Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement after voting in favor of House Democrats’ bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution:

“The United States Constitution is clear: Congress—not a president acting alone—is vested with the responsibility to make the grave decision to enter into war when there is no imminent threat to the nation. The bipartisan War Powers Resolution is necessary to ensure that the American people—through their representatives in Congress—have a voice in decisions that send our troops into harm’s way and draw heavily on taxpayer money.

“Donald Trump launched the United States into a dangerous war with Iran without making the case to Congress or the American people. At a moment when families are struggling with rising grocery prices, health care bills and rent, the American people deserve honesty about the financial, strategic and human consequences of another war in the Middle East. Any action that draws America further into conflict must be grounded in law, guided by a clear strategy and built around a defined endgame—not an open-ended war that risks American lives and drains billions of taxpayer dollars away from urgent needs here at home.

“The Iranian regime’s brutality, violation of human rights and sponsorship of global terrorism are well known, but it appears that Trump did not learn the lessons of Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya. Military successes can lead to chaos and failed states if there is no long-term plan. The Iranian people deserve the freedom and dignity that a broad-based plan with countries in the region would provide.

“I’m grateful for the leadership of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill AFB, and for the brave men and women serving in the Middle East carrying out the mission they were assigned. I do not want to see one more American soldier lose their life in a conflict that Congress never debated and never approved. This resolution is about reining in a reckless escalation and requiring the Trump Administration to come to Congress, as required by the Constitution.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

U.S. Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

Today, Congresswoman Schrier released the following statement after she voted to pass a bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution that blocks war with Iran without congressional approval.

“Our constitution is clear: without an imminent threat or a need for urgent defense, the President of the United States may not take our nation to war without authorization from Congress. On matters of war, the President must be forthcoming and make his case to Congress and to the American people. Over the last few days, the President has made decisions that have risked the lives of countless servicemembers without consultation or clear justification for urgent action.

“Nobody mourns the death of Iranian Ayatollah Khamenei – a man who brutalized his own people, made Iran the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, and relentlessly pursued a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, when it comes to a declaration of war, that is the responsibility of Congress.

“Americans want affordable groceries, health care, and education. If Trump believes in abandoning these goals to prioritize spending billions on a war and risking the lives of our servicemembers, then he must explain his reasoning and strategy. 

“That is why I voted on this resolution today. The American people deserve answers, and we owe it to those in uniform to not engage in another costly, endless war.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum voted yes on the bipartisan Massie-Khanna War Powers resolution (H.Con.Res.38), directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after the resolution failed by a vote of 212-219:

“President Trump has unilaterally taken our nation to war against Iran. The President’s decision is an unlawful violation of the War Powers Act, and it is against the Constitution. There was no imminent threat posed to the United States from Iran. Congress has authorized no military action. The Administration’s rationale for military strikes changes by the hour. The President has failed to give Congress — and the American people — a straight answer.

“The damage across the Middle East is immense. And tragically the lives of six American service members have been lost, including a fellow Minnesotan from White Bear Lake, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor. We are forever grateful for their service to our nation, and their families are in our prayers.

“President Trump’s war is out of control, and it is our job in Congress to rein in his administration. This War Powers Resolution was an important opportunity to do so, and it is unfortunate that Republicans chose to endorse the president’s reckless war.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House Agriculture Committee:

“While I regret that I could not be there, I am proud to have done a lot of work to get this bill in its final form. I am pleased to see that my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on a bipartisan basis. I take great pride in the bill that the committee produced, as it reflects the urgent need to pass a full Farm Bill, and the policies put forward will benefit our farmers in Indiana and across the nation. This bill contains a critical fix for our pork producers by overturning California’s Proposition 12, which attempted to dictate how farmers raise and care for their livestock. It also supports cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation, strengthens the farm safety net, and supports successful conservation programs to keep our farmland and forests resilient and productive.

“I was pleased that the Committee agreed to include several of my priorities, such as the Increased TSP Access Act, NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act, Strengthening Local Processing Act, and Plant Biostimulant Act. The inclusion of these bills reflects the priority that the committee places on addressing these important issues. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate to get this bill across the finish line to deliver a full, five-year Farm Bill and the economic certainty our farmers deserve.”

Additional Background:

The Increased TSP Access Act addresses Technical Service Provider (TSP) shortages by establishing a more streamlined certification process and increasing the number of TSPs to help farmers with their conservation efforts.

The NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens the partnership between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote cross-cutting and collaborative research.

The Strengthening Local Processing Act makes it easier for local livestock and poultry producers to process meat locally and expands access to federal resources.

The Plant Biostimulant Act creates a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants and establishes a consistent regulatory pathway to market.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives’ vote on a War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran (H.Con.Res. 38). The resolution failed to pass the House by a vote of 212-to-219.

“I was proud to vote “yes” on the War Powers Resolution to put a stop to President Trump’s illegal war on Iran for which he has offered no coherent strategy, goals, or endgame and which the American people overwhelmingly oppose. My vote was a reflection of the will of the American people who object to yet another forever war in the Middle East in pursuit of regime change, which in this instance has already led to the deaths of half a dozen American servicemembers and over 1,000 civilians as well as regional instability and the likelihood of an even more extreme and dangerous regime taking power.

We cannot continue to let the President act with impunity. Every time Republican leaders in Congress turn a blind eye and cede Congress’s authority, the President is emboldened and empowered to overstep his constitutional power. Today’s vote shows a continued disappointing and irresponsible failure of Republican leadership to follow the Constitution and put a stop to this reckless and corrupt president who only continues to descend into madness.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole’s (OK-04) legislation, H.R. 7744, which is second time legislation to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and protect the nation’s border, passed the House of Representatives. After the legislation passed, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“The Constitution places the safety and security of the American people at the center of the federal government’s responsibilities. It is a duty I don’t take lightly,” said Congressman Cole. “Amidst rising global tensions and natural disaster possibilities, jeopardizing security operations and emergency preparedness is the last thing anyone should be doing. Yet, Democrats have kept the Department of Homeland Security shuttered for weeks – and again voted to keep it that way.”

“They are actively choosing to deny resources to the very people responsible for protecting the American homeland. Cybersecurity operations are at limited capacity, as adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China seek to exploit infrastructure vulnerabilities. Training for first responders has been canceled. FEMA grants – utilized by state and local entities to ensure safety and combat terrorism – can’t be accessed. TSA officers are being forced to work through the shutdown while missing paychecks. Coast Guard men and women, including those in harm’s way in Bahrain, are completing missions without full resources behind them. Even security preparations to keep attendees safe at the America 250 celebrations, the FIFA World Cup, the LA2028 Olympics, and more face disruptions. These impacts are not political or hyperbole. They are the direct cost of Democrats’ decision to play politics with the safeguards of this country,” said Congressman Cole.

“My priority is serving and protecting Oklahomans and all Americans, which is why I voted again today to pass full-year DHS funding. No selective resourcing – full operational funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the personnel who stand watch over this nation every day. Despite bipartisan majorities in both chambers, a small minority of Democrats continue to hold this funding hostage. However, let me be clear: shielding the homeland should never be treated as a political bargaining chip,” said Congressman Cole.

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

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old Haitian asylum-seeker and Massachusetts community member who died in ICE custody on March 2. ICE’s failure to provide timely medical care to Mr. Damas appears to have contributed to his worsening medical condition and tragic death. Mr. Damas is, at least, the tenth person to die in ICE’s custody this year. The lawmakers also urge DHS to adhere to its own standards and provide proper medical treatment to detainees in its care.

In February 2026, Mr. Damas first informed staff at the Florence detention center in Arizona that he was suffering from a bad toothache. Facility staff supplied him with over-the-counter medications but reportedly denied him dental treatment. On February 19, Mr. Damas informed his family that his condition had significantly worsened and that he would be taken to a hospital. The following day, the Damas family learned from staff at the HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center that Mr. Damas was suffering from pneumonia, had been placed on life support in the Intensive Care Unit, and remained in critical condition. The hospital declined to release Mr. Damas’s medical information and redirected his brother, Presly Nelson, to ICE, which provided him no information.

On February 23, Mr. Nelson contacted the ICE facility again and was informed that his brother had been moved back into detention but was given no information on his medical condition. Senator Markey reached out to ICE that same day, requesting an update on Mr. Damas’s health status and physical location. ICE did not provide satisfactory answers. Several days later, the Damas family learned that Mr. Damas was hospitalized again and was scheduled for surgery on February 26. On March 2, Mr. Damas died.

In their letter, the lawmakers urge, “Despite a dramatic increase in the number of detainees held by ICE, the Administration has failed to properly care for these individuals. Reports of improper and untimely medical treatment abound. DHS is also repeatedly violating its own guidance governing the medical care of detainees. ICE’s national detention standards mandate that ‘[a]ll detainees shall have access to appropriate medical, dental, and mental health care, including emergency services.’ The standards also specify that ‘[e]mergency dental treatment shall be provided for immediate relief of pain, trauma, and acute oral infection.’ As Mr. Damas’s death tragically highlights, individuals in ICE’s custody are not treated in accordance with the standards governing ICE’s conduct.”

The lawmakers request answers to questions that include:

• Did Mr. Damas submit any verbal or written requests for medical attention or any complaints about his physical condition during his time in detention?
• What was Mr. Damas’s medical history at the time of his intake into ICE custody?
• When did any staff at the Florence detention center first become aware of Mr. Damas’s complaint regarding his tooth pain?
• When did medical staff become aware that Mr. Damas’s condition required emergency treatment or admittance to a hospital?
• Who was the medical provider contracted to deliver healthcare services at the outside facility or hospital where Mr. Damas was treated at the time of his death?
• What was the official cause of Mr. Damas’s death? Was an independent autopsy conducted or made available to the family?
• Was Mr. Damas’s family informed by any staff at the Florence detention center of his deteriorating health condition prior to his death?
• Has ICE initiated a formal investigation into the death of Mr. Damas?

Text of the letter can be accessed here.

Congresswoman Pressley serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country. She has stood in vigorous defense for Haitian communities and all immigrant neighbors amid Trump and ICE’s attacks against immigrant communities.

Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress pushing back against Trump’s threats to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.

Rep. Pressley leads a discharge petition that could compel the House vote on a bill to require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years. The discharge petition continues to gain support and will need 218 signatures in the House to move forward.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Pressley, alongside Senator Markey, held a field hearing on the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. She documented this testimony in the legislative record. Rep. Pressley also organized a press conference in D.C. in January to sound the alarm on the harm of terminating TPS for Haiti on seniors and the U.S. care economy.

In February 2026, Rep. Pressley applauded a federal judge’s ruling to temporarily block Trump’s move to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Ending TPS for Haitians would leave over 350,000 Haitian nationals at risk of deportation, many of whom reside in the Massachusetts 7th congressional district.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)