Congressman Raul Ruiz, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, and Congressman Troy Carter Call on EPA to Uphold Strong Air Quality Standards

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, and Congressman Troy Carter sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the Agency to keep the current fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air quality standards in place. The letter calls on the EPA to abandon any efforts, judicial or administrative, to roll back the PM2.5 standards and to safeguard the health of millions of Americans, particularly in overburdened and environmental justice communities.

PM2.5, also known as soot, causes serious health problems and tens of thousands of premature deaths each year, especially harming children, seniors, and vulnerable communities.

“Maintaining strong, science-based air quality protections is one of the most effective tools we have to safeguard the public’s health,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz. “Safe air is not a partisan issue, it is a basic right. We urge EPA to uphold these standards so all communities, including our most vulnerable, can breathe clean air.”

“Clean and breathable air is essential to Americans’ lives and health,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Strong National Ambient Air Quality Standards keep the amount of pollutants in the air down so that Americans can continue to live in healthy environments. But Trump and Zeldin want to weaken these standards — and put the lungs of Americans across the country at risk and further harm the communities that are already experiencing the consequences of exposure to polluted air. To preserve our air quality, and the health and lives of our communities, we must stop Trump and Zeldin from their selfish plan to lower air quality standards for their corporate friends.”

“Clean air is a matter of life and death, especially for communities in my district that have been overburdened by pollution for far too long. Rolling back the PM2.5 standards would be a direct attack on public health and environmental justice. The science is clear: stronger soot protections save lives, reduce hospitalizations, and protect our children and seniors. I urge the EPA to do its job, follow the science, and uphold these vital standards so every American—regardless of ZIP code—can breathe clean, healthy air,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

The letter is supported by Earthjustice Action, EcoMadres, Moms Clean Air Force, Climate Action Campaign, WE ACT for Environmental Justice; League of Conservation Voters, and, GreenLatinos:

“When the Trump Administration’s EPA abandoned its defense of federal protections against soot pollution, it sent a clear message that it values corporate interests far above the health and safety of hardworking families and vulnerable communities,” said Earthjustice Action Senior Legislative Representative Liz Ruben. “In service of Trump’s deregulatory fever dream, his EPA has once again disregarded scientific evidence, tossed aside community concerns, and turned its back on the possibility of a brighter, healthier future for those who have long faced the disparate impacts of pollution. We thank Representatives Ruiz, Barragan, and Carter for their leadership on this issue and join them in demanding EPA Administrator Zeldin uphold the existing science- and health-based soot pollution standards.”

“Soot is a killer. It’s outrageous that Lee Zeldin’s EPA has moved to abandon protecting people from this incredibly dangerous pollutant. Soot—a.k.a. particle pollution—is a major contributor to chronic diseases like asthma, heart disease, and cancers. It also raises the risk of premature births and low birth weight, putting babies in danger of long-term health harms. This is exactly the opposite of making America healthy, and families and communities around the country will pay the price.” — Dominique Browning, Director and Co-founder, Moms Clean Air Force

“Soot is making our communities sick, with Latino families often bearing the heaviest burden. It’s unacceptable for EPA to back away from protections against this deadly pollutant. Particle pollution triggers asthma, heart disease, cancer, and even premature births. As a mom, I refuse to accept dirty air as our children’s future. EcoMadres will keep fighting to protect our kids and demand the clean air every family deserves.” — Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker, Director of EcoMadres

“We know that communities of color and low-wealth neighborhoods already face higher exposure to tailpipe pollution such as PM2.5, which drives higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses for Latinos, who also have greater barriers to access to healthcare. We thank Congressmen Ruiz and Congresswoman Barragan for standing up for our communities by urging the EPA to maintain the current fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). — Juan Roberto Madrid, GreenLatinos Sustainable Communities Program Manager 

“Thank you, Representatives Ruiz, Barragán, Carter and all the letter signers for urging the EPA not to reconsider its 2024 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Particulate matter causes and exacerbates respiratory conditions and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to premature death, especially for vulnerable communities like children, the elderly and communities overburdened by pollution. We join these members of Congress in calling on the Trump EPA and Administrator Zeldin to stop sacrificing our health and our lives in favor of polluter profits” — Lizzy Duncan, Government Affairs Advocate, Healthy Communities, League of Conservation Voters 

“The EPA continues to double down on a deregulatory agenda that harms everyone, but especially environmental justice communities. Soot pollution places a heavy burden on our communities. African Americans are nearly three times more likely to be hospitalized or die from asthma than their white counterparts while about 19 million low-income and 80 million people of color live in places with failing grades for soot and smog pollution. Yet, the EPA’s own data shows that the current standard saves lives, prevents asthma attacks, reduces ER visits, and cuts costs. After 55 years, the Agency must live up to its mandate under the Clean Air Act and protect our health, our communities, and our right to clean air. Until it does, we will keep fighting for the dignity and justice every community deserves.”  — Anastasia Gordon, Director of Federal Policy at WE ACT for Environmental Justice

“The Trump EPA’s decision to abandon protections against soot pollution – one of the deadliest air contaminants – is utterly outrageous, gravely dangerous, and scientifically indefensible,” said Margie Alt, director of the Climate Action Campaign. “We’re grateful for the leaders in Congress who are standing against this attack and we echo their call for EPA to get back to the important work of protecting public health.”

Background on the PM2.5 standard:

The 2024 PM2.5 standard, strengthened from 12 µg/m³ to 9 µg/m³, is backed by extensive scientific review and is projected to prevent thousands of premature deaths, reduce hospitalizations, and provide $46 billion in annual economic benefits by 2032. Rolling back these standards would endanger public health, reverse decades of progress, and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, including those already struggling with high rates of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Rep. Loudermilk to Close Congressional Offices on Friday In Observance of Former Staffer’s Funeral Service – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (December 17, 2025) | – Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement regarding office closure on Friday, December 19, 2025, to honor a former member of his staff, Mrs. Claire Bartlett, who passed away on Sunday, December 13.

“My family and staff were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Claire Bartlett. Claire was a true patriot, a dear friend, and a trusted member of my Congressional staff for several years. She was a pillar of the community, highly respected in the many organizations and areas in which she served. Claire will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to impact many across our great state. In observation of her funeral services, our Congressional offices will be closed Friday, December 19, 2025. May the peace of God be with Darrell and her entire family during this very difficult time.”

Rep. Loudermilk Advances Three Key Pieces of Legislation – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (December 17, 2025) | – Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Financial Services passed three of his bills, The New BANK Act (H.R. 6551), the American FIRST Act (H.R. 6550), and the Respect State Housing Laws Act (H.R. 1078).

“Continuing my longstanding commitment to Georgian’s freedom to choose between a broad array of financial institutions, and to have those institutions free from foreign influence, I introduced the New BANK Act and the American FIRST Act. These bills, which have just passed the House Committee on Financial Services, will help protect a competitive banking market that places Americans first.

“During the Covid pandemic, Congress passed legislation that included a provision which overrides state eviction-notice laws. This federal regulation was supposed to provide a singular grace period during the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act eviction moratorium, which has since ended, but a drafting error caused the provision to remain in place permanently. This federal overreach has negatively affected Georgians, especially veterans, retirees, and families who depend on rental income to make ends meet. My Respect State Housing Laws Act, which has passed the House Committee on Financial Services, will remove the federal government from these proceedings and return housing policies back to the states, where they belong.”

Background

New BANK Act:
– Strengthen accountability and improve clarity in how federal banking regulators operate by requiring annual reports on the bank charter application process.
– Congress will be more equipped to detect inefficiency and favoritism in the banking sector, in the interest of providing the American borrower with a multitude of fair options across national banks, state banks, and credit unions.

American FIRST Act:
– Increase transparency, accountability, and congressional oversight of U.S. regulators’ involvement in global standard-setting bodies.
– Require the annual reporting of interactions between federal banking supervisory agencies and global financial regulatory or supervisory forums.
– This legislation is necessary, as recent international regulatory regimes have threatened the independence of the American banking sector.

Respect State Housing Laws Act:
– Give property owners clarity and the tools they need to deal with bad intentioned tenants who have taken advantage of this flaw in federal law.
– Federally mandated timetable derived from the CARES Act, eviction proceedings are often elevated to the federal court level, where the courts are wholly unequipped to hear local level proceedings, dragging out the judicial process. This will return them to the states.

Rep. Loudermilk on Passage of Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (December 17, 2025) | – Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement following passage in the U.S. House of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703)

“Today, House Republicans passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act to reduce costs for Americans, eliminate fraud within the existing system, and ensure that health care works for families rather than big insurance companies. Earlier this year I voted for many of these policies in the House-passed Working Families Tax Cuts Act, but unfortunately, Senate Democrats removed them from the final bill.

“With this legislation, we can address the causes of ever-rising health care costs by making needed reforms to the way these services are offered to consumers. There is a unique opportunity with this legislation to deliver real solutions for the American people. Removing crippling government bureaucracy from the health care process will open the marketplace to competition, increase consumer choice, and restore every American’s ability to control their own healthcare.”

Click here to read full bill text

LEADER JEFFRIES ON SQUAWK BOX: “WE ARE WORKING HARD TO DECISIVELY CONFRONT THIS REPUBLICAN HEALTHCARE CRISIS”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he emphasized that a majority of the House has signed onto the Democratic bill to extend the ACA tax credits, and Mike Johnson must bring it up for a vote immediately.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Joining us right now is House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning to you. You heard the President last night. He says the Democrats are in the pockets of the insurance companies and that the price of your healthcare is actually going to go down under his plan. What say you?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning, great to be with you. The Republican healthcare crisis is devastating the American people and Donald Trump has zero credibility on the issue of healthcare. This is the party that has enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history in the same bill where they enacted massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors because of Republican policies in the One Big Ugly Bill. We know that hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country, including in rural America. Republicans have launched an all-out assault on the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, on vaccine availability for children and now Republicans are refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which means that tens of millions of Americans, working-class Americans, are about to experience dramatically increased health insurance premiums. We are working hard to decisively confront this Republican healthcare crisis and fix our broken healthcare system.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, let me ask you this, and I recognize the complications and costs to the American public. There is a question, and maybe you’d say it’s a longer-term question that has to be dealt with later, but the true question ultimately underneath all this is how we’re going to actually lower the cost of healthcare in America. And when I say lower the cost, not just lower the cost for individuals, meaning in the moment subsidize it, but how we actually change the market dynamic at play and whether what you have proposed even tries to address that at all or frankly exacerbates it.

LEADER JEFFRIES: What we’ve proposed at the moment relates to the fact that the Affordable Care Act tax credits are going to expire on December 31 and no one disputes that, if that happens, tens of millions of Americans are going to experience skyrocketing health insurance premiums, in some cases increasing by $1,000 or $2,000 per month. And 90% of the people who rely on the Affordable Care Act tax credits make around $63,000 per year. These are working-class Americans, everyday Americans and middle-class Americans. And so, we’ve got to make sure that we don’t allow these tax credits to expire. At the same time, you raise a very good point, Andrew, that the healthcare system is broken and we need to fix it. We want to fix it in a comprehensive way, in a bipartisan way. But that actually requires Republicans deciding to abandon their my-way-or-the-highway approach to everything, which is what has led to the extremism that they’re jamming down the throats of the American people and the fact that everyday Americans, voters, are rejecting that extremism as we saw in the off-year elections last November.

MICHAEL SANTOLI: Leader Jeffries, you mentioned that the vast majority of those who use the supplemental subsidies for the ACA are well below the wealthy thresholds that the Republicans are talking about, which is four times the poverty line. Is that in play in terms of a negotiated agreement here? They keep talking about that as maybe a sticking point. How does your party feel about simply having an income cap for these subsidies?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We have a bipartisan coalition right now that supports, in the House of Representatives—that’s every single House Democrat and at least four House Republicans—supports a straightforward extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Time has run out. Republicans have had all year to deal with this issue and have chosen not to do it because they were focused on passing their One Big Ugly Bill, which they enacted with great urgency months ago. The largest cut to Medicaid in American history, the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history. They literally ripped $186 billion away from SNAP. That’s food from hungry children, hungry veterans and hungry seniors. And why did they do all of that? So they can enact massive tax breaks that they made permanent for their billionaire donors, and skyrocketed the debt by over $3 trillion, and now at the 11th hour, time has run out, and we’ve got the votes to pass a straightforward extension and send it over to the Senate. Mike Johnson needs to make sure we vote on this legislation today. The House should not recess or adjourn until this issue has been dealt with.

MICHAEL SANTOLI: What is your expectation? You say you have the votes. You’ve mentioned the four Republicans that have come on over to join you, and then the Senate seems like it’s kind of a no-go no matter what. So, I mean, what are we looking at come next week?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, what’s interesting about the Senate is that there are a majority of U.S. Senators, Democrats and Republicans, who’ve already supported, in the vote that took place a few weeks ago, a straightforward extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And so once we send the bill from the House over to the Senate, then the Senate can negotiate a path forward that enables them, hopefully, to break the filibuster and get something done for the American people. We can work on this issue in a bipartisan way, as has now been demonstrated in the House of Representatives. We do need some presidential leadership. Part of the issue is that Donald Trump still seems to believe that the affordability crisis is a hoax. In fact, he said that repeatedly. Costs haven’t gone down in this country. Costs have gone up, despite the fact that Donald Trump did promise his words, not mine, that costs would go down on day one. Housing costs out of control, grocery costs out of control, electricity bills out of control, healthcare costs out of control. Action needs to be taken in all of these areas. We’re prepared to work with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We just need good faith and Republican leadership.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Talk about costs getting out of control. You mentioned healthcare. Interestingly, you look at employment in America over the past year, and actually, it is the healthcare industry where so much of the employment has come from. What do you make of that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, I think we’ve got to take a look at the economy as a whole and all of the individual sectors. In this country fundamentally here’s our belief: you work hard, you play by the rules you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life, live the good life. And to me that’s a good-paying job, good housing, good healthcare, good education and a good retirement, which means the extremists need to keep their hands off Social Security and Medicare. That should not be too much to ask for in this great country of ours, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. So, you know, listen, we support the notion that economic growth that moves in a positive direction is good for everyone. But we’ve got to make sure that this fundamental principle, hard work paying off, playing by the rules paying off and the American dream being brought to life, is actually realized and revived because far too many people understandably have concluded, I’m talking about working-class folks, middle-class folks, that the American dream is out of reach as we approach our 250th birthday. That’s a shame.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader Jeffries, I have maybe a curveball of a question, but we just talked to Jamieson Greer, and it’s something that I think is on the mind of a lot of folks who are watching this broadcast now as it relates to tariffs, a lot folks waiting to find out what the Supreme Court has to say about the tariffs that have been implemented by the President. I believe you have come out strongly against those tariffs. There’s a real question, though, about whether, if they were struck down, whether the court could force, effectively, the U.S. Government to give back the $200 billion that has been collected in tariffs and how that could rescramble the economy. And I’m curious what the sort of Democratic position would be on something like that.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the implications of the Supreme Court striking down those tariffs, I think, have to be evaluated. Our view, as you indicated, Andrew, from the very beginning, is that the President has violated his authority. He doesn’t have the emergency authority to implement this random, massive tariff scheme that’s imposing thousands of dollars of additional cost on everyday Americans, which is why the American people reject these tariffs. I think that if the Supreme Court strikes down these tariffs, then Congress should come together in a bipartisan way and figure out the path forward, anchored in the reality is what’s best for the American people? What’s best for our companies and our corporations? What’s best for the economy to ensure that we can continue to see American exceptionalism prevail?

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader Jeffries, we want to thank you for joining us this morning. We want to wish you happy holidays if we don’t see you before the break next week. Thank you.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Happy holidays, thank you.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: You bet.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Rep. Frankel Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses

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

Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) led Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Lucy McBath (D-GA-7), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6), and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) in introducing the Protecting Students on Campus Act, bipartisan legislation to confront rising antisemitism and other forms of discrimination at colleges and universities.

At a time when hate is surging domestically and globally—resulting in horrific antisemitic violence, including Sunday’s deadly shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia—this legislation provides meaningful protections to ensure students can learn in safe, inclusive environments.

“Antisemitism and hate are surging on college campuses and around the world, and the consequences are deadly—as we saw in the vile attack in Bondi Beach,” said Rep. Frankel. “Students cannot learn if they do not feel safe. The Protecting Students on Campus Act gives students clear pathways to report antisemitism and discrimination, strengthens accountability for colleges, and helps ensure campuses are places where hate is not tolerated.”

The bill increases transparency, oversight, and accountability by enhancing the role of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), helping schools identify discrimination early and take action to protect students.

The urgency is unmistakable. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), 83 percent of Jewish students report witnessing or experiencing antisemitism on campus since October 7. Nationwide, antisemitic incidents have increased nearly ninefold over the past decade.

“Jewish students deserve better than empty promises when antisemitism erupts on campus. The Protecting Students on Campus Act transforms rhetoric into action by requiring real transparency and giving students the tools to hold their universities accountable,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). “In this climate of rising antisemitic incidents on campus and in Jewish communities around the world, as we’ve seen with the recent, horrific attack at Bondi Beach, this legislation couldn’t come at a more urgent time. We thank Reps. Frankel, Bacon, McBath, Ciscomani, and Stevens for their leadership and urge the swift passage of this legislation so that our campuses remain places of learning, not fear.”

“American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report found that 35% of Jewish college students experienced antisemitism during their time on campus and 48% felt unsafe or avoided expressing their views or Jewish identity. These numbers reflect an alarming reality: Jewish students are being targeted and marginalized in unprecedented ways. AJC applauds Representatives Frankel (D-FL), Bacon (R-NJ), McBath (D-GA), Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Stevens (D-MI) for taking action by introducing the Protecting Students on Campus Act, legislation that empowers students to report discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, while providing critical accountability to ensure the U.S. Department of Education responds appropriately to federal complaints,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.

The Protecting Students on Campus Act is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America.

For the full text of the bill, click here.

Nadler, DeLauro, Balint, Frost Introduce Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

In the wake of the horrific antisemitic attack in Sydney killing 15 Jews, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) introduced the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act (ARPA). 

This comprehensive approach to combating antisemitism supports the Biden Administration’s landmark US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, including its approach to defining antisemitism. ARPA also fully funds the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, undoes the Trump closure of regional offices, prevents regional offices from being closed in the future, and creates greater Congressional oversight into the work of the Department. Additionally, ARPA mandates the designation of a Title VI coordinator on every college campus in order to provide students with additional resources in hopes of preventing antisemitism and other hate on campus. Doing so also would provide on-campus resources to directly report any such incidents, should they occur.  

The bill notably creates a Hate Crime Reporting Center and provides additional resources to record, track, index, report, and publish data related to every hate crime committed in the United States. The bill also creates a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism to spearhead a whole-of-government response to the antisemitism crisis in America. ARPA fully funds the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to harden security and protect religious communities and nonprofits, and ensures that recipients cannot be discriminated against based on partisan political ideologies.  

ARPA clearly states that it is against the policy of the United States to use antisemitism as grounds to pursue ulterior political agendas, including attacks on educational institutions, suppressing constitutionally protected speech, or any other enforcement of ideological conformity. ARPA affirms that criticism of Israeli government policy is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment, and requires reports to Congress by the Executive Branch on the propagation of extremist ideologies in the U.S. and an assessment of the sources of all domestic terror threats. 

“We all witnessed in horror the antisemitic attack that took place this week in Sydney, Australia. In the wake of this tragedy, I am proud to lead this comprehensive, progressive, and critically important piece of legislation to combat the rising antisemitism in this country,” said Representative Nadler. “This bill shows that moderates and those aligned with the current Israeli government do not enjoy a monopoly over the fight against antisemitism and hate. I am proud to introduce, with my cherished colleagues, the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act, which embodies a comprehensive and principled framework—one that steadfastly upholds and celebrates progressive values without compromise, diminution, or equivocation.” 

“I am proud to co-lead the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act of 2025, which lays out a national strategy for combating the rising threat of antisemitism while protecting freedom of speech, and calls out the Trump Administration’s co-opting of antisemitism for its own political agenda,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The horrific attacks in Australia on a Hannukah market demonstrate that unchecked antisemitic hatred has deadly consequences, and we must do everything in our power to prevent attacks like this in the future. That includes reopening the regional Offices of Civil Rights within the Department of Education that President Trump has closed, and funding nonprofit security grants to protect religious buildings and community centers. We must not stand by while hatred and extremism takes root in our communities.” 

“The terrorist attack against Jewish families in Sydney is a tragic example of how antisemitism is on the rise. As the grandchild of a man killed in the Holocaust, I personally know how attacks like this threaten our identity and community, said Representative Balint. “I am proud to co-lead this legislation to combat antisemitism in our country. This bill would provide resources to prevent and combat antisemitism in our communities and on college campuses. It will also ensure strong Congressional oversight and guardrails to prevent any administration from politicizing antisemitism to further attack their opponents. Antisemitism is not just an attack on Jewish people—it is a threat to democracy and the safety of all communities.” 

“What we witnessed in Bondi on the first night of Hanukkah, and the growing rise of antisemitism in our country and across the world, is deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. Standing up to antisemitism is about protecting our neighbors and the democracy we share, which is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act. The legislation creates a coordinated, whole-of-government response to confront antisemitism wherever it appears in our communities. Unity is our greatest strength, and when we act together, hate has nowhere to take hold,” said Congressman Frost.    

The bill text can be found here

McCaul Discusses Admin's Work to Secure Air, Land, and Sea at Worldwide Threats Hearing with Secretary Noem

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

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security — questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a committee hearing titled, “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.” McCaul and Noem discussed the administration’s efforts to secure our nation’s air, land, and sea.

Click to watch

McCaul’s exchange with Secretary Noem:

Chairman Emeritus McCaul: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Madam Secretary, great to see you.

This hearing reminds me of the novel “A Tale of Two Cities.” The [Democrats] see it as the worst of times, but I see it really as the best of times. And what do I mean by that? Under the Biden administration, 15 to 20 million illegal aliens — unvetted as you indicated — came into this country. What I think is most disturbing is director Kent’s testimony: 18,000 known or suspected terrorists got into this country under the Biden administration.

That’s why we impeached Mayorkas. I was one of the managers. He told his Border Patrol [agents]: you don’t have to pay attention to federal law when it says “shall” detain aggravated felons. He disregards our law and says: you know what? “May detain. It’s discretionary.” And guess what? We have thousands of aggravated felons now … in this country today. That was the worst of times. Let me go to the best of times.

[This is] the most secure border I’ve seen in my 22 years of Congress. I’ve dealt with this for a long time, coming from Texas, being chairman of this committee. The daily crossings are 95% down from the prior administration. That’s the best of times.

Zero catch and release. My very first bill in Congress 22 years ago was to end catch and release. Twenty-two years later, we finally have achieved that goal. That, Madam Secretary, is the best of times. An all-time record low. America is safer today. …

And when I look at the Venezuelan vessels attacked, the president had every right under the Constitution — Article II — [in] international waters, [with] cartels designated as FTOs, coming into our country to spread poison to kill Americans. If that’s not self-defense, I don’t know what is.

And then finally, Madam Secretary, thank you for taking out the shadow Iranian oil tanker headed from Venezuela to Cuba, getting around our sanctions that Congress passed. I’m finally seeing an administration flexing its muscle in this hemisphere, which has been neglected for so many years.

So air, land, and sea is your charge; it’s the military charge as well. I see the land secure. I see the maritime border as getting more secure. And I applaud you for that.

On the air [security] piece, I chair the special events task force — that’s FIFA, the Olympics, [and] the 250th anniversary. Drones are the biggest threat as I see it. I see it in Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and I see it across our border, and I see it at these events. … And with the new NDAA authorization to allow federal and state and locals to work together to identify hostile adversary drones, and take them down, can you tell me how that will impact your ability, Madam Secretary, to better secure these special events?

Secretary Noem: Thank you, Congressman McCaul. And thank you for your leadership. I understand you are retiring, and I’m sad about that. You’ve been a statesman. Thank you for serving with such dignity.

The counter drone and drone technology that is out there today, frankly our authorities haven’t kept up with. And so thank you for that legislation. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to truly defend the homeland. Here at the Department of Homeland Security we are going to be investing upwards to $1.5 billion into drone technology and counter drone technology and mitigation measures that we can deploy, not just across different NSC events or large scale events that we are responsible for the security on, but also that we can use to partner with cities and states for celebrations and different things that they may hold as well. So we have the responsibility at the Department of Homeland Security for FIFA and the 11 cities that will be hosting the matches here in the United States — also the Olympics, the America 250 celebrations, also other national security events that happen such as Mardi Gras and other events that are going on throughout the country.

So this program that we will have will not only work within the events that the department is responsible for, but we will be able to sign agreements with states and cities to provide measures that they don’t currently have. And we’re working with the FAA as well to get what we need to be able to operate. And we don’t want us to detect. We don’t want to just monitor. We need to mitigate. We need to take these drones down. …

Chairman Emeritus McCaul: There is so much technology out there today – counter drone technology that I have been working to get into Ukraine to protect them from Russian drones that we can deploy at these events. I’d love to visit with you on that at a later date. And thank you for your service.

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McCaul Applauds NDAA Passage, Inclusion of Provisions He Championed

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

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul — chairman emeritus of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security — issued the following statement after voting to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.  

“Funding our military, ensuring our warfighters are ready to win against any adversary, and taking care of our servicemembers are some of Congress’ core duties. This year’s NDAA accomplishes those goals and delivers on the president’s peace through strength agenda,” said Rep. McCaul. “In addition to improving our servicemembers’ pay and quality of life, the bill delivers new capabilities to our warfighters at a faster pace, revitalizes our defense industrial base to improve readiness and boost our economy, and funds the Golden Dome, which will protect Americans from modern threats like hypersonic missiles for years to come. I was proud to vote for this bill and ensure our nation is prepared to face — and overcome — the challenges of the 21st century.”

McCaul championed several of the provisions in this year’s NDAA, including:

Title LXXXVII, a provision that builds on McCaul’s DFC Modernization Act.

“In the great power competition with China, the DFC is a crucial tool to form partnerships that strengthen U.S. national security. Much like my DFC Modernization Act, this provision will increase the DFC’s investment firepower and allow us to partner with high-income countries in important sectors like energy, critical minerals, and rare earths. I’m proud to have played a role in the inception of this provision, which will make the DFC more effective in advancing U.S. interests around the globe.” -Rep. McCaul

Title LXXXV, a provision to restrict outbound investment, which includes the sector-based approach McCaul has championed for years.

“For years, I’ve worked to prevent American investment dollars from flowing into sectors that empower our adversaries’ military development and surveillance states. The comprehensive and preventative approach in this provision will ensure the CCP and other adversaries cannot leverage U.S. capital to prop up their war machines and advance their malign agendas.” –Rep. McCaul

Text of the AUKUS Improvement Act, legislation he introduced with Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.).

“The AUKUS security pact, which I prioritized as chairman, serves as a critical deterrent to China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The inclusion of this provision in the NDAA will build on that momentum, enhance collaboration amongst AUKUS defense companies, and help establish the deterrence needed to prevent the CCP from instigating a worldwide catastrophe.” -Rep. McCaul

Sections 8362-8363, which are similar to a provision McCaul championed in the State Department Reauthorization to identify, track, and locate abducted Ukrainian children and to hold Russia accountable with sanctions.

“The Russian Federation’s abduction of at least 20,000 children is evil in its purest form. By abducting, indoctrinating, and militarizing these children, Russia is preparing a generation of children for war with NATO. I’m proud to stand on the right side of history by fighting for their repatriation, which is a national security imperative — and a moral imperative.” -Rep. McCaul 

Title LXXXVI, which deputizes state and local authorities to address drone threats at mass gatherings — one of the primary goals of McCaul’s “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events.”

“As chairman of the special events task force, I have been laser-focused on the growing threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems. According to the NFL, there has been a 4,000% increase in drone sightings at stadiums in the past five years. This provision takes a major step toward securing our upcoming games by ensuring state and local law enforcement officers have the authorities needed to prevent drone attacks before they occur.” -Rep. McCaul

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Capital Markets Chair Wagner, Chairman Hill Applaud Trump Administration’s Move to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Proxy Advisory Process

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman Rep. French Hill (AR-02) and Subcommittee on Capital Markets Chair Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement supporting the Trump Administration’s decision to advance reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability in the proxy advisory process.

Chairman Hill and Subcommittee Chair Wagner: “For too long, a small number of firms have held disproportionate influence over corporate governance decisions that impact millions of investors. These reforms will help ensure shareholder voting is fair, well-informed, and focused on maximizing value for all investors. Strengthening oversight of proxy advisers and reinforcing fiduciary accountability in proxy voting will enhance the integrity of our capital markets and increase investor confidence. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and regulators to ensure these reforms are implemented effectively, protect investors, and promote transparent corporate governance.”