MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

July 30, 2025

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 92 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an investigation into the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private, unqualified U.S.-linked aid organization at the center of the worsening starvation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

GHF is a U.S.-linked aid organization with no prior experience in humanitarian aid and operates under opaque funding arrangements. GHF received a $30 million grant from the State Department, despite significant internal objections from USAID officials that the group’s funding plan failed to meet the “minimum technical or budgetary standards.” In their letter, the lawmakers criticize the organization’s lack of qualifications, noting that neither of the private firms contracted by GHF to manage distribution sites in Gaza has prior experience in humanitarian work, nor does GHF Executive Chairman Johnnie Moore, who is a close ally of President Donald Trump.

“We have serious concerns with the operations of GHF, a newly established, private, U.S.-linked organization with no prior humanitarian experience, and the possibility that it could become the sole or primary aid provider in Gaza,” the lawmakers wrote. “…Providing secure and efficient humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is not only a moral obligation—it is also vital to Israel’s long-term security and the safe return of Israeli hostages. Enhancing aid operations is essential to stabilizing the region and achieving lasting peace.”

In July 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a panel developed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, issued a report warning that “the worst-case scenario of Famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip.” Netanyahu’s blockade and GHF’s dangerously mismanaged aid sites are directly contributing to the starvation crisis.

The lawmakers also expressed concern regarding disturbing violence at GHF distribution sites, where flawed distribution methods have caused mass panic and mass casualties.

GHF operates only four aid distribution sites in Gaza using a reckless first-come, first-served model that has resulted in deadly chaos. At least 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while attempting to access aid near GHF sites, with reports describing Israeli soldiers and U.S. contractors opening fire on desperate civilians. One former contractor said he was instructed to “shoot to kill and ask questions later.”

“Instead of using traditional aid distribution methods, based on internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles, GHF provides food on a first-come, first-served basis,” the lawmakers continued. “As a result, when centers open, large crowds of Palestinians rush to the centers. In these situations, there appear to be few restrictions on the use of lethal force by Israeli soldiers and American contractors in the vicinity.”

In addition to Rep. Casten, the letter was signed by Amo, Gabe; Ansari, Yassamin; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Bera, Ami; Bonamici, Suzanne; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Carbajal, Salud; Carson, André; Carter, Troy; Castro, Joaquin; Chu, Judy; Cleaver, Emanuel; Cohen, Steve; Courtney, Joe; Craig, Angie; Crow, Jason; Davis, Danny; Dean, Madeleine; DeGette, Diana; DeLauro, Rosa; Deluzio, Christopher; DeSaulnier, Mark; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Doggett, Lloyd; Escobar, Veronica; Fields, Cleo; Foster, Bill; Foushee, Valerie; Frost, Maxwell; Garcia, Robert; Garcia, Sylvia; Green, Al; Harder, Josh; Hayes, Jahana; Houlahan, Chrissy; Hoyle, Val; Huffman, Jared; Jackson, Jonathan; Jacobs, Sara; Johnson, Henry; Kaptur, Marcy; Keating, William; Kelly, Robin; Khanna, Ro; Larsen, Rick; Larson, John; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Lofgren, Zoe; Lynch, Stephen; Magaziner, Seth; Matsui, Doris; McBride, Sarah; McClellan, Jennifer; McCollum, Betty; McGovern, James; Moore, Gwen; Mullin, Kevin; Nadler, Jerrold; Norton, Eleanor; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Panetta, Jimmy; Pappas, Chris; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pocan, Mark; Pressley, Ayanna; Quigley, Mike; Randall, Emily; Ruiz, Raul; Salinas, Andrea; Schakowsky, Janice; Schrier, Kim; Scott, Robert; Smith, Adam; Sorensen, Eric; Stansbury, Melanie; Swalwell, Eric; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Bennie; Thompson, Mike; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Trahan, Lori; Underwood, Lauren; Vasquez, Gabe; Velázquez, Nydia; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; and Williams, Nikema.

A copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.

Dear Secretary Rubio:

As supporters of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocates for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, we write to seek clarity on the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

More than two million people in Gaza currently face “critical levels” of hunger. We welcome efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and share the objective of ensuring that Hamas does not divert such aid. However, we have serious concerns with the operations of GHF, a newly established, private, U.S.-linked organization with no prior humanitarian experience, and the possibility that it could become the sole or primary aid provider in Gaza. We agree that delivering aid promptly and securely is crucial. However, GHF’s practices and finances require increased transparency and oversight to ensure aid reaches the intended beneficiaries effectively, safely, and in accordance with international standards.

On June 24, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) approved a $30 million grant for GHF. Jeremy Lewin, a current DOS official and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee, reportedly moved forward with the grant’s approval despite 58 internal objections that U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staff experts wanted GHF to resolve before approving funding, and an assessment in a memorandum from an acting USAID official that GHF’s funding plan failed to meet required “minimum technical or budgetary standards.” As lawmakers entrusted with the authority to appropriate taxpayer funds, which were undoubtedly used for GHF’s grant, we find this troubling.

Moreover, GHF has not published a complete list of its sponsors. Registered in Delaware in February 2025, GHF also established an office in Geneva, Switzerland (which the Swiss government has since announced is to be dissolved) with the explicit intent of accommodating donors that “prefer to participate outside of the U.S. structure.” The foundation has publicly stated that it has received at least $119 million from “other government donors.” Furthermore, despite its public denial, the Israeli government has reportedly covertly contributed approximately $280 million USD to the new aid mechanism run by GHF. Full disclosure of GHF’s funding sources is imperative.

GHF runs four aid distribution sites in Gaza. It contracts two American private firms, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UGS), to provide security and logistics, with some pricing models reportedly provided by Boston Consulting Group consultants, who reportedly regularly met with Israeli officials in connection with the consultants’ role in helping develop ideas for GHF’s operations. None of the groups have prior humanitarian experience, nor does GHFExecutive Chairman Johnnie Moore, a close ally of President Trump. As a result, these distribution centers appear to operate at a reduced capacity at an exorbitant cost, significantly exceeding the current operating costs of experienced humanitarian organizations.

We are further alarmed at the widespread violence at GHF distribution centers. As of July 23, 2025, there have reportedly been at least 1,000 people killed while trying to access critical aid near GHF sites. Instead of using traditional aid distribution methods, based on internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles, GHF provides food on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, when centers open, large crowds of Palestinians rush to the centers. In these situations, there appear to be few restrictions on the use of lethal force by Israeli soldiers and American contractors in the vicinity. A former security contractor stated that he was instructed, “if you feel threatened, shoot – shoot to kill and ask questions later.” GHF centers offer desperately needed lifelines to those who receive aid without experiencing violence. However, the risk of violence, long wait times, and limited aid availability appear to force hundreds of thousands to choose between risking their lives or going without food.

The operations of the GHF sites are widely criticized by experienced humanitarian organizations as being inefficient and dangerous, and violating internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles. Notably, GHF’s inaugural Executive Director and former Marine, Jake Wood, resigned from the organization, citing that the organization no longer aligned with “humanitarian principles.”

Providing secure and efficient humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is not only a moral obligation—it is also vital to Israel’s long-term security and the safe return of Israeli hostages. Enhancing aid operations is essential to stabilizing the region and achieving lasting peace. To address our concerns, we respectfully request responses to the following questions no later than August 14th, 2025:

1. From which congressionally appropriated account does DOS’s $30 million grant for the GHF originate?

2. What specific oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure that the GHF operates in accordance with U.S. and international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality?

3. The DOS reportedly stated that GHF is subject to “rigorous oversight, including of GHF’s operations and finances.”

   1. What is DOS’s role in monitoring the daily operations and financial practices of GHF, and what is the reporting mechanism?

   2. Are the GHF and the private security contractors that it partners with to distribute assistance in compliance with U.S. standards (legal, regulatory, technical, budgetary, or otherwise) for humanitarian organizations?

4. The $30 million grant to GHF was approved despite 58 internal objections that USAID staff experts wanted GHF to resolve before approving funding, and an assessment in a memorandum from an acting USAID official that GHF’s funding plan failed to meet required ‘minimum technical or budgetary standards.’ What were the details of their objections or concerns, and why were they overridden?

5. What makes GHF more qualified than other humanitarian organizations with years of experience and the operational expertise needed to handle such a complex situation?

   1. What makes the newly appointed Executive Chairman, Rev. Johnnie Moore Jr., a man with no prior humanitarian experience, but a close relationship with President Trump, the right person to lead GHF?

6. What steps is the U.S. government taking to address concerns about militarization at GHF’s aid sites, particularly regarding the involvement of U.S. private contractors and Israeli security forces?

7. Is there a formal agreement or memo of understanding between the U.S. and GHF that outlines the foundation’s operational guidelines, transparency, and accountability measures? If so, please provide a copy or summary of these terms.

8. Was the DOS involved in the decision-making processes that led to the establishment of only four aid distribution centers in Gaza to date? If so, please provide details of that communication.

9. GHF refuses to publish its sources of funding, including the $119 million it received from “other government donors.” What is the complete and most current list of GHF’s donors?

10. What are the details of the contracts between GHF, its contractors, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), UGSolutions (UGS), and its aid providers?

    1. What does GHF pay per diem for security and logistics to SRS and UGS?

    2. Where does GHF source its aid packages from? How much does it pay for them?

11. Has the U.S. conducted any oversight or reviews of GHF’s operations in light of recent criticisms related to overcrowding, militarization, and security concerns? If so, what were the findings?

12. The Trump Administration is reportedly considering an additional $500 million grant to GHF using USAID funds. According to U.S. law, all NGO recipients of USAID grants are subject to a responsibility determination that certifies the NGO’s “necessary management competence…and that the applicant will practice mutually agreed upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided by USAID.”

    1. Will this funding be approved?

    2.  If so, what account will this funding come from?

13. What steps will be taken to conduct the required “responsibility determination” certifying GHF’s competence and accountability?

14. What specific benefits has GHF’s aid distribution model or operations provided for U.S. and Israeli interests that the U.S. government assesses may justify some of the apparent drawbacks of the GHF model and operations?

15. Looking ahead, what information can the Administration share about the likely roles and potential roles of GHF and other humanitarian assistance providers in Gaza, respectively, under various scenarios (ceasefire, intensified conflict, post-conflict transition)? 

    1. What are the sources of this information?

    2. What factors will the Administration use to determine whether and how to provide U.S. support to GHF and/or other providers, while actively monitoring their compliance with applicable legal and other standards?

16. How, if at all, will GHF coordinate with other humanitarian organizations already working in Gaza? Will GHF work within the already established coordinating mechanisms, and if so, how does it plan to do so?

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

Over the last several months, the Trump administration has repeatedly and unlawfully blocked Members of Congress from carrying out oversight of potential abuses in our immigration detention system. Today, Democratic Members of Congress are fighting back with a first-of-its-kind lawsuit asserting our constitutional responsibility to serve as a check-and-balance on the executive branch and its weaponization of immigration enforcement.

Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is undermining our values as a nation of immigrants and one anchored in the rule of law. ICE and DHS have repeatedly and illegally arrested and detained American citizens and lawful permanent residents without due process. These extreme tactics, like raiding churches and schools and unleashing masked ICE agents on law-abiding communities, are extreme and unacceptable. The Trump administration is determined to hide the truth from Congress and the American people. House Democrats will not be silenced or intimidated.

This is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and I thank my colleagues for their leadership in bringing this groundbreaking lawsuit forward, including: the Congressional Hispanic Caucus led by Chair Adriano Espaillat, the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group helmed by Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia, a group of the Members putting themselves on the frontline of this fight including Representatives Lou Correa, Jason Crow, Veronica Escobar, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Raul Ruiz and Norma Torres and our partners at Democracy Forward and American Oversight. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) alongside a dozen individual members of the U.S. House of Representatives, filed the first lawsuit by members of the House of Representatives against the Trump-Vance administration, challenging its unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight into federal immigration detention facilities, where both Americans and noncitizens have been detained without due process.

“No child should be sleeping on concrete, and no sick person should be denied care, yet that’s exactly what we keep hearing is happening inside Trump’s detention centers, including the one in my own district that set off national outrage and protests across the country,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “I’ve tried repeatedly to get inside and conduct oversight, only to be turned away. When ICE and DHS block Members of Congress, they’re not just slamming the door on U.S. Representatives, they’re slamming it on the American people’s right to know how their government is treating human beings with their tax dollars. This lawsuit is our message: We as Members of Congress will do our job, and we will not let these agencies operate in the shadows.”

Congressman Gomez has made three separate oversight attempts to visit facilities where migrants, including children, are reportedly being held in harsh or inhumane conditions. On each occasion, he was either denied entry or blocked by ICE and DHS officials: 

• June 7, 2025 – Denied entry to the Roybal Federal Building Detention Center during an oversight visit with fellow Members of Congress, despite federal law granting access.
  Read statement → click
• June 9, 2025 – Returned to the Roybal facility and was again denied entry, even after presenting his official Congressional ID at the door.
  Watch video → click
• June 17, 2025 – Despite providing advance notice and following all proper protocols, Congressman Gomez was once again blocked from entering the Roybal Detention Center, marking his third denied oversight attempt in less than two weeks.
  Watch video → click 

In June 2025, the Trump-Vance Administration implemented a new, unlawful policy that mandates a seven-day notice period and prohibits access to field offices where people are being detained, despite a federal law that prevents these restrictions. This new policy blocks Members of Congress from obtaining real time information necessary to perform their constitutional duty to ensure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is complying with federal law in operating these facilities and to oversee how billions in taxpayer dollars are being spent. 

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia demands that the administration comply with a federal law that guarantees Members of Congress the right to conduct oversight visits to any DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sites where noncitizens are detained without prior notice.  

At a time when the administration is detaining more individuals than ever before—over 58,000 people—and reports of mistreatment, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and the detention of U.S. citizens are growing, the need for real-time, on-the-ground oversight has never been more urgent. Eleven people have died in immigration custody in the first six months of this administration. DHS’s recent mass layoffs of internal oversight personnel only deepen the concerns about this conduct and possible abuse. 

The lawsuit plaintiffs include Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; Rep. Raul Ruiz; and Rep. Norma Torres. 

The congressional leaders are represented by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Dean of the Florida Delegation, and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill:

“I was proud to support the FY 2026 Interior funding bill, for which I obtained critical funding for Everglades preservation and restoration efforts, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Miccosukee Tribe, among other Southern Florida priorities.

“This bill also promotes American energy independence, enhances U.S. competitiveness, ensures access to public lands, and reduces burdensome Biden-era red tape, all while cutting wasteful spending by six percent.

“My deepest gratitude to Chairman Simpson for working directly with me to address key priorities of Florida’s Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, the true stewards of our unique and treasured Everglades National Park.” 

Díaz-Balart secured these priorities for Southern Florida:

• $973,000 for the Town of MiamiLakes Big Cypress DrainageImprovements Project.
• $11.6 million for the Everglades Restoration Project through the National Park Service.
• $73.8 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program for the development and implementation of programs benefiting wildlife and their habitats.
• $6 million to address water qualityby providing funding for critical harmful algal bloom research.
• $1 million in direct funding for South Florida to expand water quality and ecosystem health monitoring and prediction network.
• Report language supporting the Tribe’s ongoing efforts with the Department of the Interior to review subsurface mineral rights on their land.
• Report language prohibiting drilling inBig Cypress National Preserve.
• Report language recognizing the recent passage of the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act (H.R. 504), which expands the Miccosukee Reserved Area to include Osceola Camp in Everglades National Park and directs the Department of the Interior, in consultation with the Tribe, to take necessary actions to protect structures within the camp from flooding.
• Bill language ensuring that no part of Big Cypress National Preserve may be designated as wilderness, a longstanding priority of Congressman Díaz-Balart to protect access for the Tribes and broader public.
• Reduce our reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals by promoting access to resources here at home.
• Ensures chemical and pesticide manufacturers are not overburdened with requirements that would drive businesses overseas and threaten American competitiveness.
• Provides no funds for the American Climate Corps, eco-grief training, or environmental justice activities.
• Blocks Biden-era regulations that were imposing costs on American families and industry, such as:
  • EPA’s car emission regulations on light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles;
  • EPA’s Clean Power Plan 2.0; and
  • Regulatory overreach regarding ozone emissions.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill Report is available here.

Bill Text is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

July 30, 2025

Washington, D.C. – A dozen individual members of the U.S. House of Representatives have sued the Trump-Vance administration, challenging its unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight that the members have sought to conduct at federal immigration detention facilities, in which both citizens and noncitizens have been detained without due process. 

The administration has implemented a new, unlawful policy that blocks these Members of Congress from obtaining the information necessary to perform their constitutional duty to ensure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is complying with federal law in operating these facilities and to oversee how billions in taxpayer dollars are being spent. The administration is mandating a seven-day waiting period and prohibiting access to field offices where people are being detained, despite a federal law that prevents these restrictions.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia demands that the administration comply with a federal law that guarantees Members of Congress the right to conduct oversight visits to any DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sites where noncitizens are detained without prior notice. 

The plaintiffs include Rep. Norma Torres, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; Rep. and Raul Ruiz.

The congressional leaders are represented by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight.

At a time when the administration is detaining more individuals than ever before—over 58,000 people—and reports of mistreatment, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and the detention of U.S. citizens are growing, the need for real-time, on-the-ground oversight has never been more urgent. Eleven people have died in immigration custody in the first six months of this administration. DHS’s recent mass layoffs of internal oversight personnel only deepen the concerns about this conduct and possible abuse.

“Donald Trump’s extreme immigration agenda—attacking birthright citizenship and pushing for cruel, chaotic mass deportations—is dragging this country down a dark and dangerous path. We’ve already seen the consequences: so many reports of overcrowded, unsanitary ICE detention facilities where human dignity is treated as optional,” said Rep. Norma Torres. “As a Member of Congress, I have a legal and moral obligation to conduct oversight—and I will not stand by while people in our community are locked away in facilities that may be violating their rights. I will continue to press for full access to these facilities and demand accountability from those responsible for their operation. No one is above the law—not even ICE.”

“Blocking Members of Congress from oversight visits to ICE facilities that house or otherwise detain immigrants clearly violates Federal law—and the Trump administration knows it,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse. “Such blatant disregard for both the law and the constitutional order by the Trump administration warrants a serious and decisive response, which is why I’m proud to lead the lawsuit we proceeded with earlier today.”

“The obstruction of Congressional oversight is not just an affront to the Constitution—it’s a threat to our democracy,” said Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “Since day one, we have witnessed the Trump administration’s systematic efforts to dehumanize immigrants, detain tens of thousands—including U.S. citizens—and weaponize federal agencies to carry out a mass deportation agenda rooted in cruelty and chaos. The Trump administration has consistently hindered oversight powers while gutting internal watchdogs in executive branch agencies like CRCL, the OIDO, and the CIS Ombudsman’s Office, creating the perfect storm for abuse and impunity. We will not stand by as due process, human dignity, and transparency are trampled. We demand access and accountability, and will pursue every legal and legislative tool available to hold this administration accountable.”

“By blocking Members of Congress from visiting ICE detention facilities, the Trump administration is not only preventing us from conducting meaningful oversight of its facilities, it is clearly violating the law. This unprecedented action is just their latest effort to stonewall Congress and the American people.  If DHS has nothing to hide, it must follow the law and make its facilities available,” said Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson.

“The Trump administration is systematically violating our legal right as Members of Congress to conduct oversight of DHS facilities. This blockade of Congress, deliberately interfering with our constitutional duty to perform oversight of the immigration system, is designed to stop us from checking out reports of inhumane treatment and denial of fundamental rights to immigrants in detention,” said Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem believe they can block scrutiny of their lawless immigration enforcement sweep by closing out Members of Congress. But these brazen attempts to rebuff us—in stark violation of federal law—only deepen our resolve to get information to the American people. We’re going to continue to show up and demand the transparency and access that the law guarantees, and President Trump—we’ll see you in court.”

“As the Ranking Member on the Oversight Committee I know how essential it is to access facilities like the LA Detention Facility. These visits are critical to holding DHS and ICE accountable for lawful and humane treatment. Without full access, Members of Congress cannot properly monitor taxpayer funds or address urgent constituent concerns. Strong oversight is vital for transparency, accountability, and serving the public,” said House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia.

“As Members of Congress, our job is to conduct oversight. Congress’ job is to assure taxpayer funds are spent in accordance with the law. I’ve been a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security for years, and my job has always been to oversee ICE. Until this summer, I’ve done this job without any problems,” House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa said. “Recently, in clear violation of the law, ICE began to deny me access to ICE facilities and impede my ability to do my job. Obeying the law is not an option for any of us. Nor should it be up to ICE to decide which laws to follow and which laws to ignore.”

“Today, I filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after they illegally denied me access into a federal immigration detention facility,” said Rep. Jason Crow. “Oversight is a fundamental responsibility of Congress. Under law, Members of Congress have the right to do unannounced oversight visits of federal immigration detention facilities. Since President Trump was elected, this administration has denied Members of Congress access to immigration detention facilities and tried to intimidate us from doing our jobs. I will not be deterred from conducting lawful oversight, and I’ll continue fighting to hold the administration accountable, including in Congress and the courts.”

“Oversight of government agencies and the use of taxpayer dollars is a critical part of Congressional work. For years, and throughout multiple administrations, I have conducted oversight of federal agencies and facilities, including immigration facilities in my district. And, for years, I have been able to tour these facilities, speak with immigrants, detainees and staff, ensure humane treatment of individuals in federal custody as well as to monitor workplace conditions for federal employees, and bring about change when needed. It is a Constitutional duty that I take incredibly seriously. Under the Trump administration, DHS has chosen to violate the law which allows for unannounced visits of DHS facilities, instructing local ICE staff to refuse me entry last month, despite my Congressional oversight authority. It is not acceptable for the Trump administration to ignore the law and limit Congressional oversight and authority; this cannot go unchallenged,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar.

“For months, masked, unidentified ICE agents have detained law-abiding immigrants in inhumane conditions, while DHS has repeatedly and unlawfully blocked Members of Congress from inspecting these facilities. Today, we’re filing a lawsuit because when a federal agency defies the law and obstructs oversight, we have a duty to do everything possible to uphold the law. As Donald Trump escalates his mass deportation agenda, we will continue to use every option available to expose the truth for the American people,” said Rep. Dan Goldman.

“No child should be sleeping on concrete, and no sick person should be denied care, yet that’s exactly what we keep hearing is happening inside Trump’s detention centers, including the one in my own district that set off national outrage and protests across the country,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “I’ve tried repeatedly to get inside and conduct oversight, only to be turned away. When ICE and DHS block Members of Congress, they’re not just slamming the door on U.S. Representatives, they’re slamming it on the American people’s right to know how their government is treating human beings with their tax dollars. This lawsuit is our message: We as Members of Congress will do our job, and we will not let these agencies operate in the shadows.”

“As Members of Congress, we have a legal right to ensure residents in our districts are not subjected to inhumane conditions. The Department of Homeland Security’s policy change requiring advance notice is unacceptable, unlawful, and clearly designed to block transparency and accountability,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz. “Members of Congress have a constitutional duty to conduct oversight. This lawsuit will hold the Trump administration accountable and fully vindicate our right to conduct lawful, unannounced oversight at DHS detention facilities.”

“This lawsuit goes to the heart of our democracy. These individual members of Congress have the constitutional duty, and the legal right, to conduct oversight and investigate how the government treats people in its custody,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “When the administration locks the doors on oversight, it locks out the American people. At Democracy Forward, we are honored to represent these members of Congress to sue the Trump-Vance administration, and we will not stop using the courts to demand accountability on behalf of the American people and uphold the rule of law.”

“Members of Congress have a clear legal right to inspect ICE detention facilities without notice, and the American people have a right to know what’s happening in their name. When the Trump administration hides the truth about how people are being treated in government custody, they’re not just dodging oversight — they’re endangering lives,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “ICE is holding men, women, and children in overcrowded rooms without beds, showers, or medical care — sometimes for days on end. ICE’s stonewalling is not only illegal — it’s a brazen attempt to shield abuse from scrutiny, and American Oversight is proud to be a part of the fight to stop it.”

The case is Joe Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al.

The legal team at Democracy Forward in this case includes Christine Coogle, Lisa Newman, Paul Wolfson, Brian Netter, and Josephine Morse. The legal team at American Oversight in this case includes Daniel Martinez, Katherine Anthony, Ronald Fein, and Jessica Jensen.

Read the complaint here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Yesterday, Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) announced the launch of a new bipartisan caucus aimed at improving the postal service.

The Congressional Postal Service Caucus will focus on improving on-time delivery rates, protecting postal employees, and stopping harmful facility consolidations that reduce access in rural and underserved areas. 

“I’m proud to co-lead the new Congressional Postal Service Caucus to ensure that the voices of rural communities are front and center in any discussion about postal reform,” said Rep. Bergman. “In Iron Mountain, Michigan, we saw firsthand what happens when rural perspectives are ignored – vital services are put at risk. Through persistence and accountability, we were able to protect the facility and preserve essential postal operations for Veterans and all residents across the Upper Peninsula. The Postal Service is more than just mail delivery in rural America – it’s a critical lifeline for small businesses, seniors, and Veterans. While modernization and reform are necessary for the long-term health of the system, those changes must not come at the expense of rural and remote communities.”

“For years, rural communities like the ones I represent in Central and Southern Illinois have faced lagging delivery rates, facility closures, and neglect from the top leadership from USPS,” said Rep. Budzinski. “I’m excited to launch this bipartisan group alongside Congressman Bergman, Congressman Pappas, and Congressman Garbarino to push back against postal privatization, improve speed and service, and protect good-paying union jobs at USPS. I look forward to working together to ensure USPS remains a public good that effectively serves all Americans.”

“The U.S. Postal Service provides an essential public service that seniors, families, and businesses rely on for their medications, mail, and packages,” said Rep. Pappas. “I’m joining my colleagues in launching the Congressional Postal Service Caucus so that we can continue working to strengthen mail service for communities in New Hampshire and across the country. I remain committed to improving access to prompt and reliable mail and package deliveries, especially for our rural communities.”

“I’m proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus. USPS provides an essential public service that the American people rely on. I look forward to working with my colleagues to support postal workers, ensure the system operates efficiently and effectively in every community, and advance commonsense reforms that strengthen the Postal Service long term,” said Rep. Garbarino. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reversed course on directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to only use appropriated dollars for salaries, administrative expenses, and expenses associated with the NIH Clinical Center which would have prohibited the investment of at least $15 billion in biomedical research.

“The Office of Management and Budget may not change or disregard the law. Congress appropriated $47.3 billion for NIH in fiscal year 2024 appropriations, and it continued that funding level in the fiscal year 2025 continuing resolution. That funding was made available to support research, not just at NIH but at institutions across the country and around the world. OMB and its director, Russ Vought, may not change that reality with the stroke of a pen.

“NIH-funded research has fueled treatments and cures for sickle cell disease, Hepatitis C, and cystic fibrosis. It has led to effective treatments for myriad cancers, leading in part to a reduction in the cancer death rate by a third in the past 30 years. Halting this progress means death and misery for millions of Americans with diseases that NIH seeks to cure. That is why Congress has continued to empower NIH. Congress has given OMB and NIH zero authority to curtail grantmaking.

“Russ Vought’s latest attempt to strangle biomedical research is just a continuation of his disdain for Congress, science, and the American people. It was apparently a bridge too far, even for Donald Trump and the White House, which reportedly pushed back on the directive from OMB and Vought. There must be accountability for this directive, and Director Vought must testify before Congress to explain his illegal attempt to gut biomedical research.” 

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