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January 13, 2026

RELEASE: REP. FRENCH HILL STATEMENT ON FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN POWELL

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

RELEASE: REP. FRENCH HILL STATEMENT ON FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN POWELL

Washington D.C., January 12, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement regarding Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell:

“I’ve known Chairman Powell since we worked together at Treasury during the George H.W. Bush Administration. Then, as now, I know Mr. Powell to be a man of integrity with a strong commitment to public service. While over the years we have had our policy disagreements, I found him to be forthright, candid, and a person of the highest integrity.

“Pursuing criminal charges relating to his testimony on building renovations at a time when the nation’s economy requires focus creates an unnecessary distraction. The Federal Reserve is led by strong, capable individuals appointed by President Trump, and this action could undermine this and future Administrations’ ability to make sound monetary policy decisions.

“We must stay focused on our work to foster more opportunities with higher wages and faster economic growth for the American people.”

January 13, 2026

Members of Congress Return to Court After Trump-Vance Administration Denies Access to Conduct Oversight of Immigration Detention Facilities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

January 12, 2026

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretly Re-Imposes Unlawful Policy and Denies Members of Congress Access Despite Federal Court Order in Neguse et al. v. ICE

Washington, D.C. — Twelve Members of Congress have returned to federal court after the Trump-Vance administration secretly re-imposed a policy that blocks unannounced congressional oversight of federal immigration detention facilities. The Members filed a motion urgently asking the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order the administration to explain how this new policy is not a violation of federal law guaranteeing Members of Congress the ability to conduct oversight of ICE facilities. The court’s December order affirmed all Members’ rights under federal law to conduct this oversight.

The lawsuit, Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al., was filed in July 2025 after the Trump-Vance administration unlawfully imposed a policy requiring Members of Congress to give advance notice before conducting oversight visits at immigration detention facilities, interfering with Congress’s constitutional oversight authority, and preventing lawmakers from examining conditions and government conduct as incidents of violence against detainees was on the rise.

Last month, the court preliminarily stopped DHS’s policy, affirming the rights of Members to conduct unannounced visits. However, after an ICE officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen last week, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem quietly signed a new memorandum reinstating the same seven-day notice requirement. The existence of the memo, which had not been shared with plaintiffs or the court, only came to light after three members of the Minnesota congressional delegation were subsequently denied access to an ICE facility in Minnesota, despite having the court order in hand.

The plaintiffs include Rep. Norma Torres, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; and Rep. Raul Ruiz.

In a joint statement, the plaintiffs said: “In December, a federal court acted to restore Members of Congress’s ability to conduct essential congressional oversight on behalf of the American people. Now, rather than complying with the law, the Department of Homeland Security is attempting to get around this order by re-imposing the same unlawful policy. This is unacceptable. Oversight is a core responsibility of Members of Congress, and a constitutional duty we do not take lightly. It is not something the executive branch can turn on or off at will. Today, we are going back to court to defend the rule of law, protect transparency, and ensure that no administration can hide behind closed doors.”

Read the filing HERE.

The Members of Congress are represented in this suit by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight.

“What are they hiding? Why does the Trump-Vance administration continue to implement policies to block members of Congress – who represent the people and have legal obligations to conduct oversight – from accessing ICE facilities? The answer has become more and more clear: what ICE is doing is harmful and indefensible, and this administration does not want checks and balances,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “A federal court issued an order in December preventing the Trump-Vance administration’s attempts to prevent individual members of Congress from conducting oversight, and yet Secretary Noem and DHS appear to be seeking to circumvent the court’s order. This threat to the rule of law and our system of checks and balances should concern every single American. We look forward to seeking answers in court about what the government has done here.”

“The Trump administration has now made clear that it is willing to defy both Congress and the courts to conceal conditions inside immigration detention facilities, effectively enabling — if not openly endorsing — ongoing abuse and neglect,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “A federal court affirmed that members of Congress have a clear legal right to conduct unannounced oversight visits, yet DHS appears to have quietly resurrected the very policy the court stopped. That kind of end-run around the law undermines transparency, accountability, and the constitutional system of checks and balances. We are proud to stand with members of Congress as they demand that the administration explain their latest secrecy and obstruction.”

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January 13, 2026

LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES PARLIAMENTARIAN OF STEERING & POLICY COMMITTEE

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

January 13, 2026

Griffith Statement on Helping Federal Corrections Officers, USP Lee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is working to encourage the Trump Administration to protect the collective bargaining rights of Virginia’s federal corrections officers. Currently, Executive Order 14251, “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” provides an exemption to members of law enforcement and national security roles. Unfortunately, the exemptions do not include federal corrections officers as law enforcement.

As Congressman Griffith continues his efforts on this issue, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“I greatly respect and admire the work of our federal corrections officers, including those who serve USP Lee.

“Through letters to the White House and discussions with Congressional liaisons, I am hopeful that President Trump will amend his Executive Order to help our federal corrections officers and ensure USP Lee corrections officers receive access to their labor union.”

BACKGROUND

USP Lee is a high-security federal prison. It is the only federal prison in Virginia’s Ninth District, and houses more than 1,300 inmates.

Congressman Griffith has toured USP Lee and has hosted USP Lee personnel for meetings in his Washington, DC office.

Congressman Griffith’s most recent letter to President Trump can be found here.

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January 13, 2026

Magaziner, Jayapal, Ocasio-Cortez Statement in Response to House GOP Leadership Stock Trading Proposal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), leaders in the effort to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks and original co-sponsors of the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act, released the following statement in response to a stock-trading proposal released today and backed by House Republican leadership.

“Any bill that still allows Members of Congress to own and trade stocks falls far short of what the American people want and deserve. We are disappointed that the bill introduced by Republican leadership today fails to deliver the reform that is needed and instead protects the wealthiest Members of Congress by allowing them to continue to hold and sell stock.

While this bill prohibits Members from buying new stocks, it does nothing to remove the conflict of interest that arises from owning or selling existing stocks. Members can still act on legislation, investigations, and briefings that directly influence the value of their stocks for personal benefit.

The American public deserves to know that Members of Congress are making decisions in the public interest, not in the interest of their own pocketbooks. The only way to restore Americans’ trust is to ban Members of Congress from owning and trading stocks.

We hope that Speaker Johnson will find the courage to move the Restore Trust in Congress Act, a bipartisan consensus bill that has wide support from members of both parties and will end the practice of Members of Congress owning and trading stocks once and for all.”

Issues: Government Reform & Ethics

January 13, 2026

Valadao, Fong Welcome Administrator Oz to Bakersfield for Healthcare Roundtable

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

BAKERSFIELD, CA – On Saturday, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in Bakersfield for a roundtable focused on healthcare challenges facing the Central Valley. The conversation brought together healthcare providers from across the community to discuss H.R. 1, the new Rural Health Transformation Program, and upcoming CMS regulations and federal policies affecting both patients and providers.

Prior to the roundtable, Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, and Dr. Oz participated in a site visit at Kern Medical. During the tour, they saw Kern Medical’s new mobile health clinics, the medical student union building, and had a chance to speak with the hospital’s doctors and nurses about the lifesaving care they provide to the community.

“Ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for Central Valley families is one of my top priorities, which is why I was honored to welcome Dr. Oz to Bakersfield to hear directly from our local healthcare leaders,” said Congressman Valadao. “For years, I’ve worked closely with providers, patients, and advocates to better understand the challenges facing our hospitals and rural communities, and today’s conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. I appreciate Dr. Oz taking the time to engage with those on the front lines, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make sure the implementation of new policies and regulations allow our providers to keep serving our region effectively.”

“It was an honor to welcome CMS Administrator Dr. Oz to the Central Valley to hear directly from our community,” said Congressman Fong. “Ensuring access to quality rural healthcare is essential, and his visit underscored the federal government’s commitment to regions like ours. By engaging directly with local hospital leaders, Administrator Oz reaffirmed that the needs of Central Valley families are a priority. Today’s policy roundtable with local healthcare providers continues our work to strengthen healthcare access across our region.”

“The Trump administration is investing $50 billion to transform rural health care across the country, including in California’s Central Valley,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “But investing that money effectively means working closely with lawmakers and local stakeholders. That’s why I was happy to attend today’s roundtable with Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, members of the community, and representatives from more than two dozen Central Valley health care providers. By working together, we can help build a country where every American, regardless of ZIP code, has access to affordable, high-quality health care.”

“Kern Medical appreciates the visit by Dr. Oz, Congressman Valadao, and Congressman Fong, and the opportunity to participate in a productive discussion with regional healthcare leaders. These conversations are important as policymakers continue to evaluate the challenges facing hospitals that serve rural and underserved communities. We value the opportunity to share information and perspectives and look forward to continued engagement with federal and state partners,” said Scott Thygerson, Kern Medical CEO.

Attendees included representatives from Kern Medical, Kern Family Healthcare, Adventist Health Bakersfield, Sierra View Medical Center, Valley Fever Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Kern County Public Health, Kings County Department of Public Health, Psychiatric Wellness Center, Kaweah Health Medical Center, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, Clinica Sierra Vista, Hall Ambulance, Centric Health CA, Houchin Blood Bank, California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc., Valley Children’s Healthcare, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Tulare Pregnancy Center, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, Telehealth Docs Medical Group, Kern County Human Services, Family HealthCare Network, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Central Valley Health Network, Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, Quality Team HomeCare, Community Health System, and VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, in addition to other members of the community.

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January 13, 2026

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON MISSISSIPPI SYNAGOGUE ARSON ATTACK

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

January 13, 2026

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON PROTESTS IN IRAN

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

January 12, 2026

RELEASE: HILL VOTES TO PASS THREE FY26 APPROPRIATIONS BILLS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after the House passed three bipartisan government funding bills for Fiscal Year 2026 by a vote of 397-28: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science; and Energy and Water:

“House Republicans are doing our part to move Congress back toward responsible governance. Today, we passed three more appropriations bills, bringing our total to six of the twelve needed to fully fund the government for fiscal year 2026.

“This is how Congress is supposed to work, with members debating and voting on spending bills instead of relying on continuing resolutions. Today’s bipartisan bills cut wasteful spending, advance conservative priorities, and protect resources that Arkansas families and communities rely on. That’s the kind of responsible governance the American people expect, and that’s what Republicans are working to deliver.”

Further Background:

These appropriations bills fund the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Energy and Water for Fiscal Year 2026. During the House Appropriations process, Rep. Hill wrote in support of the following programs benefiting central Arkansas, which were included in the bills below:

Energy and Water:

$47.2 million for Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance Additional Funding for Ongoing Work Inland Waterways maintenance, for which McClennan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Oklahoma can compete in addition to $60.5 million included for the project from the budget request.
$531.6 million for Corps of Engineers Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries.
$1.8 billion for the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy
$1 million for expanding rural capabilities of the ETAC in the Department of Energy.

Interior and Environment:

$45 million for the Forest Service Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness, which supports the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
$49 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North American Wetlands Conservation Fund (NAWCA).
$25.2 million for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Assistance for Wastewater Treatment Works grant program.
$30.7 million for the EPA’s National Priorities Rural Water Technical Assistance grant programs, including $26 million for Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act grants, $3.45 million for grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations for technical assistance for individuals and private well owners, and $1.25 million for grants to qualified organizations for the sole purpose of providing on-site training and technical assistance for wastewater systems.

Commerce, Justice, Science

$30 million for the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Repayment grant program.
$44 million for the Regional Information Sharing Systems program within the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring program.

January 12, 2026

SCHNEIDER CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF KRISTI NOEM AS HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement calling for removal of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security:

“The tragic, horrific fatal shooting of an American citizen by an ICE officer in Minneapolis yesterday points to a profound failure of leadership at the highest levels of the Department of Homeland Security.

“The killing of Renee Good is not simply the result of one officer’s actions. It is the product of an enforcement culture that has grown increasingly aggressive, unaccountable, violent, and chaotic. ICE’s actions in Minnesota and across the country, including in Illinois, are not making us safer. Instead, they are bringing fear and violence to our streets under the direction of Secretary Noem.

“As Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem is responsible for setting the standards and oversight that govern ICE operations. She has abjectly failed in that responsibility. When federal law enforcement wantonly takes the life of an American, leadership must answer for it.

“Secretary Noem must resign or be removed from office. If President Trump refuses to act to protect the lives, rights, and safety of innocent Americans, Congress cannot look away.

“I am prepared to support congressional action, up to and including impeachment, to ensure accountability and reaffirm that no one is above the law.”

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