LEADER JEFFRIES DURING WAR POWERS RESOLUTION DEBATE: “DEMOCRATS ARE HERE TO STAND UP FOR THE RULE OF LAW AND THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in support of House Democrats’ War Powers Resolution, emphasizing that our Constitution requires the President get approval from Congress before plunging America into a war and that taxpayer dollars should be used to drop prices at home, not to drop bombs in the Middle East.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my good friend, the distinguished gentleman from Queens, the great state of New York, the once and future Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Greg Meeks, for his leadership and for yielding.

I rise today in strong support of the American people, in support of our men and women in uniform, in support of the United States Constitution and in support of this War Powers Resolution.

As we gather here today on the Floor of the House of Representatives, there are mothers and fathers across this country who are in mourning, confronting the heartbreaking loss of their loved ones in uniform. My prayers are with the families of the six American service members who have been killed overseas in Donald Trump’s war of choice. We’re thankful for their heroism, their bravery and their patriotism. And may their memories always be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, every Member who serves in this chamber has sworn an oath of office.

It seems as though many of my Republican colleagues have forgotten that.

So let me remind you in part as to what it says:

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. So help me God.

In this remarkable country, the greatest nation in the history of the world, we don’t swear an oath to a king, to a political party or to a man bent on desecrating the Oval Office. In the Congress, in the Courts and in the military, we swear an oath to the United States Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, when the Framers drafted that glorious document, they feared the rise of a monarch, a demagogue, a tyrant.

Today, we are here on the House Floor because the Constitution, the binding document that makes us all Americans, is being trampled on by a wannabe king.

As Members of the House of Representatives, the branch of government who the Framers decided would be the closest to the people, to reflect the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations, the fears, the concerns, the anxieties, the life experiences and the passions of the American people—we have a solemn obligation, Democrats and Republicans alike. We are all guardians of the American people and of the Constitution. We swore an oath that compels us to ensure that this President’s modern-day “injuries and “abuses” come to an end.

We are at war now in the Middle East, spending billions of dollars to bomb Iran, when Republicans refuse to find a dime to make healthcare affordable for the American people, to make sure that everyday Americans can go see a doctor when they need one. This war has not been authorized by the people’s representatives here in this glorious House.

Article I of the Constitution explicitly provides Congress with the sole authority to declare war. There is nothing ambiguous about that.

The Framers made that decision because they were concerned about kings, who, throughout time, plunged their people into unnecessary wars, impoverishing them or imperiling their lives by sending them off to a foreign conflict, often to pillage the resources of others for the benefit of a tyrant and his family.

Sound familiar?

That’s why the power to declare war was given explicitly to the House and to the Senate, given to the people’s Representatives.

Abraham Lincoln, as a Member of this House in 1848, once profoundly observed, “The provision of the Constitution giving the war-making power to Congress was dictated, as I understand it, by the following reasons. Kings had always been involving and impoverishing their people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, that the good of the people was the object. This, our Convention understood to be the most oppressive of all Kingly oppressions and they resolved to so frame the Constitution that no one man should hold the power of bringing this oppression upon us.” – Then-Congressman Abraham Lincoln, Republican Congressman, 1848.

That is why we have advanced this War Powers Resolution today. Donald Trump intentionally refused to get authorization from Congress for this war of choice, a war that has now exploded to more than 10 countries across the Middle East.

The President has not even, Mr. Speaker, bothered to offer a coherent answer to the most basic questions that any Commander-in-Chief should address when making the solemn decision to take us to war: why are we doing this? What are our objectives? How will this all end?

Mr. Speaker, if this military action, this war, is so principled, why is the President unwilling or unable to make his case directly to the American people?

If the tremendous cost to American taxpayers, in terms of sacred human lives and our nation’s precious resources, is so justified, why does the President’s rationale, why does the administration’s rationale change every single day?

Now, make no mistake. Iran is a bad actor. They must be confronted for their nuclear ambitions, painful human rights abuses and repression of its own people, including the slaughter of thousands of civilians during the recent protests. It is the leading state sponsor of terrorism. It is a brutal regime that presents a serious threat to our allies in the Middle East, including Israel, Jordan and the Gulf states.

But the President has a responsibility to justify plunging America into another war that will cost more American lives and billions, if not trillions, in taxpayer resources. That’s the President’s obligation, and he has fallen woefully short of that responsibility.

Now, the Trump administration has offered at least five different reasons to justify the war, all of which are built on deception and misdirection.

First, Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. would attack Iran to protect the demonstrators who were risking their lives to demand democratic change. He even urged them weeks ago to rise up and seize state institutions.

But as the regime cracked down brutally, killing tens of thousands of their own citizens, the President did nothing. Even as Donald Trump urged ordinary Iranians to take greater risks, there was never a viable military option for defending unarmed protesters against a brutal police state without sending hundreds of thousands of American troops into Iran. It was an empty pledge for the Iranian people that the current bombing campaign does nothing to undo.

Second, Donald Trump and his advisors claimed that Iran’s unwillingness to negotiate away its nuclear program left no choice but for us to attack.

Now, this is the very same person, Mr. Speaker, who told the country last summer that Iran’s nuclear program was “completely and totally obliterated.”

The same administration whose Department of Defense has said the Iranian nuclear program was set back several years, and whose State Department said Iran isn’t even enriching uranium today.

Mr. Speaker, was the Commander-in-Chief confused in June, or is he confused right now?

It was not long ago when America could be sure that we were preventing Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon. The Iran nuclear agreement successfully did that, until Donald Trump recklessly decided to pull the plug because he suffers from Obama Derangement Syndrome. The President has spent much of the past year trying, and failing, to restore the same negotiated safeguards he abandoned for partisan political reasons. And because of his failure to negotiate the guardrails that he destroyed, he has now taken us to war.

Third, President Trump claims that Iran poses an imminent threat to the United States through its development of intercontinental ballistic missiles that could perhaps someday reach our shores.

If Iran is actually on the verge of having that capability, the President should provide the evidence. But no such evidence has been presented to this Congress or to the American people. We can only assume that it does not exist.

Fourth, Donald Trump has said he wants to achieve regime change.

Now, Donald Trump is an individual who promised Americans on the campaign trail that launching regime change wars in the Middle East has been one of the most foolish and costly things that the United States has ever done. Those are Donald Trump’s words on the campaign trail.

Candidate Trump said that, if elected, he would never get our country into an endless regime [change] war. President Trump has now done the exact opposite.

Regime change wars are among the most expensive things that we can undertake, and yes, Secretary Hegseth, for decades, they have failed to accomplish their objective.

Vietnam was a regime change war. Afghanistan was a regime change war. Iraq was a regime change war. And despite the incredible bravery of our heroes and patriots, because of failed policy decisions, they didn’t work out.

Even if the Iranian regime were to fall, we have no way to control what comes next, which most experts believe would be the Iranian Revolutionary Guard-led government rising up and being just as repressive and antagonistic as the current theocracy and perhaps even more committed to the acquisition of nuclear weapons.

Fifth, and most recently, Donald Trump said “I had a feeling” Iran would attack first, as some sort of rationale for going to war. Donald Trump had a feeling that Iran would attack. The United States government has initiated a war, put American lives at risk, six patriots have already been killed, thousands of American citizens are stranded in the Middle East and he has plunged the entire Middle East into a war and chaos over a feeling.

That’s outrageous. It’s unacceptable. It shocks the conscience.

In the last few days, six service members have died, and the Trump administration has acknowledged that more of our heroes are going to be killed.

We have no concrete justification for why we are putting American troops in harm’s way and spending billions of dollars on a foreign war while the affordability crisis rages here at home—a crisis Donald Trump said he would fix on day one, but instead, Republican policies have made worse.

Taxpayer dollars should be used to drop grocery prices, drop housing costs and drop health insurance premiums. Instead, Donald Trump is spending billions of taxpayer dollars to drop bombs in the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, the President’s war is unwise, it’s unpopular, unauthorized, unlawful and unconstitutional. And in the United States of America, we serve the rule of law, not the rule of man.

James Madison once wrote in 1788, “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands…may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

Our Constitution requires the President get approval from the Congress before launching a war. That has not happened, and that’s why this bipartisan resolution, led by Democrats, is on the Floor of the House of Representatives today.

In their wisdom, the Framers believed that they had made it impossible for a President to do what Donald Trump has just done, and that no other American President has done before–launched a major war in the Middle East without the approval of Congress.

That’s what Donald Trump’s time in office has been all about. Failure after failure. Betrayal after betrayal. Disaster after disaster.

In his return to the Presidency, Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump has left America less prosperous, less safe and less free.

He has hurt us, again and again. Failed us again and again. And now, by launching this unauthorized war of choice, setting fire to our Constitution.

The American people deserve better. And as Democrats, we are committed to continuing to fight to use your taxpayer dollars to lower the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system and to clean up corruption.

And we stand on the Floor here today to make sure that those taxpayer dollars are being used in ways that are designed to make life better for the American people, not launching another endless war in the Middle East that is destined to cost more American lives and waste billions, if not trillions, in taxpayer dollars.

We are here to stand up for the American people.

We are here to stand up for our men and women in uniform.

We are here to stand up for the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

We will not rest until we end this national nightmare and continue America’s march toward a more perfect union.

Vote YES on this War Powers Resolution. I yield back.

Full Floor remarks can be watched here.

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LEADER JEFFRIES WITH DEMOCRATIC VETERANS: “DONALD TRUMP HAS CONTINUED TO BREAK HIS WORD TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Vice Chair Ted Lieu and Democratic veterans, where he emphasized that Donald Trump has repeatedly lied and failed to make the case for war to the American people, but House Democrats will continue to stand up for everyday Americans and our service members.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Let me thank Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu for their incredible leadership of the House Democratic Caucus, the districts that they represent and, of course, the nation and for convening us here today. I’m particularly thankful to be joined, of course, by those who have served our country in uniform, as Ted has done, of course, Jason and Chrissy and Gil and Pat and Maggie who were patriots serving this country in different ways in the military, in the national security space and are now patriotically standing up for the American people, for our men and women in uniform and for the Constitution—that’s our commitment as House Democrats.

Donald Trump has continued to break his word to the American people. Candidate Trump promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. President Trump enacted tariffs that have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. Candidate Trump promised that immigration enforcement would be focused on violent criminals who are here illegally. President Trump has unleashed untrained and masked ICE agents to brutalize and kill American citizens and to violently target law-abiding immigrant families. Candidate Trump said that it was foolish to get the country involved in endless foreign forever wars. President Trump, without authorization and inconsistent with the Constitution, has now plunged America into what he characterized yesterday could be an endless war that has already tragically cost the lives of six patriotic service members. And we mourn for them and we’re praying for their families as well as all of those service members who are still struggling to deal with serious injuries as a result of what has taken place in the Middle East.

The President has a responsibility to make the case to the American people as to the justification for this war, but has provided no evidence that there was an imminent threat to the American people here or abroad. It’s the President who said just several months ago, in June of last year, that Iran’s nuclear program had been completely and totally obliterated, that’s the President’s words. Did he lie to us then or is he lying now that he’s claiming that Iran was acquiring the possibility of being able to threaten us with nuclear weapons? A nuclear program he had claimed was completely and totally obliterated. The President has indicated that he’s interested in regime change, but we know that regime change wars have never worked out for the American people and have cost thousands of lives of our patriotic heroes in uniform. That was the case in Vietnam, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. So I’m thankful for the leadership of the Chair, the Vice Chair and these distinguished Members of Congress—patriots—who are standing up for the American people, standing up for our brave servicemen and women in uniform and standing up for the Constitution.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Whip Clark to GOP: Stand with Americans and Against Trump's War

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) took to the House Floor to urge passage of a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prevent further hostilities in the Middle East without Congressional approval. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"Donald Trump has taken America to war. Without authorization. Without explanation. Without a strategy or an exit plan.

"Six brave service members have already given the ultimate sacrifice. Others have been wounded. And Americans are stranded across the region.

"And what do we hear from our Commander-in-Chief? He shrugs and says: That’s the way it is — and how 'bout that ballroom?

"The American people do not want their sons and daughters shipped to another war in the Middle East, when they don't even know what the mission is. They want a country where their children can do better and reach higher than their parents did. Where they don't just survive but can actually get ahead. Where a doctor’s appointment is not a luxury.

"And what are they getting instead? Republicans have been raiding their health care, their Social Security, their veterans’ benefits — all to enrich the billionaire class. Illegal tariffs jacking up prices. Secret police murdering Americans in the street. A corrupt DOJ that covers for pedophiles while denying their victims justice.

"But today? Today, you can stand with Americans who are entitled to know what the objective of this war is. What the cost will be.

"They deserve to know the sacrifice will not just fall on working and military families but will be shared by the wealthy and the powerful.

"Today, you can join us in telling the president that the Constitution is not just a suggestion. That our country belongs to its people — to the American people. And that the power to declare war belongs to the people’s representatives. And that 250 years later, whatever Donald Trump may think, America still has no kings."

To watch the full speech, click HERE.

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Kelly: Working Families Tax Cuts are saving money for hardworking Americans, increasing productivity in the workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, during a Ways & Means Committee hearing with IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, championed the Working Families Tax Cuts "No Tax on Overtime" provision which Kelly said is saving workers' money and leading to increased productivity.

Welders, linemen, factory workers, and other employees earning overtime could see their taxes cut by $1,400, according to Ways & Means Committee estimates.

"The savings in this legislation are an incredible boost for the morale of the American people," said Rep. Kelly. "Americans want to work overtime now because they get to keep the money. They don't have to pay it to the government. They get to keep it with their families."

You can find Kelly's full remarks here.

Fast Facts: Working Families Tax Cuts

No Tax on Tips: Waitresses, barbers, bellhops, and other tipped professions could see their taxes cut $1,300.

No Tax on Overtime: Welders, linemen, factory workers, and workers earning overtime could see their taxes cut $1,400.

No Tax on Social Security: 88% of seniors receiving Social Security benefits will pay no tax on their benefits under the WFTC. $6,000 deduction for seniors 65+/$12,000 for married couple.

Largest Tax Refund Filing Season Ever: Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, taxpayers could get an average of $1,000 MORE in their tax refund this tax filing season. Refunds could total almost $4,000 per person on average, putting more money back in the pockets of working families. Average refund amounts are up 14% so far this tax filing season.


Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Iran Strikes Following Classified Briefing

Senior Trump Administration officials delivered a classified briefing to Members of Congress regarding the attack on Iran. Rep. Tim Kennedy released the following statement:

“Donald Trump campaigned on keeping our nation out of foreign wars. Instead, he has launched one without a defined mission, without a plan, and without Congress. Yesterday’s briefing did nothing to convince me otherwise.

“No evidence has been presented that Iran posed an imminent threat to our homeland or our interests abroad. This is a war of choice. President Trump has decided to send our sons and daughters into combat instead of pursuing peace through diplomacy.

“The Constitution entrusts Congress with the power to declare war, a responsibility we do not take lightly because we know who bears the true cost of conflict. We have already paid the highest price a nation can pay. Six service members have given their lives, and their families will carry that loss forever. The President says more U.S. servicemembers will be lost.

“Congress must act now.”

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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Moves to Subpoena DHS Secretary Noem Over Trump Administration DHS, ICE, and CBP Abuses

WASHINGTON — During a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) moved to subpoena Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing abuses by DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Trump administration and the Department’s failure to comply with congressional oversight. The motion came as Congressman Krishnamoorthi questioned Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about the impact of recent immigration enforcement operations.

During the hearing, Congressman Krishnamoorthi pointed to deadly shootings involving federal immigration agents, including the killings of Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González, as well as detentions of U.S. citizens and the use of force against civilians during enforcement operations. He also noted that he has been denied entry to ICE facilities in Illinois and that Secretary Noem has failed to respond substantively to more than a dozen oversight letters from his office.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi highlighted the individuals and families affected by DHS enforcement actions before formally moving to subpoena the Secretary:

“Secretary Noem must answer for her wrongdoing. For Jaime, my State of the Union guest, who raises his little sister after his father was coerced into self-deportation. For Chicagoan Marimar Martinez, who was shot five times. For my constituent Evelyn, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen who was wrongfully detained by ICE. For Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González, and all the other victims of ICE and CBP. For the American people. It's for all those reasons that, Mr. Chairman, pursuant to clause 2(k)(6) of House Rule XI, I move to subpoena Secretary Kristi Noem to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”

The motion is being held in abeyance until the end of the hearing when it will receive a vote.


Congressman Krishnamoorthi Vows to Continue Fight to Hold the Trump Administration Accountable After Republicans Block His Motion to Subpoena Secretary Noem Over DHS Abuses

WASHINGTON — Today, House Republicans blocked a motion by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) to subpoena Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding abuses by DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Trump administration. Krishnamoorthi introduced the motion during today’s hearing, citing deadly shootings involving federal immigration agents, the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, and the Department’s repeated refusal to respond to congressional oversight requests.

Following the vote, Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:

“Today, House Republicans chose to shield the Trump administration from accountability as its reckless, militarized immigration operations like Midway Blitz spread fear across communities in the Chicago area and across our country with deadly consequences. Secretary Noem should have been required to answer under oath for a pattern of abuses that includes the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, the unjustified use of force against civilians, and deadly shootings by federal agents. Blocking this subpoena sends a dangerous message that the Trump administration can act with impunity and remain unaccountable for these abuses. I will keep fighting to uncover the truth and hold those responsible to account for these abuses and the lives lost, including those of Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González."


Larson Grills Commissioner Bisignano on ‘DOGE’ Election Interference Scheme, Demands Subpoenas and Full Committee Investigation

Alongside every Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, Larson introduced a Resolution of Inquiry to compel information from the Trump Administration about this data breach. Last week, he launched an investigation of election denial groups across the country with Ranking Members Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Joe Morelle (NY-25), demanding the disclosure of all documents relating to their contact with ‘DOGE’ or the Social Security Administration.

View Ranking Member Larson’s remarks here.

“I would think that everybody on this Committee would want to know when your personal data and information is being pored over by outside groups that are unaccountable, have never been vetted, and are in these agencies, currently, and have this information that they have given to outside sources,” said Larson. “This was the Trump Justice Department that indicated that these people fraudulently gave information, private information of the citizens of the United States, to an outside source who was using it to alter elections. That doesn't interest any of you on the other side? It sure does interest the American people.”

Larson: I want to pick up a point that Mr. Neal was making earlier. Before I do that, I'd like to submit for the record, Mr. Chairman, the Borges Whistleblower Report, the DOJ amended court filing, and the “IRS, Fiscal Service defy judges, terminate union contracts,” which is where-

Larson:Where I want to go. Starting with that. And you seem to, in your answer to Mr. Neal, say, “Well, they don't need this. It's in statute.” So, my question to you, should the Social Security Administration, their employees, expect that their union contracts will be terminated as well?

Frank Bisignano:I'm the CEO of the IRS in this hearing, and I'm not — If you want to have a meeting on SSA, you know, I'm always willing to have it with you.

Larson: Alright, I get the answer, and well, my grandfather Nolan, as we get close to St. Patrick's Day, would always say, “Trust everyone, but cut the cards,” and, so I would like —

Larson:And we need a reshuffle and a new deal, as a matter of fact. And FDR would appreciate the reference, but also, I wanted to ask you, will you turn over to this Committee the 'DOGE' information that they gave to an outside political source to alter elections? Now, I realize that might have happened before your watch, but Social Security has that information.

Bisignano:If you want to talk about Social Security, I can come see you anytime you want to talk about Social Security as an IRS —

Larson: That's a no. So, Mr. Chairman, would you commit to subpoenaing this information? I would think that everybody on this Committee would want to know when your personal data and information is being pored over by outside groups that are unaccountable, have never been vetted, and are in these agencies, currently, and have this information that they have given to outside sources.

I'd also like, Mr. Chairman, to get the whistleblower before us as well. My God, we were all upset, and we made sure that Hillary Clinton's emails and Hunter Biden were top of the list. We had to make sure about that. But when it comes to the American people, and the data and information that is gone through by 'DOGE’ employees, and then distributed to outside people, does anyone on the other side want to investigate or get to that? Or is this just something we let fly? The Commissioner’s not going to answer because he's going to say, “Well, look, I'm here to discuss the IRS, and if you want to meet with me privately...”

AKA, that's called the ‘Tuscaloosa Two-Step.’ He's not going to answer the question, and I understand that. But, hey, it's not about answering the question. It's about the integrity of this Committee. I commend the Chairman. He brought him in to talk about these things that have been ignored by the Committee, that have been ignored by the agency and not addressing this, but as members of this Committee, we have a responsibility to the American people, especially as it regards to Social Security, the number one anti-poverty program for the elderly and for children. I get calls all the time in my district from people saying, “What have they done with my information? Who has my information? Is it in a cloud? What does that mean? It's in a cloud. Is it unsecure? What happened? And why is it that we can't get the names?” This was the Trump Justice Department that indicated that these people fraudulently gave information, private information of the citizens of the United States, to an outside source who was using it to alter elections. That doesn't interest any of you on the other side? It sure does interest the American people.

And we need to continue the integrity of this committee by calling forward these individuals. Mr. Chairman, I hope you will subpoena them. I hope we will lift a Resolution of Inquiry. Are you guys going to suspend that again so that we can't call witnesses before us? Thank God at least the Commissioner was here.


Lawler Signs Discharge Petition to Force Vote on His Bill Extending TPS for Haiti

Washington, D.C. – 3/4/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) signed the Discharge Petition No. 15 to force a vote on H.R. 1689, bipartisan legislation to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to maintain Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation. This bill was introduced last year by Reps. Lawler and Laura Gillen (NY-04), but has not been brought to the House floor for consideration. Rep. Lawler released the following statement after signing:

“The situation in Haiti remains dire. Rampant gang violence, political instability, and a worsening humanitarian crisis make it clear that conditions on the ground have not improved. There is no doubt that sending individuals back into that environment is dangerous.

For more than a year, my bill to extend TPS for Haiti has sat without a vote in the House of Representatives. That’s unacceptable. Today, I signed the discharge petition to force the House to take up the bill and allow Members to vote.”

Since the Administration’s announcement last year, Rep. Lawler has met with constituents, faith leaders, small business owners, and community organizations across the Hudson Valley to hear firsthand how this decision impacts local families and our economy. He has also been in constant communication with the Administration, pressing for an extension of TPS for Haiti and advocating for clarity and fairness for affected families.

Rep. Lawler has worked directly with these Haitian families, as well as with their employers, including many in the healthcare and nonprofit space, to help them explore asylum and other lawful immigration pathways so they can continue to live and work in the United States once TPS expires.

Last year, Lawler led Rockland County elected officials in a letter to President Trump urging an extension of TPS, signaling a coordinated, whole-of-community effort in Rockland County. He has sent multiple other letters and advocated for this policy directly to President Trump and Secretary Noem.

Rep. Lawler has been outspoken and proactive in urging the U.S. government to address Haiti’s worsening security, humanitarian, and political crisis, pushing the State Department to prioritize stabilization efforts, support economic opportunity, and engage regional partners, while continuing to fight for Haitian-American families.

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

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House Oversight Committee Passes Two Of Rep. Nancy Mace’s Subpoenas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Today, the House Oversight Committee passed two subpoena motions brought by Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC).

The first demands full accountability and transparency from Attorney General Pam Bondi on the release of all files related to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The second demands disclosure of taxpayer-funded misconduct settlements paid by members of Congress prior to December 12, 2018.

"Today, the members who voted for our subpoenas chose transparency over secrecy and accountability over cover-ups," said Congresswoman Mace. “We will not stay silent while the American people are kept in the dark. Not on the Epstein files. Not on the taxpayer-funded settlements members of Congress used to hide their own misconduct. Today brings us one step closer to the truth the establishment has tried so hard to keep buried."

EPSTEIN FILES

Attorney General Bondi has maintained the Department of Justice has released everything related to Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Mace has made it clear: they have not. During visits to the DOJ to review unredacted files, Rep. Mace was blocked from accessing critical information and found key documents missing or heavily redacted. Attorney General Bondi will now be required to answer those questions under oath in a deposition. She has since compiled a growing list of names she intends to subpoena.

TAXPAYER-FUNDED CONGRESSIONAL MISCONDUCT SETTLEMENTS

For years, taxpayer funds were used to quietly settle misconduct claims involving members of Congress, while the American people were kept in the dark. Rep. Mace's subpoena of the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) demands the release of all awards and settlements paid pursuant to Section 415 of the Congressional Accountability Act prior to December 12, 2018 for misconduct by Members of Congress. The only redactions permitted would be those necessary to protect the personally identifiable information of victims and witnesses.

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Rep. Nancy Mace Issues Statement After Both Parties Vote To Keep Congressional Sexual Harassment Records Buried

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) issued the following statement after both Republicans and Democrats voted to kill her resolution which would have forced the public release of Congressional sexual harassment records.

"Both parties colluded today to protect predators. They voted to keep sexual harassment records buried, and they did it together.

"Every Member who voted against this resolution voted to protect the cover-up instead of the victims.

"This is the establishment in action, always protecting itself, never the victims. Ask yourself why. Remember their names when they ask for your vote.

"We don't want to hear a single Member who voted this resolution down utter the name of a single Epstein victim. You don't get to bury sexual harassment records in Congress and then pretend you care about victims. Pick a side.

"The victims deserved better. The American people deserved better. Every Member who voted to keep these records buried voted to protect power over people. We won't let it go and neither should you."

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Rep. Nancy Mace Moves To Subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi At Oversight Committee Hearing, Demands Full Release Of Epstein Files

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Today, during a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) moved to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, escalating her demand for the complete and unredacted release of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein's global sex trafficking network.

Despite Attorney General Bondi's claim the Department of Justice has released all of the Epstein files, Rep. Mace says the record is clear: they have not.

"We want to know where all the audio and video footage is from ALL of the pinhole cameras at every Epstein property," said Congresswoman Mace. "What about the 'Lolita Express'? Where is the footage? If Epstein had as many cameras as has been reported, what has been released to the public is only a fraction of what exists. So who has them? Who is hiding them? The victims of this horrific global network deserve justice, and the American people deserve the truth. We will not stop until we get both."

During visits to the DOJ to review unredacted files, Rep. Mace found critical information blocked and key documents missing or heavily redacted. She has since compiled a growing list of names she intends to subpoena. SEE HERE.

"Epstein's global sex trafficking network is larger than what is being revealed," Mace continued. "Three million documents have been released, and we still don't have the full truth. Videos are missing. Audio is missing. Logs are missing. There are millions more documents out there, and we want to know why the DOJ is more focused on shielding the powerful than delivering justice. The Jeffrey Epstein case will go down as one of the greatest cover-ups in American history."

Rep. Mace has made the full disclosure of Epstein materials a top legislative priority and will continue to push for complete accountability from the Department of Justice.

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Malliotakis: Congestion Pricing Fight Not Over

(NEW YORK, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement after a federal judge’s decision on New York City’s congestion pricing program:

“We are reviewing the judge’s decision but believe the Trump Administration was well within its legal right to rescind Biden’s rubber-stamping of congestion pricing, which was done without a full and thorough Environmental Impact Statement as required by law. Secretary Duffy informed me that the administration will appeal this decision and keep fighting to protect the hardworking commuters from this unfair and burdensome congestion tax.”


Maloy Introduces Resolution to Restore Local Voices in Grand Staircase-Escalante Management

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) today introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to reject the Biden administration's 2025 Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, returning management of the monument to the 2021 RMP that was developed with the input and support of local communities. The resolution is being led in the Senate by Utah Senator Mike Lee, and is cosponsored by Utah Senator John Curtis in the Senate and Utah Representatives Blake Moore (UT-01), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), and Burgess Owens (UT-04) in the House.

What the Resolution Does

This resolution would reject the Biden administration's 2025 RMP and restore the 2021 plan developed collaboratively with the Trump administration, local governments, and southern Utah communities. The monument's footprint is unchanged. The 2021 plan reinstates multiple-use access to lands the Biden administration had effectively closed through its RMP.

Importantly, none of this land stops being federal land. The entire area would revert to standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management, maintaining the full protections that apply to all federal public land while restoring road access and traditional uses like hunting, grazing, and responsible land stewardship.

"The 2025 Biden RMP was written without the people it affects most having any real seat at the table,” said Rep. Maloy. “That's not how land management should work. The 2021 plan was built with local communities, balanced conservation with access, and reflected the realities of life in southern Utah. This resolution uses Congress's constitutional responsibility to check executive overreach and returns management to a plan that actually listens to the people on the ground. And to be clear: this land remains federal land. It remains protected. What changes is that the communities who live here get their voice back."

Background: Grand Staircase-Escalante Resource Management Plans

The 2025 Biden RMP was developed with little to no meaningful input from local leaders, county governments, or the people who live and work in the region. It was opposed by virtually every local elected official in the area.

That stands in sharp contrast to the 2021 RMP, which reflected years of coordination with local stakeholders and was designed to balance conservation with the real-world needs of communities that depend on access to the land. The consequences of ignoring those communities are well-documented. When President Clinton created the monument in 1996 — over the objections of the entire Utah congressional delegation and local leadership — mining operations in the region shut down, economies collapsed, schools closed, and families left.

Background: The Congressional Review Act

The CRA allows Congress to reject a federal agency rule within a 60-legislative-session-day window after the rule is formally reported to Congress. It requires only a simple majority in both chambers, bypassing the 60-vote threshold required to break a Senate filibuster. The CRA gives Congress the authority to review and reject federal agency rules through a simple majority vote, a tool designed to ensure the legislative branch retains meaningful oversight over executive agency decisions with the force of law.

“We have a 1.9 million acre, sweeping land-use regime finalized in the final days of a failed President, with generational consequences for rural Utah communities,” said Sen. Mike Lee. “Congress does not surrender its oversight responsibility simply because an agency labels something a ‘plan’ rather than a ‘rule.’ The GAO has now confirmed what the law makes clear: this Resource Management Plan is a rule. It carries binding consequences. It shapes what can and cannot occur across millions of acres. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the right to review it.”

Local Support

Garfield County Commissioners Jerry Taylor, Leland Pollock, and David Tebbs wrote in support of the CRA: “Despite extensive written comments, alternative proposals, and supporting data, very little of the County’s input was incorporated into the final plan. The GAO’s determination provides Congress with an appropriate opportunity to review the plan and consider whether it reflects a lawful, coordinated, and balanced approach to land management. Given the lack of meaningful coordination with affected local governments, Garfield County supports congressional oversight and review under the CRA.”

Kane County Commissioners Gwen Brown, Celeste Meyers, and Patty Kubeja joined in supporting the resolution: “The Kane County Commission supports congressional action under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the BLM Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Commission urges Congress to ensure that future land management reflects statutory intent, respects local governments, and preserves reasonable access and multiple-use opportunities.”

Utah Delegation Statements

“Our lands are best managed and most appreciated by those who live closest to them. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration’s overreaching management plan for the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument clearly does not reflect the full spectrum of voices who live and work in the area,”said Senator Curtis. “This resolution will help ensure that future management plans better serve the long-term interests of Utahns, not distant federal agencies.”

“Major land-use decisions impacting millions of acres and generations of Utahns should not bypass congressional oversight. No one manages Utah’s lands better than the people of Utah,” said Representative Moore. “We have shown that we can protect natural treasures while also supporting grazing, recreation, tourism, and responsible energy development. We’ve consistently demonstrated that we deserve a seat at the table, and this decision will help ensure Utah’s lands are not used by administrations to advance political goals that ignore local needs, thereby avoiding Congressional oversight.”

"We must ensure that Utah has a meaningful voice in how land within its borders is managed, allow for responsible mineral development and energy production, strengthen local economies and support domestic resource security,” said Representative Kennedy. “We can protect the landscape while also recognizing the importance of jobs, access, and state input in federal land decisions.”


House Passes McBath's Bipartisan Bill to Combat Human Trafficking

Washington, DC—Today, Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) celebrated House passage of their H.R. 4307, the bipartisan Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act.

“Today, the House took an important step forward in the fight against human trafficking and passed our bipartisan bill. By strengthening the Department of Labor’s ability to train personnel to recognize and report the warning signs of trafficking, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable from exploitation and abuse. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands vigilance, coordination, and accountability at every level of government. I am proud to see my bill advance in the Congress, and I thank Chairman Walberg for his collaboration as we remain committed to ensuring that victims are protected and perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Congresswoman McBath.

“Today, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a stand in denouncing the scourge of human trafficking,” said Chairman Walberg. “Very often, Department of Labor employees are the first to encounter signs of human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation; the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act provides these employees with the tools and knowledge needed to detect and address this heinous crime. I was proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill alongside Congresswoman McBath to protect the most vulnerable, including women and children, from exploitation.”

H.R. 4307, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act:


House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Delivers Remarks During Floor Debate on Iran War Powers Resolution

Washington, D.C. - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today delivered the following remarks on the floor during debate on House Concurrent Resolution 38, a bipartisan War Powers Resolution introduced by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) to prohibit the Trump administration's hostilities against Iran.

"In Donald Trump’s own words, in Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s own words… The United States is at war with Iran.

"Did Congress authorize that war, as the Constitution requires? No.

"Was there any imminent threat requiring this use of force? The administration has presented none. In fact, the word imminent does not appear once in the administration's own War Powers notification.

"Did the Trump administration even bother making the case to the American people or to Congress? Just eight days ago, during the State of the Union, the most visible platform a president has, he could have laid out the rationale for military action. Instead, Iran, was just a footnote in a record-long speech.

"This is a war of choice, launched by this administration without authorization, without clearly stated objectives or a defined endgame, and without explaining how they intend to keep Americans safe.

"The chaos unleashed will not be borne by the president’s family. It will be borne by our men and women in uniform who will face retaliation from Iran and its proxy networks. It will be borne by innocent civilians at heightened risk of attacks from Iran’s aligned terrorist cells. It will be borne by American families paying more for groceries, for electricity, and for gasoline. All for Trump’s war of choice.

"Americans woke up Saturday to news that the United States is again at war in the Middle East. They don’t know for how long, because the president has not articulated a clearly defined endgame. Military action without a defined strategy invites escalation, mission creep, and failure. We should have learned this lesson already from Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam.

"As Benjamin Franklin said, 'when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.'

"This War Powers Resolution is simple. This is not a vote on authorization for use of military force. This simply demands that President Trump come to Congress as the Constitution demands, to seek authorization for what he himself has described as a war.

"The War Powers Resolution does not prevent the United States from defending itself. It does not stop the president from responding to an imminent attack. It does not limit us from protecting our troops.

"I’ve served in Congress for nearly three decades. I’ve been in this chamber as this body has done its most sacred and serious work: deliberating whether to send American service members into harm’s way.

"I was here for the vote after 9/11 to go into Afghanistan, a heavy decision but one I believed was necessary for our national security.

"I was here for the invasion of Iraq. The Bush administration did come to Congress to provide intelligence -- some real and some deeply flawed -- and made their case. I ultimately voted against that war of choice and historic failure, but at least the Bush administration followed the Constitution.

"And year after year, I have watched Congress gradually relinquish its authority on matters of war to the Executive branch. We’ve allowed overly broad Authorizations for Use of Military Force to remain on the book. We have permitted presidents of both parties to commit forces without a vote. This war with Iran is the most extreme example of that abdication.

"The framers rejected the idea of a king. That is why they granted Congress the power to declare war. It is long past time to reclaim that authority; President Trump is not a king, and if he believes that war with Iran is in our national interest, then he must come to Congress and make that case.

"I would oppose his war of choice, but each Member here must make clear with their vote where they stand and own that decision.

"The president has initiated hostilities without a clear mission, without a coherent strategy, and without a defined endgame. This open-ended, undefined military engagement is precisely what the War Powers Resolution was designed to restrain. We are not the Iranian Parliament; we are not a rubber stamp. We are a co-equal branch of government, and our duty is not optional, it was written in the Constitution. The framers gave Congress this authority because they believed no single person should have the power to take this nation to war alone. Today we either defend that principle or we surrender it. I choose to defend it."

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Rep. Gregory Meeks and USPS Honor Muhammad Ali with Stamp Unveiling Ceremony

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are recognizing an iconic American heavyweight boxer, activist and philanthropist also known as “The Greatest,” of all time Muhammad Ali during a stamp unveiling ceremony in Southeast Queens. The event happened on Tuesday, March 3, 10 a.m. to noon ET at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life in Jamaica, NY.

“Muhammad Ali was more than a boxing champion,” Rep. Meeks said. “He was a historic figure who transformed sports and influenced culture worldwide. As a decorated heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Ali achieved extraordinary success in the ring. Outside of it, he was a staunch advocate for justice and equality. Ali is a true representation of an American hero showing courage and determination. This unveiling ceremony is a meaningful gesture to honor his remarkable accomplishments and profound impact on American history.”

More than 150 people attended the event, and over 6,000 Muhammad Ali stamps were purchased.

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Speaker Johnson: Peace Isn’t Secured Through Appeasement or Pallets of Cash, Peace Is Secured Through Strength

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson discussed the early success of Operation Epic Fury and stressed the need for Congress to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security amid warnings of lone wolf and sleeper cell attacks on the homeland.

“As members of this body, our first and most basic duty is to ensure the safety of American citizens; maybe that's why [Democrats] sat through that line at the State of the Union. They're more interested in protecting illegal aliens. They see that as their first responsibility. There's no other way to explain this,” Speaker Johnson said. “If they ever want to correct the impression that their party prioritizes the welfare of illegal aliens over the welfare of American citizens, tomorrow would be a great place to start.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s press conference remarks here.

On Operation Epic Fury:

We're 4 days in so far on Operation Epic Fury. It's been limited, precise, and extremely lethal. It's been a remarkable success thus far as recounted as recently as the last couple of hours by those leaders I mentioned. The early results are very encouraging. Iran’s naval fleet is degraded – that was the first part of the mission, or at least the second part. The first part was the missiles, and its missile facilities in Iran and the stockpiles have severely depleted. Its former Ayatollah, the mastermind behind decades of terrorist violence, recounted by Chairman Mast and all of us over the last several days, he is now deceased.

The administration has detailed its rationale behind the operation and it bears repeating: The largest state sponsor of terrorism – Iran and its proxies – have killed more Americans than any other terrorist regime on Earth. They are dedicated to it. They have been and they say the quiet parts out loud. They wanted to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth and they would like to take us out as well. We're the “Great Satan” in their analogy, in their misguided religion, and there was no way to appease them.

In defiance of every American president since Jimmy Carter, the Iranian regime has pursued the means to acquire a nuclear weapon so that they could take that madness and that ideology to its full conclusion. Everyone, regardless of political affiliation, should be able to agree that that can never happen and should never happen.

On President Trump securing peace through strength:

In short, the situation was untenable. We had our personnel, troops, citizens, installations, and assets in harm's way, and through this operation, President Trump took decisive and defensive action to ensure the safety of our forces, our citizens, our allies, and our homeland. In my estimation, this course of action was necessary, lawful and effective, and reversing it now would weaken America. Congress has a constitutional right to exercise its oversight authority and we will, but we also have a duty and obligation not to undercut our own national security.

One last note: There is a misconception that Operation Epic Fury is in any way a diversion from Republican demands for peace. It's the opposite. Peace is not secured through appeasement, and it's certainly not secured by airdropping billions of dollars on terrorist regimes, which is what previous Democrat administrations have done. Peace is secured through strength. That is the principle that our party has stood for my entire life. That's what this administration is demonstrating and that is why America is the last great superpower on the planet, and all freedom-loving people around the world are grateful to God for that.

On the need to protect our homeland and fund DHS amid heightened threats:

We all remember that under Joe Biden, Democrats opened wide our nation’s borders for 4 catastrophic years. They allowed hundreds on the terrorist watch list across our border illegally and unwittingly. They released 2.2 million known gateways into the interior. We have no idea where so many of those individuals are. These are individuals who entered our country illegally. They were detected by law enforcement, and they evaded capture. We don't know where they are, we don't know what they're doing, or what they're plotting. And we pray that we can find them and apprehend them. Keep your head on a swivel.

CBP figures show that the number of Iranian nationals entering our country illegally rose precipitously under Joe Biden’s open borders policy. During that period at least 1,500 Iranians crossed the US border illegally and over 700 were released into the country. Now the 1,500 number is not an accurate assessment because we frankly have no idea because they weren't even keeping track of so many of the people coming across, who evaded capture, and evaded notice because the border was wide open. So, we don't know how many dangerous people are here – how many Iranians who believed in that ideology of the Ayatollah, who now is buried. Think about that. Over 1,500 Iranian nationals traveled multiple oceans to enter the U.S., not through legal ports of entry, but unlawfully at our border. It's just a small sample of the mess we inherited from Democrats with their radical ideology, and the mess that President Trump and Republicans are working in earnest to clean up so we can save American lives and protect the homeland.

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DEMOCRATS’ DHS SHUTDOWN: BY THE NUMBERS

“It is inexcusable that Democrats continue to shut down the American government over and over, hurting American citizens and jeopardizing the security of our homeland — on purpose — to protect illegal aliens.” – Speaker Johnson

WASHINGTON — Thanks to the ongoing Democrat shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA operations are disrupted following a historic season of winter storms on the East Coast, TSA agents are working another week without pay, the Secret Service is going unfunded while another armed attempt was made recently on President Trump’s life, and our nation witnessed an act of terrorism in Texas over the weekend. Given the heightened threat environment and the recent DHS warning about lone wolf terrorists and sleeper cells, Democrats must stop undermining the safety and security of the American people and fund DHS.

DEMOCRATS’ HISTORY OF SHUTDOWNS:

19: Days the Democrats have kept the government partially shut down and DHS unfunded; jeopardizing our homeland security and placing undue financial insecurity on employees of one of our nation’s largest federal agencies.

3: Number of shutdowns Democrats have forced on the American people in the last 100 days.

43 Days: The longest Democrat shutdown in American history.

$15 Billion: The cost per week of the Democrats’ last government shutdown.

DHS EMPLOYEES WORKING UNPAID, AGAIN:

120,000: Total number of DHS employees who are working without pay.

95%: Percentage of TSA employees who will continue to work without pay for the duration of the shutdown.

Two-thirds: Share of employees of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) furloughed during the shutdown.

REAL AND PRESENT THREATS:

729: Iranian nationals released into the interior of the United States during the Biden Administration, despite terrorism concerns.

2.2 Million: Illegal alien “got-aways” who evaded Border Patrol under the Biden Administration and unlawfully entered the United States.

3: People killed, alongside 14 injured, in an Austin, Texas shooting on February 28, 2026, under investigation as an act of terror; the shooter was wearing a sweatshirt that read “Property of Allah” and an undershirt bearing the Iranian flag. Authorities later uncovered an Iranian flag and photos of regime leaders in his apartment.

10 million: Expected visitors traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside several other large-scale events the nation will host.

3: Assassination attempts on President Trump’s life; the most recent attempt taking place in the middle of the Democrat DHS shutdown.

57.7%: Increase in threats posed to members of Congress; a jump of more than 5,000 threats investigated by USCP.

DHS SUCCESS IN YEAR ONE:

0: Number of illegals released into the United States in the past 10 months.

125: Years since the national murder rate hit figures as low as current rate.

3 Million: Illegal aliens who left the United States voluntarily since President Trump reentered office.

56%: The drop in Fentanyl trafficked across the U.S. border.

145,000: Amount of unaccompanied alien children who went missing during the Biden Administration that have since been reunited with their loved ones.

AMERICANS SUPPORT THE WORK OF DHS:

73% of Americans agree that entering the U.S. without permission is breaking the law.

61% of Americans support deporting illegal aliens to their home countries.

58% of Americans oppose calls to defund ICE.

35%: Percentage of swing-state voters who approve of shutting down DHS funding.

45%: Approve of President Trump’s handling of American immigration – 11 points higher than former President Joe Biden’s approval in February 2022.

85%: Percentage of American voters who believe government shutdowns negatively impact the country.

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House Passes Moulton’s Bipartisan Legislation to Support Next Generation of Commercial Fishermen

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3692, the Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo Young Fishermen’s Development Act. Led by Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06), the bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Young Fishermen’s Development Grant program for another five years, ensuring the continued growth and safety of America’s commercial fishing industry.

The bill, which passed by voice vote, was renamed in honor of Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, the captain of the fishing vessel Lily Jean, who tragically died at sea with his six crew members on January 30, 2026.

"Commercial fishing is at the heart of Massachusetts’ identity and economy, but this legacy will not endure if we don’t help the next generation get started,” said Congressman Moulton.

“I am proud to rename this bill after Captain Sanfilippo. As a father, he led by example with kindness, patience, steady guidance, integrity, and a generous heart. As a captain, he shared the same values with the young members of his crew. Captain Sanfilippo took each young worker under his wing, showing them not only how to succeed in the industry, but how to carry themselves with responsibility and courage. He took great pride in his role as captain and was, above all else, courageous and selfless.”

This federal grant program supports the education of the next generation of commercial fishermen, providing vocational training to enter the industry and transition into roles as captains.

You can watch the full video of Congressman Moulton’s remarks during floor debate here.

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Moulton Secures Over $27 Million In FEMA Grants For Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $27 million in federal grants to protect critical infrastructure in Ipswich and Salem. The funding will be used to relocate vulnerable sewer systems that are currently at high risk of failure due to rising sea levels and extreme weather.

In Ipswich, Moulton secured $15,000,000 for the Town Wharf Sewer Pump Station Relocation and Flood Mitigation Project. The current infrastructure sits in a flood-prone area adjacent to state-conserved wetlands, where it faces repeated threats of inundation and service failure during coastal surges. This grant will fund the relocation of the station out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), replacing vulnerable components with a modern, flood-resistant system that prevents the discharge of untreated wastewater into sensitive ecological zones.

In Salem, Moulton secured $12,149,794.80 for the relocation of the Willow Avenue Sewer Pipeline. This project involves removing an aging, 24-inch cast iron sewer main that currently sits on wooden piles within the harbor’s tidal zone, a site Moulton has been focused on since he visited in 2022 to advocate for federal intervention. The funding will allow the city to move the utility inland and bury it beneath city streets, protecting the harbor from potential sewage leaks caused by storm debris and ensuring continued service for over 1,200 local homes.

"We need real, permanent solutions for our district that will protect our coastline and community for generations to come," said Congressman Moulton. "This federal funding will go beyond just some new pipes and pumps. It will help protect our harbors, keep our water clean, and ensure one single storm doesn't result in a public health emergency because of vulnerable infrastructure."

“The Willow Avenue sewer pipe has been a long-standing hazard to our community,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “While the City has taken steps in the last few years to improve the integrity of the pipe, the fact that a major sewer pipe, moving up to 2 million gallons of untreated sewage every day, crosses our harbor on the surface creates an unavoidable risk. This grant will enable us to relocate the 118-year-old pipe out of the harbor, eliminating that risk. I’m enormously grateful to Congressman Moulton, Senator Warren, and Senator Markey for their advocacy and support for this project funding.”

“As a coastal community, the Town of Ipswich must reposition its most vulnerable infrastructure to continue service to ratepayers and be responsible stewards of our coastal region,” said Select Board Chair, Charles D. Surpitski. “We are thrilled to receive this $15,000,000 FEMA grant with the assistance of Congressman Seth Moulton. This funding makes this critical project possible, as it would have been financially out of reach for Ipswich sewer ratepayers. I would like to personally thank all town staff that have put so much time and effort into making this project a reality. The commitment from the entire team has been outstanding.”

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Moulton Submits Amendments Before DHS Appropriations Bill Vote

March 4, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) submitted a series of targeted amendments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Bill during this week's House Rules Committee hearing.

They are:

The Healthcare Reinvestment Act: Redirects proposed ICE funding increases to extend ACA premium tax credits.

TPS Protections: Prohibits the use of funds to arrest or deport eligible Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients.

Restricting Strategic Transfers: Prevents the government from transferring non-citizens to different states within ten days of apprehension to seek "friendlier" judicial rulings.

Detention Standards: Prohibits overnight detention at ICE field offices not equipped for long-term stays, specifically addressing substandard conditions in Burlington.

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Neal Opening Statement at Full Committee Hearing with IRS CEO Frank Bisignano

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This Administration owes the American people an explanation for the reckless sabotage and illegality they have waged over the IRS for the last year. Every week there’s more reporting about the Administration’s carelessness at handling people’s data and being responsible stewards of tax dollars.

Last week, we learned that a federal judge found the Trump Administration violated the law not once, not twice, but 42,695 times when improperly sharing confidential taxpayer information with immigration authorities. Think about that. 42,695 abuses of sensitive information that Americans entrusted their government with. Amazingly consistent, still not a red flag raised from Republicans on this Committee, tasked with overseeing the IRS and the protection of America’s data. Would the 42,696th violation of the law raise a Republican eyebrow? What will it take to finally get to the truth about what has unfolded under their willful blindness towards the danger coming out of this Administration?

Americans need an IRS that serves them reliably, not one that’s repurposed as a tool for the President’s grifting. But it’s become clear that for Republicans, a functional, transparent IRS is not a priority. They won’t blink as Trump extorts the IRS to write him a $10 billion check but will champion slashing resources that help Americans, cutting the Direct File program that had a 94% approval rating and saved taxpayers millions. More than 20% of the IRS workforce has been cut. Now, the Administration is papering over self-inflicted failures by putting bodies in chairs with no experience processing returns or in customer service.

With poor decisions piling up, wait times are climbing, calls are going unanswered, and Americans know exactly who to blame for delays. Meanwhile, wealthy tax evaders are celebrating as investigations into abusive schemes have plunged 63%.

When refunds do come, it’s more broken promises. Trump promised the “largest refund season in history” with increases of $1,000. But Republicans’ own data show gains for the average American are much smaller than promised, and are skewed to the wealthy like their tax bill, and nonexistent for most households earning under $100,000. Filing season data is showing increases averaged at just $350, a far cry from what Republicans guaranteed. And over half a million people who have had their refunds delayed by the President are instead receiving an unknown “letter” that Treasury refused to provide to this Committee. Not to mention that any modest increases are being wiped out with Trump’s tariffs that have illegally pickpocketed families for more than $1700.

When Democrats ran the show, we made overdue, critical investments that made filing easier, cut wait times, saved Americans money, and recovered more than $1 billion from rich evaders. Republicans have wasted no time reversing course in a campaign to dismantle the IRS’s ability to function, leaving their wealthy friends, and the President himself, to cash in.

This hearing, and what we’ve watched unfold for the past year, serves as a reminder that Republicans made permanent tax cuts for billionaires the priority, leaving families with temporary, gimmick-filled relief that won’t combat their soaring costs. People see this betrayal for what it is, and Democrats will fight to deliver something better.

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Norton Calls Trump Administration “Most Corrupt in History” in Oversight Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from today’s Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (COGR) hearing on fraud and misuse of government funds in Minnesota.

“My Republican colleagues have now held two hearings to talk about fraud in one single state. But they have completely ignored the fact that the Trump administration is the most corrupt administration in history,” Norton said. “If Republicans really cared about fraud, abuse and holding criminals accountable, they would call out Donald Trump for firing 17 inspectors general. These internal watchdogs are the frontline of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies.”

Norton’s full remarks follow.

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hearing of the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform

March 4, 2026

It is critical that the federal government support people who need assistance with food, housing and health care. Unfortunately, as long as the government provides these services, there will be bad actors trying to take advantage of them.

We need to prevent and identify these fraudsters so that social services can reach those who need them. However, we cannot recklessly deny help to the many people who need these services because of a few bad actors.

My Republican colleagues have now held two hearings to talk about fraud in one single state. But they have completely ignored the fact that the Trump administration is the most corrupt administration in history.

If Republicans really cared about fraud, abuse and holding criminals accountable, they would call out Donald Trump for firing 17 inspectors general. These internal watchdogs are the frontline of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies.

The Trump administration has also retaliated against whistleblowers, and allowed administration officials to engage in serious conflicts of interest that often cross the line into outright corruption.

We need inspectors general, whistleblower protections and rules prohibiting conflicts of interest to protect federal programs and make sure that people can get the services they need.

Across the country, Americans are struggling to afford their health care premiums and their groceries. The Trump administration should be strengthening the social safety net, not cutting the safeguards that catch fraudsters taking advantage of it.


NH Delegation Presses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Future ICE Facilities in NH

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), are pushing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to definitively rule out developing any ICE facilities in New Hampshire without state and local support.

While DHS recently confirmed that it wasnot moving forward with its planned project in Merrimack, the agency has refused to rule out the potential of restarting the project and refused to provide any information about whether it was pursuing plans elsewhere in New Hampshire.

“Last week, in response to congressional inquiries, ICE stated that the agency is not moving forward with plans for a facility at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway in Merrimack at this time. However, ICE explicitly refused to comment on any other plans for ICE facilities in New Hampshire,” wrote the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation. “The people of New Hampshire have clearly and repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding potential new ICE facilities in the Granite State... While the plans for this specific proposed facility have now been paused, we continue to have strong concerns that DHS has or may develop other plans for a new ICE facility in New Hampshire without listening to and accounting for the concerns of Granite Staters.”

In their letter, the Congressional Delegation pushed Secretary Noem to publicly provide any sites that it has evaluated for use as an ICE facility, in Merrimack or elsewhere in New Hampshire, as well as the current status of its plan, and a commitment from DHS that it will not develop or operate these facilities unless it obtains the support of local leadership, including state and local elected officials as well as law enforcement and emergency services.

The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation has continued to push the Department of Homeland Security to listen to local voices when it comes to the development of ICE facilities. The Delegation repeatedlyhighlighted for Secretary Noem the local concerns with its planned facility in Merrimack, which resulted in the cancellation of the project. The New Hampshire delegationintroduced bicameral legislation requiring DHS to solicit public comments and receive written approval from state and local officials before constructing, acquiring, or operating any new ICE facility.

Click here to read the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation’s letter to Secretary Noem, or see below:

Dear Secretary Noem:

We write today to seek information about Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans regarding new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in New Hampshire.

Last week, in response to congressional inquiries, ICE stated that the agency is not moving forward with plans for a facility at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway in Merrimack at this time. However, ICE explicitly refused to comment on any other plans for ICE facilities in New Hampshire.

The people of New Hampshire have clearly and repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding potential new ICE facilities in the Granite State. Local leaders were left out of discussions with DHS regarding the facility at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway in Merrimack, creating a situation where DHS plans continued to move forward without crucial local input. While the plans for this specific proposed facility have now been paused, we continue to have strong concerns that DHS has or may develop other plans for a new ICE facility in New Hampshire without listening to and accounting for the concerns of Granite Staters.

Please provide answers to the following questions no later than Friday, March 13, 2026:

We understand that DHS has paused its plan to purchase property and operate an ICE facility at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Is DHS guaranteeing that project will not move forward, or leaving open the possibility of resuming it in the future?

Since January 20, 2025, has DHS evaluated any sites in Merrimack for potential use as ICE facilities other than 50 Robert Milligan Parkway?

If so, please provide a list of locations considered, the current status of these projects, and all documents prepared for these projects including but not limited to any economic impact analyses.

Since January 20, 2025, has DHS evaluated any other locations for potential new ICE facilities elsewhere in New Hampshire?

If so, please provide a list of locations considered, the current status of these projects, and all documents prepared for these projects including but not limited to any economic impact analyses.

Since January 20, 2025, has DHS evaluated expanding or increasing capabilities at any existing federal government owned or operated locations in New Hampshire to support DHS immigration enforcement, detention, or removal operations?

If so, please provide a list of locations considered, the current status of these projects, and all documents prepared for these projects including but not limited to any economic impact analyses.

Is DHS continuing to explore the possibility of developing and operating a new ICE facility in New Hampshire at this time?

Will DHS consider developing and operating a new ICE facility in New Hampshire in the future?

Will DHS commit to not developing or operating any new ICE facilities in New Hampshire unless it obtains the support of local leadership, including state and local elected officials as well as law enforcement and emergency services?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.


Pappas Demands State Department Assist and Return Americans Stuck in Middle East

Due to the war with Iran, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined a letter yesterday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the State Department to help stranded Americans leave the Middle East and return to the United States.

The letter to Rubio, which is signed by 61 Members of Congress total, calls for charter flights, military operations and all other resources at the State Department’s disposal to be used to bring Americans back to the U.S. safely and quickly. It also asks the Department to issue updated guidance including making sure Americans know what expenses they are responsible for in the case of evacuation. In addition, the correspondence criticizes the Administration for failing to have an evacuation plan already in place.

The members wrote, “The Department instructs American citizens to use commercial transportation means. However, as you are aware, most flights have been cancelled, airports are closed, and commercial travel is not feasible. Consequently, Americans have reported being stranded, even as other governments like the United Kingdom are reportedly offering transport. Furthermore, at least one report suggests the State Department’s emergency number merely recites the ‘same security update posted online’ rather than providing substantive guidance. Embassies are also closed or shutting down.”

“These issues were predictable. The lack of clear preparation, planning, and communication to Americans abroad is unacceptable and a violation of the State Department’s basic mission to provide consular assistance and “the protection of U.S. citizens overseas,” they continued.

“At this harrowing moment, it is important that every American seeking to return home has the opportunity to do so. We urge the State Department to commit to using all resources at its disposal, including charter flights, to help those Americans affected return to the United States safely and quickly. We urge you to consider charter flights and military operations for evacuation simultaneously. We also ask that you provide updated guidance to travelers with clear directives on how and where evacuations may be available, and any expenses for which they will be responsible. Lastly, we ask the Department to coordinate with our allies and partners in the region to increase capacity and provide those stranded with more options to seek safety,” they concluded.

A copy of the letter to Secretary Rubio can be read below and here.

Dear Secretary Rubio:

Since Operation Epic Fury began, indiscriminate attacks from the Iranian regime and regime-aligned forces have targeted American and allied civilians, military personnel, facilities, embassies, and hotels, causing casualties and significant damage.

In response to the evident security risks, on March 2, the State Department’s Assistant Secretary of Consular Affairs issued a “DEPART NOW” communication urging American citizens in 15 countries and territories to leave due to “serious safety risks.” The countries and territories cited include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The Department instructs American citizens to use commercial transportation means. However, as you are aware, most flights have been cancelled, airports are closed, and commercial travel is not feasible. Consequently, Americans have reported being stranded, even as other governments like the United Kingdom are reportedly offering transport.

Furthermore, at least one report suggests the State Department’s emergency number merely recites the “same security update posted online” rather than providing substantive guidance. Embassies are also closed or shutting down.

These issues were predictable. The lack of clear preparation, planning, and communication to Americans abroad is unacceptable and a violation of the State Department’s basic mission to provide consular assistance and “the protection of U.S. citizens overseas.”

At this harrowing moment, it is important that every American seeking to return home has the opportunity to do so. We urge the State Department to commit to using all resources at its disposal, including charter flights, to help those Americans affected return to the United States safely and quickly. We urge you to consider charter flights and military operations for evacuation simultaneously. We also ask that you provide updated guidance to travelers with clear directives on how and where evacuations may be available, and any expenses for which they will be responsible. Lastly, we ask the Department to coordinate with our allies and partners in the region to increase capacity and provide those stranded with more options to seek safety.

We look forward to your quick response.

Sincerely,


Pappas, Whitehouse Reintroduce Updated DISCLOSE Act to End Corrupting Influence of Dark Money in American Elections

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) today led 182 colleagues in both houses of Congress in reintroducing the DISCLOSE Act, legislation to end the scourge of dark money in our democracy, shine a bright light of transparency on politics, and make government more accountable to the will of voters. The bill is sponsored by all 47 senators who caucus with Democrats, and 139 Democrats in the House.

"Trust in our government is nearing historic lows, and we need to take action to bring greater transparency to our elections and restore Americans’ faith that their voices will be heard in our democracy,” said Congressman Pappas. “The DISCLOSE Act would stop billionaires and corporate special interests from secretly buying our elections by requiring dark money groups to disclose who their donors are and shining a light on payments made to social media influencers to promote or attack candidates. It is critical that we pass this legislation to put the power of our democracy back in the hands of the people.”

“The Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision opened the floodgates to billions in dark money slime, fouling American politics ever since. The Court’s decision, which was based on egregiously false facts, corrupted our political process by allowing billionaires and the wealthiest corporations to spend unlimited money in elections while hiding from public view,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We need to pass the DISCLOSE Act to make government respond to ordinary Americans, not creepy billionaires. It’s time we shut the dark money floodgates.”

“The Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling flooded our elections with dark money, allowing billionaires to spend unlimited sums without accountability, oversight or disclosure,” said Rep. Raskin. “The DISCLOSE Act would unmask the anonymous billionaire donors dominating our elections and expose foreign influence, at least putting more power and information back into the hands of the American people. I’m grateful to my colleagues Senator Whitehouse and Rep. Pappas for leading this important effort alongside me.”

“I’m grateful to Congressman Pappas for leading this important effort to root out dark money and corruption in our elections,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle. “The American people deserve to know who is trying to influence their vote, and we cannot allow wealthy hidden interests to drown out their voices.”

Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, secret spending in U.S. elections by corporations, ultra-rich ideological extremists, and secretive front groups has exploded. These dark-money expenditures that corrupt our politics increased from less than $5 million in 2006 to more than $300 million in the 2012 election cycle, and topped $1.9 billion in 2024, shattering the previous record of $1 billion in 2020.

The DISCLOSE Act would restore transparency in American elections and restore fairness and accountability in our political system by:

Requiring super PACs, 501(c)(4) “dark money” groups, corporations, and other organizations spending more than $10,000 in elections and on judicial nominations to promptly disclose donors who contribute more than $10,000;

Shutting down the use of transfers between organizations to cloak the identity of the original contributor.

Strengthening prohibitions against foreign actors participating in election spending in the United States, including in state and local referenda;

Prohibiting the establishment of corporations to conceal election contributions and donations by foreign actors;

Expanding “stand by your ad” disclosure requirements to online ads and ads that may promote or attack a candidate but stop short of expressly advocating for a vote for or against a candidate; and

Requiring identification of top funders of outside groups paying for video, text, or audio political ads.

The bill has been adapted to the modern political ecosystem. The DISCLOSE Act of 2026 would:

Capture payments made to social media influencers to promote or oppose a candidate as political spending that must be disclosed and disclaimed;

Narrow and specify what constitutes threats and harassment to qualify for an exemption to disclosure, and put commonsense guardrails on the process to grant such exemptions; and

Allow more flexibility for disclaimers for short political ads instead of limiting it to hyperlinks.

Several prominent good-government organizations cheered the bill’s reintroduction today, including Campaign Legal Center, Democracy Defenders Action, Public Citizen, Democracy21, End Citizens United, Common Cause, Center for American Progress, and the Brennan Center.

“Americans deserve to know who is spending money to influence their elections. Every cycle, billions of dollars move through our political system with little to no transparency, allowing billionaires and powerful special interests to influence and shape election outcomes while working families are left in the dark about who’s behind the campaigns,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “The DISCLOSE Act is a commonsense step to bring sunlight back into our elections and restore accountability. We thank Senator Whitehouse and Representatives Pappas and Raskin for their continued leadership to increase transparency and integrity in our elections, and we look forward to working alongside them to build the momentum necessary to get this bill passed.”

“Our campaign finance system is failing voters, in no small part due to the torrents of anonymous spending aimed at influencing their decisions during election season,” said Trevor Potter, President of Campaign Legal Center and former Republican Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. “As the amount of secret spending increases, the need for Congress to pass the DISCLOSE Act becomes ever more urgent. Dark money denies voters critically important information about the sources of election spending, while also leaving our elections vulnerable to corruption and foreign influence. It is beyond time for Congress to come together on a bipartisan basis and pass this commonsense legislation.”

“All Americans deserve to know who is trying to influence their voices and their votes. However, when hundreds of millions of dollars in secret political money are spent on elections, Americans are too often left in the dark,” said Amb. Norman Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board chair of Democracy Defenders Action. “We commend the leadership of Senator Whitehouse and Representatives Pappas and Raskin for introducing the DISCLOSE Act, which will close loopholes that have been exploited by foreign governments and dark money groups. Democracy Defenders Action urges Congress to immediately pass this important legislation to shine a light on secret, special interest and foreign money so all Americans can get the transparency they deserve.”

“We applaud Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for the powerful national leadership he has provided to protect the American people from the flow of corrupting secret, or dark, money in the nation’s capital. Unlimited dark money contributions, spent to influence elections and officeholders, are among the most dangerous money in American politics. The absence of disclosure of this money means there is no way to hold accountable influence-buying billionaires and millionaires and influence-selling officeholders. The DISCLOSE act is the key to lifting this shroud of secrecy,” said Fred Wertheimer, President of Democracy 21.

“Full disclosure of money in politics is a principle that has overwhelming support among the American public. DISCLOSE 2026 would fulfill the public's demand for this transparency. Yet a significant portion of Congress continues to deny the public an open record of who is paying for what in American elections. This is particularly galling given the increasing wave of dark money flooding into our elections since the disastrous Citizens United decision. Public Citizen applauds all those who back the relentless efforts by Sen. Whitehouse and Reps. Pappas and Raskin and others to provide the transparency of money in politics so demanded by the American public,” said Craig Holman of Public Citizen.

A summary of the DISCLOSE Act of 2026 can be found here. The House bill text can be found here, and the Senate bill text can be found here.

Background:

Rep. Pappas has been an original cosponsor of the DISCLOSE Act since he came to Congress. He led efforts to pass the DISCLOSE Act in the 118th Congress following the retirement of Rep. David Cicilline.


HOUSE PASSES PLASKETT-BACKED BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO GUARANTEE IN-STATE TUITION FOR TERRITORIAL STUDENTS

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, bipartisan legislation that guarantees in-state tuition rates for students from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The bill, led by the territorial Members, passed the House floor today following debate and a full vote, marking a historic milestone in the decades-long fight to expand affordable higher education access for territorial students pursuing degrees on the mainland.

The legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions receiving federal funds to charge eligible territorial residents no more than the in-state tuition rate. Out-of-state tuition can be two to three times higher than in-state rates, representing a significant deterrent for families who already face higher costs of living, limited degree options on-island and the added burden of long-distance relocation.

"Today is a historic day for students and families across the U.S. territories," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Since my first term in office, I have advocated for legislation to expand in-state tuition access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. In 2022, I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the territories. Today, the House has spoken clearly: our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states. Guaranteeing in-state tuition is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and training needed to strengthen our local economies. I am proud to have fought alongside my colleagues to advance this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly so that we can deliver this long-overdue relief to territorial students and families."

“The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories,” Congressman Moylan (R-GU) said. “Too many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply aren’t available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families. This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. It’s about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guam’s growth.”

“This is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year University degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. Thank you to each of my colleagues. With passage by the full House, we’re a big step closer to fairness, and making a major difference in opportunity for our students,” said Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS).

“Students from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need," said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP).

"I want to thank Congressman Moylan for his leadership on this issue, as well as Congresswoman Radewagen, Congressman Hernández, and Congresswoman King-Hinds for their steadfast partnership in this fight for educational equity," Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. "I also extend my gratitude to Chairman Walberg, Ranking Member Scott, and every Member of the House of Representatives who voted to advance this critical legislation. Our work is not finished—this bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration, and if passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law. I remain fully committed to seeing this bill across the finish line, ensuring that Virgin Islands students and all territorial students finally have the same access to affordable higher education as their peers across this nation."

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