MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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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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.

###

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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