Rep. Barragán’s Statement on the US’ Attack on Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement:
“Today is a sad and dangerous day for the men and women of our military and their families, as the President starts another potential war in the Middle East with Iran.
Given the severity of the President’s actions, which I believe ignores and tramples on the Constitution, the Speaker should immediately call on Congress to return to Washington to debate and vote on the matter.”
Rep. Barragán Leads Opposition to Proposed HUD Rule That Could Displace Thousands of Mixed-Status Families
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, urging the Department to withdraw its proposed rule, “Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status.” If finalized, the rule would eliminate federal housing assistance for families with mixed immigration status, threatening to displace tens of thousands of American families.
Under current law and federal regulations, HUD provides prorated housing assistance to households with eligible immigration status, based on the number of qualifying residents. Those without eligible immigration status have never received assistance. For example, in a family of four where three members are eligible, the household receives three-quarters of the assistance it would otherwise qualify for. This approach mirrors other federal benefit programs, including SNAP, that ensure only eligible individuals receive assistance.
“The Trump Administration is punishing working families and U.S. citizen children with this cruel proposal,” said Rep. Barragán. “HUD’s proration policy already protects eligible household members while denying benefits to ineligible adults. Ending it won’t make housing more affordable. It will put vulnerable families at risk of losing their homes.”
By overturning HUD’s proration policy, the Trump Administration’s proposed rule would dismantle this balanced system and force families into an impossible choice: separate their households or lose the assistance that keeps a roof over their heads. It would make entire households ineligible for assistance solely because one member lacks an eligible immigration status. The proposal would also expand documentation and verification requirements, increasing administrative burdens on public housing authorities and creating new obstacles for families seeking or maintaining assistance.
According to HUD, approximately 20,000 mixed-status households could be impacted by this proposal. Independent studies have shown that as many as 80,000 individuals could lose assistance if this rule is finalized. That number includes nearly 37,000 children, almost all of whom are U.S. citizens.
California would face some of the most significant impacts. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation estimate the state has approximately 7,190 households, accounting for 36 percent of all mixed-status households nationwide. Many of these families live in Los Angeles County, where most of the affected households include U.S. citizen children living with at least one adult who has not claimed eligibility for federal assistance.
In a state already facing severe housing shortages and skyrocketing rents, stripping assistance from thousands of legally eligible residents would further strain local housing authorities, destabilize communities, and increase the risk of homelessness among vulnerable families. For Los Angeles and other high-cost regions, where affordable housing waitlists stretch for years, the Trump Administration’s proposal would exacerbate an already dire affordability crisis.
Rep. Barragán’s letter was signed by the following 51 members of Congress: Yassamin Ansari, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Gilbert Cisneros, Yvette Clarke, J. Correa, Jasmine Crockett, Diana DeGette, Mark DeSaulnier, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Daniel Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Adelita Grijalva, Steven Horsford, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, Robin Kelly, Timothy Kennedy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Larson, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Sam Liccardo, Ted Lieu, Stephen Lynch, Betty McCollum, Morgan McGarvey, Robert Menendez, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Norton, Jimmy Panetta, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mike Quigley, Luz Rivas, Lateefah Simon, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, Nydia Velázquez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Only 42 percent of small business owners are optimistic about their business prospects
MERRIAM, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited K.C. Strings, the largest instrument string manufacturer in the state of Kansas, to see the company’s manufacturing operations and hear directly from the owners about their new ventures and the challenges they face due to chaotic federal policies set by the administration.
“Small businesses like K.C. Strings are part of what makes our communities strong,” said Davids. “But I’m hearing from more and more Kansas business owners who are worried about rising costs and unpredictable policies coming out of Washington. Reckless tariffs and economic uncertainty make it harder for small manufacturers to plan, hire, and grow. I’ll keep working across the aisle to support small businesses, strengthen our domestic supply chains, and make sure entrepreneurs here in Kansas have a fair shot to succeed.”
While Davids previously releasedan updated report on the state of Kansas’ small business ecosystem that found strong entrepreneurial growth in Kansas’ Third District — including more than 10,700 new business applications in 2023 — many small businesses now report they are struggling. Rising costs and reckless tariffs are forcingsmall businesses to raise prices, delay expansion, and cut jobs.
In November 2025 alone, businesses with fewer than 50 employees laid off 120,000 workers — the largest monthly total for small businesses in five years. Recent reports also show half of small business owners have raised prices, one-fifth have delayed expansion plans, and 74 percent are concerned about surviving the next 12 months.
“We have a unique business here which also happens to be one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest,” said Jim Upton, General Manager, K.C. Strings. “We’re also looking for opportunities to expand our operation, perhaps using 3D printing. We are very proud of what we do here and are glad for Rep. Davids to see what we’re up to.”
During her time in Congress, Davids has worked across the aisle to support small businesses. As a former member of the House Small Business Committee, she called for strong oversightof pandemic relief programs to prevent fraud and focused on strengthening domestic supply chainsto support small- and medium-sized manufacturers. She has also prioritized efforts to reduce excessive paperwork for small businesses and support individual workers, including veterans, women, and people in recovery.
She has also pushed back on reckless tariffs. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer that are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs that are raising prices for hardworking families.
Operating since 1992, K.C. Stringshas been building and selling violins, violas, cellos, and basses worldwide. In the past year, they have expanded into the manufacturing and sale of fretted instruments, including guitars, banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
“I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars to improve Broward’s marine industry and bring more jobs and business opportunities to South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll always work to invest in local infrastructure to prevent contamination, preserves marine ecosystems, and keep our canals and coastal waters healthy.”
Dania Beach, FL – This week, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Dania Beach Commissioners to announce a $1 million federal investment to improve the city’s wastewater system and strengthen the community’s marine and boat industries.
This investment will replace and modernize Lift Station No.12 to improve wastewater flow and reduce risk of backups and systems failures.
“I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars to improve Broward’s marine industry and bring more jobs and business opportunities to South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll always work to invest in local infrastructure to prevent contamination, preserves marine ecosystems, and keep our canals and coastal waters healthy.”
Wastewater lift stations are specialized, underground pumping systems designed to lift sewage from lower to higher elevations. Dania Beach’s Lift Station 12 was constructed in 1986, making it one of the older lift stations around, it faces electrical issues and shuts off during storms. This project will ensure the infrastructure can handle current demands while preparing for future growth, protect our waterways, and keep hundreds of Floridians employed.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced his Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, legislation that strengthens penalties for childcare providers who defraud the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The introduction of this legislation follows recent shocking revelations of widespread fraud occurring within Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, which was primarily perpetrated by Somali fraudsters.
Of his legislation, Stauber stated, “Taxpayers in Minnesota and across the country deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are supporting legitimate services and not lining the pockets of Somali fraudsters. My bill imposes tough penalties for those who exploit our public programs, including serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. For too long, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison failed to act, and credible reports suggest their offices may have even enabled these criminals. When state leaders won’t do their jobs, the federal government must step in to provide commonsense reforms that protect our programs and hold violators accountable, and this bill does just that.”
Key provisions of the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act include:
Permanent debarment: Mandates a lifetime ban from all federally funded childcare assistance programs for any provider convicted of fraud.
Full restitution: Requires state reimbursement to the Department of Health and Human Services for fraudulently obtained funds.
Federal referral for criminal investigation: Directs automatic referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution and further scrutiny.
Immigration accountability: For non-citizen providers convicted of fraud or involved in terrorism-related activity, this legislation establishes grounds for inadmissibility or deportation and bars asylum or adjustment of status.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45), local elected officials and community representatives from veteran service organizations for a roundtable discussion and press conference about how House Democrats are standing up for veterans.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here in Orange County with Congressman Derek Tran. I’m so thankful for his leadership, for his commitment to the people of the communities that he is privileged to represent. Of course, for his service to the nation as an Army veteran and now his service to the nation and to the state of California and to these communities as a distinguished Member of the House of Representatives.
It’s an honor and privilege to be here with so many other distinguished colleagues in government, as well as leaders of the veterans community here in Orange County and it was wonderful to participate in the roundtable with them to learn firsthand about the issues of importance to veterans here in Orange County and it is our highest responsibility and our highest commitment as Members of Congress to always ensure that we are standing up to protect the dignity and respect of the veterans who have served America. And we were able to reiterate that commitment here at our roundtable today, including as it relates to making sure we see to completion the establishment of the first veterans cemetery here in Orange County. We will partner together to get that done.
Congressman Tran indicated, these are also very challenging and perilous times. Veterans in America have been under assault from the Trump administration from day one, where thousands of veterans who worked for our federal government after serving the country in uniform were unceremoniously fired, having their livelihoods ripped away from them. Shame on the administration for engaging in that type of egregious behavior while at the same time pretending as though they’re standing up to cherish our veterans.
And now, unfortunately, as I travel the country, hearing from veterans who feel betrayed by an administration where Candidate Trump promised not to get the country in another endless and deadly conflict in the Middle East, only to get the country involved in a potentially endless and already deadly conflict—war of choice—in the Middle East. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be spent to make life more affordable for the people of Orange County, for the veterans and for everyday Americans, as opposed to billions of dollars somehow to drop bombs in the Middle East, but the administration can’t find a dime to make healthcare more affordable, a dime to make housing more affordable or a dime to lower the cost of the grocery bills that everyday Americans confront when they go to the supermarket.
Our commitment will continue to be—and I’m so thankful for Congressman Tran’s leadership in this regard—We’re going to fight hard to lower the high cost of living. We’re going to fight hard to fix our broken healthcare system. And we’re going to fight to protect and cherish our veterans, not disrespect them, and to ensure that veterans are able to receive their hard-earned benefits. These aren’t entitlement programs. These are hard-earned benefits that we want to ensure can continue to be delivered and are not cut and that the veterans of Orange County, the veterans of America are always treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to preliminary reports that the U.S. was responsible for a February 28 strike on a girl’s school in Iran:
“Reports that more than 150 girls and their teachers were tragically killed by an errant American strike on a school in Iran are devastating and damning. A preliminary U.S. assessment reportedly found the strike was likely the result of outdated targeting information that still identified the school as part of an Iranian military complex.
“If true, these children’s deaths were the result of a leadership planning failure that should have been caught long before the first missiles were launched. This tragedy was not related to the fog of war, rather it is the result of the reckless rush to war.
“Add this tragedy to the Administration’s failure to predict Iran’s harsh retaliatory strikes against our allies, the failure to prepare evacuation plans for American citizens caught in the region at the start of the war, and the failure to anticipate the impacts of Iran’s shutting of the Strait of Hormuz, and you see a recurring pattern of dangerous incompetence permeating the senior leadership in the White House and Department of War.
“Accountability starts at the top. Secretary Hegseth is responsible for ensuring our military goes to war with sound intelligence and careful planning. These reports indicate that the Pentagon went to war with targeting packages that hadn’t been updated in several years, threatening the safety of our troops and compromising the success of their missions.
“This is the same Secretary of War who leaked sensitive strike plans on Signal, reportedly ordered a second strike on survivors clinging to wreckage at sea, and fired or forced out dozens of our most experienced military leaders in an unprecedented political purge.
“The Administration must release the full findings of its investigation and provide a complete accounting to Congress. It remains abundantly clear that Secretary Hegseth is unqualified for his position and should be immediately relieved of his duties and removed from his office.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced theStop Unfair Electricity Prices Act, legislation aimed at holding investor-owned utility companies accountable and protecting Michigan families from rising electricity costs while executives and shareholders reap significant profits. The bill penalizes any rate hikes that happened after January 1, 2026, meaning this legislation would actively cut Michigan families’ energy bills.
Over the past two decades, Michigan’s electricity rates have outpaced inflation and risen faster than in 46 other states. In that time, the average Michigan family has seen their annual electricity bill skyrocket by roughly$850.
Corporate utilities continue to raise costs on Michiganders while reporting strong profits and awarding massive compensation packages to their executives. In 2024, Michigan’s two largest corporate utilities paid more than $10 million each to their CEOs. Despite record profits, one of those utilities is now asking state regulators to approveyet anothermassive rate hike on Michigan families after recently raising rates.
TheStop Unfair Electricity Prices Actwould give Michigan families a reprieve on electricity rate hikes for three years by imposing significant penalties on investor-owned utilities that raise rates:
If they raise residential rates in year one, they lose their federal funding.
If they raise residential rates in years two or three, they must cut executive pay by twice the percentage of the rate increase or lose their federal funding.
“Michigan families are paying more and more for electricity, yet too many are getting worse service in return,” said Rep. Stevens. “While hardworking Michigan families struggle to afford higher bills, corporate executives are getting richer off their backs. That is unacceptable. This legislation makes clear that if utilities want access to federal taxpayer dollars, they must put Michigan consumers first.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA
Napa and Woodland, CA —Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04)led over 700 community members, veterans, and military families this weekend in Napa and Woodland for “No Forever Wars” Day of Action events calling for congressional oversight regarding the U.S. military involvement in Iran.
“This unauthorized war in Iran has already cost seven American lives and more than a billion taxpayer dollars per day, with no clear end in sight,” said Thompson. “As a combat veteran, I know that war is hell, and the American people deserve transparency, a clear justification, and a real exit strategy from this administration. I voted for the War Powers Resolution, which would prevent the administration from taking further military action in Iran, because Congress must authorize sending our troops into harm’s way, and we cannot afford to repeat the costly mistakes of the past. No forever wars.”
In Napa, Thompson spoke at a “No Forever Wars” Day of Action on Friday, March 6 at Veterans Park, where over 500 community members gathered to hear from veterans, military families, and local leaders concerned about the prospect of another prolonged military conflict. Thompson was joined by speakers including American Canyon Mayor and Navy Beirut combat veteran Pierre Washington; Afghanistan Army combat veteran Carlos Salazer; Afghanistan Army combat veteran and Indivisible Napa co-lead Val O’Pry; Gold Star wife Leah Doyle; and Napa County Supervisor Liz Alessio, whose son served in the military.
In Woodland, Thompson participated in a second Day of Action on Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Plaza, where over 200 community members gathered in downtown Woodland to call for an end to endless wars and for Congress to reassert its authority over decisions to engage in military conflict. Thompson delivered opening and closing remarks and introduced local speakers, including Vietnam combat veteran Ramon Urbano; Air Force veteran Karen White; Afghanistan Marine Corps combat veteran Oscar Arbulu; Afghanistan Marine Corps combat veteran and IBEW representative Mike Tilden; and local elected officials.
Both events were part of a coordinated grassroots effort across the region to highlight the human cost of prolonged military conflicts and to amplify calls for congressional accountability before further escalation.
Videos from the events will be made available HERE.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is inviting high school students who live or attend school in Washington’s Second Congressional District to showcase their artistic talents in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
“I am encouraging the many gifted young artists in Northwest Washington to submit their artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and have the chance to win a trip to Washington D.C.,” said Rep. Larsen. “It takes courage to put your work out there as a young person, and I appreciate the wonderful art that students submit for consideration every year.”
All art entries must be original in concept, design and execution. Art submissions and forms are due no later than Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Interested students can find details and a full list of contest rules on Larsen’s website: https://larsen.house.gov/helping-you/2026-art-competition.htm
The U.S. House of Representatives holds the annual high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since 1982, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide have participated in the Congressional Art Competition. In 2025, Oak Harbor High School’s Tessa Meyer won the districtwide competition with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude,” which has been on display in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.
How to Participate
The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school-aged students (grades 9-12) who live or attend school in the Second District. Students can verify whether they are Second District residents or attend school in the district here.
To submit your artwork, please download and print this Student Consent Form. This form must be attached to the artwork that is entered. If you cannot print the form, please contact our office for a copy. Forms and art submissions are due by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Forms can also be mailed or delivered with art pieces to Rep. Larsen’s Everett office:
Office of Rep. Rick Larsen – Everett Re: Art Competition Wall Street Building 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9F Everett, WA 98201
Contact Larsen’s District Office for More Information
Students needing assistance in delivering their artwork to Rep. Larsen’s office can contact Jessica Zuleta at (425) 252-3188 or Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov. Participants will be honored at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., later this year. Plans for a district celebration will be announced soon.
For more information, visit the 2026 Congressional Art Competition website here.