Himes seeks federal statute against insider tips

Himes Statement on Iran

Washington, DC - Today, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement: "Everything I have heard from the Administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame..."

Dem Leadership, Himes, Meeks, Smith, Khanna Announce Iran WPR Vote Next Week

Washington, DC - U.S. Representatives Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; Democratic Whip Katherine Clark; Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar; Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Ro Khanna, Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, today announced that House Democrats will force a vote on the Khanna-Massie Iran War Powers Resolution next week:

Himes To Speak at People's State of the Union on the National Mall

Washington, DC– Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that he will not attend President Trump's State of the Union address. Instead, Himes will join over 30 of his Democratic colleagues at the People's State of the Union on the National Mall...

Himes Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Bridgeport, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) today released the following statement: “Last week, Congress voted to reclaim its authority on tariffs against Canada and today, the Supreme Court validated what we've known for almost a year..."


Himes: New report underscores need for transportation investments


Jim Himes: Gratifying 2 Hebdo Suspects No Longer With Us


Himes Bipartisan Insider Trading Bill Passes Financial Services Committee


Remembering the Homeless in Stamford


Another Politician Wants to Ban Insider Trading


Panel on Human Trafficking Held in Stamford


Lawmaker Proposes Bipartisan Insider-Trading Ban


Medicare May Help Seniors If Advantage Plans Drop Doctors


CT lawmakers united in support for tax break bill


Court Decision Foils Insider-Trading Cases


Republicans have rejected our proposals to fund TSA


Rep. Houlahan speaks in support of the RAMP for Innovators Act


Statement on the Passing of Danise Baird

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Office of Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the passing of Danise Baird, wife of Congressman Baird:

“The Office of Congressman Jim Baird is saddened to announce the passing of his beloved wife, Danise, following complications from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this year. Congressman Baird and Danise were married for 59 years, building a life centered on faith, family, and service. A devoted wife and loving mother of three, she was the foundation of their family and will be deeply missed. We ask that you keep the Congressman and his family in your prayers during this difficult time.”


Fitzpatrick Statement on American Service Members Killed In Action

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) released the following statement on the deaths of the American service members during Operation Epic Fury:

“The United States has suffered a profound loss.

I am devastated by the deaths of American service members killed in action during Operation Epic Fury.

These American heroes gave their lives in defense of liberty, that others might live free in safety and in peace. Their sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder that freedom endures because brave men and women are willing to defend it, even at the highest cost.

We mourn our fallen heroes. We pray for the wounded. We stand with their families in this solemn hour—and we will always remember these brave Americans with honor.


Vital Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling in the Middle East

----UPDATE---- 3/2/2026

The following information is provided by my office from the U.S. Department of State:

The United States Department of State urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in http://step.state.gov to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Travel Advisory – Middle East Conflict Escalation


Comisionado Residente lidera esfuerzo demócrata para reducir el costo de vida en Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, junto a las congresistas Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Emily Randall (WA-06) y Val Hoyle (OR-4), encabezaron una conferencia de prensa en Puerto Rico para destacar la Agenda de Asequibilidad de la Coalición Nuevo Demócrata (New Democrat Coalition), una agenda enfocada en reducir el costo de vida.

Durante la conferencia de prensa, los miembros destacaron cómo las presiones económicas nacionales incluidos los aranceles del presidente Trump, las interrupciones en las cadenas de suministro y políticas económicas que priorizan a las grandes corporaciones, han afectado de manera desproporcionada a Puerto Rico y a sus distritos.

“La crisis del costo de vida en Puerto Rico es real y urgente, se siente en el supermercado, en la factura de la luz y en la farmacia. Por eso trajimos la Agenda de Asequibilidad de la Coalición Nuevo Demócrata directamente a la isla: un plan serio, basado en lo que escuchamos de nuestras comunidades, para reducir los costos cotidianos y llevar alivio real. Puerto Rico no puede seguir esperando promesas incumplidas; necesita soluciones.” expresó el Comisionado Residente.

"Los impuestos derivados de la guerra comercial de Trump les quitaron más de $1.600 a los presupuestos de las familias promedio el año pasado. Las facturas de electricidad, los precios de los alimentos y los costos de la vivienda dieron grandes mordidas a nuestros presupuestos, mientras que decenas de millones de estadounidenses vieron cómo se les quitaba su cobertura médica o tuvieron que pagar primas mensuales de seguro que se duplicaron o triplicaron", dijo la congresista Wasserman Schultz. "Los habitantes de Puerto Rico y Florida sienten esta presión aún más que la mayoría de los estadounidenses. Pero mientras los republicanos están ocupados haciendo que la vida sea cada vez más inasequible, los demócratas tienen planes detallados para realmente reducir los costos y arreglar un sistema roto que pone a los multimillonarios de Trump por encima de la gente trabajadora".

“Es momento de que el Congreso garantice que las personas puedan construir su futuro donde realmente pertenece su corazón, aquí mismo en Puerto Rico. Como miembros de la Coalición Nuevo Demócrata, los retos que enfrenta esta isla no son nuevos para nosotros. Por eso estamos enfocados en atender las causas de fondo de las dificultades económicas. En Puerto Rico, eso significa ampliar la vivienda asequible y crear verdaderos caminos para que la juventud pueda alquilar o comprar su primer hogar”, afirmó la representante Nellie Pou.

La congresista Emily Randall dijo: “Tenemos un reto real por delante. Es nuestra responsabilidad como miembros del Congreso brindar estabilidad, confiabilidad y el apoyo que las personas en todo el país necesitan. Me enorgullece la Agenda de Asequibilidad de la Coalición Nuevo Demócrata, que reinvierte en programas críticos de salud como Medicaid y Medicare y trabaja para ampliarlos de modo que sirvan a todas las personas por igual”.

“Estas inversiones no solo fortalecen nuestra infraestructura, también crean oportunidades para capacitar a la próxima generación en los oficios de la construcción. De eso se trata esta agenda de asequibilidad, porque el mejor programa social es un empleo bien remunerado en el que las familias no tengan que escoger entre pagar la renta o poner comida en la mesa”, expresó la congresista Val Hoyle.

La Coalición Nuevo Demócrata (New Democrat Coalition), un caucus de 114 demócratas pragmáticos, presentó la Agenda de Asequibilidad, que se centra en reducir cinco costos esenciales: alimentos y artículos básicos del hogar, atención médica, vivienda, energía y cuidado familiar, y que refleja prioridades planteadas directamente por las comunidades en el terreno, incluyendo en Puerto Rico.

La Agenda de Asequibilidad es un marco integral para reducir los costos cotidianos. Se enfoca en impulsar políticas para bajar el costo de los alimentos y el internet, frenar el aumento abusivo de precios por parte de corporaciones, reducir los gastos de bolsillo en salud, ampliar el acceso a vivienda asequible, modernizar la infraestructura energética para mantener facturas de servicios predecibles y apoyar a padres trabajadores, cuidadores y personas mayores.

En Puerto Rico, la crisis del costo de vida no es abstracta: se siente en el supermercado, en la factura de la luz y en la farmacia. Las familias pagan más por los alimentos porque la isla importa la mayor parte de lo que consume; las personas mayores dependen en gran medida de Medicare Advantage para costear su atención; y una energía poco confiable y costosa presiona los presupuestos de los hogares y de los pequeños negocios por igual. La Agenda de Asequibilidad responde directamente a estas realidades al enfocarse en reducir los costos cotidianos que las familias puertorriqueñas sienten primero y con mayor fuerza.

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Todos los miembros participantes forman parte de la Coalición Nuevo Demócrata, un grupo de 114 demócratas pragmáticos enfocados en promover políticas fiscalmente responsables y orientadas a resultados para reducir costos y fortalecer la economía.

Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner Leads New Democrats in Highlighting Affordability Agenda in Puerto Rico to Lower Cost of Living

Led by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández, members of the New Democrat Coalition highlight a policy roadmap to lower everyday costs.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, Pablo José Hernández, alongside Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Emily Randall (WA-06) y Val Hoyle (OR-4) led a press conference in Puerto Rico to highlight the New Democrat Coalition’s Affordability Agenda, a policy roadmap focused on lowering the cost of living.

During the press conference, Members highlighted how national economic pressures including President Trump’s tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and economic policies that prioritize large corporations have disproportionately affected Puerto Rico and their districts.

“The cost-of-living crisis in Puerto Rico is real and immediate, it’s what families see when they buy groceries, pay their electric bill, or pick up prescriptions. That’s why we brought the New Democrat Coalition’s Affordability Agenda directly to the island,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. This is a serious policy roadmap built from what communities are telling us on the ground, focused on lowering everyday costs and delivering relief where it’s needed most. Puerto Rico and our districts cannot afford more broken promises, we need solutions.”

"Trump’s trade war taxes took over $1,600 from average family budgets last year, as electric bills, grocery prices and housing costs took huge bites out our budgets, while tens of millions of Americans saw their healthcare coverage ripped away or they had to pay monthly insurance bills that doubled or tripled," Representative Wasserman Schultz said. "The people of Puerto Rico and Florida feel this squeeze even harder than most Americans. But while Republicans are busy making life even more unaffordable, Democrats have detailed plans to actually lower costs and fix a broken system that puts Trump’s billionaires over working people.”

“It’s time for Congress to ensure that people can build their futures where their hearts truly belong, right here in Puerto Rico. As members of the New Democrat Coalition, the challenges facing this island are not new to us. That’s why we are focused on addressing the root causes of economic hardship. In Puerto Rico, that means expanding affordable housing and creating real pathways for young people to rent or purchase their first home,” said Representative Nellie Pou.

Representative Emily Randall said, “We have a real challenge in front of us. It is our job as members of Congress to deliver stability, reliability, and the support that people across this country need. I’m proud of the New Democrat Coalition’s Affordability Agenda, which reinvests in critical health care programs like Medicaid and Medicare and works to expand them so they serve all people equally.”

“These investments not only strengthen our infrastructure, they also create opportunities to train the next generation in the building trades. That is what this affordability agenda is about because the best social program is a good-paying job where families don’t have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table,” said Representative Val Hoyle.

The New Democrat Coalition, a coalition of 114 pragmatic House Democrats, presented the Affordability Agenda, which centers on lowering five core costs including: groceries and household essentials, health care, housing, energy, and family care and reflects priorities raised directly by communities on the ground, including in Puerto Rico.

The Affordability Agenda is a policy roadmap to lower the everyday costs. The agenda focuses on advancing policies to lower food and internet costs, rein in corporate price gouging, reduce out-of-pocket health expenses, expand access to affordable housing, modernize energy infrastructure to keep utility bills predictable, and support working parents, caregivers, and seniors.

In Puerto Rico, the cost-of-living crisis is not abstract, it shows up at the grocery store, on the electric bill, and at the pharmacy. Families pay more for food because the island imports most of what it consumes, seniors depend heavily on Medicare Advantage to afford care, and unreliable, expensive energy strains household budgets and small businesses alike. The Affordability Agenda speaks directly to these realities by focusing on lowering everyday costs that Puerto Rican families feel first and hardest.

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All participating members are part of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of 114 pragmatic Democrats focused on advancing fiscally responsible, results-driven policies to lower costs and strengthen the economy.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON WBLS: “WHAT DONALD TRUMP HAS DONE IS PUT US IN GREATER DANGER”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on WBLS Open Line, where he emphasized that Democrats will vote to advance a War Powers Resolution to rein in Donald Trump’s unconstitutional military action in Iran and prevent a failed forever foreign war while continuing to hold this administration accountable for their failure to make life better for everyday Americans.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: We have a special guest joining us on the live line, and I’ll bring him on in just a moment. When we first booked this conversation, it was to discuss President Trump’s State of the Union address, the recent press conference from the Congressional Black Caucus and an update on the partial government shutdown. But family, everything shifted. We woke up yesterday to breaking news that the United States, under President Trump, in coordination with Israel, launched strikes on Iran. In those strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed along with other top leadership figures. This has now escalated into a major global crisis with retaliation, rising tensions and serious questions about what comes next. So let’s go straight to our guest. Joining us now is the Democratic House Leader representing New York’s Eighth Congressional District, my friend, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning, Congressman.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Great to be with the three of you. Thank you for having me back.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: Appreciate having you back. In this brief time, we’re talking about these specific things here. We wanted to hit the State of the Union, the partial government shutdown, also the Congressional Black Caucus. But, of course, we saw what happened and see what’s unfolded yesterday. So let’s jump right on in here. Congressman Jeffries, with the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and escalating tensions, what is Congress’ role right now in authorizing or checking military action and has that process been followed?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you so much. I think my view is that what Congress needs to do as soon as we return is to take up the Khanna- Massie resolution, a War Powers Resolution, that would require that the President and his administration terminate the use of armed forces from any hostilities right now moving forward in the absence of congressional authorization, because the Constitution is really clear. Only Congress has the power to declare war. There’s supposed to be a debate. The President needs to make his case to the American people, which he has failed to do, to justify getting us into another failed forever foreign war. And the first step in that process will be trying to move this resolution, which is going to have strong Democratic support. And the only real question is can we convince a handful of Republicans to do the right thing on behalf of the American people and uphold their constitutional responsibility?

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: Can you explain, because a lot of folks are saying that President Trump is moving illegally. Does he have the power? How is he moving like this, in the sense of, he moved on Venezuela, now he’s moved on Iran. How is he allowed to do this, and what checks and balances can be put in place, as you said, when the Congress comes back?

LEADER JEFFRIES: What we’ve seen over time, now this has gone on for decades, is that Presidents, sometimes of both parties, have taken it upon themselves to use military force in the absence of explicit congressional approval when they claim there’s a threat to the safety and security of the American people that is imminent, that needs to be acted upon, sometimes preemptively, in order to stop the loss of U.S. life. And that’s an exception that has been built into the Constitution that courts have allowed. The problem that many of us have, particularly in an instance like this, is this seems to be a decision of choice. And we’ve gotten no evidence to date, which we’re demanding, and there will be briefings for Congress so that we can communicate to the American people about what has gone on here. But there’s no evidence that has been presented that I’ve seen to justify this type of preemptive military strikes that risk escalation, getting us involved in an endless war, by the way, which Donald Trump explicitly said he would not do. But this is consistent with him continuing to break his promises. This is the same guy that promised to lower your costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down in America, they’ve gone up. The guy pays no attention, thinks the affordability crisis is a hoax. So he lied about domestic policy. And now the guy, of course, is lying about his views related to foreign policy as well.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: Let me get my team in here. Jennifer?

JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN: It’s good to be with you, always good to have you with us, Representative Jeffries, Minority Leader Jeffries. Always good to have you with us. So, you know, as I reflect upon all that has happened in the last, I guess, now nearing 30 plus hours or so, I just can’t help but thinking, maybe I’m just a cynic, but I just keep on thinking, is this like a distraction of epic proportions? You don’t really outline the imminent threat. I’m talking about the President. The issues that have been in Iran have been building for years now in the Middle East, but you don’t outline a clear imminent threat. You don’t seek approval from Congress. You call it, you know, Operation, what is it, like Operation Fury or something like that. So you make it a military action that looks like you don’t have to get congressional approval. And what we know is that through history, you’ll see Presidents sometimes act when, you know, they’re trying to get the people, American people, on their side. They’ll do extreme things. This just feels like a President who’s got very low approval ratings. You know, he’s trying to keep everybody’s attention from his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. And I can’t help but think, and maybe I’m just overreacting, but maybe I just can’t help but think, is it possible that you put us now in this very dangerous situation because your ratings are so low, you don’t want attention on the things you should be doing in the United States for the United States people, so now you’ve got to act without any congressional authority. Is that being just like overreacting or thinking that he’s overreacting? I don’t know. Help me.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s great to be with you, Jennifer, as always. You can’t put anything past this guy. What we’ve seen from the beginning of his presidency, he’s unleashing extraordinary extremism, doing active harm with his toxic policies to the American people. And it’s so clear that he’s failed on the economy, he’s failed on healthcare, he’s failed on immigration reform. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life better for the American people, not brutalize or kill them, which we’ve seen in Minneapolis, and or violently target law-abiding immigrant families, which is what this guy is doing, breaking his promise to actually go after, in terms of immigration enforcement, violent criminals who are here unlawfully. That’s not what’s going on. The American people know it and they reject it. So, the presidency has been a complete and total failure. And, you know, and the absence of him actually providing a legitimate reason for going down this military route should rightfully raise concern and skepticism amongst the American people. Remember, he struck Iran last year and said that their nuclear program, this is his words, not mine, was completely and totally obliterated. Okay, if that in fact was the case, then there should be no preemptive need to go after Iran right now related to their nuclear program if you just said to the American people a few months ago that it’s gone. So you either lied then or you’re lying now. And, by the way, this whole notion of regime change—nobody’s feeling that. Now, the Ayatollah was a bad actor. We get that. But we can’t start wars all across the world because we disagree with the people who are in leadership, however bad they may be. That’s the point of strong diplomacy. That’s point of applying economic pressure. That’s a point of building a coalition of allies who Donald Trump has abandoned throughout the world. He’s isolating our friends and getting closer to our enemies. So none of it makes sense right now, to your point, Jennifer. And we’re gonna certainly demand answers on behalf of the American people when we return to Congress early next week.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: This is very, very dangerous. You start putting bullseyes on what is called our enemies, then our enemies put bullseyes on our leadership as well. Let me turn to Professor Ron Daniels.

DR. RON DANIELS: It’s interesting how Jennifer and I are often so much in sync, I can just say amen. I did a little, penned a piece—first of all, let me just say that let us recall what President Trump said when the Supreme Court overruled his terrible tariffs. He said I’m moving forward because, and he said, ‘I don’t need Congress,’ because he is testing the limits of executive power as he moves towards authoritarianism. Let’s be clear about that. I penned a piece this morning, and the caption is entitled Attack Against Iran: The Big Distraction. Let us not forget that just before this attack, there were reports that were coming out from several news outlets that there were additional files that seemed to indicate that President Trump had some involvement with a 14-year-old girl. Now, I know everyone is innocent until proven guilty. That is not necessarily an indication of guilt, but it seemed to be highly inflammatory. Let us not forget that the Ambassador, it may have been the Foreign Minister from Oman, was in town and talked about the promising prospects that seem to be taking place through the negotiated route that our esteemed Minority Leader is referring to. Then all of a sudden this all gets ignored and boom, you have these attacks going out, assault going out against Iran. Now, what we do know is all of a sudden what is not in the news is the Epstein Files. I think this is absolutely a distraction and it is by a morally demented and dangerous human being because, Fatiyn, you just hit it on the head. If you target them, what about the sleeper cells in this country? It’s just interesting. I heard this news walking through the airport getting ready to go get a Uber to come home, looked over to a corner and saw a bag and a suitcase that was sitting there. Then all of a sudden it popped in my mind, I said, ‘What?’ They say, whatever you say, if you see it, name it or whatever that word is, whatever you see. And I said to myself, ‘Damn, why is that sitting there like that?’ And then there was some person came over and they grabbed their stuff. They had left it there, but in my mind I’m saying, with what just going on, what just happened and we all got to be on alert now because we’re all being put at danger. The whole world is being put at danger because we have this madman in the White House.

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think that point is so incredibly important, Professor Daniels, in that Presidents are supposed to act to increase the safety of the American people and improve national security. And what Donald Trump has done is put us in greater danger. In fact, we know he’s risking the lives of American servicewomen and servicemen, but he’s putting the homeland at risk in this kind of fashion. And many national security experts have made that clear. He certainly has been on the run on all the issues. He’s falling apart. His approval rating is as low as any President has ever confronted at a moment like this, and we know that this is the most corrupt administration in American history. He also, of course, is on the run as it relates to the Epstein files, and we will continue to press the case as it relates to getting the type of transparency and accountability no matter where it leads for every single person involved, consistent with what the brave, courageous survivors have been pressing for in the Congress, but here’s the thing, we’re not going to let him get away with distracting the American people. He’s been unable to do that in any sustained way up until this point, which is part of the reason why Republicans, electorally, had been on the run. And we’ve got to finish the job in terms of making sure we hold these people accountable while we’re governing and then go out there and take back control of the House of Representatives in November so we can begin the process of ending this national nightmare that all of us are suffering through.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: I know our time is pressed, but we didn’t expect to wake up yesterday—Congressman Jeffries and President Trump’s State of the Union lie-dress, I mean State of the Union address, he outlined his vision for the country. How does this align or conflict with what you’re seeing on the ground, especially as we’re now dealing with a partial government shutdown?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there’s an affordability crisis in America that no matter how much he tries to avoid confronting it, the American people know what their day-to-day experiences are, and it’s made life more expensive because of their toxic policies. This is the same group of people, these Republicans, who enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. They literally are ripping healthcare away from more than 14 million Americans, disproportionately, by the way, impacting our community and low-income communities, particularly communities of color, across the country. At the same period of time, in that One Big Ugly Bill, they enacted a $186 billion cut to SNAP. That’s the longest cut to nutritional assistance ever. And they ripped food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans in order to give massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors and then give the Department Homeland Security a $191 billion slush fund, $75 billion of which went to ICE, so they can unleash poorly trained masked agents to brutalize and kill the American people. The whole thing is crazy, and that’s what we confront right now. They’ve done policy violence to the American people, and that’s the reason why the American people, in our view, are rising up. We’ve got to continue to press their case as we move forward, aggressively confront the extremism that’s being unleashed and then articulate a vision for doing things differently. In our view, we want to drive down the high cost of living. We’ve got to focus on that. We’ve got to fix our broken healthcare system. We’ve got to clean up corruption wherever it’s found, in the Congress, in the Supreme Court and certainly with the Trump cartel. And we’ve got to make sure that in this country, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life, the good life—which I define as good-paying job, good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and when it’s all said and done, a good retirement.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: Jennifer, I know our time is short. I’ll leave you with the last question for the Congressman.

JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN: I just want to commend, I really want to commend our Minority Leader because during the State of the Union, on several occasions, the cameras pivoted to you and you remained composed and dignified. You know, while probably many—you probably wanted to jump up many-a-times but you remained so composed and dignified. I kept thinking to myself, this man has come into the chamber and is essentially doing his own kind of filibuster. It was a prolonged speech, you know, with nothing, saying nothing of material substance that would benefit Americans, the country over. And help me, like I’ve never seen before, so many President’s medals awarded at the State of the Union. It just felt like he was trying to fill the time because he had nothing to say. Am I wrong about that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: No, I think you’re exactly right. It was like the Trump award show. The thing is crazy when you think about it. I think his goal was to break the record—because that’s just the type of small, petty individual he is—to break the record for the longest speech given ever in American history, but he had nothing substantive to say. So the only way for him to achieve it was to behave in the way that he behaved. He spoke for almost two hours. He spent less than three minutes on the affordability crisis, which tells you everything you need to know.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: Congressman, I’ll leave you with final words here, but if you could also just include—because a lot of times we here, our audience on Open Line, we question the Congressional Black Caucus and also Black leadership. And I thought a couple of weeks ago, it was impressive, it felt good to see the Congressional Black Caucus standing up there with other Black leadership across the country in a press conference talking about core agenda items that affect our community. Can you at least talk briefly about those core agenda items as we also give you final words in our time remaining?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, thanks so much again for this opportunity. And you’re correct, under the leadership of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, current Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, she convened, initially, a roundtable discussion of leaders, representatives throughout Black America. And so, of course, those are faith leaders and civil rights leaders, high-level Black leaders within organized labor, the political leadership in terms of the Congress to begin to forcefully lay out a vision for better America and lifting Black folks up, when we’ve seen an all-out assault beginning with the ridiculous attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion to undermine Black progress in the United States of America. And so, it’s an agenda that’s anchored around economic justice, of course, as well as racial justice and protecting the gains that have been made on civil rights on voting rights and in the area of human rights, all things that the Trump administration are systematically going after. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. I think the Congressional Black Caucus recognizes it and we are in a more-is-more environment, which means we just have to continue to do more every day, every week, every month, year after year until we can get through this process, this mess, toxic mess that Donald Trump has created and continue our country’s march toward a more perfect union and lean into, you know, the spirit of Harriet Tubman, you know, the spirit of Rosa Parks, the spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer, the spirit of Shirley Chisholm, as we lift up Black women during Women’s History Month, coming in the immediate aftermath of Black History Month. Their character, their courage and their conviction, that’s the kind of strength that’s going to get us through this moment.

FATIYN MUHAMMAD: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, we want to thank you and definitely want to have you back. Every time I run into you, you said you got to come here on Open Line and you got to have me back and we got to talk, you know, because there’s some, you know, tough conversations that—and concerns that our community have with some of our leadership in Congress. And we have to have that dialogue because we have to be on the same page. We can agree to disagree. But we have to have these conversations out there of the concerns of the people. But we thank you for taking the time, especially with what’s going on in Iran on a busy weekend morning here. Thank you, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents New York’s Eighth Congressional District. Thank you again, Congressman, for joining us this morning here on Open Line.

JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN: Thank you, sir. Thank you.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you all. Look forward to being back.

Full interview can be listened to here.

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Larson Statement on American Casualties in Iran Attack

East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after three U.S. servicemembers were killed in the attack against Iran and five were seriously injured.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the three servicemembers who were killed in the military operation in Iran and am praying for the swift recovery of everyone who was injured,” said Larson. “I will always stand with our troops and military families. We must remain unwavering in our support for the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every single day for our nation.”


Rep. McClain Delaney Statement on Reports of ICE Movements in Maryland

Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement:

"We are closely tracking reports regarding movements by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to and in Maryland and are coordinating directly with the Governor, the Attorney General, and our United States Senators to ensure a unified and immediate response.

"I have personally toured ICE’s Baltimore holding facility and witnessed firsthand the degrading and inhumane conditions in which individuals are detained. Marylanders do not want another one of these detention warehouses in our communities. We are mobilizing every available tool, including my specific federal legislation, state legislation, litigation, and organized community action to prevent the establishment of an ICE detention facility in Washington County.

"Our experience has shown that ICE has misled or lied or concealed critical information, including quietly announcing a six-day public comment period late on a Friday in the apparent hope that few would respond. That approach is unacceptable. I strongly encourage all residents of Maryland’s Sixth District to immediately participate in the public comment process by Thursday, March 5, and make your voices heard.

"As your Congresswoman, I will fight and hold ICE accountable and ensure that the input by our community is received and the objections are known. Working with my colleagues in Team Maryland, we will hold ICE accountable for the rule of law at every turn. Maryland deserves transparency, dignity, and the rule of law – they do not want a rogue force killing and detaining innocent people”

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

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


Statement from Congressman Moulton on Three U.S. Service Members Killed in Action, Five Seriously Wounded

SALEM, MA - Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) released the following statement regarding the update from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) of three U.S. service members having been killed in action as of 9:30 AM ET, and five service members being seriously wounded.

“On Saturday morning, Trump shrugged and said casualties ‘often happen in war’, and now they have. Our troops and Gold Star families deserve reverence, not callousness, and it’s not lost on many that Trump has called our troops 'suckers' for serving, 'losers' for dying, and attacked John McCain for getting captured in war. The very least that our troops and their families deserve is honesty and respect.

"As our hearts are with the fallen, and doctors tend to the wounded, it’s time to ensure, going forward, that our great young Americans on the front know why they’re risking their lives in this war of choice against Iran."

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STATEMENT: Recent U.S. Military Developments in the Middle East

(Washington, D.C.) — I am closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East following U.S. military strikes on Iran and retaliatory activity in the region.

The United States remains the strongest and most capable military force in the world, and our service members continue to demonstrate extraordinary professionalism and courage in carrying out their mission.

The United States also stands firmly with our allies and partners across the Middle East, including Israel, as they face growing security threats in the region. Our commitment to the safety and stability of our allies remains unwavering.

As a veteran, I know that moments like this place tremendous weight on the shoulders of the men and women who serve. My prayers are with all of our service members currently deployed, especially the sons and daughters of Guam who are stationed in the region and standing watch on behalf of our nation.

We are also closely following reports regarding attacks on the U.S. Navy installation in Bahrain and attempted strikes on military bases in the Middle East. The safety of our service members must remain the highest priority, and we will continue monitoring developments and seeking more information on the administration’s strategy in the days and weeks to come.

Tonight we stand in solidarity with our service members and their families around the world.

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Reschenthaler Statement on U.S. Military Strikes in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) issued the following statement regarding U.S. military strikes in Iran:

“I strongly support President Trump and our nation’s warfighters as they carry out combat operations against the Iranian regime. This joint effort with Israel is essential to safeguarding American lives at home and abroad. Ayatollah Khamenei was a brutal dictator responsible for the death of thousands of innocent lives and I applaud his removal.

Since 1979, Iran has waged war against the United States. I witnessed this firsthand when I deployed to Iraq and prosecuted Iranian-backed militia groups that targeted and killed American troops during the War on Terror. Today, the regime’s nuclear ambitions, expanding ballistic missile program, and continued sponsorship of terrorism pose a direct threat to the United States and our allies.

May God bless our fallen and injured heroes, their families, and all those deployed overseas.”


Cornyn Briefed by FBI Director on Downtown Austin Shooting

AUSTIN – After being briefed by FBI Director Kash Patel, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement in response to the tragic Downtown Austin shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on West Sixth Street:

“Sandy and I are praying for the victims, those injured, and all who have been affected by the horrific shooting in Austin. I’ve been in contact with FBI Director Kash Patel, Mayor Kirk Watson, and others as they work to investigate this tragedy. I am grateful for the brave police and emergency response personnel who arrived at the scene within seconds of the first 911 call.”

“Radical Islam has no place in Texas and our country. To those who wish to harm Americans or commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam, you and your beliefs are not welcome here, and we will use every tool in our arsenal to ensure justice is swiftly served.”


WATCH: Gallego Joins CNN’s State of the Union to Speak out about Trump’s Illegal War in Iran

“This president talked about that. He talked about running to end wars and exposing the pedophiles. Now you’re starting wars and covering for pedophiles.”

PHOENIX – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ),a Marine Corps combat who fought in Iraq, joined CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash to underscore the human cost of Trump’s illegal war with Iran.

Through interviews and statements over the weekend, Gallego has highlighted that President Trump, who promised no more forever wars, has illegally dragged us into another one without congressional authorization and no long-term strategy.

Watch the interview HERE and read highlights below:

BASH: “First, I want to start with your reaction to the news you just heard that three U.S. servicemembers are dead.”

GALLEGO: “This is always the fear, and this is why it’s so important that we actually have real leadership that understands the consequences of war. As someone, unfortunately, who had to experience an illegal war, there’s nothing worse than seeing your friends die for a cause that isn’t in the national interest of this country.

“I was actually with my mom this morning at breakfast, and she reminded me about the feelings that she had knowing that I was in the middle of a war and not knowing if I was alive or dead for a couple of days. Now we’re putting potentially tens of thousands of our families through that with the President.

“By the way, he has not had one real press conference to really explain to the American public, why are we putting our men and women in danger? What is the national interest of our country going to war right now, and why are we going to expend potentially the blood of Americans and potentially destabilize a whole area. There is no leadership right now that’s coming from this president, and we’re in the middle of dropping bombs right now, and men and women are dying.”

GALLEGO: “The President actually had an eight-minute conversation – a one-way conversation – without taking questions. But then went to a long fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. The whole time he spent more time raising money for millionaires than talking to the American public who are about to send these poor, working class kids to go defend the interests of whom? The United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar? We don’t know, and we don’t know what the end result of this. There is no plan. There’s no clarity of the decision or where we’re going. There’s no clarity of who’s actually going to take over. In Iran, we may have made things worse, not better, because sometimes the persons that take over tend to be the hard liners, because they’re the ones that are surviving.”


Murphy On Face the Nation: It Won't Be Trump's Kids That Die For This War Of Choice With Iran

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan. Murphy unequivocally condemned Trump’s choice to launch a war with Iran, which the American people do not want and has already cost American lives. Murphy argued Trump’s decision to take military action without congressional authorization and a political endgame is not only illegal, but also a grave strategic and moral misstep which will jeopardize the interests of the United States, our regional allies in the Middle East, and the Iranian people. Murphy demanded the Trump administration act legally and in the interest of Americans both abroad and domestically, as Republicans continue to insist on extending the partial government shutdown and blocking common sense reforms to an out-of-control Department of Homeland Security.

Murphy made clear Trump attacked Iran to distract from the disaster and corruption he has unleashed at home: “Nobody in this country is asking for war with Iran, just like months ago, no one in this country was asking for war with Venezuela. This President is intentionally tanking our economy. He is the most corrupt president in the history of our nation, and Americans want him to focus on the crises here at home. Instead, he is busy getting us involved in quagmires overseas that already are becoming deadly to American soldiers. This is a disaster.”

Murphy condemned Trump’s illegal strikes against Iran, emphasizing Congress’ exclusive role in authorizing military action:“The President is obligated under the Constitution to come to Congress and ask for an authorization of military force. He wouldn't get that authorization if he asked for it. Congress wouldn't vote to give him the permission to do it, but he's obligated to come to Congress.”

Murphy emphasized Trump’s strikes have not toppled the Iranian regime, or put the country on the path to democracy: “His intelligence agencies have already told him that the most likely outcome is that hardline members of the IRGC replace the current leadership. So we're not going to get a democracy. We're going to get an even worse Iranian leadership. We already know that you can't bomb their nuclear program out of existence…So we're going to have Americans dying, and the end result is going to be hardline leadership continues in Iran and we don't get rid of their nuclear program. That's a moral and strategic disaster for the country.”

He continued: “All that will happen at the end of this, most likely - listen, I'm rooting for democracy in Iran - but the most likely outcome here is that hardliners take over the government, they restart their missile program, they restart their nuclear program, and we're just right back at bombing them again and putting American lives and regional lives at risk again in a year or two.”

Murphy laid out why the Trump administration cannot meet their stated goals of regime change without a boots on the ground invasion that puts more American lives at risk: “There is no history. There is no experience that shows an air campaign alone will result in positive regime change. In fact, there's not a single example of it in the entirety of American history. An air campaign without at least the threat of a ground invasion, which the administration is ruling out, never results in a democratic rebirth in an authoritarian country. So the plan they have laid out, sustained airstrikes without a ground invasion is destined to fail.”

While Trump and his billionaire cabinet cheerlead the country into war, Murphy emphasized the American people would bear the highest costs: “It won't be the billionaire kids of Donald Trump and his buddies that die. It's going to be the children of middle-class and poor families all across this country who are going to die for a war of choice, a war of vanity, an illegal war.”

Murphy asserted Democrats must stand firm on the DHS funding fight, even as Republicans drag us into a new war: “Because [Republicans] launched an illegal, disastrous war in Iran, we should give them permission to continue using ICE to murder American citizens, to allow them to get the funding to tear gas schools? No, we need to stand up for the American citizens that ICE is murdering, the kids that they are terrorizing …We can do two things at once. We can demand that ICE stop murdering American citizens, and we can demand that the administration not send our kids to die for a war that we don't need. … This is what the people want. The people want ICE to start behaving legally, and they don't want wars overseas. So I think this is a pretty clear case of Democrats standing with the American people when it comes to domestic crises and international crises.”

A full transcript of the interview is available below.

Brennan: Joining us now is Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, good morning.

Murphy: Good morning.

Brennan: You have called for Congress to return to Washington and to vote on whether to try to essentially halt this military action. No War Powers Resolution has ever overcome a presidential veto. Why do you think you need to take one?

Murphy: Well, nobody in this country is asking for war with Iran, just like months ago, no one in this country was asking for war with Venezuela. This President is intentionally tanking our economy. He is the most corrupt president in the history of our nation, and Americans want him to focus on the crises here at home. Instead, he is busy getting us involved in quagmires overseas that already are becoming deadly to American soldiers. This is a disaster. It is illegal, and the President is obligated under the Constitution to come to Congress and ask for an authorization of military force. He wouldn't get that authorization if he asked for it. Congress wouldn't vote to give him the permission to do it, but he's obligated to come to Congress.

Brennan: The administration would argue Venezuela was a limited military operation. They're not explaining to the public yet, beyond that Twitter video, exactly what the plan is here. But the President has tweeted, in a way, describing this as an open ended conflict until peace is achieved. You're using the term war. You do consider this to be a war.

Murphy: Of course, we are engaged in regular, ongoing military strikes that have already killed American soldiers, with the goal of regime change. If that is not war, what is? Now, the president has said that the goal is regime change, and the goal is to eliminate Iran's missile program and their nuclear program. He is not going to succeed in either of those endeavors.

His intelligence agencies have already told him that the most likely outcome is that hardline members of the IRGC replace the current leadership. So we're not going to get a democracy. We're going to get an even worse Iranian leadership. We already know that you can't bomb their nuclear program out of existence. He told us last year that he had obliterated the program, and then apparently, over the course of the last year, they had gotten back to within a week. So we're going to have Americans dying, and the end result is going to be: hardline leadership continues in Iran and we don't get rid of their nuclear program. That's a moral and strategic disaster for the country.

Brennan: Well, you're summarizing the administration's views in perhaps a more succinct way than they have, because we haven't even heard a clear public accounting of the state of their nuclear program. Rubio said they weren't enriching - Witkoff said something else. But I want to ask you about something in regard to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where you sit: the State Department has issued a worldwide caution alert to all Americans. They have set up a task force, that they say they're going to try to figure out how to help the Americans who are trapped in the Middle East and throughout the world. But the US embassy in Israel said they're closed and they can't help evacuate. If you're an American abroad or a family member, what should you be doing right now?

Murphy: Well, I think you can call your Member of Congress or your senator, we will do whatever we can to help. But it's no secret that this administration has no plan for the chaos that is unfolding right now in the Middle East. Those scenes that you showed at the beginning of the program are frightening.

Violence is not contained just to the Middle East. It's spilling over into Pakistan and other parts of the world, and it's no secret that our allies in the region, with the exception of the right-wing government in Israel, had begged us not to take this action, because they knew that the spillover, which is now looking like regional conflict, was the likely outcome. So again, what are we getting out of this? We're not getting regime change to a democracy. We're not going to eliminate their nuclear program. We are going to have regional war breaking out.

It won't be the billionaire kids of Donald Trump and his buddies that die. It's going to be the children of middle-class and poor families all across this country who are going to die for a war of choice, a war of vanity, an illegal war.

Brennan: Well, we are going to hope for more briefings to Congress, or engagement with the press to explain some of these things. When we are talking about the Americans though, around the world right now, there is also from the FBI and homeland security concern about cyber vulnerabilities and potential threats to infrastructure. They put out alerts about this. Given the current situation, Republicans are calling on Democrats to consider stopping the position you have taken, which is to halt some funding to Homeland Security. Do you feel you need to reconsider this position?

Murphy: So the Republicans are saying that, because they launched an illegal, disastrous war in Iran, we should give them permission to continue using ICE to murder American citizens, to allow them to get the funding to tear gas schools. No, we need to stand up for the American citizens that ICE is murdering, the kids that they are terrorizing. They should stop this illegal war, and they should stop ICE from terrorizing our communities. We should demand that they do both things.

Brennan: The administration would say they have adjusted some of the way they're carrying out policies within DHS.

Murphy: They have not. I mean, just because some of the world's and the nation's attention has turned away from Minneapolis, that doesn't mean that they aren't still brutalizing American citizens. We just discovered last week that they had left a Burmese immigrant for dead five miles from his home, blind and disabled. This brutality is continuing in the country. We can do two things at once. We can demand that ICE stop murdering American citizens, and we can demand that the administration not send our kids to die for a war that we don't need.

Brennan: So you believe that with the current funding Homeland Security has, that they are able to protect the homeland in an adequate fashion? That's what I hear you saying.

Murphy: Listen, I believe that the administration should make a commitment to legally prosecuting the laws of this nation. I don't have any obligation to fund a Department of Homeland Security that is violating the law every day, just like I don't have any obligation to support this war, that is illegal as well.

Brennan: So three weeks and counting, it sounds like the standoff is not ending.

Murphy: Well, if they agree to start adhering to the law at the Department of Homeland Security, they will have the votes immediately. But listen, this is what the people want. The people want ICE to start behaving legally, and they don't want wars overseas. So I think this is a pretty clear case of Democrats standing with the American people when it comes to domestic crises and international crises.

Brennan: So, back on Iran: if there had been a briefing, if there had been full disclosure of the state of negotiations, or an assessment of Iran's nuclear program, would Democrats have been persuadable to support military action? I ask that because the Biden administration initially had reached out to Iran to try to get to a negotiated deal, and they weren't able to get one, in part because they weren't willing to lift sanctions off of the IRGC. So in other words, are we just in a place where military conflict or confrontation was inevitable and it just happened to land on Donald Trump's watch?

Murphy: Donald Trump precipitated this crisis, right? He inherited a nuclear agreement that was working, that had put Iran more than a year away from -

Brennan: The JCPOA?

Murphy: The JCPOA. Against the advice of his advisers, he tossed that agreement out, which brought us to this moment.

Brennan: It would have expired by now.

Murphy: Right, but I think Iran would have certainly been willing to extend those provisions if we were still in the agreement.

But second, there is no history. There is no experience that shows an air campaign alone will result in positive regime change. In fact, there's not a single example of it in the entirety of American history. An air campaign without at least the threat of a ground invasion, which the administration is ruling out, never results in a democratic rebirth in an authoritarian country. So the plan they have laid out, sustained airstrikes without a ground invasion is destined to fail.

All that will happen at the end of this, most likely - listen, I'm rooting for democracy in Iran - but the most likely outcome here is that hardliners take over the government, they restart their missile program, they restart their nuclear program, and we're just right back at bombing them again and putting American lives and regional lives at risk again in a year or two.

Brennan: Alright, Senator Murphy, thank you for your time this morning.


Whitehouse Statement on Trump’s Attack on Iran

Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today issued the following statement after President Trump directed military strikes on Iran:

“‘Stop Work’ Trump has now become ‘Start War’ Trump. This President is making all Americans less safe.

“My heart is with the men and women in uniform whom Trump has put in harm’s way. I wish our armed forces every battlefield success.


Congressman Al Green, Member of the Homeland Security Committee, to Hold Press Conference to Discuss Issues Related to the War in Iran

(Houston, TX) —On Monday, March 2, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, will hold a press conference to address issues related to the war in Iran. This will include a classified briefing which he will attend tomorrow, March 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C. The presenters at this classified briefing will include Secretary Marco Rubio, Department of State; Secretary Pete Hegseth, Department of War; Director John Ratcliffe, Central Intelligence Agency; and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He will also address the impeachment of President Trump.

Click here to watch the YouTube Live Stream of the event.


Ansari on Clintons’ Deposition: “We Are Sitting Through an Incredibly Unserious Clown Show of a Deposition”

WASHINGTON – Last week, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), a member of the House Oversight Committee, traveled to Chappaqua, New York, to take part in the Clintons’ deposition.

Ansari slammed the Department of Justice and House Republicans for failing to hold this Epstein administration accountable and demanded that President Donald Trump come before the Oversight Committee.

Watch what Congresswoman Ansari has been saying this week below:

CNN: The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer

Rep. Ansari: “This is the most egregious cover-up in American history, and I am not surprised that the Department of Justice has covered this up. That's why I've been calling for Pam Bondi to be held in contempt or impeached because she has been complicit in this and has a direct hand in this cover-up. But I also want to point out the fact that Kash Patel and the FBI are also complicit in this. The files that are missing are FBI interviews with the individual who came forward with these allegations of abuse when she was a minor. Kash Patel went in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee under oath and said that there is no credible evidence that anybody else was involved in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes or that he trafficked anyone underage to anybody else. So I have serious reservations and questions for Kash Patel. In addition to Pam Bondi, because of the recent reporting by The Times.”

02.26.26 Press Gaggle

Rep. Ansari: “I am extremely, extremely appalled by the Republican Chairman’s behavior today and by the behavior of the entire committee and how unserious they are about this investigation.”

Migrant Insider

Rep. Ansari: “So this is political theater. It’s very disappointing. There are more than a thousand victims, many of whom were children at the time of their abuse. We should be doing everything we can to identify who the co-conspirators and perpetrators are, bring them before Congress, and actually hold people accountable and not the kind of nonsense that’s happening today.”

The Parnas Perspective

Rep Ansari: “I think that the pressure is going to continue to build on Republicans and their complicity in this cover-up. The reporting this week has been damning. I don't know how Republican members of Congress, outside of the people like Thomas Massey, who have been very clear in their position. I don't know how they are going to remain in their seats if they continue to enable and be complicit in this cover-up. I mean, this is unacceptable. And it's not just Donald Trump. There are many other people. Why is Howard Lutnick not in front of this?”

“So Kash Patel has lied under oath. That is very clear. The list goes on and on.”

“The moment Democrats take the majority and we have the power to issue these subpoenas, I can assure you there will be a long list of people and institutions, and companies that will be subpoenaed in relation to the Epstein investigation.”

MS Now: The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Rep. Ansari: “I think we learned that most of the Republicans in Congress, certainly on our committee, are not serious about this being a bipartisan investigation that gets to the facts and the truth. You mentioned Lauren Boebert releasing or sending that photo to a right-wing influencer. The other thing I saw on their social media earlier today was, as they were arriving to the hearing, they were taking these photos together, smiling, gleeful, very excited. They look like an overdressed group headed to Disney World. They were so happy about this hearing because it was their opportunity to fulfill their long fever dream of locking up Hillary Clinton, and they thought this was the time they were really going to get her, and they got absolutely nothing. Because the truth is, she never met Jeffrey Epstein, had no real relationship with Maxwell, never went to the island, and has no knowledge about his crimes that could help our investigation.”

MS NOW: Ana Cabrera Reports

Rep. Ansari: “Ultimately, I'm taking this investigation very seriously as Oversight Democrats are, because the purpose of it is not to just bring forward as many people as possible, former presidents, etc. To make a spectacle out of it. But because we need answers and we need justice for the victims. So this deposition today sets a very important precedent, which is that presidents and former presidents will be asked to come before this committee. And I think Donald Trump needs to come before the Oversight Committee, given that he is mentioned in the Epstein files more than almost anybody else, with very serious allegations against him as well.”

02.27.26 Pre-Deposition Gaggle

Rep. Ansari: “Further, we need to investigate the ongoing White House cover-up. We know that the Department of Justice has been withholding files, they have been making illegal redactions—the FBI and Kash Patel have been lying under oath. All of these people need to be deposed before this committee. We need to take this investigation seriously. There are more than a thousand people who were harmed by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and many other rich and powerful people. Children whose lives were literally altered forever at the hands of this abuse. This is very serious. And I think the fact that some of the Republicans on the Oversight Committee feel that it is appropriate to make statements to say that President Trump is somehow exonerated. Congresswoman Ana Paulina Luna said this last night. That is the most outrageous thing that I have ever heard. Donald Trump needs to come before this committee, and we will not stop fighting until we get the truth and there is accountability and justice for the survivors.

02.27.26 Mid-Deposition Gaggle

Rep. Ansari: “I think today was a historic day for transparency in the United States of America. The fact that we have the former president of the United States, Bill Clinton, under oath, speaking to the Oversight Committee and answering questions in a transparent manner is critical. I look forward to the Republican majority listening to our demands of having the transcripts and the videos unedited of both depositions—today's and yesterday's—released immediately, because the American public deserves to hear and see these answers for themselves. And ultimately, this demonstrates that nobody is above the law.”

CNN: The Lead with Jake Tapper

Rep. Ansari: “I think Donald Trump needs to come before the committee as soon as possible. He is named in the Epstein files more than almost anybody else. And there's actual credible allegations of criminal wrongdoing, including the recent explosive investigative reporting by The New York Times and NPR that found that the DOJ seems to be withholding documentation in regard to FBI investigations of an individual who said that she was abused by Donald Trump when she was a minor.”

IN PRINT

POLITICO: Democrats demand fast turnaround of unedited transcript of Hillary Clinton’s deposition

[Maya Kaufman and Gelila Negesse, 02/26/26]

“We are sitting through an incredibly unserious clown show of a deposition where members of Congress and the Republican Party are more concerned about getting their photo opp of Secretary Clinton than actually getting to the truth and holding anyone accountable,” Ansari told reporters.

ABC: House Democrats continue to call on Trump to testify in Epstein probe

[Staff, 02/27/26]

"Donald Trump must be deposed immediately in front of this committee," Rep. Yassamin Ansari said amid former President Bill Clinton's deposition on Friday.

The Hill: Democrats fume after Boebert leaks deposition photo of Hillary Clinton: ‘Clown show’

[Emily Brooks, 02/26/26]

“We are sitting through an incredibly unserious clown show of a deposition where members of Congress and the Republican Party are more concerned about getting their photo op of Secretary Clinton than actually getting to the truth and holding anyone accountable,” Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) said.

COURTHOUSE NEWS SERVICE: Democrats, Republicans locked in spin war over Bill Clinton deposition on Epstein

[Benjamin S. Weiss, 02/27/26]

“It is deeply concerning that we are seeing a very coordinated machine from the president of the United States continuously repeating that he has been exonerated,” said Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari. “Donald Trump must be deposed immediately in front of this committee, as well as many senior-level officials from this administration.”

Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more.

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Arrington Leads Effort to Eliminate India's Tariff on American Cotton

Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led a group of lawmakers representing districts with significant cotton production in sending a letter to the Trump Administration calling for the elimination of India’s 11 percent tariff on American cotton as part of ongoing U.S.-India trade negotiations.

“As you finalize the details of this Interim Agreement and any subsequent agreements with India, we urge you to negotiate a permanent reduction or elimination of India’s trade barriers to American cotton exports,” the letter reads, in part. “This is a critical moment for American cotton farmers. Increasing market access to one of the world’s largest economies would provide a much-needed market-driven boost to our cotton farmers who have suffered several years of historic losses resulting from inflation, low demand, and inclement weather.”

“The American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) strongly supports Chairman Arrington’s leadership in urging USTR to eliminate India’s 11% tariff on U.S. cotton, which impedes access for U.S. cotton into this critical market,” said Buddy Allen, President & CEO, American Cotton Shippers Association. “ACSA appreciates USTR’s continued efforts to expand market access for our industry and looks forward to working together to strengthen the U.S. cotton industry at this critical time.”

“At a time when producers are facing enormous financial strains, expanded export opportunities are more important than ever,” said Gary Adams, President and CEO, National Cotton Council. “The National Cotton Council welcomes this congressional effort to ensure that continued trade negotiations with India result in real and lasting gains for American cotton.”

Arrington was joined by Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Austin Scott (GA-08), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Julia Letlow, Ph.D (LA-05), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Vince Fong (CA-20), and August Pfluger (TX-11).

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Wyden, Beyer Lead Colleagues Calling on Judicial Center to Restore Critical Climate Judicial Guidance

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Representative Donald S. Beyer Jr., VA-08, today said they are leading their bicameral colleagues in pushing the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) to reverse course on its decision to rescind critical judicial guidance on climate science following politically-motivated pressure by Republicans.

“After facing political pressure from Republican attorneys general and conservative organizations, you made the decision to eliminate the entire chapter on climate science from the FJC Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence,” the lawmakers wrote to FJC Director, Judge Robin Rosenberg. “We vehemently oppose this decision and are writing to understand why, after publishing, the FJC made the decision to delete this chapter. The decision to censor this information recklessly disregards scientific consensus and the work of experts in a critical field of science.”

As part of its responsibilities, the FJC publishes a more-than-1,000 page reference manual for judicial use in partnership with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This manual, entitled the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, provides “impartial and reliable primary reference source on science for judges” and is written and reviewed by dozens of leading scientific experts.

Pulling this guidance leaves judges without the resources they need to make important rulings on climate-related lawsuits. Republicans have long voiced opposition to the inclusion of climate-related guidance, arguing that it is skewed against oil and gas producers.

In addition to their request that the FJC rescind its guidance, Wyden, ## and their colleagues also requested that the FJC answer the following questions:

Describe in detail how the decision was made to remove this chapter.

What review processes did this chapter undergo prior to initial publication?

Were the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consulted prior to the removal of this chapter?

What steps, if any, are you taking to eliminate partisan influence in the work of the FJC?

Wyden and Beyer were joined by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Richard Durbin, D-Ill., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Representatives Steve Cohen, D-T.N., Nydia M. Velázquez, D-N.Y., Paul D. Tonko, D-N.Y., Chrissy Houlahan, D-P.A., Mike Thompson, D-C.A., Maxwell Alejandro Frost, D-F.L., Madeleine Dean, D-P.A., Sara Jacobs, D-C.A., Mike Quigley, D-I.L., and Shri Thanedar, D-M.I.


Congressman Blake Moore's Statement on Iran Military Campaign

WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore issued the following statement on the recent military campaign in Iran.

“This weekend’s military campaign against Iran has dealt a major blow to the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. Iran provided a safe harbor to Al Qaeda militants immediately after the 9/11 attacks and allowed its senior leaders to base their operations there. President Trump took decisive action to halt Ayatollah’s power under the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force approved by Congress.

"While this is a developing situation, I hope this will allow the Trump administration to unlock solutions to three long-standing problem sets for U.S. national security:

Eliminating the acute conventional threat posed by the Iranian regime to the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region.

Ensuring Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons.

Helping the Iranian people determine their own destiny. Tens of thousands of Iranian civilians have been killed during protests against the regime since January. I’m hopeful that the people of Iran can come to speak without fear.

"I’m saddened at the loss of the service members who were killed, and my prayers are with their families and other military members who were injured. We have many service members currently in harm’s way, and I hope and pray for their safety.”

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Thurs., March 5: Rep. Chris Smith to chair hearing on G20 forum“U.S. Presidency of the G20–An Opportunity to Champion Human Rights”

On Thursday, March 5th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), will chair a congressional hearing on the United States’ 2026 Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20)—the leading forum for international economic cooperation among the world’s largest economies—and how the Trump administration can elevate human rights issues in connection with the G20 presidency.

WHAT: Congressional hearing on the United States’ G20 presidency and how the forum can be used to address human rights concerns, promote religious freedoms, and protect the freedoms of the press and speech.

WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM

WITNESSES: (Partial list)

Mary Ann Glendon, Learned Hand Professor of Law, Harvard Law School (Emerita); Former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See

C. Holland Taylor, Special Advisor for International Affairs to the General Chairman, Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board; Deputy Chairman & CEO, Center for Shared Civilizational Values

Michael Shellenberger, CBR Chair of Politics, Censorship, and Free Speech at the University of Austin; Founder, Public.News

Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director, Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers; Commissioner, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Scott Busby, Senior Advisor, Human Rights First

WHERE: 2118 Rayburn House Office Building and livestreamed here

WHO: Co-Chairs of the TLHRC, other members of the Commission, and witnesses

###


Clyburn Statement on U.S. Strikes on Iran

COLUMBIA, SC – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement via X on U.S. strikes on Iran:

“The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war for a reason: to ensure that such a consequential decision is made only after full consideration by the people’s representatives of the case for military action, the plan for success, the potential costs, and any alternative options. The Trump Administration, in disregarding this constitutional requirement in attacking Iran, has put American lives at risk despite the apparent absence of an imminent threat to our country or a coherent strategy to achieve a successful outcome.

“George Santayana famously warned, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In this case, we need only remember the recent past—events in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya—to expect that another major American military campaign in the Middle East will encounter significant challenges. Such challenges are more likely to be avoided, confronted, and overcome if the decision to engage in military action is made in a deliberative, transparent, and democratic manner consistent with the framers’ intent.

“I urge the Trump Administration to make the adjustments necessary to align its actions with the Constitution, and I hope all of my colleagues of both political parties will join me in this demand. The lives of our service members and the security of our nation depend on it.”

###


Dingell Delivers State of the District Downriver

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today delivered her annual State of the District Address to the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber.

In her remarks, Rep. Dingell addressed the situation in Iran.

Key excerpts as prepared

"Let me begin with what happened over the weekend. We should all be concerned. The events of the weekend raise serious and urgent questions about what comes next. The American people have lived through decades of war in the Middle East, and there is deep concern about being pulled once again into an open-ended conflict with no clear strategy or defined end. We must understand the objective, the legal authority, and the long-term plan before further escalation occurs."

"We cannot drift into another endless war. Are U.S. troops going to be put on the ground? What is the exit strategy? What will this mean for American service members and their families? Congress has a constitutional responsibility to debate and authorize the use of military force, and that responsibility cannot be sidelined."

"We must also consider how this action affects our alliances and regional stability. What are our NATO partners and allies in the Middle East saying? Are we coordinating to prevent broader regional conflict? Escalation could inflame tensions, empower extremist groups, and destabilize already fragile governments."

"America must always defend its national security interests and protect its personnel. There is no question that this regime was brutal. It slaughtered its own people, massacred thousands, crushed dissent, and posed a serious threat to regional stability. Its pursuit of dangerous weapons and destabilizing actions put innocent lives at risk and alarmed the international community. A New York Times article this weekend talked of a brutal murder in January when protestors were brought to an emergency room for treatment, and so, doers came in and brutally murdered all of them. No one should minimize the evil of what it has done."

"But acknowledging the evil of a regime does not relieve us of the responsibility to ask hard questions about what comes next. We will – I hope – both have a classified briefing when we return and have a War Powers vote."

"These are the questions I am going to be asking. What is the plan? What is the clear objective? Is this a limited action, or are we entering another prolonged conflict? Who replaces the Ayatollah, and what does regime change mean? Trust me it is not clear in any way shape or form. Telling the Iranian people to go to the streets and take over doesn’t work, to be blunt. I keep saying that the American people deserve to know whether there will be troops on the ground, how long U.S. involvement might last, and our exit strategy.

“We must also consider the economic impact. Instability in the Middle East often affects global energy markets, shipping routes, and investor confidence. If conflict expands, we could see spikes in oil prices, higher gas costs for American families, volatility in financial markets, and supply chain disruptions. In a fragile global economy, escalation carries real consequences for working families here at home.”

“America must project strength, but strength includes strategic clarity and coalition-building. We must prevent escalation, protect our troops and personnel, reassure our allies, and avoid actions that could lead to another prolonged conflict or economic shock.”

“The American people deserve a clear plan – militarily, diplomatically, and economically – so that we safeguard both our national security and global stability. Strength requires more than military force. It requires strategy, diplomacy, coalition-building, and clarity. If the goal is long-term stability and security, then there must be a defined path forward, not another open-ended commitment with unclear costs.”

“The American people deserve transparency, a lawful authorization for the use of force, and a clear explanation of how this action makes our nation safer without plunging us into another endless war.”


Bismarck, ND — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) today announced the March staff mobile office hours schedule for her team to connect with North Dakotans and assist them with federal casework.

March staff office hours:

Grand Forks County, The HIVE - Wednesday, March 4th, 10:00am – 12:00pm CT

Williams County, Williston Public Library - Thursday, March 5th, 11:00am – 1:00pm CT

Cass County, 3217 Fiechtner Dr Suite B, Fargo - Thursday, March 12th, 11:00am – 1:00pm CT

Stark County, Dickinson City Hall - Thursday, March 12th, 10:00am – 12:00pm MT

McKenzie County, Long X Visitor Center - Thursday, March 19th, 10:30am – 12:30pm CT

The mobile staff office hours are designed to ensure every North Dakotan has the opportunity to meet face-to-face with members of her team and receive assistance with federal agencies.

Constituents can sign up for a one-on-one meeting with Fedorchak’s staff, but walk-ins will be seen as time allows once scheduled appointments are concluded. Dates and locations will be updated regularly on Fedorchak’s official website.

Meetings will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff will contact participants directly to confirm their meeting time.

###


Finstad, Minnesota Republican Congressional Delegation Urge Gov. Walz to Comply with Federal Law After $259M Medicaid Halt

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in sending a letter to Governor Walz and his Administration calling for accountability and compliance with federal law regarding the ongoing fraud, waste, and abuse within Minnesota’s Medicaid program following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) decision to withhold $259 million in federal Medicaid funding from the state.

In the letter, the members highlighted a federal audit that found $234.8 million in unsupported or possibly fraudulent Medicaid claims and $15.4 million involving individuals without satisfactory immigration status, leading CMS to temporarily suspend $259 million in federal funds and reject the state’s corrective action plan as insufficient.

In part, the lawmakers write:

“Minnesota has now become a national case study in failed program oversight and misused public funds. As Members of Congress, we are working diligently to restore fiscal order at the federal level, but that effort requires strong partners in state governments – partners who are equally committed to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are respected.

“As elected officials called to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, fiscal discipline, program integrity, and public trust must be restored – starting now. We urge you to comply with CMS’s instructions and work with us to bring Minnesota back in compliance with federal regulations. Minnesotans would give the shirt off their back to help a neighbor in need. Once Minnesota follows CMS’s guidance and complies with federal regulations, the funding will be restored. The people of Minnesota deserve nothing less and your partisan posturing is hurting our state.”

Read the full letter here.

In July of 2025, CMS began trying to work with the Walz Administration to address the concerns surrounding Minnesota’s compliance with federal Medicaid requirements.

In the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, ending in September, a federal audit found $234.8 million in unsupported or potentially fraudulent Medicaid claims and an additional $15.4 million in claims involving individuals without satisfactory immigration status.

On December 31, 2025, Minnesota submitted a corrective action plan (CAP) to CMS providing the steps the state needed to take to regain compliance.


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in sending a letter to Governor Walz and his Administration calling for accountability and compliance with federal law regarding the ongoing fraud, waste, and abuse within Minnesota’s Medicaid program following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) decision to withhold $259 million in federal Medicaid funding from the state.

In the letter, the members highlighted a federal audit that found $234.8 million in unsupported or possibly fraudulent Medicaid claims and $15.4 million involving individuals without satisfactory immigration status, leading CMS to temporarily suspend $259 million in federal funds and reject the state’s corrective action plan as insufficient.

In part, the lawmakers write:

“Minnesota has now become a national case study in failed program oversight and misused public funds. As Members of Congress, we are working diligently to restore fiscal order at the federal level, but that effort requires strong partners in state governments – partners who are equally committed to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are respected.

“As elected officials called to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, fiscal discipline, program integrity, and public trust must be restored – starting now. We urge you to comply with CMS’s instructions and work with us to bring Minnesota back in compliance with federal regulations. Minnesotans would give the shirt off their back to help a neighbor in need. Once Minnesota follows CMS’s guidance and complies with federal regulations, the funding will be restored. The people of Minnesota deserve nothing less and your partisan posturing is hurting our state.”

Read the full letter here.

In July of 2025, CMS began trying to work with the Walz Administration to address the concerns surrounding Minnesota’s compliance with federal Medicaid requirements.

In the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, ending in September, a federal audit found $234.8 million in unsupported or potentially fraudulent Medicaid claims and an additional $15.4 million in claims involving individuals without satisfactory immigration status.

On December 31, 2025, Minnesota submitted a corrective action plan (CAP) to CMS providing the steps the state needed to take to regain compliance.

In early 2026, CMS determined Minnesota’s CAP was insufficient, citing its reliance on temporary or future measures, lack of enforceable timelines and performance metrics, limited oversight and limited accountability for previous misconduct.


Kelly, Fischbach introduce TEAM USA Act to end the Victory Tax for All American Medalists

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Friday, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA),Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and other lawmakers introduced the Tax Exemption for American Medalists (TEAM USA) Act, legislation designed to ensure that when our athletes dominate the global stage, the IRS does not get to treat their excellence as a taxable offense.

The TEAM USA Act eliminates the “Victory Tax” for all American medalists, ensuring that the rewards of gold, silver, and bronze remain exactly what they are: symbols of national glory.

“America’s Olympians exemplify the spirit and greatness of our Nation. When our Olympians bring home the gold, they shouldn’t be punished with a burdensome tax bill, as well. The TEAM USA Act rewards the hard work, success, and the American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly.

“America is a nation built on the pursuit of greatness, and our Olympians and Paralympians are the ultimate proof of that spirit,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “When our athletes win, the whole country wins with them. We should be doing everything in our power to celebrate these victories. We are proud of these Americans, we are proud to be American, and we should never get tired of seeing our flag at the top of the mast.”

The legislation is also co-led by Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Tony Wied (R-WI), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).

The TEAM USA Act is retroactive to January 1, 2026. You can learn more about the legislation here.


Rep. Foushee Condemns U.S. Strikes on Iran, Reaffirms Support for Bipartisan War Powers Resolution

DURHAM, NC (March 2, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s escalating military strikes against Iran and the growing regional conflict:

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is a brutal and repressive regime that suppresses democratic movements, violently cracks down on protestors, and denies women and marginalized communities their fundamental rights. However, these abuses do not give the President the authority to launch military strikes without Congressional approval. By bypassing the people’s elected representatives, this administration is violating the Constitution and risking another open-ended war with no clear objectives and no exit strategy.

“This escalation has already claimed the lives of hundreds of Iranians, cost American lives and placed more servicemembers at immediate risk as the conflict spreads across the region. Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces and regional infrastructure is creating a broader crisis that threatens displacement, civilian suffering, and long-term instability across the Middle East, repeating the costly mistakes of past regime-change wars that destroyed communities, destabilized entire regions, and left generations to bear the consequences.

“As a cosponsor of the bipartisan War Powers Resolution, I am working to end U.S. involvement in unauthorized hostilities and restore Congress’s role in decisions about war and peace. I have supported every procedural effort to bring this resolution to the House floor, and I will vote to pass it this week. Congress must act now to prevent further escalation, protect our servicemembers, and stop the United States from being drawn deeper into prolonged and unnecessary conflicts.”


Fulcher: The 2026 tax season is anticipated to deliver historic savings for Idahoans

By U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Tax season is upon us—and this year brings more than deadlines, it is anticipated to deliver historic savings for Idahoans.

It’s my honor to represent the First District of Idaho in the U.S. Congress. Here’s what you and your household need to know for this filing season.

The Treasury is now projecting that family refunds will increase by an average of $1,000, and the average worker earning between $15,000 and $80,000 is estimated to see a tax cut of 15 percent. This is largely due to recent legislation that the U.S. Congress passed, and President Donald Trump signed into law. H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts, otherwise known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was enacted on July 4, 2025. This transformative, once-in-a-generation legislation achieved meaningful provisions for Idahoans. Because some of the tax cuts in this bill are retroactive to 2025, many Americans will see savings this filing season.

For households, H.R. 1 made the doubled standard deduction permanent and increased it, meaning Idaho families do not have to pay taxes on the first $31,500 earned, a significant saving for hardworking Americans. Launching July 5, 2026, families will have the opportunity to enroll their child in a new program called “Trump Accounts.” This game-changing, pro-family initiative is designed to help the next generation of Americans invest in America—setting them up early for success in their education, finances, and career. Specifically, Trump Accounts offer a tax-advantaged savings account for children, with $1,000—privately funded—given to every newborn delivered between 2025 and 2028. To open an account, file IRS Form 4547 when your child is born or when you file this year. Another policy win for Idaho families achieved in this legislative package is the enhanced Child Tax Credit (CTC), which was increased for eligible families to $2,200 per child. Whether it’s baby formula, diapers, or car insurance when they’re teenagers, there are a lot of expenses involved in raising a family. This tax break helps parents keep more of their hard-earned money.

For Main Street, there is also excellent news. In fact, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) states H.R. 1 is one of “the most pro-small business pieces of legislation in recent history.” To stimulate economic growth and provide tax certainty for businesses, H.R. 1 increased the small business tax deduction (section 199a deduction) to 23 percent and made it permanent. This impactful write-off was claimed by 25.9 million small businesses in 2021 alone, according to the NFIB. Furthermore, the Working Families Tax Cuts supports efforts to reshore good-paying American jobs by allowing 100 percent expensing for new factories and upgrades to preexisting facilities, while also securing indefinite incentives for employers to provide paid family and medical leave for employees—helping recruit and retain a strong workforce.

I’m particularly proud that my bill, the KEEP Act, H.R. 405, to eliminate taxes on overtime pay, was included in this landmark package. As you may know, the KEEP Act was inspired by a constituent conversation at a town hall meeting in Sandpoint, Idaho. Since that chance encounter that prompted this legislation, I am pleased to share that it is now law, which means our dedicated firefighters, police officers, and nurses get to keep more of their hard-earned paycheck. I always say the best ideas come from you, and I continue to receive invaluable counsel as I meet and speak with folks across the Gem State.

To provide additional relief for Idahoans, this bill eliminated taxes on tips and created a $6,000 deduction for seniors filing individually and a $12,000 deduction for joint filers, significantly reducing the tax burden for citizens age 65 and older.


Rep. Gillen Meets with Lynbrook Police Department; Joins Officer for Ride-Along

View Full Video Here.

LYNBROOK, NY – Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino and joined Officer Gizzi for a ride-along to see firsthand the work our police officers do to keep Long Islanders safe. This is Rep. Gillen’s latest engagement with Nassau County law enforcement to discuss ways to address public safety challenges and ensure local departments have the resources and support they need to protect their communities.

During the ride-along, Rep. Gillen was briefed on the technology the Lynbrook Police Department uses, the way officers collaborate in the field and witnessed two traffic stops.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino, his Department and join Officer Gizzi on patrol today,” said Rep. Gillen. “These officers put their lives on the line every day to keep Lynbrook and our loved ones safe. It’s important to me that we continue working together to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and return safely home to their families.”

“Congressional funding has given us license plate readers, cameras, RMS, and community space. All of this has been funded, which has been great, but growing police department needs and what we provide as services needs community space in a police building,” said Brian Paladino, Chief, Lynbrook Police Department. “We need to show up and deliver professional service and government funding always helps with that.”


Congressman Hamadeh Stands with U.S. and Israel as Leaders React to Iran Strikes

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State and local leaders across Arizona responded after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran. Rep. Abe Hamadeh aligned firmly with America’s allies, emphasizing deterrence and the importance of confronting Iran’s destabilizing behavior.


Congressman Hamadeh Backs U.S.–Israeli Action as Arizona Delegation Splits on Iran

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Arizona’s congressional delegation divided largely along party lines following President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, supported the operation, framing it as a necessary effort to confront the Iranian regime and stand with the Iranian people seeking freedom.


Congressman Hamadeh Urges Americans to Stand With Allies After Iran Attack

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Following a major U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran, Arizona leaders weighed in on the implications for global security. Rep. Abe Hamadeh called on Americans to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies,” emphasizing strength, unity, and deterrence in the face of Iranian aggression.