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Casten to Vote Against DHS Funding Bill That Fails to Rein in ICE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

January 22, 2026

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) will vote against appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2026 and released the following statement:

“The Department of Homeland Security funding bill set to be considered by the House does not meaningfully end the lawless conduct from ICE that we have seen in Illinois and throughout the country. Congress, having the power of the purse, had an opportunity to respond to the murder and baseless arrests of American citizens, the cruel and inhumane conditions detainees are subjected to, and the denial of due process to both citizens and non-citizens. This bill not only fails to impose real accountability, but it also asks Congress to keep funding ICE’s illegal actions, including entering homes without judicial warrants. It reflects a failure of Congress’s constitutional duty to act as a check on an out-of-control Executive Branch that is operating without accountability.

“To be clear, Democratic appropriators demanded the inclusion of provisions to rein in ICE, but Republicans chose to move forward with a bill without enforceable limits, oversight, or consequences, despite the chaos these operations have inflicted on communities. The Department of Homeland Security should be focused on securing our borders and keeping our communities safe. As we have seen in the last year, when ICE descends on a community, brutality and violence erupt.

“The American people deserve better than the current leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. I cannot in good conscience vote to fund their continued failures.”

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Carbajal-Backed Bill to Expand Farm Aid, Delay Trump-Led SNAP Changes Introduced in the House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined other Democratic members of the House Agriculture Committee in introducing a bill to assist struggling family farmers and safeguard key food benefits for low-income Americans.

The Farm and Family Relief Act is a response to President Trump’s crushing tariffs and massive unfunded mandate to the states through a cost-shift in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – which have endangered the financial wellbeing of farmers, increased the cost of groceries, and threatened food access for millions of American children, seniors and veterans. View the Farm and Family Relief Act summary here.

“Trump’s erratic policies are impacting our food system from start to finish: His tariffs are bankrupting family farmers while raising costs at the grocery store. His ‘Big Ugly Bill’ is creating unprecedented chaos within the SNAP food assistance program, leading to reduced food security for millions of households. Enough is enough,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Farm and Family Relief Act offers a clear path forward by providing a lifeline to the farmers and families bearing the brunt of these misguided decisions, and restoring stability to the food system we all rely on.”

According to a new report by Joint Economic Committee Democrats, Trump’s inflation cost the average California family $2,355 in the past year. Fruits and vegetable prices are up an average of 5.3 percent, while food eaten away from home has increased 4.1 percent. Hardworking Americans paid $310 more for groceries in 2025 than the year before.

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimated in November that U.S. farmers have accumulated over $50 billion in losses across the last three crop years. The 2025/26 crop year shows the steepest loss at $28 billion, influenced by Trump’s tariffs. Farm leaders have described the president’s $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program as “not enough.”

The National Governors Association recently estimated that annual SNAP expenditures could increase an average of $218 million per state if payment error rate data collected during the shutdown period is not excluded from cost-shift calculations, and a coalition of state and local stakeholders has urged Congress to delay the cost shifts.

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Rep. Norma Torres Introduces Amendments to Deliver Disaster Relief, Protect Children and Veterans, and Demand Accountability in Homeland Security Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

January 22, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres introduced a package of amendments to the fiscal year 2026 Homeland Security funding bill to deliver urgent disaster relief, protect children and veterans, increase public safety, and ensure accountability and transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent. The House Rules Committee rejected all of Congresswoman Torres’s proposed amendments.

“As Congress debates homeland security funding, we have a responsibility to protect people, stop ICE and CBP’s abuses of the law and our Constitution, and to spend taxpayer dollars wisely, transparently, and lawfully,” said Congresswoman Torres. “These amendments prioritize disaster recovery, children’s safety, veterans’ rights, constitutional protections, and public safety while demanding real accountability for where this money goes.”

Representative Torres Amendments include:

  • Amendment #1 would provide $16.8 billion in emergency FEMA funding to help communities recover from major disasters in 2025, including wildfires, floods, storms, and tornadoes across at least 20 states, ensuring FEMA has the resources to respond quickly and effectively when families need help most.

  • Amendment #2 would block any funding from being used to dismantle or undermine the Flores Settlement Agreement, which sets basic, court-ordered protections for children in immigration custody such as safe conditions and limits on detention time.

  • Amendment #3 would prohibit the deportation of non-citizen U.S. military veterans unless they are provided legal counsel and a full, fair hearing, and requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress on veteran deportation cases.

  • Amendment #4 would require ICE to notify local law enforcement of operations within their jurisdictions, improving safety for officers and communities and preventing dangerous confusion during enforcement actions.

  • Amendment #5 would introduce the Fairness to Freedom Act, which would provide funding to ensure legal representation for all immigration detainees, protecting constitutional rights and due process while promoting fairness and efficiency in the system.

These amendments underscore Rep. Torres’ broader concern with the annual funding proposal that would provide $64.4 billion to DHS, on top of money previously provided in the Big, Ugly bill last year.

“We should not be writing a blank check,” Torres said. “Funding decisions should be made with transparency and rigorous oversight, and should prioritize programs that actually keep people safe like disaster response, TSA, and community-focused security. We should not be handing out more money to ICE when they have too often terrorized communities without delivering real security.”

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JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING BILL

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Donald Trump promised the American people that his deportation policy would focus on violent felons who are in the country illegally. Instead, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has aggressively targeted American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families. 

Kristi Noem and ICE are out of control. Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end. 

For weeks, Democrats have pushed House Republicans to adopt strong guardrails and accountability measures, including a judicial warrant requirement, prohibition on the detention and deportation of American citizens, use of excessive force restriction, enhanced training, body camera mandate and mask ban. These common sense measures are designed to ensure that ICE conducts itself like every other law enforcement agency in America. 

We have a broken immigration system that should be fixed in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner. Democrats fought for meaningful, reasonable and necessary reforms meant to protect everyday Americans and immigrant families from the administration’s reckless and violent tactics.  

Unfortunately, House Republicans have rejected the effort to address the serious concerns raised by the American people about the lawless conduct by ICE. For this reason, we are voting No on the Homeland Security appropriations bill.

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Rep. Haley Stevens Introduces Bill to Tackle Intergenerational Student Debt Crisis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Alleviating Intergenerational Debt (AID) Act to fix a glaring financial aid issue and make the dream of college achievable for all students.

The nation’s broken financial aid system faces a growing reality: parents across the country are still paying off their own student loans while simultaneously trying to send their kids to college. Right now, federal financial aid formulas fail to account for outstanding parental student loan debt, leading to unfair denials of federal aid to students from families that are already stretched thin. The AID Act updates the Student Aid Index formula to include outstanding parental student loan debt, giving financial aid administrators a clearer, more honest picture of family finances and unlocking critical aid for students across Michigan.

“Student debt shouldn’t follow Michigan families from one generation to the next,” said Rep. Stevens. “The AID Act modernizes financial aid to match today’s economy so more students can afford college without inheriting the same debt their parents are still paying off.”

The AID Act will:

  • Expand access to federal student aid by creating a new allowance in the SAI formula for parents of dependent students who are paying student loans, similar to existing allowances for taxes.
  • Increase transparency and accountability by requiring the Department of Education to report annually on how many students benefit from this allowance, how much students receive on average, and how impacts differ for Pell Grant recipients.

Rep. Stevens serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee and continues to champion policies that expand opportunity and make higher education more affordable for Michiganders.

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WATCH: Rep. Neguse Leads Colleagues in Marking 16 Years Since Citizens United Ruling, Highlights Effort to End Corruption in Government

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

“Citizens United undermined what it means to be a country of the people, by the people, and for the people, and above all, accountable to the people.”

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse led his colleagues in a Special Order Hour on the House Floor marking 16 years since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) decision, which opened our elections to unlimited dark money.

Neguse has been a vocal proponent of fixing America’s broken campaign finance system since first being elected to Congress in 2018. In September of last year, he introduced a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and prevent unrestrained corporate influence and spending in politics. He also convened a group of next-generation reformers to introduce the End Corruption Now agenda, which proposes seven bills designed to put power back in the hands of the people. 

During his remarks, Neguse underscored the importance of advancing the Citizens Over Corporations Amendment and restoring public trust in democracy. 

To see the full video of Congressman Neguse’s remarks, click HERE. 

A full transcript of his remarks is available below. 

NEGUSE: Mr. Speaker, I stand on the floor of the People’s House to deliver what I believe to be an urgent message: The time to confront political corruption and clean up government is now. 

Sixteen years ago, to this very day, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. 

As you know, Mr. Speaker, that decision overturned long-standing precedent and limits on political spending by special interests. The decision created a dark money system where money speaks louder than everyday Americans. It has shifted power and influence away from everyday Americans, from the folks in our communities that we are privileged to serve, to instead, these shadowy special interests that flood your television screen every evening.

In my view, Citizens United undermined what it means to be a country of the people, by the people, and for the people, and above all, accountable to the people. And unfortunately, for far too long, this chamber has failed to do what needs to be done to renew the faith of the American people in our democracy. We cannot accept that. We have to do something about it.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, I introduced legislation, in the form of a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution, that would revoke Citizens United. It would ensure transparency through our campaign finance reform and prevent unrestrained spending and dark money in our elections.  

Put bluntly, it would put the power back in the hands of the American people. 

And I want to thank my Democratic colleagues, 73 of them, who have already co-sponsored this legislation, who are joining us tonight to be part of this effort — this clarion call — supporting the restoration of integrity, of transparency, to Washington. 

Together, I honestly believe with enough reformers, we can change the Congress. We can ban stock trading by members of Congress. We can end dark money in our politics. We can overturn Citizens United. 

We just have to have the political will to do it.

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Congressman Valadao Reintroduces Legislation to Fight Back Against Human Trafficking

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) reintroduced the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act. This bipartisan legislation establishes an annual certification program under the Blue Campaign at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to incentivize employers in covered industries to complete human trafficking awareness training. 

“California leads the nation in reported human trafficking cases, and sadly, the Central Valley is no stranger to this epidemic,” said Congressman Valadao. “Workers in the entertainment, hospitality, and transportation industries are often the first to spot the warning signs, which is why proper training and awareness is so critical. Close coordination at the federal, state, and local levels is essential to catching and prosecuting human trafficking cases, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues to bring an end to this growing and disturbing crime.”

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime hiding in plain sight, and far too often it goes unreported. This bill strengthens our nation’s response by empowering the people who are most likely to spot the warning signs first, employees in industries like hospitality, transportation, and entertainment sectors. By expanding the Blue Campaign to recognize businesses that train their workforce to recognize and respond to trafficking, we are incentivizing vigilance, strengthening public-private partnerships, and making it clear that combating human trafficking is a shared responsibility. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to protect victims, hold traffickers accountable, and help save lives,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

“The AGA endorses the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act and thanks Representatives Valadao and Carter for their leadership on this important issue. Training that helps frontline employees recognize the signs of human trafficking is critical. This legislation will encourage more companies to take that step, strengthen public-private collaboration, and reinforce that combating human trafficking is a shared priority,” said Alex Costello, Vice President of Government Relations, American Gaming Association.

“The hotel industry is committed to human trafficking prevention and leading on training efforts and that’s why we’re proud to share that the free training available to hotel employees has been completed more than 2.5 million times. The ‘Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act’ provides important third-party validation for hotels’ training and prevention initiatives. The re-introduction of this legislation couldn’t come at a better time, during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  We are grateful to Representatives Valadao and Carter for re-introducing this important bill and look forward to helping them pass it into law,” said Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association.

The Human Trafficking Awareness and Recognition Act would:

  • Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Blue Campaign Certification Program to incentivize employers in covered industries to encourage employees to complete human trafficking awareness training. The Blue Campaign would provide eligible employers with a certificate of completion to display for one year.
  • Requires a report to be submitted to the appropriate committees within two years after the enactment of this legislation.
  • Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by requiring the Blue Campaign to increase coordination with experts from the private sector, academic institutions, and other covered industries

Background:

In 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested more than 2,500 individuals for human trafficking-related offenses and assisted over 700 human trafficking victims. While these numbers are significant, they likely only represent a fraction of all instances of human trafficking, as many cases go unreported. The Blue Campaign, housed within the DHS’ Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), aims to equip the public, law enforcement, and the private sector with awareness trainings and resources to reduce human trafficking crimes nationwide. While the Blue Campaign offers tools to help combat trafficking, it currently lacks an initiative for recognizing businesses that have trained their employees to recognize and respond to suspected human trafficking.

Read the full bill here.

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Latta Takes 2,635th Consecutive Vote, Longest Current Voting Record in House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Latta Takes 2,635th Consecutive Vote, Longest Current Voting Record in House

Washington, January 21, 2026

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) cast his 2,635th consecutive vote, marking the longest consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. As first reported by Roll Call, Congressman Latta has maintained a perfect voting record since 2020. 

“Every vote is an opportunity to speak for the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, and it is my duty in Congress to make sure their voices are heard. Missing a vote means silencing their voice in Congress, and that is not something I take lightly. This streak isn’t about setting a record, it’s about accountability. I’m honored to hold the longest, consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Congressman Latta.  

“Congressman Latta’s exemplary attendance record is the gold standard for every House Republican. Bob is a team player and shows up ready to work for the people of his district. That’s really what service is all about,” said Majority Whip Tom Emmer.

To read the interview with Roll Call, click here.

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Over 3,000 Join Sherman Telephone Town Hall Reviewing Trump’s First Year in Office: ICE, Greenland, and What Comes Next

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

SHERMAN OAKS, CA – On January 21st, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) hosted his first live Telephone Town Hall of the year, with more than 3,000 residents dialing in to react to the Trump administration’s first year in office and the challenges moving forward.

“I’m grateful to the thousands of residents who joined our first town hall of the year,” Sherman said. “One year into this administration, we’ve seen chaos, overreach, and a disregard for both civil liberties and international norms. Staying connected with constituents is essential as we work to confront these challenges and prepare for what lies ahead.”

In his opening remarks, Sherman reviewed the Trump administration’s record over the past year, focusing on aggressive immigration enforcement policies that have torn families apart and spread fear throughout Los Angeles–area communities and beyond. He addressed widespread outrage following the fatal shooting of Minnesota mother Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month, calling the incident a tragic consequence of an administration that has abandoned oversight and restraint. Sherman said he will refuse to vote for any federal appropriations bill that funds ICE and noted that he has joined efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whom he has described as the “worst cabinet secretary in U.S. history.”

Sherman also discussed what he described as reckless actions by the Trump administration on the world stage, including repeated threats and rhetoric regarding Greenland. As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sherman warned that such actions undermine U.S. alliances as well as global peace and security. Congressman Sherman highlighted his recent unveiling of the “Hands Off Greenland” Act to block any unilateral effort to seize or acquire the territory.

Throughout the event, Sherman answered questions and addressed concerns about immigration enforcement, rising costs, threats to civil rights, and the broader direction of the country under the Trump administration. He reiterated his commitment to holding the administration accountable and continuing to fight for the values and interests of California’s communities.

The Town Hall also featured California Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, representing the Northwest San Fernando Valley in the 40th Assembly District, as a special guest. Assemblymember Schiavo discussed priorities in the State Legislature and the importance of coordination between state and federal leaders to protect families and uphold fundamental rights during a period of political uncertainty.

During the Town Hall, Sherman requested input from residents by asking a series of survey questions about their thoughts and concerns. 

The results of the survey questions are as follows:

– Should the House of Representatives debate articles of impeachment against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem?

  • Yes: 91%
  • No: 6%
  • Unsure: 4%

-Do you support or oppose President Trump’s proposal to annex Greenland, including by force?

  • Support: 7%
  • Oppose: 88%
  • Unsure: 6%

-Should your Member of Congress vote in favor of any new funding for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?

  • Yes, fund ICE: 4%
  • No, vote against ICE funding: 93%
  • Unsure: 3%

-Who deserves more of the blame for America’s affordability crisis?

  • President Biden and Democrats: 4%
  • Trump and Congressional Republicans: 73%
  • Both equally: 17%
  • Unsure: 6%
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Foster Statement on 2026 Homeland Security Funding Legislation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

“Today, the House will be taking up the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill. After reviewing the text of the legislation, I will be voting NO.

“Last year, Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ increased ICE’s funding to exceed some countries’ military budgets. Since then, ICE operations have terrorized U.S. citizens and immigrants in our communities in Illinois, Minnesota, and across the country. ICE must be held accountable for its rampant abuses of power, not rewarded with more funding. 

“Should this vote fail, I hope Republicans will return to the table to engage in good-faith negotiations about raising the level of honor and professionalism in immigration enforcement in the United States.”

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