MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), alongside Congressman Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) and Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) have introduced the Nunn-McCurdy Reform Act of 2025—a bipartisan bill aimed at cutting waste in defense spending by targeting programs with egregious cost overruns and missed reporting deadlines. The legislation strengthens the original Nunn-McCurdy Act, requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to report cost overruns in major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs) and improves Congressional oversight of high-cost, underperforming defense projects.

“For years, far too many wasteful projects have gone forward without accountability, costing taxpayers billions of dollars—even though the law clearly requires reporting cost overruns to Congress. This needs to stop, and finally, we have a bipartisan solution,” said Congressman Garamendi.

“The Nunn-McCurdy Reform Act finally does what the original law was meant to do. It sets stricter timelines for cost reporting and cancels projects that have gone too far, wasted too much taxpayer money, and failed to properly account for ballooning costs.”

“No one in their right mind would buy a car without knowing the final price—and they certainly wouldn’t buy one if they couldn’t afford to put gas in it. So why does the government do this with your money?”

“As the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I’ve worked on this issue for over a decade. This bill is a critical reform to ensure Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars go toward real national security—not bloated, unnecessary programs.”

“I’m proud to join Congressman John Garamendi in introducing bipartisan legislation to reform how the Department of Defense addresses cost overruns in major acquisition programs,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “The Nunn-McCurdy Reform Act will strengthen congressional oversight, enhance accountability, and accelerate the reporting process for budget breaches. It requires detailed reports and places caps on projects when costs spiral beyond their value. This commonsense reform supports the House Armed Services Committee’s efforts to rein in wasteful spending and ensures the American people get a real return on their hard-earned tax dollars.”

“For decades, the Pentagon has treated taxpayer dollars like Monopoly money, with weapons programs doubling or tripling in cost while systems are delivered years behind schedule,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Acting Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). “The current version of the Nunn-McCurdy Act, which is meant to deter overspending and inefficiency, is good in theory. But in practice, it has become an exercise in simply checking a box.”

“New provisions in this legislation will finally give Congress real teeth to hold the Pentagon accountable. When programs spiral out of control, it shouldn’t be left solely to the Secretary of Defense to decide whether to continue wasting billions. Under this bill, programs get no more than two chances to keep their costs in check—or they face termination.”

“This bill will force difficult but necessary decisions about programs that should have been canceled years ago—and that’s the point. With bipartisan support, it’s clear this isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue—it’s a matter of common sense. Congress should pass this bill immediately to restore accountability to Pentagon spending and ensure every tax dollar is spent defending America, not enriching defense contractors.”

You can read the full bill text here.

Key Provisions of the Nunn-McCurdy Reform Act of 2025:

• Ends Costly Overruns: Requires the termination of any defense program that experiences two critical cost breaches, ensuring failing programs no longer drain taxpayer funds.  
• Speeds Up Transparency: Shortens cost overrun reporting timelines, so Congress is notified sooner and can intervene more effectively.
• Adds True Cost Visibility: Includes operations and support costs in total cost estimates, providing a complete view of a program’s long-term financial burden.
• Breaks Down Multi-System Projects: Requires DoD to report on subcomponents of large acquisition programs (over $500 million), improving transparency for complex platforms like aircraft fleets or missile systems.
• Ends the Shell Game: Prevents the Defense Secretary from delegating certification authority and bars spending or obligations for any program terminated due to a second critical breach.
• Promotes Public Accountability: Mandates that cost growth reports be posted publicly online, allowing taxpayers and watchdog groups to track program performance in real time.

Organizations Supporting the Bill:

• Project On Government Oversight (POGO)
• National Taxpayers Union (NTU)
• Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS)
• Peace Action
• Council for a Livable World  
• National Taxpayers Union  
• Peace Action  
• Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft  
• Taxpayers for Common Sense  
• Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility

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

“The administration refuses to provide accurate details around what criminal record, if any, DHS components use to justify the arrest of an individual.”

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

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), released the following statement after House Republicans passed President Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill:”

“In the dead of night Republicans have secured the largest heist from working people to the ultra wealthy in American history. President Trump’s so-called ‘Big Ugly’ passed the House of Representatives despite historic opposition from labor, industry, Democrats, and even some Republicans whose own constituents are harmed by this bill.

“This is the worst bill I’ve seen in nearly all my years of public service. It’s disappointing that every California Republican—including Dave Valadao, Kevin Kiley, Tom McClintock, Ken Calvert, Doug LaMalfa, and Young Kim—voted for this monstrosity of a bill, even though over 1.7 million of their own constituents will lose their health care and more than 670,000 will lose access to food assistance. I guess party loyalty and fealty to Trump win out over the well-being of their own districts.

“When the costs of health care, energy, electricity, food, rent, and tax bills skyrocket in the years to come, the American people will remember these Representatives—and Donald Trump—actions here today.

“The country needs to understand that the best way to push back against Trump and the Republicans is to vote them out. If Democrats controlled Congress, I guarantee we would not have passed a bill that kicks nearly 16 million Americans off their health care, takes food out of the mouths of 18 million kids, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, or raises taxes on the poor. Our priority would be to throw the corporate and billionaire giveaway in the trash—where it belongs.”

“I’m proud to have stood with my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate who broke records—filibustering, introducing amendments, and speaking on the floor. I also commend Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who delivered the longest speech in House history, surpassing former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s record set while opposing Democrats’ Build Back Better relief package. Republicans used their power to block relief for the American people. Democrats used every ounce of ours to try to block harmful, even deadly, cuts to healthcare.”

“In the end, Republicans had the numbers to ram this horrible legislation through today — but I assure you, tomorrow and every day after, we will hold them accountable: in the public square and at the ballot box.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, H.R 183 by Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05), has passed the House of Representatives and next goes to the Senate.  

The Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act provides law enforcement and firefighting organizations, including federal, state, local, and Native American tribes, with passes to access National Parks. Law enforcement officers and firefighters will join U.S. military members, veterans and Gold Star Families in receiving this benefit.  

“These men and women, just like those who serve our military, put their lives on the line to protect our families, and it seems fitting that we should extend this small courtesy to them.  It is simply a way to say, “Thank you” to them – a simple but tangible token of our gratitude and esteem,” remarked Rep.  McClintock upon passage of the legislation.

The Congressman’s House floor remarks delivered in support of the measure are below:

Mr. Speaker: 

H.R. 183 simply extends a lifetime National Parks pass parks to the front-line public safety officers who every day risk their lives to protect our families and our communities.  

It is the same courtesy we already extend to U.S. Military members and their families, to our veterans and to our Gold Star families.  The CBO estimates its cost at about $500,000 a year.

These men and women, just like those who serve our military, put their lives on the line to protect our families, and it seems fitting that we should extend this small courtesy to them.  It is simply a way to say, “Thank you” to them – a simple but tangible token of our gratitude and esteem.

I first introduced this legislation during the George Floyd riots, when BLM rioters were chanting “Pigs in a blanket, fry’em like bacon” and leftist politicians were calling for defunding local police departments.  We recently expanded it to include fire-fighters and wildland fire-fighters, to whom we owe so much for protecting our homes, and towns and communities as well.

It was proposed to me by Janine D’Agostini, the wife of then-El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini — as a small token of appreciation for law enforcement officers who were taking so much abuse while they were trying so hard to protect our families from those who would prey on them.

It seems that wheel has come full circle, as law enforcement personnel are again the target of doxing, violent demonstrations, and leftist officials who so often seem to take the side of the lawless against the law-abiding.  Our hearts go out to the many officers of ICE, of CBP, and their families who have recently been subjected to violence and intimidation, often fanned by the extremist rhetoric of elected officials.

Just last week, while ICE served a court-ordered warrant in Carpenteria, a sitting member of Congress doxed an ICE agent to a violent mob.   That mob then took off after the agent and physically attacked him with rocks, injuring him seriously enough to require treatment in a hospital emergency room. 

This has to stop.  We want these brave men and women — and their families —  to know that the vast, vast majority of the American people – and a majority of this Congress and, of course, this President — stand behind them, appreciate them, and honor their work.  We depend on them not only for our safety, but for the very rule of law itself.  After all, without law enforcement there is no law, and without law, there is no civilization — as people in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York are learning once again.

This bill was first introduced in 2021, it received a hearing in 2023 but was never marked up.  It is long overdue and I appreciate the House finally considering it today.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement announcing her cosponsorship of H.Res.581, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, to pursue accountability and justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his enablers:
 
“The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his enablers shattered countless lives and exposed a vast system of exploitation and violence against women and girls. Today, I am proud to join as a cosponsor of H.Res.581, the Epstein Files Transparency Act — a vital step toward truth and accountability in the face of unspeakable abuse. With this resolution, we declare unequivocally that violence against women will not be ignored.

“For years, Epstein’s victims — many of them just children when they were abused — have waited for justice, often in silence and in pain. They deserve answers. They deserve dignity. And they deserve action from their government. That is why it is especially shameful that Speaker Johnson has shut down the House of Representatives for the summer to avoid a vote on this resolution. To block transparency in this manner is not only an abdication of duty — it is a profound insult to the victims who have carried the burden of this trauma for decades.

“The American people deserve to know the full extent of who was involved with Epstein and all of them must be held accountable — no matter how powerful. As we pursue accountability, we must respect the voices and privacy of the survivors to honor their courage, protect their dignity, and ensure that the full truth comes to light. Justice delayed is justice denied. The American people — and the survivors — deserve better.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, resources are available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor underscoring the critical importance of preserving the independence of the Federal Reserve System. Drawing from her early experience in Congress on the Financial Services Committee, Pelosi highlighted the foundational role the Fed plays in maintaining economic stability, controlling inflation and safeguarding employment—all free from political interference.

Pelosi’s speech comes as Congress marks the 15th anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, landmark legislation enacted in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Reflecting on the devastation caused by irresponsible banking practices, Pelosi emphasized the ongoing need for strong regulatory oversight and reaffirmed the urgency of keeping monetary policy decisions rooted in data and insulated from partisanship.

Watch her full remarks here.

Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below: 

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of one of the bedrock principles of our economy: the independence of the Federal Reserve Board.
 
For more than a century, the Federal Reserve has served as a cornerstone of the economic system of our country, tasked with safeguarding price stability, maximizing employment and preserving the health of our country—independent from political pressure, insulated from partisanship and rooted in data and principle.

When I first came to Congress, Mr. Speaker, I was a member of what was then called the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee—now Financial Services.
 
At that Committee, as it is today under the new name, we heard from the chair of the Fed on a specific amount of time required by Congress on two subjects.
 
According to the Humphrey-Hawkins law, they would report to us on inflation and on unemployment. Employment and unemployment.

And that was the purview in their communication with Congress that was required on a regular basis. I heard one of the chairs of the Fed say, ‘Unemployment is dangerously low.’
 
Scared me to death—how could it be? But it was a reporting as to its impact on inflation.

That was when I was a new Member. When I was Speaker, I said to our Members—who frequently asked, ‘Why don’t we have the Fed be more accountable to us?’—I said, ‘It has to be independent.’
 
They have their own funding. They don’t have to depend on us for that because their independence is essential.

Any of us who had economics in college or beyond knows that the independence of the Fed is essential to the respect that our country commands in terms of our own economy throughout the world. The chair of the Fed serves as the chair of central banks globally.

And he can’t be a party hack. It can’t be somebody who’s there because the President wants to create interest rates. That’s not the President’s job—to create interest rates. It’s the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board that does that.

So it’s really important, and I come to it on this day to say this because of the rumors that we hear—of the flirtation with making the Fed just a handmaiden of the presidency.
 
It would be wrong. It would be wrong to do. And we would be viewed disrespectfully if we were ever to go down that path.

Now, this comes at a time when we are observing the 15th anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
 
As some of us here know who served with Barney Frank—who was then the chair of the then-Financial Services Committee and a master of his agenda there—and Senator Dodd from Connecticut, who was on the Senate side with that.

It was necessary, Mr. Speaker, because of what was happening in the financial community. The banks were—I mean, it was awful. It was horrible.
 
Well, you all know that around September of 2008 we were told that our financial system was melting down.

It was doing so because of—well, I’ve written about it in my book, and I won’t go through the whole thing right now—but because of what was happening terribly in the financial system by the banks and financial institutions.
 
What happened? Millions of people lost their money. Trillions of dollars from the wealth of the country. Millions of people losing their jobs. So many losing their homes, losing their savings and the rest.

So this bill was necessary. Of course, after the bill was passed—and to this day—still the banks and other financial institutions try to undermine it and weaken it and weaken it.
 
The Volcker Rule—former chair of the Fed—had a provision in there for the security of our economic system.

So these notions that they’re putting forth of making the Fed a party chair a party hack is just so very wrong. It’s just so very wrong.

And just to say this again: in school, you probably learned of fiscal policy and that’s what the Congress of the United States does.
 
We create the budget of the United States. And the monetary policy—fiscal here, monetary at the Fed—establishes the rates and terms relating to inflation.

So let’s just rid ourselves, disabuse ourselves of notions, when instead we need serious ideas about how to make our economy work for the American people.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), a longtime privacy advocate, Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Mike Thompson (CA-04), Hank Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Dave Min (CA-47) demanded an investigation into the full scope and legality of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s reported Trump loyalty-focused spy team, dubbed the “Director’s Initiatives Group.”

“We are deeply alarmed by reports that a [special team] is seeking to collect and centralize sensitive communications from across the intelligence community, including internal emails, chat logs, and potentially classified systems,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers specifically demand a briefing showcasing preliminary findings by August 21, 2025 and a report upon the conclusion of the requested investigation.

They note that, “the reporting raises concerns that this effort may be targeting analysts viewed as disloyal to the Trump Administration, including those who worked under previous administrations, and could result in the political screening of career intelligence professionals.”

Full text of the letter follows and can be downloaded here. 

The Honorable Tamara Johnson
Inspector General
Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
Washington, D.C. 20511

Dear Acting Inspector General Johnson,

We write regarding troubling new reporting in the Washington Post¹, which describes a previously undisclosed effort by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to access and analyze internal intelligence community communications.

According to the article, a special team created by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, the Director’s Initiatives Group (DIG), has sought access to emails and chat logs across multiple U.S. intelligence agencies. The reporting raises concerns that this effort may be targeting analysts viewed as disloyal to the Trump Administration, including those who worked under previous administrations, and could result in the political screening of career intelligence professionals. The effort reportedly includes plans to use AI tools to aggregate a massive amount of sensitive data, including information on U.S. persons.

We are deeply alarmed by reports that a DIG is seeking to collect and centralize sensitive communications from across the intelligence community, including internal emails, chat logs, and potentially classified systems. We are even more troubled by allegations that this data will be scanned using AI tools of unreliable effectiveness to identify so-called disloyalty. This does not appear to be a legitimate national security initiative and reflects a deeply concerning attempt to politicize our intelligence infrastructure. It further underscores the urgent need for robust oversight, transparency, and safeguards to ensure that intelligence activities remain squarely focused on protecting national security, not advancing political agendas.

We respectfully request that your office investigate the full scope and legality of this initiative, including the following:

1. What legal authorities or internal ODNI policies would permit DIG to access internal communications (including emails, chats, and metadata) across the intelligence community?
2. Has DIG accessed or sought to access any communications data of intelligence community employees?
3. What systems, classified or unclassified (e.g., JWICS, SIPRNet, Microsoft Teams, Outlook), has DIG accessed or sought access to?
4. Has DIG attempted to aggregate, or successfully aggregated, such data into a centralized system or database? If so, what data was included, under what authority, and what policies exist regarding retention of this data?
5. Has DIG accessed or queried any information derived from FISA Section 702 or Executive Order 12333 authorities, either directly or indirectly?
6. Have any entities, including ODNI, made estimates regarding the number of U.S. person communications accessed, queried, or retained over the course of DIG’s work?
7. Has DIG attempted to search, or searched for the communications of specific U.S. persons without a warrant or emergency authorization? If so, please provide details.
8. What contractor technologies, including those provided by Mojave Research Inc., are being used in connection with this effort, and what oversight mechanisms are in place for their deployment?
9. What safeguards are in place to ensure that AI technologies do not inadvertently integrating data sources that are required to remain separate, thereby preventing unauthorized access to sensitive or compartmented information?
10. Has ODNI conducted any Privacy Impact Assessments, civil liberties reviews, or internal legal analysis related to DIG’s activities? If so, please provide copies.
11. What policies govern the retention, access, and use of communications data or metadata reviewed or collected by DIG?
12. Has any intelligence community employee or contractor been subject to personnel action, reassignment, or disciplinary review as a result of DIG’s activities? If so, please provide a summary.
13. Has your office received any whistleblower complaints or internal concerns related to DIG’s work?

We respectfully request a briefing on your preliminary findings within 30 days and a written report upon conclusion of your investigation. We also request that your report be made available to the relevant congressional committees and, to the extent practicable, released to the public.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

^[1] Aaron Schaffer, Ellen Nakashima, and Warren P. Strobel, Gabbard’s Team Has Sought Spy Agency Data to Enforce Trump’s Agenda, Wash. Post (July 8, 2025), https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/07/08/gabbard-dig-odni-weaponization-intelligence/.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the bipartisan Don’t Sell My DNA Act, a bill aimed at strengthening consumer privacy by safeguarding genetic data obtained from individuals through relationships with biotech companies. 

In recent years, more Americans have begun to utilize at-home DNA testing services for additional insight into their personal health and ancestry lineage, the need to safeguard this sensitive information has never been more vital. The Don’t Sell My DNA Act ensures that genetic data cannot be treated as just another corporate asset to be sold off when biotech or genetic testing companies undergo bankruptcy. 

This bipartisan legislation serves as the House companion to S.1916, introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

This legislation updates the current Bankruptcy Code to explicitly list genetic information in the definition of “personally identifiable information” and requires companies to provide written notice and obtain consumer consent before selling, leasing, or using their genetic data during bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, it mandates that any genetic data not part of an approved transaction between entities is to be permanently deleted by the trustee or debtor in possession of this critical data.

“Bankruptcy should not lead to a fire sale of Americans’ most personal information,” Rep. Ben Cline said. “Your DNA is not just another line item that can just be sold without the knowledge of the consumer. It is private, sensitive data that belongs to you. This bill helps ensure that genetic information is not sold off to the highest bidder when a company files for bankruptcy.”

“People looking for long-lost relatives likely didn’t expect that their genetic data could be sold to the highest bidder. There is rightful outrage about the 23andMe plans, and Congress must step in to safeguard Americans’ privacy,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Our bipartisan Don’t Sell My DNA Act should race through both chambers and become law because it’s a straightforward way to protect our most sensitive data.”

The Don’t Sell My DNA Act is in response to the recent bankruptcy filing of 23andMe. Under current law, the Bankruptcy Code protects certain forms of personal information from being sold, such as one’s Social Security number, but fails to include personal genetic information. This bill closes this glaring loophole and brings the bankruptcy code to the 21st century to protect this personal and vital information.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation (CA-18), Norma Torres (CA-35), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Derek Tran (CA-45), and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-CA) led the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding the Department of Education (ED) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately release nearly $7 billion in Congressionally-appropriated funding for K-12 schools and adult education – including $928 million owed to California.

With the start of the new school year approaching in California, on June 30, 2025, the Trump Administration gave states just one day’s notice that these critical funds would be indefinitely frozen past their typical release on July 1. As a result, California schools are already being forced to roll back programs, lay off staff, and cut services that help students thrive.

“These programs support some of the most vulnerable and underserved students and communities in California and have been demonstrated to have lifelong benefits to students’ educational attainment, income, and other measures of wellbeing. Each passing day that these funds are unlawfully withheld hurts our schools and students and strains already limited budgets,” said the members. “In California alone, the Trump Administration’s funding freeze is affecting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. For many of California’s school districts, this funding had already been accounted for in school budgets for the upcoming school year. Now, our schools are being forced to delay hiring and reduce resources to help students.”

The withheld funding includes vital investments in:

• Reducing class sizes and teacher recruitment and retention, especially in underserved areas.
• After-school, before-school, and summer learning programs in low-income communities.
• School-based mental health services, accelerated learning courses, STEM education, and college and career counseling.
• Academic Support for English learners and children of migrant workers.
• Adult education and workforce readiness programs.

With nearly 5.8 million K-12 students in California, the illegal freezing of these Congressionally appropriated funds is already hurting our schools and students. Many school districts had already budgeted for these federal dollars, leaving them scrambling to fill massive funding gaps just weeks before the school year begins.

“We demand that the Department of Education and the Trump Administration stop holding K-12 student funding hostage and release the nearly $7 billion in funding meant to help our students, teachers, and families, including the $928 million being unlawfully withheld from California,” the members continued. “This illegal freeze in funding is setting our students and schools up for failure. Our teachers, families, and children deserve better than the Trump Administration’s reckless upheaval and chaos.”

Additional signers of the letter include: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33); Nanette Barragán (CA-44); Ami Bera (CA-6); Julia Brownley (CA-26); Salud Carbajal (CA-24); Judy Chu (CA-28); Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31); Lou Correa (CA-46); Jim Costa (CA-21); Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10); Laura Friedman (CA-30); John Garamendi (CA-8); Robert Garcia (CA-42); Jimmy Gomez (CA-34); Adam Gray (CA-13); Josh Harder (CA-9); Jared Huffman (CA-2); Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Mike Levin (CA-49); Sam Liccardo (CA-16); Ted Lieu (CA-36); Doris Matsui (CA-7); Dave Min (CA-47); Kevin Mullin (CA-15); Jimmy Panetta (CA-19); Nancy Pelosi (CA-11); Scott Peters (CA-50); Luz Rivas (CA-29); Raul Ruiz (CA-25); Linda Sánchez (CA-38); Brad Sherman (CA-32); Lateefah Simon (CA-12); Eric Swalwell (CA-14); Mark Takano (CA-39); Mike Thompson (CA-4); Juan Vargas (CA-52); Maxine Waters (CA-43); George Whitesides (CA-27).

The text of the resolution can be found here.

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

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on the ongoing work to secure peace in the Middle East and calls for the U.S. and international partners to urgently reform humanitarian assistance efforts in Gaza, due to the alarming reports of violence and aid diversion associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF):

“The reported bloodshed at humanitarian aid sites in Gaza is wrongful and unacceptable.  When efforts to deliver food result in gunfire, stampedes, and civilian and child casualties, GHF must immediately reassess what it is doing and work with the Israeli government and its defense forces to revise its procedures and plans as one of the few distributors of humanitarian aid to Gaza.  GHF should consider using cleared, trusted, and verified NGOs to expand delivery corridors by land, air, and sea, and institute secure, direct-to-civilian aid routes that minimize contact with Hamas.

“Furthermore, there is a U.S.-led and Qatari and Egyptian-facilitated deal on the table for a 60-day truce between Hamas and Israel, which would be accompanied by the staggered release of all the hostages.  As I have said from the beginning of this conflict, the United States must continue to lead by working with both sides to immediately reach a deal. A deal that will not only stop the violence, but also prompt the release of every hostage, the security of Israel, the administrative and military dismantling of Hamas, and the safe and proper delivery of humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. Moreover, this deal could lay a strong foundation for the larger goals in the region, including a potential resolution of the Palestinian issue, the further isolation of Iran, and a broadening normalization of relations between our Arab partners and the only democracy in the Middle East.”

It is widely reported that the GHF system, established by Israeli reservists and Trump Administration-aligned American contractors, has been plagued by deadly overcrowding, poor site planning, and a reliance on military intervention for crowd control.  GHF maintains just four active locations across Gaza, which are often closed without notice and lack basic infrastructure or security protocols.  Despite its failures, GHF has received $30 million in approved funding from the U.S. State Department, though most of this has yet been disbursed.  Many humanitarian groups and foreign governments have refused to work with the foundation, citing a lack of transparency, international oversight, and safety for aid workers and recipients alike.

Rep. Panetta continues his work in Congress and with this Administration for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the release of all of the hostages who were taken during the horrific attack by Hamas upon Israel on October 7, 2023, the defense of Israel, the defeat of Hamas, the safe and effective delivery of humanitarian aid for the civilians in Gaza, and a lasting peace in the region.

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