WATCH: CARTER REMEMBERS GEORGIANS KILLED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN CALL FOR ICE, BORDER PATROL FUNDING ON HOUSE FLOOR

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

Headline: WATCH: CARTER REMEMBERS GEORGIANS KILLED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN CALL FOR ICE, BORDER PATROL FUNDING ON HOUSE FLOOR

Rep. Carter speaks on the Secure America Act

Watch the Floor Remarks Here

“Madame Speaker, I rise today, infuriated by my Democratic colleagues who have put the safety and the security of American citizens last.

“First, they opened the border to millions of unvetted illegal immigrants; now, they have repeatedly refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents, failing in the number one responsibility of elected officials: keeping our citizens safe.

 

“The consequences have been devastating for families.

 

“Take for instance, my district. Linda Davis, a beloved special education teacher at Hesse K-8 school in Savannah, was killed by an illegal immigrant who rammed into her while fleeing law enforcement.

 

“Danny Sharpe, a husband, a father, a son, he was killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving under the influence and without a license in Effingham County.

 

“And then of course, in the state of Georgia, Laken Riley, a bright nursing student, who was murdered while out for what should have been a pleasant jog in Athens.

 

“Linda Davis. Danny Sharpe. Laken Riley.

 

“These are real people, real people who should be with us today. Their families have experienced unimaginable pain because of these reckless politics.

 

“It’s time for Democrats to do the right thing.

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LEADER JEFFRIES ON PBS: “DEMOCRATS ARE FOCUSED ON DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH COST OF LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on PBS NewsHour, where he reiterated that Democrats will continue to push back on the corruption of the Trump administration and work to lower the high cost of living on behalf of the American people.

GEOFF BENNETT: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, welcome back to the NewsHour.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.

GEOFF BENNETT: You have said that you will not support renewing the country’s warrantless spy powers, Section 702, so long as Bill Pulte remains as Acting Director of National Intelligence. Why make his appointment a red line?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Bill Pulte is deeply unqualified to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence, and he’s deeply dangerous. He’s got no national security experience, no military experience and no law enforcement experience. In fact, the statute explicitly requires that any person occupying this position of great sensitivity have national security experience in their professional background. Bill Pulte has zero of that. He’s also someone who has clearly demonstrated a willingness to weaponize the federal government against Donald Trump’s perceived adversaries. And so, under no circumstances should we trust the privacy interests or national security interests of the American people with Bill Pulte on top of Donald Trump and Kash Patel.

GEOFF BENNETT: Is this fundamentally a fight about a single personnel decision, or is this a broader statement about Democrats not trusting this administration to responsibly use surveillance authority?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Democrats definitively do not trust this administration to responsibly use surveillance authority, which is the reason why, from a policy perspective, we need increased protections related to both privacy and the civil liberties of the American people. There were already sensitive negotiations that were ongoing, and then Donald Trump chose to elevate this partisan political hack, Bill Pulte, into this position of great sensitivity, effectively tossing a hand grenade in the midst of these negotiations as we approach the deadline to potentially renew surveillance authority. Donald Trump needs to withdraw his decision to elevate Bill Pulte. That’s a starting point, not an ending point. And then we can see if we can responsibly get to a place where there are enough reforms built into the law to provide guardrails and protect the American people.

GEOFF BENNETT: If the administration replaced Mr. Pulte tomorrow, what reforms would Democrats want to see in the surveillance authority?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there have been ongoing discussions about the need for either a warrant requirement or a warrant-like requirement related to judicial oversight and approval, so that it’s not simply individuals within the Trump administration making decisions that could result in the targeting of American citizens. It’s definitively the case that responsible national security professionals, including non-partisan individuals at the FBI, have been able to utilize FISA authority in order to responsibly look after the national security interests of the American people, but we’ve repeatedly seen from the Trump administration the abuse of its authority and power, and that’s why we’re concerned. And by the way, there are many Republicans within the House of Representatives who are also concerned about government overreach as it relates to surveillance authority. And so, this, in our view, is a bipartisan issue that needs a decisive resolution.

GEOFF BENNETT: A bipartisan issue, I hear you say. The Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, called Democratic opposition terribly irresponsible. What’s your response to those Republicans who say that Democrats are using this critical intelligence program as leverage in a political fight?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The elevation of Bill Pulte is terribly irresponsible.

GEOFF BENNETT: Democrats have spent much of the past several months defining themselves by what they’re against—President Trump, his priorities, his appointments. If voters hand you the majority come November and you become Speaker, what are Democrats actually for? What’s the governing agenda as you see it?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re focused on driving down the high cost of living in the United States of America because we believe this country is far too expensive. There are millions of people who are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. They can’t thrive and they can barely survive. That should not be the case in the wealthiest country in the history of the world. So we need to drive down housing costs, drive down the cost of groceries, drive down the cost of utilities, drive down the cost of health insurance and drive down the cost child care to begin with, so that we can actually create meaningful opportunity for working-class individuals, middle-class individuals and all those folks who aspire to be part of the middle class.

GEOFF BENNETT: Are these issues on which you think you could work with the White House?

LEADER JEFFRIES: These are issues where we’re open to work with anyone who in good faith actually wants to improve the quality of life of the American people. The problem that we face is that Donald Trump lied to the American people. He said that costs were going to go down on day one. But here in this country, costs haven’t gone down, costs have gone up as a direct result of policies that Donald Trump and Republicans have put into place, including but not limited to the Trump Tariffs, which have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year, and now this reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, which has resulted in gas prices skyrocketing through the roof, further burdening the ability of everyday Americans to live an affordable life.

GEOFF BENNETT: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thanks again for your time this evening.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Davids Statement After Voting Against Partisan Budget That Fails to Lower Costs for Families

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

Bill Does Not Block Taxpayer-Funded Ballrooms or Slush Fund for Presidential Allies

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement after voting against a partisan budget bill that uses taxpayer dollars for controversial immigration enforcement instead of lowering costs for hardworking families.

“Kansans are struggling to afford gas, groceries, and rent. Instead of focusing on lowering those costs, Republicans in Congress are once again putting their party’s leaders over hardworking families.

“Yes, our immigration system is broken. But we don’t fix it with partisan bills that lack oversight. We fix it by coming together on bipartisan solutions that secure the border, address the fentanyl crisis, and treat families and children with dignity and due process.

“This is exactly why so many Kansans feel like Washington isn’t working for them — because what they see as Congress’ priorities don’t match their own. As always, I’m ready to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, on real solutions that bring down costs for Kansas families. It’s not always easy, but it’s always possible.”

Background

Today’s bill comes from a budget process known as reconciliation, which allows certain legislation to move through Congress on a simple majority vote and is often used for partisan priorities instead of bipartisan compromise.

Congressional Republicans could have used this bill to lower costs for families — the number one issue facing Americans right now — block the proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” for the president’s political allies and January 6 defendants, and prevent taxpayer dollars from being spent on ballrooms. Instead, they used it to advance partisan immigration priorities.

Last year’s partisan budget, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, already allocated $170 billion over four years for border enforcement. That is more than the yearly budget for all U.S. local and state law enforcement agencies combined. The largest percentage of that funding has gone to finding, detaining, and deporting immigrants already living in the U.S., most of whom have not committed a crime and many of whom have had lawful status.

Foster Statement on Republican Reconciliation Package

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after voting NO on Republicans’ reconciliation package:

“Republicans’ latest budget is a continuation of their so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ This legislation does nothing to ease the cost of living, lower health care expenses, or bring down gas prices. Instead, it awards an additional $70 billion to ICE and CBP with no guardrails—on top of the $140 billion already given to these agencies in 2025. Together, that amounts to roughly $600 per American spent on a deeply unpopular immigration enforcement operation that puts both U.S. citizens and immigrants at risk.

“At the same time, this legislation fails to rein in the DOJ’s proposed $1.8 billion slush fund, which would give taxpayer-funded payouts to Trump’s family members, donors, and January 6 cop killers. This level of corruption cannot continue to go unchecked by Congressional Republicans.”

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Congressman Baird Votes to Pass Secure America Act, Keep Hoosiers Safe

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Votes to Pass Secure America Act, Keep Hoosiers Safe

Washington, June 9, 2026

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Secure America Act to fund the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through Fiscal Year 2029:

“Congressional Democrats have repeatedly demonstrated a reckless disregard for our border and national security,” said Congressman Baird. “They shut down DHS for 75 days, leaving law enforcement officers, disaster response personnel, and cybersecurity officials without proper funding to defend our country and help Americans in need. I will not allow Hoosiers to go without disaster aid or be left vulnerable to dangerous criminal illegal immigrants and illicit, deadly drugs because of an unfunded DHS. I was proud to vote for the Secure America Act, which provides our brave CBP and ICE agents with the funding and tools they need to carry out their mission. These men and women work tirelessly every day to secure our borders and protect innocent Americans. Hoosiers’ safety and security remain my top priority, and I will continue to stand with our ICE and CBP officers who keep Indiana and our nation safe.”

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Carbajal Condemns Republican Push to Boost ICE Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) voted against the Republican-led reconciliation bill to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with an extra $70 billion in funding. Carbajal issued the statement below following the vote.

“At a time when families on the Central Coast and across the country are struggling to afford groceries, housing, gas, and even basic medical care, Republicans have chosen to hand ICE yet another $70 billion blank check. ICE has become an out‑of‑control agency using extreme tactics that terrorize our communities — including right here on the Central Coast. They should not receive a single additional dollar until they undergo commonsense reforms and are held accountable for the violence they’ve instigated nationwide, from Carpinteria to Newark.

“This package also fails to block Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund designed to reward the criminals who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Once again, Trump and his enablers in Congress are funneling money to their political allies and cronies while working families are left without support. Let’s call it what it is: extreme corruption. While Republicans bury their heads in the sand, my Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting for working people and pushing to hold Trump accountable for his many abuses of power,” said Rep. Carbajal.

Carbajal is a leader in Congress in pushing for commonsense immigration reform and holding federal immigration enforcement officers accountable.

Last month, Carbajal conducted an oversight visit to the Adelanto ICE processing facility to meet with detainees, three of which are Central Coast constituents. The detained constituents are from Goleta, Santa Maria, and Ojai. The Congressman also assessed conditions in the facility and inquired about the reported deaths of detainees. 

The May 14th Adelanto visit marks Carbajal’s third oversight visit to an ICE facility since the current Trump administration began. He previously visited the Santa Maria ICE processing facility twice in 2025. 

In February 2026, Carbajal joined over 50 Members of Congress outside of ICE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to call for the firing of former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

In June 2025, Carbajal co-sponsored the No Secret Police Act, which would require law enforcement officers and agents of DHS engaged in border security and civil immigration enforcement to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals and to ban them from using home-made, non-tactical masks.  

In July 2025, Carbajal co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Dignity Act, a bipartisan bill that would introduce reforms into our country’s immigration system. The bill includes commonsense reforms to legal status and protections for undocumented immigrants, border security investments, and improved asylum and visa processes.

In the same month, Carbajal introduced the Fight for the American Dream Act, legislation that allows participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program to serve in the United States military and provides them a pathway toward U.S. citizenship after their service.

In June 2025, Carbajal introduced the Protect Patriot Parents Act, which would make parents of U.S. military servicemembers eligible for Lawful Permanent Resident status, preventing potential deportations or separations of military families.

Carbajal is also a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which establishes a program for agricultural workers in the United States to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contributions to the U.S. agricultural economy.

Wagner Votes to Fund Law Enforcement, Keep Border Secure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of S. 2, the Secure America Act:

“I will always stand with our men and women in law enforcement, whether it is at the federal, state, or local level. The passage of this bill will ensure our Homeland Security agents and investigators have the resources they need to keep the American people safe for years to come. I am beyond proud that this legislation includes a specific allocation of over $100 million solely dedicated to increasing and enhancing child sexual exploitation investigations. This is an issue I have led on for years, and the bill now heading to the President’s desk will protect our children and put predators behind bars where they belong.

“Our Customs and Border Protection officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents put their lives in harm’s way to stop the flow of deadly drugs to our shores and keep criminals out of our communities. We have seen incredible success so far, with twelve straight months of zero releases at our southern border. It is unconscionable that Democrats in the House and Senate wish to strip funding from these crucial agencies, prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens. With the passage of this bill, our neighborhoods, our state, and our nation will be safer.”

Cole Announces OK-04 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACTOlivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:

Katelyn Estes of Stratford, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Estes attends Stratford High School and studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the Congressional Art Competition, Estes submitted artwork titled “Spirit of the Plains,” which is a charcoal piece of a bison head. The art will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

“I am excited to congratulate Katelyn on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her bison piece makes it clear just how talented she is. It is truly beautiful and I know Katelyn has a bright future ahead of her.”

When asked about her artwork, Estes said, “My inspiration this year was a Bison. This was my first time using charcoal for a drawing. I’m surprised by how much fun I had experimenting with this medium and by how well it turned out for my first time. Our local vet is also a bison ranch, and I think it’s super cool that I live only five miles away from it. The one that I chose to draw was from there. I wanted this drawing to showcase the overlooked beauty of the bison that I, and many other people, drive past every day. My favorite part to draw was definitely the eye; it’s what gives the piece a soul.”

“I am so proud of Katelyn. She has worked so hard and just keeps getting better. She loves creating and her work shows it. She has had a great senior year, and winning this great honor just caps off an outstanding year,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.

In addition to naming Katelyn the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels. Out of the hundreds of votes cast, artwork by Jessica Gibson and Wren Hobbs received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.

“Each year that we hold the Congressional Art Competition, I am so impressed by the many skilled high school students from across the Fourth District. While only one piece can be chosen to make its way to D.C., I think it is important to recognize the other talented students by holding the People’s Choice competition, as so many of the pieces are so beautiful. Therefore, I am thrilled to name Jessica and Wren as this year’s second and third-place winners. I can’t wait to have their art hanging in my office this year,” said Congressman Cole.

Jessica Gibson, the second-place winner, resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and attends Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast, where she studies art under her teacher, Amber Crump. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “Myriad in Bloom,” which is an acrylic painting of downtown Oklahoma City at the myriad botanical gardens.

When asked about her inspiration for her artwork, Gibson said, “I decided to paint downtown because it’s not what everyone thinks of when they think of Oklahoma. I wanted to highlight the growing metropolitan side of our state. I especially love the way it looks in spring with all the red buds and flowers blooming underneath our watercolor painted skies. America celebrates its 250th anniversary soon and I think downtown Oklahoma City is a beautiful representation of how far we’ve come in that time.”

“As Ms. Gibson’s art teacher at Classen School for Advanced Studies H.S., it is no surprise that she does well competitively. Her dynamic usage of color and her ability to capture her visions for others to see set her apart as an aspiring young artist. She is driven and experimentary in her approach to creation. I am honored to have her in class and can not wait to see how she grows and develops her craft over the next couple of years. Thank you for extending this competition to young artists across your district. Art competitions such as this one help to keep arts & art programs valid in public schools.,” said Crump, Classen School for Advanced Studies Art Teacher.

Wren Hobbs of Norman, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. She attends Norman North High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the Congressional Art Competition, Hobbs submitted artwork titled “Still Home,” which is a pencil drawing of the endangered piping plover on a beach surrounded by trash.

“My piece is inspired by my passion for avian conservation and the importance of protecting bird populations. It is one of the pieces from my AP art portfolio,” said Hobbs.

” It’s rare to have a student not only dedicated to their craft, but also to a cause. I’ve been lucky enough to know Wren all four of her years in high school, and during that time I’ve seen her grow as an artist and an advocate for animal conservation. She’s been an active participant in showing her art in contests/shows, and in leading our school’s environmental club. When you look at the line work in her drawings, you can see the attention to detail with her carefully curated colors – but also the accuracy of the animals and their environments. She takes the time to learn their history and struggles and uses her art to teach others. I’m so proud of what she’s achieved as not only an artist, but an educator in animal rights,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.

Background on the Congressional Art Competition:

Each spring, the Congressional Art Institute sponsors a nationwide competition for high school students with an interest in art and looking for an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent.

This year, the first-place winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., including two Southwest Airlines tickets, to attend the awards ceremony. 

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Cole Statement on the Secure America Act

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACTOlivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after supporting the Secure America Act, which delivers long-term funding for ICE and Border Patrol personnel, immigration enforcement operations, and other critical homeland security priorities after repeated efforts by Senate Democrats to obstruct funding, trigger government shutdowns, and derail the regular appropriations process:

“Terrorists. Cartels. Human traffickers. Drug smugglers. Each day, ICE and Border Patrol agents and officers confront these threats head-on to keep America safe. It’s exactly why I have consistently voted to comprehensively resource these law enforcement professionals as they carry out their security missions. While the far-left hoped to eradicate funding for critical operations and weaken our border security apparatus, House Republicans have made clear that we will continue to support those who defend our homeland and keep our communities safe.

“I do not regret the objective of our actions today, but I am appalled by the complete failure of Senate Democrats that led us to this moment. Chuck Schumer and his radical caucus twice shut down the government, instigating chaos across the nation. Since then, they have continued to diminish Article I and forced the use of reconciliation. It’s wrong – and deliberately undermines the appropriations process.

“The Constitution entrusts Congress with the power of the purse. Yet, in great irony, the Senate has shown greater concern for protecting an internal rule than fulfilling its constitutional duty. The filibuster is nothing more than an institutional habit. It is neither mentioned nor sanctioned in our founding documents. I would remind my peers on the other side of the Rotunda that no chamber precedent is greater than the bedrock of our Republic. Members swear an oath to uphold the Constitution – not the filibuster.

“I thoroughly regret the erosion of Article I authority that Senate Democrats have instigated, and the price everyday Americans have been forced to pay as a result. I hope the months-long charade that led us to this moment serves as a reminder that no partisan fixation is worth shutting down the government, abandoning constitutional responsibilities, and forcing Congress into extraordinary measures simply to perform its most basic duties.

“I believe in the Constitution, the power of the purse, and completing the appropriations process. I also believe in keeping the homeland safe. The Senate may have abandoned proper governing, but I will not abandon those who stand watch over our borders and protect our communities.

“Our work, of course, doesn’t end here. As the Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations markups near completion, I am reminded that governing is a choice. The work I do, the votes I cast, and the actions I take will always be guided by one principle: fulfilling our obligations to the American people,” said Congressman Cole.

Background:

  • Funding the government is a constitutional imperative.
  • Senate Democrats initiated both the longest full and partial government shutdowns in U.S. history.
  • The House and Senate previously struck a bipartisan and bicameral deal to finalize all Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills.
  • The House acted expeditiously to pass these bills, marking historic progress for our appropriations process and progress to return to ‘regular order.’
  • After helping negotiate the deal, Senate Democrats altered it at the last minute, undermining DHS funding.
  • Shutting down DHS didn’t achieve immigration results or zero out resources for U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as Democrats hoped.
  • In fact, the very reforms Democrats originally helped secure in the Fiscal Year 2026 bill, which included requiring the use of body-worn cameras, placing restrictions on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like hospitals and schools, increasing congressional oversight, and requiring agents to wear visible officer identification while carrying out immigration enforcement activities, were lost since they rejected the bill.
  • Congressman Cole has consistently made it clear that government shutdowns are reckless and harmful.
  • Due to the inability of Senate Democrats to uphold their full FY26 negotiated commitments, Congress was forced to pursue reconciliation to fully fund critical homeland security operations.
  • The Secure America Act will provide long-term funding for ICE and Border Patrol and border security enforcement operations through Fiscal Year 2029.

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Casten Statement on the Reckless Republican Budget

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

June 09, 2026

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding the Reckless Republican Budget:

“It is beyond irresponsible to hand ICE – an agency that has murdered Americans, kidnapped people off our streets, and ignored the constitutional rights of those they’ve detained – a $70 billion check and no accountability. To do so less than one year after providing ICE with an additional $140 billion in the Big Ugly Bill is downright negligent.

“The funding bill passed by the House today fails to include even the most basic guardrails to prevent further abuses by the Department of Homeland Security, protect due process rights, or address the agency’s repeated and catastrophic failures.

“Congressional Republicans could have used this budget to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to compensate January 6th rioters who attacked police officers defending our Capitol. The president has repeatedly stated his intention to do so. Democrats offered amendments to prevent public funds from being used in this way, but Republicans refused to support them.

“Americans have been asking Congress and the Trump Administration to address the skyrocketing cost of living. That is what the reconciliation process should have been used for. Instead, Congressional Republicans chose to waste another $70 billion on an agency focused on brutalizing Americans in our streets. This bill will forever be a stain on all who supported it.”

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