Velázquez Introduces Cuba War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent U.S. involvement in military hostilities in Cuba with the support of Congress. The resolution follows recent aggressive action toward Cuba by the Trump administration including an ongoing military blockade that has collapsed the Cuban electrical grid and remarks by the President saying he may “take” Cuba in some form. 

 

“Donald Trump’s belligerent foreign policy is creating new wars and conflicts across the world. As our country is already embroiled in a new war with Iran, the President has set his sights on regime change in Cuba,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This administration’s foreign policy is totally out of control and is putting countless American and foreign lives at risk. Trump’s military blockade, his threats, and his track record this term show that Congress must reassert its constitutional authority and stop another disastrous war before it’s too late.”

 

Full text of the resolution is available here.

 

 

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Smith Announces 2026 Angels in Adoption Nominations

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) opened nominations this week for the 2026 Angels in Adoption Award for Nebraska’s Third District.

Angels in Adoption, a project of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, provides Members of Congress the opportunity to honor an individual or entity from their districts for extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of homes.

“Every year, Nebraska families open their hearts and homes to children in need. The Angels in Adoption Award recognizes those making a lasting difference through adoption and foster care, and I encourage nominations to help highlight these inspiring stories,”said Smith.

BACKGROUND:
To make a nomination, please visit AdrianSmith.House.Gov/AngelsinAdoption. Nominations must be received by 5:00 pm MT on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 

For more information on Angels in Adoption, please contact Smith’s Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333. 

Rep. Garamendi Statement on ICE Detainment of Mother and Daughter at SFO

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued the following statement in response to ICE agents detaining a mother and daughter at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Sunday: 

“I am deeply concerned for Angelina Lopez-Jimenez and her daughter.  

“My team and I, as well as my Bay Area colleagues, are seeking immediate answers to the family’s condition and whereabouts. 

“While we have received some preliminary answers from ICE, they are insufficient. We are demanding more transparency from ICE as we fight to ensure the family remains united and safe. As this case proceeds, we will continue to fight for due process.” 

Costa, Alford, A. Smith Introduce National Ag Day Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating March 24, 2026, as National Agriculture Day and recognizing the importance of agriculture as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our nation, and the hardworking farmers, ranchers, dairymen and women of the San Joaquin Valley and across the country deserve our recognition and support every day,” said Congressman Costa. “National Agriculture Day reminds us that food security is a national security issue. Our farmers feed much of the world, strengthen our economy, and protect our country. As a third-generation farmer, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in celebrating their essential role in sustaining our communities and our nation.”
“Our farmers and ranchers around the clock all year to feed, clothe, and fuel the world,” said Congressman Alford. “This industry has been recognized on National Agriculture Day for decades, and we’re proud to play our part to ensure our agriculture community continues to receive this honor. Agriculture is the cornerstone of communities across Missouri and all of America. I’m pleased to partner with Congressmen Costa and Smith to get our farmers and ranchers the recognition they deserve.”
“On National Agriculture Day we celebrate and show our gratitude to America’s ag producers for their continued efforts to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and the world. The agriculture industry is the backbone of the economy in communities throughout rural America, including those in Nebraska’s Third District which leads the country in agricultural production. Today, I am proud to partner with Congressmen Alford and Costa to recognize the essential role farmers and ranchers continue to play in America’s success,” said Congressman Smith.
The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Rob Bresnahan, Juan Ciscomani, David Rouzer, Andrea Salinas, Pete Sessions, Gabe Evans, Julia Letlow, Rick Crawford, Daniel Webster, Randy Feenstra, Zach Nunn, Austin Scott, Andy Harris, Tracey Mann, Brad Finstad, Mary Miller, Angie Craig, Robert Aderholt, and John Rose.
Read the text of the resolution here.

Bacon, Meeks Demand Bessent & Rubio Explain Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Meeks Demand Bessent & Rubio Explain Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Washington, DC — Representatives Don Bacon and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers on the Trump administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

The lawmakers warned that the move risks undercutting U.S. national security interests by enabling Russia to expand revenue streams used to sustain its war against Ukraine.

A PDF of the letter is here. An excerpt is below.

“…The United States’ existing sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports have helped curtail the Kremlin’s ability to finance its illegal war of choice against Ukraine. Easing sanctions on Russia at this critical juncture, instead of increasing pressure, risks fueling Russia’s aggression and undermining progress we have made to reduce Russia’s global energy leverage…

“The issuing of these licenses and Russia’s subsequent financial gains come on the heels of Ukraine’s most significant territorial gains in years in their fight to reclaim their sovereign territory from occupying Russian forces. In other words, these licenses have provided Russia with an infusion of cash just when it needs it most to reverse Ukrainian progress, allowing it to take advantage of the global rise in energy costs to further fund its illegal war.

“Not only are these licenses helping fund Russian aggression against Ukraine, but they are doing so while Russia reportedly helps the Iranian regime target U.S. forces in the Middle East. On March 17, the Wall Street Journal further reported that Russian-Iranian cooperation continues to increase – with Russia providing modifications to Shahed drones developed from their own experiences using them against Ukraine and sharing satellite imagery to ‘prolong a war that is benefitting Russia militarily and economically.’”

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LEADER JEFFRIES: “WE’RE FIGHTING FOR HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE”

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

THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 YOLO COUNTY WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Yolo County, CA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Marisa Alcorta was chosen as the 2026 Yolo County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community.

“Marisa has played a leading role in strengthening agricultural education and workforce development in Yolo County. At the Center for Land-Based Learning, she developed and expanded programs that prepare agricultural employees for leadership and management roles on farms and ranches. She designed the AgHiRE workforce development program and founded California’s first registered agricultural apprenticeship program to help build stronger career pathways while supporting the long-term succession of farms and agricultural businesses in our region. Her passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Yolo County community. I am proud to recognize Marisa as Yolo County’s Woman of the Year,” said Thompson.

Click here to read Rep. Thompson’s full statement submitted to the Congressional Record in honor of Marisa.

BACKGROUND

The Woman of the Year Recognition Ceremony was started in honor of Women’s History Month to recognize the service of women in our community.

Women’s History Month has its origin in California’s Fourth District. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a “Woman’s History Week” during the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women’s Day. In 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, California. The goal of this organization was to highlight and recognize the historical national achievements made by women. 

In partnership with other women advocacy groups and historians, the NWHP successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980, with President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. After this accomplishment, the NWHP began advocating for the entire month of March to be designated as Women’s History Month. Seven years later, Congress officially passed legislation designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Every year since, Women’s History Month has been recognized in March to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions and accomplishments of American women.

A complete list of 2026 winners includes:

  • Voris Brumfield Reed – Lake County Woman of the Year
  • Leslie Lew – Napa County Woman of the Year
  • Margi Stern – Solano County Woman of the Year
  • Maricarmen Reyes Larios – Sonoma County Woman of the Year
  • Marisa Alcorta – Yolo County Woman of the Year
     

Huffman, 52 House Democrats Call on Appropriators to Defund Trump’s Censorship of American History at National Parks

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

March 19, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led 52 other House Democrats in calling on House appropriators to block funding for Secretarial Order 3431, the Trump administration directive that has led to the removal of historical exhibits and educational materials about slavery, Indigenous peoples, and climate change from national parks and public lands across America.

In a letter to Chair Mike Simpson and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the members urged inclusion of language in the FY 2027 spending bill that would prohibit the use of any funds to implement, administer, or enforce the order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”

“The order has led to the arbitrary flagging of thousands of interpretive signage and educational materials across public lands and historic sites and resulted in the alteration, and in some cases removal of historic exhibits across the National Park System and other Interior-managed sites,” the members write.

The letter warns that the administration is “bypassing consultation with Tribal Nations and descendant communities and ignoring professional standards around historical interpretation.” The members point to a growing pattern of political censorship stretching “from Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia to Muir Woods in California.”

“True patriotism requires honest engagement with both our moments of achievement and those of moral failure,” the members write. “Sanitizing history undermines efforts to ensure that all Americans can see themselves reflected in these shared places.”

The members also note that the directive’s reach extends well beyond the park system: “Federal pressure to ‘restore truth and sanity’ to American history has already begun to have a chilling effect on historic preservation efforts nationwide, as states, localities, and cultural institutions fear censorship and retribution from the administration.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Background

Today’s letter is the latest action in a sustained campaign by Natural Resources Committee Democrats to hold the administration accountable for censoring American history. In August 2025, Huffman led 12 colleagues in a letter warning that the administration’s executive and secretarial orders were leading to the attempted erasure of historical content across the National Park System. In September 2025, Huffman grilled NPS officials at a committee hearing, calling the removal of slavery-related content “pure propaganda” and “un-American.” In January 2026, Committee Democrats sent a formal oversight letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers about the systematic removal of exhibits on slavery and climate change from parks nationwide. Burgum has failed to respond to any of these inquiries. In February 2026, Committee Democrats ran a hearing about Freedom 250’s role in the whitewashing of history.

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Congressman Bishop on the Resignation of GA. Sen. Powell Sims

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

ALBANY, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement in response to the news of Georgia State Senator Freddie Powell Sims’s decision to resign her seat to care for her husband, Norman, during this time of serious illness:

“State Senator Freddie Powell Sims has been more than a lawmaker — she has been a tireless advocate, a compassionate leader, and a friend of longstanding whose decades of service have left an indelible mark on communities across Georgia’s 12th Senatorial District.

“She has been a champion of education and healthcare and fought for economic opportunity and criminal justice reform. These reflect her steadfast belief that public service is about lifting people up and standing with those in need. Her integrity, warmth, and fierce commitment to her constituents have earned her the respect of colleagues and neighbors alike.

“My heart goes out to Senator Sims, Norman, and their family. I appreciate how demanding and all-consuming the role of caregiver can be, and I admire her courage in taking this step in support of her husband’s care.

“As a family man and public servant, I understand the pain families endure when a loved one faces serious illness, and I offer my deepest prayers for comfort, strength, and healing for the Sims family.

“I also want to thank Senator Sims for her many years of faithful service. Her leadership has made Georgia stronger, and her voice will be deeply missed in the State Senate.

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Rep. Craig Helps Introduce Legislation to Rein in ICE and Restore SNAP Benefits

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Angie Craig announced legislation that would rein in President Trump’s out of control Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and ensure families are able to put food on the table.

The Feeding Families Not Fear Act would rescind the $75 billion dollar handout to ICE Congressional Republicans enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and reverse their historic cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ was a slap in the face to Minnesotans,” said Rep. Craig. “As if cutting nearly $200 billion in SNAP food assistance wasn’t cruel enough, Republicans used this bill to write a $75 billion blank check to Trump’s mass deportation machine, which he has used to terrorize our communitiesThat’s why I’m supporting this critical bill to claw back funding for ICE, restore SNAP food assistance and put working Minnesotans first.”

As the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Craig has been at the forefront of the fight to protect SNAP and ensure Minnesota’s kids, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities can put food on the table. Last summer, while the House was debating the OBBBA, she led a two-day markup during which she and her Democratic colleagues offered amendments to stop cuts to food assistance, while Republicans were largely absent or silent. She also testified against the bill’s SNAP cuts before the House Committee on Rules during an overnight hearing that lasted more than 21 hours.

In January, Rep. Craig introduced her Farm and Family Relief Act – a response to President Trump’s crushing tariffs and massive unfunded mandate to states through a cost-shift in SNAP. 

You can see a full timeline of Rep. Craig’s efforts to protect SNAP during OBBA negotiations here.

Rep. Craig has also repeatedly called out ICE’s lawless tactics and taken steps to hold the Trump Administration accountable for its reckless immigration operations in Minnesota. She helped lead articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in the House and has repeatedly voted against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill providing funding for ICE. Rep. Craig has also conducted three oversight visits at the ICE detention center at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis and followed up with ICE officials about what she saw during her visit.

The Feeding Families Not Fear Act was originally introduced by Reps. Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Jim McGovern (MA-02).

You can read the full text of the Feeding Families Not Fear Acthere.

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