MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing on the grounds of the United States Capitol complex. After the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, a fence was erected around the Capitol that stayed in place for six months as officials recommended a permanent barrier. Norton criticized permanent fencing as both cosmetic and imprecise and instead called for smarter, state-of-the-art solutions.

“Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world, transforming the Capitol from a place that’s accessible to the people it serves into a fortress that locks them out,” CongresswomanNorton said. “The answer to security vulnerabilities is not a crude barrier that makes the Capitol look safer while doing little to address the threats. Instead, we should be investing in the intelligence, technology, training and security measures that actually protect the Capitol while preserving the openness that is fundamental to our democracy. At a time when trust in government is at historic lows, the last thing we should do is put another physical and psychological barrier between the people and the government that serves them.”

“Ours is a government of, by, and for the people – and the people should always be able to safely access our nation’s Capitol and exercise their First Amendment rights. We can protect the Capitol without walling it off to the public. This legislation would ensure this complex never becomes a fortress where the American people are left on the outside looking in,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Norton’s introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Nortonon the Introduction ofthe No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act

September 15, 2026

            Today, I introduce the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the United States Capitol complex.  Senator Chris Van Hollen is introducing this bill in the Senate.

            Permanent fencing at the Capitol complex would send an un-American message to the nation and the world by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible, transparent and of the people to one that is closed off, secretive and fearful of its own citizens.  It would tell the world that the most powerful nation must rely on crude barriers for safety instead of state-of-the-art intelligence and security protocols.  The Capitol complex has welcomed First Amendment demonstrations for centuries without becoming a fortress.  The openness of the Capitol complex and our democracy is a strength, not a weakness that needs to be rooted out. 

            Furthermore, the Capitol complex does not exist in a vacuum.  It is immediately surrounded by residential neighborhoods and local businesses.  Permanent fencing would cause serious damage to the fabric of these communities. After the January 6^th insurrection, the Capitol complex became an untraversable fortress surrounded by frightening fences capped with barbed wire typical of authoritarian regimes. These residents and businesses were more than understanding as their neighborhoods turned into militarized zones. They waited patiently as officers checked their identification on their walks home or took alternative routes when they found blocked streets.  Permanent fencing would limit their ability, as well as the general public’s ability, to enjoy the public spaces that define our nation’s capital.

            The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at historic lows.  We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary.

            Security is not only about reducing risk.  It is also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations.  Public property should be open to the public.  Americans should not have to peer at their democracy from behind fences.

            I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

MEMPHIS, TN — During the month of August, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) spent the district work period back home in Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District, meeting directly with West Tennesseans and discussing the issues important to communities across the region.

“The heartbeat of America is found in places like West Tennessee,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Last month, I met with farmers, health care providers, manufacturers, law enforcement officers, small business owners, and civic leaders across Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District. Those conversations shape my work in Washington, and I will continue fighting for the West Tennesseans who make our community strong.”

Congressman Kustoff’s August stops and events included:

Shelby County

• FedEx: Met with FedEx President & CEO Raj Subramaniam in Memphis to discuss the logistics company’s vital role in our state and national economy.
• Orgill: Toured Orgill’s state-of-the-art Innovation Center with President & CEO Boyden Moore and learned more about the company’s work supporting independent retailers.
• Epicenter Memphis: Led a roundtable discussion at Epicenter Memphis with Launch Tennessee CEO Lindsey Cox, local entrepreneurs, and startup founders.
• Frederick W. Smith International Airport: Attended the renaming and dedication ceremony for Frederick W. Smith International Airport, honoring FedEx founder Fred Smith.
• International Port of Memphis: Toured the International Port of Memphis with local transportation and economic development leaders, including EDGE Memphis President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey, Executive Director of the Port of Memphis and Vice President of Port and Industrial Properties Randy Richardson, and Port Operations Manager Larry Baker.
• FedEx Freight: Met with FedEx Freight CEO John Smith to discuss the company’s freight transportation operations.
• Medtronic: Toured Medtronic’s Shelby County facility with Site Director Brandon Gentry and discussed the company’s work in spinal, cranial, and surgical technologies.
• Smith+Nephew: Visited Smith+Nephew’s Shelby County manufacturing facility with Oxinium Manufacturing Operations Lead Jasmin Nuhic and met with employees supporting the company’s orthopedic technology portfolio.
• MiCare Path: Met with MiCare Path CEO Scott Laster and John Bobango to discuss the Memphis-based health care technology company’s work in remote patient monitoring.
• Stryker: Met with Stryker Division Counsel Tom McAllister to discuss the company’s Shelby County operations supporting orthopedic trauma and extremities care.
• Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium: Toured the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, home of the Memphis Tigers, with University of Memphis Senior Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Ed Scott and Senior Deputy Athletics Director Tim Duncan.
• Memphis Zoo: Visited the Memphis Zoo and met with President & CEO Matt Thompson and Chief Development Officer Michele Correia about its role as a major Mid-South attraction.
• Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital: Toured Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and met with President Dr. Trey Eubanks, Trauma Program Director Dr. Regan Williams, and members of its leadership team.
• Alliance Healthcare Services: Met with Alliance Healthcare Services CEO Laurie Powell, Board President Quintin Robinson, Shelby County Commissioner Mark Billingsley, who represents District 4, and members of the Alliance Healthcare Services team, a Memphis behavioral health care provider.
• Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition: Met with members of the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, including Board Member Julie Evert, to discuss efforts to support Tennesseans affected by breast cancer.
• Insurance and Financial Advisors: Met with members of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, including Tim Moran, Rebecca Schulter, and Mark Miller of UCL Financial Group, to discuss his work supporting financial professionals and the families they serve.
• Collierville National Night Out: Joined Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane, Town of Collierville Mayor Maureen Fraser, and local residents for National Night Out, an annual event bringing together members of the community and law enforcement.
• Germantown Police Department: Spoke at the swearing-in ceremony for new Germantown police officers Brian Quinn and Cameron Reverts alongside Germantown Municipal Court Judge Robert Brannon, City of Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo, and Germantown Police Chief Mike Fisher.
• Sheriff Floyd Bonner Retirement Ceremony: Attended Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner’s retirement ceremony and presented him with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his 46 years in law enforcement.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Delivered welcome remarks at the TVA Board of Directors meeting in Memphis and thanked TVA Board Chairman Mitch Graves for his leadership.
• East Memphis Rotary Club: Spoke with East Memphis Rotary Club President Mark Beutelschies, Mike Edwards, and Rotary members about his work supporting Tennessee’s economy and local employers.
• Arlington Chamber of Commerce: Spoke with Arlington Chamber President Tonia Howell, Chamber Board President Chris Willoughby, Town of Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman, and Chamber members about his work supporting local businesses.
• Bartlett Chamber of Commerce: Met with Bartlett Area Chamber President & CEO John Threadgill, City of Bartlett Mayor David Parsons, Chamber leadership, and local officials.
• Tennessee Bankers Association: Spoke to Shelby County bankers about his work on the House Ways and Means Committee.

Tipton County

• Mueller Fittings Company: Toured Mueller Fittings Company with General Manager Kevin Gay and City of Covington Mayor Jan Wade Hensley, visiting the Covington manufacturer of copper fittings for plumbing, HVAC, and industrial use.
• Magnum Ice Cream: Toured the Magnum Ice Cream factory in Tipton County with Head of Factory Andres Borrero.
• Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton: Toured Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton and met with CFO Carlos Mendoza, Administrator for Quality and Compliance Madalyn Mason, Director of HR Myra Cousar, and hospital leadership.

Madison County

• Tennessee Bankers Association: Spoke with Madison County bankers at an event hosted by Tennessee Bankers Association President Colin Barrett about the One Big Beautiful Bill and his work to support West Tennessee’s financial institutions.
• Stanley Black & Decker: Toured Stanley Black & Decker’s Madison County facility and met with Plant Manager Nichole Hally, Distribution Site Leader David Eastman, and the manufacturing team.
• Mars Snacking: Visited Mars Snacking’s Jackson site and met with Plant Director Bryan Sparks, HR Director Laura Borchardt, Public Affairs Director Carlos Monje, and the team at the food manufacturing facility.
• Volunteer Ag Services: Joined farmer John Verell and Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd, who represents House District 73, at the Brandon Karcher Memorial Field Day hosted by Volunteer Ag Services, an agricultural services company supporting farmers across the region.
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee: Toured Toyota’s Jackson facility and met with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee President Todd Williams, Regional Director William Downey, Plant Manager Scott Hastings, Senior Manager of HR Jason Bates, and the automotive manufacturer’s West Tennessee team.
• Dynamix Physical Therapy: Toured Dynamix Physical Therapy with Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer Heath Ladd, Chief Clinical Officer Nick Nordtvedt, and members of the team at the local physical therapy provider in Madison County.
• Dream Center: Toured the Dream Center with Tennessee State Senator Ed Jackson, who represents Senate District 25, Executive Director Gail Gustafson, and Assistant Director Robin Apelgren. The Dream Center is a nonprofit helping women and mothers with children overcome homelessness in Madison County.
• AARP: Met with AARP Associate State Director of Advocacy Makayla McCree and AARP team leaders Gwen Ragland and Gary Ragland to discuss advocacy for seniors across West Tennessee.
• GenPac: Visited GenPac, a family-owned packaging business based in Madison County, and met with GenPac President Charles Woodside.
• Judge Steven W. Maroney Investiture: Spoke at the investiture ceremony for Judge Steven W. Maroney’s appointment to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Western Section, alongside Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and congratulated Judge Maroney, Holly, and their family.
• Lane College: Attended the investiture of Dr. Donald W. Comer as the 11th President of Lane College alongside Madison County Mayor AJ Massey and City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger.

Gibson County

• Gibson County Farm Bureau: Joined Gibson County Farm Bureau County President Justin Pope, Tennessee Farm Bureau Director-at-Large Todd Littleton, UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Dr. Keith Carver, and local agriculture leaders for a discussion on issues affecting West Tennessee farmers.
• WHMc Gun Shop: Visited Lance Sherer, owner of WHMc Gun Shop, a local firearms business in Gibson County, to discuss federal firearms regulations and his work to eliminate the federal suppressor tax.

Crockett County

• Direct Customer Solutions: Toured Direct Customer Solutions, a pharmaceutical logistics company in Crockett County, and met with Direct Customer Solutions President Steve Shirley, Executive Vice President Jesse Walters, and company leadership.
• Mayor Gary Reasons Retirement Celebration: Attended Crockett County Mayor Gary Reasons’ retirement celebration and presented him with a certificate recognizing his 42 years of service.

Chester County

• Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center: Visited the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and met with Director Kirby Fahs, Vice President Delanie Bottoms, and its leadership.
• Jones Contractors: Met with Jones Contractors Vice President of Finance Patricia Jones and the team at the West Tennessee contractor specializing in pipeline and energy infrastructure.
• Henderson-Chester County Chamber of Commerce: Spoke with Chamber President Craig Casey, Vice President Heather Griffin, Executive Director Blake Hopper, Chamber members, and local business leaders about his work on the House Ways and Means Committee to support small businesses.
• Local Health Care and Business Meetings: Met with health care providers Dr. Carey Frix and Dr. Nicole Jennings at Frix-Jennings Clinic, Chad Cherry and Eddie Cherry of Cherry & Son Sales, and Chester County cattle producers Todd Terry and Don Terry.

Henderson County

• Scotts Hill High School: Spoke with Tennessee Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Bryan Wright, Libby Wilson, and West Tennessee farmers about the Farm Bill and his work in Washington to support the agriculture industry.
• Henderson County Sheriff’s Office: Met with retiring Henderson County Sheriff Brian Duke and presented him with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to thank him for his 20 years of service to Henderson County.

After a month of meetings across TN-08, Congressman Kustoff remains committed to listening to West Tennesseans and advocating for their priorities in Congress.

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

The group includes both Democratic and Republican lawmakers from the House and Senate.

September 08, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Current and former Members of Congress mobilized in a court filing challenging the legality of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The effort was led by House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle; Assistant House Minority Leader Joe Neguse, who leads the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force; and Task Force Co-Chairs Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. In the Senate, the brief was championed by Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin; and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters.

The group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers, filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the matter of United States Postal Service, et al., v. State of California, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service. The court case challenges a Final Rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.

One-third of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm elections—a voting practice Donald Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when the president voted in Florida’s Republican primary.

In the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump’s Executive Order 14399, “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” violates the separation of powers and usurps congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.

“As current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States—including its guarantee of the separation of powers. Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do,” wrote the lawmakers.

The amici also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking the USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are “substantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.”

“The district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all.”

The group concluded by asserting States’ power to administer elections and Congress’s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an “override” authority. The president’s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.

The lawmakers concluded: “The integrity of our constitutional system depends on each branch keeping to its assigned role. The Framers set up a two-part system that gave the States default authority to regulate federal elections subject to Congress’s authority to override the States. The Framers did not provide the President with any authority to interfere in that system, nor has Congress imbued the Executive Branch with any such authority by statute.”

Click HERE to view the full brief.

Keep scrolling to see what leading lawmakers had to say about the matter.

“Presidents do not control our elections—the American people do. Today, in a bipartisan agreement, Members defended the constitutional authority of Congress and deliberately chose to protect our elections from executive overreach. Our elections are safe and secure, and we intend to keep them that way. We will not allow USPS to put Americans’ ballots at risk,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle.

“The law is clear: states and Congress have authority over our elections — not the President and certainly not the Postal Service. Protecting the right to vote-by-mail is critical to ensure every eligible voter can make their voices heard in the November midterm elections and in future elections,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Despite the Trump Administration’s attempts to eliminate vote by mail and suppress voter participation, voting by mail remains one of the most safe and secure ways to vote, especially for service members, rural voters, and Americans living abroad. I urge the courts to uphold our Constitution and reject Trump’s attacks on our fundamental right to vote.”

“Donald Trump is trying to unconstitutionally rig the midterm elections because he knows that’s the only way he can hold on to power. This scheme could potentially stop millions of American citizens from receiving their ballots and having their vote counted. We are fighting this in court and defending the Constitution,” said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.

“Donald Trump’s attacks on mail-in voting are in direct contravention of the U.S. Constitution. His executive order and the USPS actions to implement it would disenfranchise millions of Americans, silencing an untold number of citizens that rely on mail ballots to make their voices heard. But the right to vote is sacrosanct, and we’ll do whatever it takes to protect it,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. “I’m proud to see the outpouring of support from current and former Members of Congress—across the political spectrum—to assert the rule of law in this matter and to stand up for the right of every eligible voter to fairly cast their ballot.”

“The Constitution is clear that the states and Congress make the rules for federal elections, not the President. Yet, in utter defiance of the Constitution, President Trump is attempting to use the Postal Service to decide who can and cannot receive a ballot just days before mail-in voting begins in some of the states. This is a naked power grab by a historically unpopular President—who himself regularly votes by mail—to inject confusion and chaos into our elections in a last-ditch effort to keep his party in power. It will not work. I’m proud to stand with a strong bipartisan, bicameral group of current and former colleagues in urging the court to continue rejecting this lawless election interference,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.

“Donald Trump is once again asking the highest court in the land to silence voters and destroy the precious integrity of the American electoral process,” said Leader Schumer. “Mail-in voting is proven safe and secure, and Trump’s continued efforts to obstruct America’s free and fair elections are blatant, unconstitutional attempts at interfering with the November midterms. Trump’s message to the American people is clear: he isn’t worried about voter fraud, he’s afraid of voter accountability. I urge the court to uphold the Constitution and reject Trump’s baseless attempt at poisoning our democracy.”

Background

The Litigation Task Force launched in the first month that followed President Donald Trump’s chaotic return to office. We immediately set out to push back against an administration showing no respect for the Constitution or rule of law—and we haven’t stopped since. Our first amicus brief, filed in February 2025, defended American consumers from predatory lenders and other bad actors and helped persuade a federal judge to block efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Since then, the Task Force has directly responded to a myriad of other unlawful directives issued by the Trump administration, including simultaneously filing a court motion challenging the legitimacy of the president’s corrupt attempt to “settle” his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — an agency he oversees — in exchange for the creation of a $1.7 billion slush fund for political allies.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spoke at a House Rules Committee hearing in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he introduced in the House with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues.

Click to watch

Remarks as delivered:

This is a critical time in history — a time my friend Senator Lindsey Graham described as a “magic moment.” Today, we have an opportunity to help end the war in Europe and to project peace through strength around the globe.

But before I get into that, I want to talk about what brought us here to this moment.

When I chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee during the fall of Afghanistan — a disaster of epic proportions that telegraphed American weakness to our adversaries — Putin was watching. He met with President Xi at the 2022 Olympics to solidify their unholy alliance. Then, we watched on satellite imagery as the Russian Federation moved toward Ukraine.

I’ll never forget visiting Poland with Ranking Member Meeks and seeing the refugees fleeing out of Ukraine. The similarities to my father’s war — World War II — were striking. The Poles told us: “This is 1939 all over again.”

The oceans did not shield us from tyranny then, and they will not shield us now — especially as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea work together to threaten America and our allies.

Make no mistake: President Xi is watching what happens in Ukraine to determine whether he can get away with invading Taiwan. He’s calculating whether or not the free world will stop Putin’s aggression — and he’s certainly watching what we do here today.

Senator Lindsey Graham understood these global threats well. That’s why he spent more than a year working on this legislation, which I promised him I would introduce in the House. He brought Republicans and Democrats together and secured the White House’s support. This week, we have a chance to finish his work.

I’m proud to champion the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. And I want to thank Mr. Hoyer and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their strong support. 

For me, this is also personal. Lindsey Graham was my friend; he was my mentor. He understood the threats facing this country and had the courage to stand up and confront them. We shared a fundamental belief: “America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad.”

He and I were both in Ukraine — on separate trips — the week before he passed. While there, I met with soldiers and commanders near the front lines. I also saw Ukraine’s drone operations and the extraordinary innovation they’ve brought to this fight.

People said Ukraine would fall in four days. But more than four years after the invasion, they are still in the fight. And the assistance we fought to pass in 2024 helped give them tools to survive – and begin turning the tide of the war.

Now is the time for the free world to put maximum pressure on Putin to bring him to the negotiating table.

That’s where this legislation comes in. 

It targets the money that fuels Russia’s war machine. It goes after Russian officials and oligarchs, banks and financial institutions, and the shadow fleet that helps keep cheap Russian energy moving. And by using narrowly scoped and precisely targeted tariffs, it exercises Congress’ Article I authority over foreign commerce to punish countries providing financial support for the deadliest war in Europe since WWII.

These countries have a choice to make about whether they will continue to sustain Putin’s aggression. Putin believes he can keep financing this war indefinitely. We need to change that calculation — and ensure there are consequences for helping him.

You cannot look at what Russia has done to Ukraine and pretend these are ordinary business transactions with no connection to bloodshed.

The Kremlin has murdered thousands of civilians in cold blood. They’ve bombed sacred churches and schools. They’ve kidnapped countless children, tortured and indoctrinated them, and sent them to fight on the frontlines against their own country.

We have a moral responsibility to bring an end to this suffering. But there is also a very clear American national security interest in stopping the Kremlin’s campaign of aggression.

If Putin is rewarded for invading a sovereign nation — if he succeeds — he has already told us he will go further. His army will move into Moldova, Georgia, and the Baltic States. And just like Putin wants to bring back the power of the Soviet Union, President Xi wants to restore imperial China. These dictators must be deterred — before it’s too late.

This legislation also extends sanctions on Iran, which are set to expire at the end of this year, restricting funding for its energy and weapons sectors. Again, this is all tied together. In 2024, I spoke before this committee about Iranian drones being used by Russia to kill Ukrainians. In return, Russia is reportedly providing targeting information to the Iranian IRGC.

We cannot look at one part of this threat and ignore the others. This bill leverages our economic strength to make it harder for these regimes to finance aggression. 

As chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I often said that partisanship stops at the water’s edge. I still believe that.

We are free to have disagreements — that’s democracy. But when we’re addressing our adversaries, we need to speak as one — with one voice, as one nation. They need to know that we’re not divided when it comes to our national security.

The Senate passed this legislation by a vote of 86 to 11. That is an overwhelming bipartisan vote. Now the House must act.

What would it communicate to Putin if the United States can’t rally around such broadly supported legislation? How would our failure to act encourage North Korea to continue sending its own soldiers to the meat grinder, or Iran to continue supplying Russia with weapons to kill innocent civilians?

This is a moral issue that requires moral courage.

When we look back on this moment, I want us to be able to say that we did everything possible to end this war. That we understood the threat. That we had the courage to do what was right — to cripple the Russian war machine and turn the tide toward peace.

On my latest visit to Ukraine, I met with President Zelensky, who told me he is ready for a ceasefire — ready to negotiate. Putin, on the other hand, defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table.

In conclusion, Lindsey Graham said if this passed it would be his greatest legislative accomplishment. I can think of no better way to honor his life and legacy than passing these tough sanctions.

Finally, he said, “I have never been more optimistic than I am today that we have the formula to end this war.” I couldn’t agree more.

The time to act is now.

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

(Washington, D.C.) — On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Congressman Al Green’s H.Res. 1486, impeaching President Donald John Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors, will receive a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 1:00 p.m. ET hour.

You can watch the vote on C-SPAN by clicking here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after S. 550, the Senate companion legislation to his bill, H.R. 2827, passed the United States House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk for final signature. This legislation, originally introduced by then-Senator Markwayne Mullin, passed the Senate at the end of 2025.

“Today was a testament of Congress upholding its trust and treaty responsibility,” said Congressman Cole. “This straightforward, bipartisan piece of legislation will not only provide finality for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, but also certainty for the landowners and farmers in Illinois who have been living on this land for generations. After years of advocacy, the Miami Tribe will finally be able to have their rightful day in court and present their case for the land that was illegally sold by the United States. I’d like to thank the House Natural Resources Committee leadership for bringing this important piece of legislation to the Floor, Congresswoman McCollum for her collaboration on this bill, and Secretary Mullin for his work on this legislation during his time in the Senate. As a tribal member myself, I could not be more honored to play a small role in this victory for the Miami Tribe and their citizens.”

Chief Lankford of the Miami Tribe said, “The Miami Nation – past, present, and future – thank Chairman Cole and Secretary Mullin for making this bill a reality. They are warriors for Indian Country and all people who seek justice. Representative McCollum, Senator Durbin, and Representative Bost also deserve high praise for all their support. We are humbled by all their work for our members and for our ancestors who negotiated these rights during a time of unbelievable pressure and change. Chairman Cole, Secretary Mullin, and our allies did not forget their sacrifice and today Congress is finally vindicating their visionary foresight in protecting the tribes’ lands.”

Background:

In 1805, the Miami Tribe, Eel River Band, and Wea signed the Treaty of Grouseland, which under Article Four reserved all lands within the Wabash River watershed and land located west of the Wabash River, which is in present-day Illinois. From 1805 to 1840, the United States transferred 2.6 million acres of this land to non-native settlers without having acquired title from the tribes. As a result, title to that land is still held by the Miami Tribe’s superior claim to title and the tribe never consented to that land being purchased.

S. 550, the companion bill to H.R. 2827, will simply allow the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to have their rightful day in court and extinguish all claims to this land in Illinois. It will remedy the mistake made by the federal government nearly two centuries ago by resolving the land claim and providing finality and certainty to both the Tribe and the landowners in Illinois.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) passed the bipartisan Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act to establish a federal grant program to support conservation of birds and habitats in urban areas. The bill passed the House of Representatives and now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“Birds play an important role in our ecosystems and our everyday lives, but unfortunately, we have lost nearly 3 billion birds in the last 50 years, and we need to take serious action to address this crisis,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act will provide federal funding to restore bird habitats and educate communities about the small steps we can all take to protect bird populations for generations to come.” 

In North America, one in four breeding birds has been lost since 1970. The widespread loss and degradation of habitat is the biggest driver of bird population decline. Restoring bird habitat in urban areas can make a significant difference in conserving bird populations.

The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act would make $200,000 available annually through a competitive grant program to eligible entities, including Tribal, State, or municipal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, to promote urban bird conservation.

Specifically, the grant program aims to:

• protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plant species;

• reduce urban hazards to birds; and

• educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas.

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Donald Trump’s out-of-control behavior continues to put the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people at risk. At the same time, House Republicans have zero interest in holding this corrupt administration accountable.

When Republicans gained full control of government this year, they promised to lower the cost of living on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. Life in America is more expensive and Republicans have not done a damn thing to address the affordability crisis. In fact, Donald Trump believes it’s a hoax.

House Democrats remain laser-focused on lowering the high cost of groceries, gas and goods and making healthcare affordable for every single American in this great country. At the same time, House Democrats will restore the constitutional role of Congress as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch.

Impeachment is a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust. The effort traditionally requires a comprehensive investigative process, the collection and review of thousands of documents, an exacting scrutiny of the facts, the examination of dozens of key witnesses, Congressional hearings, sustained public organizing and the marshaling of the forces of democracy to build a broad national consensus. None of that serious work has been done, with the Republican majority focused solely on rubber stamping Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. Accordingly, we will again vote “present” on the motion to table the impeachment resolution as we continue our fight to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, while committing to holding the crooks accountable using every tool available to us beginning on day one.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata attended a special meeting Saturday for the families of U.S. personnel missing from the Vietnam War, Cold War, Korean War, and World War II. The Family Member Update, held in Dover, Delaware, by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), included over 400 Gold Star family members. 

Vice Chairman Amata attended the DPAA Family Member Update to honor Veterans

Amata, who is Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, traveled from DC to be there in honor of these patriotic families and all U.S. Veterans. Amata and Fred Radewagen have a personal connection to the effort, as a cousin’s family is among these U.S. military families seeking long-awaited closure regarding missing loved ones. Additionally, this agency has twice in recent years brought important closure to families in American Samoa who sought information about a Service Member from past wars.

Amata attended DPAA briefing

“It is moving to see a large room full of families that sacrificed a loved one for our country and the cause of freedom,” said HVAC Vice Chairman Amata. “The DPAA is doing an important service to those who served, and it’s a special mission that is deserving of support. One case at a time, they bring a sense of closure to a family, often providing the ability to visit a loved one’s gravesite. I admire the resolve of these dear families, and our earnest prayer is that they will be blessed with clear results to put their questions and uncertainty to rest. To the U.S. personnel engaged in this research, I just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you for your dedication.”

The full day’s agenda in Dover included a briefing on the U.S. global efforts to account for Americans missing from past conflicts, where they also made research experts available to meet with families, and offered families tours of the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in Delaware for insight into this effort. 

Amata has previously visited the Agency’s main Pacific office in Honolulu with the world’s largest forensic anthropology laboratory for an informational tour and briefing. In multiple locations, the agency continuously studies archives and records, and sends expert teams worldwide to recover remains. The DPAA is led by Director Kelly McKeague, a retired Major General from the U.S. Air Force.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulates Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai, Ph.D., M.P.H., on earning her doctorate in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University. Her doctoral research focused on cardiometabolic health among adolescents in American Samoa.

“Congratulations to Dr. Mata’uitafā on this outstanding academic achievement and the dedication and perseverance that brought her to this milestone,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It is especially meaningful to see a daughter of American Samoa applying her education and research to improving the health of our Samoan and Pacific communities. Her accomplishments encourage our young people to pursue their educational goals and use their talents in service to others.”

Dr. Mata’uitafā is from Leone, Tutuila; Olosega, Manu’a; and Safune, Savai’i. She earned her Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology through the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, completing her doctoral training in the Yale School of Public Health.

She is continuing her work in Pacific public health as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship Program through Yale University, in collaboration with the Samoa Ministry of Health Collaborative Research Center. Her fellowship focuses on using social network analysis to understand peer influences on adolescent health and inform culturally relevant interventions addressing noncommunicable disease risk among Samoan adolescents.

“Earning a doctorate from Yale is a testament to what is possible for a girl born and raised in American Samoa: to pursue her dreams and receive a world-class education while remaining deeply rooted in her family and community,” said Dr. Mata’uitafā. “I hope my journey reflects the strength and resilience of Pasefika women, who often pursue our aspirations while caring for and uplifting our families.”

“American Samoa is proud of Dr. Mata’uitafā and all that she has accomplished,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Her example demonstrates the importance of education, determination, and using our abilities in service to others. Fa’amalo and congratulations to Dr. Mata’uitafā and her family.”

Caption: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata with Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai at Yale Commons in the Yale Schwarzman Center, celebrating Dr. Mata’uitafā’s achievement in earning her Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University.

Caption: Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai at Yale University following the completion of her Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology. Her doctoral research focused on cardiometabolic health among adolescents in American Samoa. Photo credit: Abigail Lopez Freire