Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)
Headline: Congressman Veasey On Gov. Abbott’s Decision to Preemptively Deploy the National Guard Ahead of Protest
WASHINGTON, D.C. —In response to Gov. Abbott’s decision to preemptively deploy the National Guard to planned “No King” protests in Texas this weekend, Congressman Veasey has released the following statement:
“From the Boston Tea Party to the March on Washington, the history of America is of protest. It was built and shaped by those who dared to challenge injustice — it’s how we’ve always pushed this nation closer to its promise. It’s clear that Gov. Abbotts decision to deploy the National Guard—on top of local law enforcement—is not about public safety. It is an act of provocation designed to incite confrontation and sow fear. It’s an act to show servility to Trump.
I support every American’s right to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. But let me be clear: violence is never the answer. Trump and Abbott are not protecting the public—they are manufacturing chaos and hoping to divide us. Don’t give them what they want.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today spoke from the House floor and then voted against the $9.4 billion rescissions bill that cuts already Congressionally appropriated money for public broadcasting (PBS and NPR) and foreign aid, including support for poor children through UNICEF.
In his floor remarks during debate on the bill, Congressman Cohen responded to Republican members who had made false claims, and said in part:
“There will be people who will die. This bill is good for Russia and China and undertakers because it’s going to have people dying. Bill Gates says this is the richest man in the world – Musk – taking advantage of, and killing, the poorest children in the world. They’re not going to be getting the PEPFAR program created by George Bush. They’re not going to get the sustenance they need that’s rotting in ships right now. Don’t end it; mend it. This is a terrible bill. This is Musk’s bill on drugs.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45) sent aletterto Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons condemning the agencies for unlawfully blocking their legally authorized oversight visit to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, California. On June 8, 2025, the Members attempted to conduct an inspection of the facility in response to a wave of immigration raids across Los Angeles County. Despite federal law guaranteeing Members of Congress unfettered access to DHS facilities for oversight purposes, the delegation was denied entry, even after waiting outside for nearly two hours.
“For nearly a decade, I’ve visited Adelanto because of its notorious history of violating detainees’ basic human and constitutional rights. Unfortunately, it appears that Adelanto’s inhumane track record continues as we hear reports that detainees rounded up after Trump’s ICE raids in Los Angeles are being denied their right to due process and that even U.S. citizens may have been detained. And yet, our attempts as Members of Congress to conduct oversight at Adelanto, which is expressly permitted by law, were unlawfully denied, blocking us from getting the truth about what’s going on behind illegally closed doors. Regardless of immigration status, everyone has a right to due process. We need answers now,” said Rep. Chu.
“This past weekend, I joined Reps. Chu and Tran to conduct Congressional oversight at the Adelanto ICE Detention Center, but instead we were met with locks on the gate, no answer to our calls, and denied entry,” said Rep. Cisneros. “We have a responsibility to ensure ICE is abiding by the law, but they refused to even let us in. We will not stop pressing for answers.”
“On Sunday, I visited the Adelanto ICE Facility with Reps. Chu and Cisneros to perform my constitutional oversight responsibility for the health and safety conditions of the detention center. Despite having the right to enter, my colleagues and I were locked out,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “I won’t stand by while private facilities continue to deny lawful oversight requests. We demand transparency and accountability from all facilities holding detainees.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — released the following statement after Israel preemptively struck Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership.
“President Trump gave Iran every chance to negotiate in good faith and to dismantle their nuclear program.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu was also clear: The alternative to diplomacy would be strikes on Iran — a message he reiterated to me when I met with him this month. Unfortunately, the regime chose not to take the path of peace — to prioritize their own interests over their people’s. They brought this calamity on themselves.
“One thing is certain: Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon, and our world is safer for it. They would be wise to come to the table and make an agreement with President Trump while the offer still stands. If they instead choose to harm U.S. troops in the region, they will once again regret it.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States — conducted a site visit to Audi Field, a location for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
“As our nation prepares to host millions of international visitors for major events, we must create safe experiences that showcase the United States’ leadership and commitment to excellence,”said Task Force Chairman McCaul. “Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, I met with FIFA staff and White House officials today at Audi Field, where we held a robust discussion on ways to enhance public safety at this summer’s events — from facilitating swift information sharing and detecting unauthorized drone use to preventing lone wolf attacks. With terrorist incidents on the rise across our nation, I’m proud this task force — which includes colleagues who served in our military and as first responders — is laying the groundwork to secure our mass-spectator events by ensuring all levels of government, law enforcement, and private-sector partners are well-equipped to detect and mitigate threats.”
Following the site visit, the Committee on Homeland Security announced the list of committee members on the task force, which is chaired by McCaul, who also serves as the chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the full committee. Below is a list of the members appointed to the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States:
Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas)
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.)
Rep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.)
Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.)
Ranking Member Nellie Pou (D-N.J.)
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.)
Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.)
Representatives Gimenez and Pou joined Chairman McCaul at Audi Field.
“The Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events sends a clear message: we’re leaving nothing to chance,”said Rep. Gimenez. “As the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I led efforts to secure global events that drew millions of visitors from around the world. With the U.S. set to host large-scale events, like FIFA 2026, the 2028 Olympics, and America’s 250th birthday, we must act now. Ensuring a safe and successful execution will require strong coordination among federal, state, and local partners so that every traveler and every community can enjoy these celebrations safely and confidently.”
“I’m honored to join this task force at such a critical moment for our nation. As a lifelong first responder, I know firsthand the unique challenges mass-gathering events present—and why they often become targets for those who seek to do harm,” said Rep. Strong. “As the United States prepares to welcome the world for events like the World Cup and the Olympics, we must ensure every measure is taken to protect the safety of our citizens and guests while preserving the spirit of these global celebrations. This task force will aid coordination efforts among federal, state, and local authorities – including law enforcement and emergency services.”
“As America prepares to host several major global competitions in the coming years, it is imperative that we provide a safe environment for our citizens and international guests,” said Rep. Crane. “By proactively establishing this critical task force, we will work closely with the administration to solidify operational readiness. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Green and Task Force Chairman McCaul, and I am honored to be part of this zero-fail mission.”
Background:
The Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States was established earlier this year to conduct oversight of security preparations ahead of major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. As part of the committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events, members of the task force will visit additional event sites in advance, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings and recommendations.
Prior to Congress, Congressman McCaul served as chief of counter terrorism and national security in the U.S. attorney’s office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing terrorist activity. And during the 113th-115th Congresses, he served as the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, leading the investigations into the Boston bombing to correct deficiencies at the FBI and CIA, and revamping how these agencies communicate with one another. He also led the Foreign Fighter Task Force, which enabled rapid legislative responses to the Paris Attacks.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following Israel’s decision to strike Iran’s military leadership and nuclear capabilities.
“My highest priority remains the safety of American citizens and servicemembers in the region. While the president’s decision in his first term to withdraw from the JCPOA has led to this extraordinarily alarming moment and made diplomacy substantially more difficult, it is imperative that the Trump administration focus on de-escalation before U.S. armed forces are dragged into another lengthy and lethal quagmire.
“I continue to support Israel’s right to exist and their right to defend themselves. I urge the leadership of both nations to de-escalate and come to the negotiating table to end this conflict before it spirals out of control.”
###
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and 38 members of the California Delegation demand that President Donald Trump immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, California. In a bicameral letter sent today, the lawmakers condemn the deployments as an unlawful overreach that bypassed state and local authority and urge the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard and Marines.
“We are writing to express grave concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard and the activation of 700 Marines to Los Angeles. These actions were taken without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local law enforcement. It constitutes a clear violation of constitutional principles and law, and a grave overreach of executive authority,” wrote the lawmakers.
“This deployment does not appear to be motivated by any public safety emergency that could not be dealt with successfully by local authorities. Instead, it coincides with a broader federal enforcement escalation involving mass ICE raids, militarized immigration tactics, and the use of tear gas and riot control methods in civilian areas. These actions undermine civil liberties, destabilize communities, erode public trust in government institutions, and violate the law,” continued the lawmakers.
As protests erupted in Los Angeles in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions, the Trump administration escalated the situation by authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local elected and community leaders. They argue the legal authority Trump cited doesn’t apply, making the deployment plainly unlawful.
“As federal officials, we must prioritize de-escalation and adherence to the constitutional principles that govern the balance of power between federal and state and local governments. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles and to refrain from further deployments of any military personnel in circumstances that violate constitutional boundaries and escalate domestic tensions,” stated the lawmakers.
The bicameral letter was also signed by Representatives Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ami Bera (CA-6), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (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), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), 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), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).
RE: Deployment of National Guard Troops to Los Angeles
Mr. President,
We are writing to express grave concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard and the activation of 700 Marines to Los Angeles. These actions were taken without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local law enforcement. It constitutes a clear violation of constitutional principles and law, and a grave overreach of executive authority.
On June 6 and 7, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a series of immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles, which were met with widespread public protests. On the evening of June 7, you issued a formal memorandum titled “Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions,” authorizing the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard personnel to Los Angeles for a 60-day period. This action bypassed the state governor’s authority and proceeded despite active objections from local law enforcement already managing the situation. By the time National Guard troops arrived on Sunday morning, protests had largely subsided, and the streets were calm. Instead, the National Guard presence contributed to a renewed escalation of tensions. The overwhelming majority of protestors have done so peacefully. State and local authorities have already said that they can and will arrest and prosecute the very few who have committed acts of violence.
This deployment does not appear to be motivated by any public safety emergency that could not be dealt with successfully by local authorities. Instead, it coincides with a broader federal enforcement escalation involving mass ICE raids, militarized immigration tactics, and the use of tear gas and riot control methods in civilian areas. These actions undermine civil liberties, destabilize communities, erode public trust in government institutions, and violate the law.
Your memorandum cited 10 U.S.C. §12406 as the legal basis for your actions. That provision allows the President to call the National Guard into federal service only in three specific circumstances:
(1) the United States, or any of the Commonwealths or possessions, is invaded or is in danger of invasion by a foreign nation;
(2) there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States; or
(3) the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States
10 U.S.C. §12406 also requires that “Orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors of the States.” None of these enumerated circumstances exist and no order was issued through the governor of our state. Therefore, your order is plainly unlawful.
In addition, on June 8, U.S. Northern Command announced the activation of 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to the Los Angeles area under the same Task Force. The deployment of active-duty Marines marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s response, blurring the line between military and civilian law enforcement roles. The deployment of active-duty military personnel into domestic operations raises serious legal and constitutional questions. Marines are trained for combat, not law enforcement. The introduction of Marines in securing largely peaceful protests is an unnecessary escalation in a situation that has already been inflamed because of escalatory actions.
As federal officials we must prioritize de-escalation and adherence to the constitutional principles that govern the balance of power between federal and state and local governments. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles and to refrain from further deployments of any military personnel in circumstances that violate constitutional boundaries and escalate domestic tensions.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) introduced the “Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act,” legislation to prevent the United States Navy from renaming the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships named for other great Americans and civil rights leaders. Reports from earlier this month indicate that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the Secretary of the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk during national Pride Month as part of the Administration’s broader efforts to demonize American citizens it does not like. Milk was a veteran, political leader, and advocate for the LGBT community. He served as a diving officer during the Korean War before being forced out of service with an “other than honorable” discharge due to his sexual orientation.
Secretary Hegseth also ordered the review of other ships, including those named for American icons such as abolitionist Harriet Tubman, labor organizer Cesar Chavez, and former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, among others. Every one of these ships was built in San Diego, which is a proud military town and partner in the national defense.
“Secretary Hegseth claims that this hateful move would return a ‘warrior ethos’ to the force, but renaming these ships won’t help better train or equip a single servicemember,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “While Hegseth works to erase the names of these important civic leaders from the fleet, the President also publicly commits to renaming military bases for Confederate leaders. That is a clear values statement by the Administration about the America it envisions and asks our servicemembers and their families to serve. It is unacceptable and unreflective of our country. Every sailor deserves to serve on and fight from a ship named after an American who embodies those values we wish to see in our military. That is why the Navy named these ships after such important leaders.”
The Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies act is co-sponsored by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member and Equality Caucus Chair Mark Takano (CA-39), and Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Mike Levin (CA-49), Hank Johnson (GA-4), Jill Tokuda (HI-2), Troy Carter (LA-2), Linda Sanchez (CA-39), John Garamendi (CA-8), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (Del-DC).
It is also supported by Equality California, Silver State Equality, and VoteVets.
“Just days into Pride Month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed plans to strip Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship. Milk is a global civil rights icon for LGBTQ+ civil rights, and this move is a petty and political act of erasure from the Trump administration,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “We’re proud to support Rep. Peters’ Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act, which would block efforts to rename ships honoring leaders in civil rights, labor, and social justice. We must protect these legacies.”
“The Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act is about honoring the legacies of Americans who expanded freedom, justice, and equality — values that every service member swears to defend. Renaming ships that bear the names of Harvey Milk, Harriet Tubman, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not just unnecessary — it’s a political stunt that disrespects the very principles they stood for. We applaud Representative Peters for leading this important effort to ensure our Navy continues to reflect the diversity, courage, and moral leadership that defines the best of our country.” – VoteVets
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) reintroduced the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act, aimed at improving staffing and retention within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) by ensuring competitive and fair pay for correctional officers. The legislation would revise the locality pay system for BOP employees, allowing facilities located within 200 miles of the nearest General Schedule (GS) locality pay area to offer higher wages. This change reflects the real costs associated with commuting, cost-of-living, and the difficult and often dangerous work correctional officers perform every day.
In a strong show of bipartisan, bicameral support, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) will lead the bill in the Senate, with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and John Fetterman (D-PA) joining as original cosponsors.
“Our correctional officers put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Weber. “It’s time their pay reflects the seriousness of that responsibility. This commonsense bill ensures that correctional officers—whether they serve in Beaumont, Texas, or anywhere across this nation—are compensated fairly for the dangerous, essential work they perform every single day.”
“Underpaying correctional officers leads to fatigue, which leads to mistakes and safety risks,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If we want criminals to remain behind bars, then we need to provide Bureau of Prisons employees with workable conditions. This goes for FCC Oakdale, Pollock, and the rest of Louisiana.”
“As the Representative of FCI Ray Brook, I am working to address the significant challenges our hardworking correctional officers are facing such as low staffing and retention issues,”said Chairwoman Stefanik. “Our COs put their lives on the line every single day and I am committed to addressing their staffing, compensation, and retirement issues in Congress.”
Cosponsors include: Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced the bipartisan Mariner Exam Modernization Act, introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Chair Mike Ezell (R-MS-04).
“Our country’s maritime industry shouldn’t be held back by an antiquated credentialing system,”said Rep. Carbajal.“The Mariner Exam Modernization Act is a commonsense step to ensure our licensing process reflects the skills mariners actually need on the job—eliminating redundancy, updating outdated requirements, and making the path to certification more efficient. I’m proud my bill cleared a key milestone, and I’ll keep working to secure its final passage.”
“Passing the Mariner Modernization Act out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is a critical step toward giving our mariners a credentialing system that matches the realities of today’s maritime industry—not one bogged down by outdated exams and unnecessary red tape. This brings much-needed reform which will also help expand the workforce. It’s about strengthening America’s maritime workforce and supporting the professionals who keep our maritime commerce moving safely and efficiently,”said Rep. Ezell.
The bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to develop and implement a plan to modernize the Merchant Mariner Credentialing exam, aiming to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency within 270 days of receiving recommendations from a dedicated working group.
The current Coast Guard licensing exam process for Merchant Mariner Credentials is outdated, redundant, and unnecessarily burdensome for aspiring mariners. Candidates must repeatedly demonstrate the same competencies, first through years of hands-on assessments and then again on a seven-part written exam—discouraging new entrants and diverting time from more relevant modern training like cybersecurity.
Additionally, the exam includes obsolete content and lacks a modern review system, leaving graduates underprepared for the realities of today’s maritime industry.