Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who has boycotted previous State of the Union and inaugural addresses by President Trump, will again avoid the speech scheduled for Tuesday evening. He will instead attend the People’s State of the Union organized by the progressive advocacy group MoveOn and the media company MeidasTouch.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“I have not attended Trump State of the Unions in the past and there’s even less reason to attend this year. What would I hear if I did – more defense of ICE immigration crackdowns and border patrol lawlessness? More justification for tearing down the iconic East Wing of the White House for an unneeded vanity ballroom and for slapping his name on the Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center? More excuses for pardoning fraudsters, January 6 felons, political whores and Trump’s sports heroes? False claims of bringing down the cost of utilities and the affordability of groceries? Fantasies of creating a new health care program? I don’t need to hear the lies and predicable banality from this offensive and out-of-touch president.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that more than $12 million in federal funding is headed to San Francisco to support critical community, public safety, transportation, housing, workforce and environmental projects across the city. These investments were secured through Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding and were included in the government funding package signed into law.
“The new federal funding designated for community-driven projects across San Francisco is great news for our city,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “I was proud to secure these investments which underscore the Democrats’ commitment to fighting for working families, even in a Republican Majority. From strengthening public safety and homelessness services to expanding workforce training, supporting veterans, advancing scientific research, and improving transit accessibility, this funding will deliver real results for San Franciscans.”
Full list below of San Francisco community projects receiving funding for FY26:
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – $1,031,000 for High-Performance Computing Core Expansion supporting advanced GPU and artificial intelligence research
Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Inc. – $900,000 for Senior Ex-Offender Program Community and Rehabilitation Center Expansion
Point Blue Conservation Science – $1,031,000 to upgrade critical water, power, and access infrastructure on the Farallon Islands
San Francisco Police Department – $1,031,000 for 17 new patrol vehicles to strengthen public safety and emergency response
San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing – $2,000,000 for Jerrold Commons capital improvements, including permanent restrooms, showers, cabins, and site infrastructure
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) – $1,200,000 to improve lighting infrastructure at 10–15 transit stops serving underserved communities
San Francisco Recreation and Park Department – $850,000 for the Blue Heron Boat House Project at Golden Gate Park
San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development – $850,000 for the CityBuild Center Pre-Apprenticeship Training Center Expansion
San Francisco Network Ministries Housing Corporation – $850,000 to renovate supportive housing for survivors of sex trafficking and their children
Self-Help for the Elderly – $850,000 to replace aging vehicles under the Safe Passage transportation program
Code Tenderloin, Inc. – $500,000 for a Workforce and Wellness Hub serving unhoused and underserved residents
Treasure Island Development Authority / Office of Economic and Workforce Development – $250,000 for environmental analysis and modernization planning of the Treasure Island Job Corps site
Swords to Plowshares – $250,000 for Home for Good: Aging in Place for High-Acuity Veterans
City and County of San Francisco – $250,000 to build a new community gathering space for low-income seniors in Chinatown
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) – $250,000 for emergency lighting upgrades at six BART stations
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Friday in response to the Trump Administration’s recent actions regarding an airspace closure in El Paso:
“The closure of El Paso’s airspace this week was a dangerous failure of competence by the Trump administration that undermines public trust and safety,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Public reporting indicates that the cause of the Federal Aviation Administration’s flight restrictions was the use of a directed energy weapon operated by Customs and Border Protection but owned by the Department of Defense.
“Why is the DoD providing this lethal equipment to CBP without informing Congress? Congress deserves clear, immediate answers from the Administration on the chain of events that led to the FAA’s decision making. That includes an explanation on why senior administration officials publicly stated that the incident was related to drone incursions by Mexican drug cartels, information that appears to be untrue. Ultimately, if this was DoD technology, operated on a DoD installation, then Secretary Hegseth is directly responsible for the failure to notify the FAA and must answer to Congress for it. The American people deserve answers.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
“Investors and consumers alike deserve to know how these institutions are impacting climate change, how that’s increasing costs and deadly natural disasters. Investors deserve to know whether these banks are rewarding themselves with large executive bonuses.”
“And investors deserve to know that the Board of Directors at these companies represent them and their interests.”
Pressley Legislation Would Require Transparent Reporting from GSIBs, Enhance Oversight of the World’s Largest Bank Holding Companies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a House Financial Services Committee hearing last week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) unveiled the Greater Supervision in Banking Act, or the GSIB Act, to mandate disclosures on diversity metrics and ensure transparency and accountability of big banks.
Rep. Pressley announced the legislation while questioning SEC Chair Paul Atkins and calling on him to require such disclosures in the interest of investors, who deserve to know details such as diversity, compensation policies, and climate costs to make fair investment assessments.
Led by Rep. Pressley and co-sponsored by Reps. Al Green (TX-09) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), the GSIB Act would require global systemically important bank holding companies (GSIBs) to submit public, annual reports to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors detailing:
The GSIB Act is endorsed by Americans for Financial Reform, Public Citizen, National Community Reinvestment Coalition, Rise Economy, Fair Finance Watch, and Action Center on Race and the Economy.
“The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) supports the GSIB Act of 2026 because it will enhance oversight of the world’s largest bank holding companies. The act requires these ‘too big to fail’ companies to submit reports to the Federal Reserve that will shine a light on their activities, enhancing both transparency and supervision. In this era of ‘hands-off supervision,’ the public availability of these reports will help hold banks that control billions of dollars accountable to regulators and the communities they serve.” – National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)
A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks during the House Financial Services committee hearing is available below, and the video is available here.
Transcript: Pressley Unveils Legislation to Mandate Disclosures to Hold Big Banks Accountable, Demands SEC Require Reports in Interest of Investors
House Financial Services Committee
February 11, 2026
REP. AYANNA PRESSLEY: Chair Atkins, I read an article where you once said, quote, “the ultimate boss is the investor” unquote.
Do you still stand by those words?
CHAIR ATKINS: As far as, as far as the markets go? That’s definitely true.
REP. PRESSLEY:Well, I think we can all agree, if bosses are to make good decisions, they need to have access to good data.
Unfortunately, as the head of SEC, you are denying investors access to information. You’re changing the rules that have been put in place by limiting what data is provided to investors and reducing how frequently data is provided to investors.
Now, I’ve had colleagues across the aisle complain about information overload and, you know, pass bills – colleagues – so often investors only have access to quote, unquote, “material” information.
The problem with that approach is that Republicans are arbitrarily choosing what information is material and immaterial to investors.
Now I’ve been on this committee eight years – since I arrived in Congress – and I know that investors care about a wide range of information, ranging from executive compensation to costly climate-related disasters, like floods and fires.
So I want to focus on diversity disclosures specifically.
The SEC approved a rule that required public disclosure on the race and gender of board of directors. Now, this information was important to investors because study after study has confirmed that diversity is good for your bottom line. It is good for business.
So can you explain why you believe investors shouldn’t have access to this information?
CHAIR ATKINS: Well, I—investors should have access to material information.
And I mean, in general, it comes down to the company’s decision as to, you know, what they believe is material or not. And then, and because, again, it’s for the reasonable investor. It’s not for particular investors to, you know, as the rubric, that’s the way the court has ruled.
So anyway, so our rules are geared to the company, and it requires companies’ issuers to disclose material information to the public. And so—
REP. PRESSLEY:Okay, well, I’ll reclaim my time. I just again, in order to be a—to make good decisions, you have to have good data.
And the majority of investors are saying that they want this information, and many reports and CEOs have affirmed that diversity is good for business and for the bottom line. So that answer is insufficient for me.
And I just—again, a study of institutional investors that handle hundreds of billions of dollars have found that 30% of investors wanted to know if senior management was diverse. So that means roughly one out of three investors consider this information important.
So I think that makes it material. Disclosures about board diversity, climate risk, use of AI are essential for investors to make smart decisions.
After all, in your words, the investors are the ultimate boss.
So to reiterate, bosses need data to make decisions.
Now that’s why I am reintroducing the Greater Supervision in Banking Act, or GSIB, to mandate disclosures by the biggest banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and others.
Investors and consumers alike deserve to know how these institutions are impacting climate change, how that’s increasing costs and deadly natural disasters. Investors deserve to know whether these banks are rewarding themselves with large executive bonuses. And investors deserve to know that the Board of Directors at these companies represent them and their interests. They deserve it, and they want to know.
Chair Atkins, can you commit to finding a way to ensure this information is available to investors. When one out of three say this is what they want? Can I count on your partnership?
CHAIR ATKINS: Well again, so the Court has held that information is material, not depending on, you know, what the proclivities of one are—
REP. PRESSLEY: I got it. You’re sticking to it.
I was, you know, Chair Atkins—I’m trying to give you a win here.
You don’t, you know, you don’t have a stellar reputation on this front. You know, the 2008 Great Recession when you were first a commissioner at the SEC. But you know, we could—we don’t have to go back decades. I mean, just a few years ago you were advising FTX when that company collapsed.
So I really saw this as an opportunity for partnership, for you to redeem yourself there, Mr. Chair. I was trying to give you an easy alley oop.
I do believe we need fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and the American people deserve that instead of another global financial crisis.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL
Rep. Kelly secured $4.1 million in federal funds for roof repairs of 130-year-old building
Bradley, Ill. — U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined local elected officials and the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County today at the David Bradley Industrial Park campus to celebrate the repaired roof of the historic warehouse. In 2024, Rep. Kelly secured $4.1 million in federal funds to repair the roof of the 130-year-old building.
“I am proud to have brought home over $4 million to maintain the Bradley Building’s historical importance,” said Rep. Kelly. “It was the largest grant that I secured in 2024 because I saw it as a priority for Kankakee County’s economy and our community. Due to the collaborative efforts of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County and several local municipalities, this building will continue to serve as a manufacturing hub for the region, housing six companies and 150 employees.”
“Thanks to the Community Project Funding secured by Representative Robin Kelly, this investment ensures that the David Bradley Industrial Park remains a viable and competitive home for manufacturing in our region,” said Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis, who is also the Area Jobs Development Association Board Chairman. “By addressing the long-needed roof repairs and stabilization of the facility, we are protecting jobs, supporting business expansion, and positioning this historic incubator for long-term success. Congresswoman Kelly’s commitment to our region has strengthened our local economy and, most importantly, reinforced our commitment to supporting the employers and workers who call our community home.”
“The 1982 gift of this building to the Area Jobs Development Association was a pivotal step in securing jobs and fostering economic growth in Kankakee County at a time when our community needed it most,” said Jeff Bennett, Chairman of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. “Today, with the support of Representative Robin Kelly and her staff, we have strengthened this site to position it for long-term growth and investment. This progress would not be possible without the strong public-private partnerships that continue to drive economic development in our region. The funding generated through this facility remains instrumental in creating new opportunities for the community.”
“Thank you to Congresswoman Robin Kelly for making Bradley’s slogan, ‘Proud of the Past, Focused on the Future,’ a reality by enabling the $4.1 million Community Funding Project for the Bradley Roper Building,” said Bradley Mayor Mike Watson.
The David Bradley Industrial Park, dating back to 1895, includes several historic buildings that now house six companies with a total of 150 employees. The companies manufacture a variety of products, including snowplows, freezer paper and food wrap, and 55-gallon drums.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon Reappointed to U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council
Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced he was reappointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The Council serves as the board of trustees for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the nation’s official memorial to those who died during the Holocaust. The Museum is dedicated to the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history and to confronting genocide and antisemitism worldwide.
Since opening in Washington, D.C., in 1993, the Museum has helped educate more than 50 million visitors, including 11 million school-age children, about the Holocaust and threats of genocide around the world.
“It is an honor to continue serving on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council,” said Rep. Bacon. “The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is a great institution that ensures we never forget the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust and the millions who have suffered from antisemitism and continue to face it today. At a time when antisemitism is rising around the world, its mission is more important than ever. We must confront hatred wherever it appears and remain committed to the principle of ‘Never Again.’ I will continue to be a strong advocate and supporter of the Museum and its vital work.”
Learn more about the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that the DHS funding bill should not move forward without dramatic reforms to stop ICE from brutalizing the American people.
LEADER JEFFRIES: This is day five of the Trump-Republican shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Why are we in this moment? It’s because Republicans have decided that they would rather shut down FEMA, shut down TSA and shut down the Coast Guard than get ICE under control.
The American people know that ICE needs to be reined in. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to make your life more affordable, not to brutalize or kill American citizens in cold blood, like Renee Nicole Good or Alex Pretti, or to violently target law-abiding immigrant families, which we know is taking place all across America. The American people are horrified at what they have seen. But instead of fixing the problem, which Democrats have given our Republican colleagues an opportunity to do, they’ve shut down crucial parts of the Department of Homeland Security.
It is our view that immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, it should be just and it should be humane. That’s not what’s happening right now in the United States of America. And that’s why ICE needs to be reformed in a dramatic, bold, meaningful and transformational manner. Andif that doesn’t happen, the DHS funding bill will not move forward.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and 9 additional members of Congress who represent Maryland and Virginia wrote to DC Water CEO and General Manager David Gadis, expressing serious concern over the public health and environmental impacts of the disastrous sewage spill into the Potomac River following the collapse of a major sewer line last month – and called for the utility to take a series of actions and increase public transparency as the response and recovery efforts continue.
Joining Congressman Hoyer and Senator Van Hollen on this letter are Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11).
“We write to express our serious concern around the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sanitary sewer line that was discovered on January 19 along Clara Barton Parkway and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The failure of this 72-inch diameter pipe, which conveys approximately 60 million gallons of wastewater per day from communities in Maryland and Virginia to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C., resulted in a massive discharge of raw, untreated sewage into the Potomac River,” the lawmakers began. “This is one of the largest sewage spills in our country’s history, and its consequences for public health, the environment, and our communities demand a comprehensive and sustained response as well as clear communication with the public.”
They thanked DC water employees and contractors for braving difficult conditions to conduct critical containment and repair work, but also underscored the ongoing risks to the public and the environment in the wake of this disaster, writing, “while we appreciate the ongoing emergency response, we remain deeply concerned about the near-term public health and environmental impacts of this spill. Independent testing conducted by University of Maryland researchers and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, as well as DC Water’s own testing, have revealed alarming contamination levels in the river, and the full scope of the environmental damage is still not fully understood.”
The lawmakers went on to urge DC Water to commit to the following actions as the repair and recovery work continues:
Frequent and transparent public communication;
Develop a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and remediation plan;
Regular public briefings with opportunities for direct community engagement with DC Water;
Continued water quality monitoring through spring and summer; and
Ongoing communication with the regional Congressional delegation.
“We are closely monitoring this situation and stand ready to assist in any way we can. Our offices will continue to relay the concerns of our constituents to DC Water and work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a full and effective response to this crisis. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your response,” the lawmakers concluded.
We write to express our serious concern around the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sanitary sewer line that was discovered on January 19 along Clara Barton Parkway and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The failure of this 72-inch diameter pipe, which conveys approximately 60 million gallons of wastewater per day from communities in Maryland and Virginia to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C., resulted in a massive discharge of raw, untreated sewage into the Potomac River.
Before DC Water was able to activate a bypass system on January 24, an estimated 40 million gallons of wastewater per day overflowed from the collapse site, with approximately 243 million gallons of untreated sewage reaching the river in total according to DC Water’s estimates. The Potomac River is a vital natural resource that provides drinking water to five million people, supports a rich and diverse ecosystem, and serves as a source of recreation, livelihood, and pride for communities across our region. This is one of the largest sewage spills in our country’s history, and its consequences for public health, the environment, and our communities demand a comprehensive and sustained response as well as clear communication with the public.
We want to first acknowledge and thank the DC Water employees and contractors who have been working around the clock in extremely challenging winter conditions to contain the spill, install and maintain bypass pumping systems, and begin the complex work of cleaning and repairing the damaged pipe. The dedication of these workers, who have persevered through freezing temperatures and heavy snow, reflects the highest standards of public service and deserves our recognition and gratitude.
While we appreciate the ongoing emergency response, we remain deeply concerned about the near-term public health and environmental impacts of this spill. Independent testing conducted by University of Maryland researchers and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, as well as DC Water’s own testing, have revealed alarming contamination levels in the river, and the full scope of the environmental damage is still not fully understood.
Water samples collected at the spill site have shown E. coli bacteria concentrations more than 10,000 times above Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recreational water quality standards, and elevated contamination levels above EPA standards have been detected at downstream locations as well. University of Maryland’s testing also detected S. aureus, the bacteria responsible for staph infections, at one-third of sampling sites. And MRSA, a highly dangerous antibiotic-resistant strain of S. aureus, was detected at the sewage overflow site. As of February 16, E. coli levels near the Lock 10 drainage channel remained severely elevated, and DC Water has acknowledged a significant reporting error in which actual E. coli concentrations on February 6 at this location were approximately 100 times higher than initially disclosed.
We are also concerned about the potential ecological impacts of this spill on fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The Potomac Gorge, the section of the river where this spill occurred, is one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots on the East Coast and home to over 1,500 species, including nearly 200 that are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. The introduction of hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into this ecosystem risks cascading harm to fish populations, aquatic invertebrates, and the wildlife that depend on them. There have already been credible reports of fish kills downstream of the spill and the Maryland Department of the Environment took the precautionary step of closing shellfish harvesting areas along part of the lower Potomac River, demonstrating that a full accounting of these impacts is essential.
Furthermore, recent cold weather conditions are compounding these risks. Cold water temperatures near the spill site will slow bacterial die-off and allow harmful pathogens to survive longer and travel farther downstream. Additionally, ice cover on portions of the river reflects sunlight that would otherwise help sterilize the water, and the river’s current drought conditions have reduced the natural dilution of contaminants. There is also significant concern that frozen sewage in the water column and along shorelines may trigger delayed contamination events and additional harm to the river and public health when temperatures rise.
Given the severity and ongoing impacts of this incident, we request that DC Water commit to the following actions:
Frequent and Transparent Public Communication: We ask that DC Water continue to provide frequent, accurate, and transparent updates to the public regarding the status of repair work at the collapse site, bacteria levels in the river associated with the sewer line collapse and the corresponding public health risks, and any other developments related to this incident. The recent discovery of a significant rock blockage in the sewer line that will add four to six weeks to the timeline for repairs and overflows that continue to occur at the break site demonstrate the importance of these updates. It is imperative that the information DC Water provides to the public be rigorously verified, clearly communicated, and transmitted in a timely fashion.
Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment and Remediation Plan: We ask that DC Water partner closely with federal, state, and local officials, as well as environmental organizations and research institutions working on the ground, to develop and publicly release a thorough assessment of the spill’s environmental impacts alongside a comprehensive timeline for environmental remediation at all impacted sites. This rigorous study and plan should include:
An assessment of the spill’s impact on fish, wildlife, and the ecologically sensitive habitats within and near the Potomac River.
An assessment of any impact on the C&O Canal National Historical Park, a treasured site for recreation which is currently serving as the temporary bypass venue for diverted sewage and may have sustained environmental harm as a result.
An assessment of potential downstream impacts to water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, given that the Potomac River is one of the Bay’s largest tributaries and that contamination has already been detected miles downstream of the spill site.
A clear and detailed plan for the environmental remediation needed to address the ecological damage caused by this spill, including timelines, responsible parties, and coordination with relevant regulatory agencies.
Public Briefings: We ask that DC Water hold regular public briefings on the incident and its ongoing impacts to inform members of the local community and provide them with opportunities to ask questions and share their concerns directly with DC Water leadership. The residents, businesses, and recreational users who depend on the Potomac River and the C&O Canal deserve direct forums to engage with DC Water on the response, the remediation plan, and what steps are being taken to prevent a disaster of this magnitude from occurring again. We appreciate that you are working toward providing opportunities for the community to directly engage with DC Water, as you stated in your recent Open Letter, and that you are planning an in-person community meeting with regional leaders and public health agencies for the week of February 23.
Continued Water Quality Monitoring Through Spring and Summer: We ask that DC Water commit to sustained water quality monitoring well into the spring and summer months to ensure that bacteria levels return to safe standards before the recreational season and to detect any delayed contamination from frozen sewage and sediment-trapped pollutants. Testing results should continue to be released to the public on a regular basis.
Ongoing Communication with the Congressional Delegation: We ask that DC Water continue to keep Members of Congress representing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia closely informed as repair work progresses and as you pursue the necessary infrastructure upgrades and environmental remediation. We are prepared to support efforts to secure the federal resources and technical assistance needed to address both this incident and the broader challenge of aging wastewater infrastructure in our region.
We are closely monitoring this situation and stand ready to assist in any way we can. Our offices will continue to relay the concerns of our constituents to DC Water and work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a full and effective response to this crisis. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your response.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive two grants totaling $1,389,167 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research on engineering high-fidelity regulator T-cells and defining their sustainability. The work is under the direction of Dr. Yongqiang Feng of the Department of Immunology.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“This investment in immunology research will lead to new discoveries, and possible therapies that may improve and extend lives. I commend St. Jude and Dr. Feng for undertaking this critical work.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California
February 18, 2026
WASHINGTON – U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, and U.S. House of Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ranking Member of U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, led their colleagues in sending a letter calling on U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum to halt efforts to create the Department’s new U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), citing potential life-or-death consequences that could come as a result of decoupling wildfire management from land management agencies, and emphasizing a number of concerns related to recent reductions in staffing, combined with improperly severing wildfire management from land stewardship.
The Trump administration has restructured firefighting efforts in the DOI without transparency and the necessary congressional approval and funds to create the new program.
“We are concerned that the DOI is advancing a rapid and consequential restructuring of wildfire management without adequate analysis, transparency, or planning to prevent disruption during what is expected to be a significant fire season or to safeguard long-term wildfire preparedness,” the lawmakers began.
The lawmakers continued, “While consolidation could be an effective strategy to improve efficiency and coordination, the administration’s approach risks diverting critical resources and funding away from land management agencies without any public plan to replace those capabilities. Equally troubling, the Department has not provided Congress with any information detailing how decoupling wildfire management from land management agencies is expected to improve the health of public lands, enhance communication and coordination, or better protect lives and private property from catastrophic wildfire.”
“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) relies on an integrated workforce of land managers, scientists, fuels specialists, and field staff to plan and implement vegetation management, hazardous fuels reduction, grazing programs, habitat conservation, and post-fire recovery,” the lawmakers underscored. “Further reductions in staffing, combined with improperly severing wildfire management from land stewardship, will undermine the agency’s capacity to manage landscapes proactively.
The lawmakers concluded by urging the DOI to halt the creation of the USWFS and demanding answers to the lawmakers’ questions.
Alongside Ranking Members Huffman, Heinrich, Klobuchar, Merkley, and Pingree, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Mark Kelly (D- Ariz.), and U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.).
How will the Department ensure continued coordination between the USWFS and land management agencies on forest and rangeland management priorities, including hazardous fuels reduction, vegetation management, and long-term landscape resilience?
How will responsibilities for vegetation management, fuels reduction, invasive species and noxious weed treatment, and habitat objectives be coordinated to ensure alignment with agency missions and science-based land management?
How will the Department prevent the loss of in-house fuels specialists, land managers, and scientific staff from land management agencies as a result of this consolidation?
Who will have decision-making authority over wildfire resource allocation, fuels treatment priorities, and prescribed fire planning under the new structure?
Will land management agencies retain authority over fuels management and vegetation treatment decisions on land under their jurisdiction, consistent with their statutory missions, scientific expertise, and trust responsibilities? If so, how will they be funded and how will you ensure they have adequate staff to undertake this management?
How will the Department ensure clear lines of communication and operational coordination between the USWFS and DOI land management agencies during wildfire preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience planning?
Has the Department solicited feedback from state, local, and Tribal governments regarding the proposed consolidation? If so, please summarize the feedback received and explain how it has informed the Department’s approach.
What lines of communication and chain of command directives have you put in place to ensure seamless communications with all local, state and federal partners?
What training or rollout are you offering to local, state and federal partners with this transition as fire season gets underway?
Wildfire seasons are getting longer and more dangerous with each passing year. How will the Department ensure that the readiness of DOI firefighters, who make up roughly 30% of the federal wildland firefighting workforce, will not be further undermined by the consolidation?
We look forward to your timely response on this important matter.