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

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of S. 2, the Secure America Act:

“I will always stand with our men and women in law enforcement, whether it is at the federal, state, or local level. The passage of this bill will ensure our Homeland Security agents and investigators have the resources they need to keep the American people safe for years to come. I am beyond proud that this legislation includes a specific allocation of over $100 million solely dedicated to increasing and enhancing child sexual exploitation investigations. This is an issue I have led on for years, and the bill now heading to the President’s desk will protect our children and put predators behind bars where they belong.

“Our Customs and Border Protection officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents put their lives in harm’s way to stop the flow of deadly drugs to our shores and keep criminals out of our communities. We have seen incredible success so far, with twelve straight months of zero releases at our southern border. It is unconscionable that Democrats in the House and Senate wish to strip funding from these crucial agencies, prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens. With the passage of this bill, our neighborhoods, our state, and our nation will be safer.”

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

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

Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:

Katelyn Estes of Stratford, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Estes attends Stratford High School and studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the Congressional Art Competition, Estes submitted artwork titled “Spirit of the Plains,” which is a charcoal piece of a bison head. The art will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

“I am excited to congratulate Katelyn on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her bison piece makes it clear just how talented she is. It is truly beautiful and I know Katelyn has a bright future ahead of her.”

When asked about her artwork, Estes said, “My inspiration this year was a Bison. This was my first time using charcoal for a drawing. I’m surprised by how much fun I had experimenting with this medium and by how well it turned out for my first time. Our local vet is also a bison ranch, and I think it’s super cool that I live only five miles away from it. The one that I chose to draw was from there. I wanted this drawing to showcase the overlooked beauty of the bison that I, and many other people, drive past every day. My favorite part to draw was definitely the eye; it’s what gives the piece a soul.”

“I am so proud of Katelyn. She has worked so hard and just keeps getting better. She loves creating and her work shows it. She has had a great senior year, and winning this great honor just caps off an outstanding year,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.

In addition to naming Katelyn the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels. Out of the hundreds of votes cast, artwork by Jessica Gibson and Wren Hobbs received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.

“Each year that we hold the Congressional Art Competition, I am so impressed by the many skilled high school students from across the Fourth District. While only one piece can be chosen to make its way to D.C., I think it is important to recognize the other talented students by holding the People’s Choice competition, as so many of the pieces are so beautiful. Therefore, I am thrilled to name Jessica and Wren as this year’s second and third-place winners. I can’t wait to have their art hanging in my office this year,” said Congressman Cole.

Jessica Gibson, the second-place winner, resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and attends Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast, where she studies art under her teacher, Amber Crump. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “Myriad in Bloom,” which is an acrylic painting of downtown Oklahoma City at the myriad botanical gardens.

When asked about her inspiration for her artwork, Gibson said, “I decided to paint downtown because it’s not what everyone thinks of when they think of Oklahoma. I wanted to highlight the growing metropolitan side of our state. I especially love the way it looks in spring with all the red buds and flowers blooming underneath our watercolor painted skies. America celebrates its 250th anniversary soon and I think downtown Oklahoma City is a beautiful representation of how far we’ve come in that time.”

“As Ms. Gibson’s art teacher at Classen School for Advanced Studies H.S., it is no surprise that she does well competitively. Her dynamic usage of color and her ability to capture her visions for others to see set her apart as an aspiring young artist. She is driven and experimentary in her approach to creation. I am honored to have her in class and can not wait to see how she grows and develops her craft over the next couple of years. Thank you for extending this competition to young artists across your district. Art competitions such as this one help to keep arts & art programs valid in public schools.,” said Crump, Classen School for Advanced Studies Art Teacher.

Wren Hobbs of Norman, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. She attends Norman North High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the Congressional Art Competition, Hobbs submitted artwork titled “Still Home,” which is a pencil drawing of the endangered piping plover on a beach surrounded by trash.

“My piece is inspired by my passion for avian conservation and the importance of protecting bird populations. It is one of the pieces from my AP art portfolio,” said Hobbs.

” It’s rare to have a student not only dedicated to their craft, but also to a cause. I’ve been lucky enough to know Wren all four of her years in high school, and during that time I’ve seen her grow as an artist and an advocate for animal conservation. She’s been an active participant in showing her art in contests/shows, and in leading our school’s environmental club. When you look at the line work in her drawings, you can see the attention to detail with her carefully curated colors – but also the accuracy of the animals and their environments. She takes the time to learn their history and struggles and uses her art to teach others. I’m so proud of what she’s achieved as not only an artist, but an educator in animal rights,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.

Background on the Congressional Art Competition:

Each spring, the Congressional Art Institute sponsors a nationwide competition for high school students with an interest in art and looking for an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent.

This year, the first-place winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., including two Southwest Airlines tickets, to attend the awards ceremony. 

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

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after supporting the Secure America Act, which delivers long-term funding for ICE and Border Patrol personnel, immigration enforcement operations, and other critical homeland security priorities after repeated efforts by Senate Democrats to obstruct funding, trigger government shutdowns, and derail the regular appropriations process:

“Terrorists. Cartels. Human traffickers. Drug smugglers. Each day, ICE and Border Patrol agents and officers confront these threats head-on to keep America safe. It’s exactly why I have consistently voted to comprehensively resource these law enforcement professionals as they carry out their security missions. While the far-left hoped to eradicate funding for critical operations and weaken our border security apparatus, House Republicans have made clear that we will continue to support those who defend our homeland and keep our communities safe.

“I do not regret the objective of our actions today, but I am appalled by the complete failure of Senate Democrats that led us to this moment. Chuck Schumer and his radical caucus twice shut down the government, instigating chaos across the nation. Since then, they have continued to diminish Article I and forced the use of reconciliation. It’s wrong – and deliberately undermines the appropriations process.

“The Constitution entrusts Congress with the power of the purse. Yet, in great irony, the Senate has shown greater concern for protecting an internal rule than fulfilling its constitutional duty. The filibuster is nothing more than an institutional habit. It is neither mentioned nor sanctioned in our founding documents. I would remind my peers on the other side of the Rotunda that no chamber precedent is greater than the bedrock of our Republic. Members swear an oath to uphold the Constitution – not the filibuster.

“I thoroughly regret the erosion of Article I authority that Senate Democrats have instigated, and the price everyday Americans have been forced to pay as a result. I hope the months-long charade that led us to this moment serves as a reminder that no partisan fixation is worth shutting down the government, abandoning constitutional responsibilities, and forcing Congress into extraordinary measures simply to perform its most basic duties.

“I believe in the Constitution, the power of the purse, and completing the appropriations process. I also believe in keeping the homeland safe. The Senate may have abandoned proper governing, but I will not abandon those who stand watch over our borders and protect our communities.

“Our work, of course, doesn’t end here. As the Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations markups near completion, I am reminded that governing is a choice. The work I do, the votes I cast, and the actions I take will always be guided by one principle: fulfilling our obligations to the American people,” said Congressman Cole.

Background:

• Funding the government is a constitutional imperative.
• Senate Democrats initiated both the longest full and partial government shutdowns in U.S. history.
• The House and Senate previously struck a bipartisan and bicameral deal to finalize all Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills.
• The House acted expeditiously to pass these bills, marking historic progress for our appropriations process and progress to return to ‘regular order.’
• After helping negotiate the deal, Senate Democrats altered it at the last minute, undermining DHS funding.
• Shutting down DHS didn’t achieve immigration results or zero out resources for U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as Democrats hoped.
• In fact, the very reforms Democrats originally helped secure in the Fiscal Year 2026 bill, which included requiring the use of body-worn cameras, placing restrictions on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like hospitals and schools, increasing congressional oversight, and requiring agents to wear visible officer identification while carrying out immigration enforcement activities, were lost since they rejected the bill.
• Congressman Cole has consistently made it clear that government shutdowns are reckless and harmful.
• Due to the inability of Senate Democrats to uphold their full FY26 negotiated commitments, Congress was forced to pursue reconciliation to fully fund critical homeland security operations.
• The Secure America Act will provide long-term funding for ICE and Border Patrol and border security enforcement operations through Fiscal Year 2029.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement following the passage of House Republicans’ reconciliation bill. 

“Republicans’ reconciliation bill is a disgrace, and I voted NO. At a time when families are struggling to afford groceries, rent, and healthcare, Republicans are giving ICE tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars to expand its terror campaign,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “That tells you everything you need to know about their priorities. This bill gives working families the short end of the stick and rewards an agency that has killed people, detained children, and traumatized communities.”

“I will continue to be unequivocal: ICE needs to be torn down,” Matsui continued. “This is an agency whose actions are now so deeply defined by abuse, fear, and disregard for due process that it cannot be reformed. Our immigration system must be rooted in constitutional rights, human dignity, and the values we claim to stand for as a country. I will keep fighting until that is the system we build.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement after the House passed the partisan reconciliation bill that gives $70 billion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection:

“ICE Gestapo agents terrorized—and continue to terrorize—Black and Brown communities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Their oversized budget is larger than other countries’ entire defense spending, yet Republicans gifted another $70 billion to fund their cruel agenda. I voted NO.

“Hardworking families are already struggling to afford gas, groceries, utilities, and housing. Instead of lowering costs, this Trump administration would rather separate families, illegally detain people in inhumane conditions, and divide our country. This partisan reconciliation bill—on top of President Trump’s attempts to secure billions for a gaudy ballroom and anti-weaponization fund—is a stark reminder that this president and his Republicans do not have Americans’ best interests in mind.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

Republicans Pass Legislation to End Democrat Shutdown and Fully Fund Border Security and Immigration Enforcement