pappas’s surveys in opposition to building a taxpayer-funded facility in Merrimack amid the Trump Administration’s mass deportation plans.

“People across New Hampshire have spoken clearly and decisively,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “They want and deserve transparency, accountability, and professionalism from federal law enforcement — they do not want their hard-earned taxpayer dollars to be used by ICE to commandeer an industrial warehouse for the detention of human beings in our state. I will not quit in our fight on behalf of Granite Staters to stop this costly, half-baked plan that will hurt New Hampshire taxpayers and do nothing to make our communities safer.”

“Granite Staters want law and order, for their communities to be safe and secure, and for decisions that impact their communities to be made at the local level, not in Washington, DC,” said Congressman Pappas. “I stand with the residents of Merrimack, local leaders, and the thousands of Granite Staters who are voicing strong opposition to this plan. It is completely unacceptable for the Trump administration to be bypassing local and state leaders in this process. I will continue to push to stop this plan, for full transparency and accountability from this administration, and ensure that local voices are heard by President Trump, Secretary Noem, and officials at all levels of the federal government.”

Congresswoman Goodlander has been outspoken in opposition to the proposed ICE detention center in New Hampshire since it was made public in December 2025. She has called on Secretary Kristi Noem to be removed from office or impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives. In January, she and the New Hampshire Congressional delegation urged Secretary Noem to address concerns raised by the Merrimack Town Council about the proposed facility and its impact. She also voted against the Department of Homeland Security funding bill and cosponsored the PUBLIC SAFETY Act to redirect billions from ICE to local law enforcement, arguing that public safety depends on strong local partnerships. Goodlander and the Congressional delegation also forwarded a letter from a Republican NH state representative to Secretary Noem in opposition to the planned immigration detention center in Merrimack.

In January, Pappas led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in demanding that Secretary Noem swiftly acknowledge and address concerns raised by the Merrimack Town Council about reports that ICE plans to establish a new processing center in the town. In a letter earlier this month, Pappas also urged Appropriations Committee leaders to include language in any DHS funding to protect states’ and localities’ ability to make decisions about what is best for their communities. Pappas introduced the PUBLIC SAFETY Act to redirect almost $75 billion in funding from ICE to go to local law enforcement programs to help hire and train 200,000 local cops nationwide. He has also called on Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or be impeached.

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Goodlander Statement on SCOTUS Decision Blocking President Trump’s Unlawful Tariffs

Concord, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander released the following statement welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Trump’s unlawful tariffs and reaffirm Congress’s constitutional authority over taxation and trade:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs is a victory for hardworking Granite Staters who have been paying the painful price of chaotic and corrupt trade wars. We are not a country governed by one man’s whims. We are a nation of laws, and I will keep fighting to lower costs and to ensure that no President can act like a king.”

Goodlander, a former clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, is a member of the U.S. House Rapid Response and Litigation Task Force. She has been a fierce advocate against unlawful trade wars. She previously filed a legal brief before the Supreme Court challenging these costly and unlawful tariffs and helped lead two other successful legal briefs in this case before the Court of International Trade (CIT) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

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Rep. Grijalva Holds Press Conference on Right to Read Act to Wrap Up Love of Reading Week

Tucson, Arizona - Representative Adelita Grijalva wrapped up “Love of Reading” week where she read to students at 13 different schools throughout AZ-07 by joining Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) administrators and educators to discuss her newly introduced Right to Read Act. The legislation would strengthen literacy outcomes nationwide by investing $500 million in Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants and $100 million in the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program, prioritizing high-need communities.

The bill supports certified school librarians, expands access to evidence-based and culturally relevant reading materials, protects educators, and reaffirms First Amendment protections in school libraries amid rising book bans, including a proposal to criminalize librarians that is actively being considered at the Arizona State Legislature. Rep. Grijalva’s bill would provide liability protections for librarians and educators.

The bill responds to declining reading scores reported by the National Assessment of Educational Progress and growing concerns about restricted access to books, as documented by PEN America.

“Reading should never be a privilege - it’s a right,” said Rep. Grijalva. Spending time with students at Pueblo Gardens reinforced why we must invest in strong school libraries, support educators, and protect every child’s freedom to learn, explore, and see themselves reflected in the books they read.”

“Literacy opens doors for our students and strengthens our entire community,” said TUSD Board Member Natalie Luna Rose. “The Right to Read Act would give schools like those in TUSD the resources to support librarians, expand access to diverse books, and make sure every child has the chance to become a confident reader. And it allows for librarians and teachers to have the autonomy to ensure that students have access to books.”


Rep. Grijalva Statement on SCOTUS Ruling Striking Down Trump Tariffs

Tucson, AZ - Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down the Trump Administration’s sweeping tariff policies. Last week, Rep. Grijalva joined a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in voting to terminate Trump’s tariff authorities. This legislation is now awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

“Trump’s tariffs are a tax paid for by the American people, plain and simple. Research shows that rising costs have been passed on almost entirely to American consumers, ” said Rep. Grijalva. “While I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision, the reality is that the damage has been done for far too many families and small businesses. This is especially true in border communities like those I represent, where small businesses that rely on cross-border trade, agricultural producers, and working families have all felt the squeeze as prices rise and supply chains are disrupted.”

“Trump is not a king. His actions to side step Congress are harming the economy, local communities, and Arizona families. That’s why I voted last week to rein in this executive overreach and reassert Congress’ rightful role as a check and balance.”


Congresswoman Gwen Moore Welcomes U.S. Supreme Court Decision on President Trump’s Tariffs

“I welcome this decision, which reaffirms Congress’s constitutional authority to impose tariffs. Since the start of this Administration, Trump has failed to acknowledge that Congress is a coequal branch of government. While there are other statutes which the President may use to try and pursue this misguided tariff policy, this ruling is clear that he misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to claim a ‘national emergency’ and impose reckless, illegal tariffs that Congress did not authorize.

As a result, the President’s chaotic trade policy has created economic pain for small businesses, higher prices for working families, and harmed relations with key allies. As many Republicans stood idly by, Ways and Means Democrats have pushed back against these tariffs to reassert their congressional authority.”


Hayes Introduces Legislation Addressing Youth Mental Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Supporting Trauma Informed Instructional Practices Act, legislation that authorizes grants to improve trauma support services and mental health care for children and youth in educational settings.

This legislation would direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants to increase student, family, and other school personnel access to evidence-based trauma support services by developing innovative initiatives, activities, or programs to connect schools and local educational agencies with community trauma-informed support and mental health systems.

Chronic trauma can cause serious problems with learning and behavior. Children often do not have the necessary coping skill to manage trauma, language to explain their feelings or resources to begin to heal. It is important to develop collaborative efforts between schools and community mental health delivery systems to provide, develop, and improve prevention, referral, treatment, and support services to students. Similarly, professional development for educators and safe and stable learning environments that prevent and mitigate the effects of trauma are crucial.

“As a teacher, there were times when I suspected a student was experiencing trauma, but had no support to navigate the situation,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Trauma manifests differently in students; so having on site professionals to work with students, parents and teachers is essential to supporting a students’ emotional wellbeing.”


Comisionado Residente impulsa proyecto para restaurar acceso a préstamos federales para estudios graduados

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico - El Comisionado Residente, Pablo Jose Hernandez, ha copatrocinado H.R.6677 - Professional Degree Access Restoration Act, un proyecto para revertir las reducciones en la disponibilidad de préstamos federales para estudiantes de posgrado y profesionales.

“Limitar los préstamos federales para estudios graduados cierra puertas y frena oportunidades, especialmente en Puerto Rico, donde muchos estudiantes dependen de esta ayuda para convertirse en médicos, ingenieros y otros profesionales esenciales", expresó el Comisionado Residente. “Este proyecto restaura el acceso justo al financiamiento educativo y protege el futuro de nuestra fuerza laboral.”

“Los estudiantes de posgrado y de programas profesionales merecen una oportunidad justa para seguir sus carreras sin quedar excluidos por recortes repentinos en la ayuda federal”, expresó el representante Ritchie Torres (D-NY), el autor de la legislación. “Invertir en la educación avanzada fortalece nuestra fuerza laboral, nuestra economía y el futuro de las profesiones de las que dependen nuestras comunidades. Este proyecto de ley restablecería una herramienta esencial para los estudiantes que aspiran a servir en profesiones de alta demanda.”

Bajo la llamada “Big Beautiful Bill” del presidente Donald Trump, se impusieron límites estrictos a los préstamos federales para estudios graduados. En Puerto Rico, donde decenas de miles de estudiantes dependen de ayuda federal para poder cursar estudios universitarios y graduados, estas restricciones tienen un impacto aún mayor.

Esta legislación enmienda la Ley de Educación Superior de 1965 (Higher Education Act of 1965) para restablecer los niveles previos de endeudamiento en los Préstamos Directos Federales, garantizando que estudiantes de medicina, derecho, trabajo social, ingeniería, educación y salud pública no se vean forzados a recurrir a préstamos privados de alto interés o a abandonar sus estudios por falta de apoyo financiero.

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Declaración del Comisionado Residente sobre decisión del Tribunal Supremo

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, emitió la siguiente declaración tras la decisión del Tribunal Supremo que invalida los aranceles impuestos por el expresidente Donald Trump.

"Los aranceles de Trump empeoraron el costo de vida para millones de estadounidenses y puertorriqueños. La decisión del Tribunal Supremo es un triunfo para los consumidores, la economía, y sobre todo, nuestro sistema de ley y orden”


RELEASE: REP. HILL RESPONDS TO SUPREME COURT RULING ON IEEPA AUTHORITY

Washington, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

“I share in President Trump’s goal of securing fair and reciprocal trade agreements and holding bad actors accountable for their unfair trade policies,” said Rep. Hill. “While tariffs can be a useful tool when applied in a targeted way, today’s Supreme Court decision underscores the need for Congress to play a role in trade policy. My focus remains on advancing a trade strategy that supports Arkansas jobs, businesses, and consumers, and strengthens U.S. competitiveness.”


Himes Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Bridgeport, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) today released the following statement:

“Last week, Congress voted to reclaim its authority on tariffs against Canada and today, the Supreme Court validated what we've known for almost a year — that the President's sweeping tariffs were a gross abuse of the law. This ruling is an important reminder that the President does not possess absolute economic authority, and that the other two branches of government will continue to serve as checks on his power. While today's decision took far too long, Americans will no longer have to shoulder the economic burden of Donald Trump's petty grievances. I also hope that this ruling will help to stabilize the United States economy and restore some trust among our international partners that our trade relationship does not rest solely on the whims of a volatile and vengeful leader.”


Jayapal Conducts Oversight at Northwest Detention Center

TACOMA, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Committee, released the following statement after being forced to wait for hours and initially denied access to speak with detained people at the Northwest ICE Processing Center, despite giving eight days’ notice of her intent to conduct an oversight visit and securing privacy release forms for specific detained people.

“Today, despite giving eight days’ notice of my visit to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, I was denied the ability to meet with detained people—either on the general population floor or even with those for whom I had obtained privacy release forms. In addition, when I said that I didn’t need the detention facility tour since I had been there many times, but instead wanted to run through a list of questions with the top staff who were there, I was told that I was only approved for a ‘tour’ not for a ‘meeting’. After hours of waiting and going on a ‘tour’ simply so I could ask my questions and get very few answers, I then refused to leave until I could meet with one of the individuals for whom I had a privacy waiver for and whose attorney was there waiting for me to meet with them. I was finally told I could speak with him as part of the public visitation rather than in a private attorney room, as I’ve done in the past as a Member of Congress. I had a heartbreaking visit with this individual, who is the sole caregiver for his 8-year-old U.S. citizen daughter and has serious medical issues himself. He has been hospitalized in the emergency room three times since being detained on January 11, and is still experiencing serious pain and medical issues for his condition which are not yet resolved.

“While we waited, we also spoke to a number of attorneys who were visiting their clients. We heard that they often are made to wait 4 or 5 hours to see their clients; that there are only 7 attorney rooms for its current population of about 1,300 detainees and even then the attorneys are made to wait even when the rooms are empty; and we heard numerous complaints of inadequate medical treatment, overcrowding, and inedible food.

“I am simply outraged that Kristi Noem’s DHS continues to try and block me and other Members of Congress from speaking with detained people and conducting meaningful oversight. This only makes me more certain that DHS and these private for-profit contractors have a lot to hide as they incarcerate around 70,000 people every single night. Since Trump came into office, ICE has reported that 38 people have died in ICE custody. This is unacceptable. On top of that, ICE’s own statistics are that 85 percent of people incarcerated in these for-profit facilities have committed no crime.

“I will continue to come back, continue to insist on performing my official responsibilities and fight like hell to get real oversight and to put an end to this abusive behavior.”

Jayapal demanded answers from Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons about conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in December.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNBC: “EVERYDAY AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT LIFE HASN’T GOTTEN BETTER FOR THEM UNDER THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY. IT’S ACTUALLY GOTTEN WORSE”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he highlighted how Democrats are standing up to make life better for hardworking American taxpayers in the face of the chaos, crisis and confusion being inflicted by the Trump administration.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Welcome back to Squawk Box. It has been seven days since the Department of Homeland Security funding ran out. Democrats are still unwilling to compromise without what our next guest has called dramatic, bold and meaningful reforms. Joining us right now is House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning to you. Where do you see these talks standing? And when you say dramatic and bold changes, let’s walk through what those are and where the fault lines stand.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning. Great to be with you. ICE is out of control and needs to be reined in, and the American people know it. And our value proposition is pretty simple. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, particularly in the midst of a crushing affordability crisis that the President has not solved. He’s made worse. But instead, we know taxpayer dollars are actually being used to unleash violence and brutality on the American people, and in some instances, kill American citizens, like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. And so, yes, dramatic reforms are necessary, including judicial warrants, which, of course, should be required before ICE can storm private property or break into homes and rip people out of those homes. We believe that independent investigations should take place when there are ICE agents who violate the law, often very violently, but are not being held accountable by the so-called Department of Justice. We think that sensitive locations like houses of worship, schools, hospitals and polling sites should be off-limits and that ICE should actually be focused on targeting violent felons who are here illegally, as opposed to law-abiding immigrant families or American citizens.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Okay, so you’ve walked through the issue. The question that I have is, where there is going to be some form of a compromise. We haven’t talked about masks, by the way, cameras, and all of that. But to the extent that you think that there’s a way to get to a compromise with the Republicans on this, it is where?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think, one, we need Republicans to agree with the proposition that ICE should conduct itself like every other law enforcement agency in the country. We can start there, which is a pretty basic premise that Republicans seem to believe is not one that should be implemented. For instance, as it relates to masks, police officers don’t wear masks, county sheriffs don’t wear masks and state troopers don’t wear masks. And so, we don’t believe there’s been any justification that has been articulated for people being unleashed in an unidentifiable fashion, brutalizing folks, using taxpayer dollars and not even targeting the worst of the worst, which is what Donald Trump promised was going to take place.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Look, here’s the question. The other side says the following. They say, look, these officers are getting doxed. They’re going into states that are—cities that are sanctuary cities. They are not getting the help that they’re supposed to get. As a result, they are putting themselves in danger in ways that they are not in states or cities that aren’t sanctuary cities. And that they’re taking these steps to protect themselves and that you care more about protecting illegal immigrants than you do protecting officers of the law. That is sort of a quick rendition, I think, of the other side of this.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, so the other side spent weeks during the 43-day Trump-Republican government shutdown in the fall trying to claim that Democrats were actually fighting to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants. The American people didn’t buy that argument and they understood that we were actually fighting to make healthcare more affordable for them. And that’s part of the reason why the American people appropriately blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for shutting the government down in the fall. And now we find ourselves back in the same situation where we’re supposed to believe an administration that told the American people that Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti were domestic terrorists when the American saw these citizens killed in cold blood without justification by ICE agents who are supposed to be protecting and serving the nation. And so, I’m not concerned about the administration’s spin. We just want to deal with fact and reality. And the American people know that immigration enforcement in this country, it should be fair, it should be just and it should humane. And that is not what they’re seeing. And that’s what we’re trying to accomplish.

JOE KERNEN: Leader Jeffries, good to see you. Last time you were on, I think I read these same six or seven things and the numbers have actually gotten a little bit better even from last time. So I want to ask you again and see if we can drill down on it. We’re going to get a State of the Union on Tuesday. If you were a Trump supporter, this is what you would say. New highs in the stock market almost every week. We’re at full employment at 4.3%. Inflation’s at 2.4% in the most recent reading. You know, obviously still too high, it’s not going, you know, affordability is still an issue, but it’s down from 9%, the high for Biden. GDP, we’re going to get a reading today, is expected to come in at multi-year highs. Real wages are rising. During the Biden administration, real wages fell over the four-year period. Nobody got a raise, a real weekly average raise. Gas prices are dropping after soaring under Biden, and we have a secure southern border. Are any of those things not something that Trump could at least tout on Tuesday? Where’s the calamity that Democrats see at this point?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s not Democrats. It’s the American people. And we know that everyday Americans believe that life hasn’t gotten better for them under the Trump presidency. It’s actually gotten worse. Donald Trump set the standard. He said that he was going to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America. Costs have gone up. Housing costs are out of control. Grocery costs, out of control. Healthcare costs, out of control. Utility bills, skyrocketing through the roof. Child care costs, out of control. And Donald Trump hasn’t done a thing about it. And the center of his economic policy has been tariffs. We haven’t seen the trade deficit be reduced in any meaningful way. We haven’t seen reshoring take place. Manufacturing jobs aren’t coming back. They’re moving in the wrong direction. And on top of it, to make matters worse, everyday Americans are paying thousands of dollars more because of the Trump tariffs. So yes, his economic policy anchored around his inaction on the affordability crisis and in fact making things worse, so-called Liberation Day was a disaster of a day and has been getting worse ever since. Yes, that’s a problem for the American people and they know it.

JOE KERNEN: Leader Jeffries, the affordability that you’re talking about and the prices you’re talking about, it is true they continue to go up, and the number is 2.4%. But it was 21.5% increases, the total cumulative, during the Biden administration that got prices to where they are. Now, we’re 2.5% above there, which they’re not going down, but the affordability crisis was really engendered in the previous four years during that administration.

LEADER JEFFRIES: The affordability crisis began, we all understand, as a result of a once-in-a-century pandemic and the impact that that, of course, had on the economy moving forward. And we all are committed to trying to resolve it, to deal with the affordability crisis. We have a President who just yesterday said the affordability crisis has been solved. So if he wants to show up on Capitol Hill on Tuesday and make that argument to the American people, have at it. The American people, of course, understand that that is not their daily experience. That’s not their lived experience. That’s not what themselves and their families are going through, and it’s why the President’s polling numbers are suffering mightily.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Where do you think the American public ultimately is on ICE and how they’ve reacted or behaved? I’ve, by the way, proposed something a little bit different, which is just a different training regime, which is to say, I don’t think that most of these ICE officers are trained to deal with protesters or even what might be described as professional protesters. And the question is, how that should be solved.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, they’re definitely untrained officers. Understand that what the administration has done, they enacted their One Big Ugly Bill, largest cut to Medicaid in American history, ripped healthcare away from about 14 million Americans. In the same bill, they cut SNAP by $186 billion, largest cut to nutritional assistance ever. Literally, they ripped food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans. And they did all of this so they could provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors, skyrocket the debt and the deficit and at the same period of time give a $75 billion slush fund to ICE so they could unleash masked and untrained officers in American communities to brutalize them and, in some cases, kill American citizens. That’s all unacceptable, and the American people have articulated that forcefully. So we’ve talked about, as part of the demands that we’ve set forth, of course, the need to institute an excessive use of force prohibition policy to dramatically reform the way in which these ICE agents are trained so that they are professional. Again, all anchored in the premise that ICE should conduct themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country, not like a rogue private police force being unleashed with violence and brutality on the American people and law-abiding immigrant families.

JOE KERNEN: Do you think there should be sanctuary cities in the first place, Leader Jeffries? Is that—and does federal law—you can at least see that does set up an inherent conflict that unfortunately has ended in these tragic events. Some people might even say that it was inevitable, and the protestors, that’s—they are trained, a lot of the protesters. And to almost—

LEADER JEFFRIES: The protesters have been peaceful and patriotic—

JOE KERNEN: Not always.

LEADER JEFFRIES: And no one is arguing otherwise. No one is arguing otherwise. And the administration hasn’t even tried to blame those peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, right to petition the government to change policy. That’s part of the DNA, the constitutional fabric of America. And you have these brutal ICE agents who are violently targeting people. Protests had nothing to do with the cold-blooded killing of Alex Pretti, and then the fact that the administration turned around and called an ICU nurse who dedicated his life to helping out veterans a domestic terrorist. And so the American people aren’t buying the spin of Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller or the administration. We just want immigration enforcement that is fair, just and humane. We also have an immigration system, of course, we understand that is broken, and we need to fix it. But we should fix it in a comprehensive and bipartisan way, not by trying to jam extreme right-wing, violent policies down the throats of the American people.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Okay, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, I want to thank you for joining us this morning and engaging in the discussion and the debate, and we look forward to talking to you again very, very soon.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you very much.

Full interview can be watched here.

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LEADER JEFFRIES ON WVON: “DONALD TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY HAS BEEN A DISASTER FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on WVON’s The Morning Show with Rufus Williams, where he reflected on the life and legacy of the late great Rev. Jesse Jackson and articulated how House Democrats will continue to keep hope alive and end the national nightmare that Donald Trump has visited on the American people.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: This gentleman, he is, again, the House Democratic Leader, and it’s none other than Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, good morning and welcome back to WVON. Good to talk to you, good brother.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning, Rufus. Great to be on with you.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: And I should also mention, you know, obviously he’s achieving, therefore, he is a good man of Kappa Alpha Psi. Leader Jeffries, let’s talk about this, because we had a great loss in our world earlier this week. Share your reflections on Reverend Jackson.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Reverend Jackson was a profound, legendary, transformational American hero. You know, one of those individuals who, because of his presence and his leadership, his commitment to making life better for the American people, he bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice, inspired millions of people, myself included, with his presidential runs, with his advocacy, his eloquence, you know, and his commitment to building this rainbow coalition, this gorgeous mosaic of people here in America to make this country the best version of herself.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: I’d love to say that we have so appreciated the fight that you’ve been putting up in Washington and I thank you for saying that you were inspired by the Reverend because he did that for so many people and even as we think about his impact there, can you talk about how he’s generally perceived there in Washington and certainly the perception would be greater now that we have him no more.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we certainly recognize this is the case with every single Member of the Congressional Black Caucus, but beyond, that we stand on his shoulders, and those are legendary shoulders. And he was in the fight for economic justice, for social justice and for racial justice. And that baton has been passed to another generation of folks, Members of Congress included, but certainly not limited to, because Reverend Jackson was in the political realm, he was in the civil rights realm, he was in the faith realm. He was just a multi-dimensional leader and that generation, of course, has been transitioning to heaven, but we can continue to be inspired by him, by his life, his leadership, his legacy and what he stood for. His remarks will always be with us, to continue to inspire us. Certainly, the iconic speeches that he gave, including at the Democratic National Convention in both 1984 and 1988 and we’re thankful for the opportunity of having spent some time with him every single time, including in his most recent years, when he was on the Hill with his son, Congressman Jackson, a good friend of mine. He would always be generous with his time, with his advice and with his perspective and I always valued it.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: This is always valued. Thank you so much for that. That leads right into the next thing because one of the things that was really pushed hard for during the Civil Rights era was voting rights and the opportunity to vote. Can you talk about, from your perspective, the importance of this midterm election and the importance for people to vote up and down the ticket no matter where we are?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, Donald Trump’s presidency has been a disaster for our communities and for the American people. He’s failed on the economy, failed on healthcare, ripping it away from millions of people, failed on making sure that immigration enforcement is actually fair and just and humane as opposed to what we’ve seen, Donald Trump unleashing these masked and untrained ICE agents with violent brutality on American communities and on law-abiding immigrant families. So it’s been a failure. And what our system allows for in the midterm elections is for the country to rise up and say, enough. We need to go in a different direction. And in order for that to happen, to have a Congress that actually is a check-and-balance on an out-of-control executive branch, the Trump administration, then it’s important for people to show up to vote and to make sure that the gavels change hands so that Democrats can be in power and actually fight to make your life better, fight to lower the high cost of living, fight to fix our broken healthcare system, fight to get ICE under control and to rein them in and fight to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community and for every single American.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: Leader Jeffries, I know you’re extraordinarily busy, so I don’t know if you heard it this morning, but I saw a clip where he said he had won affordability. Is that even conceivable, given how things are?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I mean, he’s so unhinged and out of touch with reality. This is someone, Donald Trump, who promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. But costs haven’t gone down. We’re more than a year into his presidency, and we know that costs have gone up. Housing costs are out of control. Healthcare costs are under control. It’s one of the things, of course, that Robin Kelly has been leading on, working to fix our broken healthcare system. We know child care costs are out of control. Utility costs through the roof. And, of course, the healthcare costs have been made worse by this guy who refuses to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits and enacted a trillion-dollar cut to Medicaid, the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And so, of course, the affordability crisis has not been solved. And the fact that he’s trying to convince the American people of it just shows how deranged he has become at this point in time.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: I hope somebody tells the emperor that he’s naked, because he is not only naked, he is inside out. You mentioned Robin, Congresswoman Kelly, and I’m glad you did, because this whole thing that he is doing around immigration, the lawlessness of DHS, the assault on our cities, and again, Congresswoman Kelly brought forth these impeachment charges against Kristi Noem. Can you comment on where we are with all of that, and it leads us to where we stand today with, which is the partial shutdown. there in D.C. Where do things stand?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, we’re certainly thankful for Congresswoman Kelly’s leadership as it relates to holding Kristi Noem accountable. We know that Kristi Noem is deeply unqualified, she’s flawed, she’s unhinged, she’s out of control, she’s a pathological liar and she’s got to go. And we’ve made clear that either she gets fired or those impeachment proceedings will commence forthwith to make sure that we deal with her in the House of Representatives, and we’ll only need a handful of Republicans to join us to make sure that we can end the national nightmare that has become Kristi Noem. At the same period of time, in terms of the current DHS shutdown, our view is that we don’t simply need a change in personnel, but we need a dramatic change in policy that is bold, that’s meaningful, that’s transformational. Things like a judicial warrant requirement so ICE agents can’t simply break into your home without a judicial warrant, rip you out of your house and then detain you, as we know they’ve been doing. We need to make sure we have an explicit prohibition on the excessive use of force, an explicit prohibition on racial profiling, ethnic profiling and language profiling. We believe that sensitive locations, like houses of worship, schools, hospitals and polling sites should be completely and totally off limits. We also believe that there should be independent investigations, because Pam Bondi cannot be trusted to actually hold ICE agents who break the law violently accountable, which is why we need to empower state attorneys general, state and local authorities, to criminally investigate and prosecute anyone, any DHS agent who brutalizes American citizens, breaks the law, violently targets law-abiding immigrant families and then believes they’ll get away with it because the Department of Justice is not going to do anything about it, which is why independent investigations are one of our core demands.

RUFUS WILLIAMS: That is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Thank you so much for your voice, for your fight, and thanks so much for being on with us this morning on WVON. We so appreciate you and look forward to having you back.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Always great to be on with a good Kappa brother. Appreciate what you do.

Full interview can be listened to here.

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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION REJECTING DONALD TRUMP’S ILLEGAL TARIFFS

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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


Kamlager-Dove Statement on SCOTUS Striking Down Trump's Tariffs

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down the Trump Administration's tariffs:

"American consumers rejoice: Trump’s Temper Tariffs are coming to an end! We said this sh*t was not legal, and today SCOTUS confirmed it. The president does not have unilateral authority to impose tariffs on whatever he pleases. The Constitution makes clear that the power to impose tariffs lies with Congress.

"These arbitrary tariffs have created chaos for small businesses and caused prices for nearly everything from groceries to clothes to skyrocket, all while doing next to nothing to protect American workers and industries. They have also been weaponized to torpedo relationships with close U.S. partners like India and Brazil at the literal expense of the American taxpayer.

"The Trump Administration must halt the tariffs immediately and provide Americans relief from the affordability crisis of Trump’s own making. And the Supreme Court must make clear that American businesses need to be reimbursed for tariffs that were collected illegally. I will do everything in my power to ensure that refunds are disbursed."

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