MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, where they made clear that while Donald Trump and Republicans do nothing to lower the high cost of living, Democrats have successfully forced an up-or-down vote to restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits and lower healthcare costs.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s an honor and a privilege to be joined by Leader Chuck Schumer, who’s doing a tremendous job fighting on behalf of the American people. House Democrats, Senate Democrats, joined together to drive down the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and to deliver an America where working class folks, middle class folks and everyday Americans can not simply survive but will be able to thrive economically. Let me congratulate Leader Steny Hoyer on his announcement. Leader Hoyer is a tremendous public servant—iconic, transformational and legendary Leader. And the House Democratic Caucus will miss him, but the House Democratic Caucus is thankful for his service, for his friendship, for his mentorship and certainly all that Leader Hoyer has done over decades of service here in the People’s House to make life better for the American people.

Later on today, House Democrats, joined by some of our Republican colleagues in a bipartisan coalition, will advance legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent millions of everyday Americans from experiencing dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles that would prevent them from being able to go see a doctor when they need one. The cost of living in America is far too high. And from the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have said that we will work with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle in order to find bipartisan common ground if our Republican colleagues are willing to focus on making life better for everyday Americans, which means addressing the affordability crisis in this country.

The affordability crisis is not a hoax. It is very real despite what Donald Trump has had to say. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high. Utility bills are too high. Child care costs are too high. And healthcare costs are out of control. House Democrats, joined by Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats, have maintained from the very beginning that we were in this affordability fight until we win this affordability fight. And today, we have an opportunity to take a meaningful step forward to lower the high cost of living for everyday Americans, particularly as it relates to healthcare, but it’s a battle that we will continue to wage on behalf of the American people.

Full press conference can be watched here.

###

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

Previous Article

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the nomination of 14 students to U.S. Service Academies for the class of 2030. These students will be considered for appointment to one or more of our nation’s Service Academies, which include: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.

“It is an honor to put forward these outstanding students from Southwest Michigan for consideration to attend one of our nation’s prestigious Service Academies,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Their pursuit of an appointment demonstrates discipline, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to something greater than themselves. I am confident these individuals possess the character and leadership necessary to serve with distinction and to proudly represent Southwest Michigan and the United States of America. Their commitment to excellence and their willingness to serve our nation is something we should all recognize and celebrate.”

Nominations are based on an interview with an academy advisory board that considers academic success, extracurricular accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership. Further information on requirements for nomination and the application process is available on Congressman Huizenga’s website.

A nomination does not guarantee admission to a Service Academy. Before an academy may offer an appointment, it must receive a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.

Congressman Huizenga has nominated the following students for the Class of 2030.

United States Air Force Academy

Ashton Brown – Holland Christian High School

Ava Ulberg – Mattawan High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Brooks Massing – Black River Public Schools, Western Michigan University

Charlotte Markoski – Wayland Union High School

Deacon Sidebotham – Wayland Union High School

Henry Freestone – Loy Norrix High School

Landon Thomas – Arizona State University (remote), St. Joseph, MI

United States Naval Academy

Ava Ulberg – Mattawan High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Gavin McCain – Mattawan High School

Henry Freestone – Loy Norrix High School

United States Military Academy at West Point

Aiden Beam – Gobles High School

Ashton Brown – Holland Christian High School

Deacon Sidebotham – Wayland Union High School

Eliza DeLaet – Allegan High School

Henry Freestone – Loy Norrix High School

Jonah Weber – Portage Northern High School

Levi Wilcox – Hudsonville High School

Rowan Hagenbuch – Comstock High School, Western Michigan University

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Parker Josephs – De La Salle Collegiate High School

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — House Democrats will attempt today to extend pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies without any reforms whatsoever. Minnesota’s abundance of recent fraud scandals demonstrates exactly why that’s a mistake. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released last month confirms the same subsidies are already flowing to fake identities, duplicate Social Security numbers, and even deceased individuals nationwide.

Democrats want to extend and expand this program as-is to continue hiding the true cost of Obamacare. Republicans are passing bills that lower real health care costs.

MINNESOTA: FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS, MASSIVE FRAUD

• Medicaid programs expanded beyond traditional medical care.
• Minnesota Medicaid spending since 2018: ~$18 billion
• Federal government covers 64% of Minnesota Medicaid costs.
• Prosecutors allege widespread fraud across 14 state-run Medicaid programs, with potential losses totaling over $9 billion.

Minnesota’s experience highlights what happens when federal dollars flow through state-administered systems without adequate verification or enforcement.

The Working Families Tax Cut directly target this failure — cutting waste, fraud, and abuse out of programs like Medicaid while protecting benefits for the truly vulnerable and restoring accountability Democrats abandoned.

OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES LACK BASIC VERIFICATION

GAO findings show federal Obamacare subsidies are being paid without effective identity, income, or eligibility checks. 100% of fake applicants created by GAO were approved in late 2024.

• 18 of 20 fake applicants remain enrolled and subsidized in 2025. 
• Coverage approved with no documentation or falsified documents.
• Brokers enrolled applicants without their presence by contacting call centers.
• More than $12,300 per month paid for GAO’s fake identities.

SUBSIDIES PAID FOR THE DECEASED

• 58,000 SSNs receiving subsidies matched to deceased individuals.
• 7,000 deaths occurred before coverage began.
• $94 million paid to insurers for deceased enrollees.

COSTS ARE EXPLODING — AND TAXPAYERS ARE ON THE HOOK

Independent analysis of insurers’ mandatory filings shows that Obamacare’s subsidy structure has shifted nearly all financial risk to taxpayers.

• In 2024, taxpayers paid nearly 80% of premiums for subsidized Obamacare plans.
• Up from 30% in 2014
• $114 billion paid directly to insurers in 2024.
• More than double pre-pandemic levels
• Six times higher than in 2014
• The Congressional Budget Office reports the acceleration continued in 2025.

 In 2024, 90% of subsidy-eligible enrollees had access to plans costing $10 per month or less.

As subsidies grow, premiums grow — and taxpayers absorb the increase by design. The unsubsidized Obamacare market shrank 25% from 2014–2024.

REPUBLICAN BILL: LOWER HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS FOR ALL AMERICANS ACT

House Republicans passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act — a targeted reform package that lowers premiums, expands coverage options, and restores accountability instead of extending Obamacare subsidies without guardrails.

The bill:

• Lowers premiums responsibly by funding cost-sharing reduction payments beginning in 2027 to stabilize the individual market.
• Increases transparency and lowers drug costs.
• Expands affordable coverage options for workers and small businesses.

BOTTOM LINE

Democrats want to extend a broken system as-is. Republicans are fixing what’s broken. Democrats want to hide the cost of Obamacare. Republicans are lowering the cost of health care.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Releases Statement on Representative Steny Hoyer’s Retirement

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Steny Hoyer announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

Congressman Steny Hoyer’s legendary career has been defined by his principled leadership, unmatched dedication to public service and commitment to the People’s House as a critical instrument of democracy. Throughout more than four decades in the United States Congress, longtime House Majority Leader Hoyer has time and again proven to be a powerful force during some of our nation’s toughest and most significant moments. 

No matter where his unparalleled career took him, Steny, the longest-serving Congressman in Maryland history, always rooted his work in the needs of the people he was privileged to represent.

Steny’s storied service in the People’s House has changed millions of lives for the better, having played a pivotal role in so many historic pieces of legislation. From the American Rescue Plan to the Help America Vote Act, there is no shortage of policy successes to Leader Hoyer’s credit. It speaks to Steny’s character and commitment that perhaps his proudest achievement during his nearly 45 years in the House is the historic passage of the bipartisan Americans With Disabilities Act, which recently turned 35 and represented a major step in our country’s long and majestic march toward a more perfect union.

Throughout his incredible tenure in the House of Representatives, Steny made his mark on public policy and on the people who have had the honor to serve alongside him on both sides of the aisle. He has been a mentor and friend to myself and so many Members of the House Democratic Caucus over the years. Steny’s profound love for and faith in this institution have unquestionably made the House a stronger vehicle for making life better for everyday Americans. I am proud to stand on his legendary shoulders, and have benefited immensely from his wisdom and perspective. 

The House Democratic Caucus family wishes Steny, Elaine and his entire family the best in this well-deserved next chapter of their journey.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01) today announced that his 47-Member U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC; https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/) has released its Fiscal Stability Framework to reverse the rapid deterioration of the nation’s fiscal condition. 

“Our federal budget continues on an increasingly unstable and unsustainable trajectory,” said Case, who serves as Vice Chair of the PSC and as Co-Chair, with Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), of the PSC Budget, Tax, Appropriations, Debt & Deficit Working Group, which developed the framework.   

“Not only common financial sense, but every metric – annual deficits, total debt, growth in total debt, debt-to-GDP ratio, interest payments as a percentage of debt and GDP, interest payments as the now-largest share of the federal discretionary budget and even larger than defense, and more – all paint a bleak and deteriorating picture that places our economy, national security and critical programs at great risk. 

According to a recent report by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, the gross national debt is now at $38.40 trillion, with the increase in gross national debt over the past year amounting to $6,566.84 per person or $16,574.81 per household while total gross national debt amounts to $112,881 per person or $284,914 per household.

Interest on the national debt is now the largest single expenditure in the federal discretionary budget, which is allocated annually by the House Committee on Appropriations, on which Case is serving his eighth year.

The press release from the Problem Solvers Caucus on adoption of the framework can be found here and below:

Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bipartisan Fiscal Stability Framework

January 7, 2026 

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of a bipartisan fiscal stability framework to address the nation’s growing national debt and restore long-term fiscal sustainability.

With national debt exceeding $38 trillion and annual interest costs now surpassing defense spending, the current trajectory of federal spending is unsustainable.

The framework calls for the creation of a bipartisan fiscal commission to develop recommendations to stabilize our country’s finances. It endorses the Fiscal Commission Act (H.R.3289) and the Sustainable Budget Act (H.R.222) as legislative vehicles to advance this effort and urges the House Budget Committee to advance them to markup.

Under both bills, once the fiscal commission makes its recommendations, Congress would be required to consider them through a fast-track process.

With this framework, the Problem Solvers Caucus hopes to encourage bipartisan, bicameral action to confront the nation’s long-term fiscal challenges before they become even more difficult to address. This proposal was developed by the PSC Budget, Tax, Appropriations, Debt & Deficit Working Group, led by Reps. Ed Case (HI-01) and Chuck Edwards (NC-11).

The framework is available below:

• With national debt and debt-to-GDP at record levels and annual interest on the debt now exceeding even defense, we must act now to restore fiscal stability.
• We endorse a bipartisan, inclusive fiscal commission to deliberate and provide Congress with clear options to do so.
• We endorse H.R.3289, the Fiscal Commission Act, and H.R.222, the Sustainable Budget Act, as vehicles to advance fiscal stability.
• We urge the Committee on the Budget to hear and advance H.R.222 and H.R.3289 and other legislative proposals to create a fiscal commission and otherwise pursue fiscal stability.

“Our federal budget continues on an increasingly unstable and unsustainable trajectory,” said Working Group Co-Chair and PSC Vice Chair Congressman Ed Case (HI-01).

“Not only common financial sense, but every metric – annual deficits, total debt, growth in total debt, debt-to-GDP ratio, interest payments as a percentage of debt and GDP, interest payments as the now-largest share of the federal discretionary budget and larger even than defense, and more – all paint a bleak and deteriorating picture that places our economy, national security and critical programs at great risk.

“Denial and pretending there is any one silver bullet can no longer be a policy; we clearly need help in charting a real return to fiscal stability. We urge creation of a bipartisan, inclusive fiscal commission to deliberate and provide Congress with clear options to do so and urge our House Committee on the Budget to consider various bipartisan proposals and advance a proposed commission on a bipartisan basis as a matter of urgency.”

“As a businessman, I learned early that spending more than you take in year after year eventually leads to serious consequences. With our national debt now exceeding $37 trillion and interest costs squeezing out critical priorities, it’s time to put politics aside, face the facts, and chart a responsible path forward,” said Working Group Co-Chair Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11).

“The bipartisan Fiscal Stability Framework brings accountability, common sense, and long-term thinking back to the budgeting process.”

“Our massive national debt, the highest in history, keeps interest rates high so people can’t buy homes or cars. A bipartisan fiscal commission is the responsible way to take partisan politics out of the process and put real solutions on the table with the sense of urgency they deserve.” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “Restoring fiscal discipline and protecting our economic future in a bipartisan manner is exactly the kind of work the Problem Solvers Caucus was created to do, and our Caucus is proud to endorse.”

“Our debt is growing faster than our willingness to confront it—and that is a risk we can no longer afford,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

“The Problem Solvers Caucus exists because serious problems demand serious, bipartisan solutions. A fiscal commission provides a responsible path forward—grounded in facts, insulated from political gamesmanship, and focused on long-term stability. This is about two-party, patriotic, common-sense governing—taking responsibility for our finances now so we preserve America’s strength, security, and economic freedom for the next generation.”

“The nation’s fiscal outlook is deteriorating, and ignoring the problem only makes the situation harder to solve. Addressing our growing debt will not be easy, but a bipartisan fiscal commission would create a forum for serious, cross-party dialogue and help pave the way toward a more sustainable fiscal future. We commend the Problem Solvers Caucus for recognizing the urgency of the moment and putting forward a Fiscal Stability Framework that recognizes the debt as a serious threat and calls for the creation of a bipartisan fiscal commission,” said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

“America’s fiscal challenges did not appear overnight, nor were they caused by any one party – and that’s why we need a thoughtful, comprehensive and bipartisan process that puts everything on the table to address the structural drivers of our debt.”

“The Problem Solvers Caucus deserves credit for leading on this issue, and polling shows that Americans strongly agree. Overwhelming majorities of voters support the creation of a bipartisan fiscal commission to stabilize our national debt, including more than 90% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats,” said Brett Loper, Executive Director of Peterson Solutions Fund.

“The growing national debt is already raising costs for American families and risks further weakening the U.S. economy if Congress fails to act,” said Michele Stockwell, President of BPC Action.

“BPC Action applauds the Problem Solvers Caucus for backing a national fiscal commission and urges leaders in both parties to move this legislation forward.”

“Congress should review and update activities throughout the federal budget. A well-designed fiscal commission like the Fiscal Commission Act or the Sustainable Budget Act can help Congress rebuild trust, start looking at everything, and move toward more responsible stewardship. Ideally, it would lay the foundation for Congress to embrace a more holistic and effective regular order for budgeting,” said Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy for Americans for Prosperity.

“The U.S. deserves better than an ever-rising mountain of debt that threatens our economic stability. On behalf of our 100,000 advocates for fiscal sanity, we thank the Problem Solvers Caucus for their leadership in endorsing a fiscal commission whose debt-reduction plan would receive an up or down vote in Congress,” said Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director of Concord Action.

###

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.

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 made clear that Republicans must join Democrats in keeping the out-of-control Trump administration accountable for its repeated abuse of power, in Venezuela and in communities like Minneapolis.

AMNA NAWAZ: First up, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Leader of the House Democrats. I spoke with him this afternoon and started by asking his assessment of what happened in Minneapolis today.

LEADER JEFFRIES: There is no evidence that has been presented to justify the shooting of an unarmed woman resulting in her unnecessary death. Kristi Noem, the so-called Secretary of Homeland Security, is a stone-cold liar who has zero credibility on this issue or on any other issue. And what we need, as I believe the Governor has indicated, is a full and complete investigation. This rogue ICE agent who pulled the trigger should be criminally investigated to the full extent of the law, including for demonstrating a depraved indifference to human life.

AMNA NAWAZ: As you know, there are ICE officers deployed in multiple places across the country as part of the President’s immigration crackdown. What’s the role for federal lawmakers like you to ensure that justice is served here in Minneapolis, but also that this doesn’t happen in any other community?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the President’s extreme immigration policies have been a complete and total failure. That’s why the American people across the country have been rejecting them. The President promised that the Department of Homeland Security and ICE would be targeting violent felons. They’re not targeting violent felons. They are targeting and deporting, in some cases, American citizens. And certainly individuals who have been part of these communities, in some cases, for decades. And Congress should step forward and reassert our authority. Unfortunately, Republicans who control the House and the Senate, temporarily for the time being, have functioned like a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, as opposed to being part of a separate and co-equal branch of government.

AMNA NAWAZ: I want to ask you too about our other big story today, which is the escalation related to Venezuela. We saw U.S. forces seize two more Venezuelan oil tankers. We also saw the U.S. Energy Secretary say that the U.S. will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely. In any of the briefings you have received on Venezuela, have you gotten a clear sense of what the U.S. mission is in Venezuela and the timeline for how long we’ll be involved there?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The briefings have been unpersuasive and have left me and other Members of Congress with more questions than answers. It’s not clear what the strategy is moving forward. The one thing I do know is that the future of Venezuela should be decided by the Venezuelan people, nobody else. It doesn’t appear that the Trump administration has a plan to effectuate that. We also know that this notion that the United States is going to run Venezuela is completely and totally ridiculous. The Trump administration doesn’t even know how to run the United States of America effectively. We also need to step forward as a Congress to ensure legislatively that no additional military action is taken absent explicit congressional authorization. We know the Constitution is very clear that the power to declare war, matters of war and peace, are solely within the jurisdiction of the Congress, the Article One branch of government, and this out-of-control administration needs to be reined in.

AMNA NAWAZ: As you know, the White House has argued that they did not need congressional approval for what they called targeted and limited military action in Venezuela. And you’ve seen since the President and other officials have threatened more unilateral action in other nations, Colombia and Cuba and Mexico and Greenland. And on that, my colleague Lisa Desjardins asked House Speaker Mike Johnson today if military force in Greenland requires congressional approval. He said it depends on what that is. He went on to say ‘Congress has a responsibility to declare war. I think there is no scenario where we’d be at war with Greenland.’ What do you say to that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The Republican majority has been nothing but compliant as it relates to Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. And so I don’t expect that we’d hear anything out of Republican leadership, but what we do know is that whether it’s aggression that’s militarily executed against Greenland or Panama or Colombia or Mexico or any other country in the Western hemisphere, it requires explicit congressional authorization. As it relates to the situation in Venezuela, let’s be clear about something. This was not a law enforcement operation. We’ve heard all manner of different excuses as to why they’ve gone into Venezuela. First, we heard it was about narco trafficking. Then we heard it was about the fact that we needed to expel the Chinese, the Russians and the Iranians. Then we, you know, heard that, well, this is about oil. I mean, at the end of the day, what is clear is that it appears to be a power grab by the administration without any plan to prevent us as a country from getting involved in another endless foreign war that costs the lives of American men and women in uniform.

AMNA NAWAZ: Leader Jeffries, if you believe the military action was unconstitutional, as you seem to be indicating here, what can you do about it? I mean, the President has lamented earlier this week to other Republicans that he was worried Democrats would try to impeach him if they lose in the upcoming midterms. Would you try to do that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, what we have to do is deal with the issue that’s in front of us right now. And that’s to make sure that no further military action can be taken without explicit congressional approval by introducing a war powers resolution that we believe has a chance to pass the United States House of Representatives if we can secure just a handful of Republicans to join our effort and reassert congressional authority on behalf of the American people to prevent the expenditure of billions if not trillions of dollars in another failed foreign war.

AMNA NAWAZ: Do you believe you have Republican support for that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We certainly have the support of Congressman Thomas Massie from Kentucky. We had gotten the support in a previous effort to restrain the administration on the Venezuela issue from Congressman Don Bacon. And we’re hopeful that we can secure the support of just a few more Republicans. And if, in fact, we do that, then the House can act. And we know that the Senate is planning to act on a war powers resolution tomorrow that has a chance of passing that chamber as well.

AMNA NAWAZ: Leader Jeffries, a lot more to talk about with healthcare subsidies, a funding deadline ahead. We hope you come back so we can cover those topics as well. That is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joining us tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you much. Look forward to it.

Interview can be watched here.

###

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

Pressley Calls Out Trump’s Pardons of Convicted Fraudsters and His Own Record of Financial Misconduct

“If Republicans on this committee were serious about accountability and condemning fraud, they would start with the convicted fraudster in the White House.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a fiery exchange in the House Oversight Committee today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Trump and Republicans for being unserious about rooting out fraud as they ignore Trump’s pardons of convicted fraudsters, which have resulted in the loss of $1.4 billion dollars in restitution and fines. When Congresswoman Pressley questioned Republican Minnesota legislators about whether they support Trump’s pardons of George Santos, global crypto company BitMEX, and January 6^th insurrectionists, the witnesses refused to take a stand.

The exchange came during the committee’s hearing on federal funds in Minnesota.

Last month, Congresswoman Pressley released a report revealing how Donald Trump’s use of clemency and pardons has neglected many of the most marginalized and impacted communities. The report highlighted, among other things, that Trump has used his clemency authority to shield extremists and erase massive financial penalties for insurrectionists, the wealthy, and well-connected.

An excerpt from the exchange is below and the video is available here.

Transcript: In Fiery Exchange, Pressley Blasts Trump, Republicans’ Hypocrisy on ‘Fraud’ in Hearing on Minnesota
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
January 7, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you. Mr. Chair. 

Let me just begin by making this plain: credible fraud must be investigated and prevented. 

Every dollar that is stolen from public programs is a dollar that is taken from a child who needs care, a senior who needs food, or a family that is already struggling to make ends meet. 

Ms. Robbins, I want to just begin with a basic question, and please answer yes or no:

When someone is convicted of defrauding the public, do you believe that they should be held accountable? 

MS. ROBBINS: Yes. 

REP. PRESSLEY: So if we’re serious about fraud, then we also have to be serious about accountability. 

Ms. Robbins, what does, do you mind just expounding, what does accountability look like to you?

MS. ROBBINS: We want to prosecute everyone who’s committed a crime, and we want to fire officials in the agencies that are liable for allowing the failure of internal controls.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, so Ms. Robbins, let me be more clear, what should happen to fraudsters who steal public dollars?

MS. ROBBINS: They should go to jail. 

REP. PRESSLEY: In my opinion, accountability means restitution. It means consequences, like incarceration, that help ensure that it doesn’t happen again, you know, as a real deterrent and accountability.

It means that money taken from families and the public is returned to them, but that is not the standard that is being set by Donald Trump, who is wielding his clemency authority to allow fraudsters to escape accountability altogether.

Last month, my office published a clemency report titled “Trump’s Clemency Gap: How Trump’s Pardons Are Ignoring the People Who Need Them the Most.” I ask unanimous consent to enter this into the record. Thank you.

Now to the witnesses who serve in the Minnesota state legislature on the Fraud Prevention Committee, let’s walk through these pardons for fraudsters, and we all care about fraud. 

So, Ms. Robbins, Mr. Hudson, and Ms. Rarick, Donald Trump pardoned George Santos, who defrauded voters and owed them $370,000 in restitution to victims. Raise your hand if you oppose this pardon.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Ballou.

MS. ROBBINS: Ma’am. I would have to look at the law and the facts of the case. We cannot know the facts of all these individuals.

REP. PRESSLEY: Please don’t deflect. This is a very public case. You know who George Santos is. You know exactly what he did. We just agreed that, you know, fraud is unacceptable and so and you just talked about accountability. 

You said, if people commit fraud and exploit the public good, that they should be incarcerated. So this is not a complicated question.

So I will give you all one more opportunity. Ms. Robbins, Mr. Hudson, and Ms. Rarick, raise your hand if you oppose the pardon of George Santos. 

MR. HUDSON: Not playing this game. 

REP. PRESSLEY: It’s not a game. It’s real life. It’s not a game at all. Okay, but I will take your refusal to go on record, not only as cowardice, but that you do agree with that pardon of that fraudster. Moving on. 

Donald Trump also gave, this has never been done before, presidential pardons to corporations that committed fraud. One example is the crypto company BitMEX that violated US law and was fined $100 million.

Now raise your hand if you oppose Trump’s pardon of this crypto company.

Thank you, Mr. Ballou.

MR. HUDSON: Not participating. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay again. I’ll take your refusal to not raise your hand in opposition. That means that you support this pardon of this corporation that frauded folks to the tune of $100 million.

MR. HUDSON: Refusal to participate is not an expression one way or another. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Reclaiming my time.

[cross talk]

REP. PRESSLEY: Reclaiming my time. You are not in order with the rules of committee. This is my time. Do not speak over me. 

Mr. Chair? You are not in order with the rules of the committee. This is my time.

I ask the questions and you answer, but you’re too much of a coward to answer. So we’re going to move on.

Now yesterday was the five-year anniversary, and I want to note, of the January 6 insurrection. And on Donald Trump’s first day in office, he pardoned 1,500 insurrectionists, including Brian Christopher Mock who’s from Minnesota. 

Are y’all gonna say you don’t know who that is? He’s from Minnesota. 

Now, he kicked, shoved, and threw a flag pole at police officers, you know, law enforcement that you claim to support, and he did all of that in the name of fraud. 

He was an election denier, so an election fraud lie. Now he claims he did these things in the name of patriotism, but really, he’s just a criminal. 

So raise your hand if you oppose Trump’s pardon of this Minnesota individual.

MS. ROBBINS: Ma’am this grandstanding — 

REP. PRESSLEY: This is not grandstanding. This is accountability, and you are hypocrites.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Johnson released the following statement: 

“The video shows an armed, masked agent violating law enforcement policy by improperly using deadly force in repeatedly firing his gun into a moving vehicle. The result: a woman executed for at most violating a traffic ordinance. This is the unlawful killing of a human being, and like Derek Chauvin this officer should be arrested and charged with murder.”

###