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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Last evening, March 18, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) convened a Zoom briefing with special guest Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, bringing together more than 80 local elected officials, law enforcement personnel, and faith leaders in response to growing public concern about potential security threats.

“My office convened this briefing to encourage local officials and community leaders to work with law enforcement to assess potential risks, stay coordinated, and continue working together to keep Palm Beach County safe,” said Congresswoman Frankel.

Sheriff Bradshaw made it clear that there are no specific or credible threats to Palm Beach County at this time.

Bradshaw provided an update on Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office security protocols, interagency coordination, and preparedness efforts to address evolving threats—while maintaining public safety and minimizing disruptions to the community.

He underscored the critical role of municipal police departments in maintaining public safety, noting that his office remains in frequent communication with police chiefs across the county and stands ready to assist should any threats arise.

The Sheriff emphasized that residents and visitors should report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. If you see something, say something!

Additional updates will be provided as needed.

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

In a bipartisan letter to Secretary Marco Rubio, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) urged the State Department to prioritize the case of American citizen Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman and called for a formal designation as “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government. The lawmakers also pressed for timely diplomatic efforts to secure his release after more than 250 days in Russian custody.

“We write to elevate the plight and wrongful detention of American Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman. A father of two, Navy veteran, master electrician, and sailor, Zimmerman has been held for more than 250 days at the time of this writing under what can only be described as politically retributive pretenses,” the lawmakers wrote. “We therefore ask that this case be made a priority for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs so that the U.S. Government can work expeditiously towards his release.”

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Rubio:

We write to elevate the plight and wrongful detention of American Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman. A father of two, Navy veteran, master electrician, and sailor, Zimmerman has been held for more than 250 days at the time of this writing under what can only be described as politically retributive pretenses.

Zimmerman’s passion for sailing and travel extended well past his time in the Navy, and he decided it was time to realize his dream of sailing the world in a 35’ sailboat with a course set for New Zealand. On his journey, he had made it all the way to the Mediterranean and decided to explore the Black Sea before sailing through the Suez Canal.

However, almost immediately upon entering the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian Navy intercepted his boat in international waters. Upon arrival, Zimmerman voluntarily declared and surrendered a firearm onboard his boat meant for self-protection, a common practice among sailors.

Following the search and seizure of the vessel that would have yielded no material threat, the Russian government arrested Zimmerman, brought what can only be seen as political charges related to arms smuggling, and imposed a retributive five-year prison sentence.

Chief among our concerns is the denial of consular services, visits, or calls that could substantiate Zimmerman’s health and wellbeing. It is our understanding that no American official has seen him in over seven months. These concerns are elevated due to our understanding that he is currently imprisoned in penal colony IK-9, with a diet that supplements gruel with only one nutritionally dense meal of protein and vegetables per week, and without any confirmed allowance for exercise.

We therefore ask that this case be made a priority for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs so that the U.S. Government can work expeditiously towards his release. Additionally, we ask that your department designate Zimmerman as ‘wrongfully detained’ by the Russian government and continue to consider his case in the ongoing negotiations with the Russian government.

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.

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

Woodland, CA — Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) was joined by State Senator Christopher Cabaldon (CA-SD-03) for a roundtable discussion with local farmers, ranchers, processors, and agricultural leaders at the Yolo County Farm Bureau to discuss the challenges facing California’s agricultural community and how state and federal leaders can work together to support the industry.

“Our agricultural community is the backbone of our economy and the heart of our rural communities,” said Thompson. “Right now, farmers, ranchers, and processors are facing serious challenges and need stronger support from both federal and state leaders. Conversations like this ensure we’re hearing directly from the people who feed our country and help us identify how we can better support them and the work they do.”

“If you want to see resilience in action, go no farther than a California farm,” said Cabaldon. “We have our challenges including climate change, water, sustainability, tariffs, and labor. These are not small things. But as we take these issues on – we ‘re also breaking economic records like recently passing a $60 billion dollar revenue milestone in our agricultural sector. Things can get tough, but we will meet the challenges as we always do – with California grit, optimism and the world changing innovation we’re known for.”

Thompson and Cabaldon were joined by over 30 guests, including members of the California Farm Bureau, Sacramento Farm Bureau, Napa Farm Bureau, Yolo Farm Bureau, Solano Farm Bureau, Colusa Farm Bureau, and Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and ag researchers from UC Davis, almond farmers, grape growers, peach growers, cattle ranchers, ag finance professionals, and others in the ag community.

BACKGROUND

California lost 400 farms in 2025 as growers, ranchers, producers, and processors faced rising operational costs and a shortage of workers largely caused by the President’s policies on immigration and his international trade war. These challenges come at a time when the ag community is already facing challenges accessing water and navigating regulations.

A long-time representative of rural ag communities and founder and co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, Rep. Thompson recently introduced the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, legislation to provide direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from tariffs.

Read more about his work for the ag community here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Leads Letter to ICE Demanding Answers on the Death of a Detainee

Dallas, Texas — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the recent death of Afghan father and former U.S military ally Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, raising concerns once again about the circumstances within these facilities.

In the letter, Congressman Veasey stated that he is requesting the Department of Homeland Security and ICE conduct a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal’s death.

“Congress has a responsibility to oversee federal agencies, and I intend to continue pressing for accountability on behalf of Mr. Paktiawal, his family, and all those who trust our nation’s promises.”

This marks Rep. Veasey’s second letter to the Department of Homeland Security, to which he has yet to receive a response.

Rep. Veasey urges the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to treat this matter, as well as his prior unanswered inquiries, with the urgency, transparency, and seriousness it demands.

The full letter can be found here: 

 

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the tragic death of Mohammad Nazeer

Paktiawal on March 14, 2026, following a stay that exceeded the eight-hour standard at the ICE

Processing Center in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Paktiawal, an Afghan father and military ally who served

alongside our servicemembers for more than two decades, died under circumstances that demand an

immediate, full, and transparent investigation. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved

one while in the custody of the federal government, especially one who stood shoulder to shoulder

with U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

During my recent visit to the ICE Processing Center in Dallas, officials assured me that individuals

held at the facility have access to basic care supplies and are generally detained no longer than eight

hours, except in rare circumstances. ICE’s lack of transparency and knack for distractions does not

assuage credible reports I have received indicating that individuals have been held at the facility for

extended periods – some for over a week, and as long as 11 days – with limited access to running

water, overcrowded holding rooms, and improper place to sleep. I raised these concerns in a previous

letter to your office, to which I have yet to receive a response.1 This lack of engagement and

transparency reflects a troubling pattern of inaction on issues I first raised more than eight months

ago.

According to ICE officials, Mr. Paktiawal had been in custody since the morning of Friday, March

13, 2026. He was transferred that evening, more than 8 hours later, to Parkland Hospital in Dallas,

where he was subsequently pronounced dead.2 While in a processing room at the ICE Field Office in

Dallas, he reportedly complained about shortness of breath and chest pains. After being transferred to

Parkland Hospital, he received breathing treatment and remained overnight in the hospital for

observation. Tragically, Mr. Paktiawal was declared dead the following morning despite multiple

lifesaving efforts.

Mr. Paktiawal’s death underscores a broader moral and strategic obligation. When individuals risk

their lives to assist the United States, we owe them safety, dignity, and fair treatment. Failing to

uphold these basic obligations sends a troubling signal to current and prospective allies abroad,

particularly in regions critical to U.S. national security, who may consider cooperating with U.S.

forces.

For these reasons, I formally request that the Department of Homeland Security and ICE conduct a

complete and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal’s death. In

addition, I request a detailed accounting of custody procedures, detention times, and oversight

mechanisms currently in place at the Dallas facility.

Congress has a responsibility to oversee federal agencies, and I intend to continue pressing for

accountability on behalf of Mr. Paktiawal, his family, and all those who trust our nation’s promises. I

urge you to treat this matter, and my prior unanswered inquiries, with the urgency, transparency, and

seriousness it demands.

Sincerely,

Marc Veasey

Member of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First) made the following comments on President Trump’s order today of a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for shipping between U.S. ports of oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other energy commodities:

“President Trump’s waiver of the Jones Act is a no-brainer response to rapid increases in gas and other fossil fuel products from severe disruptions in international energy markets resulting from the Iran war.

“That we even have to waive the Jones Act to try to hold down skyrocketing fuel and other energy costs is a blanket admission of the Jones Act’s crippling effects on our economy, especially Hawai‘i and the other non-continent parts of our country (island territories and Alaska) that are wholly dependent on shipping.”

The Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law, mandates that all cargo shipped between U.S. ports can only be shipped on U.S.-flagged vessels. Meanwhile, the vast majority of international-flagged vessels doing worldwide shipping are excluded from doing so. Additionally, with the number of oceangoing Jones Act vessels now well less than 100 country-wide, scarce and declining domestic shipping faces no competition from international shipping, driving up shipping prices nationwide.

This effect is especially severe for places like Hawai‘i which depend exclusively on shipping for over 90% of our goods, and where Jones Act shipping companies have developed virtual monopolies over a captive market and charge some of the highest shipping rates in the world. These are all passed down to Hawai‘i businesses and families as one of the primary drivers of our unacceptable high cost of living. A 2020 study estimated the cost of the Jones Act (the difference between high costs from the Jones Act monopoly passed down, and costs if shipping between Hawai‘i and the continent was open to the competition of international shipping) at almost $650 per year for each Hawai‘i resident.

Hawai‘i remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel products – crude oil, refined fuel and natural gas for energy and transportation, fertilizer for agriculture, and others – all of which must be shipped into Hawai‘i. Yet because the Jones Act restricts shipments of energy commodities from the continent, in normal periods Hawai‘i ends up sourcing most of its essential resources from foreign markets, where shipping is far cheaper. The constraints are stark: of the nearly 7,500 oil tankers operating worldwide, just 54 are Jones Act-compliant and permitted to ship fossil fuel products from the continent to Hawai‘i. Among oceangoing dry bulk vessels ideally suited for transporting fertilizer, not a single one qualifies.

As a result, despite being part of the United States, which is a net fossil fuel exporter, Hawai‘i normally sources only a small share of its energy from the continent. In 2024, just 16% of the oil used for electricity generation came from the continent, all carried on higher-cost Jones Act vessels, while the overwhelming majority was imported from abroad at lower cost.

However, the Iran war has disrupted these normal operations in numerous ways that further affect Hawai‘i negatively. First, international oil distribution and supply has been disrupted and countries that are normally exporting product are holding their product home for domestic supplies, requiring Hawai’i to rely far more heavily on domestic fossil fuel products. Second, the domestic Jones Act tanker fleet is devoted elsewhere and largely not available to transport substantially increased fuel supplies from the continent to Hawai‘i.

The President’s 60-day waiver temporarily lifts the Jones Act restrictions for shipments of energy commodities from the continent to Hawai‘i, thus allowing international shipping to continue domestic supply shipping to Hawai‘i.

“President Trump’s Jones Act waiver is important to maintain fuel imports to Hawai’i at a time when we must rely far more on domestic supply while the capacity of domestic shipping has declined, and it certainly shines a high-beam spotlight on the crippling effects of the Jones Act on the cost of living for island and other non-continent parts of our country,” said Case.

“But make no mistake: That alone will not reduce prices; it will just mitigate further increases the longer these disruptions continue. It is the President’s war in Iran itself that is the overall driver of huge increases in gas, electricity, food and other costs to Hawai‘i families because of the disruption in both international energy supplies and worldwide shipping.”

In the current 119^th Congress, Case again introduced legislation to reform the Jones Act and open up Hawai‘i – continent shipping to international competition. Case’s February 14, 2025, press release on introduction of his current measures is here: https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520.

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

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the following statement in response to the New York Times article detailing allegations of sexual assault against César Chávez.

“I’m deeply shocked and saddened to learn of these disturbing allegations. I stand firmly with the victims and their loved ones as investigations move forward. I believe we cannot celebrate a man, regardless of his accomplishments, if he harmed women and children in such evil ways. This March 31, I urge our community to unite around celebrating the contributions and essential work of farmworkers, rather than celebrating César Chávez. In addition, we must continue to move forward in our shared opposition to ICE’s violations of civil rights and demand an end to their brutal immigration enforcement.”

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 Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

Washington, DC — In response to reports detailing sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, issued the following statement:
“The recent reports regarding Cesar Chavez are deeply disturbing. While he played an important role in advancing farmworker rights, the actions described by survivors are unacceptable and cannot be ignored.
I want to express my support for those who have come forward. Speaking out about these experiences after decades of silence takes immense courage, and I commend these women for sharing their stories. The trauma they endured is something they will continue to carry for the rest of their lives, and they deserve to have their voices heard and supported. Accountability must apply to anyone who causes harm, no matter their accomplishments or office they hold.
I am especially moved by the courage of Dolores Huerta in sharing her experience after so many years. The abuse she describes, and the lifelong pain she endured, came at the cost of keeping silent to protect the farmworker movement she had devoted her life to. Her decision to speak out now reflects extraordinary strength and underscores the sacrifices many women made while advocating for justice and workers’ rights.
The farmworker movement was built through the dedication of countless men, women, and children whose work has shaped our communities and put food on America’s dinner table. As we confront these revelations, it is essential to continue honoring the contributions of farmworkers themselves while addressing this misconduct openly.
This movement is bigger than any one person, and its progress endures because of the collective effort and courage of the community. I support efforts to reevaluate and rename public spaces that honor Cesar Chavez so that they instead reflect the values and people who truly represent this movement and I remain committed to advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of farmworkers and their families.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott DesJarlais (4th District of Tennessee)

(WASHINGTON, DC) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) authored a letter to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing concern over yesterday’s announcement that the McMinnville, TN VA Clinic will be closing. 

Rep. DesJarlais, a physician who formerly worked in a VA hospital, wrote to Collins, noting that over 46,000 veterans live in his district and many will be forced to drive over an hour to receive healthcare services with the closing of the McMinnville clinic. 

DesJarlais wrote to Collins that he and his staff were not consulted about the impending closure of the rural outpatient VA healthcare facility. 

“My office received no notice prior to the public disclosure that this facility was facing staffing shortages or that these shortages would lead to the shuttering of this important VA Outpatient Clinic in my district. Leaders at the VA Clinic in McMinnville did not consult with or inform my staff or myself about the issues facing this Clinic, and the answers they gave as to why this was happening and the information they have provided to the community have been woefully inadequate. Had we been given prior notice and involved in these discussions, our office could have assisted in finding appropriate solutions and resources for those who rely on the VA and the care provided to them by the McMinnville VA clinic,” DesJarlais said in his letter. 

The Tennessee congressman posed the following questions to Collins and requested a response by Wednesday, March 11, 2026: 

• When did discussions surrounding the closure of the McMinnville VA Outpatient first begin? 
• Were any local, state, or federally elected leaders involved in the discussion surrounding the closure of the McMinnville VA clinic? If no, why not? 
• What is the official closure date of the clinic? 
• What is the plan to provide healthcare to those who utilize the clinic without requiring them to drive long distances to receive services from the VA? 

DesJarlais ended his letter to Secretary Collins stating that he wants to work together to come up with an adequate solution that will not impact the quality of care the veterans in his district receive. 

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Congressman DesJarlais’ full letter to Secretary Collins can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former Army Ranger and Ranking Member of the the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, questioned Trump Administration officials over decisions within the Department of Defense to fire personnel and defund offices responsible for mitigating civilian harm in combat. This comes as President Trump’s war in Iran has reportedly led to more than 1,000 civilian casualties, including 175 people, mostly young girls, at an elementary school that was allegedly struck by a U.S. tomahawk missile.

At the congressional hearing, Crow questioned Admiral Frank M. Bradley of the U.S. Navy, and Assistant and Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Derrick Anderson.

“Nothing sets back years of trust building and relationship building more than an errant strike, than killing civilians,” Congressman Crow said at the hearing. “I learned [in combat] that you can actually accomplish the tactical aspect of a mission, but lose the end game if the people you’re fighting with and working with don’t trust you and support you.”

Congressman Crow’s time in Iraq and Afghanistan informs much of his work aimed at increasing civilian protection in combat in Congress, where he is a founding member and co-chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus. Last week he led 120 colleagues demanding detailed information from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about recent strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school. He  helped pass legislation codifying the creation of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, and has passed major portions of his Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act and Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act.

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