LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE BEST IS YET TO COME IN THIS COUNTRY, BUT IT WON’T BE DELIVERED BY DONALD TRUMP”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene held a press conference to highlight Democrats’ continued commitment to fighting for an affordable America and pushing back against the extremism of Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, and thank you, Vice Chair Lieu, for your leadership and for bringing us together at the 2026 Issues Conference. We gather, of course, in the immediate aftermath of the so-called State of the Union address that took place last night. That was a disgraceful performance. Donald Trump hit a new low. He didn’t communicate anything meaningful to the American people. There was no substance in that speech, but a lot of snake oil. No vision for the future of the country, but a lot of vitriol. There were no policy prescriptions designed to make life better for everyday Americans, but it was full of partisanship. That State of the Union speech by Donald Trump was a disgrace. And now that we’re on the other side of it, it’s going to be a sprint to November 3rd. House Democrats are on the verge of a takeover. The break’s over for these MAGA extremists. It’s over. Because the American people know that Donald Trump and House Republicans have failed the American people. They failed on the economy. They failed on healthcare. They failed on immigration enforcement. They failed to make life better for everyday Americans, breaking every single promise that they made, including, most significantly, that they were gonna lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, as Vice Chair Lieu explained, costs have gone up. Out of control. Far too many people struggling here in America to live paycheck to paycheck, cannot thrive and can barely survive.

And so we’re here at this issues conference to talk amongst each other and with outside stakeholders and experts about a bold, meaningful, transformational path forward to address the Republican affordability crisis here in America and make life better for working-class Americans, for middle-class Americans and for everyday Americans who we’re committed to fighting for each and every day to drive down the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system and to deliver an immigration enforcement approach that is fair, just and meaningful, that doesn’t target—violently—American citizens or law-abiding immigrant families, but targets violent felons who are here unlawfully. We believe that the best is yet to come in this country, but it won’t be delivered by Donald Trump and Republican sycophants in the House and in the Senate. It will come when Democrats take back control of the House, laying a foundation to end this national nightmare in the United States of America and continue our country’s march toward a more perfect union.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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Congressman Joyce Releases Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

“Last night, President Trump highlighted the wins of his administration and the Republican-led Congress for the American people. When President Trump was chosen to lead our country again, he promised to deliver a secure border, economic growth, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse from our government. Over the past year, the President and Congress have delivered on those promises, securing critical tax cuts for working families across the country, stopping the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl across our southern border, and cutting bureaucratic red tape to unleash energy production, bolster housing supply, and increase military readiness.”

“While I am proud of our accomplishments, my colleagues and I know that there is still more work to be done. We must continue to prioritize lowering the cost of living and ensuring that the American Dream is attainable for all our citizens. While the previous administration’s policies slowed growth and set our country back, I am filled with hope and determined to continue this positive momentum from President Trump’s first year in office. I look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with the Trump Administration to deliver more wins for Northeast Ohio and the American people as a whole.”

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Brownley Responds to Trump’s Blatant Falsehoods and Failed Economic Agenda in State of the Union Address

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“For nearly two hours, Donald Trump delivered divisive rhetoric, empty platitudes, and blatant falsehoods. Instead of addressing the true state of our union, he deflected from the chaos and cruelty of his administration and peddled distortions to distract from his failure to deliver for the American people.

“But the American people are not easily fooled. They see how Donald Trump has turned our country into a blank checkbook for his family and their billionaire donors. The so-called ‘party of fiscal responsibility’ has ballooned the national debt to hand massive tax breaks to the wealthy, while families across the country struggle to make ends meet.

“Donald Trump claimed he will ‘always protect Social Security and Medicare.’ What he did not say is that he gutted Medicaid, weakened the Affordable Care Act, and put Medicare at risk. Twenty-two million Americans are seeing their health insurance costs skyrocket, and 10 million more are losing coverage altogether. Trump continued to lie about implementing ‘no tax on Social Security’ while actively pushing efforts to privatize the program and jeopardize seniors’ hard-earned benefits.

“His distortion of reality did not stop there. When he boasted about lifting millions of Americans off of food assistance, he was relying on figures that include the hundreds of thousands of Americans he denied benefits to when he weaponized hunger during his government shutdown. And in the wake of Trump’s One Big Ugly Law, millions more are bracing for the loss of critical food assistance as grocery prices climb because of his illegal tariffs — tariffs paid for by American families, not foreign countries.

“And while he declared America the ‘hottest’ country on Earth, he failed to mention that his administration has rolled back more than a decade of climate safeguards, weakened emissions standards, and stripped protections from our air, water, and public lands. He has chosen polluters over people and profits over the health of our planet.

“And as his assault on our climate, economy, and health care infrastructure continues to escalate, his militarization of immigration enforcement continues to appall the conscience of our nation. We have witnessed children, veterans, law-abiding immigrants, and more than 170 U.S. citizens get caught in the crosshairs of a reckless, untrained, and unaccountable militia. Under the guise of enforcement, Trump has abandoned due process, endorsed brutality, and jeopardized public safety, all while diverting significant resources from agencies that actually ensure our homeland’s security.

“At home and abroad, Trump has embroiled the United States in constant conflict, frequently deploying our troops preemptively and unlawfully weaponizing our military against the American people. Despite being responsible for this brazen lawlessness, Trump doubled down on the myth of rampant noncitizen voting, while omitting how his billion-dollar bailouts to foreign countries and pardons of convicted drug traffickers have done nothing to prioritize American citizens.

“And he could not even bring himself to acknowledge the Epstein survivors in the chamber, including my guest, Lara Blume McGee, who has bravely come forward to call for transparency and accountability. Survivors have yet to receive an apology from this administration, let alone the justice they deserve.

“In what is now the longest State of the Union address on record, Donald Trump once again fell short and delivered confusion instead of clarity and excuses instead of accountability. Instead of solutions, Trump resorted to a barrage of lies that insults the lived realities of hardworking Americans. We are not in the ‘Golden Age of America.’ We are confronting the consequences of a self-serving agenda enabled by Republicans in Congress who have chosen loyalty to one man over their oath to the Constitution.

“I boycotted my last State of the Union because I could not give credence to a man who has so little respect for the pillars and values upon which our nation was founded. And I will continue to take a stand against this administration’s abuses and keep fighting to make the American Dream a tangible reality for the people I was elected to serve.”

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Whip Clark on CNN: Trump's 'Golden Age' Only Applies to Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined CNN's The Situation Room to discuss Trump’s lies and misinformation during the State of the Union. Below are excerpts from the conversation:

On Hearing the Real State of the Union from Constituents:

"I decided not to go to the speech because I knew we weren't going to hear the real state of the union. So, I spent the first hour of his speech with my constituents, hearing from small business owners, teachers, scientists who've had their research cut. And the picture they painted for me was pretty grim and filled with anxiety about the future.

"The split screen of the president saying we're in a ‘golden age.’ That really only applies to Donald Trump. He is the only one who is truly benefiting economically from his presidency."

On the GOP Disconnect with the American People:

"We have a president who continuously goes before the American people and spews lies and misinformation. And I think for some of my colleagues, that was their way of pushing back.

"But this State of the Union is not about Democrats or Republicans or Members of Congress and their decorum. It's about the American people.

"And I can tell you that Donald Trump in this speech showed the disconnect that he has from the very real issues facing my people in my district and people that I talk to across the country, who are so worried they're never going to be able to make the rent, find health care, find child care. They are increasingly worried about finding a good job with the job losses that we are seeing.

"These are the very real concerns that people have that he just brushed right on by and focused on what he sees as winning, because he continues to rig the system for the very wealthy and the already very powerful."

On Trump's Failing Economic Message:

“He didn't talk about prices. He didn't talk about his tariff policy, which has been found to be illegal.

"He should be talking about how he is going to refund the American people from the money he has stolen from them with those tariffs. He loves to give checks. Let's give some checks. And he could put an apology note in the envelope to the American people.

"The small business owners that I've talked to are just feeling like it is a matter of time before their doors close. They cannot hire the people they need. They can't afford the increase in their costs. And it really hit hard for small businesses and retail around the holiday season, when they had to order back in the height last spring of tariff policy and uncertainty. Many of them have said to me, 'My doors are going to close. It's just whether it's March or April or May.'

"There is a huge disconnect in this administration and the GOP in the House on what is going on in their own districts. And it is unfathomable to me that they are not hearing the exact same things I'm hearing and responding. And we're seeing it in the numbers. Donald Trump always had wide approval on his handling of the economy, and he is so underwater with the American people. Nothing about the vision he put out last night addresses that anxiety."

To view the complete conversation, click HERE.

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Whip Clark at House Democrats' Issues Conference: "We Are Offering a Different Choice"

LEESBURG, VA — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36), DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-1), and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-2) for a press conference kicking off House Democrats’ annual Issues Conference. This year’s theme is “Fighting for an Affordable America.” Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"After the meltdown that we watched last night, Democrats are showing the American people that they deserve better. A better economy. Better schools. Better health care. A better and more affordable future.

"Just look at the past year. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Instead, the average American family has paid $1,700 more due to tariffs. In my district at home, that's $2,200. He declared last night that we are in a 'golden age.' And that is certainly true if your last name is Trump.

"But for folks at home, prices are up. Rent is up. Layoffs are up. Wage growth is down. And we're seeing women pushed out of the of the job market because they can’t find affordable child care.

"And none of this is an accident. It is a policy choice. Republicans have chosen to break their promises to regular families. They've chosen to keep their promises to a handful of billionaires. And they've chosen to enrich the few at the expense of the many. And the American people have taken note.

"Democrats are offering a different choice. We are offering solutions that we will be discussing and expanding in the next few days. We're looking at an agenda that can cut child care costs to $15 a day. An agenda that cuts premiums with a permanent health care tax credit. An agenda that cuts housing costs and builds new, affordable homes. An agenda that cuts utility bills by making corporate users pay their fair share. And an agenda that empowers Americans to win bigger paychecks with a union.

"Americans are voting for Democrats because we are fighting for them — fighting for their health care, to drive down the cost of groceries, and to stamp out corruption and self-enrichment. That's our focus. And that is why we are going to win next year."

To view the complete press conference, click HERE.

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Press Releases
Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam
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Buffalo, NY,
      February 25, 2026
Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement today following the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam:
“The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy. Mr. Alam should be alive and with his loved ones today. Instead, after days of fear and uncertainty, his family is now grieving an unimaginable loss. There must be a full and transparent investigation at the local, state, and federal levels. The public and Mr. Alam’s family deserve answers immediately.”
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House Unanimously Passes Krishnamoorthi Bipartisan Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act, Expanding Opportunities for Skilled Workers and Strengthening the Federal Workforce

WASHINGTON — Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s (D-IL) bipartisan Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act, legislation aimed at tearing down unnecessary barriers that prevent qualified workers from competing for federal contracting opportunities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used more effectively.

“The House’s unanimous passage of my legislation is a major step toward tearing down the ‘paper ceiling’ that has kept too many hardworking Americans from fully participating in our economy,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “By focusing on demonstrated skills rather than outdated degree requirements, this bipartisan bill expands opportunity, strengthens our federal workforce, and helps ensure federal contracts deliver the best value for Illinois taxpayers.”

The Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act requires federal agencies to justify any minimum education or experience requirements included in contract solicitations, helping ensure that contractors are evaluated based on their ability to perform the work rather than credentials that may not reflect real-world competence. By encouraging skills-based evaluation, the legislation aims to increase competition, reduce unnecessary barriers, and open doors for qualified workers across the country.

The legislation aims to expand opportunities for workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) — individuals who have developed expertise through apprenticeships, military service, community college programs, or on-the-job experience rather than traditional four-year degrees. The bill builds on broader federal efforts to expand skills-based hiring, strengthen workforce pathways, and promote economic mobility.


Larsen Opens Submissions for Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding Requests

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced that his portal for submitting Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Community Project Funding requests is live.

Local governments, publicly owned entities and non-profit organizations can make Community Project Funding requests to be awarded federal dollars to support specific projects in Northwest Washington. Since 2022, Rep. Larsen has secured more than $75 million for 54 important community projects in the region.

Rep. Larsen’s portal for Community Project Funding requests can be found here. Requests are due Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Submissions for programmatic and language requests in the FY2027 Appropriations bills are also open here.

Larsen Brings Home Nearly $14 Million for Northwest Washington in FY2026

Recently, Rep. Larsen secured over $13.9 million in federal funding for fifteen projects in Northwest Washington. Examples of projects receiving funding include:


Ranking Members Larson, Garcia, and Morelle Investigate ‘DOGE’ Scheme to Share Sensitive Voter Information with Election Denial Groups

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01), Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) launched an investigation into a reported ‘DOGE’ hand-over of sensitive Social Security data to a partisan group working to overturn state election results.

“Trump’s own Department of Justice admitted in court that ‘DOGE’ schemed with an outside political group to try and use Americans’ confidential information from Social Security to overturn state election results,” said Ranking Member Larson. “From stealing data to surrounding the polls with ICE agents, Trump and his MAGA allies will stop at nothing to interfere with our elections and undermine democracy. I’m proud to stand with Ranking Members Garcia and Morelle as we work to get answers and accountability. Elon Musk’s rogue ‘DOGE’ and outside groups must come clean about what data they have stolen and why they are using it. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard our democracy and protect the American people’s privacy from these bad actors.”

“When Americans share their sensitive information with the federal government, they are entrusting that it is in good hands and protected from unwanted eyes. Legally, this should always be the case. Unfortunately, what we are hearing from whistleblowers and seeing in court documents suggests that Trump’s ‘DOGE’ is violating Americans’ privacy for its own political gain,” said Ranking Member Garcia.

“Sensitive personal information provided to the government should never be used for political reasons. Yet DOGE signed an agreement to share such information with an advocacy group whose stated goal was to overturn election results. Thanks to Ranking Member Larson's leadership and a courageous whistleblower, we will ensure proper oversight and accountability for this abuse of trust,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle.

Their probe follows a court filing revealing that DOGE staff at the Social Security Administration signed a so-called “Voter Data Agreement” with an outside political advocacy group seeking to overturn election results. Prior to today’s investigation into election denial groups across the country, Ranking Member Larson introduced a Resolution of Inquiry to compel the Trump Administration to produce all documents related to this election interference scheme. He also introduced the Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act to block political appointees and special government employees like ‘DOGE’ from accessing data at Social Security.

Ranking Members Larson, Garcia, and Morelle are sending letters to several organizations, stating, “Any records potentially responsive to this and other requests must be preserved. Destruction, removal, or other efforts to obstruct or prevent the production of evidence may be the basis for legal liability.”

The Ranking Members demanded the following from each organization:

All nonpublic documents and information referring or relating to the use of government data derived from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any federal agency to conduct election monitoring in U.S. states.

All agreements that bear the signature of any member of the U.S. ‘DOGE’ Service or SSA.

All nonpublic communications and records of communications, such as phone logs or Signal call histories, with any employee, official, or agent of ‘DOGE,’ SSA, any other federal agency, or any component of the Executive Office of the President.

You can view an example of the lawmakers’ full letter sent to election denial groups across the country HERE.

Letters were sent to the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), America First Legal Foundation, Citizens Election Research Center (CERC), Citizens Outreach Foundation (COF), Early Vote Action, Election Integrity Network, Election Transparency Initiative, Elections Oversight Group (EOG), Honest Elections Project, Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), The American Project, True the Vote, Virginia Institute for Public Policy, Voters Organized for Trusted Election Results in Georgia (VOTER GA), and the Wisconsin Voter Alliance.


Latta Statement on the State of the Union

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement after the State of the Union Address from President Donald Trump:

“President Trump's State of the Union was a reminder that when policies are focused on better outcomes for American families and workers, our country thrives.

“The American Dream is coming back for working people because the Republican agenda is delivering real results. The Working Families Tax Cuts created a fairer, more efficient tax system, and families are seeing the impact where it matters most: in a stronger economy, bigger paychecks, and more affordable everyday costs. From lower energy bills to a simpler tax-filing process, life is becoming more affordable, and Republicans are leading the way.

“As President Trump stated, the flow of fentanyl across our borders is down 56 percent in just one year. I am proud that my legislation, introduced with Rep. Morgan Griffith, the HALT Fentanyl Act, was signed into law last July to protect American communities by cracking down on deadly fentanyl substances and saving lives. Illicit fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction and this law is already making a real difference.

“Our economy continues to gain strength, with 172,000 new private-sector jobs added in January 2026 alone, clear proof that pro-growth, pro-worker policies are working. Our health care system has been streamlined, reducing waste, fraud, and abuse left by the Biden Administration and we’ve strengthened Medicaid. Since the beginning of this year, Republicans have delivered meaningful action to lower health care costs for Americans, including the launch of TrumpRx and passing the most Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) reforms ever enacted to date. At the same time, our borders are more secure, and law and order are being enforced so Americans can feel safe in their communities.

“Alongside President Trump, Republicans in Congress have slashed the far-left energy agenda that drove up prices under the Biden Administration, and as a result, will save the average American household $2,900 in 2026. Costly subsidies and regulations aimed at eliminating natural gas and coal have weakened our nation’s energy supply, increased utility rates, and undermined energy reliability. By unleashing American energy dominance, we are strengthening our energy security, keeping the lights on, and lowering costs for families across the country.

“President Trump secured our borders on the first day of his Administration by making clear that illegal immigration would be stopped and that Biden-era open-border policies would not be tolerated.

“As we continue to celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial, we are reminded that the United States of America remains the greatest place in the world to live, work, and raise a family. When we stand united, our communities are stronger and more prosperous.”


Lawler, Jayapal Introduce Bipartisan Advance Global Health Act to Streamline State Department Data Reporting

Washington, D.C. – 2/25/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the bipartisan Advance Global Health Act, a bill that consolidates many reports from the Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy into one comprehensive, searchable annual report.

Currently, the U.S. Department of State is required to produce multiple overlapping reports from the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, often pulling the same data on different timelines throughout the year. That redundancy creates unnecessary administrative burden, slows down delivery, and makes it harder for Congress to fully evaluate the information in a timely way. Consolidating these requirements into one comprehensive, searchable annual report preserves the intent of this reporting and reduces duplication.

“The State Department is pulling the same data over and over again to satisfy multiple reporting requirements and then often needing to submit them at different times to congressional committees. That’s just not an efficient use of time or resources. We have to simplify federal reporting processes so that Congress receives clear information we can actually review and act on. Strengthening oversight and accountability will both make foreign aid work smarter and harder,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).

“I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill with my colleague Rep. Lawler to streamline global health reporting requirements. Before coming to Congress, I ran projects to advance global health and development, with an emphasis on programming that strengthened health and economic outcomes for women and girls. Diseases know no borders and consistent reporting from the administration on the status and outcomes of our global health investments, on a predictable basis, is crucial to ensure the success of this important work,” said Congresswoman Jayapal (WA-07).

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

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Lawler, Jacobs Lead Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency to Congress on Foreign Aid Spending

Washington, D.C. – 2/25/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced the Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen Congressional oversight by requiring more detailed information when new or existing foreign assistance programs utilize appropriated spending.

As the U.S. continues to support beneficial and effective foreign assistance programs around the world, Congress must have the facts straight. This legislation establishes a pilot program requiring two State Department Bureaus to provide Congress with more detailed information during the congressional notification process, including program objectives, total lifecycle costs, and performance oversight.

“American taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability when their hard-earned money is spent overseas. By requiring clearer, more detailed information about new and expanding foreign assistance programs, this legislation strengthens Congress’s ability to evaluate their purpose, cost, duration, and effectiveness to ensure continued funding for successful programs ,” said Congressman Lawler, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.

“Information is a basic but necessary foundation for congressional oversight, but too often, Congress doesn’t have an adequate understanding of the foreign assistance and counterterrorism programs on the African continent that we’re in charge of overseeing. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act so that we can get the facts on these programs and have better strategic alignment, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure Congress is living up to its constitutional role,” said Congresswoman Jacobs, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

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Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union

Washington, D.C.—Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union:

“Donald Trump gave the longest State of the Union in history. But it didn’t include a single serious plan to lower costs for working families.

“Instead, he tried to tell you everything is great while your grocery bill, your rent, and your credit card statement say the opposite.

“He said nothing about an economy that’s squeezing people dry, about health care costs rising for 22 million Americans, or about the $1,745 his illegal tariffs pulled out of your pocket last year. Nothing about the families torn apart by his policies or the risk of dragging us into another endless war most Americans do not want.

“And then a president who has personally profited to the tune of $1.4 billion from his time in office lectured the country about corruption.

“Americans are not stupid. They see what’s happening. They feel it every day. We do not need a three-hour sales pitch. We need lower costs, accountability, and leadership grounded in reality.

“Enough is enough.”

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SST Committee Leaders Urge FCC to Narrow "Space Modernization" Proposal

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) raising concerns about the agency’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled "Space Modernization for the 21st Century," and urging the Commission to withdraw or substantially narrow the proposal to remain within its statutory authority.

In the letter to FCC Chairman Carr, the bipartisan leaders express support for efforts to streamline radiofrequency licensing for private space systems, but warn that several provisions in the NPRM go beyond communications policy and into broader space activity regulation—areas Congress has not authorized the FCC to oversee.

The Chairman and Ranking Member requested that the FCC "rescind the 'Space Modernization' NPRM referenced above or issue a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) focused exclusively on radiofrequency communications licensing for private space systems."

They further note that the NPRM would require operators to "take all possible steps" to assess and mitigate collision risks and certify compliance with an FCC-established human casualty threshold—requirements they argue are unrelated to spectrum management. As the letter states, such proposals "would effectively condition access to spectrum licenses on compliance with operational requirements unrelated to radiofrequency communications."

The Members also raise concerns that the proposed rule would exceed the FCC’s statutory authority, writing that the Communications Act of 1934 “contains no clear congressional authorization empowering the FCC to regulate space safety, space traffic management, or broader non-communications space operations.”

Concluding the letter, they respectfully request that the Commission "suspend the NPRM or substantially narrow the NPRM through an FNPRM so that its contents are confined strictly to radiocommunications licensing within the clear bounds of the Communications Act."

The intent of the letter is to ensure that federal space regulation remains grounded in clear statutory authority, avoids duplicative or conflicting requirements, and preserves U.S. leadership and competitiveness in the commercial space sector.

To read the full letter, please click here.

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Rep. Nancy Mace Highlights Key Moments From President Trump's State Of The Union Address, Calls Out The Left For Sitting On Their Hands

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) today highlighted key moments from President Donald J. Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address and called out the Left for refusing to stand and applaud for the American people.

"President Trump stood before the nation last night and made one thing crystal clear: America is back. Stronger, bolder, and better than ever before," said Congresswoman Mace. "His State of the Union laid out win after win on the economy, affordability, secure borders, and law and order. And we are just getting started."

Key Wins for the American People:

Core inflation drove down to its lowest level in more than five years, hitting just 1.7% in the last three months of 2025.

Prescription drug price reductions of up to 600% for Americans.

Trump accounts putting $1,000 in the pockets of over 25 million American children. By the time they're 18 it could be over $100,000.

Mortgage rates at their lowest in four years, making homeownership a reality again for hardworking Americans.

Nearly three million illegal immigrants removed from the United States.

Recognizing Angel Families who lost loved ones to criminal illegal immigrants.

America has the most powerful and lethal military on earth, and peace through strength makes us unstoppable.

Urging the Stop Insider Trading Act to pass without delay, banning Members of Congress from trading stocks while in office.

The murder rate has seen its single largest decline in recorded history, reaching its lowest point in over 125 years.

More Americans are working today than at any point in the history of our country.

The Big Beautiful Bill delivering no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security for seniors.

Passing the SAVE America Act to protect the integrity of American elections.

While Republicans celebrated historic wins for the American people, the Left showed the entire nation exactly where they stand. Throughout the evening, they repeatedly refused to rise and applaud for moments every American should be able to get behind. Their silence said everything.

Here is a list of what the Left refused to applaud and stand for:

Securing the strongest and most secure border in American history.

Recognizing Angel Families, including the mother of Iryna Zarutska, whose daughter was murdered by a career criminal.

Putting an end to irreversible sex changes being performed on minor children.

Investing in the financial futures of millions of American newborns through Trump Accounts.

Making sure violent criminals stay behind bars where they belong.

Standing united against political violence.

Gas prices falling to multi-year lows and putting real money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.

Cutting the flow of deadly fentanyl across our border by a record 56% in just one year.

“Rather than stand for the American people, the Left spent the evening calling President Trump a liar. The contrast couldn’t be clearer,” Mace added. “We will NEVER go back to where we were before. EVER. This is the golden age of America. God Bless the United States of America, and God Bless President Donald J. Trump.”

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Statement from Representative John W. Mannion on the State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement on the State of the Union address:

“President Trump’s speech was packed with rhetoric and lies that don’t reflect the reality of most Americans. The truth is the people of Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are being squeezed by an affordability crisis that’s fueled in large part by the president’s policies, including his illegal and haphazard tariffs.

I will always look for areas where we can work together to improve lives and drive down costs — from lowering prescription drug prices to keeping the dream of homeownership within reach for the next generation.

But we also have a responsibility to be honest about the facts. The president’s repeated claims that our elections are unsafe or fraudulent are demonstrably false and undermine confidence in a system that is bipartisan and professionally run. We can disagree on policy without eroding trust in our democracy.

My focus remains on delivering results, protecting democratic institutions, and fighting every day for the families and businesses of NY-22.”


From Reagan to Today: Democracy, Accountability, and American Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), hosted a hearing with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) President and CEO, Damon Wilson.

The hearing provided Appropriators the opportunity to give serious attention to, and rigorous oversight of, the programs funded in the NSRP bill, as well as support the Trump Administration's America First foreign policy. The National Endowment for Democracy, founded by President Ronald Reagan, is a critical tool to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities around the world and support those fighting for freedom under authoritarian regimes in Iran, North Korea, and Cuba.

In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said, "Foreign policy changes from one administration to the next. Yet the work of the NED remains consistent. As many of you know, I am a proud proponent of democracy and human rights promotion as a fundamental part of our foreign policy and national security. Toward that goal, the NED, and accountable democracy programs generally, are essential to countering adversaries, advancing American national security interests, and standing with those struggling for freedom... [NED] work[s] in some of the most dangerous and adversarial nations like Iran, like China. They have also been laying the groundwork for peace and stability in places like the South Caucases, which provides an opening for initiatives like the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) connecting Armenia and Azerbaijan. Yes, NED has made mistakes. But, to NED's credit, they are extremely responsive and quick to recognize and rectify them. When they found a problematic issue with a grantee, they resolved it in a matter of days. Canceled it outright and got the money back. I wish every other federally-funded organization was that swift and responsive to Congress."

Read Chairman Díaz-Balart's full remarks here.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), who also chairs the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, focused on NED's work in China, where they are combating forced labor. Rep. Moolenaar said, "You've talked a bit about the Uyghur genocide and that designation, and the work NED did... A lot of American businesses are competing with companies that use slave labor, and also some of our supply chains are dependent on that. If you'd talk a bit about the surveillance, the national security laws that China and the CCP have put in place. You mentioned the police stations, and some of the vulnerabilities that Chinese nationals, even on our home shores, are affected by, if you could talk about NED's work in both of those areas."

Mr. Wilson responded that China is NED's largest program because of the large challenges to freedom and democracy within the country, as well as the scale of the CCP's influence on the world stage. NED works to document the Uyghur slave labor and oppression in-country and spreads that information to the rest of the world to help put pressure on the CCP and sway other freedom-loving nations from relying on the CCP.

Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) focused his questions on how NED defines success and how they measure that success. Rep. Ciscomani said, "A core criticism I've heard from my constituents on this is that they feel that funding soft power initiatives like NED has not resulted in a geopolitical landscape more favorable to the U.S. interest. With your questions and testimony here today, I hope we can help alleviate relevant criticisms about why continuing to fund NED has been a bipartisan priority and why it can align, if done properly, with newly affirmed and streamlined national security priorities by the Trump Administration, and how that's aligning itself to that. In light of this reality, how do you measure progress?"

Mr. Wilson explained that each grant is set up with benchmarks to achieve specific deliverables. In many cases, these grants will lead to concrete actions – like revealing an underground CCP police station in Manhattan.

Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) brought a report from the Heritage Foundation titled "The Undemocratic National Endowment for Democracy Needs Oversight and Reform," which outlines several recommendations to improve the work of NED. Rep. Edwards said, "[This report] says that NED's total revenue increased from about $180 million in Fiscal Year 2019 to over $300 million by Fiscal Year 2022, and it characterizes that growth as unjustified. Can you explain what specific geopolitical or congressional priorities drove that increase, such as support for Ukraine, countering other influences, or China-focused programming, and then also tell us whether those increases were tied to appropriated mandates from Congress rather than institutional expansion initiated by NED itself?"

Mr. Wilson acknowledged that the challenge to freedom has fundamentally changed around the world, and said we are currently in a two-decade democratic recession. Advanced technological tools used by authoritarian regimes, combined with growing alliances between those authoritarian regimes, require NED to scale up operations to maintain efficacy.

Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) touted the historic legacy of NED while also cautioning against the funding of anti-American efforts. Rep. Alford said, "President Trump and Secretary Rubio have ushered in a new golden era of America First foreign policy. They've moved away from the old State Department mindset, one that too often focused on so-called global interests rather than American interests. American taxpayers should not send one single dollar to a program that does not support our clearly defined national interests... The National Endowment for Democracy was created in Congress in 1983 as an independent, nonprofit grantmaking institution intended to strengthen democratic institutions abroad. Its core mission has long been to support growth of democratic institutions, civil society, free markets, and the rule of law around the world. I believe that overall, NED supports this vision. Its work in Venezuela, Iran, China, and Russia have been critical to supporting American interests against these hostile nations. However, NED has not been perfect by any means... For NED, I choose not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, because I believe in the core mission of NED. The American people – my constituents – deserve to know [what you have to say about NED's funding of the Global Disinformation Index]."

Mr. Wilson was adamant that NED does not support censorship of Americans and does not fund anything with a domestic focus. He reiterated that as soon as NED discovered a grant partner was inappropriately using their funds to promote censorship of Americans, they rectified the situation and took full accountability.

Appropriators continue to provide vigilant oversight over foreign aid to ensure that federal spending reflects American priorities at home and abroad. As the House Appropriations Committee moves into the FY27 funding process, the perspectives shared during this hearing will help shape funding decisions.


Rep. McBride on Trump’s State of the Union Address: “Trump’s Agenda Rewards the Wealthy and Well-Connected — Leaving Working Families to Foot the Bill”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“What the American people witnessed tonight was not a serious assessment of the state of our union — it was a trail of falsehoods dressed up as accomplishments in defense of a disastrous agenda.

“In just one year, Donald Trump has raised costs through illegal tariffs, attacked access to affordable health care, targeted immigrant families indiscriminately, broken his promises to working families, seniors, small businesses, farmers, and marginalized communities. He has undermined our progress on climate and strained our alliances abroad—all while pursuing political retribution against anyone who dares to disagree with him.

“Donald Trump’s agenda has never put working people first. It rewards the wealthy and well-connected while working families pay the price. Our country deserves better. I’ll continue to stand up for our state of neighbors in the face of any attack.”

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Rep. McClain Delaney's Response to the State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) released the following statement in response to last night’s State of the Union address:

"I did not attend the State of the Union because I stand for the Maryland families whose safety and well-being are suffering because of this Administration’s policies. Over the past year, the Trump Administration has attacked the Maryland working families I represent — including farmers, federal workers, small business owners, flood victims, and legal immigrants — while failing to deliver on his promise to lower the cost of living and advancing harmful immigration and ICE enforcement policies, including the federal purchase of a warehouse in Washington County to be converted into a massive detention facility without proper review or public input.

"Enough is enough.

"This past week, my congressional office released my 'Costs Down, Opportunity Up' agenda to lower everyday expenses, build more housing, protect Medicare and health care, create good-paying jobs, and make the ultra-wealthy finally pay their fair share. For MD-06 families, that means funding Universal Pre-K, expanding the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, lowering child and senior care costs, supporting paid leave, and strengthening Social Security.

"Americans deserve leadership that meets the moment and addresses problems. I’m fighting everyday to deliver real relief and real results."

The Congresswoman announced last week her decision to not attend the speech. Instead, she joined with many of her colleagues in Congress for the People's State of the Union event on the National Mall.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.


McClellan Introduces Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act to Support CTE Programs Nationwide

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced H.R. 7676, the Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act, a bill which sets students up for their futures and supports each state in creating a searchable public directory of career and technical education (CTE) programs of study and career pathways to benefit students and employers.

Across the country, students, families, educators and employers must navigate fragmented information about CTE programs, limiting accessibility and workforce alignment. While high-quality career pathways serve more than 11 million students nationwide, there is no straightforward way to understand what programs are available, what credentials they lead to, how they align with workforce demand or how they connect to higher education and industry partners. By amending the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to implement public directories of available CTE programs and pathways, this legislation will expand opportunity and better align education with the needs of the workforce.

“As they grow up, students around the country face a whirlwind of overwhelming choices when considering what educational pathway is best for their future,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Through this legislation, I hope to make that process easier for students and their families while connecting industry partners with young talent. As attacks on our federal education system continue, we must continue to offer clear, precise information to students on what our incredible CTE programs can offer them. This Career and Technical Education Month, I’m introducing the Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act to make these opportunities more accessible to our workforce of tomorrow and strengthen the American economy.”

This bill is endorsed by Advance CTE.

The Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act addresses the lack of transparency on CTE programs by allowing states to use Perkins funds to develop statewide directories that clearly identify:

Program descriptions and course sequences

Industry or career cluster alignment

Available credentials and dual enrollment opportunities

Work-based learning opportunities

Postsecondary and industry partnerships

Evidence of alignment with labor market needs


Congresswoman McCollum Statement on the State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional delegation, issued the following statement after the State of the Union:

“Team USA made us proud as Americans – especially our fellow Minnesotans who led the nation to earn the most medals at this year’s games. They showed us all a shining example of what can happen through unity, hard work, and respect for others.

“Unfortunately, those who had the patience to listen to the President’s speech tonight had to endure more than 100 minutes of rambling self-aggrandizement and division.

“When it comes to the reality of the state of our union, we choose to believe our eyes rather than the lies.

“Here in Minnesota, we have seen what happens when President Trump gets his way and a Republican majority in Congress goes along.

“We’ve seen the damage from masked, unidentifiable federal agents invading and occupying our communities to sow chaos, violence, and division. We’ve seen Minnesotans racially profiled and assaulted. We’ve seen the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents.

“Minnesotans are paying a heavy price for Trump’s policies. His illegal tariffs are driving up costs – taxing each and every one of us an additional $1,000 last year alone. And more than 100,000 Minnesotans will see their health care and SNAP food assistance stripped away because of the Republicans’ Big Ugly Law.


McGovern: “People Don’t Need a Two-Hour Lecture From Donald Trump. They Know His Economy Sucks Because They Live It Every Day.”

“Tonight, we heard nothing new from Donald Trump—it was a long speech where he said nothing. It was a total regurgitation of the same lies we have heard from him since day one.

“The American people don’t need a two-hour lecture from Donald Trump about the State of the Union. They live it. They see it at the grocery store and every time they open a utility bill. They feel it every day. No amount of demented rambling can cover up the reality that his economic policies are screwing over everyday people so he can take care of his millionaire and billionaire donors. His illegal tariffs are raising the cost of everything, and his economy sucks.

“This Administration always finds time for another tax break, another loophole, another giveaway if you’re rich and powerful. That’s exactly what he did in his Big Ugly Bill. But if you’re a worker trying to keep up with rent, a parent struggling with childcare costs, or a senior deciding which prescription to skip this month—the White House doesn’t care about you at all.

“He claimed he’s lowered health care costs and prescription drug prices. That’s a lie. He's done the opposite—ripping coverage away, gutting Medicare and Medicaid, and pushing costs onto seniors, people with disabilities, and working families who already can’t afford one more hit.

“The President said Americans are safer than we’ve ever been. Another lie. At home, people are watching on social media while American citizens get shot by federal officers. Abroad, our allies can’t trust us, and our enemies are laughing at us.

“Above all, the President spent tonight laying out a dystopian vision for our future: a country where the rich get richer, the economy is rigged for those at the top, and the truth gets buried. He’s turned the presidency into a grift—public power for personal profit—padding his family’s pockets and rewarding the cronies who keep the scheme going. And because that kind of corruption can’t survive real scrutiny, he’s trying to lock in power by rigging the next election via voter suppression.

“He spewed lie after lie after lie. He lied so much, it would make Kim Jong Un blush. And Republicans applauded time after time—because they are in a cult.

“As for transparency and accountability, he did not mention the Epstein files even once, notwithstanding the fact that dozens of survivors were present in the gallery watching his speech. Just like his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, he refused to even acknowledge their presence. This Administration is collapsing under the weight of its ties to a global child rape ring—Trump’s name alone appears over 5,000 times in the Epstein documents we’ve seen so far, and we still do not have answers about what he did, what he knew, and when he knew it.

“The American people need lower costs, safer communities, and a government that works for them. Instead, tonight, the President delivered a self-worshipping propaganda reel—bragging, blaming, and lying to cover up his failures. What a pathetic joke.”


ICE Pursuit Results in Car Accident in Newark, McIver Demands Safety

NEWARK, N.J. – Today, ICE was conducting an investigation in Newark. ICE pursued a suspect in a van, and the ensuing chase resulted in a car crash involving several vehicles and multiple impacted individuals. In one of the cars involved in the crash were two 15-year-olds and a 12-year-old.

Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) made the following statement:

“ICE is hurting people in our communities. It is happening over and over again. What happened in Newark today is not an isolated event—it is a part of a steady drumbeat of harm ICE is doing right here in New Jersey and around this country. This is scary, and things don’t have to be like this, but because ICE continues to act recklessly, lawlessly, and without accountability, no one is safe.”

McIver, who sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security, has worked with colleagues to demand answers from DHS officials. She has repeatedly called for an end to ICE’s operations in New Jersey, called for the agency to be abolished, and demanded oversight and accountability.

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THOMPSON JOINED BY COSTA, GARAMENDI FOR ROUNDTABLE IN SUPPORT OF AG COMMUNITY

Woodland, CA – Wednesday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) was joined by Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08), House Committee on Agriculture member, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21) for a roundtable meeting with local farmers, ranchers, processors, and ag leaders to discuss the ag community’s needs and how Congress can help deliver for them.

“Agriculture is not just an industry in California — our ag community is the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities.” said Thompson. “Right now, our ag community needs support. Tariffs are hammering farmers, ranchers, and processors. Not to mention the regulatory burdens, water issues, and infrastructure needs that urgently need to be addressed. Thank you to Rep. Costa, Rep. Garamendi, and every ag community member who showed up to discuss with us their needs and how Congress can help. It’s past time Congress pass a Farm Bill 2.0 that feeds our communities and meets the tremendous needs of our agriculture community.”

“Great to join Rep. Mike Thompson, Rep. John Garamendi, and leaders of our agricultural community for this critical conversation. Farmers, ranchers, and dairymen and women are paying the price for this administration’s irresponsible agricultural trade policies and Congress must intervene to make things right and ensure our agricultural community can thrive. Thanks to everyone who joined us to make your voices heard,” said Congressman Costa.

“Proud to stand with a true leader of California farmers, Congressman Mike Thompson. I thank him for holding this roundtable, and I also thank Congressman Jim Costa and everyone else who participated in this incredibly important discussion about the immense pressures on the agriculture industry due to Donald Trump’s harmful policies, unnecessary tariffs, and cuts to food assistance. California is America’s garden basket, and I’m proud to stand with Rep. Mike Thompson, who has always championed commonsense policies that give California farmers a solid foundation for success,” said Rep. Garamendi.

The representatives were joined by over 50 guests, including members of the California Farm Bureau, Sacramento Farm Bureau, Napa Farm Bureau, Yolo Farm Bureau, Solano Farm Bureau, Colusa Farm Bureau, and Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and ag researchers from UC Davis, almond farmers, grape growers, peach growers, cattle ranchers, ag finance professionals, and others in the ag community.

BACKGROUND

California lost 400 farms in 2025 as growers, ranchers, producers, and processors faced rising operational costs and a shortage of workers largely caused by the President’s policies on immigration and his international trade war. These challenges come at a time when the ag community is already facing challenges accessing water and navigating regulations.

A long-time representative of rural ag communities and founder and co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, Rep. Thompson recently introduced the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, legislation to provide direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from tariffs.


Statement from the Office of Congressman Seth Moulton on Marcelo Gomes da Silva’s Early Departure from the State of the Union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement attributable to Aidan Curran, Communications Director for Rep. Seth Moulton

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During last night’s State of the Union address inside the U.S. Capitol, a decision was made out of an abundance of caution to pull Congressman Moulton’s guest, Marcelo Gomes da Silva, from the House gallery audience after the official government account for the Department of Homeland Security issued this tweet at 8:24 PM ET targeting and harassing Marcelo.

Marcelo was escorted from the House gallery at approximately 9:45 PM by a staff member from Congressman Moulton’s office. After leaving the State of the Union, Marcelo returned to Congressman Moulton’s office and watched the remainder of the speech from there.

In response to the post made by DHS, Congressman Moulton posted, “Marcelo has been in the U.S. since he was 6 years old. Zero criminal record. You're not making anyone safer by targeting him. You're just proving how far you'll go to terrorize young people trying to build a future in this country.”

Marcelo is safe and has continued to meet with elected officials, advocates, and other experts on Capitol Hill today to share his story.

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Congressman Moylan Highlights Guam's Priorities Following President Trump's State of the Union

(Washington D.C.) — President Donald J. Trump delivered his State of the Union address this evening, and Congressman James Moylan said the message reflected priorities that matter deeply to the people of Guam.

“The President outlined a vision focused on strengthening our nation’s security, stabilizing the economy, and restoring confidence in government,” Congressman Moylan said. “For Guam, these are issues that directly impact our families, our workforce, and ultimately our future.”

Moylan said the President’s recognition of America’s servicemembers carried particular weight for the island.

“As a veteran, I appreciated the President’s acknowledgment of the men and women who serve,” he said. “Guam has a long and proud history of military service. Our sons and daughters continue to answer the call at some of the highest rates in the country. When that sacrifice is recognized at the national level, we are reminded that Guam stands shoulder‑to‑shoulder in defending our freedoms.”

The Congressman emphasized that the address underscored the importance of continued forward momentum.

“What I took from tonight’s address was a clear commitment to continue moving forward,” Moylan said. “Real progress comes from steady work, strong partnerships, and persistence. That is how we deliver results for Guam—by staying engaged, staying focused, and working with every federal partner willing to help us advance the issues that matter to our island.”

He noted that several of the President’s priorities—including lowering prescription drug costs, improving public safety, and protecting federal programs from fraud—directly impact families across Guam.

“These are areas where Guam benefits when the federal government takes action,” he said. “Our manåmko’, our veterans, and our working families all feel the effects.”

Congressman Moylan closed by emphasizing Guam’s collective effort in shaping national progress.

“Guam succeeds when we remain engaged and work alongside our federal partners,” he said. “Tonight’s address reinforced that there is real momentum, and that our island has a meaningful place in that momentum. My focus remains on ensuring Guam’s needs are heard, respected, and advanced. God bless our nation, and God bless Guam.”


CONGRESSMAN URGES COST-OF-LIVING RELIEF AT IGIA PLENARY SESSION

(Washington, D.C.) — Affordability for Guam families who are struggling with the high cost of living is what Congressman James Moylan urged the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) to focus on during the recently concluded 2026 Senior Plenary session. The IGIA convenes senior federal officials and territorial leaders each year to coordinate policies impacting U.S. territories.

“I encourage all stakeholders to focus on what matters most for Guamanians,” said Congressman Moylan, “that’s lowering the cost of groceries, fuel, housing, and healthcare.”

In opening remarks at the session, the Congressman emphasized that federal transportation, shipping, and energy policies directly shape the prices Guam families pay every day. He urged support for a series of measures and policy recommendations that he has advanced to address these critical issues.

The Congressman also urged support for his Pacific Islands Flight Alternatives Act, introduced last year, that would provide a limited exception to the air cabotage laws and allow allied foreign air carriers to stop in Guam and the CNMI while flying to and from the States. The bill is meant to help drive down airfares “that would allow families to visit loved ones in the States and our sister islands to the North, access medical treatments that are not available in our islands, and promote domestic and foreign tourism in the Marianas, stimulating our economy and strengthening American influence in the Western Pacific.”

“In Congress, I am leading and co-leading seven measures to provide targeted relief for the Jones Act,” Moylan said, “To be clear, I am not recommending we abolish it entirely. Rather, we should have policies that make sense for the 21st century.” For example, Congressman Moylan has sought targeted waivers that would allow for the transport of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from the U.S. through Guam, Hawaii and other non-contiguous areas.

“Allowing these ships to stop in Hawai’i and Guam would benefit the American energy sector, supporting the President’s vision for energy dominance, drive down costs for ratepayers, and enhance energy resiliency,” Moylan said. “The cost of materials driven up by outdated maritime policies continues to be a source of pain for everyone on our island,” he added.

He also noted that the Department of Defense is in the early stages of standing up an Economic Adjustment Committee, following a joint request with Governor Leon Guerrero to better coordinate federal support amid ongoing defense-driven growth.

Moylan invited IGIA planners to convene future sessions in the territories so federal leaders can better understand the realities Guam and other island communities face. “Without focusing on the core issues, we risk failing to fulfill the mandate for IGIA,” he added. “I’m hopeful, really hopeful for the continued progress that we can make.”


Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduce Legislation to Protect Elections from Illegal ICE Interference

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduces the Stop ICE Election Militarization Act with Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16) to protect American elections from illegal ICE interference. The bill follows President Trump’s threats to “nationalize elections” and his adviser, Steve Bannon’s, call to deploy ICE agents to polling places.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“Since day one of the Trump administration, the president has deployed masked, armed forces across this country to intimidate and silence marginalized communities. Now, he is threatening to bring that same fear directly to our most sacred democratic spaces — our polling locations. Georgia knows all too well his repeated attempts to overturn and undermine an election. We cannot wait. We must act now to stop this dangerous threat by passing the Stop Election Militarization Act.”

“We cannot allow the Trump Administration to continue to trample over our democracy, as they try to intimidate Americans out of exercising their right to vote by threatening to militarize this year’s elections,” said Larson. “From deploying ICE at polling places to purging voter rolls and handing over confidential records to private groups trying to overturn elections, their plan is clear. President Trump and his MAGA allies will do anything it takes to interfere with our elections, to shield them from accountability for their failed policies at the polls. Democrats in Connecticut and across the country are ready for this fight. We are prepared to use every tool available to ensure every citizen can cast their ballot safely and securely free from fear or intimidation. I am pleased to join with my colleagues in Congress and at the state level to stop this unprecedented election militarization scheme in its tracks.”

“Donald Trump and his administration have made clear their intention to interfere with the midterms,” said Escobar. “His effort began when he called the Texas Governor and Attorney General, asking for five more Republican seats which set off Texas’ aggressive gerrymandering. Kristi Noem has announced that she will do everything possible to ensure the ‘right people voting, electing the right leaders.’ And Steve Bannon announced that the administration would be sending ICE agents to polling locations in November. This already occurred in California during the Prop 50 election. It’s a troubling pattern of using government power to suppress voter turnout, diminish certain voices, and threaten our democracy. That is why introducing the Stop ICE Militarization Act is necessary to draw a clear line between immigration enforcement and the electoral process, ensuring that federal agents are never used to intimidate voters or influence election outcomes.”

The Stop ICE Election Militarization Act:

Explicitly prevents immigration enforcement entities, including ICE from being deployed at polling places and creates criminal penalties for officers violating the law.

Prevents the wide scale intimidation of communities by banning non-targeted, non-criminal immigration enforcement operations, such as traffic stops, within four weeks of an election.


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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress:

"Tonight’s State of the Union address made one thing clear: Donald Trump has failed the American people. Families are already struggling with high costs, and Trump’s policies have only made life more expensive. Trump’s tariff tax hurts American workers and his Big Ugly Law resulted in the largest cuts to healthcare and food assistance in U.S. history.

“At the same time, Trump’s ICE has been terrorizing our communities, instilling fear into our children, and murdering Americans on our streets. We all want to see violent criminals locked up but what we are experiencing across the nation is that every day Americans are paying the price. We need transparency, accountability, and rule of law. Trump’s ICE has got to go.

“I will continue fighting to lower costs, protect access to healthcare and food assistance, raise the federal minimum wage, and hold the Trump Administration accountable. Until working families feel secure in their finances, safe in their communities, and confident in their future, we cannot honestly say that the state of our Union is strong.”


Congressman Norman Introduces Bill to End Automatic Pay Raises for Members of Congress

WASHINGTON — Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced H.R. 7628, legislation to eliminate automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress.

“Congress is the only place in America where you can fail the people you represent and still expect a raise,” said Congressman Norman. “That’s not public service. That’s a broken system. We’ve traded citizen legislators for career politicians more focused on their own paychecks than the people back home. That’s why we need term limits. And if they think the salary isn’t enough, they’re welcome to go home and live under the rules and laws they’ve created.”

H.R. 7628 would terminate the practice of automatic pay adjustments and require Congress to approve any pay increase. Congressman Norman emphasized that transparency and accountability must remain central to public service.


Norton Announces Community Project Funding Application Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced the process for applying to her office for Community Project Funding, formerly known as earmarks, for fiscal year 2027 (FY27). For a Community Project Funding request to be considered, eligible entities must submit an application 5:00 p.m. on March 6, 2026. Applications must be sent to NortonCommunityProjectFunding@mail.house.gov.

Late or incomplete applications, including applications that do not provide the information required by the relevant subcommittee, will not be considered. The project must be located in the District of Columbia. The subcommittees’ requirements can be found here.

An application consists of all the information about the entity and project required by the applicable subcommittee, as well as the following:

Name of the recipient

Address of the recipient

Amount of the request

Explanation of the request, including purpose, and a justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds

Evidence of community support

If on behalf of a non-profit, evidence the entity is a non-profit organization as described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and evidence non-profit’s work is primarily focused on D.C.

The Appropriations Committee is only permitting certain programs within specific subcommittees, listed below, that are going to participate in the Community Project Funding process.

House Appropriations Committee

Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding – Eligible Accounts

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Department of Agriculture – Farm Production and Conservation Programs

Natural Resources Conservation Service (Conservation Operations)

Department of Agriculture – Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service (Buildings and Facilities)

Department of Agriculture – Rural Development

Rural Housing Service (Community Facilities)

Rural Utilities Service (Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants)

Rural Utilities Service (Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants)

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Department of Commerce

NIST – Scientific and Technical Research

NOAA – Coastal Zone Management

Department of Justice

COPS Technology and Equipment

Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Safety, Security, and Mission Services

Energy and Water Development

Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works)

Investigations

Construction

Mississippi River and Tributaries

Operation and Maintenance

Department of the Interior/Bureau of Reclamation

Water and Related Resources

Homeland Security

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Federal Assistance – Emergency Ops. Centers

Federal Assistance – Pre-Disaster Mitigation

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Environmental Protection Agency

STAG – Clean Water State Revolving Fund

STAG – Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Department of Health and Human Services

Health Resources and Services Administration

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Army

Army National Guard Army Reserve

Navy & Marine Corps Navy Reserve

Air Force and Space Force Air National Guard

Air Force Reserve

DoD, Defense-Wide

Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Community Development Fund – Economic Development Initiatives

Department of Transportation

Airport Improvement Program

Highway Infrastructure Projects

Transit Infrastructure Projects

Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements

Port Infrastructure Development Program

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Burgess Owens released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union Address this evening.

“Common sense has returned to the White House.

“President Trump showed yet again how he and Republicans are keeping the promises we made to the American people to bring sanity back to Washington.

“What a stark contrast we saw tonight from the weak presidency of Joe Biden and his term that was defined by chaos, recklessness, and the abandonment of his incredible responsibility.

“Remember, the nation under Biden saw gas and grocery prices soar, and mortgage rates hit a 23-year high. He weakened our borders and practically encouraged tens of millions of illegal immigrants to pour into the country, which enriched the cartels and allowed for unprecedented human suffering from the illicit drug and human trafficking that thrived due to a weak border. Remarkably, and unfortunately, the left hasn’t learned anything from their abject failures.

“They also literally wouldn’t stand up for American citizens.

“President Trump and House Republicans have worked hard to bring down costs at the pumpand at the grocery store, to bring down mortgage rates and inflation and spent our time cutting needless red-tape, unleashing American energy, and bringing back fiscal sanity so the government can get out of the way of hard-working Americans.

“Democrats continue to throw a tantrum and voted yet again to shut down the government this time, forcing thousands of Secret Service, FEMA, Coast Guard, and TSA Agents to work without pay after giving us years of chaos on the southern border.

“I’m grateful for a president and a Congress that understands and respects that the money spent in Washington did not magically appear, it came from the pockets of hard-working Americans.”

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Congressman Patronis Issues Statement Following Tuesday’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, Congressman Jimmy Patronis issued a statement commending the administration’s leadership in strengthening American security, revitalizing our economy, pushing for critical reforms, and standing up to global threats.

“The President reaffirmed what millions of hardworking Americans already know, peace comes from strength, and America is stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before,” said Congressman Patronis. “From rebuilding the strongest military, the world has ever seen to decisively confronting nuclear threats and confronting hostile regimes abroad, this administration continues to defend peace through strength.”

Patronis also emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure government accountability, including investigations into the use of autopen signatures, backing pro‑American tariffs to revitalize domestic industry, and securing stronger borders to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law. The Congressman thanked President Trump for holding Big Tech accountable and protecting rate payers from subsidizing data centers. “They’re already robbing our children of their futures, said Congressman Patronis. Now they’re trying to rob Americans' pocketbooks.”

On fiscal policy, Congressman Patronis praised the administration’s support for the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” including provisions that eliminate federal income taxes on tips and overtime pay. Congressman Patronis continued, “As a former restaurateur, I know firsthand how significant eliminating taxes on tips and overtime will be for small businesses and the hardworking Americans they employ. The new tax provisions include no tax on tips and no tax on overtime pay means more money stays in workers’ pockets. It's shocking that every Democrat voted against the American people to keep more of their hard-earned money.”

The America First agenda is delivering real results, and our nation’s future has never been brighter. Congressman Patronis reaffirms his commitment to working alongside the President to keep the American Dream within reach for every hardworking family.


Congressman Patronis Presents Sec. Hegseth with 3D Printed Toy of Blue Angels Jet

WASHINGTON DC – Late Tuesday at the State of the Union, Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis (FL-1) presented U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth with a 3D-printed, toy rendition, of a U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet. Florida Congressional District 1 is home of the Blue Angels who are housed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.

Congressman Patronis said, “It was an honor to be a part of history last night, and I wanted a piece of the district to come with me to the People’s House. I remembered that when I was at the last airshow - a young man from the district was selling the toy planes, I had it proudly displayed in my office for when constituents and visitors come to the office.

“The Blue Angels are the pride of the Pensacola community as they travel the nation, displaying their professionalism, their training, and their love of America. And although they’re loved across the nation, their facilities are literally falling to pieces. I personally toured NAS Pensacola recently, and you could see the netting in place for falling debris of their aging facilities, said Congressman Patronis. Although we were proud to secure $12 million for facilities in the last appropriations bill, we just need more resources to make the home of the Blue Angels an appropriate facility. They were also impacted from the government shutdown which shut down the homecoming show, impacting the Northwestern economy.

Congressman Patronis continued, “I think God was working through that young man who gave me that toy, and I was in the right time, right place to present it to Sec. Hegseth as a reminder of how important the Blue Angels are to our nation and Northwest Florida. As it inspired me, it’s my hope it inspires the Department of War to embrace these men and women with the same love and affection that the Pensacola community does so the Blue Angels have the resources they need and deserve. If anyone knows the young man who gave me the toy, please pass along the thanks and praise of your representative in Washington. There’s no telling how much good you’ve done for your community.”


Amata Responds to 2026 State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata responded to President Trump’s State of the Union address, which she attended, and highlighted the economic and national security message, along with applauding the U.S. military heroes that were recognized during the speech.

President Trump honored heroic Veterans during the 2026 State of the Union (House Creative Services photo)

During the State of the Union, President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest decoration for valor, to 100-year-old U.S. Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, whose long-classified role in the Korean War is one of the longest sustained aerial combats in Navy history, and to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, helicopter pilot in the Venezuela operation who continued his duties while wounded. He also awarded the Purple Heart to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, members of the West Virginia National Guard, ambushed last year on patrol in Washington, D.C. The President also honored Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan, who was awarded the Legion of Merit, and specially recognized in the audience a decorated veteran, Buddy Taggart, also turning 100 years old soon, who helped liberate a major internment camp in the Philippines in World War II.

Amata and other Members of Congress greeting President Trump at SOTU (House Photographer)

“We can all come together to honor our nation’s brave patriots,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I appreciated the President honoring these deserving Veterans and Service Members for their heroism, service and sacrifice, and highlighting our inspiring Olympic champions as well.”

“American Samoa can be at our best when the U.S. is strong, when the national economy is positioned to improve, and fuel costs are in check, and those were some of the themes of the speech. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and start the big 2027 appropriations legislation, the next yearly National Defense bill, and urgently restore funds to the Department of Homeland Security so our U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA and TSA are back at full operations and staffing,” she continued. “These yearly bills in Congress are where we make sure our highway funds, healthcare, schools, nutrition, and other support are secured. That work starts in House committees and subcommittees, and I’m blessed to have some seniority.”

Congresswoman Amata on the House Floor at the State of the Union (House Photographer)

“In Washington, I highlight our local needs and priorities in the context of current events with China and the Pacific region, which opens the door to talk about our Port, our hospital and clinics, a future air traffic tower, a Coast Guard cutter home ported in Pago Pago Harbor, or other developments,” Amata concluded. “It helps to have good channels of communication to all the leaders in Washington, and I keep those lines open.”

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Congresswoman Ramirez meets with DHS Secretary Noem

Washington, DC— Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) met with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to, again, reiterate Noem must resign or face removal from office, and to outline the bare minimum actions the Secretary would take if she cared at all about her oath of office or the rule of law.

“Today, I, again, confronted and held Kristi Noem accountable for her lawlessness and violations of our civil rights. While I am clear her days in public office are numbered, Noem currently holds the Office of the Secretary. As such, she has an obligation to execute her oath of office and abide by U.S. laws,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “The demands I shared today are bare minimum actions necessary from her and her Department to demonstrate any commitment to the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the security of the homeland and its residents: from protecting sensitive locations, to enacting a use of force policy, to ending warrantless arrests and searches, to ensuring DHS meets the standards of care for those in detention.”

“However, let’s be clear. It’s been months since I requested the meeting and DHS has only escalated its campaign of lawlessness and abuses of power. Noem and Trump have chosen a shutdown over accountability to the American people. There is no outcome of today’s meeting that could sway me from my commitment to abolish ICE, dismantle DHS, and ensure every person who has violated our rights is held accountable,” added Ramirez.

As part of her request, Ramirez demanded the Secretary and her department:

(I) POLICY ACTIONS

Re-establish Protected Areas

Establish and Codify Minimum Use of Force Standards

Respect for the Rule of Law, including Prohibition of Warrantless Arrests and Respect for the 4th Amendment

(II) MUTUAL RESPECT BETWEEN COEQUAL BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

Abide by Court Orders

Adhere to Appropriations Approved by Congress

(III) DETENTION STANDARDS

Adherence to National Detention Standards and Non-Dedicated Intergovernmental Service Agreement Standards, including in the management of detained personal belongings, food and nutrition, and medical care.

To read Congresswoman Ramirez’s full request, CLICK HERE.

For Ramirez’s and Noem's exchange agreeing to the meeting, CLICK HERE.


Ross, Raskin, and Morelle Introduce Bill to Ban Taxpayer Payouts for January 6 Rioters

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced a bill to prevent January 6 rioters from receiving payouts from the federal government.

The No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act would broadly prohibit the use of federal funds to compensate any January 6 rioter who was prosecuted for his or her involvement in the attack on the Capitol and stop ongoing refunds of fines that were paid as part of their convictions. This bill is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).

Roughly 400 people who benefited from Trump administration pardons or grants of clemency after their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol are currently seeking millions of dollars in taxpayer funds because they were prosecuted for their criminal actions. Leaders of the “Proud Boys” far-right militant organization are suing for $100 million alone, and senior Department of Justice official Ed Martin reportedly supports compensating violent January 6 insurrectionists.

“To provide any restitution for violent January 6 insurrectionists is to reward the actions of criminals who tried to overturn a free and fair election,” said Congresswoman Ross. “These individuals broke the law, assaulted law enforcement officers, were convicted in a court of law, and caused millions in unpaid damages to the U.S. Capitol. The January 6 rioters nearly upended our democratic system and prevented the peaceful transfer of power, and this administration wants to reward them for it. Not a single dollar of our taxes should be paid out to convicted insurrectionists. This critical legislation will ensure accountability for those who attacked the Capitol and prevent Trump from rewriting what really happened on that horrible day.

“Pardons, praise and now payouts? It is a sign of the Administration’s full-blown destruction of American ethical values and its sense of boundless immunity that it’s now considering government cash payments to Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other January 6 rioters and insurrectionists for their bloody labors on behalf of Donald Trump, the paymaster with infinite access to the taxpayers’ checkbook,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. “What a betrayal of the 140 police officers who fought for hours to defend us and were wounded and injured by this fascist attack on the peaceful transfer of power and yet never were offered a dime or a dollar by our MAGA rulers. The No Rewards For January 6 Rioters Act ensures that federal resources remain dedicated to the defense of our institutions—not the enrichment of people who tried to violently dismantle them.”

“Criminals who brutally assaulted law enforcement to prevent the peaceful transfer of power are not entitled to taxpayer-funded compensation. I’m proud to lead this legislation alongside Congresswoman Ross and Ranking Member Raskin because the American people’s money must never be used to reward political violence, incentivize future attacks, or rewrite history,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle.

The violent mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 caused roughly $3 million in damages to the Capitol building, injured more than 100 law enforcement officers, and threatened members of Congress and their staff. Damage to the building included widespread vandalism, ruined furniture, shattered glass, broken doors, defaced artwork, and the desecration of the halls of Congress. Convicted January 6 insurrectionists paid about $400,000 in court-ordered restitution to cover the damages they caused, which has since been transferred to the Treasury Department, from where the funds can only be withdrawn by Congress.

Last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) took a meeting with a lawyer for January 6 insurrectionists where DOJ was asked to create a victims compensation fund, similar to that used to compensate September 11, 2001 victims, to issue cash rewards for alleged “harms” these rioters faced. Their attorney stated that DOJ official Ed Martin is “100 percent on our side.” Any such fund would be both deeply corrupt and unlawful, as the establishment of a separate fund requires Congressional action. However, rioters could seek to “sue and settle” claims and raid the federal Judgment Fund instead.

The No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act would:

Prohibit the use of federal funds to compensate prosecuted January 6 rioters, including by barring the establishment of a victim compensation fund and by prohibiting the Justice Department from entering into settlement agreements;

Prohibit further refunds of restitution payments; and

Authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer the remaining restitution funds to the Architect of the Capitol.

The No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW); Democracy Defenders Action; Protect Democracy; Sgt. Aquilino A. Gonell, Fr. United States Capitol Police; Officer Harry Dunn, Fr. United States Capitol Police; and Officer Daniel Hodges, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (endorsement in his personal capacity).

"January 6, 2021 was one of the darkest days in American democracy,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “While the president may have the power to pardon those individuals who attacked the Capitol for their federal crimes, the idea that these individuals should now be compensated for the so-called "harms" they suffered is as preposterous as it is dangerous. CREW is proud to endorse Rep. Ross's No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to compensate any individual prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. We call on members of Congress to pass this legislation without delay”

“All Americans deserve the right to peacefully protest. However, the January 6th insurrectionists who violently stormed the Capitol should be held accountable for their role in this unprecedented attack. It would be unconscionable to reward the rioters who assaulted law enforcement officers that day with payouts from the Trump administration after being pardoned,” said Virginia Canter, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Chief Counsel and Director at Democracy Defenders Action. “We commend Representatives Ross, Raskin, and Morelle for their leadership in introducing the No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act, and we urge Congress to quickly pass this important legislation.”

“Five years ago, for the first time in American history, a sitting president tried to overturn the results of a presidential election and block the peaceful transfer of power. Now, without any congressional approval, the President wants to use taxpayer dollars to give payouts to the rioters who stormed the Capitol and violently assaulted police officers. Passing this bill would help end this perversion of justice and prevent the encouragement of similar violence in the future,” said Justin Vail, Head of the Washington Office at Protect Democracy.

“As one of the many injured officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6th attack, it is imperative to me that perpetrators are not seen as heroes and that no one is allowed to deny the reality of the violent events that ended my career in law enforcement,” said Sgt. Aquilino A. Gonell, Fr. United States Capitol Police. “The January 6 rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol, threatened the lives of hundreds of elected officials whom I risked my life to protect, and badly injured me and my colleagues simply because we kept our oath to defend the Capitol and our representative democracy. Those rioters should not be rewarded for participating in the assault. Doing so would be a betrayal to the service and sacrifice made by the January 6 first responders, which is why I support the No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act Let us stand by the truth as a country.”

“I’m thankful for this legislation being proposed. On the other hand, it’s a shame that it is even being proposed,” said Officer Harry Dunn, Fr. United States Capitol Police. “Just as I thought Americans would never attempt to stop the certification of an election through violence, never would I believe they would be rewarded for those efforts by this administration,”

“I’m struggling to come up with a short, compelling statement of support for this legislation that doesn’t sound absurd in its obviousness; it’s like trying to write inspiring rhetoric in support of the law of gravity. Sadly it is the political age we live in where such declarations become necessary against the backdrop of a President who suggests we would be better off if the Earth no longer reliably pulled us towards the ground, so here we go: It is a bad idea to reward those who violently attacked law enforcement officers in an effort to coerce, capture, or kill members of Congress, their staff, and the Vice President of the United States of America,” said Officer Daniel Hodges, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (endorsement in his personal capacity). “It is a bad idea to reward those who committed crimes in an effort to stop the peaceful transfer of power and terminate American democracy. This legislation will prevent either of these scenarios from becoming reality and I hope that Congress will vote with recognition that there are countless endeavors and people more worthy of our resources.”

Bill text is available here.

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Rep. Rulli Applauds President Trump’s $10 Million East Palestine Relief Effort

EAST PALESTINE, OH. – Congressman Michael Rulli praised President Donald Trump for his $10 million commitment to East Palestine through the Economic Development Administration. This investment builds on the Administration’s June announcement of a five-year, $10 million research initiative by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the long-term health impacts of the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

“This community has been through more than most can imagine,” Rulli said. “Families lost trust in their future, small businesses fought to survive, and yet the people of East Palestine never gave up. With this investment, President Trump has once again shown his commitment to this community in stark contrast to the neglect of the previous administration.”

“This funding will help rebuild what was lost, support families, and give local businesses the resources they need to thrive again,” Rulli continued. “Under the Biden administration, East Palestine was left behind. Families waited, businesses struggled, and this community was ignored. President Trump continues to deliver real results, proving that when leadership matters, our community comes first.”

Congressman Rulli remains committed to working alongside President Trump and local leaders to ensure these funds reach the families and businesses who need them most – quickly, transparently, and with full accountability.


Scalise on SOTU: The American People Saw Who Stands with Them

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss President Trump’s State of the Union address, which highlighted historic progress on border security, economic recovery, government accountability, and tax relief for working families and drew a sharp contrast with Democrats who refused to stand in support.

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