WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement condemning the horrific murder of a woman in Minnesota by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Pressley motioned to subpoena all records and footage related to the shooting, but Republicans obstructed it.
Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s motion to subpoena is here.
“The murder of a woman in Minnesota by ICE agents in broad daylight is horrific and unacceptable. This harrowing tragedy should never have happened, and my heart breaks for the victim, their loved ones, and the entire Minnesota community.
“ICE is a rogue, violent agency that moves with reckless disregard for human life and due process, and it has no business in our communities. It must be abolished and the agents involved must be held fully accountable.
“DHS’ claim that an agent shot in self-defense is a bold-faced lie and the video footage is damning. But after I moved to subpoena all records and footage related to this killing, Republicans shamefully voted it down—demonstrating once again that they have never cared about law and order or keeping our communities safe.
“What happened today is a despicable consequence of Donald Trump’s campaign of terror, fear, and demonization of vulnerable communities and we cannot allow it to be normalized in America. I demand a thorough and independent investigation into this tragedy so the victim, her loved ones, and the public get the accountability and transparency they deserve. It’s time for the Trump Administration to end its cruel, unlawful mass deportation agenda once and for all.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)
Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) voiced strong support for a coalition of family and faith-based organizations urging House leadership to address marriage penalties embedded in federal welfare programs as part of a future budget reconciliation package.
Grothman has long led efforts in Congress to eliminate policies that penalize marriage and undermine family stability. Grothman has repeatedly warned that federal welfare rules discourage marriage, weaken families, and trap parents and children in cycles of dependency – in some cases costing families tens of thousands of dollars simply for choosing to marry.
Ending marriage penalties is not a partisan topic. Congressman Grothman has worked across the aisle on this issue, introducing bipartisan legislation, the Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, recognizing that the federal government should not punish Americans for forming stable families.
“Marriage penalties are one of the most damaging and misguided features of the federal welfare system,”said Rep. Glenn Grothman.“For decades, Washington has punished families for getting married, discouraging responsibility and trapping parents and children in long-term dependency. This apparently commonsense proposal to stop punishing marriage will not be without its enemies.
“And it is not just about economics: children in single-parent or unstable homes are more than twice as likely to be abused or neglected[1], often by unrelated adult partners in the household. Encouraging strong, stable families can help protect children and prevent these types of domestic tragedies.
“We cannot fully say that America is great again while we still have these marriage penalties in place. Strong families lead to stronger communities and a stronger nation, and it’s time our policies reflected that. I’ve been pushing to fix these inequities for years, and now Congress has a real opportunity to end these penalties, reward families, and stop federal policies that undermine marriage.”
Key Excerpts from the Coalition Letter
“Marriage is at the heart of strong families. Decades of research show that children do better when raised in married households, and that strong families reduce poverty, improve economic outcomes, and foster the social stability necessary for a thriving nation. Yet too many federal means-tested programs actively discourage marriage, penalizing the very values our country should be encouraging. In certain cases, these penalties can amount to as much as $27,727, making marriage financially irrational for many families.”
“Polling shows that this issue has broad support across the country as 82 percent of Americans agree the welfare system should not penalize parents for marrying. Moreover, marriage penalties drive up long-term welfare costs by discouraging self-sufficiency and trapping families in dependency, undermining both fiscal responsibility and family stability.”
The letter was led by American Principles Project and signed by Heritage Action, Capability Consulting, Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE), Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Advancing American Freedom, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of Southern Baptist Convention, AdvanceUSA, Coalition for Jewish Values, Faith and Liberty in the Nation’s Capital, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Students for Life Action, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Independent Women’s Forum, Family Watch International, Brad Wilcox, and Jamie Bryan Hall.
Grothman is continuing his work to eliminate marriage penalties. On January 13, 2026, he will host a panel discussion titled, ‘Marriage and the Government: How Public Policy Undermines Marriage’. Grothman will be joined by the Republican Study Committee, the Values Action Taskforce Chairman Congressman Robert Aderholt, the Heritage Foundation’s Robert Rector, the American Principals Project, and other groups to discuss possible solutions to eliminate these penalties, their negative effects on society, and how to restore the American Family. More information will be forthcoming.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)
Following expressions of support by the White House and Speaker Johnson, Co-Chairs of the National Prayer Breakfast, Reps. Ben Cline (VA-06) and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), announced today that the events at the Hilton and the Capitol will reunite as a single gathering in 2026, continuing a tradition of fellowship and unified prayer that has existed for several decades. The breakfast will be held at the Washington Hilton in Northwest DC on February 5, 2026.
“This decision reflects both gratitude for how we adapted during an unprecedented time and excitement about continuing this year’s gathering in the tradition by which it has long been defined,” said Rep. Cline, Co-Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast. “The purpose of the event is to bring Members together with the President in a spirit of humility, reflection, and prayer.”
The National Prayer Breakfast was first held in 1953, following the efforts of Abraham Vereide, a Norwegian-American Methodist minister who believed deeply in the power of prayer and personal relationships among leaders. What began as a small prayer gathering between President Eisenhower and Members of Congress quickly grew into an annual tradition, drawing leaders from across the nation and around the world.
“For more than seven decades, this breakfast has offered a consistent space for leaders to pause, reflect, and pray with leaders across the country and around the world,” said Rep. Jackson, Co-Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast. “Returning to the Hilton this year and reuniting the breakfast honors that history while looking ahead with renewed purpose.”
The 74th National Prayer Breakfast will be held at 7:30am Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
January 07, 2026
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), who sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees Department of Transportation funding, criticized Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s announcement that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will unlawfully withhold approximately $160 million in federal taxpayer dollars from the State of California.
“The Trump Administration’s decision to suspend $160 million in highway and surface transportation funding for California is unacceptable and reckless. These are federal dollars paid by California taxpayers, and withholding them puts road safety, infrastructure projects, and local jobs at risk across our state.
“California is the largest donor state in the nation, paying $83 billion more to the federal government each year than our state receives back in federal funding. We are not asking for a handout, we are demanding that our residents see their own federal tax dollars return home to support the infrastructure they rely on every day. Using transportation funding as a political weapon undermines public safety and needlessly punishes millions of Californians.
“Our state deserves a federal government that follows the law and gives California its fair share, not sudden funding suspensions that create uncertainty for workers, local governments, and communities. That’s why I introduced the Taxpayer Protection Act, legislation to stop politically motivated funding cuts and address the persistent imbalance between what donor states contribute and what they receive. Our state deserves a federal government that follows the law and gives California its fair share.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce issued the following statement following the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) approval of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program proposal.
“Today marks a historic milestone in the efforts to get all Kentuckians connected to fast and reliable broadband. After years of burdensome requirements preventing the BEAD Program from connecting a single home, the NTIA just fully accepted Kentucky’s proposal, which will bring 86,400 unserved and underserved locations in the Commonwealth online,” said Chairman Guthrie. “This historic $376.9 million investment in our Commonwealth would not have been possible without the work of the Trump Administration to provide much-needed reform to the program, following outreach and engagement from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to streamline broadband permitting and ensure BEAD money is deployed quickly and efficiently across Kentucky and the nation.”
“Congratulations to Kentucky on the approval of its final BEAD proposal,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “The state’s disciplined approach—delivering significant savings, a strong technology mix, and robust skin in the game—truly exemplifies how the Benefit of the Bargain reforms have helped maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars while delivering universal connectivity to the Bluegrass State.” Background: – The BEAD Program was a $42.45 billion program established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to provide federal funding to connect every American to high-speed broadband. – The NTIA worked with state broadband agencies to develop plans based on topline funding levels, with the NTIA having the authority to approve state plans. –The Biden Administration’s unnecessary and burdensome requirements prevented the $42 billion program from connecting a single home, failing to deliver for our unserved and underserved communities. – On June 6, 2025, President Trump’s NTIA released new guidance announcing the removal of these unnecessary burdens and required entities to run one more bidding round before submitting final proposals for approval. – As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Chairman Guthrie has worked with his colleagues on the Committee and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth to reform the BEAD program through regulation and to advance legislation that streamlines the permitting process for the deployment of broadband nationwide.
The final Commonwealth of Kentucky BEAD proposal, approved by the NTIA, can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
Today in Minneapolis, a masked Department of Homeland Security agent shot and killed an unarmed woman who was not the target of an immigration enforcement action.
There is no evidence that has been presented to justify this killing. Secretary Kristi Noem is a stone-cold liar and has zero credibility. The masked ICE agent who pulled the trigger should be criminally investigated to the full extent of the law for acting with depraved indifference to human life.
I pray for the loved ones of the victim and stand with the people of Minneapolis during this difficult time. The American people must reject this cruelty and extremism.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), released the following statement regarding the recent shooting by ICE in Minneapolis.
“The brutal, unnecessary shooting death of a woman in Minneapolis today by an ICE officer is a shocking and devastating tragedy and a stain on our entire nation.
“The agents carrying out these ICE raids are federal officers with a sacred duty to uphold the law and protect our communities, not terrorize them. Those officers responsible for today’s horrific shooting must face a thorough investigation and be held to full account for their actions.
“Sending strength to the Minneapolis community. Chicagoland knows all too well the trauma and terror Trump’s chaotic immigration operations bring to otherwise peaceful communities.
“Our President should be making America and Americans safer. He is failing.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro:
“Nicolas Maduro has been indicted in U.S. courts for drug trafficking, stole the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, and has denied the Venezuelan people their just democratic aspirations. He is unquestionably a bad actor who deserves to face justice.
“Those facts alone, however, do not relieve President Trump of his constitutional obligations or give him blanket authority to send the U.S. military into a foreign land.
“President Trump owes the American people clear and convincing evidence that Maduro and the Venezuelan regime posed an imminent threat to the United States and our citizens, and a clear legal justification for using military force without prior authorization from Congress.
“The President must also present Congress with a credible strategy for what comes next. The Administration needs to explain how it intends to prevent Venezuela from further collapsing, becoming a failed state, and potentially destabilizing the entire region—posing an even greater threat to the American people and our allies.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – On the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) joined the Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Congressional Delegations, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) and Ken Calvert (R-CA-41), U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-CA), and the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging President Trump to provide overdue federal disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild and recover.
Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County fires last year burned more than 40,000 acres — an area over three times the size of Manhattan. The fires destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and claimed at least 30 lives.
Due to the catastrophic scale of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, the lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for additional federal disaster assistance, coordination, and funding. They pushed President Trump to continue supporting impacted areas and provide additional disaster relief, just as the federal government has done for other disaster-stricken communities across the country. Although the administration worked with California state and local leaders to complete the fastest wildfire debris cleanup in U.S. history, President Trump has not yet approved California’s request for additional disaster relief necessary for long-term recovery.
The lawmakers highlighted California’s record cleanup with the help of the Army Corps of Engineers, clearing hazardous debris from more than 9,000 properties in under 30 days and removing over 2.5 million tons of ash, metal, concrete, and contaminated soil in the first nine months. They also expressed their appreciation for aid provided so far by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration to help residents and small businesses begin to recover.
“As the recovery process continues, additional federal support is needed, and our entire delegation looks forward to working cooperatively with your administration to ensure the communities of Southern California receive their fair share of federal disaster assistance,” wrote the bipartisan group of California lawmakers.
“Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornadoes in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County,” continued the lawmakers. “Therefore, as we mark the one-year anniversary of this tremendous disaster, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild.”
In addition to Brownley, Lofgren, Calvert, Padilla, and Schiff, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Vince Fong (R-CA-20), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Adam Gray (D-CA-13), Josh Harder (D-CA-09), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Darrell Issa (R-CA-48), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Kevin Kiley (R-CA-03), Young Kim (R-CA-40), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Tom McClintock (R-CA-05), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), David Valadao (R-CA-22), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27).
The Honorable Donald Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Trump:
At the one-year anniversary of the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles County, we write to highlight the historic response, the ongoing recovery, and to urge continued and additional support. In the initial weeks after wildfires, thanks to the decisive action of your administration, the Army Corps of Engineers conducted hazardous debris cleanup that was concluded in record time – clearing more than 9,000 properties of hazardous materials in under 30 days. Large-scale structural debris removal followed—over 2.5 million tons of ash, metal, concrete, and contaminated soil were removed in the first nine months. The billions in aid provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have also been incredibly helpful in supporting residents and small businesses to get back on their feet. As the recovery process continues, additional federal support is needed, and our entire delegation looks forward to working cooperatively with your administration to ensure the communities of Southern California receive their fair share of federal disaster assistance.
Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Palisades and Eaton fires burned over 40,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and killed more than two dozen people. These wildfires have caused widespread damage across Los Angeles County, including federal and state highways and roads, critical public infrastructure, homes, and buildings. Both state and city officials have pushed policies to cut red tape on permitting and rebuilding regulations to speed up reconstruction of homes and essential infrastructure. But the historic destruction caused by these wildfires requires continued federal funding and support. Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornadoes in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County. Therefore, as we mark the one-year anniversary of this tremendous disaster, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement in response to the fatal shooting of a woman during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis:
“This is Donald Trump’s America: a woman is dead because ICE is operating with impunity in our neighborhoods. This horrific loss of life is devastating and never should have happened. My heart is with her family and loved ones, who are now grieving a senseless tragedy. I will be demanding full answers and accountability from the Trump administration. When federal agents are unleashed without restraint or oversight, the consequences are deadly—and the responsibility for this killing is on their hands.”