Welch Delivers Commencement Address at St. Johnsbury Academy’s 2026 Graduation Ceremony

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) delivered a commencement address at St. Johnsbury Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Senator Welch expressed support for St. Johnsbury Academy’s mission to cultivate communities that center on respect, are grounded in Vermont values, and embrace a diversity of ideas.

“We’re all aware that right now, things are not going well. There’s an enormous amount of turbulence in civic life. And the question for each of us is: how do we stand up for the Vermont code of freedom and unity? It’s not a world where we want it to be the survival of the fittest. It’s not a world where we want to get ahead at the expense of others. It’s not a world where you can measure your worth by the size of your bank account. We want a world where the values that you have lived by in your four years here at St. Johnsbury—the values that Vermonters have lived by in rural America and here in this wonderful community of St. Johnsbury—really matter,” said Senator Welch.

Senator Welch continued: “The people you disagree with can be your friends. They can have the same values you do; the same commitment to making Vermont a better place; the same desire that their children succeed and be happy. They can have that same animation, that same motivation that you have—even if you disagree. It’s been so important to me, especially in these times where there’s so much division, and where people take such—almost pleasure—in ridiculing those they disagree with to remember the acts of kindness I’ve received along the way so that those values—of friendship, of community, of freedom and unity—apply to all of us.

“So, coming from St. Johnsbury, having been blessed with attending this extraordinary institution that has been here for 183 years, you have been so fortunate to have an education that’s equipped you with a lot of the skills you need, but it’s equipped you with the values that are going to be so essential to your happiness, your capacity to contribute, and to live a full life of purpose and a full life of friendship.”

Watch a livestream of the event below:

Earlier this month, St. Johnsbury Headmaster Dr. Sharon Howell shared her excitement about Senator Welch’s commencement address: “Peter Welch has been a champion of the Northeast Kingdom and clear in his appreciation for both St. Johnsbury Academy and the St. Johnsbury community. He has strong convictions about how people should treat one another as neighbors, Vermonters, and Americans, and he is as good a role model as I can imagine for our young people going into the world at this moment in our history. We are so fortunate that he is joining us to celebrate our 184th Commencement.”


Welch Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Support Vermont’s Organic Farmers and Producers

Legislation would make permanent the USDA grant program that helps organic food producers grow their businesses to meet rising market demand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined the Domestic Organic Investment Act, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), which would give organic producers tools to increase capacity, modernize their operations, and expand their businesses to meet growing demand. The lawmakers’ bill would make a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program permanent that helps solve supply chain gaps for the organic market by providing grants to farmers and businesses.

While certified organic sales have grown to over $76.6 billion in 2026, domestic organic acreage has not kept pace with demand for organic products. U.S. Representatives Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Vermont is proud to lead the nation in organic agriculture—13% of farmland in our small state is dedicated to producing world-class organic crops. While our farmers aren’t afraid of the hard work required to meet the rising demand for organic products, supply chain gaps have made it difficult for organic farmers to get shelf space that’s crucial to growing their business,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan push to support America’s organic farmers and keep Vermont’s organic industry strong for years to come.”

“Maine’s organic agriculture industry continues to grow at a rapid pace with the support of federal investments and strong market demand. However, many organic producers still face challenges in expanding their operations and accessing new markets,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would make permanent the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program and help organic food producers in Maine and across the country modernize their operations, expand their capacity, and better compete in today’s global marketplace.”

“Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, and to keep that legacy, we need to support our farmers and make sure they can meet the demands of families. With the demand for organic foods continuing to skyrocket, we need to make sure that any farmer who wants to grow their business, has the tools and resources to do it,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans so more organic farmers can expand their operations, support good paying jobs, and continue to be the beating heart of our rural communities.”

“I’ve heard directly from Wisconsin’s organic farmers about the challenges they face getting their products to market, and this bill delivers real solutions. By making this program permanent, we’re helping family farmers modernize, expand, and stay competitive in a rapidly growing industry. I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the people who feed our nation,” said Rep. Van Orden.

“Oregon has long been a national leader in organic agriculture, yet too many of our growers still face hurdles when it comes to getting their crops onto grocery store shelves,” said Rep. Salinas. “Whether it’s the lack of modern processing facilities, storage capacity, or the technology needed to stay competitive, these gaps stop family farms across Oregon from reaching their full potential. This bill will invest in our organic growers, supporting local jobs, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring Oregon farmers remain at the forefront of a resilient, innovative organic economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their work to support organic farmers in Oregon and across the country.”

The Domestic Organic Investment Act would codify the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service. The development program will:

Increase the capacity of the domestic organic product supply chain for producers, handlers, suppliers, and processors of certified organic products;

Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems;

Improve the capacity of eligible entities to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or quality standards required to access markets;

Expand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of certified organic products to create more and better markets for producers of certified organic products; facilitate market development for domestically produced certified organic products;

Conduct feasibility studies and market viability assessments to inform organic transition strategies and opportunities;

Address barriers to entry to organic product certification for historically underserved entities; and

Support market and promotional activities that help build commercial markets for certified organic products in the United States.

The Domestic Organic Investment Act is endorsed by Organic Valley, the Organic Trade Association, and the International Fresh Produce Association.

“We are deeply grateful to the sponsoring lawmakers for introducing this important and timely DOIA legislation,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO, Organic Trade Association. “These infrastructure investments will remove long-standing barriers to give organic producers and manufacturers the capacity and resources they need to meet the rapidly growing consumer demand for the benefits of organic.”

Read and download the full text of the bill.

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Welch Presses Forest Service Chief on How U.S. Forest Service Reorganization Plan Endangers Vermont’s Forests

Sen. Welch: Reorganization is always a tough issue, because it’s legitimate to have fresh eyes on the situation, but the consolidation has real impacts…We have a George Aiken Research Center that is in danger of being closed down. And I want to just point out that consolidation and moving people may ultimately result in some ‘efficiencies,’ but on the other hand, there is enormous value in having people assigned to be placed where they’re doing the work…So, can you speak to me about what’s going to happen to the George Aiken facility?

Forest Service Chief Schultz: Yes, sir. So, there’s been no determinations made on any closures. We’re still evaluating sites…What we’re looking at—all of these agreements, all of these structures—can we renegotiate some of those rates? How do we get our cost structure down? Like I said, our biggest issue right now is looking across all of our facilities, knowing that we have a shortfall and how can we best consolidate and save funds. So, there’s been no determination to close that site or that facility.


Wyden Statement on Appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

Pulte Has No Intelligence Experience, Will Make Americans Less Safe and Weaponize Government Surveillance

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the longest-serving member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s announcement that he will appoint Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.

“Trump is appointing his top political henchman to one of the most important positions for protecting the safety of Americans and preventing terrorist attacks like September 11th,” Wyden said. “Bill Pulte appears to be unscathed by intelligence or any semblance of ethics. Pulte has already used his post at a housing agency to persecute Trump’s political opponents, including Senator Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Leticia James and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook.

“At the ODNI, Pulte will be intimately involved in overseeing FISA Section 702, where he could do vastly more damage and the potential for abuse is nearly unlimited. Bill Pulte’s appointment at ODNI is yet another reason that every single Democrat should refuse to reauthorize Section 702 without strong new safeguards for Americans’ rights.”

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Young, Alsobrooks Introduce Bill to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks.

The 12% excise tax on heavy trucks is the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country. By adding as much as $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of a new heavy truck, trailer, semitrailer chassis, or tractor, the tax makes it more expensive for trucking companies and independent operators to modernize their fleets. Additionally, because the tax applies only to new vehicle purchases and not used trucks, it creates an incentive to keep older vehicles on the road longer, slowing the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient.

“Repealing this tax is a simple step that can help the American trucking industry and consumers,” said Senator Young. “This tax hurts the small businesses and independent truckers that are the core of American trucking, and it promotes the usage of older, less efficient trucks. Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will lead to newer, safer, and cleaner trucks on America’s roads.”

“I am proud to partner with Senator Young in introducing the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2026 to repeal the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This outdated tax incentivizes using older, less efficient trucks. Our bill supports a modern trucking industry allowing for the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient. In doing so, the bill supports small businesses, independent truckers, and our environmental goals – it just makes sense.”

“First implemented over a century ago to fund America’s involvement in World War I, the FET currently adds tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of all new heavy-duty trucks and trailers, regardless of whether they run on diesel, alternative fuels, or zero-emission powertrains,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship—particularly for the family businesses and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks and trailers with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to U.S. manufacturing jobs. Our industry is grateful to Senators Young and Alsobrooks for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”


JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL WAR POWERS RESOLUTION VOTE

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released the following statement:

More than three months ago, Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth plunged America into a reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East without clear objectives, an exit strategy, public support or the authorization required by the United States Congress. Republicans have since spent billions in taxpayer dollars and carelessly put our brave men and women in uniform into harm’s way while causing gas prices at home to skyrocket out of control.

Following repeated attempts to get sycophants in the Republican-controlled House to join us, House Democrats successfully passed our War Powers Resolution today to stand up for the American people and hold Donald Trump accountable. It is now time for Senate Republicans to do the right thing.


Alford, Missouri Delegation Urge President Trump to Grant Gov. Kehoe’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration

Congressman Mark Alford joined the Missouri congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major federal disaster declaration, which would include Saline County. This comes after the devastating tornadoes and storms that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026.

Joining Congressman Alford in the letter to President Trump are Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07), Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03), and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01).

Read the full letter here or below.

“Dear President Trump,

“We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 22 request for a major federal disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026. If approved, this declaration would promptly authorize federal aid for affected residents and compensate local governments for their emergency response and recovery expenses in 12 counties throughout Missouri.

“These recent Missouri storms produced at least eight confirmed tornadoes and record-setting, nearly 5-inch hail. More than 140 households and significant public infrastructure have been affected across the dozen counties. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments by federal, state, and local officials have documented more than $36 million in eligible damages—triple Missouri’s threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The damage is well beyond the normal capacity of the affected communities to address without federal assistance.

“We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Kehoe’s disaster declaration request so that Missouri families, local governments, and first responders can access the federal resources they urgently need.”

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Alford Leads Legislation to Strengthen Missing Persons Framework for Those With Disabilities

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026. This critical legislation will enhance the national missing person alert system, as well as expand state-level first responder training and education, to more fully cover individuals with developmental disabilities and adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This legislation will help prevent future cases similar to a tragic instance out of Cass County, Missouri where a teen with autism went missing and drowned. Earlier this year, the Missouri legislature passed similar legislation to create a “Purple Alert” system, which now awaits Governor Kehoe’s signature. This bicameral bill brings those efforts to the federal level.

“Families in Missouri and across America should never have to wonder if our alert systems will find their missing loved ones with a developmental or cognitive disability,” said Congressman Alford. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act closes dangerous gaps in our national missing person framework, while ensuring first responders have the training and tools they need to bring vulnerable individuals home safely. Missouri led the way with RJ’s law, and now were bringing those efforts to the federal level. This is commonsense, life-saving legislation that I’m proud to lead.”

“Strengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense,” said Senator Schmitt. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives.”

"There are real gaps in our national missing-person alert framework that do not account for individuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities, leaving communities without timely notifications and law enforcement without the training or tools to respond,” said Congressman Smith. “Missouri has already taken action with RJ's Law, and it's time the federal government follows suit. This legislation will strengthen our nation’s missing-person alert systems to give first responders access to the training they need to act fast and save lives.”

Read the text of the legislation here.

Background:

Individuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities face significantly higher risks when they go missing, and existing alert systems were not designed with their needs in mind. The current national missing person alert system (Ashanti Alert) criteria does not explicitly account for individuals with developmental disabilities, or adults with dementia or Alzheimer's disease—making clear the need to enhance our alert systems and expand first responder training for these cases.

By strengthening federal alert systems and providing additional training resources for first responders, this legislation will ensure vulnerable individuals are identified quickly, appropriate search protocols are activated, and communities receive timely, actionable information. These improvements will save lives and provide families and law enforcement with the tools they need to respond effectively.

Summary of the Legislation:

The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act strengthens existing national missing-person alert systems and directs states to provide specialized first-responder training and education for cases of missing individuals with disabilities by:

Amending Kristen’s Act to expand the definition of “health care needs” by including developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia.

Amending Kristen’s Act as well as the PROTECT Act to direct states to provide training and educational programs to better respond to missing adult and children with disabilities.

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Alford Votes to Pass Interior & Environment Funding Bill Out of Committee

Today, Congressman Alford celebrated the House Appropriations Committee passing the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

"I was proud to support our Interior and Environment funding bill as it advanced out of committee and take another step forward to delivering almost $4.5 million in responsible investments for the Fourth District,” said Congressman Alford. “This measure delivers on the American people’s mandate by unleashing domestic energy production, bolstering national security through responsible mining and critical minerals development, and cutting wasteful spending. By rejecting radical climate agendas, DEI mandates, and regulatory overreach while protecting public lands access for hunting, fishing, and recreation, we are putting American workers, families, and taxpayers first."

Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,471,352 in targeted federal investments for projects in the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:

$2,500,000 for Water System Improvements in Knob Noster, MO to strengthen water distribution in the downtown area and other highly populated neighborhoods by extending water lines, modernizing the well house, as well as replacing fire hydrants and water meters.

$1,971,352 for Water Distribution Improvements in Pleasant Hill, MO to ensure system reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term public health protection by replacing nine miles of water main.

Additional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill include:

Provisions to protect Missouri farmers’ safe usage of pesticides by requiring EPA Endangered Species Act pesticide reviews to consider usage data, existing conservation practices, and real-world studies, as well as ensuring these reviews are coordinated with USDA.

Language to reduce the EPA’s pesticide application review backlog by speeding up application processing using new technologies, tools, and updated review methods for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

A provision preventing the Department of the Interior from prohibiting access to federal lands for hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting, while ensuring temporary closures as well as state authority to manage fish and resident wildlife under state law and regulations remain permitted.

Language blocking the EPA from regulating the lead content of ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Read more highlights of the legislation here.

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PASSED: Ansari Bill to Develop Standards for Geothermal Energy

WASHINGTON – This week, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Ranking Member of the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee, saw her first bill pass the House of Representatives. The Geothermal Gold Book Development Act establishes clear, consistent procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing, exploration, permitting, and development. The bill directs the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to create a “Gold Book” for geothermal energy, mirroring gold books already in use in oil, wind, and solar sectors.

“I’ve spent my whole career working on climate policy; it’s humbling to see my first passed bill as a freshman make it through the House with bipartisan support,” said Ansari. “Harnessing the Earth’s internal heat through geothermal energy is a commonsense, promising source of renewable power. And my bill will ensure that the fastest-growing energy source in the United States can be safely regulated and reviewed by a nationwide, standardized system.”

WATCH Ansari speak about her legislation.

The bill covers a process for developing the Gold Book, including timing targets and deadlines, project guidelines and content, and other agencies or offices needed for consultation:

Within 1 year of enactment, BLM must develop standard procedures for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal permitting.

Within 180 days after that, BLM must publish the Gold Book for use by both field offices and geothermal operators.

The Gold Book must cover the end-to-end lifecycle of geothermal projects, including:

Land use planning and lease sales

Exploration and geophysical operations

Permitting and approval of lease operations

Environmental compliance

Construction and maintenance

Drilling and production operations

Appeals processes

Available categorical exclusions at each stage

Development of the Gold Book will involve input from:

Relevant federal agencies, including BLM field offices

Potentially outside stakeholders, including developers

The Gold Book must be reviewed at least once every 5 years and revised as necessary to reflect new best practices or policy changes.

WATCH last year’s Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hearing on Ansari’s legislation.

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

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Rep. Balint Statement on House Passage of War Powers Resolution to End War in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted 215–208 to pass a War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the vote, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke of the administration.

“When I introduced a War Powers Resolution in April, it was because Congress cannot continue to sit on the sidelines while our country is dragged into an unauthorized war. Today’s vote is a long-overdue step toward reasserting our constitutional authority and ending a conflict that has already cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.

“The President has never explained the war and never received authorization from Congress, yet our service members are being put in danger and families across the country are bearing the cost of higher gas prices, rising costs of living, and the diversion of critical resources away from urgent domestic needs. That is unacceptable. While this resolution does not immediately end military operations, it makes clear that Congress will not be sidelined. The Senate must now act to bring our troops home and stop this madness.”

Rep. Balint originally introduced her War Powers Resolution on April 30, 2026, as part of a coordinated effort with members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to force Congress to vote on ending U.S. military involvement in Iran and reassert its constitutional war powers authority. Rep. Balint has been vocal in her opposition to the war since its beginning, including when she slammed Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a Budget Committee hearing for the President’s request of $350 billion of additional funding for the war – the same cost of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for another ten years.

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Thurs., June 4: Rep. Chris Smith to chair CECC hearing“The PRC’s Threats to Americans: Transnational Repression & State-Level Responses”

On Thursday, June 4th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) expanding use of transnational repression and malign influence in the United States, and the growing role of state and local governments in responding to these and other threats.

We will hear from victims about the tactics used to target them and their families, examine how federal, state, and local governments can better work together to protect Americans, strengthen law enforcement responses, and defend varied U.S. interests from the challenges posed by the PRC.

WHAT: Congressional hearing on how PRC authorities and their proxies seek to intimidate, censor, and silence critics in the United States.

WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM

WITNESSES: (Partial list)

Hon. Stephen J. Cox, Counsel to the Governor, State of Alaska

Hon. Eliot Bostar, Nebraska State Senator

Arthur Liu, Owner, Inter-Pacific Law Group

Anna Kwok, Board Director and former Executive Director, Hong Kong Democracy Council

WHERE: 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building and livestreamed here

WHO: Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), other members of the CECC, and witnesses

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IANS article on Smith's Tibet Atrocities Determination Act'US lawmakers seek Tibet genocide determination'

By IANS

Published June 3, 2026 at 6:32 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) Bipartisan lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced legislation requiring the State Department to determine whether China has committed genocide or crimes against humanity against Tibetans, adding fresh congressional pressure on Beijing over its human rights record.

Representatives Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, and Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York, on Tuesday introduced the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act, which would require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment assessing China's actions in Tibet.

The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Republican Senator Rick Scott and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley.

If enacted, the measure would require the State Department to investigate whether Chinese authorities have subjected Tibetans to arbitrary killings, serious bodily or psychological harm, inhumane living conditions, forced displacement, mass detentions, coercive sterilisation and abortions, and the removal of Tibetan children from their families and communities.

The legislation also calls for a review of Chinese government actions aimed at "sinicising" Tibetan Buddhism and repressing Tibetan language and culture. The report would draw on State Department findings and third-party analyses and recommend possible US responses, including sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic measures.

"For far too long, and with complete impunity, the Chinese Communist Party has been committing clear atrocities in Tibet against the Tibetan people," Smith said in a statement announcing the legislation.

"To marshal the clear and concrete actions needed to confront these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, we must disclose them by name, plainly and officially," he said.

"The United States must stand alongside them as they fight to stop the erasure of their religion, language, culture, and identity. They deserve the support of every nation committed to freedom and democracy."

Suozzi said China's treatment of Tibetans and other minority groups posed a broader challenge to democratic values.

"The Chinese Communist Party's brutal transnational repression campaign, which targets Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, is a threat to democracy everywhere," he said.

"I continue to stand with the Tibetans who are demanding independence and the freedom simply to be Tibetan - to speak their language, to practice their religion, and to live freely in their own country."

He added: "Whether it's Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, or democracy advocates in Hong Kong, we need to stand up to China for its failure to promote basic human rights. We must call out oppression and religious persecution around the world."

Scott, the Senate sponsor, said the international community should not ignore what he described as abuses in Tibet.

"Communist China is an evil, despicable regime, and the world can't ignore the genocide happening right now in Tibet," Scott said.

He accused Chinese authorities of carrying out "systematic killings, torture, forced sterilization, forced displacement, government sanctioned kidnapping, and a myriad of other crimes against humanity in its oppression of the Tibetan people."

The proposed legislation specifically directs the Secretary of State to examine evidence related to systematic killings, torture, psychological intimidation, forced indoctrination, mass detention, deprivation of basic necessities, enforced sterilisation, coercive abortion practices and the transfer of Tibetan children through China's "colonial boarding school system."

Tibet has long been a source of friction between China and Western governments.

This article was published on June 3, 2026 and can be found online at:


Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at hearing on TurkeyCan Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy

The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s June 3rd hearing, entitled “Can Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy”:

Welcome to our witnesses, and to everyone joining us this morning. It’s good to see many Turkish Americans in the room. Thank you for your concern about the future of Turkey, and also for your contributions to the United States.

The title of today’s hearing poses a question of immense importance: can Turkey find its way back to freedom?

Many people now fear that the Erdogan government may have taken Turkey near to a point of no return—that President Erdogan’s government has left democratic institutions so weakened, and power so concentrated, that it will be very difficult to restore civil and political freedom in its most basic aspects: rule of law, free and fair elections, judicial independence, religious freedom, and respect for internationally recognized human rights.

But the answer to the question will be given by the Turkish people themselves, and that is cause for hope. The Turks are a famously courageous people. Throughout Turkey’s modern history, men and women have defended democratic values, free institutions, and fundamental liberties—sometimes under difficult circumstances—but they made progress. Today, many continue that work, but the situation is more difficult.

Perhaps the most dramatic indication of that is the number of political prisoners in Turkey, today estimated at well over 10,000, including journalists, lawyers, elected officials, academics, civil society leaders, and democracy activists, as well as those imprisoned in abusive use of counterterrorism laws used to target people with links to Hizmet or to banned Kurdish groups.

One of our witnesses, Serkan Golge, will recount his own harrowing tale of such repression. A U.S. citizen, he was imprisoned by the Turkish government for nearly three years, much of it in solitary confinement. Turkish authorities treated lawful conduct—including his education, the innocent location of his bank account, family relationships, and even possession of a one-dollar bill—as evidence of terrorism. As he writes, “the legal system that imprisoned me... began with a conclusion and then searched backward through my life for facts that could be arranged to support it.”

Even in the case of Turks abroad, standing up for freedom and rule of law requires courage. One of the most disturbing features of the current situation is the government’s record of transnational repression. Freedom House has repeatedly ranked Turkey among the world's most prolific perpetrators of transnational repression, targeting perceived opponents, critics, and dissidents abroad, including Turkish Americans, who have been subject to surveillance, intelligence-gathering, as well as pressure, intimidation and harassment.

Of the hundreds of people imprisoned in Turkey today, the most high-profile individual is Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. He was one of the most popular leaders of political opposition in Turkey, and a likely candidate for president—few credit the “independence” of the prosecutors and judges who arrested him and charged him with leading a criminal organization, along with other opposition figures and elected officials.

His arrest in March of 2025 came on the very day that his party was expected to nominate him as its candidate for the next presidential election. Since then, he has remained in prison while prosecutors have pursued a series of cases against him and many of his associates. More than 400 of his supporters have also been put on trial. This has marked a critical and ominous turning point—President Erdoğan had previously refrained from arresting his principal electoral rival.

This, more than anything, prompts the question whether Turkey can find its way back to freedom. The Turkish government appears to be moving from a system in which elections are unfair, but still winnable, for the opposition to one in which, as Andrew O’Donohue states in written testimony, “it has become increasingly doubtful that Turkey's government will allow voters to choose new leaders through elections.”

Our witnesses will address the increasingly systematic use of legal and administrative mechanisms to sideline political opponents, as well as heavy restrictions on freedom of expression, prosecution of journalists, blocking of online content, criminalization of social media activity, and pressure on independent media.

We will hear about the increasingly systematic use of state institutions to neutralize political opposition and reconfigure the country so as to serve “the political survival, the prerogatives, and the personal preferences of a single individual,” as Henri Barkey will testify.

Denial of religious freedom remains another serious problem. Crippling restrictions on Christian communities include the heavy interference in the internal life of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the continued closure of the Halki Seminary.

Yet, despite all of this, elections still matter in Turkey. Erdogan tilts the playing field, but opposition parties compete—and very often, they win. The opposition holds almost half of the seats in the Turkish parliament. Civic engagement remains strong. The desire for accountable government endures.

As the administration prepares for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, I urge the administration to remind the Turkish government that freedom, rule of law, and democracy are also matters of alliance strength, stability, and security, as Michael Rubin warns in his testimony, and to meet with the Turkish parliamentary opposition.

Strong allies require trusted courts, predictable legal institutions, and confidence that prosecutions are based on evidence rather than politics.

Likewise, NATO allies are strongest when voters have genuine choices and when opposition parties can compete fairly.

And likewise, effective counterterrorism requires transparent evidence, fair trials, and public confidence in the justice system.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about what the Turkish people can do to defend their freedom and the best of their culture and national traditions from the abuses we have seen in recent years—and what policies Congress and the U.S. government should pursue to support them.

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Tibetan Review article on Smith's Tibet Atrocities Determination Act'Companion House Bill asks US to investigate China's crime-against-humanity atrocities in Tibet'

By Tibetan Review

Published June 3, 2026

A House companion resolution has been introduced in the US Congress on Jun 2, requiring the State Department to compile and submit a comprehensive report to Congress on whether the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has committed acts of genocide and/or crimes against humanity against Tibetans in Tibet.

This HR 9085, titled as Tibet Atrocities Determination Act, is the House companion legislation to S. 4432, introduced earlier this year on Apr 29 by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the Senate chamber.

The bicameral, bipartisan legislation specifically mandates the Secretary of State to investigate whether the PRC has subjected the Tibetan people to arbitrary killings, serious bodily or psychological harms, inhumane living conditions, forced displacement and mass detentions, coercive sterilizations and abortions, and the involuntary removal of Tibetan children from their families and communities, said the two Senators in a Press Release Jun 2.

The report, which the Secretary of State must submit to the appropriate congressional committees no later than one year after the enactment of the law, requires an evidentiary basis for the determination, including documentation of specific acts and policies; a review of actions and statements by the PRC government intended to sinicize Tibetan Buddhism or repress Tibetan language and culture that contribute to policies resulting in genocide or crimes against humanity against the Tibetan people.

It also requires findings from Department of State reports and credible third-party analyses, and recommendations for United States policy responses, including, but not limited to, potential sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic actions.

Rep. Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), has said: “For far too long, and with complete impunity, the Chinese Communist Party has been committing clear atrocities in Tibet against the Tibetan people. To marshal the clear and concrete actions needed to confront these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, we must disclose them by name, plainly and officially. The United States must stand alongside them as they fight to stop the erasure of their religion, language, culture, and identity. They deserve the support of every nation committed to freedom and democracy.”

Likewise, Rep. Tom Suozzi has said: “The Chinese Communist Party’s brutal transnational repression campaign, which targets Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, is a threat to democracy everywhere. I continue to stand with the Tibetans who are demanding independence and the freedom simply to be Tibetan – to speak their language, to practice their religion, and to live freely in their own country. Whether it’s Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, or democracy advocates in Hong Kong, we need to stand up to China for its failure to promote basic human rights. We must call out oppression and religious persecution around the world.”


REPS. CLARKE, VAN DUYNE, AND FOUSHEE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS WITH VISUAL ARTISTIC PROTECTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 3, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) announce the introduction of the Creative Rights Ensuring Artists’ Technique and Originality Are Reserved (CREATOR) Act, legislation designed to safeguard visual artists from the unauthorized commercial exploitation of their unique and creative artistic styles in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

The CREATOR Act reflects the Congressional Creators Caucus’ broader mission to support creators and to foster policies that promote innovation while protecting intellectual property rights, economic opportunity, and overall creativity. Specifically, the legislation would establish a new federal right that protects visual artists from the unauthorized commercial use and public distribution of AI-generated works that constitute a stylistic impersonation of their art. This legislation was inspired by the creators, artists, and stakeholders engaged through the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus, which Rep. Clarke co-founded alongside Rep. Beth Van Duyne, to elevate the voices of digital content creators and entrepreneurs in federal policymaking.

“Creators and artists have been sounding the alarm about the misuse of their work and identities by AI systems,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “As AI continues to evolve rapidly, Congress must work to ensure resources and protections are in place to support content creators in succeeding in this new era of start-ups and meet the moment. Through the Congressional Creators Caucus, we have heard directly from individuals whose livelihoods depend on their intellectual property and creative expression. The CREATOR Act is a direct response to those concerns and represents an important step toward ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of the creators who drive it. I want to thank my colleagues for working on this bipartisan legislation and delivering on our promise to create an economy for the next generation of entrepreneurship in America.”

“Since launching the Congressional Creators Caucus, I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from an incredible and growing community of creators across this country,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “Artists, illustrators, and designers in every district are watching their livelihoods be undercut by AI tools deliberately impersonating them, but right now, the law has no answer for it. These are people who have spent a lifetime building their creative identity – they deserve protection. I have heard loud and clear that this is a growing problem across the industry, and the CREATOR Act is a direct response. I’m glad to be leading this bipartisan effort alongside Representatives Clarke and Foushee, taking direct aim at the bad actors who knowingly use AI to fake an artist’s identity for commercial gain.”

“Creative jobs and workers must be supported as AI threatens to disrupt their livelihoods and exploit creative work. As we work to establish guardrails that protect our communities, ensuring that AI-generated content cannot deliberately replicate a visual artists’ distinctive style without consent is critical to protecting artistic expression, preserving our nation’s vibrancy, and advancing civil rights,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “AI companies are reshaping our economy and society faster than our laws have kept pace, often without adequate transparency or accountability, and Congress must make regulating this technology a priority. I’m proud to join Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Yvette Clarke in introducing the CREATOR Act to strengthen protections for artists from AI misuse and prevent the unauthorized commercialization of AI-generated imitations of their work. I look forward to continuing to push for legislation that puts people over Big Tech.”

“AI has the power to supercharge human creativity — but only if creators have rights that match the realities of the technology. There are no existing frameworks that can defend against AI-driven style imitation, and in the age of AI, that gap leaves creators and artists increasingly vulnerable. The CREATOR Act closes that gap by establishing a federal right protecting visual artists’ signature styles from intentional, commercial AI-enabled impersonation and giving creators meaningful recourse. We commend Representatives Van Duyne, Clarke, and Foushee for introducing this legislation. The artists who power America’s $1.2 trillion creative economy have earned this protection, and we urge Congress to move quickly to advance this important bill,” saidLouise Pentland, Chief Legal Officer, Adobe.

“As an illustrator, my identity and career come from years of dedication to my craft derived from personal experience. With my podcast, I amplified Latinx artists who have likewise spent years building their own inimitable style. When AI is used to replicate work without consent, it’s so much more damaging than just copying an image; it’s profiting unfairly off of someone else’s creative vision, skill, and dedication. The CREATOR Act would give artists like me a real legal right to protect our work, and I’m proud to support it,” said Fabiola Lara, a Philadelphia-based Illustrator.

“For the past 10 years, I’ve worked to build a creative style and visual identity that reflects my story, perspective, and lived experience as a photographer and multimedia artist. My work is deeply personal to who I am and how I connect with others. Seeing AI systems replicate the work and likeness of creators without consent is terrifying, especially for independent artists whose creativity is directly tied to their livelihood. The CREATOR Act is an important step toward giving creators legal protection and accountability when AI is used to imitate or profit from our work without permission. I’m proud to support the CREATOR Act and grateful to Representatives Beth Van Duyne, Yvette Clarke, and Valerie Foushee for championing legislation that helps protect the future of creative work,” said Alexsey Reyes, Houston-based photographer and multimedia artist.

“AI can now mimic a photographer’s visual identity with alarming precision, and the law has not kept pace. The CREATOR Act would give visual artists a layer of protection they’ve needed for a long time. I’ve been part of the Content Authenticity Initiative since its inception, and to me, this legislation is a critical next step in making that work matter in the real world,” said Andrew Scrivani, DC-based photographer, author, and multimedia artist.

“The Graphic Artists Guild applauds Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Yvette D. Clark for their efforts to protect the rights of artists, illustrators, designers, and other creators as artificial intelligence technologies become increasingly integrated into creative industries. Artists deserve meaningful protections against the unauthorized use and exploitation of their distinctive styles, and they should have clear avenues for recourse when bad actors misuse generative AI systems to imitate or profit from their work without consent,” said the Graphic Artists Guild.

“BSA commends Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke for their work and introduction of the CREATOR Act to support America’s visual artist communities. The legislation is an important step in the broader effort to protect visual artists from the intentional dissemination and sale of AI-generated outputs that unfairly compete and mislead the public,” said Aaron Cooper, Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Business Software Alliance (BSA).

“The PLUS Coalition commends Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke for their bipartisan leadership in advancing protections and accountabilities as generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into creative, educational, cultural, research, and commercial industries. Their efforts recognize the need to balance innovation with meaningful safeguards and clarified boundaries for the broad ecosystem of stakeholders who create, preserve, manage, license, and rely on creative content. As AI technologies continue to evolve, stakeholders will benefit from readily apparent guardrails supporting informed decisions about the use of creative works, styles, identities, and intellectual assets; meaningful protections against unauthorized exploitation; and effective mechanisms to address misuse when it occurs. Fostering trust in the digital ecosystem is essential to sustaining a vibrant and innovative creative economy,” said Professor Jeffrey Sedlik, President, PLUS Coalition.

Read the full bill text HERE.

Related Materials

Exclusive: Bipartisan members introduce new bill to protect creators from AI style theft

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CORREA VOTES TO STOP ILLEGAL IRAN WAR

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Iran War Powers Resolution, which directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Iran that have not been authorized by Congress:

“This illegal war in Iran has gone on for 95 days, over twice as long as the four to six weeks promised by the Administration and 35 days over the threshold required for Congressional authorization. Sadly thirteen U.S. servicemembers have lost their lives and hundreds have been wounded because of this reckless war.

“This is the fourth time I have voted to end this unjustified war. I am pleased this measure has finally passed the House and call on the President to immediately remove unauthorized U.S. troops from Iran.”

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Dingell Introduces Legislation to Address Safety Defects that Allow Firearms to Discharge Without Pulling the Trigger

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) reintroduced the Defective Firearms Protection Act, a bill that would address safety defects in firearms similarly to any other consumer product by issuing safety warnings and recalls if necessary. Currently, firearms are excluded from the definition of a consumer product, which prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)from addressing safety issues in firearms. The timing of the bill coincides with Gun Violence Prevention Month.

“Every product sold in America, except guns, is subject to federal health and safety regulations. This means that faulty firearms that misfire, discharge without a trigger pull, or fail in other ways that can kill, stay on shelves because nobody has the authority to pull them,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The Defective Firearms Protection Act would fix that, targeting defective weapons that should never be on the marketplace in the first place. No industry should be above basic safety standards, because a gun that doesn’t work right is a danger to the person holding it and everyone around them.”

The Defective Firearms Protection Act would help prevent such accidents by removing barriers in current law that prevent the CPSC from addressing defective pistols, revolvers, or firearms.


DelBene, Bonamici Introduce Bill to Boost Manufacturing Job Opportunities for Veterans

Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced legislation to expand opportunities for veterans to gain long-term, good-paying manufacturing jobs by boosting training options for service members transitioning from military to civilian life. The Manufacturing Jobs for Veterans Act would invest $50 million into creating veteran manufacturing pilot programs that will offer targeted training and apprenticeships from employers and labor-management organizations.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 296,000 veterans are unemployed and struggling to find jobs. This includes approximately 6,000 veterans in Washington. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector faces a pressing need for skilled workers, with approximately 462,000 job openings and a projected 2 million vacancies in the next decade, largely due to a skills gap in advanced manufacturing.

This legislation would bridge this gap by expanding access to skills training for U.S. veterans in manufacturing career pathways, ensuring veterans have the tools needed to translate their military skills to the civilian workforce, and encouraging manufacturers to recruit, hire, and train our nation’s returning heroes.

“Our veterans deserve access to well-paying, fulfilling jobs when they reenter civilian life,” said DelBene. “This bill aims to give veterans the tools they need to secure adequate employment, while addressing a growing shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. Veterans possess invaluable skills and expertise, and this legislation will help ensure they can thrive in a post-service career.”

“We have a responsibility to care for veterans, and that includes helping them transition to quality civilian jobs when their service ends,” said Bonamici. “Creating more career pathways for veterans will help connect them with well-paying jobs and strengthen the companies that gain qualified employees. I’m grateful to lead this legislation with Rep. DelBene to support veterans.”


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Fitzpatrick Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

When it comes to the conflict in Iran, these two statements of fact remain: 1) The world is a safer place after Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been degraded, and; 2) We are a nation of the rule of law and three independent, co-equal branches of government.

We must keep the world safe, and we must also follow the law. The War Powers Act of 1973 states that any conflict exceeding 60 days must be brought to Congress. Today was the second War Powers Resolution that was brought to the House Floor following the expiration of this 60-day clock. The law, as it is currently written, requires that the matter now be brought to Congress. That is why I voted in favor of today’s resolution. We must follow the law.


Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Require President To Follow Constitution

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for a resolution to direct President Trump to terminate the use of the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly makes a declaration of war or authorizes use of military force against Iran (H.Con.Res. 86).

“The United States Constitution states clearly that Congress has the sole authority and solemn responsibility to declare war. It is a foundational principle of American democracy, designed to ensure that the American people have a say in decisions of war and peace through their elected representatives.

"Since February, the President has refused to seek authorization from the American people for this war, has failed to come to Congress to make the case, and has failed to evidence of an imminent threat to the United States to justify this action.

“Today’s vote is about whether the President of the United States must follow the Constitution. After four attempts—all of which I have voted for—the House has affirmed that principle. The Senate should now do the same.”

H.Con.Res. 86 passed by a vote of 215-208. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.


Gluesenkamp Perez Secures Full Funding for Federal Agency Investigating Mill Incident in Longview

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, the House Appropriations Committee adopted Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s amendment adding over $5 million dollars to fully fund the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), the independent agency investigating the chemical tank failure at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, WA.

The CSB is charged with investigating the facts, conditions, circumstances and the cause of any accidental chemical release that results in a fatality, serious injury or substantial property damage.

The President’s FY2027 budget proposed eliminating funding for the CSB. The amendment offered by Gluesenkamp Perez would fully fund CSB at $14 million, consistent with funding in FY2026. In FY2026, the President’s budget called for the elimination of the CSB’s funding entirely. The House bill would have funded CSB at $8.2 million, but was later upped to $14 million by the Senate.

“The thing that’s really clear to me, from the conversations I’m having, is that families and workers deserve answers,” said Gluesenkamp Perez, “They need to know what happened here, and that in the future someone will be looking out for them so they make it home safe every night. The CSB is an important part of that, and they need the resources to do their job properly.”

Gluesenkamp Perez is a longtime advocate for American manufacturing and American workers. The CSB plays a critical role in ensuring that trades jobs are safe, and that manufacturing facilities stay open. Full funding means they will have the resources they need to appropriately conduct investigations and make recommendations to make sure we have a well supported skilled workforce.

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Rep. Jimmy Gomez Votes to End Trump’s War in Iran and Reassert Congress’s Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following House passage of the Iran War Powers Resolution, Rep. Gomez released the following statement:

“This was the fourth time I voted to end Trump’s reckless war in Iran, and today, after months of delays, procedural roadblocks, and even an attempt by Republicans to cancel the vote altogether, the American people’s representatives passed this resolution and made their position undeniable: Trump must end this war.

“Trump blew past the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution, then tried to tell the American people this war was suddenly ‘over’ while U.S. troops remained deployed and military operations continued.

“Families across the country have had enough. They are paying the price for Trump’s chaos through higher costs and growing uncertainty. American service members have paid the highest price of all, and more families have been forced to bear the unimaginable loss of a loved one because of this war. All while Trump refuses to take responsibility for the mess he created.

“The American people’s representatives have spoken. The Senate should pass this resolution immediately and send it to the President’s desk. Trump is out of excuses and out of room to pretend this war exists outside the law. He must end it now.”


Rep. Gomez on What Comes Next Following Passage of the Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Gomez breaks down the Iran War Powers Resolution and what it means moving forward:

Watch full video here


Gooden Backs Trump Effort to Restore Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

WASHINGTON – Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in support of President Trump's renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in the ongoing lawsuit, The Cultural Landscape Foundation v. U.S. Department of the Interior.

The suit was filed in early May by the nonprofit The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), seeking to halt the Trump administration’s modernization and resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which began in mid-April.

“Only in Washington would activists sue to stop the restoration of one of America’s most iconic landmarks,” said Rep. Gooden. “President Trump is working to restore beauty and pride to our nation’s capital, while his opponents would rather leave the Reflecting Pool deteriorating just to score political points against him.”

Defending the administration’s right to proceed with the project, the Congressman’s brief highlights the lack of legal grounds for an emergency halt.

In the brief, Gooden asserts, “[The] Plaintiffs have not demonstrated the imminent, irreparable harm that equitable principles demand before a court grants extraordinary preliminary injunctive relief.” Gooden also argues that the disagreement over the shade of the sealant at the base of the pool “does not rise to the level of severity contemplated by the D.C. Circuit’s irreparable-harm standard.”

The brief was featured in anexclusive article by the Washington Reporter.

The text of the brief can be foundhere.


Goodlander-Backed Bipartisan Resolution to Rein in Trump’s War of Choice in Iran Passes the House

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution, a bill Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander helped lead (NH-02). It passed the House 215-208 and rebukes President Trump’s unauthorized war of choice in Iran.

“We did a good thing for our Constitution and our country today. Congress sent a very simple and unequivocal message to the Commander in Chief: if you are going to take America to war, you have to make your case to the American people and you have to get congressional authorization,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Going to war is the single most significant and consequential decision a government can make — and the costs are measured in lives lost and families forever changed. Today, we honored our Constitution and did the people’s work.”

As a co-sponsor of the bill and a Navy veteran, Goodlander has repeatedly pushed for greater congressional oversight over the war in Iran and led efforts to reassert congressional authority over war powers. She has co-sponsored multiple war powers resolutions and previously supported legislation to prohibit taxpayer funds from being used to fund the war.

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STATEMENT: Gottheimer Commends Governor Sherrill, AG Davenport for Decisive Action Against Violent Protests at Delaney Hall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, June 3, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“I want to commend Governor Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport for their decisive action to protect the community from out-of-state, lawless protestors at Delaney Hall Detention Facility. Instead of peacefully protesting in the designated areas, these groups have knocked over barriers and utilized combat gear, putting Jersey families, law enforcement, and federal workers in harm’s way – causing significant damage to surrounding neighborhoods. The unruly, out-of-state protestors have also prevented families from visiting loved ones at the detention center.

These acts of destruction and violence do not reflect our values as a state. While I believe deeply in free speech, I do not support violent protests, the destruction of property, or attacks that endanger Jersey families and law enforcement.”


Rep. Grijalva Reacts to Dismissal of Removal Proceedings Against DACA Recipient Karla Toledo

***En Español Abajo***

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after the removal proceedings against Karla Toledo were dismissed. Karla is a DACA recipient who was detained by ICE in Tucson despite having active DACA status and having lived in the United States since she was brought to the country at one year old. Rep. Grijalva visited Karla immediately on the day of her detainment and later responded to ICE’s attempt to demonize her.

“While I am very happy for Karla and her family, they should have never had to go through this incredibly traumatic ordeal. No one should have the sanctity of their home violated by masked agents storming in without a judicial warrant. ICE must be held accountable for their actions, as well as for their smear campaign against Karla following her detainment.

“Karla’s case underscores the cruelty of this administration’s mass deportation agenda, which is now targeting DACA recipients. She has lived in this country since she was one year old and has dedicated herself to serving our community – helping recruit healthcare workers, serving on local boards, and volunteering her time to improve the place she calls home. We should be providing DREAMers like Karla with a clear pathway to citizenship. Instead, this administration is terrorizing our communities, separating families, and targeting people who have spent their lives contributing to the only country they have ever called home.”

A video statement is available here.

En Español:

“Aunque me alegra mucho que Karla y su familia hayan recibido esta noticia, nunca debieron haber pasado por una experiencia tan dolorosa y traumática. Nadie debería ver su hogar invadido por agentes con el rostro cubierto que entran sin una orden de un juez. ICE debe rendir cuentas por sus acciones y también por los ataques e intentos de difamar a Karla después de su detención.”

El caso de Karla demuestra la crueldad de la política cruel de deportaciones masivas de esta administración, que ahora también está afectando a personas con DACA. Karla ha vivido en este país casi toda su vida y ha dedicado su tiempo a servir a su comunidad: ayudando a reclutar trabajadores de la salud, participando en juntas locales y ofreciendo su tiempo como voluntaria para mejorar el lugar que considera su hogar. Deberíamos darles a los DREAMers como Karla un camino claro para obtener la ciudadanía. En cambio, esta administración está sembrando miedo en nuestras comunidades, separando familias y persiguiendo a personas que han pasado toda su vida contribuyendo al único país que conocen como su hogar.

Una declaración en video está disponible aquí.

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Rep. Grijalva Statement on House Passage of Iran War Powers Resolution

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following the passage of the Iran War Powers resolution directing President Trump to cease unauthorized military hostilities in Iran:

“Trump’s illegal and reckless war in Iran has already cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and claimed the lives of 13 servicemembers. At a time when families are struggling to afford groceries, gas, rent, and healthcare, Trump has chosen to pour billions of taxpayer dollars on yet another endless war while driving up costs for families here at home."

"More than three months after Trump launched this conflict, we are no closer to peace, no closer to greater security, and no closer to preventing a nuclear Iran. This war has been an absolute failure from the start, which is why House Republicans are beginning to join Democrats in demanding an end to it. The American people are tired of footing the bill for endless wars while their own costs keep rising.”


Congressman Rogers Advances $35 Million for Coal Country Economic Revitalization Projects & Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced $35 million for Kentucky projects passed a critical hurdle on Wednesday after being approved by the House Appropriations Committee in the fiscal year 2027 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.

The federal funding bill invests in key infrastructure projects, champions American energy dominance, strengthens national security, reins in burdensome red tape and slashes unnecessary EPA funding.

“This bill includes big wins for Eastern Kentucky, by creating jobs and spurring economic development where it’s needed the most, improving our water and wastewater systems, and protecting some of life’s simple joys, like hunting and fishing on federal lands,” said Congressman Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee. “We’re putting former coal mine lands back into productive use with innovative projects across Kentucky’s Appalachian region, ensuring that the future gets brighter every day in the mountains.”

Coal country will also be infused with another round of funding in the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant program, first created by Congressman Rogers in 2016. The AMLER grant program will receive $135 million, including $29 million for Kentucky alone.

It includes four of Congressman Rogers’ Community Project Funding requests for 2027:

$1.5 million for the Knott County Water and Sewer System Improvements Project, which will modernize water and wastewater treatment operations for homes, schools and businesses.

$1.5 million for the U.S. 150 Corridor Waterline Project, to build a transmission line through Lincoln County to support water reliability and industrial growth.

$1.5 million for the Pikeville Wastewater and Water Infrastructure Modernization Project, to replace corroded infrastructure in a major regional water supply hub.

$1.5 million for the Middlesboro Wastewater System Improvements Project, which will expand capacity and modify the current wastewater treatment plant.

Kentucky’s rural counties with federal land will also benefit from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which is fully funded with $650 million.

The bill now moves on for a vote in the House.

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.


Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Relieve Healthcare Provider Shortage by Boosting Job Opportunities for Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, in keeping with his commitment to our nation’s service members and veterans, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the Medic Education and Deployment into Civilian (MEDIC) Careers Act. This legislation aims to ease the healthcare provider shortage and provide more job opportunities for veterans.

As part of his continuing effort to work across the aisle for the benefit of our nation’s Service Members and Veterans, the Medic Education and Deployment into Civilian (MEDIC) Careers Act is co-led by Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. of Oregon (OR-03).

"This legislation is a no-nonsense, cost-effective solution to the critical healthcare provider shortage crippling our communities," said Congressman Abe Hamadeh. "Even better, this bill will supercharge the Department of War's ability to help our veterans secure meaningful jobs with healthcare providers, putting America’s heroes to work where they’re needed most."

Background:

Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals, but because of an aging population and workforce, increased prevalence in chronic illness, and provider burnout, an estimated 275,000 additional nurses with every level of experience will be needed by 2030 to meet demand.

Military medics provide emergency medical care and treatment in combat, as well as in hospitals, clinics, and field units. The required certifications to serve as a military medic vary across branches, and not all certification requirements have a civilian equivalent. Because of these varying requirements, existing transition assistance programs for service members are not always effective for health care personnel.

In 2023, more than 173,000 health care personnel served in the United States Armed Services, but lack of uniformity within the state-based civilian credentialing system can make it difficult to identify how military experience and training translates to the civilian health care workforce.

About the Legislation

• Identifies barriers to standardizing military medic credentials and experience within the individual branches of the armed forces and aligning those requirements with civilian credentials and requirements.

• Identifies barriers to increasing the availability and accessibility of preparatory activities within DoD’s transition assistance programs, specifically within the health care sector.

• Considers the potential impacts of states clarifying the civilian equivalents of certain military credentials and experience in health care and the implementation of certain programs to bridge military medic credentials and civilian health care credentials.

• Update an existing Department of Defense grant program to support eligible civilian health care providers and service members in hiring, training or retraining, and retention efforts.


REP. HOYLE AND HOUSE DEMOCRATS FORCE SUCCESSFUL VOTE ON “WAR POWERS RESOLUTION”

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Hoyle and House Democrats, joined by some of their Republican colleagues voted to pass the “War Powers Resolution” on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in a rebuke to the Administration over its unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral war with Iran.

“This war is unconstitutional, immoral, and a costly forever war that no American wants. According to the Constitution: The President does not have the authority to declare war. That authority rests solely with Congress,” said Rep. Hoyle.“Our friends and family are dying in an illegal war that has cost Americans 50 billion dollars. People are going hungry and losing their homes over rising costs and instead of addressing these issues, the Administration slaps them with a bill for a war they have no exit plan for. Enough is enough.”

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Jayapal Statement on Iran War Powers Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding how she would have voted had she been able to be present for today’s War Powers Resolution vote, which passed 215-208.

“Today, I am in India with my mother due to an unforeseen health emergency that required my presence. Had I been in Washington, D.C., I would have voted YES on the War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s illegal war in Iran.

“Since President Trump’s illegal war of choice on Iran began, I have been extremely clear over and over again that Congress alone has the power to declare war. This war has had disastrous effects for the American people and for the world in the nearly 100 days since Trump began it without congressional approval. Waged with absolutely no imminent threat and no endgame, this war has already killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and injured many more; killed thousands of civilians in Iran and Lebanon, and displaced millions more; wasted billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars that should have been spent on lowering healthcare and housing costs for Americans; and all while causing gas prices and grocery costs to skyrocket. The simple truth is that the American people are paying the price for Trump’s lawlessness.

“Every day that this war continues is a violation of our Constitution. Today, Congress took a critically important step to reassert our power and stand against costly forever wars. Both the House and the Senate have now made clear in a bipartisan way: It’s past time for Donald Trump to end this war.”

Jayapal leads a War Powers Resolution that was introduced in April.


JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL WAR POWERS RESOLUTION VOTE

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “TODD BLANCHE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s The Last Word, where he made clear that Donald Trump and sycophantic Republicans failed the American people with their reckless and unpopular war of choice, which is why Democrats successfully passed a War Powers Resolution to hold them accountable and remain committed to driving down the high cost of living.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leading off our discussion tonight is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mr. Leader, thank you very much for joining us tonight. I want to begin with your reaction to this breaking news of Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s criminal defense lawyer, now being likely offered for Senate confirmation to the permanent role of Attorney General.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good evening, Lawrence. Great to be with you. Todd Blanche is not qualified to be the Deputy Attorney General, the Acting Attorney General and he certainly is not qualified to be the United States Attorney General. The role of that particular position is to serve as the people’s lawyer. Todd Blanche has been acting like Donald Trump’s lawyer, which was his former position. But he has failed to transition in terms of behaving in the best interest of the American people. And we know this based on example after example, most recently his decision to help initiate the corrupt $1.8 billion slush fund, which they’ve only backed away from temporarily because of intense public pressure.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: I want to get your reaction to what you see in the congressional map as of last night. I know this is difficult because California is still counting votes, but there was a redistricting in California specifically designed by the Democrats to deliver more Democrats from California to the House of Representatives. How is that looking as of today, if you can tell anything about it? And what about the rest of the map nationally?

LEADER JEFFRIES: When it’s all said and done, we believe we’ll pick up an additional five seats in California. And in Texas, by way of example, the Republicans who claim that they’re going to pick up five seats will be fortunate if they gain two or three. So we’ll net more out of California than they’ll net out of Texas. And then when we go state after state after state, despite the Republican efforts to try to gerrymander the national congressional map as part of their toxic scheme to rig the midterm elections, they’re going to be unsuccessful. They will not get four seats out of Florida. They will fall far short of that. And of course, Democrats stand poised to pick up seats all across the country because Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress has been a failure. Costs haven’t gone down. Costs have gone up. Life has gotten more expensive. Republicans have gotten us into this reckless and costly war of choice over in the Middle East when Donald Trump promised to stop wars, not start them. And I think the American people increasingly recognize that, if they want a Congress that actually is designed to make life better for the American people, you’ve got to put Democrats in charge. We will actually focus on driving down the high cost of living and fixing our broken healthcare system.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: You know, I sat on this program when I saw Speaker Johnson put the House in a recess because he didn’t think he had enough votes to defend against the War Powers Resolution that you were forcing a vote on in the House. I said at the time, if you put them into recess, when they come back, you’re going to have fewer votes. That’s what happens when House Members go home to districts, facing something very unpopular like Donald Trump’s war. It’s not—it didn’t seem to me there was any chance of Republicans coming back with more votes to support Donald Trump’s war, and that’s what we saw today.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely right. This is an example of justice delayed not being justice denied. We’re thankful for the leadership of the once and future Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Greg Meeks, and all of the Members of the House Democratic Caucus who pushed this forward. The American people have turned against this war from the very beginning. It’s deeply unpopular. The war has actually made life more expensive for the American people. Gas prices are through the roof. This is already on top of a failing Trump-Republican economy and the Trump tariffs, which have caused prices to increase by thousands of dollars per year for everyday Americans. And as of the moment, Iran is in a stronger position than they were prior to the war being started, particularly because they have control of the Strait of Hormuz. And so, what we need at this moment is for Senate Republicans to do the right thing—now that the House has acted decisively—reclaim our authority as the only branch of government with the power to declare war. That hasn’t happened. We need to end this and end this now. And Republicans in the Senate can do the right thing by the American people over the next few days. And we’re hopeful that they’ll do just that.

LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for starting off our coverage tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Lawmakers Call for Investigation into Prediction Markets

Washington, D.C. – A group of lawmakers led by U.S. Reps. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate whether new online prediction market platforms are engaging in unfair and deceptive practices that mislead consumers.

Internet-based prediction markets allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to the outcome of real-world events – effectively enabling a seamless way to gamble online. When two of the leading platforms began offering sports contracts in 2025, they created a billion-dollar industry in just one year. With their dramatic growth in popularity alongside major events like the World Cup and Super Bowl, the lawmakers are raising concerns that these prediction market companies advertise themselves to the public as sports gambling apps while presenting themselves to regulators as financial investment tools, misleading consumers and attempting to evade regulators.

“In a world where sports gambling has become increasingly widespread, consumers deserve clear and honest information about the platforms they are using,” Rep. Mullin said. “These prediction market companies are presenting themselves differently to regulators than they are to the public, and that kind of contradictory messaging can mislead consumers about what rules and protections actually apply. We are urging the FTC to investigate these practices and ensure consumers are protected from this potentially deceptive activity.”

“Prediction market companies and their unregulated gambling are building a new class of billionaires and ripping off our Tribes. These companies claim they’re not gambling platforms, but that’s not how they advertise themselves, and their false claims shouldn’t hold up in court. Regulators must close this loophole,” Rep. Vasquez said.

In legal filings, Kalshi and Polymarket – the leading prediction markets – have argued that these contracts are financial tools or investment products, and therefore should not be regulated as gambling. At the same time, the companies have advertised themselves to consumers using language associated with sports gambling, including claims about “legal betting” and “betting on sports without a sportsbook.” Polling shows this tactic misleads consumers, with the majority of Americans viewing it as gambling despite the fact that the companies are simultaneously attempting to evade state-based gambling regulations.

The letter requests detailed information from the FTC, including:

Whether the FTC has taken or plans to take any investigative or enforcement actions related to prediction market platform conduct as possible unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

Whether the FTC differentiates between the act of betting versus gambling while determining possible unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

Whether the FTC considers public perception and legal filings of prediction market platforms when determining whether they have engaged in possible unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

Whether the FTC received complaints about prediction market platforms.

In addition to Mullin and Vasquez, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mike Levin (CA-49), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04). Full text of the letter can be found here.

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Rep. Mullin Votes to End Trump’s War With Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) issued the following statement on the successful War Powers Resolution vote on June 3, 2026:

“FINALLY. Today, House Democrats successfully pushed through our effort to stop Trump’s reckless and unpopular war with Iran – despite Republicans and Speaker Johnson who repeatedly tried to avoid this critical vote.

Trump’s war has already taken the lives of U.S. service members and civilians, cost taxpayers billions, and driven extreme gas price hikes. But most Republicans would rather bend the knee to Trump than help families here at home.

Democrats’ War Powers Resolution is an important step – but we need to keep the pressure up, reassert congressional oversight on this unhinged president, and emphasize that the American people do not support Trump’s war.”

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Latta Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Medicaid HCBS Programs

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, a bill requiring states to report on efforts to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability while preserving state flexibility in administering HCBS programs.

Home and community-based services (HCBS), authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. While HCBS programs are vital to millions of Americans, their rapid growth and decentralized administration create vulnerabilities to improper payments and fraudulent activity.

Currently, there is no uniform federal requirement for states to regularly report specifically on HCBS fraud detection and deterrence activities. This bill would amend Section 1915(c)(2) of the Social Security Act to require states, on an annual basis, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes a summary of any waste, fraud, or abuse detected in HCBS waiver programs and a description of actions taken to prevent, detect, and address such activities.

“Home and community-based services (HCBS) play an important role in helping Americans receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. As these programs continue to grow, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being responsibly used. The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act will increase transparency and accountability by helping states identity and address waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving the flexibility they need to administer these programs effectively,” Latta said.

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-2), Rep. Tom Barret (MI-07) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19).

This bill is supported by Americans for Prosperity, The Libre Initiative and Able Americans.

"Congratulations to Congressman Latta on offering a commonsense answer to a serious problem. Federal health care programs are rampant with waste, fraud, and abuse. This bill would help reduce those improper payments, within an important part of Medicaid, by arming policymakers with better data. AFP will be urging all Members of Congress to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 because it will benefit patients and taxpayers alike without any new spending, taxes, or mandates,” said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow, Americans for Prosperity.

"The LIBRE Initiative is proud to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026. This legislation is not simply about saving taxpayer dollars, but at its core, it's about ensuring our most vulnerable fellow Americans receive the care they were promised. Over 5 million Americans rely on home and community-based services, including hundreds of thousands of Latino seniors who are the fastest growing elderly demographic in our country. In 2024 alone, Medicaid fraud units recovered over a billion dollars. When fraud goes unchecked, it is these families who suffer most,” said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative.

“Able Americans supports Rep. Bob Latta’s HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, legislation that calls on states to increase transparency and accountability in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services. For millions of Americans with disabilities, HCBS is not optional—it is the support that allows them to live in their homes, remain connected to their families, participate in their communities, and avoid unnecessary institutional care. These services are a lifeline. But when waste, fraud, or abuse occurs, it threatens both taxpayers and the people with disabilities who depend on these programs for daily care. Able Americans applauds Rep. Latta for his leadership to protect Medicaid HCBS, safeguard taxpayers, and verify that states guard these critical services remain available for the people who need them most,” said Rachel Barkley, Director of Able Americans.

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 would:


Rep. Mike Levin Fights to Ban Drilling Off of California & Florida Coasts

Watch Rep. Levin’s Remarks Here

Washington, D.C.—Today, during a House Appropriations Committee markup, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced an amendment to prohibit leasing activities for oil and gas off the coast of California and in the Eastern Gulf near Florida. The amendment was rejected by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee—including Republican Members who represent Florida.

In November 2025, the Trump Administration announced new offshore drilling plans for the nation that would include up to 34 offshore lease sales covering approximately 1.27 billion acres of United States coastline, including three lease sales in Southern California and three more throughout the rest of the state. The plan would also include 21 lease sales off the coast of Alaska and seven in the Gulf of Mexico, including two in the Eastern Gulf near Florida. The proposed leasing areas include waters used by the U.S. military for training, testing, and operations.

Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has fought extensively for a ban on offshore drilling off the coast of California. In April 2025, he reintroduced he reintroduced the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act to ban offshore drilling along the Southern California coast. He also co-sponsored Rep. Jared Huffman’s (CA-02) West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would ban offshore drilling throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Rep. Levin’s bill has been endorsed by numerous environmental groups and cities throughout the 49th Congressional District.

Rep. Levin’s amendment would have prevented new offshore drilling leases off the costs of California and Florida in order to protect coastal economies, military installations, tourism, and the environment.

Read Rep. Levin’s remarks as prepared for delivery below:

I am proud to represent 50 miles of beautiful Southern California coastline and the vibrant coastal economy that relies on its clean and healthy ocean ecosystem.

It is well known how much our coastline supports the economy, from tourism, to recreation, to fisheries, to deepwater port commerce.

But what we do not talk about enough is the fact that our coastline is also home to a broad network of military installations, testing sites, and naval training areas that are essential to our military readiness, including Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in my district.

It’s not just California that relies on a healthy coastline; every one of us from a coastal state knows just how important the ocean is to our constituents and our military.

Which is why I am so concerned that the first proposal on the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program would open waters off the coast of California and in the Gulf off of Florida to offshore drilling.

Last year, the Interior Department proposed to expand drilling into the Eastern Gulf near Florida as well as the entire California coast, where no new drilling has taken place in more than 50 years.

The U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard all use at least one range off California or in the Gulf, and at least two dozen military bases rely on these waters in some capacity.

So I rise today to offer an amendment to prohibit leasing activities for oil and gas off the coast of California and in the Eastern Gulf near Florida.

In California, the waters off our shore are actively used by the men and women of our armed forces to train, test, and maintain the readiness that keeps this country safe and that keeps our adversaries in check.

The waters off Southern California are some of the most militarily significant in the world. This is where we project power into the Pacific.

Yet as you can see, the proposed leasing expansion in California overlaps significantly with areas that the US military uses for training and operations.

These offshore waters are where these service members rehearse the missions that matter most. Where next-generation systems get tested. Where readiness is built so that when the moment comes, our military is prepared.

That includes the amphibious assault exercises, ship-to-shore raids, small unit landings, and that are essential to how our servicemen and women train and certify for deployment.

These are not optional exercises. They are required before deployment.

The same is true on the Florida coast. The proposed drilling expansion in the Eastern Gulf would mean real impacts to military readiness.

The region acts as critical training ground and retired military leaders have been ringing the alarm bell about the risks that new offshore drilling would pose in the Gulf.

From weapons and aircraft testing to training exercises, having access to open water in the Eastern Gulf is critical to our military operations.

Yet again, as you can see, the proposed leasing expansion significantly overlaps with military training and operations areas off the Florida coast.

Think about what that actually looks like in practice.

New drilling creates new physical and logistical conflicts in some of the most sensitive testing ranges in the country. It creates conflicts between commercial activity and military necessity that simply should not exist.

Permanent oil platforms cannot be moved for military exercises.

There is also an environmental dimension to this that cannot be ignored.

The risk of oil spills is very real, and one that our Southern California community experienced all too recently.

A pipeline leaked just off the Orange County coast, releasing tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the ocean, making the shoreline unsafe for fishing and tourism for months.

Now ask yourself: what happens when that kind of catastrophe occurs not off a tourist beach, but in the middle of an offshore range complex or an active training corridor?

For all these reasons, new drilling off the coasts of California and Florida opposition faces bipartisan opposition from communities and elected officials.

I hope that everyone can stand by our colleagues from California and Florida to support my amendment to prevent new drilling in these sensitive areas.

Thank you and I yield back.

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