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

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson today sent a letter inviting President Donald Trump to deliver the annual State of the Union Address before a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, February 24.

Full text of the invitation:

Dear Mr. President,

As our nation marks the Semiquincentennial Anniversary of American Independence, the United States stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous under your leadership and bold action. Together in 2025, your administration and the 119^th Congress delivered one of the most consequential agendas in history, and Americans across this great country will experience the tangible results of commonsense governance.

We look forward to advancing the important work ahead of us in 2026, serving the American people, defending liberty, and preserving this grand experiment in self-governance. To that end, it is my distinct honor and great privilege to invite you to address a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Mike Johnson

Speaker of the House

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

MINNEAPOLIS–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement following the reporting that an ICE agent killed a Minnesota resident.

“ICE’s actions today were unconscionable and reprehensible. I am beyond outraged that their reckless, callous actions led to the killing of a legal observer in Minneapolis. My heart breaks for the victim’s family, who will have to forever live with the pain caused by the Trump Administration’s reckless and deadly actions.

“This administration has shown, yet again, that it does not care about the safety of Minnesotans. Instead of protecting our communities, they are unleashing violence–terrorizing neighborhoods and now killing a civilian. For weeks, ICE’s so-called ‘Operation Metro Surge’ has spread fear, chaos, and violence across our state.

“This is not law enforcement. It is state violence. It is simply indefensible, and ICE must be held accountable. That must include a full, comprehensive investigation and legal action against the agency.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to freeze $1 billion of federal funds for Illinois, including funding for social services, nutrition programs, and child care. This decision will impact approximately 100,000 families in Illinois, including more than 152,000 children served through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program, which helps working families afford safe, reliable child care.

“I represent a district where families are already struggling to make ends meet due to the affordability crisis this President is trying to ignore. Child care costs are crushing working families, and instead of helping parents stay in the workforce and support their families, the Trump administration is dismantling programs they need to survive.  

“This funding freeze is a political decision that specifically targets Democratic-led states and will have a profound impact on working-class communities all over Illinois, regardless of who they voted for. Targeting vulnerable families is cruel and inhumane, and does not make America great. I will continue working with Governor Pritzker and our local elected officials to protect our communities and fight for the resources Illinois families, especially our children, deserve.”

Five other states, all led by Democratic governors, will also be impacted, for a total of $10 billion in federal funds frozen. For more information about the programs affected, go to this link.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration froze $10 billion in federal funds for social services across five states, all led by Democratic governors, including $1 billion for Illinois. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) condemned this decision, which will hurt thousands of children and families.

“At the height of an affordability crisis created by President Trump, he’s decided to attack children. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of little kids whose parents depend on federal childcare so they can go to work and continue to provide for their families,” said Rep. Kelly. “In political retaliation against Democratic-run states, President Trump is once again using undocumented immigrants as a scapegoat to unconstitutionally freeze congressional-allocated funds while providing no evidence of fraud. He’s gone after Americans’ healthcare, SNAP benefits, public safety, and now, childcare. It’s shameful.”

The Department of Health and Human Services froze funds for programs provided through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Over 152,000 children are served through CCDBG alone.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) announced today that his Birthright Citizenship Act has been included in the Republican Study Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, marking a major step forward in the effort to restore the rule of law and protect the integrity of American citizenship.

The Republican Study Committee (RSC), serves as the conservative caucus of House Republicans and a leading policy force on the Right. Inclusion in the RSC budget reflects strong support among House conservatives for ending the misuse of birthright citizenship.

The Birthright Citizenship Act aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to make birthright citizenship reform a national priority and restore the 14th Amendment to its original intent.

This legislation ensures that automatic U.S. citizenship applies only to children born in the United States with at least one parent who is:

• A U.S. citizen or national;
• A lawful permanent resident residing in the United States; or
• A lawful immigrant serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“America’s citizenship laws must reflect fairness, sovereignty, and respect for the rule of law,” said Congressman Babin. “This legislation closes a dangerous loophole that encourages illegal immigration and exploits one of the most valuable privileges our nation offers. Citizenship should be protected, not abused.”

With its inclusion in the RSC budget, the Birthright Citizenship Act continues to gain momentum as Republicans advance policies that secure the border, uphold the Constitution, and put American citizens first.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) sent a letter urging V2X President and CEO Jeremy Wensinger to engage in good faith negotiations with its employees at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville over a new collective bargaining agreement.

“As the Member of Congress representing 689 V2X employees at NAS Kingsville, I know how important these contract negotiations are to the economic well-being of my constituents in the 34th Congressional District of Texas. I am hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement will be reached in these negotiations,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “Therefore, I urge all parties to commit to bargaining in good faith and move towards a timely and fair resolution that will support the long-term well-being of my constituents and our South Texas community.”

V2X is the largest contractor at NAS Kingsville, employing hundreds of South Texans belonging to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union). With the current agreement between the two parties set to expire at the end of January, it is the policy of the United States to encourage collective bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act.

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Kansas family coming home after days of uncertainty following overseas flight cancellations

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

On one-year anniversary of LA fires, CA Delegation reaffirms bipartisan call to Trump for essential federal disaster recovery aid

January 07, 2026

Los Angeles, CA — On the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) and the Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Congressional Delegations — Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) — 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 Huffman, Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, and Lofgren, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.-48), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.-05), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

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.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

VALLEJO, CA — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), issued the following statement after the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa: 

“Douglas LaMalfa was a close friend and colleague who cared deeply about the farmers in his district, as well as the extraordinary natural resources of Northern California. 

“Together for a decade, we represented the great Sacramento Valley, where I was proud to work with him on several bipartisan pieces of legislation in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to secure critical water infrastructure investments, advocate for California farmers, and safeguard the Sacramento River Watershed. 

“I’m certainly going to miss him as a friend and colleague. We traveled together every week, back and forth on the same plane for nearly fifteen years, and our friendship deepened as did our work for the betterment of the Sacramento Valley. 

“My prayers are with the entire LaMalfa family as they mourn his loss.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and their seizure of President Nicolás Maduro.

“Last night, in direct violation of the United States Constitution, President Trump illegally attacked Venezuela’s capital and seized Nicolás Maduro.

The removal of Maduro through an unconstitutional military action raises two serious concerns. First, it represents a unilateral and unconstitutional act by President Trump, who has repeatedly ignored the Constitution. Second, it raises a fundamental question: what is the plan to establish a secure, democratic government in Venezuela? Trump is now talking about governing Venezuela. How can this be done without American boots on the ground and without bloodshed?

Addressing the first issue will require a Congress willing to assert its constitutional authority —not only over questions of war and peace, but also over the funding and operations of government. The stakes of the upcoming election could not be higher. This moment is critical to the future of our constitutional democracy.

As for Venezuela’s future, it is essential to understand what the Trump administration intends to do next—if it has thought beyond step one at all. Although we all hope for a brighter future for Venezuela and a return to true democratic values, there is a real risk of escalating conflict and chaos that could plunge the country into civil war. The President must explain his plan to Congress and the American people.”

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