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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Democratic members of Washington state’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575.

In addition to Rep. Larsen, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), as well as U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), also signed the letter.

“Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as ICE has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.”

“It is well established at this point that this Administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.”

In the letter, the Members raise concern over the lack of medical care for individuals detained at NWIPC and other ICE facilities, writing: “We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens. Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care.”

The lawmakers’ letter also draws attention to reports from advocates that at least three pregnant women detained at NWIPC over the past year have been unable to receive appropriate medical care. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

The Members continued by raising concerns over the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC and difficulty that detained individuals have in accessing legal counsel, writing: “Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients.”

The letter concludes by requesting answers to a list of questions by January 16th regarding capacity and staffing levels at NWIPC, the provision of food and medical care, access to legal counsel, treatment of pregnant women, and recent facility visits. “Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect. Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

The lawmakers’ full letter to ICE is available HERE and below:

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

We are writing to share our grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and to request information about access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for detained noncitizens at the facility. Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility. In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity.

None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.

You must ensure the facility complies with the 2011 Performance-Based National Detention Standards as revised in 2016 (PBNDS 2011) to keep detained noncitizens safe and healthy while protecting the rights they are entitled to under law.

It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities. With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.

Medical Care

The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to protect the health of individuals in its custody. We have had long-standing concerns about access to medical services in ICE detention facilities. In recent years, several members of the Washington Congressional delegation requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the quality and accessibility of medical services for individuals in ICE custody. At times this year, NWIPC has exceeded 1,500 individuals in custody, nearing the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575 individuals. We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens.

Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care. During an August 2025 site visit, facility staff indicated the facility employed only four behavioral health staffers. There were reports of at least two suicide attempts at NWIPC in April. It is plainly inadequate to have four behavioral health staff serving the 1,500 detainees under the facility’s care, especially given the fact that serious behavioral health issues frequently emerge under the severe stress of detention. We are also alarmed by reports from advocates with access to the facility that at least three detained pregnant women at NWIPC have been unable to receive appropriate medical care, even after they request specialty prenatal care appointments. Regular exams such as ultrasounds are necessary to monitor development and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

Food 

The Seattle Times recently reported on the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC as the detained population has increased. Advocates who speak with detainees have shared that meals are provided late and, in some cases, detainees did not receive three meals per day. Detainees have made complaints about food and sanitation for many years, and we urge the facility to be responsive to the nutritional needs of individuals in its custody. Legal service providers with access to the facility have also shared that detainees waiting for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings may miss meals. We urge the facility to ensure that all detained noncitizens, including those awaiting hearings or visits, are provided a minimum of three meals per day, as required by national detention standards (PBNDS 2011).

Access to Legal Counsel

Access to legal resources for noncitizens in immigration detention supports their ability to understand their rights and navigate immigration court, preventing backlogs in the immigration court system. Detained noncitizens at NWIPC face several concerning barriers to accessing legal counsel. Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients. This August, two of the seven attorney visitation rooms were being used as Virtual Attorney Visitation rooms (VAVs) and two were being used for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings, leaving only three rooms available for attorneys to meet with their clients in person. We have also heard from advocates with access to the facility that, at times, only one visitation room was available and interviews for facility staff were being conducted in these attorney visitation rooms.

In the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress provided $10,000,000 for ICE to improve legal resources for noncitizen detainees, including to expand video attorney visitation. During an August 2025 site visit, NWIPC staff indicated that the facility recently implemented a new scheduling system to reserve attorney visitation rooms. We ask that the facility work with attorneys to resolve any issues that arise with the new system expeditiously so as not to delay access to legal counsel. We urge you to improve access to legal counsel by ensuring attorney visitation rooms remain available for attorneys to meet with their clients.

Given these concerns, we request answers to the following questions by January 16, 2026:

1. What is the maximum capacity of NWIPC, as determined by the fire marshal? As of November 1, 2025, how many individuals were detained at the facility? 

2. How many staff were employed by NWIPC on January 20, 2025? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provided direct medical services?

3. As of November 1, 2025, how many staff were employed by NWIPC? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provide direct medical services?

4. As of November 1, 2025, how many pregnant women were detained at NWIPC? How often have these women requested, and how often have they received, prenatal care appointments with a specialist?

5. How many days in the last six months has the facility not provided three meals each day to every noncitizen in its custody?
– Why did the facility not provide three meals each day to every noncitizen?
– For each day, for how many noncitizens were three meals not provided?

6. What is the current status of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) at NWIPC? Are noncitizens able to access LOP daily? What are the hours of availability each day? Outside of hours, are there any other restrictions on daily LOP access, and if so, what are they and why are they in place?

7. How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for in-person attorney meetings? How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for virtual attorney meetings?
– In the last six months, have the attorney visitation rooms been used for a purpose other than attorney-client meetings (in-person or virtual) or video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings?

8. When were the most recent facility visits by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General, DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and ICE oversight personnel (whether the Office of Professional Responsibility or otherwise)? What, if any, recommendations were made after each visit? What progress has been made to implement such recommendations?

9. OIDO issued a report in November 2024 following an inspection of NWIPC. While 11 of the recommendations have been addressed, one remains outstanding. What progress has been made on implementing the remaining recommendation?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility.

We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect.

Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Titus (D-NV1) today introduced the Protect Our Students Act, new legislation to protect students in Southern Nevada from traffic incidents by unlocking federal funding to make school zones safer.

Each year, approximately 100 students in the United States lose their lives due to car crashes while walking to or from school, and another 25,000 are injured. In Clark County, 206 children and young adults have been the victims of traffic collisions this school year alone. Addressing this public safety threat is one of Congresswoman Titus’s priorities as a Senior Member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

“No student should fear for their life or safety on their way to school,” said Congresswoman Titus. “That is why I am introducing legislation to make federal funding available for safety improvements in school zones, whether through hiring crossing guards or other proven methods that reduce traffic accidents on our roads. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to make our roads safer for everyone, including our students, as we craft the surface transportation reauthorization bill.” 

The Protect Our Students Act would allow states and localities to use Section 402 Highway Safety Program grants to make safety improvements in school zones. Eligible improvements include hiring crossing guards, flashing lights and beacons, visible signage and markings, crosswalks, traffic calming measures; and Safe Routes to School non-infrastructure such as student pedestrian safety education.

“As a community, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that every child gets to and from school safely,” said Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft. “I applaud Congresswoman Titus on the Protect Our Students Act, which will give states and local governments more tools to improve safety in school zones. By expanding eligible programs under federal highway safety funding, this legislation will help us invest in infrastructure, education, and enforcement strategies that save lives and protect our most vulnerable road users.” 

“The most sacred travel is children traveling to and from school,” said Erin Breen, Director of PedSafe Vegas. “Every child deserves safe travel in their neighborhoods, their quality of life is dependent on safe travel, especially outside of a vehicle. Every action that helps children walk, or roll to school adds to their childhood experience, we want those memories to be positive, and we thank Congresswoman Titus for leading this effort!”

“Children should always be able to safely walk or bike to school. The Protect Our Students Act allows federal highway safety funds to be used to improve school zone safety including to improve visibility, curb speeding and better separate road users. Ensuring states have the resources to make safety improvements is a critical step toward protecting children and the caregivers who travel with them every day. We thank Rep. Titus for her safety leadership and urge Congress to advance this legislation,” said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

“Safe Kids Worldwide applauds Representative Titus for her leadership in protecting our children as they travel to and from school,” said Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy. “Every child deserves a safe environment, whether they walk, ride the bus, or bike to school. The School Zone Safety Act ensures states can fund critical infrastructure projects that improve safety around school zones. We look forward to working with Representative Titus to advance this important legislation.”

 “Safe Routes Partnership strongly supports the Protect Our Students Act and applauds Representative Titus for prioritizing student transportation safety,” said Marisa Jones, Managing Director of Safe Routes Partnership. “Safe Routes to School non-infrastructure is an evidence-based approach shown to reduce traffic injuries, and this bill gives states the flexibility to use proven strategies to protect children in school zones so every child can walk, bike, or roll to school safely.”  

This legislation has been endorsed by Safe Kids Worldwide; Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety; PedSafe Vegas; and the Safe Routes Partnership.

Background:

Under current law, Section 402 Highway Safety Program grants can be used to “reduce injuries and deaths resulting from crashes involving school buses.” The Protect Our Students Act would expand the program’s eligibility to include projects that help prevent injuries and deaths in school zones, instead of just prevent crashes “involving buses.”

The bill would also clarify that state highway officials can use the grants for the following: school crossing guards; flashing lights and beacons; visible signage and markings; crossings; traffic calming measures such as pedestrian islands; traffic lights; school zone audits and assessments; automatic traffic enforcement; and Safe Routes to School non-infrastructure such as pedestrian safety education.

Finally, Congresswoman Titus’s legislation would increase the percentage of Section 402 funds required to be expended by political subdivisions from 40 percent to 50 percent.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act with Congressman David Valadao’s (CA-22) support. This bipartisan bill streamlines the approval process to advance essential water, transportation, energy, infrastructure, forest management, and flood-control projects by allowing federal agencies to use previously conducted Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the approval of projects with similar impacts.

A portion of Congressman Valadao’s Determination of NEPA Adequacy Streamlining Act (H.R. 6163) was included in the SPEED Act.

“The Central Valley has no shortage of essential projects ready to move forward, but unfortunately, it’s near impossible to put shovels in the ground due to our outdated, burdensome permitting process,” said Congressman Valadao. “By allowing federal agencies to rely on previously conducted, scientifically sound environmental reviews, we can cut down on excessive paperwork, reduce delays, and get projects moving sooner. The bipartisan SPEED Act brings much-needed certainty to our permitting process and jumpstarts domestic investment, and I’m proud to have portions of my bill, H.R. 6163, included.”

Background:

NEPA is a procedural statute that establishes parameters for assessing and disclosing the environmental impact of all major federal actions. Originally intended to ensure an appropriate balance between protecting the environment and economic development, the NEPA process has become increasingly complex, resulting in massive NEPA documents approaching thousands of pages, drawn-out project timelines, and excessive litigation.

The SPEED Act simplifies the analysis required in NEPA documents so that agencies aren’t stuck studying never-ending topics without ever reaching a conclusion. The bill clarifies when NEPA is triggered by focusing the definition of “Major Federal Action” and allows agencies to rely on previously completed NEPA documents for projects. Lastly, the bill establishes judicial review limitations for NEPA claims, including a 150-day deadline for filing claims, and eliminates vacatur and injunction as remedies available to courts. 

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. 

The SPEED Act amends the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic delays from the federal permitting process for important energy, transportation, and water infrastructure projects. The bill sets clear deadlines, allows agencies to use existing environmental assessments, and establishes limitations on judicial review. Read the full text here.   

“FedGov is far too big, expensive, intrusive and oppressive. This bill is a minor correction in an ongoing effort to reduce the size and scope of the Federal Government’s interactions with American businesses. The current NEPA process is a major barrier to oil and gas development and the construction of infrastructure projects,” said Congressman Higgins. “The SPEED Act cuts red tape, streamlines permitting, and provides certainty for new projects. We’re getting the federal government out of the way and allowing American workers to move forward on projects that grow the economy.”

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

Legislation authored by U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, was included in U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act. The PUBLIC Lands Act would support the conservation of over 1.7 million acres of California’s public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County.

The introduction of this legislation comes as public lands across California are increasingly threatened by the Trump Administration’s efforts to roll back environmental protections and privatize public lands.

“From the rugged trails of the Los Padres National Forest to the sweeping Carrizo Plain, the Central Coast is home to some of the most pristine public lands in the country. We must act now to permanently protect these landscapes, which sustain local watersheds, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and strengthen both our public health and economy,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I am grateful to Senator Padilla for including my Central Coast Heritage Protection Act in his bill, ensuring these treasures are safeguarded so future generations can continue to experience the natural beauty that defines our region.”

The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act would designate approximately 250,000 acres of public land in the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument as wilderness, the highest form of federal protection available. A wilderness designation would protect the land from future oil or gas drilling.

Carbajal’s bill is supported by nearly 500 Central Coast landowners, businesses, elected officials, farmers, ranchers, civic leaders, wineries, recreationalists, and outfitters. The public lands the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act would protect are home to a wide array of plant and animal life, and the bill will help sustain the ecological future of 468 species of wildlife and more than 1,200 plant species.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan’s top doctor advised health care providers to move away from vaccine guidance of RFK Jr.’s federal panel and instead follow vaccine schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

In response to Michigan standing up to RFK Jr.’s chaos, MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“RFK Jr. is dangerous—full stop. He spreads lies and conspiracy theories that put children at risk. He’s left Michigan no choice. I’m glad our state is standing with science, doctors, parents, and kids.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

December 18, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) issued the following statement today, praising President Trump’s support for rescheduling marijuana and calling for Congress to take up his Marijuana 1-to-3 Act:
“President Trump is right. Now is the time to reclassify marijuana, and the Drug Enforcement Administration must open the door for scientific research into the plant’s medicinal value,” said Rep. Steube. “My Marijuana 1-to-3 Act will deliver exactly what President Trump has requested: legislation that moves marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This bill will create new opportunities for scientists and physicians to develop treatments and cures for pain and disease. I am grateful for the White House’s leadership on this issue and call on my colleagues in Congress to bring the Marijuana 1-to-3 Act to the House floor immediately.”
Background: This legislation orders the Drug Enforcement Administration to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III as defined under the Controlled Substances Act. Reassigning marijuana to Schedule III will permit federal funding for research on the medicinal value of marijuana.
The Marijuana 1-to-3 Act has the support of the US Cannabis Roundtable, the Veterans Cannabis Project, Management Science Associates, the National Cannabis Industry Association, and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. 
“The U.S. Cannabis Roundtable strongly supports Representative Greg Steube’s (R-FL) reintroduction of the Marijuana 1-to-3 Act, which would move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
“Congressman Steube is absolutely right — it makes no sense that federal law treats marijuana the same as heroin and LSD, and even more absurd that cocaine is classified less restrictively than marijuana. This is a common-sense, science-based reform that would finally unlock real medical research, improve care for patients and veterans, and modernize our outdated drug laws — all while maintaining existing safeguards to protect children and young people.
“We are encouraged that leading House Republicans are championing this effort and urge members of Congress from both parties to support this legislation. Rescheduling cannabis is not a partisan issue — it’s about advancing science, strengthening public health, and reflecting the realities recognized in communities across America. —US Cannabis Roundtable
“Veterans across the country have borne the brunt of outdated laws that treat medical marijuana the same as heroin. Representative Steube’s Marijuana 1-to-3 Act is a long overdue and commonsense reform that will allow real scientific research into cannabis’ therapeutic potential, improve safety standards, and give veterans access to treatments without fear of legal or regulatory fallout. We applaud Rep. Steube’s leadership in introducing this bill — it’s the kind of policy that puts veterans first, restores evidence-based decision making, and finally begins to align federal law with what medical science, state programs, and veterans themselves already know to be true.” —Nick Etten, Founder of Veterans Cannabis Project
“Management Science Associates, Inc. applauds the Administration’s recent announcement to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance. We also commend Representative Greg Steube for reintroducing the Marijuana 1-to-3 Act (H.R. 4963), which would help eliminate longstanding federal barriers and significantly expand access to critical cannabis research. Efforts like these lay the foundation for a more robust regulatory framework and enable cannabis businesses to invest with greater confidence in science, innovation, and evidence-based practices. These developments are vital to fostering a responsible, data-driven industry centered on public health and wellness.” —Management Science Associates, Inc.
“NCIA commends Rep. Steube for his continued leadership on this issue. The Congressman’s Marijuana 1-to-3 Act would alleviate the punitive burden that is IRC Section 280E, however, further reforms are needed. NCIA urges the administration to move swiftly and transparently toward a science-based outcome that recognizes cannabis’ medical value and eases the burdens that businesses face under outdated federal law. At the same time, we call on Congress to enact legislation that tracks with a public that overwhelmingly supports making cannabis legal for adults, protecting our industry and upholding public safety in the process.” —Michelle Rutter Friberg, Director of Government Relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association
“This timely legislation corrects the absurdity of classifying cannabis as a Schedule I substance and helps pave the way for sensible, evidence-based federal cannabis policy. Moving cannabis to Schedule III is an overdue recognition of its established medical value, and will allow state-licensed cannabis providers to better compete against underground operators to ensure that consumers have access to tested, reliable, and affordable products.” —Morgan Fox, Political Director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

I really want to just appreciate the work that my colleagues have done.  The question about affordability, I don’t need statistics to tell me that people are struggling.  Because I grew up in a family of immigrant parents for my siblings were born in Mexico. 

And they came here to work hard and to develop a better life for themselves and their kids.  And they were able to buy a home, but still had to work four to five jobs a week to make  ends meet, to put food on the table, to pay the mortgage. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t have health insurance at the time.  And we were always one crisis away from going under and losing that house.  But here’s the thing, my parents thought, you own a home, you’ve made it in the United  States.  You own a home, you have security and stability. 

And then your kids are going to be able to come back if need be, or they were inherent at  home to build wealth and stability.  So when I was about 39 years old, yes, 39, I bought my first house in Los Angeles.  It was a lot of money back then.  It’s even more today. 

But my mom was more proud that when I bought that home than when I graduated from Harvard University.  That’s what a home means.  It means that the American dream is alive and well.  But today, more people know that buying a home is out of reach. 

And that comes for the fact that it’s no longer affordable.  More people are renting, paying 30% of their incomes towards rent.  More people are trying to buy a home, but then instead of buying it in their late 20s or  early 30s or buying it in their 40s. 

And parents now, because of that, believe that their children are going to be worse off  than they were.  So no longer is it believe that the next generation is going to inherit the idea that you work hard  enough, you will do better, and your kids will do better.  So housing and the housing affordability crisis is a big part of that.

That’s why we held the first ever congressional summit on the national housing affordability  crisis in September, bringing together advocates from the renters, to the homeowners, to the  developers to find a way forward.  And this bill, the American Affordability Act, is a part of that moving forward. 

Because it puts into place a lot of different pieces of legislation that we worked on in ways  it means over the last several, I would say, last four years, including a bill to convert  property, underused commercial and office real estate to housing, to provide down payment assistance to first time home buyers, to provide builders incentives to build starter homes across the country that will be affordable, not be big, but affordable, that they can actually  afford to get into that first home.

We were trying to create a 21st century housing boom that will rival what we saw after  World War II.  And if we do that, we will bend the cost curve on housing and make America more affordable  for everyone.

Donald Trump likes to talk about it, but he’s never going to do it.  Just like when he talked about the infrastructure week, every week when I first got here, I  never delivered.  Well the Democrats, when we get back to Gavils, we will deliver and make America not only  great again, but affordable again.

With that, I’ll like to hand it over to Jimmy Panetta, who is my colleague in Northern California.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

SHERMAN OAKS, CA – On December 17th, more than 4,000 residents joined Congressman Brad Sherman’s (CA-32)live Telephone Town Hall, as he reviewed the battles fought over the past year and outlined the priorities and challenges facing Congress in the year ahead.

“I’m grateful that thousands of residents continue to join these town halls,” CongressmanSherman said. “This was my final town hall of the year, and I’ve held many town halls throughout the year to keep constituents informed during a chaotic and consequential time in Washington. We’ve pushed back against reckless policies that raise costs and threaten basic protections, but there is more work ahead — and staying connected with constituents is essential to that fight.”

In his opening remarks, Congressman Sherman reviewed efforts over the past year to counter what he described as President Trump’s reckless policies — including actions that have driven up everyday costs, threatened health care affordability, and weakened federal protections. He warned that Republican inaction in Congress is setting the stage for sharp health insurance premium increases in the coming year and emphasized the need to protect families from higher out-of-pocket costs.

Congressman Sherman also discussed what he described as reckless actions by the Trump administration on the world stage, including the recent Venezuelan boat strikes. As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sherman emphasized the dangers of unilateral military actions without transparency or accountability and warned that such decisions risk broader instability and unintended consequences.

The Congressman also addressed the recent antisemitic terror attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, placing it within the broader context of a rising tide of antisemitism around the globe. Sherman reiterated that combating antisemitism has been a central focus of his career and stressed the importance of strong international cooperation and moral clarity in confronting antisemitism, hate and political violence wherever and whenever it occurs.

Throughout the event, Sherman answered questions and addressed concerns about the continued and aggressive ICE deportation raids, rising prices, threats to Medicare and Social Security, and the broader direction of the country under the Trump administration. He reiterated his commitment to holding the administration accountable and continuing to fight for working families across our communities.

The Town Hall also featured California Assemblymember Nick Schultz as a special guest. Schultz discussed priorities in the State Legislature, including efforts to address affordability, protect access to health care, and ensure coordination between state and federal leaders to support communities during a period of economic and political uncertainty.

During the Town Hall, Sherman requested input from residents by asking a series of survey questions about their thoughts and concerns.

The results of the survey questions are as follows:

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1) Thinking about your financial situation one year ago, would you say that you and your family are better off or worse off financially TODAY than you were one year ago?

-Better Off: 10%

-Same: 29%

-Worse Off: 58%

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2) Do you support President Trump’s unilateral, extrajudicial military strikes against allegedly gang-affiliated Venezuelan drug runners without the approval of Congress?

-Yes: 7%

-No: 91%

-Unsure: 3%

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3) Should Congress pass a law requiring nationwide independent nonpartisan redistricting commissions as Prop 50 calls for?

-Yes: 79%

-No: 5%

-Unsure: 16%

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) are demanding answers after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced they would indefinitely pause the immigration process for nationals from the countries listed in Trump’s travel ban.

“Without clarity on how long this broad pause will last, soon-to-be citizens will be left in limbo for perpetuity, and families will be forced to remain separated,” wrote the Members. “What is clear is that no amount of vetting, moral character, or commitment to this country and its democratic values is enough to satiate the Trump Administration.”

Based solely on immigrants’ country of origin, Trump’s USCIS is both pausing and canceling green card interviews, applications, naturalization interviews, and even oath ceremonies for immigrants who have completed rigorous vetting and have secured citizenship. These are people who have followed every process and undergone extensive and repeated vetting to secure legal status.

“These naturalization ceremonies are a time of celebration, as soon-to-be U.S. citizens welcome their friends and family to witness their achievement of becoming a U.S. citizen. To deny this monumental achievement to those who have waited years, if not decades, to pledge the Oath of Allegiance. Delaying their naturalization through no fault of their own is a slap in the face to all those who have devoted their time and energy to become U.S. citizens,” continued the Members. “This sweeping action is unjustified, discriminatory, and inconsistent with our nation’s founding principles.”

The Members are demanding answers on a timeline for when the pause will be lifted, any new background and security checks that are being run in the meantime, and a full report to Congress. 

The full text of the letter can be found here.

The letter was also signed by Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Pete Aguilar (CA-31), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-27), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Herbert Conway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús “Chuy”  García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Susie Lee (NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-09), John Mannion (NY-22), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Richard Neal (MA-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cotrez (NY14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Andrea Salinas (OR-29), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

Issues: Immigration