MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), and Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding an immediate investigation into reports that multiple detainees at the Adelanto ICE Processing Facility have faced retaliation for a hunger strike and for a meeting with the Members of Congress during a congressional oversight visit earlier this month. 

On June 1st, the Congressional Members visited the facility and met with detainees who described a disturbing situation there, including poor treatment, unsafe conditions, and inadequate access to food, water, and essential medical care. Prior to the visit, the Members had learned that several detainees went on a hunger strike in order to protest these conditions, and during the visit these reports were confirmed by the individuals the Members visited. 

Immediately following the oversight visit, the Congressional offices contacted ICE demanding a full and complete accounting of the facts into these disturbing incidents and the hostile treatment of detainees. That’s why the Members of Congress are imploring the Homeland Security Secretary to provide answers about the reported punishments and demanding he hold individuals responsible for inhumane treatment of and retaliation against the detainees. 

The letter reads in part: 

“Any report of retaliation against a detainee at an ICE facility is disturbing and warrants investigation, but it is especially troubling if retaliation stemmed from meetings with Members of Congress performing oversight of an ICE facility. Meeting with detainees is an important component of any oversight visit to a detention facility and provides valuable and complete information to Members. They must be thoroughly investigated, and if proven true, corrected and the individuals responsible for them must be held accountable.

 

Read the full letter HERE and below. 

 

June 17, 2026 

The Honorable Markwayne Mullin 

Secretary 

U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary 

2707 Marking Luther King Jr. Ave. SE 

Washington, D.C. 20528

 

Dear Secretary Mullin, 

We are writing to demand an immediate investigation into reports¹ that detainees have been retaliated against after our visit to the Adelanto U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center located at 10250 Rancho Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 on Monday, June 1, 2026. Any report of retaliation against a detainee at an ICE facility is disturbing and warrants investigation, but it is especially troubling if retaliation stemmed from meetings with Members of Congress performing oversight of an ICE facility. Meeting with detainees is an important component of any oversight visit to a detention facility and provides valuable and complete information to Members. These reports must be thoroughly investigated, and if proven true, corrected and the individuals responsible for them must be held accountable.

During our oversight visit, we met with three detainees who described poor treatment and unsafe conditions at the detention facility. According to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, a non-profit law firm that represents detainees at the Adelanto facility, one of these detainees was moved out of the California facility and deported, which they allege was a violation of a court directive. Prior to our visit, we heard reports that detainees were driven to take the desperate action of a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions at the facility. The individuals raised serious concerns about the conditions in the facility, including the lack of access to adequate food, water and medical care. Furthermore, they raised disturbing accusations that individuals were being retaliated against for protesting these conditions including that they were being harassed, placed unjustly in solitary confinement and subject to expedited deportation.

In light of these disturbing reports, we ask that you respond to the following questions no later than June 30, 2026.

1. Were any of the detainees we met during our Congressional Oversight visit treated differently than before our visit in the days afterward? This includes but is not limited to: 

   1. Being placed in solitary confinement;

   2. Being transferred to another detention facility;

   3. Being issued a deportation order or removed;

   4. Being subject to increased force by detention facility personnel; or

   5. Losing privileges provided to other detainees, like visitation or access to phones or tables.

2. An issue that was raised by detainees during our oversight visit was the hunger strike mentioned above. Does ICE consider participation in a hunger strike to be a protected freedom of speech activity? What are ICE’s policies regarding responses to hunger strikes? 

3. Please respond to the reports that detainees were placed in solitary confinement, sent to other facilities across the country, and met with deportation orders following the visit. 

4. What are ICE’s standard operating procedures regarding the use of solitary confinement and segregation in detention facilities? Were these procedures followed regarding the above detainees in this instance? Please detail if any of the above detainees were placed in solitary confinement, when they were placed in segregation, and by what justification.

5. What are ICE’s standard operating procedures for transferring detainees from one detention facility to another? Were these procedures followed regarding the above detainees in this instance? Please detail if any of the above detainees were relocated to another detention center, when, where, and by what justification. 

   1. The government is required by law to “provide at least two court days’ notice to the petitioner, their counsel, and the Court of its intent to remove the petitioner from the Central District of California.” Was this notice provided prior to the detainee(s) being transferred?

6. Were any of the detainees who we met during the oversight visit issued deportation orders after the visit? Please detail which detainees, when, and by what justification. 

   1. It has been reported that Kyon Shakeel Swaso, who was participating in the hunger strike, was deported following the congressional visit. Please provide the legal justification for this removal as well. Prior to his removal, was DHS aware of a court directive intended to prevent his deportation? If so, was that court directive followed?

7. If ICE alleges appropriate standard operating procedures were followed, what evidence can you provide to substantiate that actions taken against detainees were unrelated to their participation in our oversight visit? 

8. Will you ensure future detainees who play an important role in thorough oversight visits conducted by Members of Congress are not met with retribution?

 

Congressional oversight visits are an essential part of our democracy, and these visits are incomplete without firsthand accounts from individuals in detention facilities.

 Accordingly, we look forward to your prompt response to the above questions.

 

¹ Los Angeles Times, ICE accused of retaliating against Adelanto hunger strikers with transfers and solitary confinement, June 11, 2026 – https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-06-11/ice-retaliated-against-adelanto-hunger-strikers-advocates-say; truthout Hunger Strikers in Adelanto ICE Jail Moved to Solitary After Meeting Congressmen, June 9, 2026 – https://truthout.org/articles/hunger-strikers-in-adelanto-ice-jail-moved-to-solitary-after-meeting-congressmen/

 

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

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced a bicameral resolution to repeal the Trump Administration’s rule that will increase the cost of health care for hardworking Americans, sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, kick up to two million Americans off their health coverage, and make it easier for insurance companies to cover fewer services. 

“Families need affordable health coverage, not more economic pain by ripping health care away. The recent rule change to the ACA would make life more expensive by increasing out-of-pocket costs, ripping two million Americans’ health coverage away, and creating more obstacles to coverage and care,” said Rep. Castor. “This resolution will ensure that this predatory rule change does not go into effect. Everyone deserves affordable health care coverage —not just the wealthy and well-connected.” 

“Healthcare costs are already too high, and millions have already lost their health insurance due to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of last year,” said Rep. Suozzi. “The latest ACA rule would only make things worse, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and decreasing the quality of their coverage. This rule risks even more Americans losing their health insurance, and we cannot let that happen.”

The rule promotes the use of catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, loosens physician network requirements for plans, and proposes that insurers be allowed to offer “non-network” plans that may not cover the cost of care. This would make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase working families’ deductibles, cover fewer services and kick more providers out of network. 

At a time when Americans are already struggling to afford health care thanks to the deeply unpopular policies of President Trump and congressional Republicans, this rule will make it even harder for consumers to get the coverage and find the doctors they need.

The result would be worse coverage at higher costs, including:

• Terminate Coverage for 2M: According to CMS estimates, the rule would reduce enrollment in ACA plans by up to 2 million. 
• Raise Costs: Insurance would become more unaffordable. For example, some bronze plans would have maximum out-of-pocket costs of $15,600 for an individual per year or $31,200 for a working family per year in 2027.
• Reduce Benefits: Benefits may be reduced in many states – meaning Americans could lose access to coverage for substance use disorder treatment, hearing aids, or other critical services, as well as adult dental. 
• Increase Red Tape: Paperwork burden would increase on 4.7 million Americans, making it more difficult for them to get the coverage they deserve and kicking millions off their insurance. 
• Cut off Americans from their Doctors: Access to providers would decrease as insurance companies sell non-network health plans – with unlimited costs to consumers – and reduce the number of providers in their networks. 

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also introduced this resolution in the U.S. Senate today.

Full text of this resolution is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [6/17/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that she will introduce a resolution to impeach Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

The resolution outlines how McMahon violated her oath of office, made false and misleading statements to Congress, and violated federal law by illegally transferring the operations of multiple offices and more than 100 programs under the Department of Education to other federal agencies without the consent of Congress. 

“Secretary McMahon has betrayed students, families, and educators by dismantling and demolishing the Department of Education, something she does not have authority to do,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Congress created the Department and it would take an Act of Congress to shut it down. About 90 percent of students in this country attend public schools. Students have the right to equal access without discrimination and students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate education. I will not stand by and let Sec. McMahon destroy the federal programs, funding, and research that are critical to public schools and the millions of students they serve.”

Since taking office McMahon has unlawfully ordered the transfer of at least five offices and their programs to other agencies – all without the consent of Congress. These transfers essentially gut the Department of Education and obstruct the Department’s ability to conduct statutory oversight and disburse federal funds appropriated by Congress through its authority under Article I of the United States Constitution:

• On September 30, 2025, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of several essential services and programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. 
• On February 23, 2026, McMahon approved another interagency agreement moving the provision of additional services and programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services.
• On September 30, 2025, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of several essential services and programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor.
• On February 23, 2026, McMahon approved another interagency agreement moving the provision of additional services and programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State.
• On May 21, 2025, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of essential services and programs under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor.
• On June 16, 2026, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of essential services and programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (formerly the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) of 1975 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to the Department of Health and Human Services.
• On June 16, 2026, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of essential services under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 to the Department of Justice. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“After years of anticipation and planning, I’m thrilled to attend the opening of the Obama Presidential Center right here in the Second District. The Obamas have never forgotten their roots in the South Side of the Chicago, and the Center will help spur even more growth, opportunity, and hope,” said Rep. Kelly. “President Obama has and always will be a president we can believe in to improve our democracy. I’m incredibility thankful to him and First Lady Michelle Obama for continuing to bring hope when it’s needed the most.”

The Obama Center opens to the public on Friday, which is also Juneteenth.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the Trump administration reached a deal to pay another offshore wind developer to abandon its projects and redirect the money into fossil fuels.

“Donald Trump is using your tax dollars to make America more dependent on dirty, volatile fossil fuels. He is paying energy companies to kill homegrown offshore wind that will put electricity on the grid, lower energy bills, and create good jobs, and he is funneling that money straight back to fossil fuel, leaving families at the mercy of every price spike and global shock. It is hard to imagine a more backwards use of taxpayer money.

We have a chance to build cheap, reliable power right off our own coasts. Instead this administration is paying top dollar to walk away from it, tying our energy future to the vagaries of volatile markets and handing the bill to families already paying too much.

These deals are illegal, and they make our country weaker. I have serious questions, and I intend to get answers. Americans deserve cheaper, more reliable energy made right here at home, and the good jobs that come with building it.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

HAWNEE, KS — Today, as part of her America 250 Week, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a roundtable discussion with state and conservation leaders focused on bison herd restoration efforts and the cultural and historical significance of the American bison, the national mammal of the United States.

 

“Bison are deeply tied to the history of the Great Plains, to Kansas itself, and to many Tribal Nations whose cultures and lifeways have long been connected to them,” said Davids. “Their recovery is one of the most important conservation success stories in our country, but it only happened because of sustained collaboration and commitment. As we reflect on America 250, it’s also a reminder that we have a responsibility to keep protecting and restoring what makes this place unique.”

 

During the roundtable, participants discussed ongoing bison conservation and herd restoration efforts across Kansas and the broader Great Plains, including habitat management, land stewardship, and long-term strategies to support both wild and managed bison populations. The American bison was officially designated the national mammal of the United States in 2016 through the National Bison Legacy Act, signed by President Barack Obama.

 

Once driven to near extinction in the late 19th century, when populations fell to approximately 541 animals by 1889 due to overhunting and habitat loss, bison have since recovered to an estimated population of more than 500,000 as of 2026. However, only approximately 5 percent exist in wild herds, underscoring the continued importance of conservation and habitat preservation efforts.

 

“Bison are an iconic and integral part of North American grasslands,” said John Blair, Director, Konza Prairie Biological Station. “They also are a keystone species, altering prairie ecosystems in ways that allow other species to thrive. Our research at the Konza Prairie Biological Station is providing new insights into the ecological role of bison in Kansas prairies, where their presence increases biodiversity and enhances resilience to disturbances, such as drought.”

“The Nature Conservancy works to protect our lands and waters for nature and people,” said Katie Roby, Director, The Nature Conservancy in Kansas. “Grasslands are one of the most threatened, least protected habitats on Earth, and need grazing and fire to remain healthy and productive. When Americans see bison out on the prairie, it connects them to the history of the land and inspires them to help conserve and maintain our grasslands for generations to come.”

 

Participants in the roundtable included Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Secretary Christopher Kennedy and Deputy Secretary Stuart Schrag, representatives from The Nature Conservancy, and Kansas State University.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Tomorrow, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02) will introduce bipartisan legislation in response to significant United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) staffing reductions in Kansas and across the country. It would ensure farmers, ranchers, and rural communities maintain reliable access to local USDA services.

 

“Farmers and rural communities shouldn’t have to worry about whether the USDA office they depend on will still be there or properly staffed when they need help,” said Davids. “Kansas has already lost more than 500 USDA employees since last year, and when offices are understaffed or disappearing, it makes it harder for rural communities to access basic services they’ve earned and deliver food more cheaply. Rep. Schmidt and I agree that all Kansas communities deserve dependable access to farm support.”

 

“Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities depend on local USDA offices to access the programs and services they need,” said Congressman Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02). “Whether it’s disaster assistance, conservation programs, farm loans, or technical support, Kansans deserve reliable, in-person access to USDA resources. Yet many small offices are staffed by only one or two people, which means a reduction in staffing can leave the office unable to function. Our bipartisan bill helps ensure USDA remains accessible to the people it serves and that rural communities are not left behind.” 

 

“County-level USDA staffing shortages have impeded program implementation for multiple administrations,” said Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union. “Cuts to the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other USDA agencies have been detrimental to rural America and to the agencies’ ability to fulfill their mission. Kansas Farmers Union opposes county office downsizing, consolidation, relocation, and/or closures. We call on USDA to increase funding, hiring, training, and pay for its staff so they can continue to provide quality service to the agriculture community. We thank Representatives Davids and Schmidt for leading this effort in a bipartisan manner, and we look forward to working with them and other key policymakers and stakeholders on this priority.”

 

The USDA Field Office Stability Act would prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture from closing or relocating Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Rural Development (RD) county and field offices, with limited exceptions for offices located within 20 miles of another USDA office (unless that office is in another state) or for relocations within the same county.

 

The legislation would also require USDA to maintain minimum staffing levels at NRCS, FSA, and RD service centers to ensure offices remain open and accessible to the public during standard business hours.

 

The bill comes amid significant USDA workforce reductions. Kansas has lost more than 500 USDA employees — approximately 32 percent of its workforce — the largest percentage decline in the region. Nationally, more than 24,000 USDA employees have left the department since January 2025, contributing to a nearly 27 percent reduction in workforce between September 2024 and December 2025.

 

Last year, during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing, Davids questioned USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on the staff cuts, including at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. Rollins called the firings an “imperfect process.”

 

The timing of these firings is alarming given the emergence of the New World Screwworm. Davids previously warned that slashing key roles at local USDA facilities undermines the very mission of the USDA and weakens the nation’s ability to respond to agricultural emergencies.

 

Davids has consistently worked to support rural communities while pushing back against extreme policies that make it harder for producers to thrive. She voted for a bipartisan Farm Bill to provide certainty for Kansas producers, opposed reckless tariffs that are driving up costs, and introduced legislation aimed at strengthening the food supply chain and lowering fertilizer costs. She has also raised concerns about the President’s Argentina beef bailout, which puts foreign producers ahead of American ranchers.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Leads Letter Urging the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to Reverse Rural Home Care Cuts

Washington D.C. – This week, Congressmembers Marc Veasey, Cuellar, Casar, Castro, Crockett, Escobar, Fletcher, Garcia and Gonzales sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Collins, expressing deep concern for the CY26 Home Care Fee Schedule that will lead to devastating home care service cuts for Texas veterans.

“These policy changes mean one thing – cutting services for disabled veterans,” said Congressman Veasey. “It is unconscionable that American veterans who depend on home care to preserve their independence, and quality of life will be forced to fend for themselves. Let’s be clear – these heroes who have bravely served our nation earned these benefits. We must uphold our promise to stand by those who wore the uniform and put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. I strongly urge Secretary Collins to reverse course and stand by those who fought for us.”

Over 15 percent of providers have already reduced services in rural communities, where approximately 170,000 Texas veterans live. In addition, a recent survey indicates that over 86 percent of home care providers reported the negative implications of these cuts, threatening long term sustainability.

Congressman Veasey along with the Texas Democrat Delegation are calling the Department of Veteran Affairs to immediately reevaluate the recent reductions and provide a detailed analysis of the method used to determine these cuts, as well as to engage directly with veterans, caregivers, providers, and rural healthcare stakeholders before implementing future policy changes.

A copy of the letter with all action items listed may be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gTQu09jeM9XrvwVJYSdjA4ie-CfUz2uD/view?usp=sharing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Pago Pago – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the Juneteenth national holiday which celebrates freedom and a major step in the realization of American founding ideals.

“In 2021, Congress officially recognized the Juneteenth national holiday to celebrate freedom and promote unity,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The United States has long been known as the land of the free, but the events culminating in the news on Juneteenth in 1865 meant freedom for all. Juneteenth is dear to the hearts of our African American countrymen and women and we celebrate together the power of freedom, human rights and dignity.

“We pray the cause of freedom will always prevail, and every generation will stand ready to defend cherished freedoms,” she continued. “We’re proud of our own Toa o Samoa enlisted in the cause of freedom, and we will always treasure our great national values of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’” 

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the news of freedom reached the last known place practicing slavery in the United States — the same year that the Civil War ended, but two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the historic Emancipation Proclamation on New Year’s Day, 1863. 

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