Hoyer Floor Remarks in Support of H.R. 7481

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks on the House Floor in support of the request by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, to receive unanimous consent on H.R. 7481, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. Below are a transcript and video of his remarks:
 

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.
 

“Mr. Speaker, I want to speak to the American people through you. So, I address the Speaker and the American people. You must be confused by this debate. We have two relatively new Members of the Congress who have spoken – I came in as Mr. Jack was speaking, and he said that we need to open DHS. We certainly have agreement on about 80% of that, but the Republicans are saying, ‘Unless you agree to 100%, we’re not going to agree to opening DHS,’ [which] ought to be opened during this time of war. The Secret Service could be funded this afternoon; the Speaker just has to say the word. Because our side will vote to open up the agencies, but we have a difference of opinion with respect to two components of DHS that we believe are violating the Constitution of the United States. But we agree that we ought to open [the] Secret Service, we agree that we ought to open FEMA, we agree that we ought to open Cybersecurity [and Infrastructure Security Agency]. But what is your answer to saying, ‘But if you don’t do it all, we will not open those agencies and have the employees paid,’ who, of course, are critical employees. You don’t have an answer to that other than you want to muscle through something that [has] been questioned by many courts in this land.

“Now, let me read you a statement that was made by the Border Czar. After the – a court said, ‘You must do this,’ the Border Czar, Tom Homan, who was in Minneapolis – who, by the way, Border Patrol killed Alex Pretti. Here’s what the Border Czar said – and perhaps you don’t care, but he said this: ‘I don’t care what the judges think. I don’t care.’ Yes, we here on this Floor and the Democrats on the Floor in the United States Senate believe that is improper policy for law enforcement to say, to do, to act, to threaten people with, by ‘I don’t care what the judges say.’ Bring Ms. DeLauro’s bill to the Floor. It will pass, it will pass this afternoon, and all of those agencies you have mentioned will be funded. May I have one – 30 second? In addition to that – I don’t know that I’ve heard it mentioned, but in your bill that you passed earlier this year, you funded DHS, you funded ICE with $150 billion. So, don’t get on this Floor and pretend that somehow it is not funded, because that is not true. Bring this bill to the Floor. We agree on it overwhelmingly. Do not allow the disagreement to undermine the agreement we have, particularly at a time of war when we ought to be united. I yield back the balance of my time.”

McCollum: ‘Republicans in Congress Continue to Target Minnesota in Unprecedented Campaign of Retribution and Incompetence’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform heard testimony from Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, and Reverend Mariah Tollgaard, Senior Minister at Hamline United Methodist Church. Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement: 

“Rather than addressing the health care and affordability crises they created for the American people, President Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to target Minnesota in an unprecedented campaign of retribution and incompetence aimed at attacking our way of life and dividing our neighbors,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “In December, the Trump administration claimed that fraud and crime were the primary issues impacting Minnesotans. However, rather than working with the Walz administration and Attorney General Ellison on their successful efforts to hold those accountable for their crimes, Trump used fraud as a pretext to invade and occupy our state with an estimated 4,000 masked, unidentifiable immigration agents – nearly 1,000 more agents than previously acknowledged by the administration. The result of their ‘surge?’ Federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti – two American citizens, injured hundreds more, and violated the civil rights of thousands in the process. I thank Reverend Mariah Tollgaard for offering the committee a glimpse of the suffering that Minnesotans have experienced as a result of the cruelty directed upon our state by President Trump.

“Additionally, in January, a majority of the leadership team at the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office resigned over the administration’s surge, including the lead fraud prosecutor. Since 2025, nearly half the office’s attorneys have quit or retired citing concerns about the administration’s ethics, political pressure, and immigration tactics. This catastrophic loss of prosecutorial experience threatens the government’s cases against criminals, including drug dealers and sex offenders, leaving our state less safe.

“President Trump’s ‘Operation Metro Surge’ has been a complete failure. The Trump administration broke the law and now they are blaming immigrants and American citizens rather than holding accountable those who violated the Constitution.

“Instead of conducting any real oversight, Congressional Republicans are complicit with the Trump administration’s political attacks on Minnesotans, Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and her widow – casting blame on everyone except those who trampled on Americans’ civil rights and due process during the occupation of Minnesota. In the face of this unprecedented assault on our state, Minnesotans have responded by coming together to support one another. We are Minnesota Strong.”

Click here to read Congresswoman McCollum’s statement for the record.

Congresswoman McCollum to Vote Yes on Resolution Reining in War Powers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the bipartisan Massie-Khanna War Powers Act (H.Con.Res.38), directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, will vote yes on the resolution, ending the President’s illegal war, citing the urgent need for Congress to reassert its authority over the power to declare war.

“President Trump has taken our nation to war in violation of the War Powers Act and the Constitution,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “President Trump knows his actions are unconstitutional, because the administration’s own justification for this unlawful war shifts by the hour. Passing this War Powers resolution is essential to reining in the unlawful actions of this president. Every Member of Congress must state on the record whether they support the president’s actions.

“Already, the lives of six American service members have been lost, including a fellow Minnesotan, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor of White Bear Lake. Their service to our nation will never be forgotten. We pray for their families, for the safety of all our men and women in uniform serving overseas, and for those in the region who now find themselves in danger because of President Trump’s reckless, unlawful, and unnecessary decision to go to war.”

On Anniversary of Creation of Department of Labor, Pressley, Lee Unveil Bill to Codify Monthly Publication of Jobs Report, Ensure Accurate Picture of Workforce Stability

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

Legislation Requires Trump Admin to Publish National Unemployment Numbers with Demographic Data

With Black Women’s Unemployment Rising, Pressley Leads Demands to Federal Reserve to Address Pushout of Black Women from Workforce

Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) introduced the Better Labor Statistics Act, or the BLS Act, legislation that would codify the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ mandate to report unemployment data publicly, online, and at the first Friday of each month to ensure transparency and accuracy in unemployment data collection. The BLS Act would also codify the publication of unemployment data broken down by race and ethnicity, gender, geography, and industry.

Additionally, the legislation would amend terminology used to describe the Secretary of the Department of Labor to be gender neutral, as language currently exclusively includes male pronouns.

In Congress, Rep. Pressley has repeatedly sounded the alarm on the rising number of Black women forced out of the workforce in the United States and called on the Federal Reserve to take action.

“Every month, policymakers, businesses, economists, investors, and more require an accurate and detailed report of our nation’s labor market – but the Trump Administration is trying to stand in the way,” said Rep. Pressley. “With unemployment rates rising—and skyrocketing for Black women—and Trump firing workers when he doesn’t like the data they publish, we must codify practices that ensure accuracy and transparency. With detailed reporting, we can support our workers who are being left behind and pushed out of the workforce.”

“At a time when the Trump administration is attempting to scale back how much, how often, and how accurately labor data is reported, we must ensure our labor statistics laws keep pace with the realities working people face every day,” said Rep. Lee. “The Better Labor Statistics Act is about transparency, accountability, and making sure our economic data actually reflects all of us, especially workers and communities too often left out of the picture. When attacks on the independence of the Bureau of Labor Statistics threaten public trust, we must strengthen safeguards and ensure timely, disaggregated data that tells the full story of our economy. When we have honest data, we can fight for policies that truly support workers, including Black women and other communities disproportionately impacted by rising unemployment. This bill is a necessary step toward an economy where everyone is seen, counted, and valued.”

Text of the bill can be accessed here and a one-pager here.

The bill is endorsed by the AFL-CIO.

In September 2025, Congresswoman Pressley wrote to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell sounding the alarm on the rising unemployment rate for Black women in the United States and demanding the Fed take immediate action to uphold its mandate of maximum employment for all. The Congresswoman’s letter came amid the Trump Administration’s mass federal workforce layoffs and anti-DEI policies disproportionately impacting Black women and as Donald Trump attempted to seize control of the Fed by illegally firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. A copy of the Congresswoman’s letter is available here.

In September 2025, Congresswoman Pressley convened a press conference with a coalition of Black women activists and civil rights leaders to continue sounding the alarm on the rising number of Black women forced out of the workforce in the United States.

In November 2025, Rep. Pressley convened Black women, economists, civil rights leaders, and community members for an urgent discussion about the unemployment crisis facing Black women and its impact in Massachusetts and beyond.

Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for race-conscious policies to help close the racial wealth gap in America, uplift Black, brown, and other marginalized communities.

  • Building on the legacy of Black women in the civil rights movement, Rep. Pressley led a historic resolution calling for a federal job guarantee.  
  • In a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Pressley questioned Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the issue of full employment and the Civil Rights history of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. Powell conceded, for the first time in Federal Reserve history and on the Congressional record, that the Fed alone cannot get the United States to full employment.
  • Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker, is the lead co-sponsor of the American Opportunity Accounts Actalso known as Baby Bonds—legislation that would create a federally-funded savings account for every American child in order to make economic opportunity a birthright for every child and help close the racial wealth gap.
  • Rep. Pressley, alongside Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced the Strengthening Place-based Access, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK) Act to spur entrepreneurship and increase access for underserved entrepreneurs nationwide.
  • Rep. Pressley introduced the Equity in Government Act to codify racial equity across federal agencies and improve government services for underserved communities.
  • Rep. Pressley introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color.
  • Rep. Pressley introduced the Greater Supervision in Banking Act, or the GSIB Act, to mandate disclosures on diversity metrics and ensure transparency and accountability of big banks.
  • Rep. Pressley has also called on the five largest banks in America to provide a detailed update on the racial equity commitments the institutions made following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
  • Rep. Pressley was also a leading voice in Congress urging President Biden to cancel student debt. Following years of advocacy by Rep. Pressley—in partnership with colleagues, borrowers, and advocates like the NAACP—the Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic plan to cancel student debt that stands to benefit over 40 million people.

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Carbajal to Support Bill to Rein in Trump’s Military Powers

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

Carbajal to Support Bill to Rein in Trump’s Military Powers

Washington, March 4, 2026

“The ongoing conflict in Iran was ordered with no credible justification and little regard for the men and women who are being asked to risk their lives. Trump’s war has already claimed the lives of six servicemembers, and sadly, more will be put in harm’s way,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The American people do not want another forever war in the Middle East. They do not want to see young Americans lose their lives. They do not want to see billions of taxpayer dollars being poured into this conflict. Families want solutions to the problems they face here at home, such as an end to the cost-of-living crisis. This administration is operating without restraint or reason; therefore, I will be voting in support of the war powers resolution to rein in their reckless and dangerous actions.”

Valadao, California Republican Congressional Delegation Issue Joint Statement on Dangers of Ongoing DHS Shutdown

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined the California Republican Congressional Delegation in issuing the following statement on the dangers of the ongoing partial shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Regrettably, this critical funding has not passed the Senate, putting our safety and security at risk. As members of the California congressional delegation, we are committed to protecting the homeland and the American people. Public safety should never be used as a bargaining chip.

“Today, we face a heightened threat landscape as our great nation counters the imminent danger posed by the Iranian regime. Now more than ever, it is critical to ensure our nation’s largest law enforcement agency is fully operational and has the resources needed to neutralize any potential threats. The security of our homeland is not a partisan game. Our cybersecurity operations are weakened, critical intelligence sharing is disrupted, and over 250,000 public servants supporting our national security are being forced to go without pay – including our TSA agents who work every day to prevent terror attacks.

“In our own backyard, California is preparing to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, followed by the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The safety and success of these global events hinge on DHS’ ability to maintain mission readiness. The longer this partial shutdown continues, the weaker our ability to prepare for these events becomes. To delay any longer is to risk the lives of countless Californians and millions of international visitors alike.

“Tomorrow, the House is expected to vote once again on DHS funding. Both sides of the aisle must come together in the spirit of responsible governance. In the strongest possible terms, we urge our Democrat colleagues to join us in voting to reopen DHS so it has the resources necessary to fulfill its mission and safeguard American communities.”

Congressman David Valadao, CA-22

Congressman Vince Fong, CA-20

Congressman Ken Calvert, CA-41

Congressman Darrell Issa, CA-48

Congressman Kevin Kiley, CA-03

Congresswoman Young Kim, CA-40

Congressman Tom McClintock, CA-05

Congressman Jay Obernolte, CA-23

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Babin Statement on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Babin Statement on Iran

Washington, February 28, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36) released a statement on Operation Epic Fury.

“President Trump is taking decisive action against the terrorist regime in Iran, a regime that has destabilized the Middle East, threatened our allies, and targeted Americans for nearly half a century. The era of appeasement is over. The day of accountability has arrived. For too long, Iran’s leaders have spread chaos beyond their borders while denying their own people freedom. President Trump is making clear that the United States will not tolerate nuclear ambitions nor terror proxies. America First means protecting our citizens, defending our allies, and ensuring that no hostile regime ever believes it can challenge us without consequence. I am praying for the brave men and women in uniform who are putting their lives on the line to secure the blessings of liberty for our children and grandchildren. Their courage safeguards our homeland. America stands strong. America stands resolute. And America will always defend freedom.”

Kelly: Working Families Tax Cuts are saving money for hardworking Americans, increasing productivity in the workforce

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a Ways & Means Committee hearing with IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, championed the Working Families Tax Cuts “No Tax on Overtime” provision which Kelly said is saving workers’ money and leading to increased productivity.

Welders, linemen, factory workers, and other employees earning overtime could see their taxes cut by $1,400, according to Ways & Means Committee estimates.

“The savings in this legislation are an incredible boost for the morale of the American people,” said Rep. Kelly. “Americans want to work overtime now because they get to keep the money. They don’t have to pay it to the government. They get to keep it with their families.”

You can find Kelly’s full remarks here.

Fast Facts: Working Families Tax Cuts

  • No Tax on Tips: Waitresses, barbers, bellhops, and other tipped professions could see their taxes cut $1,300.
  • No Tax on Overtime: Welders, linemen, factory workers, and workers earning overtime could see their taxes cut $1,400.
  • No Tax on Social Security: 88% of seniors receiving Social Security benefits will pay no tax on their benefits under the WFTC. $6,000 deduction for seniors 65+/$12,000 for married couple.
  • Largest Tax Refund Filing Season Ever: Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, taxpayers could get an average of $1,000 MORE in their tax refund this tax filing season. Refunds could total almost $4,000 per person on average, putting more money back in the pockets of working families.  Average refund amounts are up 14% so far this tax filing season.

Learn more here.

Rep. Garamendi, Espaillat and 70 Democrats Call for Investigation of ICE, DHS Warrantless Purchases of Americans’ Location Data

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-NY, and 70 Democratic lawmakers called for a new investigation of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), over warrantless purchases of Americans’ location data. 

The members called on DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to investigate ICE and other DHS agencies restarting warrantless purchases of Americans’ location data. The DHS Inspector General previously found that ICE’s data purchases were illegal, causing the program to shut down in 2023. 

“Location data is extremely sensitive, and can reveal someone’s religion, their political views, medical conditions, addictions, and with whom they spend time. It is for that reason that ordinarily, the government must obtain a warrant from a judge in order to demand such data from phone or technology companies,” the members wrote to DHS Inspector Cuffari. 

“Given DHS’ failure to adopt a policy for the use of commercial data, coupled with ICE awarding a no-bid contract to a shady data broker that is likely violating federal law, we urge you to open another investigation into the purchase and use of location data by ICE and other DHS components,” the members continued. 

ICE issued a no-bid contract to the surveillance company Penlink in 2025, which included licenses for its location tracking product, Webloc, according to a report by 404 Media. Webloc was developed by the controversial surveillance company Cobwebs Technologies, which combined with Penlink in 2023. Meta banned Cobwebs in 2021, as part of a crackdown on surveillance mercenaries after detecting the company’s customers targeting activists, opposition politicians and government officials in Hong Kong and Mexico. 

ICE has stonewalled congressional oversight of its location data purchases. Senator Wyden’s office requested a briefing from ICE soon after this contract was reported in October 2025. In December 2025, a briefing was scheduled for February 10, 2026. One day before that briefing was to take place, ICE cancelled it with no explanation and without any offer to reschedule. 

The letter is signed by Senators Alex Padilla, Calif., Richard Blumenthal, Conn., Andy Kim, N.J., Chris Van Hollen, Md., Adam Schiff, Calif., Brian Schatz, Hawaii, Raphael Warnock, Ga., Angela Alsobrooks, Md., Peter Welch, Vt., Ben Ray Luján, N.M., Cory Booker, N.J., Jeff Merkley, Ore., Edward J. Markey, Mass., Elizabeth Warren, Mass., and Tammy Duckworth, Ill. 

It is also signed by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, N.Y., Pramila Jayapal, Wash., Joaquin Castro, Texas, Greg Casar, Texas, Jim McGovern, Mass., Sara Jacobs, Calif., Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ill., Yvette Clarke, N.Y., Grace Meng, N.Y., Shontel Brown, Ohio, André Carson, Ind., Ro Khanna, Calif., Nydia Velázquez, N.Y. , Robin Kelly, Ill., Zoe Lofgren, Calif., Mary Gay Scanlon, Pa., Veronica Escobar, Texas, Paul Tonko, N.Y., Jimmy Gomez, Calif., Lori Trahan, Mass., Rashida Tlaib, Mich., Nanette Barragán, Calif., Lateefah Simon, Calif., Jesús García, Ill., Stephen Lynch, Mass., Juan Vargas, Calif., Lloyd Doggett, Texas, Eleanor Norton, D.C., Norma Torres Calif., Madeleine Dean, Pa., Doris Matsui, Calif., Suzanne Bonamici, Ore., Maxine Dexter, Ore., Andrea Salinas, Ore., Luz Rivas Calif., Ritchie Torres, N.Y., Dan Goldman, N.Y., Adelita Grijalva, Ariz., Robert Menendez, N.J., Delia Ramirez, Ill., Mike Quigley, Ill., Richard Neal, Mass., Becca Balint, Vt., Darren Soto, Fla., Mark Takano, Calif., Linda Sánchez, Calif., Jasmine Crockett. Texas, Sylvia Garcia, Texas, Seth Moulton, Mass., Kelly Morrison, Minn., Eric Swalwell, Calif., and Mike Levin, Calif. 

Rep. Green: Briefing Showed No Imminent Threat to U.S. Before War; Will Back War Powers Resolution

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

(Washington, D.C.) — On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor during one-minute speeches following his attendance at a classified briefing that showed there was no imminent threat to the United States before the war. Congressman Green also stated that he intends to vote in support of the War Powers Resolution.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including BlueskyFacebookInstagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).