Malliotakis Rallies with Staten Island Realtors in Support of Capital Gains Tax Relief to Protect Seniors’ Nest Eggs

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined local Staten Island Realtors and seniors at the Great Kills Friendship Club to rally support for H.R. 9064, the Nest Egg Protection Act, and H.R. 1340, the More Homes on the Market Act.

Malliotakis' legislation, the Nest Egg Protection Act, would lower the capital gains tax burden on seniors selling homes that have long served as their nest eggs by temporarily increasing the capital gains tax exclusion to $1 million for individuals and married couples aged 65 or older. To qualify, homeowners must have owned their primary residence for at least 25 years. This would allow seniors to keep more of their hard-earned equity while helping bring more homes onto the market.

Under current law, individuals may exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains from federal taxes on the sale of their primary residence, while joint filers may exclude up to $500,000—exclusion amounts that have not been increased since 1997. Any gain above those amounts is subject to capital gains tax.

In addition to her legislation, Malliotakis discussed H.R. 1340, the More Homes on the Market Act, legislation she cosponsors which provides additional capital gains tax relief for homeowners of all ages to help bring more homes onto the market. The legislation doubles the current home sale capital gains exclusion from $250,000 to $500,000 for individuals and from $500,000 to $1 million for married couples, with future increases adjusted for inflation.

“After already quadrupling the state and local tax deduction to $40,000, we are continuing our work to deliver tax relief for New York homeowners. Today, I join Staten Island Realtors and seniors to highlight two commonsense bills that would provide much-needed capital gains tax relief for longtime homeowners and help address our housing shortage,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “My legislation provides targeted, temporary relief for seniors who have owned their homes for decades, allowing them to sell or downsize without losing so much of the retirement savings they spent a lifetime building. By easing that tax burden and removing barriers to selling, we can help bring more homes onto the market and open the door to homeownership for young families and first-time buyers.”

“Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis deserves tremendous credit for introducing this long-overdue legislation to raise the capital gains tax exclusion for seniors selling their homes from $500,000 to $1 million. It is the responsibility of elected officials to improve affordability for all Americans and ensure hardworking taxpayers are not overtaxed by an outdated tax code. This threshold has not been updated since the 1990s, despite decades of rising home values that have unfairly increased the tax burden on many seniors. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to join Congresswoman Malliotakis in supporting this commonsense measure and finally deliver this long-overdue tax relief,” said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis.

“The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® supports the Nest Egg Protection Act as a common-sense approach to increasing housing inventory while helping seniors keep more of the equity they have earned over a lifetime. By reducing a major tax barrier to selling, this proposal could encourage more longtime homeowners to right-size their housing and create opportunities for the next generation of homebuyers," said Sandy Krueger, CEO, Staten Island Board of REALTORS®.

"This legislation would have an immediate effect on inventory since it reduces some of the financial strain on seniors who are deciding to sell. It also will provide a strong benefit for those who have lost their partner by giving them a financial lift and assisting them in selling so that they can improve their quality of life without the fear of losing the equity in their home to capital gains taxes," said Frank Reali, Broker, Safari Realty.

"This proposed legislation is keeping up with the current status of the real estate market. Pricing continues to increase and for our seniors who have worked their entire lives to have the American dream of homeownership, they face the challenge of worrying about paying massive capital gains taxes when they helped build our neighborhoods and communities. Thank you Congresswoman Malliotakis for proposing this common sense legislation,” said George S. Wonica ‘Jr’ - Broker/Appraiser - REAL Brokerage & Past President - Staten Island Board of Realtors & Brooklyn Board of Realtors.

“For years, we’ve watched seniors become prisoners of their own success. They did everything right, bought a home, paid the mortgage, stayed in the community, and now the tax code punishes them for moving. Congresswoman Malliotakis’ proposal removes a major barrier, frees up housing inventory, and creates opportunities for both seniors and young families. It’s one of the smartest housing ideas I’ve seen in years," said Celia lervasi, International Realty Services.

“This is a bill that is long overdue, and we definitely need this to happen with Nicole’s help and others,” said Steve Caro, Agent, Robert DeFalco Realty. “This is going to open up a lot, especially for our seniors, and then they can downsize and open up homes for the new generation.”

“Every real estate professional knows there are homes that are effectively frozen. Many seniors aren’t staying put because they want to, but because the tax consequences of selling have become too great. I thank the Congresswoman for recognizing that reality and introducing a bill that helps restore the freedom to make the housing decisions that are right for them. That’s good for seniors, good for families looking to buy a home, and good for the overall housing market,” said Joanne Costa, Joanne Costa Realty.

Watch the full press conference HERE.

Congresswoman Malliotakis has consistently fought to make life more affordable for homeowners and seniors, helping secure an increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 for homeowners. Malliotakis also authored the bonus senior deduction included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, which provides qualifying seniors age 65 and older with a bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples, helping many keep more of their Social Security benefits tax-free. According to the U.S. Treasury, over 35 million seniors have claimed this enhanced deduction.


Rep. McBride Marks Anniversary of Congressman John Lewis' Passing with Call to Defend Voting Rights and Democracy

WASHINGTON, DC — This week, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) took to the House floor to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis' passing, honoring the civil rights icon's legacy. In her remarks, Rep. McBride urged Congress to continue the fight to protect voting rights and strengthen American democracy amid renewed efforts to disenfranchise Americans.

A video of Rep. McBride's remarks is available here. The full transcript of her speech as delivered is below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to mark both the anniversary of a profound loss and the reminder it serves at this moment in our nation’s story.

Six years ago, Congressman John Lewis passed away. A titan of the Civil Rights Movement who worked tirelessly to deliver justice, expand equality, and secure the right to vote for every American — including Black Americans.

Today, however, we are navigating a moment where the work he devoted his life to is increasingly under threat. We have seen executive actions that would make it harder for Americans to vote. We have witnessed renewed attempts to undermine confidence in our elections and intimidate those who administer them.

Right now, in this very Congress, we are facing a renewed push to establish what amounts to a modern day poll tax on Americans.

Most recently, the Supreme Court has facilitated the dismantling of Black political representation in this chamber and greenlit racial discrimination in voting, so long as the proponents simply say it’s for ‘partisan purposes.’

Congressman Lewis often spoke of his hopefulness for the future, because he was adamant that tomorrow could be better and more just than today.

It is our job to pick up that mantle and continue that work.

In 2020, while commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Congressman Lewis reminded us of his important rallying call: to get into what he called “good trouble” to help redeem the soul of America.

Throughout his miraculous life, he never lost faith in the central ingredient of change — the necessary foundation of democracy, his belief in the capacity for other people to change and, therefore, for our country to change.

He reminds us that hope is not reserved for moments when progress feels inevitable or easily attainable — we must harness it, most especially, in moments like this one: when the reasons for hopelessness seem greatest, that is when the legacy of ‘good trouble, necessary trouble’ is most essential.

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Rep. McDonald Rivet, PFAS Task Force Call on Pentagon to Accelerate PFAS Cleanup Near Military Facilities

WASHINGTON— Today, bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force Co-Chairs Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) called on the Department of Defense (DOD) to immediately address overdue PFAS forever chemical cleanup and transparency requirements.

“DOD has failed to clean up the dangerous, forever chemicals that have hurt hundreds of communities across the country. Cleanup timelines have been pushed back and slow-rolled repeatedly without providing communities the transparency they deserve,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Since President Trump signed our bill into law, these deadlines are not optional. DOD needs to step up and work with us to protect the health and wellbeing of the families living near these contaminated sites.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have contaminated soil, surface water, groundwater, and food across the country, including hundreds of military installations and surrounding communities, with over a dozen located in Michigan. Some PFAS can cause harmful health effects, including damage to the immune system, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s Military PFAS Transparency Act, which was signed into law in December 2025, required DOD to accelerate cleanup strategies for PFAS and increase public transparency surrounding cleanup efforts and timelines by June 16, 2026. However, DOD has failed to do so, and instead recently delayed cleanup timelines by up to 20 years at nearly 200 sites across the country.

The letter from the lawmakers reads, in part, “Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances pose an ongoing and immediate health risk to millions of Americans. Research provided by DOD suggests that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes such as reproductive issues and increased risk of some cancers, and the DOD PFAS Task Force stated that reports indicate most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS and have PFAS in their blood. Further, EPA’s water monitoring data and state tests found that PFAS have been detected in tap water serving millions nationwide. This is a widespread and urgent public health crisis.

“Nationally, there are over 700 military sites with known or suspected PFAS contamination from DOD activities. We are extremely concerned about DOD’s efforts to permanently address this contamination to support the members of our Armed Forces and the surrounding communities, as DOD has significantly delayed progress… It is unacceptable that DOD has continued to deprioritize these cleanup efforts despite its legal obligation and continued resources and direction to do so from Congress.”


Kennedy, Onder bill to put a stop to all transgender medical interventions for minors nationwide passes House Judiciary Committee

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Congressman Bob Onder’s (MO-03) Chloe Cole Act, a landmark bill that will put a stop to one of the most dangerous medical procedures in modern history has cleared a major hurdle and passed the House Judiciary Committee.

The Chloe Cole Act will stop transgender procedures for minors nationwide, specifically targeting puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures. The legislation is named after Chloe Cole, a prominent detransitioner who underwent a double mastectomy at age 15 and later advocated against transgender interventions.

“As both a physician and a legislator, my primary commitment has consistently been the safety and well-being of our children. We are seeing a disturbing trend where radical ideologies have overtaken evidence-based medicine, causing irreversible and terrible damage to children,” said Congressman Kennedy. “The evidence shows that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures are extremely harmful and simply the wrong approach. I led the way in 2023 by passing landmark legislation in Utah that set the standard for states around the nation in stopping these evil practices, and the Chloe Cole Act takes that success to the national level. This is a legally durable, constitutionally sound, and clear path forward to stopping a practice that results in the mutilation of children under the guise of care.”

“As a member of Congress, a physician, a parent, and a concerned American, I am committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03). “That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Chloe Cole Act of 2026. The importance of this legislation is non-negotiable. This is a landmark bill that will permanently end one of the most dangerous and barbaric medical practices in modern history.”

When it comes to gender transition interventions — puberty blockers, hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and surgical procedures — evidence continues to show from American medical groups that this is the wrong approach to getting these kids the help they need.

Children should never be subjected to a medical system that pushes life altering medical procedures and hormone interventions that are incredibly harmful.

The Chloe Cole Act has support from the following organizations:

Heritage Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, Do No Harm, American Principles Project, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Independent Women’s Law Center, CatholicVote, Association of Christian Schools International, American College of Pediatricians.


Modeled After Iowa Law, Rep. Miller-Meeks Introduces Bill to Shield Kids from Predatory AI

IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) has introduced the Conversational AI Services Act, federal legislation to protect children and teenagers from the unique psychological risks posed by generative AI chatbots. The bill is modeled directly after Iowa's SF 2417, signed into law earlier this year by Governor Kim Reynolds with unanimous, bipartisan support.

"As a physician and a former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I am deeply concerned about the toll the digital world is taking on our youth's mental health. We cannot allow the mistakes of the social media era to be repeated with Artificial Intelligence," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "Parents are crying out for help. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa has proven that we can protect kids from deceptive AI without crushing technological innovation. I am proud to introduce this common-sense, conservative legislation to ensure American children can learn from AI safely, without being manipulated or exposed to explicit content."

"Iowa is leading the way in responsible AI legislation, first at the state and now at the federal level. By preventing chatbots from posing as humans, our state law protects kids from dangerous mental-health outcomes. Congress should pass Representative Miller-Meeks' bill without delay to ensure no child in our nation is left unsafe." - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

The Conversational AI Services Act will:

Empower parents by requiring AI operators to provide parental supervision tools for a minor's screen time and account settings.

Ban deceptive personas by prohibiting AI from simulating romantic relationships, claiming sentience, or acting as an unlicensed medical or mental health professional.

Stop tech addiction by banning gamification features, like unpredictable reward points, designed to artificially increase screen time.

Protect against explicit content by requiring strong guardrails against the generation of sexually explicit material for minors.

Provide crisis support by requiring AI services to direct users expressing suicidal ideation to expert crisis hotlines.

The legislation takes a pro-innovation, risk-based approach, explicitly exempting internal business tools, basic smart speakers, and B2B services to ensure American businesses remain at the forefront of the global AI economy.

To read the full bill text, click HERE.

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CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE REAFFIRMS LEADERSHIP ON ELECTION SECURITY FOLLOWING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S LATEST FALSE CLAIMS

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Following President Trump's Address to the Nation last night, Congressman Joe Morelle, Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration and the top House Democrat on election security, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the integrity of American elections and ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot freely and have it counted fairly.

"President Trump's pathetic and unserious rantings last night were an attempt to re-hash old lies and conspiracy theories as a pretext to undermine the results in November by casting false doubt on the integrity of our democratic systems," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "Real election security is not about helping one politician save face. It is about making sure every American citizen can cast a ballot freely and have it counted fairly. House Democrats are preparing for the 2026 midterms with facts, not fear, and we will not let one person's craving to retain power dictate the outcome of this election."

For families across Rochester, confidence in our elections means knowing that every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard and that every lawful ballot will be counted fairly. As misinformation about our democratic process continues to spread, Morelle said protecting public trust requires “preparation, transparency, and accountability,” not fear or conspiracy theories.

Following the President's address, Morelle joined C-SPAN to respond to the President's remarks and fact-check his numerous false claims about the 2020 election. You can watch that interview here.

Since January 2023, Morelle has served as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, making him the leading House Democrat responsible for election security and election administration. In that role, he has led House Democrats' efforts to prepare for emerging threats to our democratic institutions and strengthen confidence in free and fair elections.

Under Congressman Morelle’s leadership, House Democrats have:

Convened strategy sessions with Democratic Members of Congress and key validators and civil society groups to prepare for potential election interference scenarios. These meetings remain ongoing.

Launched a new task force dedicated to rooting out corruption across the federal government while advancing policies focused on stability, affordability, and opportunity.

Conducted election security hearings and public briefings across the country—including alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries—to educate Americans about election procedures and their rights as voters.

Held Trump administration officials accountable through Congressional hearings and markups, ensuring transparency and oversight on behalf of the American people.

As Congress prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, Morelle said he will continue working with election officials, community leaders, and his colleagues in Congress to protect the right of every eligible American to vote and maintain confidence in the integrity of our democratic process.

For more information on Congressman Morelle's work to protect free and fair elections, visit his website here. To learn more about the Committee on House Administration's work on election security, visit the Committee's website here.

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Moulton, House Democrats Demand Independent Investigations into Fatal ICE Shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined nearly 200 House Democrats in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella demanding independent investigations into the recent fatal ICE shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero.

In the letter, the lawmakers explicitly request that DHS commit to five actions to ensure accountability and transparency:

Will you commit to allowing all noncitizen witnesses to remain in the United States for the duration of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), DHS Office of Inspecter General (OIG) and any state or local investigations into both of these deaths, so they may provide eyewitness testimony to investigators?

Will you commit to not interfering with any ongoing investigations, and to ensuring truly independent investigations into both of these cases, as well as completing investigations into the other ICE-related shootings that have occurred?

Will you commit to ensuring that all investigators, including those from the FBI, OIG, and any state and local offices have access to all witnesses and evidence related to both of these deaths?

Given the enormous amount of funding provided to ICE and CBP both last year and this year, will you commit to immediately providing body cameras to all ICE and CBP agents and ensuring that footage is made available in any ongoing investigations, including any footage of all victims of DHS-related fatal shootings?

Please provide a detailed breakdown, including providing copies of all training materials, on how much and what kind of training your officers undergo, as it relates to vehicle stops including when or how discharging weapons into vehicles is or is not permissible.

The lawmakers' urgent demands follow the July 7th killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo in Texas and the July 13th killing of Mr. Guerrero in Maine. Neither individual was the intended target of the ICE operations.

“When law enforcement operations result in the tragic loss of human life—especially involving individuals who were not the targets of the operation—there must be absolute transparency and accountability” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “The families of Mr. Salgado Araujo and Mr. Guerrero deserve answers, not shifting narratives. We need an independent investigation to uncover the truth and reevaluate the protocols that allowed these devastating incidents to occur.”


Neal Announces $1,092,000 in Federal Funding for Blandford Water Treatment and Distribution System Upgrades

Blandford, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Blandford Town Administrator Cristina Ferrera, Select Board Chair Jackie Coury, and Water Commission Chair Brad Curry to announce $1,092,000 in federal funding for water treatment and distribution system upgrades. This allocation was made possible through community project funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill.

“It’s a privilege to be in Blandford and to join town officials in announcing this much needed investment for these vital pieces of community infrastructure. This is about the basics: ensuring families and children in every community can access the same high public health standards.” Congressman Neal said. “Everyone should be able to trust the safety and reliability of the water system they rely on for daily needs, and funding like this will make all of us healthier and safer.”

This project will comprehensively upgrade the Water Treatment Facility and distribution system to achieve permit compliance, ensure safe, reliable drinking water, and strengthen fire protection for the residents of Blandford and travelers using the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Service Plaza on I-90.

“On behalf of the Town of Blandford, we are deeply grateful to Congressman Neal and his office for their support in helping secure this important funding for our community. For a small rural town like Blandford, investments in water infrastructure are not simply capital projects; they are matters of public health, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and basic municipal sustainability. Blandford is held to the same public health and drinking water standards as much larger communities, but we must meet those obligations with a fraction of the staffing, rate base, and financial capacity.” Town Administrator Cristina Ferrera said. “This funding allows us to move forward with a critical project that will strengthen the reliability of our water system and help address Safe Drinking Water Act compliance needs. We are sincerely appreciative of this assistance, and we also hope this visit highlights the continuing reality faced by small towns across Western Massachusetts: the need is real, the mandates are significant, and timely funding support can make the difference between a community being able to act proactively or being forced to respond only after a problem becomes urgent.”

The Town is currently using approximately $290,000 of this funding for the installation of a new skid-mounted Packaged Generator System, which will assist Safe Drinking Water Act compliance and improve the reliability of the Town’s drinking water system.

Under guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested community project funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2026. Requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments, and eligible non-profit entities, were permitted to receive CDS funding. This project is one of fifteen projects submitted by Congressman Neal, investing in a variety of initiatives throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.

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Neal Blasts Trump’s Election Conspiracies

SPRINGFIELD, MA— Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement blasting President Trump for spreading more debunked falsehoods regarding the security of U.S. elections:

“The President knows he’s failed the American people. Wages can’t keep up with his inflation, he can’t find his way out of a war he started that nobody wanted, and families are watching their savings dry up while he gets rich off rampant corruption. Trump knows the American people are rejecting his failures, and with November approaching, he’s resorting to desperate, debunked lies about our elections to muddy the waters and suppress the vote before Americans can deliver accountability.

“Our elections remain safe and secure from foreign interference, and there remains no evidence that tampering occurred. The real threat is a President who undermines that security by spreading dangerous lies and breaking election security efforts across the government. Americans should remain confident that due to the resiliency of those in the intelligence community, and the patriotism of election workers across the country, their vote remains sacred, secure, and cannot be diminished by the President’s delusions.”

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Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse: “The only person in America who's getting richer these days is Donald Trump”

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse was joined by Ranking Members Robert Garcia, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Richard E. Neal, Committee on Ways and Mean, for his monthly news conference earlier this week. The Members spoke of President Donald Trump’s pervasive self-dealing and House Democrats’ efforts to put a stop to this administration’s unparalleled corruption.

Click HERE to watch the full press conference.

Find a transcription of Rep. Neguse’s opening remarks below.

NEGUSE: I'm here today with two of our most prominent Ranking Members in the House Democratic Caucus—Ranking Member Richie Neal, of course, of the prestigious Ways and Means Committee, and Ranking Member Robert Garcia of the Oversight Committee.

And we're here to convey a very simple message to the American people. There's a lot going on right now, but something that I believe was lost in the news over the course of the last several weeks is the simple fact that in the history of our country, no president has profited off of public office more than Donald Trump. According to financial disclosures released just a few weeks ago, roughly, I believe, 15 days ago, the president's income in 2025 soared to over $2.2 billion. Think about that $2.2 billion with a “b,” more than half of which was generated by his crypto empire that him and his family have been busily building.

How do we know that Donald Trump is using the White House to increase his personal wealth? Because, besides the fact that these brazen self-enrichment schemes are happening in broad daylight, the numbers, the empirical data, tell the story. In 2024, before returning to office, Trump's profits were just under a third of what they were in his first year back in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, the American people are struggling—from Massachusetts to California to Colorado, where I have the privilege of serving. Under the Trump Administration, gas prices are up, groceries are more expensive, affordable health care is out of reach for millions. Not to mention the social safety net, meant to support families and communities across our country, has been ripped out from under them.

At the end of the day, the Congress has a constitutional obligation to hold this President and his administration accountable and to root out corruption wherever we see it. And I am grateful that we have two incredibly talented Ranking Members who are committed to doing precisely that.

Continue reading for additional quotes from Representatives Neal and Garcia:

“Tax laws are supposed to apply equally, whether you're a school teacher, a small business owner, or indeed the President of the United States. The administration continues to try to bend the institutions of governance to their will for the purpose of advancing his own interest,” said Ranking Member Neal. “[A federal judge in Florida] has spoken, and now Congress has a responsibility to continue to demand clear accountability. And if we don't put our eyes and scrutiny of these matters, it ill serves our constitutional function and it allows this enrichment that we’re witnessing to continue. The American people deserve more.”

“[A]s Americans are struggling with gas, groceries, the cost of goods, paying the rent, Donald Trump and their family are enriching themselves…The crypto scheme might be the most blatant corrupt thing that the folks and people in the community can see, but what we're not seeing are the real estate deals being done by the sons, we're also not seeing the direct work that Jared Kushner is doing to enrich himself and his family with an investment fund that the Saudis pumped $2 billion in, we're not seeing the corruption of selling pardons, the corruption of selling pay-to-play at the White House, literally ticketed events at the People's House. And so, whether it's the crypto scheme, whether it's the real estate deals, whether it's the selling of pardons, whether it's the sons enriching themselves off real estate deals after their father's doing diplomacy, all of that comes back to a White House that is centered on enriching themselves and at the same time taking away from taxpayers,” said Ranking Member Garcia.

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Palmer Supports Legislation to Preserve the Integrity of the DAR

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) cosponsored the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06), amends the federal charter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to preserve the organization’s historic mission by including an eligibility requirement that limits membership to biological women that meet the genealogical eligibility requirements.

Upon cosponsoring this legislation, Rep. Palmer released the following statement:

“It should be common sense that to be a part of the Daughters of the American Revolution, you have to be a daughter. Unfortunately, common sense has become a casualty of the left's radical agenda,” said Rep. Palmer. “This legislation protects the integrity of the DAR by preserving its historic purpose. Congress will not allow radical activists to erase womanhood from one of our nation's oldest patriotic organizations. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I thank Rep. Cline for his leadership on this issue.”


Rep. Panetta Joins Rep. Jayapal and Nearly 200 Lawmakers in Demanding Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the lawmakers. “… Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

“These fatal shootings by your agents demand real accountability and immediate action to ensure this violence does not continue,” continued the lawmakers. “Failure to impose meaningful consequences sends a message to your Department that agents can act with impunity, risking public safety and people’s lives. We call on you to take immediate corrective action.”

On July 7, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens, who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.

On July 13, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of the killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of this Administration. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In previous shootings, ICE has also claimed that victims were “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have not been substantiated as evidence has emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the lawmakers are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.

The letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-AL), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

Rep. Panetta’s Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act would strengthen protections for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. His legislation aims to reduce barriers that prevent survivors from seeking justice and ensure they are not penalized for coming forward. The three men traveling with Mr. Salgado Araujo when he was shot, all now detained by ICE, have each filed for U-Visa protection. The program currently faces wait times of more than seven years, which Rep. Panetta’s bill would address.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Venturella is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:

We write to ensure accountability in the aftermath of two horrible deaths over the past week in Texas and Maine. On Tuesday, July 7, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the father of three U.S. citizens, and a 35-year resident of the United States, was driving to work when officers in an unmarked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle attempted to stop his van. Reports indicate that Mr. Salgado Araujo was not even the actual target of ICE at the time; the ICE operation was targeting two Guatemalans, who were not among the men in the van. ICE claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle” and an ICE agent shot him in response. Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have provided any evidence to substantiate this claim. On July 13, just 6 days later, ICE fatally shot a 25-year-old Colombian national, Johan Sebastian Guerrero, in the head multiple times, even though he was not part of a targeted enforcement action. DHS claims that Mr. Guerrero merely attempted to flee in a vehicle, and that an ICE officer shot him out of concern for “public safety.” DHS does not allege the officer feared for his safety. Video footage shows officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero and throwing him on the street, even after shooting him in the head.

Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status. DHS agents have shot at least 22 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal records.

In several of these cases, DHS and its component agencies made unsubstantiated allegations about individuals its agents have shot and even killed, including Renée Good, Alex Pretti, Ruben Ray Martinez, Marimar Martinez, and Julio Sosa-Celis. DHS claimed that the shooting victims were attacking law enforcement officers, attempting to “weaponize” their vehicles, and even called them domestic terrorists. In each case, evidence later emerged that contradicted these claims, showing that DHS representatives made false statements and DHS agents acted inappropriately, resulting in several cases against DHS’s victims to be dismissed with prejudice. As such, Trump’s DHS has lost the trust of the American people and can no longer be considered a reliable source of facts.

After shooting and killing Mr. Salgado Araujo, ICE agents took into custody the three other men who were in the van with him: his brother, Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, and two employees, Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego and Daniel Tirado Pantoja. All three of these men have independently disputed ICE’s account and stated that Mr. Salgado Araujo did not try to ram any agents with the van. Now, reports are emerging that these men—eyewitnesses to the shooting who can provide essential evidence to investigators—have been placed in removal proceedings. This is completely unacceptable.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time ICE has attempted to deport homicide witnesses in its custody. After a coroner ruled Geraldo Lunas Campos’ death at the ICE detention facility Camp East Montana a homicide, his family had to get a court order to ensure ICE did not deport the detained witnesses to the crime. One witness was moved and deported before the court got a chance to rule. It is essential that the same miscarriage of justice does not occur here.

We are calling for immediate independent investigations into both of these deaths, without interference. We are also calling on ICE to stop any removal proceedings against the witnesses to Mr. Salgado Araujo’s killing for the duration of the investigation. Investigators must be given access to the testimony of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, Daniel Tirado Pantoja, and Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, and the witnesses should have no threat of retaliation or deportation to provide their testimony.

Similarly, DHS must not interfere with any investigations into the death of Mr. Guerrero. Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.

In order to ensure justice occurs in these cases, as well as ensuring that such incidents do not continue to happen, please provide answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but no later than July 30, 2026:

1. Will you commit to allowing all noncitizen witnesses to remain in the United States for the duration of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), DHS Office of Inspecter General (OIG) and any state or local investigations into both of these deaths, so they may provide eyewitness testimony to investigators?

2. Will you commit to not interfering with any ongoing investigations, and to ensuring truly independent investigations into both of these cases, as well as completing investigations into the other ICE-related shootings that have occurred?

3. Will you commit to ensuring that all investigators, including those from the FBI, OIG, and any state and local offices have access to all witnesses and evidence related to both of these deaths?

4. Given the enormous amount of funding provided to ICE and CBP both last year and this year, will you commit to immediately providing body cameras to all ICE and CBP agents and ensuring that footage is made available in any ongoing investigations, including any footage of all victims of DHS-related fatal shootings?

5. Please provide a detailed breakdown, including providing copies of all training materials, on how much and what kind of training your officers undergo, as it relates to vehicle stops including when or how discharging weapons into vehicles is or is not permissible.

These fatal shootings by your agents demand real accountability and immediate action to ensure this violence does not continue. Failure to impose meaningful consequences sends a message to your Department that agents can act with impunity, risking public safety and people’s lives. We call on you to take immediate corrective action.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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Pappas, Goodlander Lead Legislation to Combat Substance Use Disorder in House

This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced the Turn the Tide Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would deliver more than $65 billion in federal funding over the next ten years for substance use treatment and prevention. This legislation would expand critical treatment programs, prioritize prevention and increase access to care by addressing workforce shortages. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan introduced this legislation in the Senate.

“It’s clear that investing in substance use treatment and prevention works,” said Congressman Pappas. “This administration has repeatedly tried to devastate our efforts to combat and prevent addiction, but what we actually need is continued investment to ensure treatment and prevention programs can reach everyone across our communities. This crisis is deeply personal for Granite Staters, and I will always fight to deliver New Hampshire the resources we need to save lives and help our communities stop this crisis.”

Specifically, the Turn the Tide Act:

Increases State Opioid Response (SOR) treatment grant funding to $5.5 billion per year over the next five years and provides needed flexibility so that providers can treat patients who have non-opioid related substance use disorders, such as methamphetamine or other substances.

Expands the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program and ensures states receive more consistent funding to support patients in recovery.

Establishes a new grant program modeled off of the successful Manchester Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team program to assist children who have been exposed to trauma, often as a result of substance use disorders among family members or friends.

Requires that private insurers and Medicare Part D plans cover Naloxone without any co-pay or deductible requirements and prohibits insurers from setting up administrative barriers, like prior authorization, that delay start of medication-assisted treatment.

Last year Pappas led 50 of his House colleagues in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellation of almost $12 billion in federal grants for state health services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included $80 million in public health funding for New Hampshire. He also led a call for the Administration to immediately reinstate illegally fired SAMHSA workers alongside leading members of the Addiction, Treatment, Recovery Caucus, Mental Health Caucus, and Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. A court ultimately ordered that the workers be reinstated in December 2025.


Rep. Pettersen Leads CO Dem Delegation in Again Demanding Answers From Trump Admin on New Colorado ICE Facility as DHS Continues to Dodge Lawmakers’ Questions

Today, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) led Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Jason Crow (D-CO) in again pressing the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for accountability following the announcement of a 5-year GEO Group contract to operate a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Hudson, doubling the capacity for immigrant detention in the state of Colorado.

DHS dodged answering the lawmakers’ questions from a February 24, 2026 letter which raised serious, and unresolved, concerns about the Hudson facility. The Department’s lack of response has deepened the lawmakers’ concerns about the Administration's lack of transparency regarding this facility.

In the letter, the Lawmakers wrote: “The reports of this new facility moving forward are particularly concerning with the continued rise of deaths in ICE detention and at the hands of ICE agents acting with impunity in communities across the country. The agency’s documented pattern of unlawful detentions, failure to comply with Congressional oversight, and harm to our communities makes this expansion not just misguided, but dangerous. Against this backdrop, we strongly oppose any increase in detention capacity in Colorado.”

Pettersen has consistently voted against Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, including opposing over $45 billion in funding for immigration enforcement in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and over $70 billion in the second partisan reconciliation package. As we have witnessed the surge in ICE killings nationwide, she has also supported legislation to require DHS and ICE officers to clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions. After reports of individuals being detained in short-term holding facilities for as long as 39 days, she introduced legislation to ensure detainees cannot be held in those facilities for longer than 12 hours.

See the full text of the letter HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:

We write to express our profound concern at the announcement of a 5-year contract with the GEO Group to operate a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Hudson, Colorado. The reports of this new facility moving forward are particularly concerning with the continued rise of deaths in ICE detention and at the hands of ICE agents acting with impunity in communities across the country . The agency’s documented pattern of unlawful detentions, failure to comply with Congressional oversight, and harm to our communities makes this expansion not just misguided, but dangerous. Against this backdrop, we strongly oppose any increase in detention capacity in Colorado.

The operation of the so-called Big Horn facility as an ICE detention facility will dramatically expand ICE’s detention capacity in Colorado, increasing the available detention beds from 1,532 at the Aurora GEO Detention Facility to more than 2,700 beds across the state. As we stated in our February 2026 letter, we are deeply concerned that the remote location of the facility will hinder oversight and reduce access to legal representation for individuals in detention. The Hudson site is difficult to reach by public transportation and far from legal service providers and local service organizations.

The GEO Group and ICE have a proven track record of obstructing congressional oversight of the Aurora GEO Detention Facility, refusing Members of Congress’ ability to access to the facility, withholding answers to oversight questions, and failing to respond to congressional casework inquiries. We are concerned that these actions will continue at the Big Horn Facility. Your agency did not respond to the February 24, 2026 letter from members of the Colorado delegation addressed to then-Secretary Noem and then-Acting Director Lyons — a letter raising serious, unresolved concerns about the Hudson facility . Once again, we are demanding answers.

The Department’s lack of response only deepened our concerns about transparency and oversight of this facility. We request your response to the following by July 31, 2026:

1. What steps did the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) take to share its plans for the new facility with relevant local leaders, community members, advocacy groups, and other relevant partners? 2. What steps will be taken to ensure that the Big Horn Facility will consistently meet adequate health and safety standards, as required by the Performance- Based National Detention Standards 2008, the Performance-Based National Detention Standards 2011, the National Detention Standards 2019, and the Family Residential Standards?

3. What steps will DHS take to ensure that the new facility will respond appropriately to congressional oversight as required under Pub. L. No. 118-47, div. C, tit. V 527 (a), 138 Stat 460, 619, and affirmed by Case No. 25-cv-2463?

4. How will DHS ensure that detainees within the Big Horn Facility maintain adequate access to family visitation and meetings with relevant counsel and representatives?

5. Are there any other contracts or anticipated new contracts with the GEO Group for ICE Department of Homeland Security detention facilities in Colorado?


For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

July 17, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS DEATH OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY ON ST. CROIX

St. Croix, USVI — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the death of a four-year-old boy on St. Croix, who was rushed to Juan F. Luis Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound Thursday evening and died despite emergency treatment:

"Today, our territory is grieving the loss of a baby—a four-year-old boy whose life was taken far too soon. No family should ever have to bury a child, and no community should have to carry this kind of pain. My heart is broken for this little boy and for everyone who loved him.

"To his parents: I am deeply sorry. There are no words that can reach the depth of what you are feeling. Please know that we as a community are holding you close, and that you do not carry this grief alone. To his family, and to everyone who knew and loved this child, his grandparents, his siblings, his neighbors, his community, please lean on one another in the days ahead. Grief like this is not meant to be carried in silence.

"I want to thank the first responders and medical staff at Juan F. Luis Hospital who fought to save this child's life. We must continue to do everything in our power to keep our children safe."

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Sold Out or Held Back? Pou Bill Takes Aim at Ticket Holdbacks

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) has introduced the Halting Organizers and Live-Event Distributors from Boosting Artificial Capacity with Known Seating Act, (HOLDBACKS Act), new legislation to crack down on deceptive ticket sales practices that can leave Americans paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment.

The bill would require primary ticket sellers to be upfront about how many tickets will actually be available when sales begin. It would also prohibit sellers from deliberately holding back tickets or misleading consumers about availability in order to create the appearance of a sellout and drive prices higher.

“As Americans know all too well, buying tickets has become an expensive and frustrating experience,” said Congresswoman Pou. “People wait in long online queues, and when they can finally see a seating chart and watch the blue dots disappear, they feel pressure to buy tickets they think are almost sold out, sometimes at prices higher than they wanted to spend. If a show appears to be sold out, sometimes fans go on the secondary marketplace to buy tickets at inflated prices. Then, miraculously, more seats to that show or that sporting event that everyone thought was sold out appear and change the marketplace again. Consumers deserve honesty, not marketplace manipulation or ripoff games. The HOLDBACKS Act will shine a light on ticket sales so families can compete on a level playing field instead of wondering whether the deck was stacked against them from the start.“

“The opaque manner in which FIFA released tickets for the World Cup matches provided great frustration for soccer fans and brought a new light to this issue. In fact, a new block of seats was released for the final match just the other day. Admittedly, my limited bill requiring transparency is intended to only address one of the myriad anti-consumer problems with the ticket industry. The House-passed TICKET Act would address upfront pricing, fees and speculative tickets, and I urge the Senate to pass that measure immediately.”

Congresswoman Pou’s legislation comes as demand for live events continues to grow across the country, including during this year’s FIFA World Cup held in the United States. As interest in major sporting events and concerts reaches record highs, ensuring that ticket sales are transparent has become increasingly important and has underscored the need for stronger federal protections.

Under the HOLDBACKS Act, ticket sellers would have to disclose in advance how many tickets will be offered to the general public and the full advertised cost of those tickets before sales begin. Once tickets go on sale, sellers could not intentionally withhold seats or mislead buyers about how many tickets remain available in order to push prices higher.

Reports over the past several years have highlighted growing concerns about ticketing practices for concerts, professional sports, and other major events. Fans have frequently described watching tickets disappear within seconds, only to see many of those same seats later offered at higher prices. The HOLDBACKS Act seeks to give consumers greater confidence that they are competing for tickets in a fair and transparent marketplace.

As the Ranking Member of Congress’s Task Force overseeing security and operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Congresswoman Pou has worked to ensure the tournament is successful and welcoming for fans from around the world.

The HOLDBACKS Act builds on that work by helping make sure those same fans have a fair opportunity to buy tickets for future events at honest prices instead of being misled by artificial scarcity or scheming sales practices.

This past May, Congresswoman Nellie Pou and Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee Frank Pallone led an investigation into the FIFA Organization demanding urgent answers from FIFA on a ticket sales process that has become increasingly confusing, expensive, and unfair for fans with the games. Soon after Pou’s investigation, New York, New Jersey, and Texas Attorneys General announced their own investigations into FIFA’s ticket sales.

While serving in the New Jersey State Senate, Pou spearheaded state legislation that sought to protect ticket buyers by prohibiting website operators from offering tickets to events using intentionally misleading domain names for consumers.

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Amata Welcomes Over $5.5 Million Head Start Grant

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed official notice of $5,509,857 for American Samoa’s Head Start program, a major grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and their Administration for Children and Families.

Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata and Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete'e

“I would like to thank Program Director of Early Childhood Education Fonofili Muaava, along with everyone who works with our bright young children or ensuring our territory meets federal requirements for this very helpful support,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Education is among our most important permanent priorities, along with health care, and through ASDOE we can see to it that each generation has more opportunity and access to quality education than the one before. Thank you also to all of our hardworking teachers of all our students of any age, and Education Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e.”

Since establishing Head Start, Congress continues to appropriate funds yearly for the program. The vision of Head Start is to help children succeed in school, as well as in life and careers, by focusing on children under 5 years old and their early reading and math skills.

This federal funding helps the American Samoa Department of Education cultivate programs for early K-12 education, consistent with the program’s priority to assist lower income communities.

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Congresswoman Luz Rivas Secures $50 Million in Authorizations for the San Fernando Valley in Key Water Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), which includes an authorization of $28 million for the City of San Fernando and an authorization of $22 million for the City of Los Angeles to improve its water infrastructure in the east San Fernando Valley.

“I am proud to secure $50 million in federal funding authorizations in this year’s WRDA bill to help the Cities of San Fernando and Los Angeles improve water infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “This authorization will support the increased water demands that have been exacerbated by extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and the ongoing climate crisis. While Republicans may be in disarray, I urge them to quickly put this important bill on the House Floor for a vote so San Fernando Valley residents can have the resources and tools they need to access clean and usable water.”

Background:

The Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) is an omnibus legislation used to authorize various water resources projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE is the agency that develops water resources projects, such as ports and harbors, the inland waterway navigation network, flood and storm protection, and other water resources.

The bill was reported favorably from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure by a vote of 66-0, and will go to the House Floor for a vote. Authorizations that are included in WRDA must still have funds appropriated by Congress for implementation.

The following requests from Congresswoman Rivas were included in WRDA:

$28 million for the City of San Fernando to improve their water infrastructure, including water supply and distribution systems;

An additional $22 million to address the need for flood mitigation, stormwater and wastewater management in the east San Fernando Valley;

A study on hydrology and expanding recreational opportunities at Hansen Dam; and

The transfer of responsibility of four channels in CA-29 from USACE to Los Angeles County Public Works.

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Hill Country Flood Response Aftermath and Resources

With rain continuing to fall and water levels remaining a serious concern, I encourage everyone across Central Texas to stay alert, exercise caution, and heed the guidance of local officials. Some areas of the Hill Country have received more than 27 inches of rain in just over a day, creating life-threatening flooding.

Amid these dangerous conditions, our Hill Country community witnessed the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our first responders. I want to thank the local, state, and federal personnel who have worked tirelessly to protect lives. Over the past two days, more than 200 rescues have been conducted as these men and women responded around the clock to help those in harm’s way.

Please also join me in praying for the families of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives, and that there are no further fatalities as this event continues to unfold.

The effects of this flooding have been felt across communities throughout the Hill Country. My office remains in close coordination with emergency management officials and recovery teams to help ensure resources are available and communities receive the support they need.

As conditions improve, our focus will shift from emergency response to recovery and rebuilding. I have every confidence that the people of the Hill Country will once again come together to support their neighbors, honor those we have lost, and rebuild stronger than before.

Today and throughout the weekend please utilize the following resources, pray for recovery, and stay safe.

Road Closures from Debris and Flooding: DriveTexas.org

Texans who sustained damage caused by severe storms and flooding are encouraged to report damage through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool

Texas Flood Recovery Resources can be found at TexasFlood.org

Report Roads in Need of Repair: txdot.gov

Shelter Locations: tdem.texas.gov/shelter

Kerr County

Calvary Temple (also serving as a reunification center)

3000 TX-534 Loop

Kerrville, TX 78028

Citywest Church

3139 Junction Highway

Ingram, TX 78025

Center Point ISD Gymnasium

215 China Street

Center Point, TX 78010

Kendall County


The DIGNITY Act Coalition Surpasses 100+ Endorsements

WASHINGTON, D.C. — One year after Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) introduced the DIGNITY Act (H.R.4393), the coalition behind the legislation has surpassed 100 organizational and stakeholder endorsements. The milestone underscores growing national support for the only viable and bipartisan immigration reform proposal currently in Congress.

Employers, manufacturers, farmers, restaurants, builders, educators, scientists, faith leaders, families, mayors, community leaders, immigrant advocates, and veterans, groups that often disagree on immigration policy, have united behind a bipartisan framework that restores the rule of law, strengthens America's workforce, and provides a practical solution to a broken immigration system.

"You can tell a lot about a bill by who's willing to stand behind it. Today, we have farmers standing next to faith leaders, employers standing next to Dreamers, people who agree on almost nothing else in politics, all backing the same solution," said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. "Washington doesn't see agreement like that very often. Now my job is to turn that agreement into law."

The coalition's growth has translated into measurable progress on Capitol Hill. The DIGNITY Act now has the support of 40 Members of Congress, has been endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus, and continues to attract lawmakers and stakeholders committed to advancing meaningful immigration reform that is good for America.

Beyond Congress, the DIGNITY Act has expanded national engagement on immigration reform through the National DIGNITY Tour, policy forums, roundtables, and meetings with employers, workers, Dreamers, mixed-status families, faith leaders, and community organizations across the country. Those conversations have helped strengthen the legislation while broadening support for a practical path forward.

The complete list of the 100+ organizations supporting the DIGNITY Act are below and can also be found here.

Dignity Act Endorsements (100+): A-1 Global Holdings, African American Farmers of California, AFU Action, AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, American Bakers Association, American Business Immigration Council (ABIC), American Families United, American Global Logistics, American Latino Coalition, American Legion, Americans for Prosperity, American Seniors Housing Association, American Sustainable Business Network, Anti-Defamation League, Arlington Latino Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Christian Collaborative, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, Bethel Consulting Group LLC, Brick Industry Association, Business Roundtable, Center for American Progress, Christian Family Coalition of Florida, Citizens Denied, Cleaning Coalition of America, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Critical Labor Coalition, Democrats for Life of America, EnglishUSA, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition (EWIC), Evangelical Immigration Table, Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), FWD.us, Global Detroit, Greater Houston Partnership, GROW our STEM Workforce Coalition, Hispanic Construction Council, IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers), IIUSA, ISSA (Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions), Improve the Dream, Jewish Federation of North America, Labor Hub USA, Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, LeadingAge, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Migrants Foundation Inc, MIRA USA, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Evangelicals, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), National Hispanic Construction Alliance, National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Parents Union, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Roofing Contractors Association, Nisei Farmers League, Niskanen Center, Pastors Association of south New Jersey, Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA), Power Design, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Problem Solvers Caucus, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Puerto Rico Builders Association (PRBA), Reshoring Initiative, Repatriate our Patriots, Secure Growth Initiative, SIMBA Chain, Small Business Majority, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SPIE - the International Society for Optics and Photonics, State Business Executives, Steel Tank Institute-Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI-SPFA), Structural Building Components Association, TESOL International Association, Texas Business Leadership Council, Texas Restaurant Association, Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), Third Way, United for TPS Nepal (UTPSN), United States Hispanic Business Council, United States Immigrant Center (USIC), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. for Success Coalition, Vanteo, Walroth-Sadurní Law, WERC, Why Not Act, Woodpack Global, World Relief.

The DIGNITY Act

Introduced by Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), the DIGNITY Act modernizes America's immigration system, restores the rule of law, and establishes a permanent solution for long-term undocumented immigrants who meet strict requirements.

Recent Milestones

Over the past year, the DIGNITY Act has continued to build support through new endorsements, nationwide engagement, and sustained public attention.


Beyer, Barrett, Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Requiring Human Control Over Autonomous Weapons

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA) introduced the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop. The bill would establish a clear legal requirement that commanders and operators retain appropriate levels of human judgment in decisions involving the use of lethal force.

“No machine should ever be given the power to decide to kill a human being on its own. Allowing AI systems to independently select and engage targets carries serious risks; machines cannot understand morality or the value of human life, nor can they be held accountable for mistakes, war crimes, or catastrophic escalation,” said Rep. Beyer. “These life and death decisions must remain in human hands. As AI becomes more powerful and more integrated into military systems, Congress has a responsibility to establish clear guardrails and responsible standards for the military use of AI. Our legislation would ensure that a human decision-maker always remains in the loop and integral to the chain of command when lethal force is involved.”

“Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in strengthening our national defense, but it should never be the one making life-or-death decisions,” Rep. Barrett said. “We must establish safeguards now to ensure these technologies are used ethically and transparently. This bipartisan bill sets clear limits to make sure people stay in control whenever lethal force is involved while allowing our military to continue leading the world in technological innovation.”

“AI mistakes on the battlefield have the potential to be catastrophic: civilian casualties, friendly fire, unintended escalation, and calculations made on faulty data,” said Rep. Jacobs. “These aren’t risks worth taking – not when they can result in unnecessary lives lost or war. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Beyer and Congressman Barrett in introducing legislation to ensure that humans are meaningfully involved before autonomous or AI-enabled weapon systems are used for lethal force. This is a common-sense step to help our military keep pace with emerging technologies while upholding our commitments to international humanitarian law and ethics.”

This legislation is also supported by organizations including Council for a Livable World, Common Defense, and Win Without War.

“Council for a Livable World is pleased to support the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act as it would mark a clear step forward toward ethical oversight of emerging military technologies, which thus far have been outpacing guardrails and regulations," said Council for a Livable World Executive Director and Former Congressman John Tierney. “This bill identifies and proposes a remedy to the dangers of unmitigated autonomy of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction. Every lawmaker should understand the importance of keeping Americans safe by ensuring a human is always involved in decisions affecting human life. Unlike humans, machines can't apply judgments based on values and morals, and all available evidence shows machines have an alarming propensity for error. Americans should not have to face the consequences of automated weapons technology running amok. It's essential that policy makers debate and resolve how to address this critical security issue, and we applaud Rep. Beyer's focus on such a serious and urgent matter.”

“Common Defense strongly endorses the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act,” said Common Defense Political Director Naveed Shah. “As an Army veteran who served in Iraq, I know the moral responsibility that comes with taking human life in combat, decisions that must never be handed over to machines. This bill ensures meaningful human control over lethal autonomous systems, restores accountability to war-making, and prevents machines from deciding the rules of engagement.”

“Decisions impacting human life and safety should never be handed off to algorithms,” said Win Without War Government Relations Associate Sofia Guerra. “When these systems fail, whether through bad data or rubber-stamp approvals, the costs are incalculable. This bill is a critical step to ensure that humans, accountable to both international law and the consequences of their actions, are making the most serious decisions regarding the use of force.”


Scanlon Introduces Legislation to Expand Social Security Survivor Benefits for Widowers and Surviving Divorced Spouses

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, legislation that would update arbitrary restrictions on benefits for widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses, and increase Social Security benefits for more than one million Americans. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Senate companion bill.

Under current law, widow(er)s who develop a disability after their spouse dies are not allowed to claim survivor benefits until they reach the age of 50, and the value of these benefits is severely reduced if they claim them before reaching full retirement age. More than one-third of widow(er)s also have their benefits limited by an obscure provision known as the “widow(er)’s limit,” which permanently reduces widow(er)s’ survivor benefits if their deceased spouse claimed retirement benefits before retirement age.

“Social Security has been a critical and essential lifeline for retired, disabled, and low-income workers for decades,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Obscure benefit caps and outdated arbitrary legal restrictions have created obstacles for beneficiaries, particularly women, during some of the most vulnerable periods in their lives. I’m proud to introduce the SWIFT Act to tackle those barriers and increase Social Security benefits for deserving Americans in need.”

The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act would:

Allow widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefit they are entitled to regardless of their age;

Give widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses the ability to increase the value of their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps;

Enable widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses caring for children to receive child-in-care benefits until their children are age 18 or 19 if still in school; and

Require the federal government to proactively provide information to widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses about benefits they are eligible for, claiming options, and important deadlines.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01).

The bill is endorsed by the National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works, National Association of Disability Representatives, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, Alliance for Retired Americans, Justice in Aging, and AFL-CIO.

Find the full bill text here.

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SCHNEIDER, FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN HONOR ACT TO END TAX CREDITS FOR BUSINESSES DEALING IN RUSSIA

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced the introduction of the Hindering Oppressive Nations from Obtaining Revenue Act or HONOR Act to eliminate the ability of firms and individuals to claim a foreign tax credit against taxes paid to the Russian government. Senators Cortez Masto and Cornyn introduced the Senate version in January, and it was passed by unanimous consent in April.

“For more than twelve years, Russia has carried out an unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schneider. “All of Europe and the U.S. must stand with the Ukrainian people. We cannot allow companies that finance Russia’s regime and continue Putin’s illegal war to get a tax break. I’m glad to work with my colleague Rep. Fitzpatrick to hold Russia accountable, stand with our ally Ukraine, and protect our nation’s security.”

“America’s tax code should never reward those who help bankroll the enemies of freedom. Every dollar paid to the Kremlin strengthens Vladimir Putin’s war machine and prolongs his brutal assault on Ukraine. The HONOR Act sends a clear message: companies that choose to finance tyranny will not be subsidized by the American taxpayer. We will stand with the Ukrainian people, defend the free world, and confront Russian aggression with the strength and resolve it demands,” said Fitzpatrick.

The bill would add Russia to the Section 901(j) list of sanctioned countries, a list of countries in which taxes paid can’t be offset by the foreign tax credit. Currently, the list includes North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Sudan.

View the full bill text here.


Peters, Salazar, Coons, Murkowski Relaunch Bill to Strengthen Federal Action on Climate Threats

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Rep. María Salazar (R-FL-27), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act of 2026 to develop an organized federal response to climate hazards that threaten human health and well-being, critical infrastructure, and natural environments.

“San Diegans know first-hand the consequences of climate change, from destructive wildfires and prolonged drought to dangerous heat waves and rising seas that threaten our coastline. My constituents can't afford more delays,” Rep. Peters said. “The NCARS Act would streamline resources, improve coordination, and hold agencies accountable so we can better prepare for and respond to the growing climate threats our communities face. I'm glad to once again have bicameral, bipartisan support as we move this commonsense legislation forward.”

"Miami is ground zero for rising waters, and our neighborhoods cannot afford more delay. Every year we wait to plan for natural disasters, the costs go up and the damage gets worse," said Rep. Salazar. "That's why I'm proud to co-lead the National Coordination on Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act. This legislation will help us build stronger infrastructure, improve coordination across the federal government, and keep our people safe for generations to come."

“We can’t leave Americans to face extreme weather events – from winter storms to weeks of record high heat – alone,” said Senator Coons. “As the lowest lying state in the nation, Delaware is no stranger to how climate change can impact homes and businesses. This bill will create a national, coordinated strategy to bring together government and the private sector to protect communities, our economy, and our national security from the potentially devastating effects of climate change.”

"Alaskan communities continue to face an increasing number of damaging natural disasters, including catastrophic flooding, coastal erosion, severe storms, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and permafrost thaw. Over the past year alone, communities across our state have endured multiple disasters that damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put lives at risk," said Senator Murkowski. "I'm glad to once again partner on bipartisan, bi-cameral legislation to develop and implement a unified National Resilience Strategy, with input from federal, state, Tribal, local, and private-sector partners. Alaska's unique geography and exposure to every type of natural hazard underscore the need for a coordinated federal approach that helps communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disasters more effectively.”

Increasingly frequent and severe weather-related catastrophes are a stark reminder that frontline communities like San Diego are at risk as the climate crisis worsens. Over the past 20 years, there have been 47 natural disasters in San Diego, costing millions or even billions of dollars to repair each time.

Meanwhile, natural disaster damages cost the United States $217.8 billion in 2024 compared to just $28.6 billion during Rep. Peters’ first year in Congress in 2013.

According to FEMA, each dollar invested in resilience saves roughly $6 when disaster strikes. Vulnerable populations also face increasing harm from slow-onset climate hazards like sea level rise and permafrost thaw, which are often overlooked in comparison to punctuated disaster events but can also have significant impacts on human health, property, and critical infrastructure.

The NCARS Act would:

Set a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and an Implementation Plan with federal, state, local, private sector, and non-profit partners.

Establish a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to implement the plan.

Create interagency working groups to streamline efforts and ensure accountability.

Create a federal information hub to streamline resilience resources to communities.

NCARS was also introduced in 2023 and 2022.

The bill is supported by the Woodwell Climate Research Center, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation, American Flood Coalition Action, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, American Public Works Association (APWA), American Society of Civil Engineers, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, City Parks Alliance, Environmental Council of the States, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Federation of American Scientists, Geos Institute, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International Code Council, Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, National Association of Counties, National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, National Recreation and Park Association, Reinsurance Association of America, Taxpayers for Common Sense, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Pew Charitable Trusts, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Union of Concerned Scientists, World Wildlife Fund.

A one pager on NCARS is available here. A section-by-section is available here. The full NCARS bill text is available here.


Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) introduced the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act. The legislation would redirect billions of dollars in funding passed as part of Republicans’ second reconciliation bill for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Title I schools, and require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to sell 11 recently purchased warehouse detention facilities.

Title I, Part A is the nation's largest federal K-12 education program, supporting schools serving low-income students. Nearly 20 percent of public school funding in Arizona comes from the federal government, making federal investments critical to supporting Arizona classrooms facing chronic underfunding.

The legislation would transfer any unobligated ICE funding provided under Republicans’ reconciliation bill, which gave ICE with an additional $38.5 billion in funding through 2029, to Title I, Part A grants for local school districts. As of May, ICE has $62 billion on hand.

“Public school districts across the country are facing massive challenges and chronic underfunding, yet again this Administration funneled billions in taxpayer funds for its dangerous mass deportation agenda,” said Rep. Stanton. “ICE's poorly trained force is not making Americans safer – it’s causing chaos and fear. My legislation ensures that our classrooms, not ICE, have the resources and support they need to educate our next generation.”

“ICE has done nothing to keep our communities safe. Instead, they have used the billions of dollars in funding handed over by Trump and Republicans to terrorize our communities and murder American citizens,” said Rep. Ansari. “Our schools are safe places, and our resources should be used to support students, not expand ICE’s presence in our communities. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation.”

“Instead of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on inhumane, for-profit detention warehouses and pouring even more money into a lawless agency that is murdering people on our streets, we should be investing in our children and strengthening our public schools. At a time when the Trump administration is systematically defunding public education, this bill puts our students ahead of Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda,” said Rep. Grijalva.


Stanton Demands Answers on Cyclospora Outbreak, Raises Concerns Over Food Safety Surveillance Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the nationwide Cyclospora outbreak—warning that HHS's rollback of foodborne disease surveillance and reduced coordination with state and local health departments have undermined the nation’s ability to quickly detect and respond to multistate outbreaks.

In the letter, Stanton questions a July 2025 HHS decision which cut FoodNet’s required surveillance list of pathogens from eight down to just two, making active surveillance for Cyclospora optional. FoodNet, established in 1995, is a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and state health departments that actively identifies foodborne illnesses by coordinating with hundreds of laboratories nationwide.

"Families deserve to know that the food they're buying is safe to consume," Stanton said. "But instead, thousands of people are becoming sick while the administration undoes key public health systems that detect outbreaks and identify contaminated food."

While HHS has defended the changes to FoodNet stating that it eliminates duplicative work, it fails to identify which surveillance systems replaced FoodNet's active Cyclospora monitoring or demonstrate that they provide the same level of timely, coordinated federal-state monitoring.

The letter also notes other actions that have reduced public health capacity, including the termination of $11.4 billion in grants supporting state and local health departments and the dismantling of the CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, which housed federal expertise on Cyclospora and other parasitic diseases.

According to the CDC, there are more than 7,000 cases in at least 34 states, with over 140 confirmed hospitalizations as of May 1, 2026. Stanton’s letter requests answers by August 3, 2026, including:

Who directed the decision to reduce FoodNet's required surveillance, and what scientific or budget analysis supported it;

What funding has been reduced or redirected from FoodNet and related foodborne disease programs since January 2025;

How many employees working on foodborne disease and parasitic disease surveillance have been terminated, reassigned, or left vacant;

Which surveillance systems now perform the active laboratory outreach previously conducted through FoodNet;

How many personnel are currently assigned to the federal Cyclospora outbreak response;

What evidence supports HHS's claim that these changes have not affected the current outbreak investigation.


Steil Leads WI Republican Delegation, Requests EPA Hold Canada Accountable for Wildfire Pollutants

July 17, 2026

Janesville, WI – Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Tony Wied (WI-08) wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, requesting the department review available actions under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to help address ongoing wildfire smoke in Wisconsin originating from Canada.

“Record-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue. Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families,” wrote the Representatives. "We write to respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take all appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada AQA to address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families in the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast."

Read the letter here.

Background:

Smoke from recent wildfires, including those originating in Canada, has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air quality ratings across Wisconsin.

On Thursday, July 16, 5 of the 10 worst areas for air quality in the world were in southern Wisconsin.

Air Quality Index ratings exceeded 500 in many portions of Wisconsin, including Brown, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties.

Milwaukee saw its worst air quality on record, with an AQI of 566 - significantly higher than cities like Beijing (73) and Delhi (160).

Wildfires like those originating in Canada are a source of significant pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Canada in 1991 and expanded in 2000. The agreement is designed to help reduce toxic air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter.

Under the agreement, the U.S. can raise concerns surrounding particulate emissions to force consultations with Canadian officials within 30 days.

If a resolution is not reached, the U.S. can refer the dispute to a third party or enter formal negotiations.

The letter requests that the EPA utilize this mechanism to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires and help mitigate future occurrences.

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RECAP: REP. HALEY STEVENS TAKES ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, FIGHTS FOR MICHIGAN FAMILIES

Washington, D.C. – This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens continued her fight against the Trump administration’s chaos agenda, standing up for Michigan families on public health, education, rising costs, and ICE accountability.

ON MONDAY:

Rep. Stevens slammed Trump’s ICE following two fatal shootings of civilians in Texas and Maine and re-upped the call for her Hold ICE Accountable Act.

“The blatant disregard for human life from Donald Trump's ICE is horrifying and outrageous,” said Stevens. “The families deserve justice.”

ON TUESDAY:

Rep. Haley Stevens sounded the alarm over Michigan’s growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, slamming RFK Jr. for dismantling public health safeguards and calling for his impeachment.

“Michigan families deserve leaders who trust science, strengthen public health, and act with urgency—not politicians who dismantle the very systems that keep us safe,” said Stevens.

ON WEDNESDAY

At a House hearing, Stevens blasted Trump and Republican efforts to shut down the Department of Education and cut critical support for students, teachers, and families.

“I have spent countless hours with the educators, administrators, and families in Michigan. And over the last year and a half, we have discussed the challenges facing the teacher workforce pipeline, our inability to fully fund Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Rep. Stevens.

“We need to get back to the basics. Before we bely the American people and their tax dollars that this is some effort to serve you better and to streamline. Because it’s not. It’s more failed policy at our expense.”

“It’s more failed policy at our expense,” said Stevens, while calling for investments to address teacher shortages, support students with disabilities, and protect career and technical education.

ON THURSDAY

Rep. Stevens introduced the Tariff Refund Act, which would provide up to $1,700 to qualifying households to offset costs from Trump’s tariffs.

“Donald Trump’s tariffs have cost Michiganders in every aspect of their lives, from groceries to school supplies to home appliances,” said Rep. Stevens. “We must lower costs for hardworking families and give them relief from Trump’s out-of-control economy.”

Congresswoman Stevens also joined more than 200 House Democrats in demanding independent investigations into the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero and demanding accountability over the horrific actions of ICE and DHS agents.