Posts

Posted on

Foster Statement on DHS Funding, War Powers Resolution Votes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster issued a statement following his votes against funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and in favor of the War Powers Resolution:

“House Republicans are attempting to use Trump’s war in Iran as a pretext to fund DHS without implementing reforms to ICE. Escalating conflict abroad cannot be used as leverage to avoid accountability at home. Democrats proposed commonsense guardrails for ICE—standards most law enforcement already follow. I voted against this funding bill, and will continue to oppose any legislation that funds ICE without including serious reforms.

“Additionally, the Constitution is clear: the President does not have the authority to take the United States into sustained military conflict without Congressional authorization. To date, the Administration has not made a compelling case to Congress to justify Trump’s actions in Iran, and has failed to detail a plan to address Iran’s stockpile of weapons-usable 60 percent enriched uranium. That is unacceptable. Decisions that could draw our nation into another prolonged conflict and risk the lives of U.S. servicemembers demand transparency, deliberation, and Congressional approval.”

###

Posted on

DHS Secretary Noem Fired after Exchange with Congressman Cohen on Wednesday

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

At Judiciary Committee markup on forcing states to enforce immigration law earlier today, he had called again for Secretary Noem’s impeachment

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, welcomed the Trump administration’s decision to fire Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a day after she appeared before the Judiciary Committee at an oversight hearing.  In yesterday’s hearing, Congressman Cohen challenged Secretary Noem on her claim that she was deporting “the worst of the worst.” In remarks at this morning’s markup, Congressman Cohen followed up on his line of questioning, explaining why local law enforcement agencies decline to cooperate with an “out of control” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The legislation being considered would force state and local governments to enforce federal immigration law. He again called for Noem’s firing, impeachment or resignation.

In response to the announced firing of Noem, Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Even Donald Trump saw the need to end this 14-month horror show. Noem was in over her head and remained unaccountable until the end. The department has serious work ahead in any attempt to restore its credibility. After killing Americans and destroying the lives of millions of immigrants and their families, Noem’s removal could not come soon enough.  ICE is out of control and reports that her department obstructed its own Trump-appointed inspector general’s efforts to root out wrongdoing underscored Secretary Noem’s lawlessness, cruelty and corruption. She may leave office, but she will not be able to escape the accountability from Congress and the American people. Noem’s successor, Senator Markwayne Mullin, should absorb the many lessons to be learned from her failed tenure.” 

In his remarks at today’s markup, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“There are reasons why cities don’t want to cooperate with ICE. ICE has become recognized as the worst agency in this government. They have no respect for citizens. They do not act like law enforcement. Law enforcement acts with regard to people and to serve them. They wear badges. They have their names on their uniforms. They don’t have masks on. They don’t just come up and break your window and pull you out. And they don’t shoot you in the face or shoot you in the back ten times when you’ve done nothing wrong, certainly nothing violent. They did nothing wrong – Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti – nothing that a law enforcement officer would kill them for because they can only use deadly force under certain circumstances

“ICE has gotten totally out of control and this committee needs to do something about it…It’s not really law enforcement; it’s a paramilitary group…We have a paramilitary group operating in our streets in America, taking peoples’ rights away and killing them without oversight, and absolutely it’s Ms. Noem’s fault.

“She needs to be impeached if she doesn’t resign…She’s a discredit to this government and to her president.”

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen discussed the human toll of these policies, including the arrest and detention of an Afghan family of four in Memphis.

See Congressman Cohen’s entire remarks here.

# # #

Posted on

Congressman Biggs Votes Against Resolution Undermining President’s Authority to Confront Iranian Threat

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) voted against H.Con.Res. 38, a resolution directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Congressman Biggs issues the following statement:

“I strongly support Congress exercising its constitutional role on matters of war and peace, but the resolution addressed a situation that does not exist. President Trump’s targeted actions to neutralize threats from the Iranian regime fall squarely within his Article II authority as Commander in Chief and within the parameters of the War Powers Act of 1973.

“The President’s actions were limited and strategic, consistent with longstanding precedent used by both Republican and Democrat administrations. Targeted military operations aimed at protecting American personnel and preventing Iran from advancing toward nuclear capability do not constitute open-ended war.

“Secretary Hegseth clarified the three-point mission: protect American lives, dismantle the regime’s ability to threaten the region, and ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. Strength and clarity deter conflict, weakness invites it. I will always support the constitutional balance of powers, but I will also support a President who is acting lawfully and within his constitutional authority to decisively keep Americans safe.”

Posted on

Brownley Votes Yes on War Powers Resolution

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

House Republicans Block Effort to End Unauthorized Hostilities with Iran

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement after the House failed to advance H.Con.Res. 38, a Concurrent War Powers Resolution directing the President to terminate the unauthorized use of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran.

“Without a coherent plan or clear path forward, Donald Trump has pushed the United States toward yet another costly war in the Middle East that has already claimed the lives of six American servicemembers and an untold number of innocent civilians. Even more alarming than his failure to explain how this conflict ends is his utter lack of concern for the servicemembers he has thrown into harm’s way.

“I voted yes on this War Powers Resolution to restore Congress’s constitutional authority and solemn responsibility to decide if and when the United States goes to war. Unsurprisingly, House Republicans blocked this critical resolution, once again surrendering their power and responsibility to a corrupt and reckless administration. Republicans’ blind loyalty to Donald Trump is an outrageous disservice to the people they were elected to serve, and puts American servicemembers at risk while failing to address rising costs and economic uncertainty for families across the country.

“I hope for a future in Iran where its citizens can live freely and without fear. But lasting peace and stability will not be forged by an administration that does not have the support of the American people, has no defined objective, and therefore no strategy to achieve it, and as a result, no way to determine an end point.

“The American people do not want another endless war in the Middle East. We know the immense toll our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan took on our servicemembers, their families, and our nation. That is a lesson Donald Trump and my Republican colleagues must remember before this conflict escalates further.”

###

Issues: , ,

Posted on

Rep. Chu Votes Yes on War Powers Resolution, Calls for Immediate Stop to Trump’s War in Iran

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) voted in favor of H.Con.Res 38, directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which failed by a vote of 212-219.

“Today, I voted for the War Powers Resolution to put an immediate stop to President Trump’s unlawful war with Iran,” said Rep. Chu. “Despite no imminent threat to the United States, no long-term strategy, no support from the American public, and no authorization from Congress, the President launched a war in Iran. That is a direct challenge to the constitutional guardrails that have protected our democracy for generations. It is Congress’s responsibility to stand up to this lawlessness and stop Trump’s war, and I’m incredibly disappointed that nearly every Republican failed to uphold this constitutional responsibility. This war has already claimed the lives of six American servicemembers, and the President himself has said he expects even more deaths to come. It has already caused gas prices to rise by 11 cents a gallon as Americans face an affordability crisis. The American people have long made their position clear: no more forever wars. I cast my vote for this War Powers Resolution to stand with them.” 

Prior to casting her vote for H.Con.Res. 38, Rep. Chu voted in favor of H. Res. 1099 – Reaffirming Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism, which the House adopted by a vote of 372-53.

“Prior to voting yes on the War Powers resolution, I voted yes on H.Res. 1099, a resolution affirming that Iran remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, because it is true that the Iranian regime brutally oppresses its own people and spreads terror and violence throughout the world. Those facts, however, do not justify President Trump’s decision to launch a foreign war with no authorization and no plan, a decision that has already cost the lives of six American servicemembers and countless civilians.”

Posted on

Frankel: War with Iran Requires a Vote of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized offensive hostilities in Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force:

“Let me be clear: the Iranian regime and its support for terrorist proxies have wreaked havoc across the region—targeting U.S. servicemembers, Israel, our allies, and its own people, all while advancing dangerous missile and nuclear programs that threaten global security. It is a threat that must not be ignored,” said Rep. Frankel.

“At the same time, the Constitution clearly gives Congress the authority to declare war and requires the President to receive congressional authorization before engaging in sustained military force. Shockingly, the Trump Administration has spent very little time briefing Congress while issuing contradictory statements about its objectives and plans moving forward.

War is too serious a decision to be made by one person alone—our Constitution requires checks and balances before sending Americans into harm’s way,” Rep. Frankel continued. “If the President intends to continue this war, he must come to Congress and seek authorization from the representatives of the American people. And, importantly, the President has a responsibility to inform the country about the risks, rationale, and purposes of the war.

As the mother of a United States Marine Veteran who was deployed to two wars, I know that sending Americans into combat is a life-and-death decision. My heart is broken for the families who have lost loved ones in this conflict, and I am keeping our brave servicemembers and their families in my thoughts as the war unfolds.”

 

Posted on

Schakowsky, Grijalva, Moylan, Warren, 30+ Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Update, Expand Lifeline Benefits for Seniors, Americans with Disabilities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Nearly 8 million Americans rely on Supplemental Security Income benefits to meet their basic needs — but parts of program haven’t been updated in over five decades

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), and James Moylan (GU-AL) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led over 30 lawmakers in introducing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act, a bipartisan bill to strengthen critical SSI benefits that support nearly 8 million seniors and Americans with disabilities. The bill would make much-needed updates to the benefits program — much of which hasn’t been updated since it was first established over five decades ago — and will expand benefits eligibility, increase cash payments, and fix rules that currently penalize Americans for trying to save money.

“Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a vital lifeline for millions of low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and families struggling to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Today’s SSI system still relies on outdated, overly burdensome rules written decades ago, leaving far too many beneficiaries living in poverty. This legislation will modernize and strengthen SSI by raising asset and income limits, establishing a livable minimum benefit, ending punitive reductions, and extending benefits to eligible residents of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Every person deserves to age and live with dignity, and Congress must act to ensure SSI fulfills its promise.”

“For millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and families raising children with high needs, Supplemental Security Income is the last line of defense against poverty,” said Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. “The program has not been meaningfully updated since the 1970s, forcing people to live far below the poverty line just to qualify for help. The SSI Restoration Act will finally modernize this lifeline by increasing benefit levels, updating outdated asset limits, and eliminating punitive rules that trap people in poverty. Our seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers deserve the dignity and security that this program was always meant to provide.”

“SSI is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans — but the program is five decades out-of-date, leaving people behind and even punishing them for trying to save up,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “At a time when Donald Trump’s policies are already driving up everyday costs, we need to make sure seniors and Americans with disabilities can afford their basic needs. My bill will expand and strengthen SSI benefits to deliver some real relief.”

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was first signed into law in 1972, becoming the first fully federalized disability program to provide disabled Americans with benefits. Today, nearly eight million Americans rely on SSI to meet their basic needs.

While SSI is still a key source of federal income support for older and disabled Americans, the system has barely been updated since it was first established more than fifty years ago. Currently, many of the program’s original income and asset limits — which eligible recipients may not exceed — fall below the poverty line, often trapping beneficiaries in poverty and falling short of the program’s mission.

The SSI Restoration Act will expand and strengthen benefits by:

  • Increasing “income disregard” amounts, which have not changed since 1974
  • Updating the asset limit to $10,000 / $20,000 for an eligible couple
  • Increasing the benefit rate to 100% of the federal poverty level and repealing the marriage penalty
  • Repealing penalties for in-kind support, resource transfers, state taxes and tribal benefits
  • Streamlining lump-sum and back payments
  • Extending the program to the U.S. territories

The bill is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Andre Carson (IN-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

The bill is endorsed by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association on Health and Disability, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), American Society on Aging, ASSIST Program, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Benefits Law Center, Bread for the City, California Alliance for Retired Americans, California Association of Food Banks. Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Medicare Advocacy, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Cure SMA, Disability Belongs, Economic Policy Institute, Educate. Advocate., Empire Justice Center, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Homeless Action Center, Homeless Advocacy Project, Inner City Law Center, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, Latinos for a Secure Retirement, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Legal Council for Health Justice, Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU), National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Disability Representatives, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Gray Panthers Networks, National Council on Aging, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), National Organization for Women, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), National Respite Coalition, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, New York Legal Assistance Group, Paralyzed Veterans of America, People With Disabilities Foundation, Public Justice Center, SAGE, Service Employees International Union, Social Security Works, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Strengthen Social Security Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Triage Cancer, USAging, and Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER).

###

Posted on

Congresswoman McCollum: Kristi Noem Leaves Behind Legacy of Corruption & Distrust at Department of Homeland Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Wednesday after President Trump announced that U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace Kristi Noem as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security: 

“Kristi Noem is the most inept, incompetent, and dishonorable leader in the history of the Department of Homeland Security. Her short tenure leaves behind an agency marred by corruption and distrust, and her legacy will be the violence DHS has inflicted on Americans,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, masked ICE and Border Patrol agents killed two Minnesotans, violently assaulted our neighbors, and racially profiled Minnesotans on a mass scale. Minnesotans will never forget the terror that Kristi Noem unleashed upon our state. Firing her is just the first step to ending the lawlessness that she oversaw at DHS. It is up to Congress to rein in an out-of-control department and rebuild agencies that respect the civil and constitutional rights of the American people.” 

Posted on

Cole Congratulates Senator Markwayne Mullin on DHS Nomination

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after Senator Markwayne Mullin was announced as the nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security: 

“Service to the country is one of the highest callings in public life. I am proud to see my congressional colleague, friend, and fellow Native American, Senator Markwayne Mullin, receive this well-deserved nomination to serve as President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has been a strong partner and a steady leader working across chambers. Markwayne understands the critical importance of securing the homeland and protecting our communities, and I am confident he will serve with distinction in this new role. Vigilance and strength are essential to protecting the nation, and Oklahomans – and the American people – can be confident he will carry out that mission with the resolve it demands,” said Congressman Cole.

###

Posted on

Carter celebrates Committee passage of his bill to protect children’s online safety

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter celebrates Committee passage of his bill to protect children’s online safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today celebrated the Energy and Commerce Committee’s advancement of their bipartisan Sammy’s Law Act, a bill requiring large social media companies to monitor for potentially dangerous online activity involving children under the age of 17.


Sammy’s Law is a bill safeguarding children online by informing parents about dangerous interactions on social media. The bill, which gives parents the choice to use third-party safety software to protect their children from harmful situations on social media, is named after Sammy Chapman, who, at the age of 16, was approached by a drug dealer on Snapchat and was unknowingly a victim of fentanyl poisoning.


“There are sick, evil people who prey on our children from the shadows of social media, selling illicit, even fentanyl-laced, drugs. Tragically, Sammy Chapman was one of those kids who died at just 16 years old, with his entire life ahead of him,” said Rep. Carter. “Parents have the right to know when their child is engaging in dangerous online activity, and this bill will equip them with the best possible technology to protect and keep their children safe from bad actors. I urge a swift vote on the House floor on this critical, bipartisan legislation.”


“All parents worry about what their kids see or receive on social media. As a mother of three children who grew up with the world at their fingertips, I often feared what my children were exposed to online, especially through apps that profit from sharing messages intentionally designed to disappear or be hidden,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m incredibly proud lead this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to give parents more tools to supervise their kids’ online presence during the most vulnerable stages of their life.”


“Sammy’s Law will save thousands of lives once it is passed. We are so pleased that it made it through the committee today,” said Samuel Chapman, father of Sammy Chapman. “It’s an important step along the way to becoming the tool that allows parents to parent online.”


“One of the most effective ways for parents to protect children is by using third-party safety software, which provides alerts to families when dangerous content is shared through children’s social media accounts, enabling life-saving interventions at critical moments,” said Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety. “Sammy’s Law will provide targeted protection for millions of children from the most serious of social media-related harms, like drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and sexual predation, among others.”

Read full bill text here.


###