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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09) filed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 3310, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025, legislation designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status. H.R. 3310 was introduced on May 8, 2025, by Rep. Soto and Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25).

“The Trump Administration has stripped Venezuelans of Temporary Protected Status, parole, and other critical protections, as well as unjustly deported refugees during a time of major instability in their country. In Central Florida, thousands of Venezuelans have fled political violence and joined family members already living in the United States, contributing to our economy, and working hard to help our community grow,” said Rep. Soto, Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “Now that the country is under Delcy Rodríguez’s grip after the Administration ousted Dictator Nicolás Maduro with no plan to transition to democracy, it would be deeply insulting to turn our backs on this vulnerable group. I appreciate the support from my fellow Members on this discharge petition and urge leadership to bring the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 to the floor for a vote immediately.”

“While it is encouraging to see signs of progress and a potential path forward for Venezuela, much work remains to be done, and the country is still not safe for many people to return. Until conditions meaningfully improve, we must uphold our commitment to those we granted Temporary Protected Status while ensuring strong criminal vetting measures remain in place,” said Rep. Salazar.“This discharge petition is about doing the right thing, pushing Congress to act and stand on the side of those who fled repression and instability.” 

“Right now, law-abiding Venezuelan TPS recipients are treated like criminals by Trump Administration officials who behave like criminals. It’s simply wrong to strip away people’s legal status and rip them out of the workforce to send them back to the same dictatorship they fled,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to fight alongside my colleagues to defend South Florida’s Venezuelan community from these unwarranted attacks as we work towards a pathway to citizenship for hardworking Venezuelan families.” 

“We stand firmly with Rep. Soto in filing this discharge petition to force a vote on critical protections for Venezuelans. With Venezuela in chaos and Venezuelans facing real threats to their safety, this is not the time to strip away their protections—it is the time to strengthen them,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “That is why the CHC is proud to have endorsed H.R. 3310, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025.”

“The National TPS Alliance is organizing the nearly 1.5 million immigrants who have registered, been vetted, paid taxes, and passed background checks year after year and call America home. By trying to gut TPS, the Administration is hoping to expel people living and working here legally, paying fees and taxes, following all the rules,” said National TPS Alliance Coordinator Jose Palma. “We welcome the discharge petition filed by Rep. Soto as a critical lifeline for Venezuelan TPS holders who are currently facing detention and deportation. We will continue fighting until Congress provides every TPS holder a path to permanent residency.”

“Temporary Protected Status is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans rebuilding their lives in this country after fleeing a devastating humanitarian crisis. In recent months, our community has endured profound uncertainty, fear, and instability. Venezuelans do not have a safe country to which they can return. The situation on the ground remains unchanged, regardless of how it is portrayed,” said Venezuelan American Caucus Executive Director Adelys Ferro. “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Soto for his leadership, and we also deeply appreciate the support of members of Congress standing with our community. This initiative reflects the urgency and humanity this moment demands and the values this country stands for.”

“Immigrants with TPS work in essential jobs, serve our communities, and contribute billions to our economy. There’s no doubt that Venezuelans with TPS would face danger and hardship if returned to their home country, which remains unstable following Nicolás Maduro’s ouster,” said SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Rocío Sáenz. “They deserve safety and protection. We urge members of Congress to support this discharge petition to safeguard Venezuelans and also support the effort to extend TPS for Haitians, who face a similar peril.” 

“Venezuelan migrants have become an integral part of our communities. They are our neighbors, co-workers, caregivers, and should be recognized for their societal contributions,” said Alianza Americas Executive Director Dulce Guzman.”Venezuela remains unsafe for return due to severe political instability—further exacerbated by the illegal actions taken by the Trump Administration—alongside economic collapse, and the critical humanitarian conditions people continue to endure. These realities make TPS protections essential.” 

“Every day, we bear witness to the harm of this Administration’s cruel targeting of immigrant families, stripping people of their lawful status, taking away their ability to support their loved ones, and pushing them toward deportation to countries still facing deep instability,” said We are CASA Executive Director George Escobar. “U.S. policies have helped shape the conditions people are fleeing, and it is unacceptable and against our national interests to forcefully send them back into danger. These efforts to force a vote on extending temporary protections for Venezuela and Haiti are a critical opportunity for Congress to answer the call from the vast majority of Americans for immigration policies grounded in decency and common sense, and to keep families together instead of forcing communities to live in fear. Congress must pass these protections and stand with immigrant communities fighting to live and work with dignity.”

“The Trump Administration’s attack on TPS is an attack on our communities. Stripping protections from Venezuelans and forcing people back to countries in crisis is both dangerous and morally indefensible. At a time when hundreds of thousands have built lives here, Congress cannot stand by while families are pushed into instability and harm. No one should be sent back to danger because of political delay or inaction,” said UndocuBlack Network Executive Director Patrice Lawrence. “UndocuBlack Network stands in support of Rep. Soto’s discharge petition and calls on Congress to act with urgency. TPS exists because returning people to unsafe conditions is not just bad policy, it is a violation of our shared values.”

This discharge petition is part of a joint effort with Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), who filed a discharge petition on January 22 to require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years.
 

“The Trump Administration’s attempt to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans is inhumane and unlawful,” said Rep. Pressley. “The labor, talent, and contributions of Venezuelans and our immigrant neighbors are essential to the success of our communities. To deport these community members during a moment of humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is dangerous and unjust, and we are pushing back in the courts and in Congress to extend TPS for Venezuelans and affirm their humanity and home here.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships by requiring state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into a 287(g) memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a condition of receiving Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants.

“The federal government should be working hand-in-hand with state and local law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws. The 287(g) Cooperation Act ensures that communities receiving federal policing funds are also partnering with ICE to keep dangerous individuals off our streets. By strengthening these proven partnerships, we can enhance public safety, uphold the rule of law, and better protect American communities,” said Rep. Cline.

“The 287(g) program is an essential tool that has local law enforcement partner with federal law enforcement to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens. Unfortunately, some states like Virginia are not allowing their law enforcement to turn over illegal aliens who have committed crimes to the Department of Homeland Security – this policy is not only bad, but also unfortunately deadly for too many law-abiding citizens. We applaud Rep. Cline for the introduction of the ‘‘287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026″ and his steadfast commitment to improving public safety,” said Michael Hough, Co-President, NumbersUSA.

“It is unconscionable that sanctuary jurisdictions that protect illegal aliens and inhibit the enforcement of our immigration laws are nevertheless able to take advantage of Federal law enforcement grants. We thank Congressman Cline for introducing the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, which ensures COPS grants are strictly limited to jurisdictions that work with ICE, not against it,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.

“Under the Biden administration, record numbers of criminals and national security threats flooded into our country. The 287(g) Cooperation Act is a decisive step for empowering law enforcement agencies to remove these dangerous aliens, help restore law and order, and keep communities across America safe. FAIR commends Congressman Cline for introducing this bill and looks forward to its swift passage,” said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations, Federation for American Immigration Reform.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) — On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:

“I support splitting ICE from Homeland Security funding so that TSA workers will be paid and wait times can be reduced. In solidarity with the workers going unpaid because of U.S. government dysfunction, I have required that payroll withhold my salary until the shutdown is over and TSA workers have received the paychecks they deserve. The real reason for the continuation of the shutdown is President Trump’s desire to bust the filibuster rule. He is doing this by adding requirements to end the shutdown, such as demanding that Congress pass his SAVE America Act (which does not have the 60 votes needed for cloture in the Senate) before he will sign off on any deal. Eliminating the filibuster would allow him to pass legislation with just 51 votes in the Senate, rather than the 60 votes currently required for cloture. Congressional Democrats cannot allow this to happen, because once he can pass bills with 51 votes, he will destroy the Department of Education, eliminate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and pass many other shameful pieces of legislation.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Washington, D.C. (March 25, 2026)—Today, Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, delivered opening remarks a hearing examining the Trump Administration’s effort to politicize the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Below are Ranking Member Johnson’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing.

WATCH Subcommittee Ranking Member Johnson’s opening statement.

Ranking Member Hank Johnson

Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet

Hearing on “Oversight of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office”
March 25, 2026

Thank you, Chairman Issa, and thanks to Director Squires for being here today. 

Directors of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office appear before this Subcommittee every two years or so, and I have had the honor of being present for many hearings like this one. You are the sixth Director I have had the opportunity to talk with in a forum like this. Hearings like today’s give us the opportunity not just to provide meaningful oversight but also inform the legislative process, so Member of Congress can make the best decisions when considering legislation. 

In the many USPTO Director hearings I have had the opportunity to experience, I have witnessed occasional policy missteps from USPTO Directors, and we’ve discussed administrative failures ranging from modernization growing pains to too-long examination times. 

We’ve certainly had our differences. But never have I had reason to doubt that the Director was acting independently from the president. Until today. There was a time when the USPTO was removed from the politics of the day. Now, it has been drawn squarely into it. 

I’m going to take this time to go over just a few of the concerns I’ve heard over the past year. Keep in mind: this is not in any way an exhaustive list. 

Under the Trump administration, the patent office’s workplace morale has plummeted, likely because of the administration’s layoffs, where were bizarrely characterized as an attempt to save money, even though the USPTO is self-funded. You’ve also stood by as USPTO employees’ collective bargaining rights were undermined by President Trump, destabilizing your already fragile work force. And under your leadership, the USPTO has publicly explored implementing a patent tax that by all accounts would have devastating effects on innovation in the United States. 

These are just a few examples of the partisanship inserted into an agency that prides itself on stability. When politics begin to shape a traditionally nonpartisan agency, the result is predictable: You are at the helm of an institution that has lost touch with its mission. 

This lost mission is most obvious in the USPTO’s cancellation of its planned Southeast Regional Outreach Office in Atlanta, Georgia. The USPTO chose Atlanta after a long process, as proscribed under the law. Instead of going forward, the Trump Administration cancelled this outreach to the Silicon Valley of the South and instead opened it within the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. 

American innovation can thrive only when opportunity to participate is accessible to all. By placing the Southeast Office at USPTO headquarters, your agency has limited its reach and concentrated opportunity among those already best positioned to access it. I encourage you, Director, to reconsider this move. Because while it may not violate the letter of the law, it most certainly violates the spirit of it. 

As you can see, I strongly disagree with the Trump Administration. I also believe you want to do right by those who rely on the patent system. Your notice of proposed rulemaking to reform the patent trial and appeals board reflects ideas this Subcommittee examined when I was Subcommittee Chair and has similarities to those proposed in my colleague Congresswoman Ross’s PREVAIL Act legislation. And while these administrative changes are certainly worth discussing, agency action is not the same as legislation. 

When the Director changes, so can agency rules. Patents exist to ensure that research and development rests on firm, predictable ground. This kind of inconsistency between presidential administrations undermines the stability that is essential to a functioning patent system. Ultimately, these are questions for Congress to decide, not the agency; they are questions I look forward to addressing if I become Chairman of this subcommittee next Congress. 

A healthy USPTO requires clear rules, consistent leadership free from political influence and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who take the risk to create. 

It is incumbent upon us to get these questions right because inventors and job creators are not asking for favors, they are asking for a predictable and stable system they can rely on. When policy shifts with the political whims of an administration, it is American innovation that pays the price.  

I yield back the balance of my time. 

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House GOP Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson highlighted the tragic murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman at the hands of a criminal illegal alien in Chicago who was detained and released back into the public by the Biden Administration. Speaker Johnson also addressed Democrats refusing to reopen the Department of Homeland Security despite record-long airport wait times, TSA agents working without pay, and increased threats to our homeland, in their effort to reopen the southern border and protect criminal illegal aliens like Sheridan Gorman’s killer.

“You don’t have to take our word for it. Look at [Democrats] actions and you’re going to see it yet again. It’s with their word, their actions, their legislation, they tell you what they prioritize, and it is the welfare of criminal illegal aliens over American citizens,” Speaker Johnson said.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On the tragic murder of Sheridan Gorman:

Sheridan Gorman was beautiful 18-year-old. A freshman, as has been noted, at Loyola University, enjoying time with her friends out on the pier looking at the Northern Lights. And now her family is mourning her tragic and totally unnecessary loss. It was a life tragically cut short. The masked assailant approached Sheridan while she was walking with her friends, she ran away and as you know, shot her from the back. The monster who did this, Jose Medina-Medina, was an illegal alien with a criminal record. Why is that so relevant to us? Because it’s Democrat policies that made this tragedy possible. He had no legal right to be in this country. And we know that Medina entered the United States illegally on May 9th, 2023, under the Biden Administration with a wide-open border policy. We also know he was caught by border patrol and released into the country, like millions of others. And thanks to the Democrats’ open border policy. Those are indisputable facts. Medina was arrested in a major American city, again only to be released on the streets of Chicago. Why? Because of crazy Democrat policies. He would later take the life of Sheridan Gorman.

The irony of all this is that the system did not fail Sheridan. That worked exactly as the Democrats intended. You had Democrats in charge of the White House and in charge in the city of Chicago. Open borders policies, sanctuary cities policies. They coddled criminal illegal aliens, they empowered and they allowed this to happen. And that’s why we’re so angry about it. He was in the custody of law enforcement twice and there were two chances to stop him. But Democrats’ open borders guaranteed the release and their soft-on-crime, sanctuary policies ensured his impunity. And that’s why this happened. Sheridan Gorman should still be with us and her entire life still ahead of her. But it’s the same fate that befell Laken Riley too, and so many others. How many more times this story have to be repeated? Everybody needs to be asking that question.

On the Democrat DHS shutdown:

We’re 40 days into this shutdown. It’s the second-longest in history. It’s partial, but it’s a big one. Because they shut down the third-largest department of the federal government, it has 10 agencies underneath it, 260,000+ employees. And each of those agencies have one common denominator, as the name implies. They’re to keep the homeland secure. This is not a game, but Democrats have shut down the exact law enforcement agencies that are responsible for apprehending criminal illegal aliens just like this criminal here who killed Sheridan Gorman. Congressional Democrats have held our airports, TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, so many critical functions of our government, we’re talking about anti-bioterrorism matters and issues. You’re talking about cybersecurity, all these things. They’re holding the government hostage, and why? What is their demand? At the root of all, they want to reopen the border, and they want to protect criminal illegal aliens just like this murderer here. That is the modern Democratic Party, and they verify it of course with their actions. These aren’t political talking points. These are the facts.

On Democrats fighting to reopen American borders and protect criminal illegal aliens:

Democrats in the House are demanding a DHS bill that would eliminate funding for the exact agencies that are tasked with preventing a tragedy like this. Just last week, 190 Democrats voted against two bills. What were those bills? Common sense. Expedite the deportation of illegal aliens who abuse service animals. They voted no. And those who commit fraud in our country, they voted no. You don’t have to take our word for it. Look at their actions and you’re going to see it yet again. It’s with their word, their actions, their legislation. They tell you what they prioritize. And it is the welfare of criminal illegal aliens over American citizens. We ought to believe what they say, the words in action.

Sadly, there will be no Democrats marching in the streets for Sheridan Gorman. They won’t even talk about her. I promise you, they won’t even bring it up. No one holding signs demanding justice for her killer. It’s among the most shameful episodes we have ever seen. They cannot even bring themselves to say that this shouldn’t happen. We hope that someday Democrats finally come to their senses again and put the safety of American citizens first, but we’re not holding our breath. Until then, here’s what Republicans are going to do, we’re going to pray obviously for Sheridan’s family and every American citizen victimized for these senseless, avoidable crimes. We will continue to fight for the rule of law and call out the madness when we see it. And here’s what we will not do. We’ll not allow Democrats to hold our airports and our country hostage so they can reimplement their catastrophic deadly open borders policies and threaten the lives of our children. This is common sense versus crazy.

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Senator Tina Smith (MN) introduced legislation to address America’s worsening maternal mortality crisis, underscoring their commitment to expanding research and improving maternal health care nationwide. Their Data to Save Moms Act aims to better understand the root causes of this crisis by strengthening data collection on maternal mortality and morbidity.

“The U.S. is falling desperately short on the issue of maternal health, and frankly, it is shameful — but we can’t fix a problem we don’t fully understand,” said Davids. “By listening to the physicians and mothers who are on the front lines of this crisis and improving our existing data collection methods, we can take informed action and save lives.”

“It’s not radical to believe that every woman giving birth should be able to access high-quality health care, and that we should focus on areas where we see the biggest disparities in health outcomes,” said Senator Tina Smith (MN). “By funding research on maternal health, this legislation will help to understand the root causes of health complications from pregnancy and labor so we can tackle them head on.”

The United States remains the only industrialized country with a rising maternal mortality rate, with the crisis disproportionately impacting communities of color. Black mothers are dying at three to four times the rate of their white counterparts, and Native Americans are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. According to NurtureKC, these disparities are reflected in Kansas, where Wyandotte County has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the state, with 83.5 deaths per 10,000 live births.

A key focus of the Data to Save Moms Act is strengthening Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs). These multidisciplinary panels — composed of experts such as obstetricians, forensic pathologists, and community representatives — operate across the country to review deaths occurring during or within one year of pregnancy and identify opportunities for prevention.

The legislation would enhance the effectiveness of MMRCs and expand maternal health research by:

• Establishing a grant program to promote representative community engagement in MMRCs in states across the country.
• Commissioning the first-ever comprehensive study to understand the scope of the Native American maternal health crisis.
• Providing funding to establish the first Tribal MMRC.
• Conducting a comprehensive review of maternal health data collection, emphasizing the importance of listening to the stories of pregnant people.
• Investing in maternal health research at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs).

The Data to Save Moms Act is part of the broader Momnibus, led by Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams (NC-12), along with Senator Cory Booker (NJ). This comprehensive legislative package addresses multiple dimensions of the maternal health crisis, including expanding research, strengthening the perinatal workforce, and improving care for at-risk populations such as veterans and communities of color.

The legislation has been endorsed by more than 180 organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Nursing, American Association of Birth Centers, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Heart Association, First Focus Campaign for Children, and March of Dimes.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed the Trump Administration for answers following the detaining of a Canadian national and subjecting him to an unnecessary DNA collection under threat of criminal charges carrying one year in prison. The Canadian national, 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist Kevin Larson, was seeking legal entry into Michigan to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. In a letter to the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Representatives Dingell and Raskin are demanding answers as to why Mr. Lawson was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers after expressing his desire to attend a peaceful protest in Michigan. After complying with the DNA collection out of fear for his safety, he was let go, not charged, and not suspected of any illegal activity. “We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings,” the lawmakers wrote.

“This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist,” they continued.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Secretary Mullin, Secretary Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi:

This letter is in response to an extraordinary incident on October 18, 2025, in which a Canadian retiree, Kevin Larson, with no known criminal record and no suspected illegal activity, was required to provide a DNA sample under threat of possible jail time while simply attempting to lawfully cross the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, Michigan.

On that date, Mr. Larson, a 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist from Ontario attempted to enter the United States lawfully to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. Instead, he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, apparently denied entry based on the nature of his planned activity, and subjected to fingerprinting, a phone search, and a DNA collection. He was explicitly informed that failure to provide a DNA sample could result in criminal charges carrying up to a year in prison. After complying under this threat, he was returned to Canada. Mr. Larson was not charged with any crime and was not suspected of illegal activity.

You may not have heard, but Canada is our major trading partner, our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies in defending democratic freedom around the world against fascism and authoritarianism. Canadians and Americans regularly cross the border in both directions to shop, work, and visit family. Episodes like this risk undermining that longstanding relationship and are already contributing to a chilling effect on cross-border travel and engagement. This kind of hostile and arbitrary treatment at the border could further damage one of our most important bilateral relationships already battered by President Trump’s vilification of the Canadian people and threats to annex their country. 

The informal Canadian boycott of American commerce, travel, tourism, and goods is already killing a lot of American businesses from Michigan and New York to Nevada and Florida, and this kind of authoritarian treatment of Canadian citizens at the border will only make matters a lot worse. 

We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings. This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist.

In light of these extraordinary actions by CBP, we request a response to the following questions by April 10, 2026:

•Why was Mr. Larson denied entry to the United States on October 18, 2025? 

•What was the legal authority for requiring Mr. Larson to submit to a DNA test under threat of criminal prosecution? 

•How did Mr. Larson’s case meet CBP’s criteria for DNA collection, what is the current governing policy, and how is it being implemented at ports of entry?

•How many individuals have had DNA collected by CBP at ports of entry despite not being charged with or suspected of a crime?

•How has Mr. Larson’s DNA been used, and what are the policies governing its storage, access, and retention by the FBI?

•Has Mr. Larson’s DNA been entered into CODIS, and if so, under what authority?

•If the collection was not consistent with CBP policy or legal requirements, what process exists to remove Mr. Larson’s DNA from federal databases?

Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter, which could trigger major international repercussions, especially before the next No-Kings Day on March 28, and we look forward to your prompt response.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jim McGovern (D-MA-02) introduced legislation to protect American citizens evacuating foreign countries during a crisis. The Leave No Americans Behind Act would end the practice of charging fees from Americans evacuating foreign countries in times of crisis.

“We have a responsibility to get Americans out of harm’s way, no questions asked, and no strings attached,” said Dingell. “These fees place a real financial burden on people during an already traumatic time, while providing only a marginal amount of revenue. The government shouldn’t be charging fees to Americans in distress during a crisis outside of their control.”

 “Our government’s top job ought to be ensuring the safety of the American people at home and abroad,”said McGovern. “It’s outrageous and unacceptable that the evacuation of Americans during a crisis comes with strings attached. I’m proud to partner with Representative Dingell to make sure that Americans in danger can focus on getting to safety—not on whether they can afford to pay for an unexpected and unplanned emergency evacuation.”

Current State Department policy requires American citizens who are being evacuated from a foreign country to sign a promissory note obligating them to repay to the US government the equivalent price of a commercial flight from the area from which they are being evacuated. These evacuation fees typically cost hundreds of dollars, and the federal government will put a hold on an evacuee’s passport until this amount is repaid.

Dingell and McGovern first introduced the Leave No Americans Behind Act in 2018. Concerns about this practice resurface every time there is a major evacuation of U.S. citizens from a foreign country, like we are currently seeing across the Middle East. These fees provide a minimal amount of revenue to the federal government in a typical year, with less than $1 million collected from FY2015 – FY2018.

View the full text of the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today delivered her annual State of the District Address to the A2Y Regional Chamber.

In her remarks, Rep. Dingell provided updates on legislative successes from the previous year and addressed current issues including religious hate, ICE, the state of healthcare, the situation in Iran, and provided an update on the Gelman Plume.

Key excerpts as prepared

On Religious Hate:

“I am grateful no students or staff were injured in yesterday’s attack on Temple Israel synagogue. Houses of worship are meant to be sacred places. Places where people go for prayer, reflection, and clarity. Yet yesterday’s horrible attack reminds us once again that antisemitism and hatred are real threats. This kind of hate is unacceptable and happening too much.”

 “We have to stand up to hate whenever and whenever we see it. Period. Parents are afraid to send their children to school again, or gatherings. Faith communities are feeling very vulnerable and also question ‘can this happen to us?’”

 “We cannot normalize violence. We’ve got to stand together right now. People of all faiths and backgrounds need to say that violence and hatred cannot divide us. We stand united in supporting our Jewish neighbors, we’re united in condemning antisemitism, and we need to be united in condemning all forms of religious hate.”

On the Gelman Plume:

“Yesterday, the EPA announced it was adding the contaminated Gelman Sciences site to the Superfund National Priorities List. This marks a major milestone for the community and everyone who worked for years to hold Gelman accountable and ensure this contamination receives the resources it needs to support clean up.”

“This was only made possible due to the years of persistence of this community, but our work is not over. We must continue working with the EPA, state and local partners to ensure this cleanup is transparent and drinking water is safe. Our community deserves nothing less.”

“Many people across our region also care deeply about the rising cost of living, particularly housing. In communities like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the demand for housing has increased faster than new homes are being built. As a result, the cost to rent or buy a home has risen dramatically.”

On Iran:

“President Trump’s unilateral decision to strike Iran should concern us all. The American people have lived through decades of war in the Middle East, and there is deep concern about being pulled once again into an conflict with no clear strategy or defined end that puts American servicemembers in harms’ way. We’re all mourning the lives of the servicemembers who have already died in this rush to war.”

“There is no question that the Iranian regime was brutal. It slaughtered its own people, massacred thousands, and posed a serious threat to regional security, especially in its quest to secure dangerous weapons.”

“However, acknowledging the evil of a regime does not relieve us of the responsibility to ask hard questions about what comes next. Will American troops be deployed? What’s our exit strategy? What will this mean for American servicemembers and their families? What are our NATO partners and regional allies saying?”

“America must always defend its national security interests and protect its personnel. And the Constitution is clear—only Congress has the responsibility to decide whether we take this country to war, and that responsibility cannot be sidelined. That’s why I voted in support of a War Powers Resolution to curb the President’s use of military force in Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution failed, but we will continue to push for congressional oversight.”

On ICE:

“The divisions in this country are raw. I have joined several vigils throughout the district where people came together peacefully to mourn and speak out.”

“Last week, Secretary Kristi Noem was fired. While the decision was long overdue, Americans still want serious reforms that would ensure ICE follows the same rules as other law enforcement agencies, like no masks, judicial warrants, mandatory body cameras, no more deporting and arresting American citizens, and no more targeting children in schools, hospitals, or places of worship.”

“Unfortunately, my colleagues across the aisle have not presented any meaningful reforms to ICE. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, along with TSA and FEMA.”

“Funding for TSA and FEMA is deeply important, especially following the severe storms Michigan experienced last weekend. But ICE’s actions must be addressed as immigration enforcement expands across Southeast Michigan.”

“Last month, ICE confirmed it purchased a warehouse in Romulus with plans to convert it into a detention center. The Romulus City Council has passed a resolution opposing the project, and officials across all levels of government are exploring options to try to stop it.”

On Healthcare:

“I’ve heard from hundreds of people who can’t afford their health insurance anymore and have decided to go without. When people lose coverage, they don’t stop getting sick. They simply end up in emergency rooms without insurance. This places enormous strain on hospitals and the healthcare system. In fact, at least four Michigan hospitals are at risk of closure, and others have already been forced to reduce services.”

“And it’s not just Medicaid beneficiaries and those on the exchange who will be impacted – premiums, copays, and deductibles for employer-sponsored insurance will rise too. “

“Despite these challenges, I’m proud to have passed several bipartisan healthcare bills this Congress. These include the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act to accelerate treatments for children battling rare diseases, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act to reduce burnout and suicide among health care professionals.”

“We also passed my Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the organ transplant system, and the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act to strengthen oversight of bone graft and tissue companies after the tragic death of a Michigander due to contaminated tissue.”

“These bills are great examples of what’s possible when we work across the aisle to focus on the issues that matter. I hope to see them get through the Senate to the president’s desk this year.”

Watch Rep. Dingell’s full remarks here.