Velázquez Secures Over $15 Million for Local Projects in FY2026 Government Funding Package

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that she successfully secured $15,560,000 in Community Project Funding for New York’s 7th District in the 2026 federal spending bills. This funding addresses urgent infrastructure needs, public safety, and social services across Brooklyn and Queens.

“I am incredibly proud to have fought for and secured more than $15 million to address the pressing needs of our community,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “From investing in lighting at Ravenswood Houses to supporting mental health services for our youth and modernizing our local transit corridors, these projects are about investing in the safety and dignity of the people of Brooklyn and Queens.”

Rep. Velázquez secured funding for 13 projects:

  • $3,150,000 for NYCHA Ravenswood Houses: Installation of comprehensive exterior security lighting for the entire development.

 

  •  $2,850,000 for NYCHA Whitman Houses: Critical façade repairs for Buildings 14 and 15 to ensure safety and remove sidewalk sheds.

 

  •  $1,000,000 for NYCHA Cooper Park Houses: Security lighting upgrades to benefit residents and the surrounding community.

 

  • $850,000 for NYC DOT Liberty Plaza: Permanent construction of the Drew Street plaza and traffic safety reconfigurations.

 

  • $850,000 for NYC DOT Woodhaven Boulevard: Safety improvements including median widening to support Select Bus Service.

 

  • $1,850,000 for NYC DOT Broadway Repaving: Full reconstruction of the roadway from concrete to modern blacktop.

 

  • $1,200,000 for NYCHA Bushwick Houses: Replacement of deteriorating wood roof tanks to protect water quality.

 

  • $2,000,000 for NYCHA Borinquen Plaza II: Critical security lighting upgrades.

 

  • $850,000 for GMDC Bulkhead at 1155 Manhattan Avenue: Urgent bulkhead replacement at nonprofit Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center’s (GMDC’s) Newtown Creek shoreline to protect 70 industrial and artisan businesses and the 365 local jobs they provide.

 

  • $345,000 for Ozone Park Residents Block Association: Expansion of the Block Watchers safety program.

 

  • $250,000 for Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services: Workforce development and intervention for justice-involved residents.

 

  • $200,000 for Comunilife, Inc.: Suicide prevention and mental health services for at-risk teens (Life is Precious™).

 

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Latta Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced his office is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, who live or attend school in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. The Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

The deadline for submission is Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5pm.

Once received, all artwork will be displayed in the district until honorees are recognized at a reception. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building Complex in Washington, D.C. for one year, and three honorable mention pieces will be displayed in Latta’s district offices.

“Ohio’s Fifth District is filled with incredibly gifted young artists, and the Congressional Art Competition provides a great opportunity to celebrate their talent. Every year, I am impressed by the originality and skill displayed in each submission, and I’m excited to see the creative artwork students will share this year,” Latta said.  

For information on submitting artwork for the competition, or to help answer any questions, please click here or contact Barbara Orange in the Bowling Green office at 419-354-8700 or by emailing barbara.orange@mail.house.gov

Each student is allowed one entry. Eligible artwork includes the following:

  • Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc. 
  • Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers 
  • Collages: must be two-dimensional 
  • Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints 
  • Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, etc. 
  • Computer-Generated Art 
  • Photography 

All entries must meet the following criteria:

  • The submission must be two-dimensional
  • The submission must be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame
  • It also must have a wire attached to the back suitable for hanging on a wall. 
  • The submission must not weigh more than 15 pounds
  • The submission must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws

It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed. Work entered must be in the original medium; that is, not scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. Framing rules apply only to the winning artwork.

PRESS RELEASE: Hudson Holds Hearing on FirstNet Reauthorization

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, convenes a legislative hearing to review FirstNet and consider legislation to reauthorize the program.

“FirstNet is a critical public safety resource, and Congress has a duty to ensure it remains reliable, accountable, and focused on the needs of first responders,” Hudson said.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology legislative hearing on FirstNet reauthorization

DATE: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

TIME: 10:15 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

This hearing will focus on: H.R. ____, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act (Reps. Dunn and McClellan)

Hudson, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Defense Technology Hubs Act to Accelerate Innovation and Strengthen National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Reps. Wesley Bell (MO), Deborah Ross (NC), and Mark Messmer (IN) to introduce the bipartisan Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026, legislation directing the Department of Defense to establish a nationwide network of regional hubs focused on accelerating emerging defense technologies.

The bill would accelerate the transition of critical technologies from the lab to the field by strengthening workforce pipelines and expanding collaboration among universities, defense partners, nonprofits, and local and state leaders. For North Carolina, that means supporting readiness and innovation that directly benefits communities connected to Fort Bragg and across the state.

“To keep our military ahead of new threats, we need to move technology from the lab to the field faster. The Defense Technology Hubs Act speeds up innovation, strengthens our defense industrial base, and better facilitates the development of critical technologies here in the United States,” said Rep. Hudson.

“At a time when our global adversaries are investing heavily in next-generation technologies, America must not just compete, but lead, in research, development, and innovation. That means building innovation capacity in regions across the country,” said Rep. Bell. “St. Louis has already solidified its vital role in U.S. national security, and this bill ensures our region continues to drive that mission—not get left behind—as the race for technological dominance accelerates. We can strengthen our national defense while creating good-paying jobs, attracting new industry, and developing the strong, expansive workforce needed to keep America at the forefront of technological leadership.”

“As someone who represents one of the nation’s most critical defense innovation regions, I know firsthand how important it is to move new technology from concept to capability as quickly as possible,” said Rep. Messmer. “The Defense Technology Hubs Act creates a clear pathway for the Department of Defense, industry, and research institutions to work together to accelerate emerging technologies that keep our warfighters ahead of threats to our national security. This legislation strengthens our defense industrial base, protects American innovation, and ensures the future of military technology is built right here in the United States.”

“The Research Triangle is a world-renowned hub of research and innovation, and our workforce and institutions stand ready to lead the country’s development of emerging defense technologies,” said Rep. Ross. “This bill will not only strengthen our national security, but it will also reward American ingenuity and boost North Carolina’s local economy. I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will ensure the United States remains a global leader in technological innovation.”

Read the full bill text HERE.

Pallone Secures $250,000 in Funding for New South Amboy Park and Playground

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) secured $250,000 in federal Community Project Funding in Fiscal Year 2026 to support the creation of a new park and playground near South Amboy Middle High School, converting a vacant lot into a safe outdoor play space designed for young children.

 

“This funding gives South Amboy the ability to turn an underused space into something families can rely on,” said Pallone. “A safe, well-designed playground near the school creates opportunities for kids to be active and for families to spend time together, while strengthening the surrounding community.”

 

The funding will allow the city to construct a dedicated preschool play area featuring age-appropriate playground equipment, including low swings, slides, a sandbox, and play structures. The project is intended to provide a safe, accessible outdoor environment that encourages physical activity and healthy recreation for South Amboy’s youngest residents.

 

“On behalf of the City of South Amboy and especially our young citizens, I would like to thank Congressman Frank Pallone for the $250,000 appropriation,” said South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry. “This generous funding will go a long way in helping to relocate our David Street park to the Allie Clark Sports Complex. With the expansion of the park more opportunities will be provided for our city’s children to recreate in a healthy and safe environment. Congressman Pallone continues to be a great friend and representative to the City of South Amboy.”

 

According to city plans, the new play area will span approximately 2,500 square feet and will be designed to meet national childcare standards for outdoor play spaces, accommodating up to 33 children at a time. The project also includes landscaping with shade-providing trees and native plants, as well as improvements to a nearby parking area to enhance safety and accessibility for families.

 

The South Amboy park and playground project was requested by Pallone through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process, which allows members of the U.S. House to direct Community Project Funding toward local priorities that improve public spaces and quality of life.

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President Trump Signs Chairman Díaz-Balart’s FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill into Law

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), celebrated the final passage of his Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Act, which was passed as part of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The NSRP legislation delivers a historic16% spending reduction.

Watch Rep. Díaz-Balart’s House Floor remarks here.

“Once again, President Trump and Republicans deliver for the American people by avoiding another destructive shutdown and governing responsibly. The passage of these five funding bills fulfills our commitment to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, strengthen accountability, and advance an America First agenda.

As Chairman of the subcommittee responsible for funding America’s foreign policy and national security priorities, I am proud that my NSRP full-year funding legislation refocuses our nation’s foreign policy in historic ways while also restoring fiscal sanity, delivering a historic spending reduction.

With these bills, we are doing more for our country and the American people while spending less. This is possible thanks to the brilliant and persistent leadership of Chairman Tom Cole and our House Appropriations colleagues who worked day and night to get these bills across the finish line and to the President’s desk.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

 

FISCAL YEAR 2026 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $50.014 billion, a nearly $9.3 billion cut (16%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The unprecedented reduction of spending in this measure codifies the FY25 rescissions and cuts even more, while reflecting the priorities of the America First agenda.

Even with the cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels – including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill removes woke Biden-era poison pills and supports President Trump’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Champions America First Foreign Policy by:

  • Reprioritizing funding in support of United States national security.
  • Creating the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities in an effort to advance the America First foreign policy agenda.
  • Supporting President Trump’s America First foreign policy by eliminating wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, and divisive gender ideologies.
  • Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States to help save American lives.
  • Putting American businesses first by prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas.
  • Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies.

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by:

  • Protecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions.
  • Increasing support for religious freedom programs and demanding religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations.
  • Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for their persecution of people of faith, including restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from violence due to their beliefs.
  • Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from the human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in Cuban doctors’ trafficking.
  • Advancing free speech and prohibiting censorship by banning programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens.

 Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:

  • Providing unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
  • Upholding longstanding partnerships with our key security allies in the Middle East, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.
  • Including $300 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and up to $2 billion in loans and loan guarantees for such purpose.
  • Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
  • Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
  • Denying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) access to U.S.-backed resources:
  • Requires opposition to multilateral development bank lending for China.
  • Requires opposition to increased shareholding for China within the multilateral development banks.
  • Prohibits funds from being used to repay loans to China.
  • Furthers cooperation between the Department of State and War in countering foreign talent programs posing a threat to national security.
  • Prohibiting funding for programs that facilitate and encourage migration toward the United States border.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:

  • Prioritizing fiscal sanity with over $9 billion in cuts.
  • Enhancing oversight and transparency requirements to ensure American taxpayer funds are not used by ineffective or fraudulent organizations.
  • Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate bureaucracy and silos, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department.
  • Eliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that run contrary to an America First foreign policy agenda.
  • Including a new directive to the Secretary of State to establish a responsible strategy for transitioning PEPFAR programs off United States assistance.
  • Consolidating and reducing the number of accounts to facilitate efficient, strategic allocation of funds for programs that support United States national security interests. 

Standing with our friend and ally, Israel by:

  • Providing unwavering support for Israel by fully funding security assistance for Israel at $3.3 billion, consistent with the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding.
  • Prohibiting U.S. funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
  • Prohibiting funding for the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel.
  • Prohibiting any funding from being used to move the U.S. Embassy to the State of Israel to a location other than Jerusalem.
  • Continuing conditions and restrictions to ensure taxpayer funds are not getting into the hands of terrorists or paying prisoners for acts of terrorism (pay-to-slay).
  • Including language to ensure full compliance with the Taylor Force Act.
  • Prohibiting funding from being used to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
  • Extending Israel’s access to defense articles in the War Reserves Stockpile and loan guarantees for Israel. 

Promotes freedom and democracy while safeguarding U.S. taxpayer dollars by:

  • Requiring that foreign assistance be directed to countries in the Western Hemisphere that act as allies and execute foreign and domestic policies which are consistent with United States values and security interests, including Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic.
  • Promoting freedom in the Western Hemisphere:
  • $25 million for democracy programs for Cuba;
  • $50 million for democracy programs for Venezuela;
  • $15 million for democracy and religious freedom programs for Nicaragua.
  • $30 million for the operations of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti).
  • Prohibiting funds to prevent the removal of entities from the Cuba Restricted List.
  • Including limitations on funding for countries and organizations that benefit from the continued trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, and directing the Secretary of State to revoke visas for officials involved in the human trafficking of Cuban doctors.
  • Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or Ministry of the Interior, or their affiliates.
  • Placing strict conditions on funding and requiring a pre-obligation report for Colombia, due to the Petro Administration’s failure to align with United States interests and worsening security conditions, including the assassination of a political opposition leader.
  • Requiring a report from the Administration about efforts in Haiti and encouraging the incorporation of locally led organizations in their approach to the multi-layered crisis.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill text is available here.

Rep. Díaz-Balart’s House floor remarks can be watched here.

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Stevens, Slotkin, Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Ensure Congress Drives American-Made, Union-Made Cars

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Make Congress Drive Union-Made Act to ensure that taxpayer dollars used by Congress support Michigan auto workers and union jobs. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin.

Members of Congress receive an annual budget to carry out official duties, which can be used to lease or acquire vehicles for official use. Currently, there is no requirement for those vehicles to be American-made or assembled by union labor, allowing taxpayer funds to be recklessly spent on foreign-made vehicles or those produced with non-union labor.

“Michigan auto workers put the world on wheels, and they deserve to know their elected leaders have their backs,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “This bill makes sure we invest in our American auto industry and the union workers that power it.”

“Michigan union autoworkers fuel our economy and are the backbone of this country. I believe as elected officials, we have an obligation to support them any way we can — and that means not using taxpayer dollars to purchase non-American-made, union-made vehicles,” said Senator Slotkin.

The Make Congress Drive Union Made Act is endorsed by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

“In the labor movement we ask one question of our elected officials: which side are you on?” said UAW Legislative Director Rajiv Sicora. “The Make Congress Drive Union-Made Act would ensure that Members of Congress stand up for the union way of life in their choice of vehicle—supporting the generations of autoworkers who build not only cars, but a better economic future based on solidarity.”

Stevens and Slotkin’s bill reflects their shared Michigan values – strong manufacturing, good-paying jobs, and respect for the workers that power Michigan.
 

The full text of the bill can be found here.
 

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Amata Welcomes Passage of Five Appropriations Bills to End the Partial Government Shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Welcomes Passage of Five Appropriations Bills to End the Partial Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming House passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 217 to 214, sending five full-year FY26 appropriations bills to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law, and end the partial government shutdown. 

Congresswoman Amata with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on a CODEL flight Jan 24 2026

Notably, this package has the Transportation Appropriations, which contains funding for highways, bridges, airports and ports, including $1 million that Amata requested for American Samoa’s port upgrade efforts. In passing the Defense appropriations, the vote also locks in this year’s congressionally authorized pay raise for the military.

Congress has now completed final passage of 11 of the 12 appropriations bills (the House has passed all 12), but full-year Homeland Security appropriations have not yet reached the necessary bicameral, bipartisan agreement. Instead, Tuesday’s vote secures two weeks of extended funding to continue work on the last remaining appropriations bill. 

“I’m pleased to secure this port funding, and recently we secured $900,000 growth in American Samoa’s operations fund in the DOI appropriations,” said Congresswoman Amata. “All of our federal support in grants and formulas for the year will come from this major group of bills, which supports everything from medical research to classrooms. I especially welcome final completion of the pay raise for our very deserving troops.” 

“It is imperative that Congress finish appropriating funds for Homeland Security,” she concluded. “This Department includes the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, so we need funds in place and ready to provide services to the American people.” 

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Rep. Cuellar Statement on Passage of FY 2026 Appropriations Bills

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after Congress passed the remaining Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills to fund the federal government. The package funds key priorities across national defense, workers, schools, public health, transportation, housing, local community projects, and federal financial oversight. Congress also approved a short-term extension of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, ensuring the time needed to continue negotiations for proper oversight, accountability, and guardrails in the DHS bill.

“I voted to keep the government open and functioning because shutdowns hurt families, undermine public safety, and weaken essential services people rely on every day,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As an appropriator, my responsibility is to deliver results while making sure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and with accountability.

“In this instance, a shutdown would not stop DHS from operating due to the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill. A shutdown would only stop Congress from doing its job. We stand for accountability, oversight, and the rule of law. Walking away is not an option.

“DHS is a large and powerful department, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure enforcement is focused on the most serious threats – not families and individuals who have lived here for decades, worked hard, and contributed to our economy. This extension gives Congress the time needed to ensure enforcement is targeted against criminals.”

Beyond DHS, the funding bills deliver significant investments in health care, particularly for rural communities across South Texas.

“These bills include some of the strongest rural health care investments we’ve seen in years,” Dr. Cuellar added. “Health care is a cost-of-living issue, and access to care close to home matters for families.”

Dr. Cuellar helped secure $4.6 billion in funding for community health centers through 2026, the largest increase in more than a decade. The legislation also prevents $16 billion in hospital cuts that would have disproportionately affected rural hospitals and vulnerable patients. It strengthens Medicaid support for providers serving seniors and low-income populations and includes nearly $2 billion in value-based Medicare payments to physicians, supporting providers who treat patients with complex medical needs. Additional provisions support telehealth services, behavioral health care, maternal health programs, and the rural health care workforce.

“These investments help keep hospitals open, support doctors and nurses, and expand access to care in rural areas,” Dr. Cuellar said. “When providers have certainty, families save money and receive care closer to home.

“This is what governing looks like. You keep the government open, you assert congressional authority, and you use the tools you have to protect our communities.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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In Minneapolis, Pressley, Omar Visit with Community Members, Condemn ICE Attacks, Renew Calls to Abolish Agency

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

At the Invitation of Omar, Pressley Met with Organizers and Community Members Impacted by Violence Perpetrated by ICE

Photos (Dropbox) | Press Conference (YouTube)

MINNEAPOLIS – Last week, at the invitation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) went to Minneapolis to meet with organizers and community members impacted by ICE’s violent operation in Minnesota, where they have murdered bystanders, terrorized schools and small businesses, and abducted children and parents.

“I went to Minnesota to join my sister-in-service, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, to meet with community members, help my movement family process their grief, and listen and learn from them,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “Through our visits, it’s clear to me that the people of Minnesota—much like the people of Massachusetts—stand up for their neighbors. Whether organizing their blocks, protecting families at school drop off, or leading mutual aid drives, Minnesotans are showing us the blueprint for community response and proving what is possible when we unite for good. It was an honor to support Rep. Omar and her community—and I am fortified in our fight to resist and reject the cruelty of ICE and abolish this rogue agency once and for all.”

Last week, the lawmakers met with local businesses providing essential learning services, child and elder support, and culturally conscious food options that are seeing a lack in engagement from community members attributed to fear of going to work, school, shopping, and more. They also toured Karmel Mall, a hub holding over 100 small businesses and community organizations, many of which have reported a significant decline in business since Trump’s Operation Metro Surge began.

Rep. Pressley hosted a press conference with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) in which she condemned the violence perpetrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and renewed her calls to abolish ICE, impeach Kristi Noem, and end qualified immunity for ICE agents and other federal law enforcement. The presser followed the horrific ICE murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and comes as the Senate takes up the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, including $28 billion for ICE, which the Congresswoman voted against in the House.

Additionally, the lawmakers met with parents and neighbors protecting families and students at school drop-off, visited a church and coffee shop providing mutual aid packages, and engaged with Black leaders violently targeted by ICE. Many community members expressed that they are traumatized by and living in fear of ICE assaults, and turning to their community for support has provided essential solace and protection.

This month, following the ICE murder of Renee Good, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026, which builds on the lawmakers’ prior work by granting victims the right to sue federal law enforcement officers—not just state and local—for civil rights violations and abolishing the defense of qualified immunity in these suits. The expanded legislation would help deliver accountability for families abused by law enforcement, including ICE agents.

Congresswoman Pressley delivered a floor speech on the need to end qualified immunity for federal law enforcement, including immigration officers. Watch the floor speech here.

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Pressley condemned the ICE murder of Renee Good in Minnesota and motioned to subpoena all records and footage related to the shooting, but Republicans obstructed it. Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s motion to subpoena is here.

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