MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) hosted the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus alongside caucus co-chairs Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), as well as founding members Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20) and John McGuire III (VA-05).

“Human trafficking is a complex and deeply troubling issue, and the launch event for the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus brought together lawmakers, advocates, survivors, and industry leaders committed to confronting this crisis head-on,” said Congressman Valadao. “Hearing directly from those on the front lines reinforces the urgent need for stronger coordination, greater awareness, and federal policy that reflects the reality in our communities. This caucus will serve as a critical platform to elevate those voices, and I look forward to working together to prevent exploitation, prosecute traffickers, and protect survivors.”

Attendees included representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association (AGA), Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), 3Strands Foundation, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, International Justice Mission, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Woodmont Lodging, Hyatt, Hilton, Donohoe Hospitality Services, Rights4Girls, JLL, Xenia Hotels, PM Hotels, and My Place Hotels.

Click here for photos from the event.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

ICE’s Refusal to Provide Necessary Medical Care Led to Damas’ Tragic Death While in Detention

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – On the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) eulogized Emmanuel Damas, a constituent who died in ICE custody after being denied necessary medical care.

Earlier this month, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), wrote to the Trump Administration demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Damas’ death. Mr. Damas is, at least, the tenth person to die in ICE’s custody this year.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Honors Emmanuel Damas, Constituent Who Died in ICE Custody

U.S. House of Representatives

March 26, 2026 

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to remember Emmanuel Damas. 56 years old, a father, brother, son, valued community member, and neighbor of the Massachusetts 7th.

Like so many, Emmanuel came to this country seeking safety from the violence, the instability, and the crisis in Haiti, only to be abducted by ICE and transferred far from his family.

Now while in custody, Emmanuel pleaded for necessary medical care for a toothache—a basic human right. He was repeatedly denied medical care.

That toothache became an infection, an infection that resulted in septic shock, as infection took over Emmanuel’s body.

I can only imagine the agony he was in.

Eventually, Emmanuel fell into a coma and he died—a tragic, preventable, shameful death.

Mr. Speaker, this is not an isolated tragedy, but a pattern of cruelty and neglect that is robbing us of lives.

Emmanuel was at least the tenth person to die in ICE custody this year, and his death was entirely preventable.

So while there can never be true justice for Emmanuel—in a just world, he would still be alive and home with his family—there must be accountability.

Today, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and community, and together, we’ll keep pushing for the accountability, transparency and the healing they deserve.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Full video of the hearing can be found HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, today hosted a hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Attack on Our Children. 

“Today, I hosted the seventh hearing in my series Kidnapped and Disappeared, focusing on the immense trauma that Trump and his Department of Homeland Security have caused to our children. In the first seven months of Donald Trump’s term, more than 11,000 US citizen children have had a parent detained.  That means that every single day, 50 US citizen children, on average, have had a parent detained,” said Jayapal. “Having a parent kidnapped and disappeared is bad enough. But too often, ICE is using violence to arrest parents right in front of their children or even as “bait” as we saw with the horrific case of 5-year old Liam Ramos — the young child with the bunny ears hat that galvanized attention across the country. I thank our incredible witnesses for being here today to shine a light on the pain that Trump is causing.”

“Over the past 20 years, I have watched children in immigration custody go from being a largely invisible population with few legal protections to a highly politicized population of children whose rights are being systematically dismantled.  This is part of a calculated effort, outlined in Project 2025, to reverse decades of hard-fought protections for some of the most vulnerable children in this country,” said Neha Desai, Managing Director of Children’s Human Rights & Dignity, National Center for Youth Law. 

“Unaccompanied children shouldn’t be used as bait, they shouldn’t be used as political pawns, and they’re not ‘invaders’ as Stephen Miller would have us believe. They’re children, and they deserve to be treated like children and afforded protection and safety, not detention and deportation,” said Marion (“Mickey”) Donovan-Kaloust, Director of Legal Services, Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef).

“When children miss out on healthcare, it can turn routine pediatric issues into emergencies. Detaining caregivers and separating them from their children causes stress and removes a child’s primary source of safety and comfort. The experience of separation or the threat of separation creates fear, anxiety, and stress. No amount of time spent in ICE detention is safe for a child,” said Dr. Tania Caballero, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at John’s Hopkins Medicine.

“Our students and their families are deliberately terrorizing and traumatizing our neighbors and their children. It’s a massive letdown that there are no checks and balances to stop a hateful administration trying to erase minority races. These stories aren’t being covered in the news. The stories are deeply painful and personal and most of the country doesn’t know the extent and consistency of the damage. I feel heartache, absorbing all these traumatic stories, I cannot even comprehend the suffering those at higher risk must feel. I am grateful I was able to share just some of those stories today, and more people and leaders will hear these life changing issues,” said Nicole Isern, Educator.

“At 16, I never thought I would ever need to attend my local city council meeting, but I summoned the courage, with God’s and my family’s help, to share the pain we were feeling in our community and to fight for our rights. Today, I’m 17-years-old, and never would I have imagined being in the most powerful building in the country, to share the pain that our town is experiencing, and to plead for your help,” said Manny, a 17-year-old US citizen and student activist.

This was the seventh shadow hearing in this series, each of which has focused on a different aspect of immigration oversight. The others have focused on Trump’s assault on Minnesota, detention abuses, Trump’s assault on Chicago, families that have been torn apart, unlawful third-country deportations, and efforts to undermine due process.

Jayapal was joined by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06).

Issues: Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta joined his Democratic colleagues in sponsoring H.R. 3045, the West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025.  With this legislation, Rep. Panetta continues to reaffirm his commitment to the stability in the Middle East, security of our allies, protection of civilians, and preservation of a two-state solution.

The bill authorizes targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violence in the West Bank that threatens regional stability and undermines U.S. national security interests and prospects for a negotiated resolution. 

“Escalating violence in the West Bank is not an isolated issue, it is a direct threat to regional stability at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, including with Iran,” said Representative Panetta. “Unchecked violence against civilians fuels extremism, undermines diplomacy, and risks drawing the United States deeper into broader regional conflict.”

Recent reporting and international monitoring have documented a sharp rise in violence against civilians and property in the West Bank, further destabilizing an already fragile environment and complicating efforts toward peace. 

The West Bank Violence Prevention Act provides the United States with critical tools to hold perpetrators accountable, including sanctions, such as visa bans and asset freezes, for those engaged in or supporting acts of violence targeting civilians. 

Supporting this legislation is essential not only for addressing immediate security concerns, but also for advancing a long-term vision for peace.  As tensions with Iran continue to shape the broader regional security landscape, preventing localized violence from spiraling into wider conflict is a humanitarian and strategic imperative.

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to combat predatory practices used by claim sharks to spam government lines with auto-dialers to collect information about veterans’ benefits.

Consumer protection laws already prohibit the use of auto-dialers from making calls to certain numbers, such as 911 and other emergency lines as well as rooms in hospitals and elderly living facilities. The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act would amend current law by prohibiting auto-dialers from making calls to a telephone number assigned to a federal department or agency.

“Unaccredited, for-profit companies are using robocallers and veterans’ personal information to spam VA hotlines about their benefits, identify any increases, and immediately send them a bill for thousands of dollars. It’s outrageous and must be put to a stop,” said Congressman Pappas. “My legislation would prohibit the use of robocallers to spam government lines to shield veterans from this predatory practice. For years I have led the fight against claim sharks breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud veterans, and I won’t stop. I will continue to combat these predatory practices, reign in claim sharks, and safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”

“Our veterans should never be targeted by bad actors trying to profit off their hard-earned benefits – many at great cost to veterans and their families,” said Congressman Bacon. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act takes a commonsense approach to crack down on predatory practices and protect veterans from exploitation. I’m pleased to join Rep. Pappas in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”

This bipartisan legislation is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The American Legion, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA).

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the bipartisan Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act for closing a critical loophole that currently permits predatory actors to use automated ‘robo’ calls to exploit veterans and overwhelm federal benefit hotlines,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi. “This commonsense legislation aligns with our unwavering interest in safeguarding veterans’ personal information, protecting VA claims support, and ensuring veterans remain in control of their earned benefits.”

“The New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) fully supports this legislation, recognizing its importance in safeguarding Veterans from intrusive robo calls and ensuring that federal phone lines remain accessible for those who rely on them.” Darwin Beeman, Commander Department NH VFW.

“As we leverage new technology on behalf of veterans, we must also protect them from bad actors looking to use these same advances to exploit those seeking the benefits they’ve earned through service,” said Lt Gen Brian Kelly, president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act is a strong step forward, one that will make a real difference in the wider fight against claim sharks.”

The bill text is here. 

Background: 

Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years, a troubling development especially as more veterans receive the benefits they’re owed thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act.

In December, Pappas led a bipartisan group of more than 40 members in sending a letter to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlighting the disturbing and escalatory tactics of claim sharks, including those in reporting from NPR, and demanding the agencies immediately investigate and take meaningful action to curb these practices and protect veterans. 

Pappas has repeatedly called on VA to improve awareness, chairing an oversight hearing on the topic, and has introduced the GUARD VA Benefits Act in the 117th, 118th, and 119th Congresses. His GUARD VA Benefits Act would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for VA disability compensation benefits. This legislation will discourage for-profit companies from operating outside the bounds of federal law, and will give VA and other agencies an additional tool to protect veteran claimants from predatory practices.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

During these events, Granite Staters can receive assistance from National Passport Center staff with their passport application or renewal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Extension of Remarks in in Support of H.R. 7084; Defending American Property Abroad Act:

Mr. Speaker, 

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is acting in response to a situation in which a foreign government shut down an American company’s operations, seized its property, and ignored the rule of law. 

When an American business is targeted in this way, it is not just an attack on one company, it is an attack on American workers, American jobs, and American interests.

Vulcan Materials, an Alabama company, has lawfully operated for 35 years in Mexico. Yet the Mexican government illegally seized its assets. If this can happen to an Alabama company today, it can happen to any American business tomorrow.

That is why this legislation, H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act is so important. It allows the United States to take real action against foreign entities that seize American property.

This is about fairness and accountability. It is about ensuring that American companies and workers are not punished for following the rules while foreign governments face no consequences for breaking them. With this, we are ensuring protection for American companies that operate in the Western Hemisphere. 

The protection of American property rights overseas is essential not only for economic growth but also for our national and economic security. When we stand up for our businesses, we stand up for the workers and communities who depend on them.

I am proud to support H.R. 7084 because it defends American property owners from wrongful seizure and sends a clear message: the United States will stand beside its companies, its workers, and its values.