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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC — Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) released the following statement on his appointment as Ranking Member of the United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party: 
 

“I am grateful to Leader Hakeem Jeffries for entrusting me to lead the Democrats on the committee, and to Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi for his dedication and leadership as Ranking Member for the past three years. 
 

I recognize the gravity of this moment. For decades, Americans have suffered the consequences of unfettered globalism — a widening trade deficit with China, the offshoring of jobs, and the hollowing out of factory towns. A new economic patriotism must be at the forefront of our diplomacy with China. 
 

We need an economic and strategic reset to build critical industries at home, open lines of communication, prioritize effective military deterrence, and tackle the opioid crisis that has torn families and communities apart. We also need a Manhattan Project to source and process critical minerals so that we are not dependent on China for rare earths and magnets. As Ranking Member, I will be committed to strengthening our economy, revitalizing manufacturing, and putting American workers first. 
 

Together with the members of our committee, technology leaders in places like my district, in Silicon Valley, we can ensure that we lead in AI and innovation in the 21st century and guarantee economic security and prosperity for the American people.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, released the following statement on the newly released Epstein files by the Department of Justice: 

“This release was a bombshell. The files include an email referencing ‘10 co-conspirators’ even though Kash Patel previously testified that there was no credible information to indicate Epstein trafficked women to anyone other than himself. The files also revealed that Trump flew on Epstein’s plane at least eight times between 1993-1996 — ‘many more times’ than a federal prosecutor had previously known, according to an email from 2020. 

Americans deserve the truth. DOJ’s refusal to follow the law I passed in Congress and release the full files is an obstruction of justice. They also need to release the FBI witness interviews which name other men, so the public can know who was involved. DOJ is spending more time protecting the Epstein class than the survivors, whose names are required by law to be redacted. 

They had months to prepare for the release of the files and Attorney General Bondi ignored our requests to meet with her. That is why Representative Massie and I are bringing inherent contempt against Bondi. The survivors and the public demand transparency and justice.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, the Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Congressional Delegations, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41), and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), led 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 Lofgren, Calvert, Padilla, and Schiff, 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), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), 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 – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SAN JOSE, CA – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that California’s 18th district had received a total of $8,634,928 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.

“I’m proud to kick off 2026 with some amazing news for California’s 18th district,” Rep. Lofgren said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is once again strengthening California by delivering over $8.6 million in funding to ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. I was proud to vote for this law, and I’m excited to see these funds improve road safety in San Benito County, Watsonville, and Morgan Hill.”

The breakdown of the funding will be as follows:

• $7,625,616 to San Benito County for the implementation of safety enhancement at 11 priority corridors and intersections. Work includes centerline and edgeline rumble strips, curve warning signs, lighting, high-visibility crosswalks, signal timing, and conversion of two intersections to roundabouts. Between 2018 and 2022, the project areas experienced 52 fatalities and 111 serious injuries.

• $560,000 to the City of Watsonville for piloting speed safety cameras and radar feedback signs to reduce unsafe speeds, educate drivers, and gather data to inform future enforcement strategies. The demonstration project will result in a scalable, replicable model for speed management citywide.

• $449,312 to the City of Morgan Hill for installing pedestrian and school safety countermeasures and deploying radar speed signs and speed-management software. Work includes installing rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at 6 crossings, school daylighting and striping at multiple schools, and 10 movable radar speed signs.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) released the following statement today following the passing of her colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01):

“Congressman Doug LaMalfa loved rural California and the communities he represented in Congress. Doug was a fourth-generation rice farmer and he cared deeply about American farm country. We worked closely together in crafting the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act. While we disagreed on many things, I considered him my friend. As Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, I offer condolences to Doug’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), a former member of the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6^th Attack on the United States Capitol, released the following statement today reflecting on the deadly insurrection 5 years later:

“Five years ago was one of our country’s darkest days. We saw law enforcement officers beaten, we saw gallows constructed to hang elected officials, and worst of all, we saw a lawless President cheer it on. The pain of January 6th hasn’t faded over these past five years. Every year is a somber reminder of how fragile American democracy is and how close we came to losing it.”

“No matter how much President Trump and his allies seek to rewrite the past and cover up this stain on our history, the American people remember. With over a million documents and hundreds of hours of footage from the January 6th Select Committee investigation, it is one of the most-documented crimes in American history. And there is no doubt about who was most culpable for that terrible tragedy,” Rep. Lofgren said.

The final report of the January 6^th Select Committee can be read here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-1):

“Doug was a devoted husband, a dedicated father to four beautiful children, and a newfound grandfather. Throughout his political career, Doug was a longtime Reagan conservative who believed in limited government, low taxes, and traditional values. He served his state and constituents with distinction both in the state legislature and later in Congress, where he was first elected in 2012. As a fourth-generation farmer in Northern California, Doug used his deep understanding of water and natural resources issues to institute changes to federal law following the 2017 Oroville Dam crisis and 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. In 2024, Doug was unanimously elected to serve as the Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 119th Congress – one of the largest congressional membership groups on Capitol Hill, focusing exclusively on rural policy issues throughout the West and beyond. 

“Doug’s expertise, sense of humor and collegial manner will be sorely missed and his many contributions to environmental and rural policy will have a lasting legacy.  I will very much miss my good friend and colleague, and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire LaMalfa family.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro:

“Nicolás Maduro is a narco-terrorist who is responsible for the deaths of many Americans. I applaud President Trump, our national security leaders, and our military personnel responsible for apprehending Maduro. He will now face justice for his deadly crimes. I spoke with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth earlier this morning and congratulated him for a successful mission. I was relieved to hear no service members were killed during the operation. Over the past year, the world has seen America will no longer tolerate anyone who harms our people, including drug trafficking. The Trump Administration is correctly making the safety of America our highest priority.

As President Trump has stated this morning, the United States will facilitate a safe, proper and judicious transition of power in Venezuela. The people of Venezuela, who were oppressed under the Maduro regime, now have an opportunity for a brighter future that they should shape in a free, democratic, and prosperous manner.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s unauthorized military strike in Venezuela, carried out without congressional approval, which reportedly resulted in the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s former President, and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to reports, both were taken into U.S. custody and transported to the United States to face criminal charges, raising serious concerns about the Administration’s adherence to the Constitution and the grave national security consequences of initiating military action against a sovereign nation without authorization from Congress.  

“While Maduro has inflicted real harm on the people of Venezuela, including collaborating with drug traffickers and terrorists, no president—especially Donald Trump—has the authority to bypass Congress to launch military strikes against a sovereign nation, while brazenly admitting that controlling Venezuela’s oil is part of his motivation. We have been down this road before, and it led to a disastrous, decades-long war in Iraq driven by oil and lies, and I will not stand idly by as this president attempts to drag our nation into another endless conflict. 

“Just last month, Congress repealed two separate authorizations of military force in Iraq, but Donald Trump once again chose to unilaterally attack, and ignore Congress’ Constitutional role.  It is Congress that authorizes such force, and Trump’s abuse of power demands a serious and immediate response from Congressional members of both parties. Donald Trump has now gone so far as to publicly boast about his detention of Nicolás Maduro and his wife and to suggest that he can unilaterally determine who governs Venezuela or even claim authority to run the country himself. That is not strength. It is reckless, delusional, and extremely dangerous.” 

“During Donald Trump’s first term, I called for his impeachment under then Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He was impeached twice, yet escaped accountability due to a lack of Republican support. Today, many Democrats have understandably questioned whether impeachment is possible again under the current political reality. I am reconsidering that view. Even if Republicans refuse to act, Democrats cannot remain silent or passive in the face of actions this extreme from this Administration.” 

“What we are witnessing is an unprecedented escalation of an unlawful invasion, the detention of foreign leaders, and a president openly asserting power far beyond what the Constitution allows. Democrats must take a firm stand against this abuse of authority. We cannot normalize it. We cannot excuse it. And we cannot allow any president to place himself above the Constitution, Congress, or the rule of law.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, the office of Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) released their 2025 end-of-year report, highlighting efforts to continue standing up for Central Florida, delivering for the community, and holding the Trump Administration accountable.

“From the moment the president was sworn in, we’ve seen the Trump Administration lead with corruption, chaos, and confusion. From mass deportations to tariffs, unlawful layoffs to ridiculous culture wars, their Big Ugly Law to the Epstein Files, Democrats have stood together at every turn and made united efforts to hold the Administration accountable in Congress and in the courts,” said Rep. Soto. “In Central Florida, there is too much at stake to stand idly by. We are a vibrant community that deserves increased investments to help us continue moving forward, not division and exclusion. It is a privilege to be your representative as we navigate these challenging times, and my office is committed to continuing to serve as a resource every step of the way.”

For the full report, please click here.