Davids Opposes Proposed ICE Detention Facilities in Kansas City Metro, Demands Answers from Administration

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) expressed strong opposition to plans to open and operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area, including proposed sites in Leavenworth, Kansas and south Kansas City, Missouri — the latter originally intended for economic development.

In her letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials, Davids warned that large-scale detention centers would undermine public safety, strain already-stretched local infrastructure and emergency services, derail economic development plans, and divert critical resources away from local law enforcement and community-based public safety efforts.

“I write to express deep concern and strong opposition to any plans to open and operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” wrote Davids. “These actions — along with the rapid expansion of immigration detention facilities far beyond the border — are making communities less safe, diverting critical resources from local law enforcement, and undermining efforts to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.”

Davids cited reports that ICE is negotiating to purchase a warehouse in south Kansas City to establish a 7,500-bed detention center on land owned by Port KC — property that was sold with the understanding that it would be used for manufacturing and economic development. She also raised serious concerns about a $60 million contract signed last fall between ICE and private prison operator CoreCivic to house detainees at a facility in Leavenworth, Kansas, pointing to the company’s troubling track record related to staffing, conditions, and coordination with local law enforcement.

The letter also highlights broader concerns about the administration’s immigration enforcement approach, including the use of masked and militarized federal agents, lack of transparency and oversight, and data showing that a significant share of ICE detainees have no criminal convictions or pending charges.

Davids emphasized that while thoughtful immigration enforcement and bipartisan reform are necessary, the administration’s current approach is making communities less safe. She demanded written responses to a series of questions regarding the administration’s plans, coordination with local authorities, and safeguards to protect American citizens and legal residents.

Read Davids’ full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Lyons,

I write to express deep concern and strong opposition to any plans to open and operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Proposed facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, and Leavenworth, Kansas would undermine public safety, derail local economic development priorities, and divert critical resources away from local law enforcement and community-based public safety efforts.

Last month, ICE personnel toured a warehouse in south Kansas City and are reportedly in negotiations to purchase the facility to establish a 7,500-bed detention center. However, the facility was given tax exemptions by Port KC with the clear understanding that the site would be used for economic development and manufacturing growth. This apparent shift in use raises serious concerns that the building owner’s actions are misleading and inconsistent with local intentions, paving the way for a large-scale prison tied to this administration’s reckless immigration enforcement.

Additionally, last fall, private prison operator CoreCivic signed a $60 million contract with ICE to house detainees at a facility in Leavenworth, Kansas. While this matter faces pending action by the City of Leavenworth, CoreCivic’s historic operation of this facility is troubling, including issues with staffing, humane conditions, lack of cooperation with local law enforcement, and more.

These efforts are compounded by masked, militarized federal agents roving our streets, detaining peaceful protesters, legal residents, and even American citizens without transparency, oversight, or accountability. Despite claiming to target violent criminals, this administration detained more than 29,000 people with no criminal convictions or pending charges last month; estimates suggest that nearly 75 percent of current ICE detainees have no criminal convictions.

Taken together, these actions — along with the rapid expansion of immigration detention facilities far beyond the border — are making communities less safe, diverting critical resources from local law enforcement, and undermining efforts to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. These detention warehouses are also inhumane and would burden local infrastructure and medical and emergency services that are already stretched thin.

Thoughtful immigration enforcement is necessary. I will keep pressing my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate bipartisan immigration reforms that do not overwhelm our systems, provide a clear pathway to citizenship, and secure our border from violent crime and drug trafficking. However, your actions are undermining these efforts and leaving communities less safe.

Therefore, I ask that you respond to the following questions by February 27, 2026:

Is the administration currently negotiating or planning to negotiate the purchase, lease, sublease or other occupation of a future detention facility in south Kansas City, Missouri? If so, what is the maximum number of people you plan to detain there?

Does the administration plan to immediately house detainees at the CoreCivic facility in Leavenworth, Kansas pending municipal action? If so, what is the maximum number of people you plan to detain there?

If you proceed, can you guarantee that only people with a criminal conviction or who have been charged with a violent crime will be held at these facilities?

If you proceed, can you guarantee that no American citizens or legal residents will be detained at these facilities?

Have you coordinated with local law enforcement to ensure these facilities do not pose a public safety concern?

How much investment and resources are being taken from local law enforcement to pay for these mass detentions?

I strongly oppose the opening of any detention center in the Kansas City metro area and urge you to immediately reconsider these decisions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,


Dean, Jeffries, Lee, Bacon Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Private Communication Between Incarcerated People and Their Lawyers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) — alongside Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) — reintroduced the Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act to protect the privacy of email communications between incarcerated clients and their lawyers. The lawmakers previously introduced this bipartisan bill in the 118th Congress; Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is leading the companion bill in the Senate.

Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Americans have a right to effective assistance of counsel. Closely related to this right is “attorney-client privilege,” a protection that keeps communications between an individual and their lawyer confidential.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) currently recognizes “attorney-client privilege” for scheduled phone calls, snail mail, and in-person communications—but not for email messages. In fact, BOP’s current practice is to deny email access entirely unless prisoners waive their claims to attorney-client privilege.

The Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act offers a solution that would protect confidential lawyer-client emails without compromising security. Specifically, this bipartisan legislation would allow investigative and law enforcement officers to review the contents of prisoner emails with their lawyers only with a warrant and special review procedures designed to prevent the affected emails from being used against the prisoners unfairly.

“People incarcerated in federal prisons have the right to attorney-client privilege enshrined in our Sixth Amendment — yet our justice system has not adapted to modern methods of communication,” Rep. Dean said. “Americans rely on email daily for personal, educational, and professional purposes, including communication between lawyers and their clients—yet those incarcerated are not able to access it without compromising their rights. I am grateful to Leader Jeffries and our colleagues across the aisle and in the Senate for coming together to defend some of America’s most fundamental rights.”

"Our system of justice depends on the constitutional right to the assistance of counsel for every person accused of a criminal offense. Incarcerated individuals must be able to communicate with their attorneys confidentially. The bipartisan Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act would enable incarcerated individuals to communicate with their legal representatives privately, safely and efficiently by prohibiting the Bureau of Prisons from monitoring privileged electronic communications. I thank Representatives Dean, Lee and Bacon alongside Senator Wyden for their leadership on this issue and for introducing this incredibly important legislation,” Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

“The Sixth Amendment guarantee of effective assistance of counsel is meaningless if attorney-client communications are no longer confidential simply because technology has evolved,” Rep. Lee said. “This legislation ensures that incarcerated individuals can communicate with their lawyers using modern tools like email without being forced to surrender fundamental constitutional protections. At the same time, it preserves appropriate safeguards for law enforcement and prison security. Protecting attorney-client privilege in the digital age is about fairness, due process, and upholding the integrity of our justice system.”

“Attorney-client privilege is a constitutional right, not a suggestion,” Sen. Wyden said. “It’s time for the federal government to bring its outdated laws into the 21st century, which is why today’s legislation would once and for all ensure that all communications between incarcerated individuals and their attorneys are granted equal protection.”

Full bill text is available here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

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Dingell, Moore Express Concern Over Pausing Funding Over Domestic Violence and Rape Prevention

Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Gwen Moore (D-WI), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to express serious concerns about potential pauses for the only federal funds dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and sexual based violence – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliance (DELTA).

“A grant recipient shared that, per a call with staff with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, all but 12 states have had their funding for these programs denied due to not following the President’s Executive Order issued on August 7, 2025, ‘Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking’,” the lawmakers write. “They shared that they were instructed by staff to make changes to their documentation in order to comply with the Executive Order and receive the funding, and were given only five days to make these “corrections”.

“This directive lacks necessary clarity and threatens to create economic instability for recipients that rely on this funding,” the lawmakers continue. “These critical programs are evidence based, successful, and require this funding from the CDC to help local grantees implement their work.

“These vital, often life-saving programs need adequate resources to serve our communities,” the lawmakers conclude. “Domestic and sexual violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time and it is critical we have programs in place to not only respond to violence after it happens, but also to get to the root of the problem and learn how to prevent it from occurring at all. Investment in prevention of domestic and sexual violence bolsters the health and safety of our communities. Continued interruptions to these grant programs will undermine our nation’s public health response to domestic and sexual violence.”


Dingell Secures more than $14.5 Million for Michigan's 6th District in FY26 Government Funding Bills

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced that the FY2026 government appropriations packages passed by the House include $14,533,000 for community projects in Michigan’s 6th district. This funding will go directly to 15 projects that improve local water treatment facilities and infrastructure, repair and upgrade roadways and sidewalks, develop and improve public spaces, and more.

“Our local leaders and organizations know what our communities need, from upgrades to our water infrastructure, much needed improvements to several of our roads, and enhanced public safety, to new and upgraded community and cultural centers,” Dingell said. “I look forward to working closely with the recipients of these funds as they make progress on their respective projects and am optimistic about the great impact that will have for the residents of Michigan’s 6th district.”

Dingell’s funded community projects funding requests for fiscal year 2026 include the following:

$2,700,000 to rehabilitate the City of Saline’s community center

$2,000,000 for improvements to Pittsfield Township’s public safety facilities

$1,031,000 for the Downriver Community Conference to improve its public safety technology

$1,015,000 to replace the City of Milan’s 2nd street transmission main

$1,092,000 to replace the east and west basin liner of the City of Trenton’s retention basin system

$1,092,000 to improve and replace the infrastructure of the City of Rockwood’s wastewater treatment plant

$450,000 to expand the Bridgewater Township Hall

$580,000 for the Multi Lakes Water and Sewer Authority Pollution Prevention Project

$850,000 to improve the City of Plymouth’s Cultural Center

$1,092,000 for the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) Water Main Improvement Project

$850,000 to complete infrastructure upgrades to the City of Northville’s high street bridge

$1,031,000 for the Canton Township Bi-Directional Antennas Project

$250,000 for the City of Ann Arbor to rebuild a fire station

$250,000 to rehabilitate the Cross Street and Prospect Street Bridge in the City of Ypsilanti

$250,000 to construct new public safety facilities in the City of Novi


Dingell Statement on Republican Bill to Disenfranchise Voters

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today released the following statement on her ‘no’ vote on the Republican SAVE America Act, which would disenfranchise millions of American voters.

“Republicans’ SAVE America Act does not make our elections safer — instead, it will block millions of eligible Americans from registering to vote. This bill would lead to voter suppression, making it more difficult for the military, senior citizens, those who get married and change their names, rural Americans, students, individuals with disabilities, and others to vote.

“Also hidden in this bill is a provision that would mandate states to share their voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Constitution clearly dictate elections are managed by state governments, and we should not be handing over any state’s files to DHS for them to weaponize.

“I am deeply concerned by foreign interference and influence in our elections, and we should be addressing that threat in a real way, not making it harder for Americans to vote and harder for local election workers to do their jobs. Democracy only works if every citizen can participate in the voting process.”


Dingell Leads Anti-Corruption Bill to Prevent Trump from Blocking Gordie Howe Bridge

Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) today introduced a bill to prohibit the Trump Administration or any federal agency from interfering in the opening and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The New York Times reported that Detroit billionaire Matthew Mouron, owner of the Ambassador Bridge, hich connects Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday, February 9. Hours later, Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge – a bridge that would bring economic prosperity to Michigan and the U.S., but would compete with the Ambassador Bridge.

“Donald Trump won Michigan, and now he’s turning his back on the working people who put him in office,” said Dingell. “Instead of fighting for Michigan workers and our economy, he’s protecting his billionaire donors. In 2017, Trump himself endorsed the bridge, calling it a “vital economic link between our two countries.” Nothing has changed. Canada is our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies. The Gordie Howe Bridge means jobs and livelihoods for Michigan families. This bill simply prevents federal interference in its opening and operation, and I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Congresswoman Stevens and the entire Michigan House Democratic delegation. It’s shameful that the President continues to put personal interests ahead of American workers. I won’t accept it and I’ll always stand up for Michigan.”

“Donald Trump is unsurprisingly putting good-paying Michigan jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at risk by threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” said Stevens. “I know the importance of Michigan manufacturing and that’s why I’m demanding Trump drop this reckless threat, let the bridge open, and stop playing games with our jobs and our economy.”

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the product of years of cross-border work, investment, and cooperation and is ready to open this spring. It's no surprise that Matthew Moroun, owner of the dangerously obsolete Ambassador Bridge, met with the Trump Administration mere hours before the president absurdly threatened to block this safer, more efficient bridge from opening. Michiganders and the American people will not be denied this crucial new crossing by the White House's blatant corruption,” said Tlaib.

“Trump’s threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a spit in the face to Detroiters who have been patiently awaiting its opening. Thanks to the incredible diplomacy of President Obama, Canada paid the entire cost of the bridge, all while supporting American workers by hiring them to work on its construction and using American steel to build it. We were getting a bridge at no cost to us, but, Trump is recklessly threatening to throw all of that away for no other reason than to inflict pain on Michiganders and Canadians alike. This awful decision would kill jobs, stifle transportation, and increase costs in Michigan,” said Thanedar.

“Canada and the United States have shared a strong, trusted partnership for centuries, and in Michigan, that relationship matters every single day. Canada is our state’s largest trading partner, and projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge represent what’s possible when we work together across borders to prioritize jobs, commerce, and cooperation," said Scholten. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Michigan-Canada Partnership Act to block the Trump Administration from interfering with the opening of this critical bridge.”

“The Gordie Howe Bridge has been a bipartisan priority because it supports jobs, makes transport easier, and will lower costs. At the last minute, the President wants to derail this hugely important project because a billionaire campaign donor told him to," said McDonald Rivet. "This kind of blatant corruption hurts working families, and needs to end. For the sake of Michigan's economy, let's pass this bill.”


PHOTOS: De La Cruz Hosts South Texas Community Leaders for STX Days

WASHINGTON - This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) hosted community leaders from across Texas's 15th District for her 2nd South Texas (STX) Days in Washington, DC.

"It was an honor to host my second South Texas Days this week, connecting local leaders with federal resources that will make a real impact back home. By bringing our communities' needs directly to Washington, we are solving problems through honest conversation and advocacy. Ensuring South Texas has a powerful, persistent voice in DC will always be my top priority." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

During the two-day event, South Texas community leaders participated in discussions with the White House, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the House Appropriations Committee, and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).

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DelBene on Trump Tariff Vote: “Republicans knew all along these tariffs were hurting their constituents”

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the successful House vote to repeal Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canada.

“Today’s vote proves that Republicans knew all along that Trump’s tariffs were hurting their constituents but were too afraid to stand up to him. Republicans tried to hide for nearly a year from taking this vote, but Democrats were finally able to break Speaker Johnson’s blockade. No more hiding!

“This is the first vote to restore Congressional authority and repeal Trump’s tariffs. We will keep holding Republicans accountable for raising prices on families and fighting to end Trump’s senseless trade war. The Senate must now take up this measure.”

Background


Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Closure of  El Paso Airspace

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement:

“The highly consequential decision by the FAA to shut down the El Paso Airport for 10 days is unprecedented and resulted in significant concern in the community. From what my office and I have been able to gather overnight and early this morning, there is no immediate threat to the community or surrounding areas.

"There was no advance notice provided to my office, the City of El Paso, or anyone involved in airport operations.

"We have urged the FAA to immediately lift the Temporary Flight Restrictions placed on the El Paso area.

"I will continue to make information public as I learn it."


Congresswoman Escobar Update on the El Paso Airspace

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following update on El Paso airspace:

"After I was informed late last night about the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that would close El Paso’s airspace for 10 days, my team and I worked through the night and into the early hours of the morning to get to the bottom of it and then to ensure the TFR was lifted so that normal operations could resume at the airport.

"I’m grateful for the member of our federal workforce who flagged the TFR for me, especially given that the FAA never informed me, the City of El Paso or the professionals who operate at the El Paso International Airport about the closure.

"The amount of misinformation being spread — including by the White House — is alarming and unhelpful. I spent much of today briefing my fellow members of Congress both in the House and the Senate - this after assuring local leaders and the public that there was no risk to the community. El Pasoans were rightfully alarmed by how the federal government carried all of this out.

"To be clear: this was the result of incompetence at the highest levels of the administration. Next for me and my team is ensuring our community gets all the answers we deserve and that no other community has to deal with what we had to endure."

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Related News

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Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

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Congresswoman Escobar Statement on DHS Funding Bill

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Fedorchak helps pass SAVE America Act

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) today voted in favor of legislation she cosponsored, the SAVE America Act. This bill, which passed the House 218-213, requires photo ID for federal elections and builds on the SAVE Act’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration.

“Requiring a photo ID that proves U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections will strengthen election integrity across the country and restore trust,” Fedorchak said. “The SAVE America Act builds on the same principles that have worked in our state for years. North Dakota already requires voters to present valid identification confirming their name, current residential address, and date of birth. Nothing in this bill changes how elections are run in North Dakota, or how state elections are run in any state. It simply brings a dose of North Dakota common sense to elections around the country.”

Importantly, North Dakota maintains a unique but effective voting system that does not require voter registration. Instead, North Dakota identifies and updates eligible voters through various state databases and requires a valid I.D. for voting, which ensures that only U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote in North Dakota participate in elections. North Dakota’s election standards exceed the National Voter Registration Act standards and are a gold standard for efficient and secure elections.

In April 2025, Fedorchak voted in favor of the SAVE Act, which mandates uniform proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. The SAVE America Act builds on the original SAVE Act by adding a commonsense voter ID requirement while preserving safeguards that confirm only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in federal elections.

The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote by:

Requiring individuals to present an eligible photo identification document before voting. (New provision)

Requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote. (From original SAVE Act)

Requiring states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls. (From original SAVE Act)


Fedorchak supports measure to strengthen domestic sourcing of critical minerals

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) today voted in favor of the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, legislation to strengthen domestic sourcing of critical minerals and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. The bill redefines “critical energy resource,” and requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continuously assess the security and availability of minerals and incorporate supply-chain risks into federal energy planning.

“Advanced manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence depend on secure supply chains. When we depend on unstable or adversarial sources for critical minerals, our ability to build, innovate, and compete on the world stage is at risk,” Fedorchak said. “This legislation identifies supply-chain vulnerabilities and prioritizes domestic production.”

Despite vast domestic natural resources, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign adversaries for critical energy resources that are essential to our economic and national security:

The U.S. is 100 percent reliant on imports for 12 critical minerals and 50 percent import reliant on an additional 28 critical minerals.

China maintains 60 percent of the world’s production of rare earth elements and 90 percent of their global processing capacity.

In recent years, adversarial nations like China have sought to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities, issuing export bans on key minerals, materials, and resources that are essential to both our manufacturing and defense industry.

The Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act:

Redefines the term “critical energy resource” to any energy resource that is essential to the energy sector and energy systems of the United States and the supply chain of which is vulnerable to disruption.

Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct an ongoing assessment of the nation’s supply of critical energy resources, the vulnerability of the critical energy resource supply chains, and the energy security considerations of critical energy resources in the development of energy technologies.

Directs the Secretary to strengthen critical energy resource supply chains by diversifying sourcing and increasing domestic production, refining, and processing of resources.


Fedorchak votes to reform undersea cable deployment, strengthen national security

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) today voted in favor of the Undersea Cable Protection Act, legislation to strengthen national security and global connectivity by safeguarding the submarine cable infrastructure that carries the majority of international communications and data traffic.

“Undersea cables are core national security infrastructure, but duplicative federal permitting regulations have made them harder to deploy, protect, and repair. These vulnerabilities undermine the security and reliability of the systems we rely on every day,” Fedorchak said. “By removing duplicative permitting requirements, this bill will eliminate federal bottlenecks and strengthen the resilience of our undersea cable network.”

Background on the Undersea Cable Protection Act:

Undersea networks are a major component of our global connectivity. The exponential growth of the digital economy has made these cables increasingly vital to global infrastructure. Enhancing the security of these cables and promoting rather than deterring their deployment and maintenance will protect our national and economic security and ensure we are connected to the rest of the world.

Currently, undersea cables are required to get a Special Use Permit (SUP) for all subsea cables in national marine sanctuaries. This process is duplicative of existing local, state, and federal permitting laws. Obtaining SUPs causes unnecessary delays and is detrimental to meeting our connectivity needs in a timely manner. In August 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) temporarily suspended the requirement for Special Use Permits for the continued presence of submarine cables in new national marine sanctuaries for a two-year period.

This legislation goes further and eliminates the SUP process while maintaining existing local, state and federal permit rules. NOAA made its decision based on the minimal environmental impact they found subsea cables caused in marine sanctuaries. If enacted, this bill better protects submarine cables from our adversaries and allows for easier maintenance when cables are inadvertently damaged.

Additionally, grouping substantial amounts of undersea cables in close proximity creates an easier and higher value target for foreign adversaries trying to weaken our ability to connect to the rest of the world, posing a significant national security and economic risk. Potential risks and disruptions can be mitigated by spreading out fiber optic cables to make any disruptions to the network less severe.

Specifically, the bill:

Preserves existing local, state, and federal permitting requirements for submarine cables while exempting undersea cables from NOAA’s duplicative Special Use Permit process, which has caused unnecessary delays without providing additional environmental protection.

Streamlines federal permitting to allow for faster deployment, repair, and maintenance of submarine cable infrastructure, improving resilience against accidental damage and hostile interference.

Strengthens global connectivity by supporting the infrastructure responsible for approximately 99 percent of international data and communications, which underpins government operations, financial systems, military coordination, and the digital economy.

Enhances national security by encouraging greater route diversity for undersea cables, reducing the risk posed by concentrated infrastructure that could be targeted or disrupted by foreign adversaries.

Balances infrastructure protection with environmental stewardship by maintaining protections for national marine sanctuaries while recognizing NOAA findings that submarine cables have minimal environmental impact.


Feenstra Supports and Applauds Passage of Election Security Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) applauded the passage of the SAVE America Act, legislation he cosponsored that builds on the original SAVE Act. The SAVE America Act would require voter ID for participation in federal elections, in addition to maintaining the original bill’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration.

“The SAVE America Act is common-sense legislation that ensures our elections are decided by Americans and Americans alone,” said Rep. Feenstra. “In Iowa, through commonsense reforms, we hold our elections as the gold standard – conducted with the utmost integrity, precision, and speed. Voting is a fundamental American right, and the integrity of our elections must be upheld nationwide. That’s why I was proud to cosponsor the original SAVE Act and am equally proud to support this expanded legislation that further strengthens election integrity. I voted for its passage today because safeguarding the ballot box is essential to preserving our democracy. I will continue working alongside President Trump and my Republican colleagues to restore trust and protect the integrity of our elections.”

The SAVE America Act would:

Require individuals to present an eligible photo identification document before voting.

Require states to obtain proof of citizenship when registering an individual to vote in person.

Require states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls.

Full text of the SAVE America Act is available HERE.

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Leger Fernández Condemns House Passage of SAVE America Act as Blatant Voter Suppression Making It Harder, More Expensive to Register and Vote

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) issued the following statement following House passage of the SAVE America Act (S. 1383) which she voted NO on:

“The SAVE America Act is voter suppression, plain and simple,” said Leger Fernandez. “It will make it harder and more expensive for American citizens—especially women, Native Americans, service members, and rural voters—to register and vote. You will now have to register in person at your County Clerk's office—instead of online and by mail which is allowed in New Mexico. This is a broader effort to undermine our elections consistent with Trump's calls for ‘Republicans to nationalize our elections’ and his push to have armed ICE agents intimidate us at polling stations. The bill will go into effect immediately after being signed, creating chaos at every polling station from now until November. Imagine the lines as people show up to vote and realize they can’t.”

“The only thing the so-called SAVE act is meant to do is save Republicans’ electoral butts this November,” she concluded.

The Congresswoman recently debated this bill in the House Rules Committee.

Under current federal law, it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, with serious criminal penalties. There is no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting. Yet the SAVE America Act will make it more difficult for U.S. citizens to register and vote.

Every study, including those from conservative organizations like the Cato Institute, say “noncitizen voting is virtually nonexistent.”

To register, an individual must provide a passport; identification that shows their place of birth, which excludes New Mexico REAL IDs, tribal IDs and military IDs; or an ID paired with a birth certificate or other specific document that demonstrates citizenship under the SAVE Act. 23 million American citizens don’t have ready access to these documents. In addition, the bill imposes in-person registration.

According to Democratic Women’s Caucus analysis:

Roughly 69 million women—about 25% of the U.S. citizen voting-age population—have changed their last name after marriage.

Many do not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name.

Half of Americans do not have a passport.

Only five states issue REAL IDs that indicate citizenship.

In rural areas:

Voters in many western states could face a four to five hour round trip drive to register in person.

County offices are typically open only during weekday business hours when many people can’t take time off.

Working families would be forced to take unpaid leave and find child care just to register.

Under the SAVE America Act, a Tribal ID or Military ID alone would not qualify as sufficient proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Leger Fernández pledged to continue fighting the bill in the Senate and to work with colleagues to protect access to the ballot for every eligible American citizen.

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Fitzpatrick Helps Advance Major Bipartisan Victory to Expand Housing Supply and Lower Costs for PA-1 Families

Washington, DC— This week, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) helped lead passage of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a sweeping bipartisan reform package to increase housing supply, modernize federal housing policy, strengthen community banking, and restore affordability for working families in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation.

The legislation represents one of the most comprehensive federal housing reform efforts in years. It directly addresses the structural drivers of America’s housing shortage—outdated regulations, duplicative inspections, financing bottlenecks, and barriers that slow responsible local development. The bill includes more than 20 targeted reforms, including updates to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and directives for the Government Accountability Office to examine gaps in federal housing programs and improve efficiency and accountability.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act includes several Fitzpatrick-led provisions that will deliver for PA-1, including:

H.R. 5907: Authorizes HUD to award competitive grants to local governments and tribal entities to adopt pre-reviewed, ready-to-use housing designs for mixed-income developments of up to 25 units. By shortening permitting timelines and reducing costly delays, this reform accelerates responsible homebuilding with 10% of funding reserved for rural communities.

Choice in Affordable Housing Act (H.R. 1981): Modernizes the Housing Choice Voucher program by eliminating duplicative inspections and allowing remote reviews in rural and small jurisdictions. By reducing red tape and encouraging landlord participation, this reform expands housing access for working families.

VA Home Loan Awareness Act (H.R. 2362): Requires mortgage applications to clearly notify eligible applicants that they may qualify for a VA Home Loan — ensuring veterans and service members are fully informed of benefits they have earned.

“Housing affordability is one of the defining economic challenges of our time, and families are feeling the pressure every single day. When supply falls behind demand, costs climb and opportunity slips further out of reach. In our community, I have sat down with realtors, home builders, lenders, local officials, and families who are navigating this reality firsthand, and we have worked together to turn those conversations into real action, said Fitzpatrick. “The Housing for the 21st Century Act marks a significant step forward. It reflects two-party, patriotic, common-sense leadership focused on expanding supply, modernizing outdated federal barriers, and restoring balance to the housing market. The House has acted. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the same. I will continue leading this effort and working alongside our community and my colleagues to deliver real relief and confront the broader affordability crisis facing working families.”

“Realtors are on the front lines of this housing crisis every day. We see young families priced out of starter homes, seniors unable to downsize, and working households competing in markets where supply has simply not kept pace with demand. When housing production slows, affordability slips further out of reach — and communities feel it,” said Chris Beadling, PA-1 Constituent, Broker of Quinn & Wilson Realtors in Montgomery County, 2025 NAR Regional VP (Region 2), and Past President of Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS and Bucks County Association of REALTORS. “Congressman Fitzpatrick has been a longtime partner in addressing these challenges, working directly with Pennsylvania Realtors and local housing leaders to understand the regulatory delays, financing constraints, and outdated policies limiting housing growth. The Housing for the 21st Century Act takes meaningful steps to remove unnecessary barriers, modernize federal housing programs, and strengthen the ability of community banks to finance responsible local development. By expanding supply and empowering local lenders, this legislation will help increase housing opportunities and bring affordability back within reach for Pennsylvania families. We appreciate Congressman Fitzpatrick’s longtime partnership, support, and commitment to advancing policies that support sustainable housing growth across our Commonwealth.”

The bill is endorsed by a broad coalition of national housing, banking, and community development organizations, including AARP, the American Bankers Association, the National Apartment Association, the Real Estate Roundtable, the Housing Partnership Network, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and dozens more.

Click here for the full text of the bill and click here for further voices of support.

Background

Congressman Fitzpatrick has consistently led the charge on affordability — and it remains his top priority for Pennsylvania’s First District. As Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, he recently helped unveil a comprehensive bipartisan Affordability Agenda that outlines more than 40 commonsense bills capable of delivering immediate relief across five critical areas of household budgets: health care, housing, energy, child care, and food.

Each proposal in the framework has broad bipartisan support and is designed to pass both chambers of Congress — reflecting Fitzpatrick’s belief that lowering costs for working families must rise above partisanship.

In addition to the Housing for the 21st Century Act, his recent bipartisan efforts include:

HELP Copays Act – Legislation to lower the cost of life-saving prescription medications for patients with rare, serious, and chronic conditions.

Accelerating Home Building Act – Bipartisan, bicameral legislation aimed at increasing housing supply and improving affordability nationwide.

Caring for Our Seniors Act – Addresses the rising cost of senior care while strengthening the long-term care workforce.

Affordable Child Care Act – Doubles key tax credits to help working families access quality, affordable child care and put money directly back into parents’ pockets.

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Congressman Flood Opposes Measure Undermining U.S. Trade Negotiations with Canada

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted on H.J. Res. 72.

"In his first term in office, President Trump successfully used tariffs to deliver trade deals for the American people that expanded market access. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is up for renegotiation this year and Congress should not undermine the President’s negotiating position as the review period draws close. I believe that President Trump can deliver an even better deal in the end just as he did with USMCA in 2018.”


Congressman Fong Applauds CMS Six-Month Extension for California’s MCO Rule

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) released the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement of final rulemaking to implement the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax provision established in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The final rule provides a six-month transition period for California's MCO provision to comply with the rulemaking on provider tax uniformity.

“Thank you to CMS Administrator Dr. Oz for working with me to assist hospitals and health care providers throughout the Central Valley and across California,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20). “After visiting our region and hearing directly from frontline providers, Dr. Oz acted responsibly by granting California a six-month extension of its MCO application — a decision that provides additional resources for local hospitals. These resources are intended to help hospitals and providers continue delivering care to patients across our state and in our community. Under Proposition 35, and given past actions by the Newsom Administration, I will maintain strong oversight to ensure these dollars are used as voters intended: to support patient care and preserve access to essential health services — not to backfill the state’s general fund.”


Foster Votes Against Republicans’ Latest Attempt to Disenfranchise Americans

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued a statement following his vote against the SAVE America Act.

“Today, I voted against Republicans’ latest attempt to disenfranchise millions of Americans. Republicans claim this bill is about election security, but federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting. Instead, the SAVE America Act creates unnecessary barriers by requiring passports or birth certificates to register to vote, rather than driver’s licenses, state IDs, or military IDs.

“This would create a logistical nightmare for millions of eligible voters, including roughly 69 million women who changed their name after marriage and could no longer use a birth certificate alone to prove citizenship—forcing them to either pay $130 for a passport or submit additional burdensome paperwork to register to vote.

“The bill would also effectively gut mail and online voter registration, requiring Americans to present documents in person to an election official. This disproportionately burdens servicemembers stationed overseas, rural Americans, and seniors.

“Perhaps most alarming, the SAVE America Act would force states to hand over voter rolls to the Department of Homeland Security, unnecessarily injecting federal law enforcement into states’ voting processes and intimidating lawful voters.

"To maintain fair and secure elections, we need to protect voting rights—not create additional barriers for eligible U.S. citizens. I will continue to fight against these attacks on our democracy and work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure equal access to the ballot box."

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Congressman Maxwell Frost Demands Protections for Protestors in Any Deal to Fund DHS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced today that he has sent a letter to Secretary Noem opposing immigration agents creating a database of personal information about peaceful protestors. Further, as Congress negotiates funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) he also announced he has a bill he is advocating to be part of the deal, alongside Senator Blumenthal (D-CT), which strengthens First Amendment protections by giving individuals the right to sue government agents or officials who prevent or retaliate against them for filming.

The letter raises alarm over recent reports, including federal agents in Minneapolis being instructed to collect images, license plates, and personal information on peaceful protestors.

“If Republicans want to keep the government open, they need to be willing to negotiate real protections for Americans’ constitutional rights,” said Rep. Frost. “We’re not writing a blank check to agencies that surveil, intimidate, or criminalize peaceful protest.”

Taken together, the letter and legislation amplify key requirements for DHS funding negotiations, including limits on surveillance of First Amendment protected activity, restrictions on federal involvement in local protest response, and clear accountability when federal personnel violate civil rights.

To read the full letter, click here.

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Garamendi Joins Jayapal, Begich To Demand FAA to Prioritize Air Traffic Controller Working Conditions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Nick Begich (AK-AL) demanded that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prioritize the health and well-being of air traffic controllers as they work to reach full staffing at all U.S. airports.

“Nationwide, controllers ensure the safe and efficient movement of roughly 45,000 daily flights serving nearly 3 million passengers and cargo operations 24 hours per day, every day of the year,” wrote the members. “For too long, controllers have struggled to use the paid time off that they earned and have experienced scheduling practices that rely too much on overtime to overcome staffing shortages. These talented professionals have dedicated their lives to aviation safety, and the FAA must prioritize their health and safety as they work to reach full staffing.”

In the last decade, the number of certified air traffic controllers has decreased by 6 percent, even as there has been a 10 percent increase in the number of flights relying on their guidance.

The 2024 FAA Reauthorization law included many provisions aimed at growing the air traffic controller workforce and reducing their strain and fatigue. In the meantime, as the FAA implements these provisions, many air traffic control facilities remain critically understaffed.

“In order to maintain the safest, most efficient aviation system in the world, it is vital that the FAA prioritize the health and well-being of air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals,” the Members continued.

The full text of the letter can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Madeline Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Greg Landsman (OH-01), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Seth Moulton (MA-06), James Moylan (GU-AL), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).


Reps. Garamendi, Carbajal Raise National Security Concerns Over Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Near Military Sites

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressmen John Garamendi (CA-08) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24), two senior members of the House Armed Services Committee, demanded that the Department of the Navy respond to concerns regarding the Department of the Interior’s Draft Proposed Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which would open vast areas of U.S. coastal waters to new offshore drilling near locations where military readiness activities vital to national security take place.

“Our military must be able to train and operate without interference from incompatible industrial activities,” said Congressman Garamendi. “The proposed expansion of offshore oil and gas leasing raises serious concerns about its potential impact on military readiness, particularly in areas that have long been recognized as vital to our national defense. These proposals, which could jeopardize military operations, demand careful review, robust interagency coordination, and transparency.”

“California is home to a broad network of military installations, test and launch ranges, and naval training areas that are essential to our national defense,” said Congressman Carbajal. “The Trump administration’s offshore oil leasing plan cuts through many of these critical sites, creating potential conflicts that could undermine our military readiness. We need strong oversight to ensure this plan doesn’t put our coastline or national security at risk.”

The Department of the Interior proposal, released on November 20, 2025, includes 34 potential lease sales off the coast of Alaska, in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the California coastline – covering approximately 1.27 billion acres. Many of the proposed leasing areas overlap with critical military training and operational zones essential to U.S. national security.

In the letter, Congressmen Garamendi and Carbajal question whether the Department of the Navy has been adequately notified of or consulted on the proposal and urge the Department of Defense to conduct thorough compatibility reviews through the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse. The lawmakers emphasized that oil and gas activities pose risks to testing, training, and operational missions, including those conducted in the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range, along the Pacific coast, and in strategically sensitive waters off Alaska.

The lawmakers requested information from the Navy regarding its awareness of the proposal, potential impacts on warfighting capabilities, any ongoing or planned assessments, and whether the proposal has been referred to the Department of Defense’s Siting Clearinghouse for formal review.

Read the full letter HERE:

In addition to Representative Garamendi and Carbajal, the letter was also signed by Representatives Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Mike Levin (CA-49), Dave Min (CA-47), Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Julia Brownley (CA-26).

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Rep. Gillen Statement on the SAVE Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) released the following statement after voting NO on the SAVE Act.

"The SAVE Act would make it harder for millions of American citizens to exercise their right to register and cast their vote – which is why I voted “No” on this bill last year and will vote “No” again today.

"It is my position that only American citizens should vote in American elections and I oppose any effort to allow noncitizens to vote in any American election. Our right to vote is sacred and must be protected. However, the SAVE Act would force states to hand over election data to Sec Kristi Noem and it adds unnecessary costs and red tape for millions wishing to cast their ballots.

"This bill would suppress voters’ fundamental access to the ballot box and Congress must reject this blatant attempt to disenfranchise Americans."


REPS. GIMENEZ, DIAZ-BALART, SALAZAR DEMAND FULL REVIEW OF U.S. LICENSES AUTHORIZING BUSINESS WITH THE CUBAN REGIME

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL), along with Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), sent a letter to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce demanding a full review and immediate action to deny any licenses that allow U.S. persons or entities to conduct business with the Cuban regime, a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism.

HERE is a list, provided by BIS to the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office, identifying companies that currently hold licenses to conduct business in Communist Cuba.

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, “President Trump’s decisive actions have brought us closer than ever to the collapse of the Communist regime in Cuba. We’re asking to shutdown every source of income the regime uses to repress the Cuban people. Close the valve of free oil from Venezuela, close the valve of flight and remittances, and close the valve of these businesses shipping luxury products from the US to Cuba, which undermines the intent of Congress and President Trump’s common-sense policy against the regime. God willing, the Castro regime will not survive these four years of President Donald J. Trump!”

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said, "I said it during President Trump’s first term, and I will say it again: I am convinced the anti-American dictatorships in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua will not survive another term of bold and decisive American leadership under President Trump.

"The Cuban regime is weaker today than it has ever been. History makes clear that there is only one approach that works against brutal dictatorships: zero tolerance and maximum pressure.

"That means enforcing U.S. law, which prohibits all businesses from dealing with the Cuban regime and cutting off every dollar that props up a State Sponsor of Terrorism, as Congress mandated in the LIBERTAD Act of 1996."

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar said, “U.S. law is clear: sanctions exist to deny economic support to the Cuban dictatorship until real democratic change occurs. That is why we are urging the Administration to review and revoke any licenses that directly or indirectly benefit regime-controlled entities, strengthen scrutiny of future licenses, and fully enforce the LIBERTAD Act. Every dollar denied to the regime brings the Cuban people one step closer to freedom.”

Read the Fox News exclusive HERE.

Read the full letter sent HERE.

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Rep. Tony Gonzales Questions Department of Homeland Security Leadership on Counter-UAS Activity

*Click here to watch*

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership on the recent closure of airspace over El Paso and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) activity during today's House Committee on Appropriations hearing. Congressman Gonzales urged Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill to increase communication between agencies and received an update on threats posed to U.S. airports. The congressman also received confirmation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Associate Administrator of the Office of Response and Recovery, Gregg Phillips, that the counter-UAS program will be ready to deploy in advance of the FIFA World Cup. Lastly, Congressman Gonzales was updated on U.S. Coast Guard Operations by Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Thomas Allan.

Transcript lightly edited for clarity:

Congressman Gonzales: "Thank you, Chairman. I represent nearly half of the overall southern border. There's not a thing that happens that isn't in my district in some form or fashion. Last night, the FAA closed airspace over El Paso. The initial reports were showing cartel operations. My first question is for Administrator McNeill. Did the FAA contact and notify TSA before that closure?"

TSA Acting Administrator McNeill: "We were notified early, overnight, early this morning."

Congressman Gonzales: "You were notified before the closure happened? Or after the closure happened?"

TSA Acting Administrator McNeill: "We received notice at around 4:30 this morning."

Congressman Gonzales: "So after the closure had happened."

TSA Acting Administrator McNeill: " I believe that's the case."

Congressman Gonzales: "Yes, so that's a problem. If there's a major closure, TSA should know that a closure is happening. So should other agencies within the government. My next question is for the FEMA Administrator. Counter UAS is a big part of this. To be frank, the United States is far behind our counter-UAS operations, but we're working towards it. In the Big Beautiful Bill, we secured $500 million for counter-UAS, which will be administered by FEMA. My question to you is, where are we at with that program? How is that rolling out?"

FEMA Associate Administrator Phillips: "We're rolling it out in a most expeditious way. The sort of the amp up to it, and the pre-launch capabilities are already in place. We'll be fully ready to go in advance of FIFA."

Congressman Gonzales: "FIFA, I'm glad you brought that up. We have major events happening. And so, if there is a lapse in funding, if anyone votes against a lapse in funding, it isn't a matter of just playing politics, which you often see up here, it's a matter of life and death. It's a matter of, you know, these drone attacks, they're happening all over the world. This isn't a what-if, this isn't a video game. This isn't a off in the near future. This is now, and we are counting on FEMA, that's why we appropriated those $500 million, we're counting on FEMA, the Department of War, and the Department of Homeland Security to get that done. So, thank you for the update on that. The other part of this, too, it's not just money. We're appropriators. We often see the world through the lens of funding. It's also giving the authorizations to these agencies. And I was really proud to get in the National Defense Authorization Act language, language that tackles drone countermeasures to protect public safety and critical infrastructures. That's what we need to work through, right? We need to work through how that language allows agencies to talk to one another. It's not the right course if FAA is closing the 23rd largest airspace in the country without anyone knowing. So, we need to work through that. My next question is for Administrator McNeill, what is your current assessment of threats posed to drones to U.S. airports?"

TSA Administrator McNiell: "We have seen a lot of incidents, both here in the U.S. and overseas, where drone sightings have shut down operations in commercial airports. And so, to your point about the passage of the authorities in the NDAA, we thank Congress for that authority. Our federal air marshals are very well-positioned to take up that mission space, and we've been increasing our training within the federal air marshals, and working closely with our colleagues across DHS, to equip them with the right technology and train them and deploy them, especially in advance of the large world events that are coming this summer."

Congressman Gonzales: "Thank you for that, and thank you for your leadership on that. This is, once again, this is a growing threat, right? This is a growing threat to airports. For any of us that live and work along the border, drone incursions are a daily thing. You know, it's not necessarily this one-off. This literally happens every day. For us in the El Paso area, it literally happens every day. For the first time, the U.S. government is now starting to counter some of these things. I think it's really, really great. We need to do more of it. My last question, which I thought was going to be my first question, Admiral, turned out to be my fifth question, is for you. I'd like to get an update on, first off, the men and women at Coast Guard are doing an incredible job. You are the tippy end of the spear, really handling what is happening in Venezuela. And I'd like to get an update on some of the things that are working, and how are your partners out in that theater."

U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Thomas Allan: "Sir, thank you very much for that. We have crews that are working hand-in-hand with the Department of War, especially when we start talking at these motor tankers and making sure that there's not a proliferation of sanctioned oil coming out of Venezuela. We have that area well-locked down. We are continuing boardings and some of those that actually got out of Venezuela. We have taken down in the INDOPACOM area with, again, a Joint Coast Guard and DOW."

Congressman Gonzales: "How many tankers so far?"

U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Thomas Allan: "So far it's nine."

Congressman Gonzales: "Nine tankers. Incredible work, and that's another reason why we cannot have a funding lapse. The Coast Guard should not take it on the chin because of politics. Thank you, Chairman. I yield back."

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House Passes Goodlander-Backed Legislation to End President Trump’s Senseless, Costly, and Dangerous Trade Wars

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander joined with a bipartisan coalition of her colleagues to pass H.J.Res.72, paving the way to end President Trump’s senseless, costly, and dangerous trade wars.

“Tonight, the People’s House did right by the American people in voting on a bipartisan basis to end President Trump’s costly, corrupt, and unconstitutional trade war against Canada,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Hardworking Granite Staters are paying the high price of these reckless tariffs, and I won’t quit in the fight to lower your costs.”

Goodlander, a former clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, is a member of the U.S. House Rapid Response and Litigation Task Force. She has been a fierce advocate against President Trump’s unlawful trade wars. She has helped lead three legal briefs challenging costly and unlawful tariffs unilaterally and unlawfully imposed by the Trump Administration, including in front of the United States Supreme Court.

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Moore, Dingell Express Concern Over Pausing Funding Over Domestic Violence and Rape Prevention

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to express serious concerns about potential pauses for the only federal funds dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and sexual based violence – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliance (DELTA).

“A grant recipient shared that, per a call with staff with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, all but 12 states have had their funding for these programs denied due to not following the President’s Executive Order issued on August 7, 2025, ‘Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking’,” the lawmakers write. “They shared that they were instructed by staff to make changes to their documentation in order to comply with the Executive Order and receive the funding, and were given only five days to make these “corrections”.

“This directive lacks necessary clarity and threatens to create economic instability for recipients that rely on this funding,” the lawmakers continue. “These critical programs are evidence based, successful, and require this funding from the CDC to help local grantees implement their work.

“These vital, often life-saving programs need adequate resources to serve our communities,” the lawmakers conclude. “Domestic and sexual violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time and it is critical we have programs in place to not only respond to violence after it happens, but also to get to the root of the problem and learn how to prevent it from occurring at all. Investment in prevention of domestic and sexual violence bolsters the health and safety of our communities. Continued interruptions to these grant programs will undermine our nation’s public health response to domestic and sexual violence.”


Congressman Rogers Voted for the SAVE America Act to Protect Elections

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which passed the House on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The bill requires proof of American citizenship for federal voter registration to restore election integrity and prevent foreign interference.

While 36 states require voters to show a form of ID to cast a ballot, 14 states do not, despite finding noncitizens and ineligible registrants on voter rolls.

"American elections should only be decided by American citizens; it's a right and a privilege that we must protect," said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “The Biden Administration's open-border policies made this legislation more important to our election security than ever before. The best way to safeguard the election of our American leaders is through basic voter identification in every state."

The legislation also requires states to clean up voter rolls regularly and implement programs to identify and remove non-citizens from voter rolls.

An overwhelming 83% of Americans support barring non-citizens from voting in U.S. elections and requiring ID to vote.


Congressman Rogers Invites Student Artists to Enter Congressional Art Competition

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers invites High School and Middle School students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition - Celebrating 250 Years of America.

The winner from Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. Winning students from across the country are awarded two free airline tickets to attend a national reception in Washington, DC this summer to celebrate their achievement and see their artwork on display.

"The Congressional Art Competition allows our artistic students to shine on Capitol Hill. Every year, our students enter remarkable artwork for the competition, and I look forward to seeing their creativity in celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary," said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. "More than 300,000 visitors get to see a little piece of Southern and Eastern Kentucky when they visit Washington, and I'm always proud to show off the incredible talent that we have in Kentucky's Appalachian region."


DOCTOR SHORTAGE: Harder Leads New Bill to Bring Providers Back to Valley Communities

San Joaquin County alone has 16 health professional shortage areas, statewide shortage of over 500,000 health care workers

New legislation creates “health investment zones” with tax credits, incentives for providers that invest in at-risk areas

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to bring health care providers back to Valley communities facing crippling doctor shortages. Led with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Harder’s Health Investment Zones Act creates Health Investment Zones (HIZs) in at-risk areas with severe shortages or vulnerable communities and establishes key incentives to attract and retain providers where they’re needed most.

Heartless health care cuts are making doctor shortages so much worse:

San Joaquin County, which has 16 health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), is on the front lines of chronic provider shortages that amount to over 500,000 statewide.

These shortages make it harder for low-income, disabled, and vulnerable communities to find access to care, leading to more hospitalizations and worse health care outcomes.

Federal cuts to Medi-Cal and health care premiums are expected to kick thousands off their insurance, double monthly payments, and close down clinics.

“This bill is a promise to reinvest in the very communities that Washington is trying to pull out of,” said Rep. Harder. “By creating new Health Investment Zones right here in the Valley, we can close provider gaps and unlock an entire arsenal of tools and support for the families that need it most. Our families deserve reliable access to affordable health care, and that’s exactly what this bill does.”

HIZ’s are already a proven method for reducing provider shortages and improving long-term health care outcomes. By 2016, Maryland’s Health Enterprise Zone model had reduced more than 18,000 inpatient stays in three years and generated an estimated $108 million in net savings. Harder’s Health Investment Zones Act takes that model and scales it across the federal government.

How the Health Investment Zones Act closes shortage areas:

Establishes the HIZ Program – 10-year designations in areas with measurable health disparities based on income, life expectancy, or provider shortages.

Attracts and Retains Providers – Expands provider tax credits, wage and service incentives, and student loan repayment programs for HIZ providers.

Promotes Better Health Outcomes – Incentivizes high-value preventive services and prioritizes improving outcomes across a range of chronic health conditions.

“While Donald Trump and Republicans refuse to take action to address the health care crisis, longstanding gaps in access to quality care are only growing more severe. Smart, targeted investments can prevent harmful health disparities while reducing ER use and hospitalization, provider shortages, and costs,” said Sen. Padilla. “Congressman Harder and I are fighting to close these gaps by establishing 10-year Health Investment Zones so underserved areas receive the effective, affordable care they need.”

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Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Advance the SAVE Act to Protect the Integrity of U.S. Elections

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of the House amendment to S. 1383, legislation known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which strengthens federal election safeguards by requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

“Election integrity should be the easiest issue in American politics,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Only U.S. citizens should be voting in U.S. elections, and 83% of Americans agree, including 71% of Democrats. This is about basic trust in the system. People expect clear rules, real verification, and accountability. If Democrats decide to oppose this, they’re not standing up for voters, they’re turning their backs on what the overwhelming majority of their own base already supports.”

The SAVE Act updates the National Voter Registration Act by establishing clear, uniform requirements for proving U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The legislation defines acceptable documentation, strengthens verification tools available to election officials, closes existing loopholes in the registration process, and preserves access for lawful voters through provisional ballot protections.

Following House passage, the House amendment to S. 1383 now returns to the Senate for further consideration before any final legislation can be sent to the President.


Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Advance the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of H.R. 3617, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, legislation to strengthen U.S. energy and national security by identifying and addressing critical vulnerabilities in America’s mineral and energy supply chains.

“America should never be dependent on foreign adversaries for the materials that power our economy, our energy grid, or our military,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Right now, too many of the minerals we rely on are controlled by countries that do not have our interests at heart. This bill takes a clear-eyed look at where we’re exposed, forces the federal government to confront those risks, and puts us on a path toward building secure, reliable supply chains here at home. If we care about energy independence, economic strength, and national security, this work is not optional.”

The Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act strengthens the Department of Energy’s role in safeguarding U.S. energy security by requiring comprehensive assessments of supply-chain risks tied to critical minerals and other essential energy resources. The bill directs DOE to identify vulnerabilities stemming from foreign dependence, evaluate domestic production and processing capacity, and develop strategies to expand U.S.-based sourcing, recycling, and diversification. It also establishes regular reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability to Congress.

With House passage, the legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.


Hern Votes to Restore Election Integrity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted today in support of the SAVE America Act, which protects the voice of every lawful American voter by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID when voting in federal elections, and ordering states to remove noncitizens from their lists of eligible voters.

“Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections,” said Rep. Hern. “By closing loopholes and reinforcing accountability, we help ensure Americans' voices are accurately represented when they cast their ballots. The overwhelming majority of Americans support requiring ID to vote, and I’m proud to have cosponsored and helped pass this commonsense legislation out of the House so we can begin restoring trust in our elections.”

The SAVE America Act permits various forms of documentation to confirm citizenship when registering to vote, as well as various forms of photo identification when voting. There are also provisions to account for name changes and mismatches between different forms of identification.

Read the full bill here.

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We're Democrats. From food to housing, costs keep rising — here’s a serious fix

Originally published on Fox News

Written by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Rep. Nikki Budzinski

For millions of Americans, affordability is not an abstract policy debate. It is the daily stress of choosing between groceries and prescriptions, rent and childcare, gas and electricity. Families feel it everywhere, and they are right to demand answers.

More than a year past his self-imposed "day one" deadline to lower costs, President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have not only failed to lower the cost of groceries, housing or healthcare, but are actively and intentionally making life more expensive for hardworking Americans.

The American people need a real plan to make life more affordable. Instead of addressing the problem, the president has dismissed affordability as a "fake narrative" that "doesn’t mean anything." But there is nothing fake about families falling behind, workers stretching paychecks or seniors worrying about whether they can afford to age with dignity.

That’s why we’ve worked with our colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition to craft the New Dem Affordability Agenda, which lays out a commonsense roadmap to lower the five core costs that are crushing working Americans: healthcare, housing, energy, family care and everyday household goods like groceries.

The New Democrat Coalition is the largest Democratic ideological caucus in the House of Representatives, with 115 lawmakers focused on breaking through gridlock and getting things done. Our agenda isn’t just another white paper wish list — it’s a workable path forward grounded in competition, expanded supply and policies that put working families first.

Groceries and Household Essentials

Prices at the checkout line remain high, in part because supply chains are fragile and markets are increasingly concentrated. President Trump’s trade policies have made matters worse. Broad tariffs function like a sales tax on everyday goods, and we all pay the price. Recent analyses estimate that tariff-related costs add roughly $1,600 per year to the average household’s expenses. The Affordability Agenda strengthens domestic supply chains, supports family and small farmers, and promotes competition to lower prices.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs continue to rise faster than wages, squeezing families and employers alike. Recent Republican healthcare legislation would make matters worse by shifting costs onto households and small businesses. Independent estimates project that more than 15 million Americans will lose coverage, while premiums double or triple for 22 million more. When coverage disappears or becomes unaffordable, families delay care, and employers face higher costs that limit hiring and wage growth. Our approach protects healthcare coverage, increases transparency, enforces accountability and expands competition so health care is affordable and predictable.

Housing

The United States faces a severe housing shortage, estimated at roughly 4 million homes nationwide, and the consequences are playing out in rising rents and fewer paths to homeownership. Years of red tape and outdated regulations have limited new construction. Our agenda cuts those barriers and commits to building at least 4 million new homes over the next decade. More supply will not fix everything overnight, but without it, affordability will continue to slip out of reach.

Energy

Household energy bills are rising, driven by underinvestment, permitting delays and uncertainty that slows progress. Families should not be left wondering whether next month’s utility bill will blow their budget. Our plan accelerates responsible energy development and modernizes the electric grid to keep power reliable and affordable.

Family Care

Childcare and elder care costs are forcing families into impossible choices. Too many parents cut back hours or leave the workforce entirely because care is unavailable or unaffordable. Too many seniors worry about how they will age safely. We’re working to expand access to child and elder care so that families can afford to work, care for loved ones and plan for their future.

Affordability is a core component of the government’s promise to the American people: if you work hard in this country, you should be able to provide a safe and comfortable life for yourself and your family.

We believe everyone should be able to afford the essentials — housing, healthcare, food, childcare, education, a retirement and more — with enough left over to buy that car, take that vacation and save for your future.

That’s what our Affordability Agenda is about: renewing the promise of affordability to every American, not just to get by, but to get ahead.

This is not about ideology. It is about whether Washington is willing to take affordability seriously and act with urgency. Families across the country are asking for relief. The New Dem Affordability Agenda is our answer.


These Democrats aren’t ready to jettison big business as party stalwarts shift left

Originally published on CNBC

Written by Garrett Downs

Moderate Democrats looking for their party to take back control of the U.S. House in November are offering an alternative to the economic populism message peddled by their more liberal counterparts.

A new blueprint from the center-left New Democrat Coalition, shared exclusively with CNBC, lays out a road map for addressing affordability — top on voters’ minds — without splashy populist promises.

“Buzzy sounds good in a sound bite, but you often end up with unintended consequences or unworkable solutions,” New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., said in an interview. “We’re hearing people saying they are frustrated with the bombast, but also the hollow promises, and they want to see their government coming up with thoughtful solutions.”

The new plan underscores a tug-of-war within the Democratic Party over its economic message ahead of the pivotal November elections, which could return the party to power after President Donald Trump and his Republicans swept the 2024 elections. And with Trump’s polling on the economy plummeting, picking a winning strategy could be the difference between making the president a lame duck and spending two more years in the political wilderness.

The New Democrats argue Americans want a more moderate approach that bridges the gap between big business and the average voter.

“I reject the idea that business is bad,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., one of the plan’s authors. “This is a set of solutions, tangible, practical, doable solutions, and an answer to ‘what are you going to do when you’re in charge?’”

Among the road map’s proposals are lightening the federal permitting process for energy projects with the aim of lowering utility costs, reducing homebuilding regulations with the goal of getting affordable housing built more quickly, and developing a national strategy for data centers to spread out the “benefits and costs” of the facilities and make sure they don’t “overburden” certain areas.

Absent from the proposal are sweeping new taxes on the wealthy, a cap on credit card interest rates and the creation of a single-payer health-care system, which are popular with prominent progressives like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

They, along with state and local officials like new New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are calling for an ambitious, populist agenda that forsakes the wealthy — a movement that’s gained traction as wealth has consolidated at the top and eats into Trump’s own populist base.

“If there are good ideas that will reduce costs for families, sign me up,” Warren said Tuesday in a brief interview at the Capitol when asked about the New Democrats’ dialed-back approach. “But make no mistake, we need big changes, and that’s bringing down the cost of housing and getting universal child care. That’s what makes a big difference in people’s lives.”

Mamdani notably called for universal child care in New York City during his campaign. The New Democrats instead call for “federal pilot programs that explore cost-sharing partnerships among families, employers, and government to lower monthly child care expenses.”

But the New Democrats, who count 115 U.S. representatives as members, insist their road map is not in conflict with their progressive counterparts.

“I think this is an agenda that can and should unite our caucuses across both chambers and across the ideological spectrum,” said Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., a member of both the New Democrat Coalition and the House progressive caucus. “The American people don’t discriminate between progressive versus moderate; they’re looking for solutions that are relevant to them.”

There are some areas where the New Democrats’ road map intersects with progressive goals. The New Democrats are endorsing the creation of a universal paid family and medical leave program. They’re also calling for universal pre-K, a longtime progressive darling priority. And most Democrats agree overturning Trump’s tariffs is a top priority.

Also in the report is a call for eliminating “unfair tax breaks for private equity and large investors” in the real estate market, which is similar to recent progressive calls to bar big financial firms from gobbling up housing that Trump has echoed.

Voters appear mostly dissatisfied with how Trump and congressional Republicans have handled the economy, giving Democrats a leg up going into this year’s elections. Only 36% of Americans approved of the job Trump is doing on the economy in a Marist University poll released Feb. 5, while a whopping 59% disapproved.

Underlying voter dissatisfaction is that 54% of Americans believe lowering prices should be the top priority for the Trump administration, according to the Marist poll.

“For us to get to 218, we’re going to need a lot of progressives elected in districts, and we’re going to need New Dems elected in the toughest districts,” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., who runs the NewDem Action Fund, the caucus’ campaign arm, said, referring to the number of House seats a party needs to have the majority. “This is going to be the agenda we run on.”

“We can only win this election if independents and moderate Republicans want change ... and that’s where the New Dems come in, we can best appeal to independents and moderate Republicans,” Stanton said.

Whether the strategy works remains to be seen, and Democrats got mixed messages in off-year elections in 2025. In addition to Mamdani winning in New York, Govs. Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill — both members of the New Democrat Coalition when they were in the House — romped to victories on a more moderate agenda in Virginia and New Jersey. Progressive Analilia Mejia on Tuesday declared victory over more moderate former Rep. Tom Malinowski in a Democratic primary for Sherrill’s old House seat.

What all four had in common was an election message that was focused on affordability.

Democrats also have the unique challenge of trying to win in disparate districts — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s New York City district is far different than the red district in northern Maine that Rep. Jared Golden has carried for Democrats since 2018 — meaning voters in congressional races may be influenced more by individual candidates than by a sweeping national plan.

Democrats have taken a commanding 5.2-point lead in the generic ballot, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average, a good sign for them as the election approaches.

Pollsters note the debate between progressives and moderates has been a mainstay of election cycles among Democrats. And they are not sure the individual details of plans will ultimately matter to voters when they go to the polls, so long as Democrats offer an alternative to Trump’s Republicans on affordability.

“The extent to which Democrats release any sort of plan, any sort of messaging on affordability, I think that’s going to be helpful to them,” said Matt Taglia, senior director of the Emerson College Polling Center.


Chrissy Houlahan calls Trump administration’s failed attempt to indict her and other lawmakers for video an ‘abuse of power’

Originally published in The Philadelphia Inquirer

Written by Aliya Schneider

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said it’s unclear what crime the Department of Justice was trying to charge her with when a grand jury refused an indictment over a video in which she, with five other Democratic colleagues, called on service members to “refuse illegal orders.”

“The regular American people that comprised the grand jury saw this for what it was, which was kind of a spurious misuse, abuse of the power of the federal government against the people,” Houlahan, of Chester, said in an interview Wednesday.

“It’s not about me or my colleagues,” continued Houlahan, a former Air Force officer. “It’s about the fact that the Constitution allows for all of us to be treated as equals, and all of us to have the freedom to speak with freedom.”

The Justice Department investigated the six Democratic lawmakers who made the video, all of whom previously served in the military or intelligence agencies. But a Washington grand jury would not sign off on charges on Tuesday, The Associated Press reported.

It’s a setback for President Donald Trump’s administration, which has targeted the lawmakers in a variety of ways since November, when the president claimed the video was an act of sedition.

Houlahan said none of the Democrats’ lawyers could identify what charges could have legitimately been brought against them.

“Collectively, we all, of course, have unfortunately had to secure lawyers in this process,” she said. “And to a person, none of them could come up really with what it was that we had purportedly done. And clearly the people in the grand jury saw the same thing.”

The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, an Allegheny County Democrat who also appeared in the video, said in an interview Wednesday he is “not surprised at all” by the grand jury’s decision.

“The fact that the Trump administration and their lawyers want to try to charge us with crimes for stating the law and saying words that they don’t like is outrageous, and of course, not something that you should be able to throw people in prison for,” said Deluzio, who served in the Navy.

In a news conference Wednesday, some of the lawmakers suggested legal action against the Trump administration is on the table.

“There will be accountability, and they should be preserving documents, preparing for what’s coming,” Deluzio said.

Trump accused the Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by death” after they posted the video in November, warning service members and intelligence workers to “refuse illegal orders.” In the video, the Democrats urged service members and intelligence professionals not to “give up the ship,” a sentiment Deluzio repeated Tuesday night.

The phrase, which Deluzio has long referenced, is a rallying cry that’s hung on the wall at the Naval Academy’s Memorial Hall.

“It’s a phrase that means a lot, and it means a lot in this moment of great stress to our country — that this thing is worth our efforts and that we should not give it up,” Deluzio said in the Wednesday interview.

The Democrats did not mention any specific orders in the video, but lawmakers who appeared in the video expressed concerns at the time about strikes on boats in the Caribbean and National Guard operations in U.S. cities.

Houlahan said they continue to be concerned about “the unlawfulness of the administration.”

The video also included U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.), a former CIA officer; U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.), a former Navy captain; U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D., N.H.), a former intelligence officer; and U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D., Colo.), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger.

The lawmakers were contacted by the FBI late last year.

Federal prosecutors unsuccessfully tried to secure the indictment against all six lawmakers in the video, The New York Times reported. The office that pursued the case is led U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro, the former Fox News personality who served as district attorney in Westchester County, N.Y., during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Grand jury rejections are extraordinarily rare, but have occurred repeatedly in recent months in Washington, as citizens who have heard the government’s evidence have come away underwhelmed in a number of cases. Prosecutors could try again to secure an indictment.

Attention on the lawmakers’ video escalated days after they initially posted it when Trump began his social media tirade in November.

“This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country,” he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”

He also shared posts from supporters calling for retribution against the Democrats, including one that said, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!” and another calling them domestic terrorists.

Houlahan said at the time she was “profoundly disappointed” in her GOP colleagues for not defending the Democrats, a sentiment she repeated on Wednesday.

“The fact that the president and the people around him, in hearing a reminder about the law, reacted the way they did, which is to call for our death, arrest, to try to imprison us, tells me more about them than I could ever know,” Deluzio said Wednesday.

“A normal person, a normal president, would be reminding their troops of their obligations to follow the law as well because they care about the rule of law,” he added.

Houlahan and Deluzio reported bomb threats at their district offices after Trump went on offense in November.

Trump told Fox News Radio that he was “not threatening death, but I think they’re in serious trouble,” adding that, “in the old days, it was death.”

His administration has cited a different military law that says orders are presumed to be lawful and the importance of “good order and discipline.”

“Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion — which only puts our warriors in danger," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the time.

Kelly, the only lawmaker who served long enough to officially retire and therefore falls under The Pentagon’s jurisdiction, is in a another fight with Trump’s administration over the video.

Hegseth has censured Kelly for participating in the video and is trying to retroactively demote him from his retired rank of captain.


Hoyer Statement on January Jobs Report

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the January jobs report:

"Although last month saw modest job growth – with some 130,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate hovering around 4.3% – we ought to look at the January jobs report in the context of the past year. Since Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the unemployment rate has increased by 0.3%. That means 500,000 more Americans were unemployed last month than when Trump's second term began. Additionally, the number of Americans struggling with long-term unemployment has gone up by 386,000 since January 2025. Instead of ushering in a renaissance for American manufacturing, Trump has cost our country 82,000 manufacturing jobs in his second term. Crucially, there are currently more people unemployed than there are jobs available.

"The job market's poor performance, in addition to rising costs from Trump's disastrous tariffs and from his attacks on the Affordable Care Act, might explain why 40% of Americans believe their lives will get worse in the next five years. That's the highest level on record – even higher than it was at the peak of the pandemic. Donald Trump can't relate. He profited billions of dollars off the presidency last year. As he builds himself a gilded ballroom, accepts lavish gifts from foreign nations, and uses his influence to boost his business, Trump has left the rest of the American people in the dust."