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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Al Green (TX-09) reintroduced H.R. 7053 – the Preemption of Real Property Act. This bill seeks to address current and future efforts by state legislatures around the country to restrict or prohibit individuals from purchasing real estate based on their country of citizenship. A copy of the bill is accessible by clicking here.

“A foundational part of the American Dream for many of our immigrant families is the ability to purchase a home. Unfortunately, state legislatures across the country are seeking to undermine this right for nationals from the People’s Republic of China, Iran, North Korea, and other countries. Asian Americans and people of Asian descent now must endure unwarranted suspicion and racial profiling by realtors and lenders,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “Banning individuals from purchasing property on the basis of their citizenship, national origin, race, ethnicity, or immigration status is a blatant assault on civil rights and a betrayal of the core values on which America was founded. The Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act will make sure that we do not repeat the shameful Alien Land Laws of the past and preempt these xenophobic state laws at the federal level.”

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for co-leading this legislation with me. Congresswoman Chu’s support of this bill and her leadership in the United States Congress are invaluable. This bill aims to preempt fifty states from introducing or enacting fifty different laws that restrict or outright prohibit individuals of certain nationalities from purchasing real estate property. While we must ensure that adversaries of the United States do not have direct or proxy ownership of land within our country, bills such as Texas’ SB 17 and Florida’s SB 264 cast far too wide a net and risk fueling increased xenophobia and invidious discrimination. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an interagency body that is comprised of members from the Departments of Defense, Treasury, State, Commerce, and Homeland Security, is already empowered to review national security risks associated with foreign investment in the United States. CFIUS has had its authority strengthened multiple times during the past several decades to expand the scope of transactions covered. The discriminatory state bills introduced across the country do nothing to enhance CFIUS’s critical national security work. Instead, they will contribute to the denigration of immigrant communities,” said Rep. Al Green.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) has joined more than 70 of her House Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. Over the past year, Secretary Noem has executed Donald Trump’s violent immigration enforcement agenda that has torn families apart, undermined due process, and violated the most basic constitutional and human rights of people across the country. Last week, one of Secretary Noem’s ICE agents shot 37-year-old legal observer Renee Good in the face multiple times, killing her as she attempted to leave the scene. 

“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, ICE has descended into a lawless, violent force with zero accountability. Since day one, Secretary Noem’s ICE agents have terrorized our communities by driving around in unmarked vehicles, covering their faces, refusing to show ID, and recklessly detaining innocent people without due process. The cruelty we are witnessing is not normal, it is not justified, and it is not acceptable in a democracy,” said Rep. Chu. “In Minneapolis, an ICE agent shot an American citizen in the face three times as she attempted to leave the scene. In California, ICE agents shot an innocent protestor with a non-lethal weapon, cracked his skull, and dragged him while he was bleeding, leaving him permanently blind in one eye. Secretary Noem is responsible for this violence. She must be held accountable for obstructing Congress, violating the public trust, and using her official position for personal gain. That is why I proudly join my Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem, and I call for her immediate resignation.”

Despite the Trump administration’s cruel and harmful immigration policies, Rep. Chu has continued to use every tool at her disposal to fight back, demand accountability, and advocate for her constituents and immigrant communities in Southern California and across the country. 

Last month, Rep. Chu intervened and successfully secured the release of Masuma Khan, who was detained during a routine immigration check despite nearly 30 years in the U.S. and no criminal record. In October, Rep. Chu helped prevent the deportation of Barbara Gomes Marques May, a Brazilian national with no criminal record, after a judge ruled in her favor. In September, Rep. Chu also successfully advocated for the release of Rami Othmane, a Pasadena resident from Tunisia suffering from a brain tumor. 

Beyond individual cases, Rep. Chu has introduced and led major legislative and oversight efforts to hold ICE accountable and strengthen protections for immigrant communities, including:

• H.R. 4667, Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of 2025
  This legislation would increase transparency and accountability by requiring immigration enforcement officers to clearly display visible identification during public enforcement actions, prohibiting non-medical face coverings, and requiring accountability when officers violate the law.
• Demanding Oversight and Protections at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center 
  Following the deaths of Ismael Ayala-Uribe and Gabriel Garcia-Aviles at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, both of whom died after being denied timely and adequate medical care, Reps. Chu and Dave Min (CA-47) led 43 Members of Congress in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE demanding accountability for ICE’s failure to meet basic medical standards, citing the record-high number of deaths in ICE custody that have occurred since Trump took office.

Rep. Chu has conducted multiple oversight visits to immigration detention facilities, even as federal officials have repeatedly and unlawfully attempted to block her access. During visits where she was granted entry, she witnessed deeply disturbing conditions and clear evidence of inhumane and unacceptable treatment of detainees. She will continue to conduct oversight and demand transparency, accountability, and compliance with the law.

Rep. Chu has also attended more than a dozen rallies this past year to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with constituents calling for accountability from the Trump administration. 

“No one in this country should have to live in fear of their own government, all Americans and immigrant communities deserve dignity, due process, and protection under the law, and I will continue to fight back against policies that terrorize families in Southern California and across this country while demanding accountability from Donald Trump and those who carry out his agenda,” said Rep. Chu. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) met with EPA Region 9 Acting Regional Administrator Mike Martucci, whose jurisdiction includes California, to discuss the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s updated decision to fund EPA’s soil testing for 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Rep. Chu pushed the Administrator for further answers and protections for survivors.   

“Just over one year after the Eaton Fire, I commend FEMA for making the right decision to fund EPA soil testing for 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire in order to document lead contamination levels. This data will be critical in understanding whether lead contamination risks still exist following debris removal so we can ensure survivors return to their properties without fear of exposure to dangerous toxins. That’s why I have long demanded that the federal government cover the cost of comprehensive soil testing and establish a remediation program for survivors’ properties,” said Rep. Chu.

In September 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health published findings from soil testing conducted in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. The County tested for several toxic substances, including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxins/furans, and found that lead was the only fire-related contaminant of concern in the Eaton Fire region. No widespread contaminants of concern were identified in the Palisades burn scar. 

In response to these findings, the EPA announced it will partner with LA County to conduct soil testing beginning the week of January 16 at 100 properties within the Eaton Fire burn scar. The EPA’s stated goals are: “to document lead levels in the soil where buildings once stood after debris removal operations, confirm the effectiveness of cleanup methods, and use this data to establish best practices that will improve future wildfire response efforts across the country.” 

During the meeting, Acting Administrator Martucci informed Rep. Chu that 200 Altadena property owners are expected to be contacted initially and given the option to opt in or out of the testing program. Ultimately, 100 properties will be tested.  At each participating property, the EPA will collect 30 soil samples and consolidate the samples into one bulk sample. According to the EPA, this scientifically accepted method will provide 95% statistical confidence. 

Results are expected to be released in April 2026 and will also be sent directly to each participating property owner. Additionally, an EPA representative will be available at the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center to speak to residents and answer questions. 

Rep. Chu also pushed Acting Administrator Martucci for answers as to why the federal government did not conduct soil testing at any point during the past year despite her requests and widespread concern that survivors could be exposed to dangerous contaminants. EPA officials acknowledged that the County’s findings demonstrated the need for further action to protect the health and wellbeing of survivors, and stated that the data collected will be used to guide future best practices for wildfire and natural disaster response. 

Rep. Chu further pressed the Acting Administrator on whether the federal government would cover the cost of additional remediation if the EPA’s testing reveals lead levels exceeding federal standards. EPA officials indicated that this was “unlikely,” instead stating that results would include “referrals to LA County and state agencies that can provide guidance about available resources.” Rep. Chu made clear that survivors should not be forced to take on any additional financial burden required to remediate their homes and protect their health.  She will continue working with County and state partners to pursue full remediation. 

“While significant progress has been made in our fire recovery, I was dismayed that FEMA and the EPA still refuse to commit to covering remediation if hazardous lead levels are found. The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleared hazardous materials and removed debris from thousands of properties at no out-of-pocket cost to survivors. If the EPA now finds that this debris removal failed to clear contaminated soil, then the federal government must finish the job they committed to do. Survivors should not be left with the bill to clear remaining toxins from their properties. I will continue pushing for full remediation for contaminated properties and work with federal, state, and local partners until survivors get the resources and protections they deserve,” continued Rep. Chu. 

On June 3, 2025, Rep. Chu led 27 California Delegation Members in a letter sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urging the agency to conduct comprehensive soil testing and establish a remediation program for properties impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, 86 Congressional Democrats demanded the Trump administration withdraw four proposed rules that would blow massive holes in the Endangered Species Act — the law that has saved 99 percent of listed species from extinction. 

In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), ESA Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virg.), and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned the changes would gut environmental review, strip protections from hundreds of vulnerable species, and let politics override science in listing decisions—all while the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service face unprecedented staffing and budget shortfalls thanks to the Trump administration.

“These sweeping changes would fundamentally weaken our nation’s most important wildlife conservation law at a time when one million species face extinction globally,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw these proposed rulemakings and instead work to implement the ESA as Congress intended: any regulatory changes should further the objectives of the ESA to conserve species and prevent extinction.”

The ESA has prevented more than 99 percent of listed species from going extinct and has helped hundreds move toward recovery. Section 7 consultations typically take just two weeks for informal review and two months for formal review—contrary to conventional wisdom, the ESA does not stop projects from moving forward. According to one peer-reviewed study, the ESA did not halt a single project between 2008 and 2015. 

The lawmakers highlighted how the proposed rules would:

• Gut Section 7 consultation requirements by letting agencies claim project impacts “would occur regardless of whether the proposed action goes forward” — a loophole that could exempt highways, pipelines, and development projects from meaningful scrutiny;
• Strip protections from threatened species — by rescinding the “blanket 4(d) rule” that extends baseline protections to all threatened species, creating dangerous years-long protection gaps that resource-agencies can’t fill. The blanket 4(d) rule provides automatic protections to species such as the piping plover and the West Indian Manatee, species listed as threatened in the future would not receive those same baseline protections; and
• Let politics override science by injecting cherry-picked ‘economic’ considerations into listing decisions. Congress explicitly required that listing decisions be based solely on the best available science, not on arbitrary evaluations of certain impacts or political pressures.

“With reduced staff and resources, the Services should prioritize addressing the backlog of species awaiting protection and advancing recovery efforts for those already listed, rather than redirecting attention to rewriting long-standing and effective regulations,” continued the lawmakers. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we should be working to uphold and strengthen the ESA, not weaken it.”

The letter notes that roughly 90 percent of listed species are threatened by habitat loss, making the proposed restrictions on critical habitat designation particularly damaging to recovery efforts. 

Full text of the letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) introduced the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, legislation to protect individuals and organizations, including non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, and educational institutions, from politically-motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. The NOPE Act would reaffirm the constitutionally protected right to free speech, and provide additional legal tools for those targeted in politically-motivated prosecutions or civil enforcement actions. 

Less than a year into President Trump’s second term, there are hundreds of documented instances of his Administration using the vast powers of the federal government to go after its perceived political enemies. This includes threats Congressman Crow has repeatedly faced by this Administration after he and five other lawmakers released a video reminding troops of their oaths to the Constitution. In response, President Trump called for his arrest, prosecution, and execution, and both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia have attempted to harass Crow.

Congressman Crow was joined on the bill’s introduction by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10).

“I went to war three times for this country to defend the rights of every American, including those who I may disagree with, because that is who we are as a country. The President is trying to use the full force of the federal government to suppress free speech rights. I won’t remain silent as the President and his administration go after their political opponents and stifle dissent,” said Congressman Crow.

“President Trump – and the loyalists who carry out his orders – think they can weaponize the federal government to target people who speak out against the regime with total impunity,” said Senator Murphy. “They’re going after elected officials and public figures, but their real goal is to intimidate the millions of everyday Americans who oppose Trump’s political agenda into silence. Our bill gives those who are speaking truth to power the tools they need to defend themselves if the regime comes after them – and includes serious, enforceable legal consequences for the Trump loyalists who are carrying out his campaign of retribution. This bill shouldn’t be controversial. If Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on the basic idea that the president can’t use government employees and funds to go after his political enemies, then we are closer than ever to losing our democracy.”

Congressman Crow has long worked to stand up for our democracy and condemn political violence, even amidst threats against him from President Donald Trump. Last year, he delivered a speech from the House Floor in which he spoke directly to the American people about the concerning state of American politics and the path forward to unite our country. The full speech is available here. 

Specifically, the No Political Enemies Act offers:

1. Clear Statement of Congressional Policy: Would enact a clear statutory declaration that no federal executive branch official may initiate or direct investigative, regulatory, or enforcement actions against Americans to suppress or burden constitutionally protected speech or association (i.e., “politically motivated” targeting).
2. Statutory Defense in Political Targeting Cases: Would create an affirmative defense in criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions. If a defendant presents substantial evidence that protected speech or association was a motivating factor, the burden shifts to the government to prove that legitimate, non-protected grounds justified the action. As part of this inquiry, the court may grant expedited discovery into government motivations. This provides a tool for those wrongly targeted to get meaningful access to evidence, corrects the imbalance of proof, and allows courts to quickly dismiss abusive actions.
3. Narrow Statutory Bivens Remedy to Deter Targeted Political Retaliation: Would establish a cause of action allowing individuals to sue federal officials for damages when their First Amendment rights are violated due to politically motivated targeting. The bill would immunize officials who demonstrate the target’s speech was not constitutionally protected, but end existing immunities for federal employees from lawsuits in their personal capacity.
4. Attorney Fee-shifting to Deter Meritless Politically Motivated Enforcement: Would require the U.S. government to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to individuals and organizations who prevail in criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions if they can demonstrate the government’s action was substantially motivated by a desire to suppress their constitutionally protected speech or association.
5. Prohibition on Use of Funds for Politically Motivated Targeting: Would prohibit the use of federal funds for any investigatory, regulatory, or enforcement action initiated or pursued to suppress protected speech. Violations would trigger the Anti-Deficiency Act, creating administrative and potential criminal liability, and allow private parties to seek to prevent the use of such funds.

“Freedom of speech is the bedrock of American democracy and as the Trump administration drives America towards authoritarianism, it is more important than ever to affirm the rights of the people to stand up and speak out for what they believe,” said Senator Schumer. “The NOPE Act would protect citizens and organizations from political persecution at a time when Trump uses the Department of Justice and other agencies as attack dogs to target his perceived enemies. Congress must protect the power of the First Amendment and pass this critical legislation.”

“Freedom of speech is sacrosanct in America. President Trump’s attempt to control our speech – whether by condemning and threatening Democratic Senators, cancelling Jimmy Kimmel, or setting out of office messages for furloughed employees – is a full on five alarm fire. This President is abusing and politicizing the executive branch because he wants to distract Americans from his failing economy and broken campaign promise to make things more affordable. The NOPE Act reaffirms what we know and will never stop fighting for: our democracy depends on our freedom of speech,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“President Trump is escalating his campaign to silence dissent and weaponize his office against anyone who disagrees with him. The right to free speech, enshrined in the Constitution, is a bedrock of our democracy. This legislation imposes additional safeguards to protect Americans from politically-motivated prosecutions. It stops Presidential punishment for exercising constitutional rights,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The Trump administration’s blatant disregard for our Constitution is eroding the bedrock values upon which our country is built. Congress must act to stop this Administration’s assault on people and organizations simply because they don’t agree with their point of view,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation offers a clear roadmap to protect non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, educational institutions, and others from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. This isn’t about whether you are on the Right or the Left—every person and every organization has a right to free speech and to express their views without harassment or persecution. We cannot sit by and watch Trump desecrate the Constitution and undermine our fundamental right to free speech, even if the views expressed are unpopular, controversial, or simply disliked by him.”

“The Trump Administration is relentlessly attacking free speech – trying to shut down opposition by throwing the full weight of federal law enforcement against those who dare to challenge them. This politically-motivated weaponization of government clearly violates the First Amendment and demands action from the Congress. This legislation will help provide additional safeguards to protect Americans’ free speech rights from a lawless administration,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The President and his Administration have shredded the fundamental principle that in America, we don’t punish our political opponents — we protect free speech,” said Senator Padilla. “History warns us that when leaders try to weaponize the government against members of Congress or entertainers like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert simply for questioning authority or voicing their disagreements, it’s a sign of weakness, not strength. The NOPE Act will make essential reforms to help protect the constitutionally protected right to free speech for all Americans.”

“From targeting media companies to nonprofit organizations to universities, Donald Trump’s administration has been pushing to silence and intimidate the president’s critics. Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm our Constitutional rights and prohibit the president from weaponizing the federal government against people who disagree with his administration. With this bill, we’re fighting back to ensure we continue to protect the American people’s rights and freedoms,” said Senator Schiff.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen an escalating crackdown from this Administration on the right of every person to do what they want and say what they think within the bound of our laws and due process,” said Senator Smith. “Today, my colleagues and I reaffirm our commitment to upholding the most American of values: that our speech, our words and our principles are protected.”

“President Trump’s relentless harassment of those who speak out against his Administration’s disastrous agenda is a dangerous move toward authoritarianism and a direct attack on free speech,” said Senator Welch. “Defending First Amendment rights is essential to ensuring that the American people can place their faith and trust in our democratic institutions.”

“Free speech isn’t just a core American value—it’s a foundation for democracy,” said Senator Merkley. “As Trump continues his authoritarian assault on the First Amendment, Congress must defend the rights of all Americans by protecting the freedom and free speech we all hold dearly.”

“Today in America, we face the biggest free speech crisis in modern history. The president is abusing his power to silence people who disagree with him or his billionaire friends, and too many of our wealthiest and most powerful institutions are bending the knee. Congress must change the law to protect the rights of all Americans to speak and be heard,” said Congressman Casar.

“The Constitution is not a buffet line where you take what you like and ignore the rest. It is binding in full, even when it is inconvenient. We cannot defend constitutional rights only when they align with our politics and abandon them when they do not,” said Congresswoman Houlahan. “If we allow political retaliation to replace the rule of law, we undermine the very democracy we are sworn to protect. The No Political Enemies Act is about restoring a simple principle: that no one in power gets to use the machinery of government to silence political opposition.”

“Trump campaigned on upholding freedom of speech, but continues to prosecute and harass political dissidents,” said Congresswoman  Ocasio-Cortez. “The No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act will protect individuals, organizations, journalists, educators and educational institutions from harassment and prosecution by the federal government. We should not need legislation to protect one’s constitutional right to free speech, but we will never stop working to protect the American people from oligarchs and fascists.”

“The Trump Administration is scaring people into silence. Ridiculing reporters and blocking them from the White House, suing and extorting settlements from the media, threatening ABC over Jimmy Kimmel, taking funding from nonprofits, and intimidating businesses who cave to their demands. In America, we don’t bow to kings,” said Congressman Frost.

The bill is endorsed by Protect Democracy, Americans Against Government Censorship, the Campaign Legal Center, Public Citizen and MoveOn. 

“President Trump is carrying out an unprecedented campaign of retribution against his political opponents–this is what autocrats do to cement their grip on power,” said Justin Vail, Counsel at Protect Democracy. “In a democracy, the president cannot use the vast powers of government to silence critics. The genius of the No Political Enemies Act is that it empowers everyday Americans with new tools to defend themselves against political targeting and hold government officials accountable for attacks on their free speech, regardless of who the president is.”

“The Trump administration is openly breaking the law and weaponizing the machinery of government to punish its critics and silence dissent. The No Political Enemies Act is a good step that gives important protections to Americans who speak out against the government, strengthening their rights to free speech and creating more accountability for politicians that abuse their power,” said Cole Leiter, Executive Director of Americans Against Government Censorship. “Over the last year, we have seen historic efforts to use the power of government to silence the president’s political opponents. No American should fear they will be the victim of a weaponized government, and legislative action  should be a cause for bipartisan agreement and action.

“Abusing government power to attack political opponents should be a hard NOPE,” said Adav Noti, Executive Director at Campaign Legal Center. “As threats to the rule of law grow, Americans are increasingly at risk of retaliation and intimidation for speaking their mind. The right to criticize and challenge government actions is not just protected by the Constitution — it is a cornerstone of American life. The No Political Enemies Act is an essential step toward protecting that foundational principle. This important legislation will prohibit the government from targeting individuals and domestic groups for their protected speech and political activities, as well as give Americans new tools to defend their rights. CLC thanks the sponsors of this bill for their leadership and urges Congress to pass the NOPE Act without delay.”

For full bill text, click here. For a one-pager of the bill, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON –  This week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced his support for the of the Farm and Family Relief Act framework which was rolled out by Democratic members of the House Agriculture Committee at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Watch the press conference here.
The Farm and Family Relief Act is a response to President Trump’s crushing tariffs and massive unfunded mandate to the states through a cost-shift in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – which have endangered the financial wellbeing of farmers, increased the cost of groceries and threatened food access for millions of American children, seniors and veterans.
“Folks in farm country are hurting. We lost key export markets during President Trump’s first term and still haven’t recovered them in his second,” said Rep. Costa. “Tariffs are a tax on American consumers and a burden on farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers. Families feel it every time they go to the grocery store. Food is a national security issue, and it’s inexcusable that food deserts exist in the richest country in the world. The Farm and Family Relief Act will provide real relief to our farmers and families, helping ensure they can stay in business and put dinner on the table.”
“Americans know that life is simply more expensive today than when President Trump took office last year. Family farmers have been bankrupted by Trump’s ill-conceived trade wars and state governments are facing the terrifying reality that they may need to let millions of residents go hungry because of his heartless cuts to food assistance. The Farm and Family Relief Act doesn’t pick winners and losers. It helps all Americans by reigning in the tariffs that have increased our cost of living, giving states breathing room to adapt to shifting SNAP rules and providing an economic lifeline to farmers so they can continue to feed our nation and the world. Unlike the Trump administration, which loves to pick winners and losers, the Farm and Family Relief Act has provisions that help all Americans – and only as a package can we deliver true relief to the American people,” said Ranking Member Craig.
View the Farm and Family Relief Act one-pager HERE.
The American Farm Bureau Federation estimated in November that U.S. farmers have accumulated over $50 billion in losses across the last three crop years. The 2025/26 crop year shows the steepest loss at $28 billion, influenced by Trump’s tariffs. Farm leaders have described the president’s $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program as “not enough.” Fruits and vegetable prices are up an average of 5.3 percent, while food eaten away from home has increased 4.1 percent. It still remains unclear how much, if any, specialty crops will receive. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, the Senate passed an appropriations package that will bring $6,316,000 in community project funds back to our community. The president will likely sign these into law within the coming days, bringing federal funding to important initiatives on environmental protection, public safety, and economic opportunity locally. 

See below for the statements of support from community leaders:

“I want to thank Representative Smith for securing these vital federal funds to expand our post-overdose response team. Seattle’s Fire Department is a national leader in this work, and this support will both help people struggling with addiction and free up police and fire resources for other emergency calls. Seattle is building a coordinated, modern, approach to public safety and public health to make our city safe for everyone of every background, and this work is essential to that vision.”
— Katie Wilson, Mayor, City of Seattle

“Protecting our environment and preserving community resources is a top priority for Renton. The Kennydale Lakeline Sanitary Sewer and Water Quality Preservation Project safeguards Lake Washington and ensures our residents continue to enjoy this beautiful resource. When we address future environmental issues, we secure a safe and thriving future for our city and the entire region. Our thanks to Congressman Adam Smith on his support in securing federal funding for this project.”
— Armondo Pavone, Mayor, City of Renton

“We know that people can and do change, and it is possible to permanently break cycles of crime and crisis. We are grateful to Congressman Smith for the opportunity to demonstrate that better support for individuals in jail and exiting jail translates to better outcomes, dollars saved, and lives saved.”
— Amy Barden, Chief, City of Seattle Community Assisted Response & Engagement

“We can’t thank Congressman Smith enough for his support of our water district as we’ve worked to ensure our ratepayers have access to reliability clean water. Modernizing our water treatment facility will not only improve water quality but also reliability, reducing health disparities and ensuring public trust of our water supply.”
 — King County Water District 54 Commission President Kris Van Gasken

“Digital funding is revolutionizing how we support community creators and empower underrepresented communities. Through our Innovation Lab and trusted partnerships, we are building an inclusive and vibrant creative economy in Washington state, one that invests in training, mentorship, education pathways, and job creation so the next generation of creatives can lead, innovate, and thrive.”
— Angela Ngiangi Diansasila, MSA, Senior Program Director / Data Manager, Congolese Integration Network

“For years, CID community leaders have been attempting to generate a community-based public safety response that addresses issues with complex origins, including income inequality, inadequate resources to care for people with profound mental illness, mass homelessness, the residual effects of pandemic closures, and the fentanyl epidemic. We appreciate Representative Smith’s office for supporting a project that will enable such a response.”
—  Purpose Dignity Action
 

BackgroundCommunity Project Funding allows Members of Congress to direct federal resources to specific projects with demonstrated public benefit. These investments were requested by local governments and community organizations and are designed to deliver measurable results across Washington state.

The CPF projects included in this funding package reflect locally driven priorities, from protecting water quality and environmental resources to improving public safety outcomes and expanding economic opportunity for underserved communities.

Descriptions of the Community Project Funding requests included in the recent bill are listed below:

Water Infrastructure and Environmental Protection

• City of Renton — Kennydale Lakeline Sanitary Sewer and Water Quality Preservation Project
  Amount: $1,092,000
  The City of Renton’s Kennydale Lakeline Sewer System is more than 50 years old and faces significant challenges for replacement due to it’s location underwater, limited accessibility, and deteriorating condition. The City plans on creating a new sewer system outside of the lake to replace the aging cast iron pipes. Modern materials, construction techniques, and engineering standards will be employed to ensure the system’s resilience against aging, climate-related challenges, and future growth in demand.
• King County Water District 54 — Water Treatment Modernization
  Location: Des Moines and Normandy Park
  Amount: $1,092,000
  The King County Water District No. 54 (District) serves the drinking water needs of approximately 5,200 residents of the City of Des Moines, Washington, and a southern portion of the City of Normandy Park, through 755 connections. The quality of the District’s water is excellent, with the caveat that manganese is present at or above the secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) of 0.050 mg/L. While not a current health concern, it’s presence is a concern since it sometimes precipitates in the water causing it to turn brown. Manganese may become what’s known as an emerging contaminant, making the level present more of an issue as further risk assessments are completed. The Project will install a manganese treatment system, which will use an appropriate treatment technology, such as oxidation/filtration, determined during the predesign phase (ongoing) to remove manganese, iron, and any other associated contaminants.

 
Public Safety, Overdose Response, and Reentry for Incarcerated Individuals

• City of Seattle — Post-Overdose Opioid Response Program
  Amount: $1,031,000
  The City of Seattle is launching a specialized emergency response team to provide an integrated, wraparound, and evidence-based response for people overdosing. The team will be staffed by specially trained firefighters and EMTs as well as a case manager with training in crisis intervention. They will work in conjunction with Seattle Police and Fire to take over at the scene when first responders are called, thus freeing up resources for emergency response. The team will also provide follow-up services to ensure that patients have access to resources and services to put them on the path to long term recovery.   
• Purpose Dignity Action — CID Public Safety Team
  Amount: $1,039,000
  PDA is replicating a street team model to counter open-air criminal activity and safety concerns in the Chinatown-International District (CID). Funding will go to deploy a team to de-escalate disruptions and conflict in the neighborhood on a daily basis. They will be trained to de-escalate conflicts, connect individuals to housing and behavioral health services and coordinate with the Seattle Police Department and other emergency services as needed. The team will also be tasked with identifying individuals and networks in the neighborhood who need a targeted response from community partners like housing organizations and law enforcement.
• City of Seattle — WELD King County Jail Pilot Housing and Successful Reentry Program
  Amount: $1,031,000
  This pilot program will expand housing stability and reentry support for individuals transitioning out of incarceration, by giving them resources to sustain a job, build our economy, and live within Puget Sound.

 
STEM Education and Workforce Opportunity

• Congolese Integration Network — STEM Education Program
  Location: SeaTac
  Amount: $1,031,000
  Funded through NASA-related Community Project Funding, this program will expand STEM education access for immigrant and refugee youth. The Congolese Integration Network (CIN) is building a program to address the digital disparity prevalent within refugee and immigrant communities through a comprehensive basic and coding class initiative. The program is strategically designed to not only equip participants with essential digital literacy skills but also to ignite their interest and involvement in STEM fields, fostering pathways to economic independence and professional growth. In recognizing the critical importance of technology proficiency in contemporary society, CIN aims to empower individuals within these communities with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) released the following statement in support of Articles of Impeachment filed against U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The articles of impeachment were introduced earlier this week by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and have been co-sponsored by more than 80 Members of Congress.

“Kristi Noem has repeatedly violated her oath of office by denying due process, disregarding the rule of law, and placing both citizens and immigrants in grave danger. Rather than enforcing the law responsibly, DHS has weaponized immigration enforcement to sow chaos, intimidate families, and terrorize entire neighborhoods — all with Secretary Noem’s full knowledge and approval.

“Last year marked the deadliest year on record for ICE detention, with 32 individuals dying in custody. More recently, Renee Good, a mother of three and beloved community member, was murdered by an ICE agent whose excessive use of force resulted in the most horrific outcome. These are not isolated incidents. They are the predictable result of a Department operating without meaningful oversight, transparency, or accountability. 

“Kristi Noem oversees this lawlessness with blatant disregard for the Constitution and for the basic rights of the people she is sworn to protect. ICE agents have been emboldened to use excessive force, forcibly separate children from their families, deport veterans who served our nation in uniform, and detain people — including pregnant women and other vulnerable populations — under deplorable conditions. These actions undermine constitutional protections, erode public trust in law enforcement, and make our communities unsafe.

“To make matters worse, Noem has refused to condemn ICE’s misconduct or take steps to restore order and accountability. Instead, she has doubled down on false and inflammatory rhetoric that fuels fear, escalates tensions, and perpetuates violence nationwide.

“Noem has also obstructed congressional oversight by preventing Members of Congress, including myself, from carrying out our constitutional duty to investigate abuses within the Department of Homeland Security. She has repeatedly failed to answer for DHS’s misconduct, delayed lifesaving FEMA assistance to communities devastated by natural disasters, and abused taxpayer dollars.

“Kristi Noem’s reckless leadership has hollowed out DHS, normalized lawlessness, and placed lives at risk. She is wholly unfit to serve, which is why I will continue working with my colleagues to advance these Articles of Impeachment and demand accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.”

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Issues: 119th Congress, Disaster Relief, Immigration