MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Sean McNamara was chosen as the 2026 Solano County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. McNamara is a real leader when it comes to regenerative farming,” said Thompson. “Mr. McNamara manages Sierra Orchards, the largest regenerative organic walnut farm in the world, where he’s integrated new, sustainable farming methods like using sheep grazing instead of relying on pesticides, creating an orchard recycling program in lieu of open burning, and composting agricultural waste instead of discarding it. Under his leadership, Sierra Orchards uses 30 percent less water and 50 percent less diesel than conventionally farmed walnut operations. I am honored to name Mr. McNamara a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

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

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Dr. Ruihong Zhang was chosen as the 2026 Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Dr. Zhang has helped transform the ecological health of Yolo County through her research,” said Thompson. “Dr. Zhang led the charge to develop the UC Davis Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester (READ) which converts 20 to 50 tons of waste into renewable energy and biofertilizers every day, diverting 20,000 tons of waste from local landfills each year. Through her work developing READ, Dr. Zhang has helped to both protect our climate by disposing of waste sustainably and benefit our economy by providing cheap electricity, fuel, and fertilizer. I am honored to name Dr. Ruihong Zhang a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to introduce a resolution to formally recognize April as Sikh History Month. This bipartisan resolution honors Sikh Americans’ faith, heritage, service, and contributions to our nation. April is a particularly meaningful time for this recognition, as it often coincides with Vaisakhi, a major observance commemorating the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

“As co-founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to designate April as Sikh History Month,” said Congressman Valadao. “This effort is an important opportunity to highlight the core principles of the Sikh faith—earning an honest living, remembering God, and sharing with others—while also recognizing the strong tradition of service that defines the Sikh community. This resolution is an important step toward religious tolerance for all, and I’m proud to support it.”

“Sikh Americans have strengthened this nation through faith, service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “In working with Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu of Bensalem and members of our PA-1 Sikh community, I have seen how deeply Sikh principles of equality, religious freedom, honest work, courage, and service reflect the best of the American spirit. This resolution is about honoring that legacy, deepening understanding, and ensuring the Sikh American story is told with the accuracy, respect, and gratitude it deserves—as an essential part of the American story.”

“As the founder of the Congressional American Sikh Caucus, I am proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Sikh History Month,” said CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu. “The Sikh principles of equality, social justice, and community service inspire me as a public servant, and should guide us all as we embrace the diversity of our country and strive to create a more peaceful world. By uplifting the Sikh community and faith, we can continue to fight against harmful religious misunderstanding and discrimination through understanding and education.”

“The Sikh community embodies the core values of both Jersey and the United States — equality, justice, and service to others — while making significant contributions across business, technology, education, the arts, the military, and public service,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I’m proud to co-introduce the Sikh History Month resolution to recognize this community’s heritage and contributions to our great nation.”

This resolution advances several key goals, including:

1. Recognizing the history, culture, heritage, and contributions of the Sikh community;
2. Highlighting Sikhism’s core principles of equality, social justice, community service, and human dignity;
3. Promoting education about Sikh identity, history, and articles of faith;
4. Encouraging public programs, classroom discussions, and cultural events to foster awareness and respect;
5. Honoring Sikh Americans’ contributions through military service, entrepreneurship, humanitarian relief, civic leadership, and advocacy for human rights; and
6. Reaffirming America’s commitment to religious liberty, pluralism, and the freedom of all people to live their faith openly and with dignity. 

This resolution is supported by American Sikh Caucus Committee, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, United Sikhs, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ), Sikhs for Justice, and Jakara Movement.

“We thank the American Sikh Congressional Caucus and especially Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for their leadership on this important resolution. Sikh Americans deeply cherish the economic, religious, and political freedoms that this country extends to all. The founding of the Khalsa is a reminder of the duty to stand for liberty, serve others, and keep working together to build a more perfect Union. This resolution honors the contributions Sikh Americans have made for generations and affirms that our community’s history, service, and aspirations are an enduring part of the American promise,” said Dr. Pritpal Singh, American Sikh Caucus Committee.

“In April, Sikhs in Gurdwaras across the world commemorate the founding of the Khalsa, when our tenth Guru codified enduring values of equality, freedom, justice, self-reliance, and service. We are deeply thankful to live in the United States, where we are free to practice these principles and pass them to future generations. We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for advancing this resolution and for recognizing that Sikh Americans—who have been here since the late 1800s—have long served this nation with distinction in the military, in federal and state law enforcement, in farming, in medicine, in business, and in our neighborhoods. We pray that people of all faiths, including members of our community around the world, may enjoy the same freedoms and dignity that we cherish here in America,” said Gurdev Singh Nannan, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC).

“We appreciate Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for championing this resolution and recognizing the place of Sikh Americans in the life of this nation. Sikh values call us to serve humanity, and that commitment has guided humanitarian relief efforts, community support, and advocacy for those in need across the United States and around the world. This resolution is a meaningful acknowledgment of a community that is proud to be American, grateful for this country’s freedoms, and committed to serving all people with compassion and dignity,” said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs.

“This resolution affirms what Sikh Americans have known for generations: our history is part of the American story, and we are profoundly grateful for the freedom to live our faith, serve our neighbors, and contribute to this country we proudly call home,” said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast.

“Education, awareness and dialogue on culture, history and heritage are central to combat ignorance, bigotry and discrimination against the Sikh community. I commend Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this landmark resolution for designating the month of April as ‘Sikh History Month’ as it holds special significance on the birth of Sikh identity. By designating April as Sikh History Month, the awareness and education about the contribution of Sikhs through service, entrepreneurship, military service, advocacy of human rights and the awareness on culture, history and heritage through schools, universities and public institutions, can be included in the broader narrative of American society,” said Bhupindar Singh, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ).

“Sikhism is a monotheistic egalitarian religion, its teachings promote equal rights, religious freedom, human equality, with emphasis on gender equality.  Sikhism’s three fundamental principles are remembering God, working hard, and sharing with and caring for others, as well as community service and ending the caste system. It believes in protecting the weak and stopping the tyrants. Sikhs in their daily prayer wish for the wellness of the whole human race. I would like to thank Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for leading this important legislation,” said Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, MD, co-founder of Sikhs for Justice, and President of the Council of Khalistan.

“We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for introducing this important resolution and for helping elevate Sikh American history and identity. At Jakara, we see every day how education, youth engagement, and interfaith outreach can build stronger bridges across communities. Sikh History Month is an opportunity not only to recognize the contributions of Sikh Americans, but also to deepen mutual understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together in a spirit of respect, service, and shared citizenship,” said Gurjit Singh, Jakara Movement.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “Responsible spending and a clear focus on national security have guided our work in this subcommittee over the past several years. The Fiscal Year 2027 NSRP legislation builds on that approach by advancing key national interests and ensuring disciplined use of taxpayer dollars. With the committee advancing this legislation, we are moving forward in our effort to strengthen U.S. security while maintaining responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

This progress has been possible thanks to the leadership of Chairman Tom Cole and the continued support of my colleagues. Together, we have achieved an $11.7 billion reduction in total spending since Republicans took control, reaffirming our commitment to the American people–– putting U.S. interests first, strengthening accountability, and directing every dollar toward a clear purpose.”

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “The world is not standing still – and neither will American leadership. The FY27 NSRP bill delivers a decisive response with a disciplined, results-driven strategy that prioritizes the safety, strength, and prosperity of the United States. It draws a clear line: no more unfocused spending, no more blank checks, and no more policies that fail to deliver. We are directing resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities, reinforcing our alliances, and pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China and Iran. By cutting wasteful programs and demanding accountability from our partners, this legislation ensures every investment is used with purpose. Under Chairman Díaz-Balart’s leadership, we are putting America first and asserting strength where it matters most. With our third bill reported out of full committee, we are continuing to move with purpose – and advancing Article I and the mandate of our great nation.”

FISCAL YEAR 2027 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level and continues to deliver on the America First agenda.

Within the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and drug cartels, including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent consistent with relevant Executive Orders.

Champions America First Foreign Policy by:

• Redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect our national security.
• Providing increased funds for the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities to advance the America First foreign policy agenda.
• Requiring consideration of a recipient partner country’s cooperation on United States priorities such as migration issues, opposition to foreign adversaries, burden sharing, support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral forums, and the United Nations votes in determining economic assistance allocations.
• Prioritizing United States commercial interests, helping to create opportunities for American businesses abroad.
• Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities – including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack – but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.

Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:

• Upholding America First priorities by promoting a foreign policy that supports our allies and counters our adversaries, focusing on the economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and eliminating contributions to multilateral organizations that are wasteful and antithetical to American values.
• Supporting President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, or divisive gender ideologies.
• Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by:

• Protecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions.
• Removing vague references to “gender” and clearly outlines our support for women and girls.
• Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.
• Defending United States sovereignty by prohibiting funds for the Arms Trade Treaty, and protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans.
• Banning so-called “disinformation” and “misinformation” programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens.
• Allowing only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies and consulates.
• Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.
• Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:

• Providing unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
• Providing robust assistance to Egypt and Jordan, two key U.S. partners.
• Including $500 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees for such purpose.
• Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
• Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
• Barring funds for the PRC and the Chinese Communist Party by prohibiting—funds for countries to repay debt owed to China,
• funds for international financial institutions generating loans to the PRC.
• Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.
• Promoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:

• Prioritizing fiscal sanity and the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve durable and sustainable goals consistent with United States national security interests.
• Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate siloes, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department.
• Eliminating funding for unauthorized programs, organizations, or functions.
• Eliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that diluted the mission of America’s foreign policy.
• Prohibiting funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
• Prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas.
• Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill text is available here.

Click here to watch the Full Committee Markup.

View the Congressman’s Remarks here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced a resolution to recognize April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month and April 29th as Undiagnosed Day. An estimated 25 million Americans live with rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed conditions. Since 2014, the National Institutes of Health and the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) – a network of over 24 clinical and research sites across the country at premier medical institutions and universities – have discovered 97 previously unknown diseases, made over 1,000 diagnoses, and continue to deliver answers at the cutting edge of biomedical research.

“The struggle, sacrifice, and advocacy of the patients and families suffering from undiagnosed diseases must be acknowledged and recognized,” said Congressman Pocan. “Bringing awareness to the millions of Americans undergoing this difficult diagnostic journey is a small but critical step towards building community for those seeking answers, and towards driving better outcomes and research for undiagnosed diseases. I’m thankful to Rep. Cline for joining me in leading this resolution to recognize April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month and April 29th as Undiagnosed Day.”

“Millions of Americans live with rare and undiagnosed conditions that can often take countless scans, tests, doctors’ visits, and years to identify,” said Rep. Cline. “It is important to bring awareness to the hardships of patients and their families suffering from undiagnosed diseases. I am proud to co-lead a bipartisan resolution to acknowledge and recognize the sacrifice, advocacy, and endurance of patients with undiagnosed diseases.”

“Every patient and family deserves the dignity of feeling heard, respected and cared for, including those living with an undiagnosed condition. Despite nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States being impacted by a rare, ultra-rare, or undiagnosed condition they are often isolated and invisible. The journey to a diagnosis is long, traumatic, and costly. Patients often see dozens of doctors and undergo countless tests, spending 5-7 years or even much longer before getting any answers. Recognition of Undiagnosed Month will not only bring awareness but will drive progress, ensuring that the research, diagnostic, and care needs for this community are understood and addressed,” saidDanielle Carnival, Ph.D., CEO, Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation.

Cosponsors of the resolution include: Pocan (WI-02), Cline (VA-06), Norton (DC-AL), Rutherford (FL-05)

Text of the resolution can be found here. 

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

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the Trump administration’s announcement that it is paying $120 million in taxpayer dollars to effectively cancel one of the offshore wind projects in Morro Bay.

“I am outraged by this backwards decision to sabotage the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area. In Congress, I championed these projects because they represented a clear win-win-win for the Central Coast. The projects strengthened our energy security, boosted local economic growth, and advanced important environmental protections. Because of a bizarre personal vendetta against wind energy, Donald Trump’s administration is turning a historic opportunity into a historic failure. Beyond the strategic failure of this policy decision, today’s announcement also represents a staggering waste of taxpayer dollars. I won’t let this extreme federal overreach and pressure go unchallenged, and I will continue to fight for the Central Coast’s right to build a greener economy.”

Background on Congressman Carbajal’s Work on Offshore Wind:

Congressman Carbajal has been a champion for offshore wind throughout his time in office.

The Morro Bay Offshore Wind Energy Area is the product of negotiations conducted by Rep. Carbajal’s Offshore Wind Working Group, which was created in August 2019 to coordinate between federal, state, and local partners and is composed of representatives from the offices of Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Panetta (D-CA-19), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Navy, and California Energy Commission (CEC). 

Negotiations had previously stalled amid hesitation from the Navy, until Rep. Carbajal offered an amendment to the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act in order to move the development forward off of Morro Bay and get negotiations back on track.

Following the amendment’s passage in the House, Carbajal secured a written commitment from the Navy indicating a willingness to collaborate with the Working Group to identify an area for development that would meet energy production goals.

As a result of these efforts and support from other local stakeholders and officials, Rep. Carbajal and Biden Administration leaders unveiled an agreement in May 2021 to allow offshore wind development off the coast of Morro Bay.

The lease sites for this and other areas off the California coast were announced in 2022.

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

(Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, shared remarks during a Homeland Security Committee shadow hearing entitled, “Defending Democracy: Protecting Elections from Executive Overreach.”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s remarks to the witnesses by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, is set to gain a research project worth $2.701million and seven Agricultural Research Service employees as a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization and decommissioning of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

“Purdue University and the State of Indiana continue to solidify their standing as the premier location for agricultural research and opportunity,” said Congressman Baird. “As a farmer and lifelong Hoosier, I am pleased to see the USDA expanding opportunities in Indiana as the agency refocuses on its core mission, works to better serve our farmers, and moves operations outside of the Washington, D.C., area closer to the people they serve. My state and district are uniquely positioned to provide our farmers with access to cutting-edge research and technology. Indiana is one of the top agricultural states in our country, and Purdue is one of the leading land-grant universities in the world. I am grateful for Secretary Rollins’ strong leadership at USDA, and I look forward to working with her to ensure Hoosier farmers remain at the forefront of American agricultural success.”

This announcement from the USDA builds on the USDA’s prior reorganization efforts and its recognition of Indiana as a leading agricultural state. In July 2025, the USDA announced it was moving a portion of its operations to Indianapolis, IN, to better align with its mission of supporting American agriculture.

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

Congresswoman Pressley Spent Day Meeting with Survivors

Roundtable Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) stood in solidarity with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse who have been calling for a meeting with King Charles III during his state visit to the United States. Congresswoman Pressley spent the day meeting directly with survivors and hearing about their experiences.

Today, Congresswoman Pressley participated in a roundtable discussion with survivors, including Sky and Amanda Roberts, alongside Congressman Ro Khanna, Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernandez, and Congresswomen Summer Lee, Pramila Jayapal, and Melanie Stansbury.

As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for survivors’ justice and has led committee Democrats in calling for a full Congressional hearing to ensure survivors’ firsthand accounts are heard.

Footage of the Congresswoman’s message to survivors at the roundtable is available here and a transcript is available below. For footage of the full roundtable discussion, click here.

Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Heartfelt Message to Epstein Survivors Demanding Meeting with King Charles
House of Representatives
April 28, 2026

I’ve been in Congress now for eight years, but prior to my election to Congress, I served on the Boston City Council for eight years, first Black woman elected to that body, and I ran on a platform of doing my heart’s work to save women and girls and to champion gender specific and responsive programming and policies in government.

And there were naysayers who said to me that that was not the work of government, that I should go run a nonprofit. But each of you affirm that it is, in fact, that it is the work of government, it is the responsibility of government.

And I remember so many people saying to me, you’re fighting for the girls, but it’s the boys that are being killed in our streets. And I said but it’s the girls that are slowly dying in front of you every day that are not being given any dignity or any visibility.

There are several testimonials or stories that fuel me in this work. The first is a domestic worker I met who, every day went in to clean a home and removed all of her clothes because her employer said he needed that as proof that she was not stealing anything. And she went every day and cleaned that home and stripped.

The other is of the mother of a 16-year-old, her daughter committed suicide because of bullying as the result of deepfake pornography.

And the third is Virginia. She is always in my consciousness.

And I’m so upset because I lost my butterfly [pin]. You know, I read her book, and before reading it, I just stared at the title over and over again. Nobody’s Girl. And Sky, Amanda – I just thank you for all that, all that you’re doing in carrying her legacy forward and championing the need for cultural reform, culture shifts, and legislative change.

And Sky, I know she was, was your protector, and you are being hers, but you are also being a brother to this entire sister survivor circle. And it is a painful thing to go through life feeling that you belong to no one.

But we claim Virginia. She belongs to all of us now, and each of you belong to us as well.

And I’m guided every day by the words of Angela Y. Davis that “I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I’m changing the things I can no longer accept.”

I can no longer accept that femicide is something normalized, economic dependence, coercive control, sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual abuse, sex trafficking.

I can no longer accept that we don’t have an Equal Rights Amendment in our Constitution, that we have been relegated to a second class or invisible status, overwhelmingly, as women and certainly as survivors.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

So I just, I thank all of you. I do think that change is on the way.

I look forward to a day where we can all not just wear butterfly [pins], but embody that spirit of feeling totally and completely free. Free from the shame, free from the burden of it all. Because what has happened to our survivors around the table was a violation of dignity. It was a violation of bodies. It was a violation of dreams.

You see before you grown women, so you might forget that they were mere children. And I can think of nothing more vile than to groom, to prey upon, to exploit, to rape, to traffic a child.

So I’m just grateful for each and every one of you as we hold accountable the vermin who committed these vile acts that left survivors with a lifetime sentence to navigate, whether they are pastors, presidents, or princes, a reckoning is on the way.

Thank you. 

—

In recent interviews, Rep. Pressley described why her work to subpoena the Epstein files is deeply personal to her.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for justice for survivors of sexual violence and reproductive freedom.

In July 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2024. In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)