MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Representative of Fort Bliss, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Representative of Buckley Space Force Base, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Readiness Subcommittee, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) led a letter with six of their colleagues to President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, expressing urgent objections to plans to use our nation’s military installations as migrant detention centers. The letter can be read below or virtually here.

“Dear President Trump and Secretary Hegseth,

“We write to you with urgent concerns about and staunch objection to plans to use our nation’s military installations as migrant detention centers. As you know, the mission of the Department of Defense (DoD) is to protect and defend our nation against military threats, not to conduct migrant detention, immigration enforcement, or deportation operations.

“It is unfortunate that it has become necessary to remind the administration that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for enforcing immigration laws at and between ports of entry, as well as securing our nation’s borders. Further, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for interior enforcement, detention, and removal operations.

“Reports have outlined the Department of Homeland Security’s Request for Assistance (RFA) submitted to the DoD for resources to support ICE operations, to include migrant detention on military installations and migrant transfers. Further, we understand DHS has requested DoD provide support on a non-reimbursable basis – blatantly forsaking the intent behind Congressionally directed defense funds for the sake of little else but political theater. These reports also indicate Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas, is expected to become a testbed for the administration’s reckless misuse of our military installations, personnel, and funds for migrant detention purposes. Even more disturbing is that your administration’s stated plans for Fort Bliss are intended to provide a framework for expansion at six named military installations, with potential expansion to include military facilities in at least five other states.

“Dramatically expanded use of U.S. military personnel and facilities to support mass detention operations, both domestically and overseas at Guantánamo Bay, has already diverted, and will continue to divert, military personnel and resources from the DoD’s core warfighting mission, the very same one you claimed to want to restore in your capacity as Secretary of Defense. This administration has already demonstrated unprecedented use of military assets for some of the operational responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security, to include the designation of military airlift for the purposes of conducting migrant deportation flights. Such actions are an incredible misuse of defense funds when usual ICE procedures for deportation purposes employ charter planes at a small fraction of the costs associated with operating a C-17 or C-130 military aircraft, as your administration has directed. Most glaringly, your administration has not sought to provide justification as to why such military assets and the costs accrued were considered necessary or fiscally sound. 

“Similarly, commandeering military funds and assets to support detention operations on military bases imposes a ludicrous mandate on our military personnel and installations. The administration has yet to issue even a passable justification for the misuse of DoD personnel, assets, or funds, further conflating the separate missions of DHS and DoD. In the past, DHS has awarded contracts to state, local, and even private entities to supplement its detention capacity. This administration has given no indication that it intends to forego these often lucrative contracts with partner entities, making the administration’s insistence on plans to misuse military installations for migrant detention purposes even more irresponsible.

“To note precedent, domestic military installations like Fort Bliss have been used to temporarily house refugees in instances of military evacuations – most notably, Operation Allies Welcome in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, that effort, though directly linked to a military operation, was not without costs; that mission alone significantly degraded readiness levels of the installation, resulting in a readiness shortfall of approximately two years. Further, our military installations have also been used to host an Emergency Intake Site (EIS) for unaccompanied migrant minors. In response to an influx of unaccompanied minors who arrived at the southwest border in early 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services set up temporary housing on Fort Bliss out of concerns for their safety.

“Current circumstances mirror none of those precedents, as border crossings have been steadily dropping for a year, and migrant encounters by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are at their lowest level in decades. Additionally, the only existing hardened facilities on Fort Bliss that could possibly be used for migrant detention currently house members of the New Mexico National Guard. Should such facilities be used, this administration would oversee the displacement of our service members to support migrant detention. 

“As your administration prepares its presentation of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, you maintain authority to request increased funds across the Department of Homeland Security for these purposes and with respect to the jurisdiction of federal agencies. Instead, converting our military installations into migrant detention facilities drains DoD funds and resources in a manner that flies in the face of your administration’s stated goal of reducing federal spending while tanking military readiness and risking our national security. Plans for mass detention efforts, with few realistic goals to measure success, on a U.S. military installation risks costing DoD hundreds of millions of unbudgeted dollars — if not billions — and thousands of man-hours which cannot be regained. It will also severely strain the limited infrastructure on our installations that our service members depend on, and we strongly urge you to cease this misuse of DoD funds and personnel immediately.

“We urge the Department of Defense and, where appropriate, the Department of Homeland Security to supply answers to the following no later than 30 days after receipt.

1. Has an assessment been conducted to outline the deployment of active-duty troops,

military airlift, other military assets, and the use of our military installations for DHS

purposes as necessary- as opposed to utilizing DHS alternatives? If so, please provide the

results of that assessment.

2. Which funding accounts has DoD utilized to facilitate support operations as requested by

DHS to date, and what is the total cost to date of DoD funds expended for these

purposes?

3. How will DoD monitor the overall impacts of supporting DHS’s RFA – to include manhours,

expended funds, delayed or canceled training activities, and impacts to military

infrastructure?

4. Have or will any military construction or other programmed projects be paused, delayed,

or canceled as a result of the diversion of resources to DHS operations at our military

installations?

5. What steps will DoD take to ensure that Congress is kept appraised of readiness shortfalls

for each installation used to support migrant detention operations?

6. Which military units, if any, may be tasked with providing labor, manning, or other

logistical or operational support for the standing up of these migrant detention centers?

7. Should the construction, manning, and all other logistical or operational support of these

detention centers be conducted by private contracting entities, please outline the oversight

and transparency mechanisms your administration intends to put in place to ensure the

safety and security of migrants as well as any contracted personnel.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Sylvia Garcia, Herbert C. Conaway, Jr., Lloyd Doggett, Joaquin Castro, Gabe Vasquez, and Marilyn Strickland.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced opportunities for high school and college students for the upcoming summer. They include internships in her DC and El Paso offices, as well as her Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC).

“I’m thrilled to offer these opportunities to young El Pasoans,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Internships and my CYAC programs are ways for students to learn more about how our federal government works, build their resumes, and most importantly, give back to our community. I encourage all interested college and high school students to apply.”

Congresswoman Escobar offers both part-time and full-time internships in her El Paso office and full-time internships in Washington, DC office. Duties can include attending congressional committee hearings and legislative meetings, writing issue briefs, conducting research, drafting correspondence, performing administrative tasks, and assisting staff when needed. Responsibilities and projects are tailored to everyone’s interest over time and a concerted effort is made to ensure that students’ educational and professional goals are met.

Interns are accepted at both of Congresswoman Escobar’s offices on a year-round basis. Because interest is particularly high during the summer, applicants should submit their resume as soon as possible. Please note that all internships are currently in person. To learn more about internships, click here.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar also started the Texas’ 16th Congressional District’s Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) as a leadership opportunity for high school students with an interest in public service and the legislative process. The CYAC offers a unique opportunity for student to learn about the federal government, debate policy, and participate in an interactive experience. The CYAC will work with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s office to research topics and bills while collaborating alongside their peers. All students living in Texas’ 16^th Congressional district and in grades 10-12 are eligible to apply. To learn more about CYAC, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

This week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined U.S. Representative and fellow Texan Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) as well as 116 other House Democrats to introduce the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit to expand the care Medicare provides. 

“Expanding healthcare for our community has always been a priority for me,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “We live in the wealthiest nation in the history of the world. There’s no reason seniors shouldn’t have access to basic benefits provided by this legislation. I’m proud to join my colleagues in righting this wrong and ensuring Medicare provides the coverage seniors need.”

Expanding Medicare to cover dental, hearing, and vision services is overwhelmingly popular: A Data for Progress poll conducted last year found that 92 percent of Americans supported expanding Medicare to provide dental, vision and hearing benefits. 

Over 26 million Medicare beneficiaries have no dental coverage at all and have to pay out-of-pocket or forego needed care. As a result, nearly one in five seniors over age 75 have lost all of their natural teeth. Further, more than one in three Medicare beneficiaries have difficulty seeing and more than two in five Medicare beneficiaries have difficulty hearing. 

While Republicans in Congress are preparing legislation to cut Medicaid by $880 billion in order to pay for tax breaks for the top 1 percent, these representatives are fighting to make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to go to the dentist, audiologist and optometrist. 

The lawmakers’ legislation would expand Medicare to cover dentures, comprehensive vision care including eye exams and prescription eyeglasses, comprehensive hearing care to all Medicare recipients with moderate or profound hearing loss, and dental care to all Medicare recipients to cover cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and other procedures.

The legislation has been endorsed by several organizations, including Center for Medicare Advocacy, Community Catalyst, Public Citizen, Social Security Works, Center for Health and Democracy, MoveOn.org, Families USA, CareQuest Center for Oral Health, Justice in Aging, People’s Action, Medicare Rights Center and Advocates for Community Health. 

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), along with 7 other Democratic senators introduced a Senate companion bill. 

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Congresswoman Escobar Votes Against Republican Funding Plan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (VA-8), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) to warn of potential criminal exposure for volunteers and employees of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), following reports of various conflicts of interest within the organization. 

In a letter to Acting Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Doug Collins, the Representatives sought clarification on the measures and plans in place to ensure that DOGE employees and volunteers are informed of their ethical and legal obligations under federal law, particularly regarding conflicts of interest, which have a statute of limitations of up to five years and can lead to criminal penalties of up to five years in prison with additional financial penalties. 

They wrote:

“We write to request clarity on your actions and plans, as acting Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE), to ensure that volunteers serving with the “Department of Government Efficiency” (“DOGE”) are aware of their rights and responsibilities under federal law. 

“We are deeply concerned that those volunteers, by virtue of their rare status within the federal workforce, may be unaware of some of the legal requirements that they must abide by in their work with DOGE. Under 5 U.S. Code § 3161(i)(4), all temporary organization volunteers are considered federal employees for the purposes of all laws in 18 U.S. Code ch. 11 (Bribery, Graft, and Conflicts of Interest).

“Among other provisions, that chapter includes a criminal conflict of interest law that bars executive branch officers and employees from participating “personally and substantially” in any particular matter in which they know that they have a financial interest. The law also treats a number of other interests as their own, including the interests of: any business or organization in which they serve in any of a number of management positions or as an employee; any prospective employer which they have, or are negotiating, an agreement for future employment; and any spouse or minor child.

“Anyone violating the criminal conflict of interest statute risks up to five years in prison and a financial penalty either up to $50,000 or the value of the illegally generated compensation.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO – House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order to initiate dismantling the Department of Education:

“For decades, the Department of Education has been a punching bag for Republicans. But make no mistake: today’s Executive Order is a striking blow to children, students, teachers, individuals with disabilities, schools in rural and low-income communities, and countless Americans who rely on this agency everyday. I believe this directive to be unlawful and, ultimately, another instance of presidential overreach. House Democrats will not acquiesce; we will continue to use every legislative and oversight tool available to protect our communities and the constitutional separation of powers.” 

Trump’s latest Executive Order is likely to face legal challenges, as shutting down a congressionally authorized agency requires an act of Congress. His directive also follows public reports that the agency was ordered to cut nearly 50% of its workforce.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — In case you missed it, in their annual report released last week by GovTrack.us, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) was recognized for writing the 2nd most laws of any member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 118th Congress, building on his legacy of legislative effectiveness. 

“The twelve counties that make up Colorado’s 2nd District — from the Western Slope to the Wyoming border — truly represent the essence of our great state. And in our communities, we do things a bit differently than other places. We listen to each other. We respectfully exchange views. And we know when it’s time to roll up our sleeves and work together to find solutions that will benefit our people, our cities, our state, and our nation. I’m deeply proud that in adopting this mindset in the last Congress, our office was able to accomplish many legislative goals from the last two years—collaborating with lawmakers from across the political spectrum and advancing locally driven initiatives,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. 

In case you missed it, here’s what they’re saying: 

“U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse finished in second place on a report released this week ranking House members by how many of their bills were signed into law in the last Congress — a feat even more remarkable because the Lafayette Democrat, serving just his third term, was in the minority in the Republican-controlled chamber.” 

About Congressman Neguse:

Congressman Joe Neguse has represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District since 2019. He is currently a senior member of House Leadership, having been elected by his colleagues to serve as House Assistant Minority Leader in March 2024.

The 40-year-old former attorney is a dedicated public servant and a national leader on public policy concerning drought and wildfires in the West, as well as gun-violence prevention.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) joined H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2025, as an original cosponsor. The PRO Act is a comprehensive bill to protect workers’ right to unionize and bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The bill strengthens federal laws that support working-class Americans by protecting hardworking families, individuals, and the unions that help them secure higher wages, safer working conditions, and bolster a more resilient economy.  

Assistant Leader Neguse, a member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, has been a staunch advocate for workers’ rights throughout his time in Congress. He has also been an original cosponsor of the PRO Act every Congress since he was elected.

Currently in Colorado, workers face difficult barriers to union security, and federal law makes it difficult for workers to organize and secure fair contracts.  As workers across the state seeking to unionize continue to face barriers in doing so, the PRO Act would ameliorate these by holding employers accountable for violating workers’ rights, closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors, and protecting the right to strike, among other reforms.

“I will always champion working families in Colorado, and it is clear that serious reforms are necessary at the state and Federal level to ensure that the rights of workers are protected. That is why I am proud to support the PRO Act, and will continue to push for its passage,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “If enacted, the PRO Act would be the most significant pro-worker law implemented in decades, advancing critical protections and improving the livelihoods of hardworking Americans across the country and throughout the state of Colorado.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) issued the following statement after voting “No” on House Republicans’ continuing resolution: 

“Republican Leadership just put forth a bill on the House Floor that abandons bipartisanship and fails to meet the needs of Coloradans across our great state. As the Trump Administration continues to dismantle federal agencies, purge core federal agencies like the Forest Service, and pursue reckless policies that are causing chaos across our economy, this legislation will only exacerbate the situation. Families in my home state of Colorado are suffering as a result of the directives issued by the Trump Administration, and I will not support legislation that seeks to expand the very same policies causing such harm.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington,  D.C. — Yesterday, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) joined fellow members of Democratic Leadership for a Steering & Policy Committee hearing on saving Medicaid. The lawmakers were joined by panelists with expertise on the subject matter, including Kody H. Kinsley, North Carolina’s 18th Secretary of Health and Human Services, and American storytellers Chris Dunham, Christina Otero, and Nancy Hagans. Democrats’ hearing follows House Republicans’ passage of a budget betrayal, which lays the foundation for at least $880 billion in Medicaid cuts, eliminating coverage for nearly 16 million Americans. 

According to estimates, the proposed Medicaid cuts would cost Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which Neguse has represented since 2019, $1.12 billion and eliminate coverage for approximately 89,445 individuals. Across the state of Colorado, Medicaid programs cover 44% of births and ensures care for nearly 40% of children ages 18 and younger.  

During the hearing, Assistant Leader Neguse directed his questions to Secretary Kinsley, seeking insight into the disastrous impacts that cuts to Medicaid will have on families, seniors, and America’s most vulnerable individuals. A transcript of their exchange is available below. 

NEGUSE: Thank you, Secretary Kinsley, for your leadership and your testimony today. I want to focus my questions on two broader impacts of these Medicaid cuts. If Republicans succeed in imposing a nearly $1 trillion cut to Medicaid, can you help us understand what will that mean for state budgets, like your own? And what options will states have, like North Carolina, for absorbing that large of a cut?  

KINSLEY: Well unfortunately there won’t be many options. Medicaid brings $28—at least $28 billion dollars—into the state of North Carolina. Our portion of that is a third. Any cut is going to create billions of dollars of a gap that the state of North Carolina, and I would imagine pretty much every other state, simply can’t cover. And it’s important to remember that 98% of every dollar that comes into North Carolina from Medicaid goes to services and providers. There’s no wiggle room to pull dollars out without people experiencing the harm immediately.  

NEGUSE: I share your concern, Secretary Kinsley. I know we all do. And I wonder if you might expand upon that in further detail. So, who might lose benefits? What kind of services may ultimately be curtailed? 

KINSLEY: First and foremost, I think of our seniors. Many individuals forget—you know—that as they exhaust their personal resources Medicaid is the only program in the country that will cover skilled nursing facilities for these individuals. When we think about the chronic disease burden in our communities, many folks will end up in that need. We know that major providers that provide nursing home care, rely pretty much exclusively on Medicaid as one of their primary sources. And so, pulling dollars out of the Medicaid program will negatively impact those seniors. I also think in North Carolina, that 50% of births are covered by Medicaid. When we think about the importance of a healthy start to life— 

NEGUSE: Can you just repeat that, Secretary Kinsley?  

KINSLEY: One out of two — 

NEGUSE: One out of two. 50%.  

KINSLEY: 50% of births covered by Medicaid. And, and so, making sure that those babies are born healthy with a strongest start in life. In North Carolina, again thanks to Congress, made quick advantage of extending coverage for postpartum women, so that those women could also be healthy. We know healthy families lead to healthy children, and it’s a smart investment. 

You can view the complete Democratic Leadership hearing on saving Medicaid HERE. 

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