Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press availability in Laredo with Rep. Henry Cuellar, where he emphasized that ICE is out-of-control and must be reined in from brutalizing American citizens and targeting law-abiding families.

LEADER JEFFRIES: These are challenging times, but this was a wonderful ceremony, a celebration of the bi-national special relationship between the United States and Mexico, anchored in a commitment to economic prosperity and the cultural connections that have gone on for centuries. We also, of course, celebrate Washington’s birthday in the 250th year of the founding of our great country.

Laredo is an incredible city, an international city, but of course, one that has been dealt a blow as a result of the tariffs that are impacting the economy all across the country, impacting businesses all across country and impacting consumers. Trade between the United States and Mexico is, has been and will continue to be incredibly important. And through that lens, we want to make sure that as we approach the renewal of the U.S.M.C.A. Agreement, that we tackle it with an understanding of shared prosperity for all communities, particularly as it relates to the people here in Laredo.

We also believe that immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, it should be just and it should be humane. We want strong, safe and secure borders, and we will continue to support that. We also want to make sure that we lift up our heritage as a nation, both anchored in the rule of law, but as a nation of immigrants, as this wonderful city of Laredo has flourished and contributed so much, not just to South Texas, but to Texas and to America.

So it’s an honor to be here once again, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship in South Texas with policies that actually make life better for the people here in this wonderful part of the country.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) today announced that Haley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, will join him as his guest to the State of the Union on Tuesday, February 24. Haley bravely stood alongside Rep. Khanna, Rep. Massie, and other survivors outside of the Capitol to share her story and call on the administration to release the Epstein files and hold those involved accountable. 

“Haley’s courageous fight is proof that this isn’t about politics, it’s about exposing America’s two-tiered system of justice and bringing accountability to the Epstein class involved in the horrific abuse of young girls. She and her fellow survivors’ bravery was the catalyst for changing a rotten system and finally standing up for humanity and American values,” said Rep. Ro Khanna

“I’m honored and it came as a wonderful surprise to have been invited. I intend to show up fully with not only a hero, but a man who I have immense respect and admiration for,” said Haley Robson. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC — Rep. Panetta released the following statement:

“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court against this Administration reaffirmed what I long have asserted in that Congress must reclaim its Constitutional authority over trade. The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear that the Executive Branch cannot implement import levies under IEPPA without Congressional authorization due to our Article One power. Unfortunately, even with this ruling, uncertainty for U.S. businesses and consumers will continue as we figure out potential refunds from the President’s unconstitutional tariff policies. Moreover, the President recently stated that he would keep 10% across-the-board tariffs on all imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Despite the President’s justifications and promises for his incoherent trade policy, the embarrassing truth for this Administration is that since the tariff policy was put in place, manufacturing jobs are down, prices for products are up, and there are fewer choices of items for Americans. 

“Now more than ever, Congress must take a stand and be a check on this Administration’s executive overreach, including its harmful tariff policies. If not, Speaker Johnson should be embarrassed that he has allowed Congress to capitulate on our Constitutional responsibilities, especially with trade. Americans are hurting with continued high prices for housing, healthcare, food, fuel, and child care. It is Congress’s time to act for the people we serve so that we can lower costs for working families, including by preventing the President from re-instituting these tariffs with other imagined authorities. That is why Congress should be allowed to vote on my legislation, the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, to repeal the President’s ability to implement tariffs under Section 122. The decision by the Supreme Court is Congress’s chance to stop abdicating per our role, start legislating per our job, and reclaim our power under the United States Constitution.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Marine Corps veteran, small business owner, and City Councilmember Bernie Narvaez from Napa will be his guest to the President’s State of the Union address to Congress on February 24th, 2026. 

“Bernie is a shining example of what it means to be a public servant and to fulfill the American Dream,” said Thompson. “I am honored Bernie is joining me in Washington, D.C. as a representative for the hardworking people of our district. As a veteran, as a small business owner, as an immigrant, as a local elected official, and as a husband and father, Bernie knows all too well the importance of standing up for our country, defending our democracy, and lowering costs for hardworking people. 

“It was a privilege to have Bernie join me to speak to over one thousand community members at my Stop ICE Day of Action last month and I know he will be a powerful voice in Washington as we fight back against this out-of-control administration and fight for a more affordable future,” Thompson continued. 

“As an immigrant, Marine veteran, small business owner, and father, I see firsthand the hardships families and small businesses are facing today. Attending the State of the Union as Congressman Mike Thompson’s guest gives me the opportunity to help bring those real-life challenges to light and represent the voices of our Napa community on a national stage,” said Bernie Narvaez. 

BACKGROUND

Families across our country are being squeezed by rising prices caused by the President’s trade war. In California’s 4^th Congressional District, families are paying an extra $1,900 per year due to tariffs and the Big Ugly Law. 

Thompson recently led Ways and Means Democrats in designing a comprehensive bill to put money back in Americans’ pockets and strengthen our economy. The American Affordability Act is designed to lower everyday costs and expand economic opportunity through targeted tax relief and strategic investments to make housing, healthcare, childcare, energy, and education more affordable for Americans. 

As a combat veteran, Rep. Thompson is also fighting back against this President’s abuses of power, including opposing his unauthorized uses of military action abroad and standing up against ICE’s actions in Minneapolis and across our country. Thompson was joined by Mr. Narvaez in Napa in January for a Stop ICE Day of Action attended by over 1,000 community members. 

ABOUT BERNIE

Bernardo “Bernie” Narvaez is an Iraq War Veteran, small business owner, and City Councilmember from Napa, California. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Bernie immigrated to the United States with his family in 1990 and grew up in poverty, learning the value of hard work and family entrepreneurship. After the September 11 attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for six years.

In 2007, Bernie and his father founded Narvaez Insurance Services, which has served more than 4,000 families and small businesses. With more than 20 years as a business owner and employer, he understands firsthand the challenges facing working families and entrepreneurs, including rising health care, housing, and utility costs.

Bernie currently serves as City Councilmember for Napa’s District 4 and Vice-Chair of the Napa County Climate Action Committee. He and his wife, Gaby, are raising their three children in Napa, despite high living and housing costs, reflecting their deep commitment to the community. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Honoring Rev. Jackson, Pressley Joined the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice, Community Leaders and Members for Civil Rights Discussion

“We are confronted daily with a layered, unrelenting, legislated assault on Black people, on Black bodies, on Black votes, on Black power, on Black history, on Black progress. And we have to name it.”

Video (YouTube)

SOMERVILLE, MA – This week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joined community leaders and members for a panel discussion hosted by the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice and the NAACP Mystic Valley Branch to explore the evolution of civil rights advocacy across generations and reflect on how it informs the present-day fight to build a more just future. Rep. Pressley spoke of the inspiration and impact of her parents in coming to this work, her fight to combat systemic anti-Blackness, and her push to advance an affirmative civil rights agenda amid Trump’s attacks.

Titled “Lessons from the Past: Civil Rights Movement Then & Now,” the panel discussion entailed an insightful conversation between Rep. Pressley, Courtney Henderson, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Dr. Michael Curry, President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and Catherine Nakato, Deputy Director of the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice.

The panel was organized with the partnership of Tufts University, the NAACP of Mystic Valley, the City of Somerville, and Mayor of Somerville Jake Wilson.

A transcript of an excerpt of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks at the panel discussion is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Underscores Commitment to Fight Anti-Blackness, Emphasizes How Civil Rights Movement Shapes Racial Justice Work Today
Somerville, MA

February 18, 2026

CATHERINE NAKATO: Thinking about now, modern day, what does protecting and fighting for civil rights look like in your daily work?

REP. AYANNA PRESSLEY: Since you’ve invited me here, you’ve invited me here to be me.

CATHERINE: Correct. 

REP. PRESSLEY: And since this is Black History Month, I just want to take a moment while I acknowledge my commitment to do the work of safety and liberation of all marginalized people—I just want to talk about Black folks for a moment.

Because in this moment, what I see as my responsibility, you know, I revisit the words of Anna Julia Cooper often, who said, “When and where I enter, the entire race enters – human race – with me.” 

As a Black woman, we have been the liberators, the patriots, the defenders of democracy, the truth tellers, the justice seekers, the table shakers, the movement builders. I was sharing with someone earlier today when someone they were asking me, “Can you expound upon what you mean when you say ‘anti-Blackness with this Administration is on steroids’?” 

I have too many examples to enumerate. I think the problem is that we actually don’t name anti-Blackness, it is conflated with racism. And so when you have a white supremacist – you know, a chief of white supremacy – Occupant in the Oval Office emboldening white supremacy, and we can talk about the ways in which he is xenophobic, and anti-woman and anti-LGBTQ and trans, very few people will name anti-Black. 

But pay attention. Pay attention, because we are navigating, we are confronted daily with a layered, unrelenting, legislated assault on Black people, on Black bodies, on Black votes, on Black power, on Black history, on Black progress. And we have to name it.

Because what’s happened is that the codified harm to Black folk in budgets, the legislative harm to Black folks is so systemic, so unrelenting, that it is unremarkable to people. 

But Black women are still dying of sepsis in parking lots because someone doesn’t believe their pain or the laws won’t allow them to treat them and to intervene. Black men are still being strung up from trees. Black voters are still being denied access to the ballot. Black men still have the shortest life expectancy. Black home ownership is still the lowest that it’s been in six decades. 

So in this moment, I feel a tremendous responsibility—one, to be a truth teller, two, to make sure that these harms are not normalized. 

We have extended a cultural grace to the occupant of the Oval Office by saying that’s just him being him, and that’s just more bluster. That’s—of course, he’s hateful and harmful. That’s what he does. But your silence is not going to save you. It is not going to save any of us. 

We have to resist, reject, condemn. And policy is my love language, because every harm done to Black folk and marginalized people was legislated. It wasn’t something that just like happened in the ether. 

So I remain focused on how to undo centuries of harm, how to mitigate active harm in this moment, while still advancing an affirmative vision. 

And I’ll close on this. I talk often about how, in that speech that Dr. King gave at the March on Washington for jobs and freedom, that was not the speech that he was supposed to give. That while he could have continued to sit in the inequities and disparities and injustices, he gave voice to a dream. And in a fascist state, they don’t want you to dream. Dreams are not hokey. The dream of the slave is what kept them alive. Freedom. 

So in order to do radical work, we must first have a radical dream. And so, while I’m doing the active work of mitigating harm, I still am seeking to advance an affirmative vision. 

So, when I reintroduced Reparations, people said, “Why would you do that? Dems don’t – you don’t even have all the Dems supporting that. You don’t have a majority in the House, the Senate, the White House. This is—you know, what we’re living in. Why would you do that?” 

I said this is a moment of anti-Blackness on steroids. And so, I’m going to unapologetically pro-Black. That’s why I’m doing it. 

So we still have to do the affirmative work, and I’ll get into some policies and stuff later, but that’s what I see as my role in this moment is—it’s to not allow the suffering of Black folks to be so normalized that it is no longer called out to be confronted, and that we enlist everyone actively as co- conspirators in the work of our safety and our freedom, because we have liberated everyone else. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

***Full Text of Bill HERE (PDF)***

WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), announced the reintroduction of the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act—a bill to help support individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Right now, many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata. Unfortunately, Medicare does not. This bill would allow Medicare to cover wigs, ensuring many more people have access to this important treatment option.

“For people impacted by Alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, a wig can make a major difference—providing them with the confidence and courage to live as normally as possible during a challenging time,” said Rep. McGovern. “But wigs can cost thousands of dollars, and despite the enormous and clear benefits they provide, Medicare doesn’t currently cover them. That needs to change. This bill is about helping make sure everyone can live their lives with dignity and confidence, regardless of who they are or how much money is in their bank account. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and that is what this bill is about.”

“For many impacted by medical hair loss, unaffordable and inaccessible wigs can deepen an already significant mental and physical burden,” said Rep. Pressley. “As someone living with Alopecia, I know what it feels like to endure a vulnerable transformation not of my choosing. Those experiencing medical hair loss deserve to step into their own beauty and power, and I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Congressman McGovern and Senator Blumenthal to expand coverage for wigs, relieve financial barriers, and support dignity for all.”

“Our measure ensures patients struggling with hair loss can live their lives with dignity and confidence,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Medicare recipients who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with Alopecia, or suffering from other forms of traumatic hair loss shouldn’t have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to look and feel their best. By expanding coverage for medical wigs, our legislation removes the financial burden patients impacted by hair loss face and gives them the self-assurance and comfort they deserve.”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease, with no known cause or cure, affecting approximately 6.9 million Americans. The disease disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, particularly Black women. Many individuals affected by Alopecia Areata utilize wigs as there are currently few effective treatment options. Unfortunately, these prosthetics can come with a significant out-of-pocket cost from $100 to several thousand dollars for individuals with low or fixed incomes. This is especially burdensome for children, who often want cranial prosthetics for attending school.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today. Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced that he is leaving his State of the Union Address guest seat empty in order to honor Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother and local constituent who, despite living in the United States, was cruelly detained and later deported by ICE. In response to this announcement, Congressman Garamendi released the following statement:

“I am dedicating my State of the Union guest seat to my former constituent, 73-year-old grandmother Harjit Kaur. She is unfortunately unable to attend because she was cruelly deported to India in the dead of night. This seat is for her and every person across the country that’s been caged, detained, and killed at the hands of Trump’s secret police force. Let her empty seat be a stark symbol of the human cost of Trump’s cruel deportation agenda.

“President Trump promised to go after the “worst of the worst’ in his immigration policy. Yet his administration’s decision to cruelly deport a 73-year-old grandmother with no criminal record—who faithfully reported to ICE every six months for more than 13 years—is one more example of the thousands of individuals across the country whose lives and families have been upended by Trump’s ICE.

“Unfortunately, this has become far too common under Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. I dedicate this seat to Harjit, to her family, and to everyone affected by this rogue administration.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Marc Veasey to Host Gun Violence Prevention Community Event in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, TX – Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) will host a Gun Violence Prevention Community Event on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST to bring together community leaders, families, educators, and advocates for a discussion on solutions to reduce gun violence and improve public safety across North Texas. The event will provide an opportunity for constituents to hear directly from Congressman Veasey and engage in dialogue about federal, state, and local efforts to prevent gun violence and build safer communities. 

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfL2jk8msP9qhhdGIDzjOYtVk5qGu9rUW0EQ94wqffD22YnRw/viewform

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

DelBene on Trump’s Latest Tariff Scheme: ‘Illegitimate Use of the Law’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a roundtable conversation with local health advocates from organizations and hospitals, including New Futures, Speare Memorial Hospital, Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance of NH, HealthFirst, to highlight the importance of telehealth for Granite Staters and his recently introduced bipartisan legislation to protect and expand access to telehealth.

Pappas’s Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act would save patients time and money by making permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth services that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes would enable patients to be treated at home, allow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to provide telehealth services, and expand coverage of audio-only services for certain conditions, among other changes. 

“Telehealth enables Granite Staters to virtually access the right care at the right time while saving them both time and money,” said Congressman Pappas. “I joined local health care leaders and advocates to talk about the importance of telehealth for families and providers in our state and hear from them on how my bipartisan Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act will help protect and strengthen telehealth access and services.”

Telehealth enables the delivery of care when in-person visits aren’t possible. Virtual care can help patients, especially those in rural areas, avoid long trips for routine follow-ups or specialty consults. With 13 of 26 of New Hampshire’s acute care hospitals operating as critical access hospitals for rural communities, making Medicare coverage of telehealth services permanent is critical to meeting the health needs of all Granite Staters.

Background:

Last March Congressman Pappas introduced the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act, which would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent and the Rural Health Innovation Act, which would strengthen access to care in rural areas by establishing a competitive grant program for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to increase staff, equipment, technology, and more. He also introduced the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act, the Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act, and the Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act. The bipartisan package of legislation makes necessary updates and modifications to federal guidelines and regulations to modernize access to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and improve services for more than 40 million Americans living in non-urban and rural communities. The bills also remove regulatory red tape and empower rural health care professionals to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.