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Reps. Panetta, Valadao, Thompson Lead Bipartisan Group of California Members in Requesting Québec Lift Ban on American Wine Imports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), David Valadao (CA-22), and Mike Thompson (CA-04) led a bipartisan coalition of 14 California lawmakers in requesting that Québec Premier Christine Fréchette remove the current restrictions barring the importation and sale of American wine in Québec.

“Unfortunately, the restriction on American wine has had damaging consequences for regional consumers, businesses, and producers who had no influence over national policies,” wrote the lawmakers. “Québec consumers have historically enjoyed access to a wide variety of American wines, and their absence limits choice in the marketplace, while cutting off a $434 million market.” 

“Reopening the market to American wine would restore consumer choice and signal a commitment to restoring fair and balanced trade for Québecois consumers and American wineries who have no connection to the underlying trade disputes,” continued the lawmakers.

The lawmakers highlighted the United States’ extended history of close collaboration with Québec through a relationship built on shared trade, culture, and economic success. Québec’s top export market is the United States, and the United States is Québec’s largest supplier. Nearly three quarters of Québec’s 2024 exports went to the United States, worth a total of $91.2 billion, and a third of Québec’s total imports in recent years have come from the U.S.

In addition to Reps. Panetta, Valadao, and Thompson, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) and Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Jim Costa (CA-21), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Young Kim (CA-40), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15) also signed the letter.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Premier Fréchette:

Thank you for your recent visit to Washington and your work to promote U.S.-Québec trade relations. In pursuit of that shared goal, we are writing to express our belief that lifting the current restrictions on the importation and sale of American wine in Québec would be beneficial to both Québec and the United States.

The United States and Québec share a long-standing relationship grounded in trade, cultural exchange, and mutual economic benefit. As you know, the U.S. is the top export market for Québec and received 73.5 percent of Québec’s exports in 2024, worth $91.2 billion. The United States is also Québec’s largest supplier, accounting for 33.3 percent of total imports in past years.

Unfortunately, the restriction on American wine has had damaging consequences for regional consumers, businesses, and producers who had no influence over national policies. Québec consumers have historically enjoyed access to a wide variety of American wines, and their absence limits choice in the marketplace, while cutting off a $434 million market.

Reopening the market to American wine would restore consumer choice and signal a commitment to restoring fair and balanced trade for Québecois consumers and American wineries who have no connection to the underlying trade disputes. We would welcome the opportunity to continue to engage in dialogue and work collaboratively toward a resolution.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

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Jayapal Voting Positions — Week of June 1, 2026

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

The week of June 1, 2026, I was in India, attending to a serious medical emergency involving my mother. During that time, I unfortunately missed the votes listed below on the House Floor. Please find information on how I would have voted for each of these pieces of legislation, and I look forward to returning to Washington, D.C. next week.

H.R. 2860 – the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025: YES

H.R. 7726* – the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026: NO

H.Con.Res 86 — a War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran: YES (see my full statement)

Democratic Motion to Discharge H.Res. 518 — a procedural vote to bring H.R. 2913 (below) to the House Floor for a vote: YES

H.Con.Res 84 — a War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from Lebanon: YES

H.Res. 1336 — a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules: NO

H.R. 8646 – the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027: NO

H.R. 2913 — passage of the Ukraine Support Act: YES

* Earlier this year, HHS abruptly froze $10 billion in childcare and family services funding to five states – all with Democratic governors – based on unsubstantiated fraud allegations and without producing a shred of evidence. The Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026 would only expand Republicans’ ability to retaliate against states and exacerbate harms to an overwhelmed childcare system. It would triple the administrative requirements for states to receive federal child care funds, forcing states to spend more time, money, and manpower on unnecessary red tape. It would also dramatically expand the Administration’s punitive powers over childcare providers and states, and Republicans’ intentional lack of guardrails will hand a vengeful administration the tools to act on political grievances at the expense of working families.

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House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, Hoyer, Fitzpatrick, Kaptur, Keating, Bacon, and Kiley Issue Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Ukraine Support Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05); Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Don Bacon (NE-02); and Kevin Kiley (CA-03) today issued the following statement on the passage of Ranking Member Meeks’ bipartisan Ukraine Support Act, the first comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia to pass the House in the 119th Congress.

“Inaction on Ukraine ends now. Today’s bipartisan vote to pass the Ukraine Support Act demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people and that we will hold the criminal Russian regime accountable for its illegal war. I thank my Democratic colleagues and my Republican colleagues who’ve co-sponsored this bill, without whom this vote would not have been possible. And I especially thank the Ukrainian American community and all those Americans standing with Ukraine, for their tireless efforts to see this bill move forward. Now the Senate must follow suit, and work with our bipartisan group in the House to deliver the most comprehensive package possible to the President’s desk for his immediate signature,”said Ranking Member Meeks.

“Today’s vote was a victory for Ukraine, for the United States, for freedom, and for international law.  It was made possible because Democrats and Republicans came together behind an effort that is bigger than partisan politics – it’s about whether our nation will hold firm to its ideals and stand up for democracy, and I thank my Republican colleagues who joined us.  The people of Ukraine are demonstrating that they have what it takes to win this war and outlast what Vladimir Putin can throw at them.  But they cannot do it alone.  Europe has stepped up, and America has been a critical partner – but we have not approved a major Ukraine-assistance package since 2024.  It’s time for the Senate to follow the House and act quickly on this $8 billion in security assistance and broad, sweeping sanctions so Ukrainians can continue to push ahead toward victory,”said Rep. Hoyer. 

“Putin is counting on America to grow tired, divided, and distracted. Today, with a historic bipartisan vote, the House sent the opposite message,”said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus.“Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and survival, but the stakes do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American security, allied strength, and moral clarity—and it tells the world that aggression will not be met with hesitation or retreat. From the start of Russia’s illegal war of terror, I have worked to ensure America’s policy is rooted in peace through strength: equipping Ukraine to win, holding Putin accountable, and ensuring brutality never becomes leverage. This legislation gives force to that principle, and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who stood with us on the side of freedom. Now, the Senate must do the same.”

“The Ukraine Support Act which the House passed today with Democratic, Republican, and Independent support was a choice between Liberty and Tyranny. Our Free World must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable, It is fundamental,”said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus.“The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking for charity, they’re asking for US partnership with that of our closest allies in the European Union. Today we said loud and clear: we stand with Ukraine, we need sanctions on Russia, and we will always stand by our allies. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation with haste and help us reassure our allies around the world of America’s unwavering commitment to Liberty loving people everywhere. If we do not, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.”

“The importance of Ukraine’s success against Russia’s war of aggression cannot be overstated.  We should be assisting them because it is the right thing to do, but at the very least, we are obligated to do it in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum.  Passage of the Ukraine Support Act would demonstrate the House’s continued support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. Critically, this bill includes billions in additional military assistance and comprehensive Russia sanctions,”said Ranking Member Keating.“I am proud to have co-led the introduction of this legislation and greatly appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received from Democratic and Republican members of the House. I urge the Senate to take it up so the United States can continue to support our ally Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.”

“Tonight, the House faced a Churchill vs. Chamberlain moment. Stand on the side of freedom and democracy, or show weakness to an invading thug who wants to restore Russian domination over a free people. Tonight, we chose Churchill,”said Rep. Bacon. “In 2024, I visited Ukraine and witnessed firsthand the devastation and cruelty that Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. That trip and the courage of the Ukrainians have bolstered my belief that America must continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion, and the bipartisan vote this evening proves that support still exists here in Congress. I strongly urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation without delay to provide Ukraine the military aid it needs to win and impose tough sanctions that further isolate and punish Putin.”

“I provided the decisive signature to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act because the time for Congress to act is now. Today, in a bipartisan way, we made it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We made it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence. This is the leverage needed for constructive negotiations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace,”said Rep. Kiley.

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Huffman, Dexter Expose USDA Official’s Conflicts of Interest as GOP Chairman Shuts Down Ethics Question

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

The scandal lands as Trump’s cuts leave the Forest Service gutted heading into a dangerous fire season

June 05, 2026

Washington, D.C. – At a Federal Lands Subcommittee oversight hearing yesterday, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) pressed Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on Under Secretary Michael Boren’s conflicts of interest and the advisors with personal ties to Boren now embedded in agency leadership.

When Democrats laid out evidence that one of those advisors may have misled federal ethics officials, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) intervened to stop the chief from answering.

Boren, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, oversees the Forest Service. His ethics agreement requires him to stay away from matters involving the Sawtooth Conservation and Recreation Alliance, a private property rights group of wealthy landowners that he helped found and that has clashed repeatedly with the agency over his Sawtooth National Forest properties. The point of that rule is simple: a public official should not make decisions that put themselves before the American people.

In his opening statement, Huffman said the administration is following the President’s playbook of corruption. He said Boren “appears to have planted his own yes men in the agency to give him a clear path to influencing decisions that impact his own properties in the Sawtooth National Forest,” and that “despite ethics guidance, he has used his wealth to silence his detractors by relaunching a dormant SLAPP suit against two seniors for having the audacity to speak out” against a controversial airstrip he built within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. against his unpermitted airstrip in a national forest years ago.”
Under questioning, Huffman asked Schultz directly whether he and Boren had ever discussed the Sawtooth National Forest. Schultz conceded they had, telling the subcommittee, “It’s possible that we have. I can’t say for certain that we haven’t… we definitely talked about Sawtooth before he came into this job.”
Dexter pressed the chief on the advisors now shaping the agency from the inside, noting that the Forest Service has forced out experienced scientists while installing political appointees with personal connections to Boren, including a senior advisor who is Boren’s neighbor and a member of the same organization Boren is barred from working with. Schultz confirmed that three of his advisors have personal connections to Boren, though he maintained they report to him rather than to the Undersecretary.

Dexter then moved to enter four documents into the record: Boren’s ethics recusal, two ethics documents for fellow SCRA leader Ken Verheyen, and an annual report filed with the Idaho Secretary of State on May 8, 2026. Together, the documents show that Verheyen told USDA ethics officials that his SCRA leadership ended in September 2025, which left his ethics guidance silent on the group, while the Idaho filing eight months later still listed him as a director. Both cannot be true. Democrats asked Schultz to commit to determining which one and reporting back within a week. Lying to a federal ethics official violates federal law and can carry criminal penalties.

Before the chief could answer, Chairman Tiffany cut in, declared the question out of order, and told Schultz he did not have to respond. The documents were entered into the record, and the chairman moved to close the hearing.

Background

Over the past year, the Trump administration has moved on several fronts that weaken the Forest Service and put the lands it protects at risk. President Trump is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening nearly 59 million acres of national forest to logging and new road construction, a giveaway his Agriculture Secretary announced last June. His administration moved to hand the Superior National Forest watershed next to the Boundary Waters to a foreign mining company, tearing up protections that took years of science and public input to build, and Congressional Republicans cleared the way by ramming a resolution through the House and Senate. And the administration is forcing through a reorganization that shutters research facilities and relocates the agency’s headquarters to Salt Lake City.

The damage falls hardest on the communities that depend on these forests. Under Trump, the agency has shed roughly a quarter of its workforce since the start of 2025. It treated about 35% fewer acres for hazardous fuels in 2025 than the year before, the brush-clearing work that keeps fires away from homes, even as forecasters warn 2026 could be one of the worst fire years on record. Republicans spent the hearing praising these moves while families across fire country are left with a weaker agency heading into a dangerous summer.

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Representative Adriano Espaillat Slams House Republicans’ Cuts to Affordable Housing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Espaillat voted against Republican committee bill limiting pathways to home ownership and affordable housing for low-income communities.

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) denounced House Republicans’ efforts to advance their fiscal year 2027 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) funding bill out of the full committee. While Americans struggle with the high cost of living, the bill makes it more expensive for Americans to keep a roof over their heads, commute to work and school, and have a chance at homeownership.

 

“I have been adamant in my opposition to the House Appropriations Committee Republicans’ bill that drastically reduces our ability to make roads and highways safer and severely limits the pathways to home ownership for communities,” said Espaillat. “With declining public investments, low-income families are at risk. Today, the United States has a shortage of more than 7.2 million affordable rental homes, including in my district, and this bill will deprive many Americans of upwards 27,000 additional rental units each year. In historically disadvantaged districts like mine, there are neighborhoods where more than 30% of renters spend more than half of their income on rent.

 

  • The Republican-backed legislation:
    • Does nothing to address the rising cost of living by slashing investments in programs that expand affordable housing production and help communities fund locally driven solutions to cut red tape and eliminating eviction prevention grants that help families stay in their homes.
    • Strips away opportunities for families to become homeowners or access safe, decent, affordable housing by slashing housing counseling assistance and cutting the fair housing enforcement work that protects housing choice for all Americans.
    • Increases congestion on roads and hurts our economy by stalling supply chain networks, walking away from critical public-private investments that advance our transportation systems, keep our construction workers on the job, and grow American manufacturer and supplier businesses.

 

“For the one in seven New Yorkers who rely on the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), many face significant backlogs in capital needs updates and this Republican-backed bill does nothing to help them,” Espaillat continued. “Rather than confronting the elevated costs of living, this bill promoted by House Republicans will diminish critical programs like Section 8 vouchers, the Public Housing Capital Fund, and the HOME program. I firmly voted against this bill that would further strip basic protections for tenants and make it easier for landlords to evict families and separate mixed-status households in federally assisted housing.”

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Congressman Riley M. Moore Secures More Than $13 Million in Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Wins for West Virginians

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore announced that five Community Project Funding requests for West Virginia’s Second Congressional District were approved by the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The legislation now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“These Community Project Funding requests represent targeted investments in the infrastructure and economic development priorities that matter most to the people of West Virginia’s Second District. I fought to secure funding for projects that will strengthen our communities, create jobs, improve our infrastructure, support economic growth, and enhance quality of life across our region. While these projects must still be approved by the full House and signed into law, I am pleased to see them advance through the Appropriations Committee, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for these important investments.”

Major Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Investments Advancing for West Virginia:

  • $6,000,000 for Oglebay Grow Center and Grounds. The Oglebay Grow Center and Festival Grounds Project is a $6 million initiative that will expand hydroponic food production, improve access to healthy locally grown foods, support workforce development, and create new opportunities for farmers and small businesses. Building on the success of Oglebay’s GrowLab, the project will construct a new greenhouse, modernize community event facilities, strengthen food security, and boost tourism while promoting agricultural education and economic growth across the Ohio Valley.
  • $3,190,000 for WVU Life Science and Biotech Incubator Space. The WVU Innovation Corporation Life Science and Biotech Incubator Project will create a 20,000-square-foot incubator within the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant to support startup companies developing cutting-edge technologies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health sciences. The facility will provide entrepreneurs with access to specialized laboratory space, advanced research equipment, and business support resources needed to commercialize new innovations, attract private investment, and compete for federal research funding. Building on a site that has already helped create or attract approximately 600 jobs, the expansion will foster new industries, accelerate economic growth, improve health outcomes, and create hundreds of additional high-skilled jobs in West Virginia.
  • $2,171,000 for Randolph County Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements. The Randolph County Development Authority’s Industrial Park Infrastructure Project will transform a publicly owned site in Elkins into a fully development-ready industrial park by extending water and sewer service and constructing a new access road. These critical infrastructure improvements will make the site shovel-ready, attract private investment, support job creation, and strengthen Randolph County’s ability to compete for new business and industrial development.
  • $1,200,000 for St. Marys Marina & Riverfront Improvements. The St. Mary’s Marina Improvement Project will revitalize the city’s Ohio River waterfront through expanded docks, a new riverwalk, ADA-accessible fishing pier, upgraded kayak and paddleboard access, improved public facilities, and enhanced security infrastructure. The project will strengthen tourism, outdoor recreation, public safety, and economic development while supporting conservation and research efforts along the Ohio River. By enhancing a key regional destination, the project will attract more visitors, support local businesses, improve quality of life, and preserve public access to one of West Virginia’s most valuable natural and recreational assets.
  • $1,000,000 for Shepherd University Health Simulation & Infrastructure Modernization. This investment will modernize Shepherd University’s Stutzman-Slonaker Hall and Science Center to support growing nursing, STEM, and allied health enrollment. The project will upgrade labs, HVAC and safety systems, backup power, and research infrastructure, while adding modern simulation and 3D medical training technology. These improvements will expand hands-on learning, strengthen workforce training for healthcare and science students, and better prepare graduates to serve West Virginia’s growing Eastern Panhandle and statewide healthcare needs.

The legislation was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday and will now advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

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Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Public Lands

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R.9167, with Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01) to prevent future efforts to sell off public lands through the Congressional reconciliation process.

“Our precious public lands should never be used as revenue raisers for partisan issues,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Last year, I spearheaded the effort to stop the proposed sale of 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada without our consent. Now I am joining Representatives Vasquez, Ciscomani, Neguse, and Zinke to introduce legislation that would prevent similar proposals from advancing in the future.”

Under the Congressional Budget Act, Congress can pass legislation affecting revenue and spending through both chambers with a simple majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would designate any reconciliation provision to sell or dispose of public lands as “extraneous” under this process, preventing land grabs from advancing in the U.S. Senate under the so-called “Byrd rule.” This will help ensure that land sales in Nevada are not conducted outside of the SNPLMA process, and that proceeds are not diverted back to Washington to pay for initiatives that do not directly benefit the residents of the Silver State.

“Public lands belong to the American people, not the highest bidder,” said Congressman Vasquez. “Last year, we saw serious attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land through a fast-tracked process that limited public input and debate. This bipartisan bill makes sure future Congresses cannot use reconciliation as a backdoor to sell lands that belong to hunters, anglers, ranchers, Tribes, outdoor businesses, and families across the country.”

“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act. Southern Arizona is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and treasured public lands, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. The Public Lands Integrity Act ensures decisions about our public lands are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input. This legislation protects these treasured spaces and helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy the same natural beauty that makes Arizona and our country so special.”

“Our nation’s public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or special interests, and I’m proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure that remains true,” said Congressman Neguse. “Last summer we fought off efforts to sell-off millions of acres across the Rocky Mountain West—and we must continue to fight to ensure the reconciliation process cannot be used as a vehicle to force the sale of these treasured spaces. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: our public lands are not for sale.”

Senators Bennet, Wyden, and Heinrich have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Background:

Congresswoman Titus is a founding member of the Public Lands Caucus and a staunch defender of Southern Nevada’s public lands.

  • In September 2025, Congresswoman Titus introduced the first ever Congressional resolution recognizing National Public Lands Day.
  • Last year, after House Republicans added provisions to the reconciliation bill to sell off 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Congresswoman Titus successfully removed those provisions through an amendment.
  • Congresswoman Titus has championed efforts to establish National Monuments throughout Nevada, including Avi Kwa Ame in 2023, Gold Butte in 2016, and Basin and Range in 2015.
  • On January 7, 2026, Congresswoman Titus sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee urging them to oppose  Stevan Pearce’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management over concerns about his record on public lands and National Monuments.
  • On February 14, 2025, Congresswoman Titus led Nevada’s Congressional Democratic Delegation in a letter to Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum urging him not to roll back designations of national monuments. 
  • Congresswoman Titus leads an annual appropriations letter calling for robust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s National Conservation Lands account.

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Meeks, Hoyer, Fitzpatrick, Kaptur, Keating, Bacon, and Kiley Issue Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Ukraine Support Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05); Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Don Bacon (NE-02); and Kevin Kiley (CA-03) today issued the following statement on the passage of Ranking Member Meeks’ bipartisan Ukraine Support Act, the first comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia to pass the House in the 119th Congress.

“Inaction on Ukraine ends now. Today’s bipartisan vote to pass the Ukraine Support Act demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people and that we will hold the criminal Russian regime accountable for its illegal war. I thank my Democratic colleagues and my Republican colleagues who’ve co-sponsored this bill, without whom this vote would not have been possible. And I especially thank the Ukrainian American community and all those Americans standing with Ukraine, for their tireless efforts to see this bill move forward. Now the Senate must follow suit, and work with our bipartisan group in the House to deliver the most comprehensive package possible to the President’s desk for his immediate signature,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

“Today’s vote was a victory for Ukraine, for the United States, for freedom, and for international law.  It was made possible because Democrats and Republicans came together behind an effort that is bigger than partisan politics – it’s about whether our nation will hold firm to its ideals and stand up for democracy, and I thank my Republican colleagues who joined us.  The people of Ukraine are demonstrating that they have what it takes to win this war and outlast what Vladimir Putin can throw at them.  But they cannot do it alone.  Europe has stepped up, and America has been a critical partner – but we have not approved a major Ukraine-assistance package since 2024.  It’s time for the Senate to follow the House and act quickly on this $8 billion in security assistance and broad, sweeping sanctions so Ukrainians can continue to push ahead toward victory,” said Rep. Hoyer. 

“Putin is counting on America to grow tired, divided, and distracted. Today, with a historic bipartisan vote, the House sent the opposite message,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and survival, but the stakes do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American security, allied strength, and moral clarity—and it tells the world that aggression will not be met with hesitation or retreat. From the start of Russia’s illegal war of terror, I have worked to ensure America’s policy is rooted in peace through strength: equipping Ukraine to win, holding Putin accountable, and ensuring brutality never becomes leverage. This legislation gives force to that principle, and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who stood with us on the side of freedom. Now, the Senate must do the same.”

“The Ukraine Support Act which the House passed today with Democratic, Republican, and Independent support was a choice between Liberty and Tyranny. Our Free World must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable, It is fundamental,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking for charity, they’re asking for US partnership with that of our closest allies in the European Union. Today we said loud and clear: we stand with Ukraine, we need sanctions on Russia, and we will always stand by our allies. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation with haste and help us reassure our allies around the world of America’s unwavering commitment to Liberty loving people everywhere. If we do not, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.”

“The importance of Ukraine’s success against Russia’s war of aggression cannot be overstated.  We should be assisting them because it is the right thing to do, but at the very least, we are obligated to do it in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum.  Passage of the Ukraine Support Act would demonstrate the House’s continued support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. Critically, this bill includes billions in additional military assistance and comprehensive Russia sanctions,” said Ranking Member Keating. “I am proud to have co-led the introduction of this legislation and greatly appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received from Democratic and Republican members of the House. I urge the Senate to take it up so the United States can continue to support our ally Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.”

“Tonight, the House faced a Churchill vs. Chamberlain moment. Stand on the side of freedom and democracy, or show weakness to an invading thug who wants to restore Russian domination over a free people. Tonight, we chose Churchill,” said Rep. Bacon. “In 2024, I visited Ukraine and witnessed firsthand the devastation and cruelty that Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. That trip and the courage of the Ukrainians have bolstered my belief that America must continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion, and the bipartisan vote this evening proves that support still exists here in Congress. I strongly urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation without delay to provide Ukraine the military aid it needs to win and impose tough sanctions that further isolate and punish Putin.”

“I provided the decisive signature to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act because the time for Congress to act is now. Today, in a bipartisan way, we made it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We made it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence. This is the leverage needed for constructive negotiations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace,” said Rep. Kiley.

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LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN TOM SUOZZI

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

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Rep. Angie Craig Statement on Release of Constituent Suffering from Ovarian Cyst from ICE Custody

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

Andrea Pedro-Francisco has been held in El Paso, where Rep. Craig visited her last month

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on the release of her constituent Andrea Pedro-Francisco from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in El Paso, TX.

“I am beyond happy and relieved to hear that Andrea has been released from ICE custody and will soon be home with her family and friends in Minnesota, where she belongs. Andrea didn’t deserve to be detained in the first place, and she certainly didn’t deserve to be denied the care that she desperately needed for months. Andrea’s perseverance and courage in the face of such inhumanity has inspired me — and so many in our community — to continue our work together to hold ICE accountable for their cruel and lawless enforcement operations in Minnesota. Her release is proof that when Minnesotans come together to resist this administration, we prevail.” 

Pedro-Francisco, a resident of Burnsville, MN was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on her way to work on February 5th. She was scheduled to have surgery for an ovarian cyst on February 11th, but instead, was sent to El Paso, where she has been held without access to proper medical treatment since. Her request for humanitarian parole was denied early last month. 

Rep. Craig worked with Pedro-Francisco’s family, friends, lawyers and community advocates for months to facilitate her release and get her the medical care she needed. Last month, as part of those efforts, Rep. Craig traveled to El Paso, TX to visit Pedro-Francisco and conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities. 

During her visit, Rep. Craig toured both the El Paso Service Processing Center and Camp East Montana, the country’s largest migrant detention facility, which has been mired with reports of inhumane conditions, abuse and a measles outbreak earlier this year. Rep. Craig also had the chance to speak with medical staff and meet with Pedro-Francisco to hear from her directly about her experience in detention.

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