Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)
Headline: Moolenaar Votes to Fund Homeland Security… Again
Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act. The legislation comes as the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security enters its 40th day. This is the third attempt by House Republicans to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
“DHS agents with TSA, FEMA, Border Patrol, and Coast Guard are vital to keeping our nation safe and have worked now for over a month without pay as this shutdown continues. In the House, I supported three bills to prevent or end the shutdown and fully fund DHS. Meanwhile, my Democrat colleagues have voted against each of these commonsense measures to ensure those who keep us safe get paid. It’s long past due for Democrats to compromise on their demands, and fund DHS,” said Moolenaar.
The Department of Homeland Security remains shut down since funding lapsed for the department on February 14. Many DHS agencies are deemed essential, requiring its employees to work without pay for the duration of government shutdowns.
Over 450 TSA agents resigned since the beginning of the shutdown.
H.R. 8029 passed the House of Representatives in a vote of 218 to 206. Only 4 members of the Democrat party supported the legislation.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
WASHINGTON – Tonight, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement after U.S. House Republican leaders prevented a bipartisan bill that would fund the Department of Homeland Security from being voted on after it had been passed in the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent:
“Congress must pay the TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and other public safety agencies while we negotiate commonsense reforms to ICE and CBP in response to their aggressive actions which have hurt, and even killed, American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families. Americans demand accountability and transparency.
“Ignoring these concerns, House Republican leaders repeatedly sent partisan Homeland Security funding bills to the Senate over the past several weeks, all of which were voted down.
“Now, this morning, Senate Democrats and Republicans negotiated a solution to fund Homeland Security which passed by unanimous consent. Even President Trump was signaling that he was supportive of the bill. We could have ended the shutdown today!
“Instead, House Republican leaders, have said the House cannot vote on a bipartisan bill and instead insist on sending yet another bill to the Senate that cannot pass.
“Our federal workers at our airports, disaster assistance, the Coast Guard – and the millions of Americans who rely on them – all hang in the balance. I am confident that if the House could vote on today’s Senate funding bill, the House would pass it and end this chaos.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Lead, where he emphasized that House Republicans are prolonging the painful government shutdown by blocking bipartisan legislation to end the shutdown.
PHIL MATTINGLY: Leader Jeffries, really appreciate your time. Just to start with—the administration moving forward on this executive action to pay TSA agents. Given the pain that they’ve faced, is that something you support, given the fact there doesn’t seem to be any legislative outcome coming soon based on House Republicans?
LEADER JEFFRIES: We called for Donald Trump to do this weeks ago. Donald Trump and Republicans have now shut down the Department of Homeland Security for 42 days. They forced TSA agents to work without pay. They’re inconveniencing millions of Americans and they’re creating chaos at airports all across the land. Donald Trump for weeks claimed he did not have this authority. Of course he did. But what we need to happen right now is for House Republicans to bring bipartisan legislation that was unanimously passed by the Senate to the Floor so we can end this Trump-Republican shutdown today.
PHIL MATTINGLY: Leader Jeffries, one of the questions that I’ve gotten often that I have a difficult time explaining the rationale is, look, ICE is paid right now on the mandatory side. They are funded right now based on the President’s policy proposal that Congress signed into law on Republican-only votes last year. What is the fight? Is this about ICE, or is this purely a negotiating mechanism, a vehicle to get the negotiation that you want on ICE restrictions?
LEADER JEFFRIES: You are correct that ICE has a $75 billion slush fund that was part of the Republican One Big Ugly Bill that was enacted by Republican-only votes last year, where at the same time, they ripped Medicaid away from the American people and stole food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans with a $186 billion cut to nutritional assistance. So there’s a continuing fight about policy priorities. House Democrats believe that taxpayer dollars should be spent to make life more affordable for the American people, not to brutalize and kill American citizens or violently target law-abiding immigrant families. At the same period of time, we want Republicans to stop holding TSA agents and air travelers hostage to their extreme immigration agenda.
PHIL MATTINGLY: Do you believe there is any pathway at this point to actually secure the enforcement-related changes Democrats were pushing for that led to this in the start?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes, because the American people are demanding that immigration enforcement in this country be fair, just and humane. We want to compel ICE to conduct itself like every other cop, police officer and law enforcement agency in the country by enacting changes that are bold, meaningful, dramatic and common-sense at the same period of time. That’s what the American people have demanded Congress do because the American people are rejecting the notion that billions of dollars are being spent to brutalize, target and kill them. That’s not acceptable in this country. It’s one of the reasons why Donald Trump’s policies, his mass deportation, violent, extreme agenda, is so deeply unpopular.
PHIL MATTINGLY: I want to play some sound from Republican Congressman Chip Roy from earlier today. Take a listen.
RECORDING OF REP. CHIP ROY: It is absolutely offensive to the people that we represent that the Senate would send over a bill that doesn’t fund Border Patrol and the core components of ICE. And the fact that they would expect us to take that up and pass it today as they leave town? I mean, could the Senate be any more lazy than to send to us a bill that doesn’t do the job and then leave town?
PHIL MATTINGLY: I do want to preface this with it is a universal view in the House, bipartisan, that they don’t like the Senate all that much, and oftentimes would characterize it, maybe not publicly, as lazy, as you just heard from the Congressman there. My better question is, as a Leader, watching the Speaker and Senate Majority Leader John Thune end up in this position, how does that happen?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, House Republicans continue to fight with Senate Republicans while Democrats are fighting to make life better for the American people. Chip Roy should know that in the One Big Ugly Bill that he supported, $65 billion in a slush fund was given to Customs and Border Patrol. They have more than enough money to continue to do the types of things that they have been charged to do under law. But what shouldn’t be happening is that CBP agents shouldn’t be commandeered by ICE to actually target, violently brutalize or, in some cases, kill the American people. ICE is well-funded, CBP is well-funded, but Republicans have decided that they don’t want to get ICE under control, which is why they have shut down DHS, shut down TSA effectively, shut down FEMA and shut down the Coast Guard so that they can continue to jam their extreme ideology down the throats of the American people.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, D.C.) — On Friday, March 27, 2026, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:
“Once again, Republicans are refusing to pay TSA workers. They reject reasonable compromise and expect unreasonable capitulation. They continue to choose one-party rule over bipartisanship, notwithstanding the fact that the Senate bill does not contain needed reforms which would subject ICE to the same rules other law enforcement agencies follow. I would place the TSA workers (people) above Republican politics and support the Senate compromise bill. This has gone on more than 40 days too long. In solidarity with the struggling TSA workers, I will continue to have my pay withheld until the TSA workers are paid. In addition, I am currently exploring legislation to give the TSA workers a 15% starting salary pay raise to keep the workforce we have and attract new workers. TSA workers have suffered an injustice that we should correct.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)
Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on House Republicans continuing the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
“House Republicans couldn’t take yes for an answer. After the Senate unanimously agreed to a bipartisan funding deal, Speaker Johnson caved to the far right and will continue the Homeland Security shutdown with a pointless vote on a bill that the Senate has rejected multiple times.
“The deal was simple – end the pain for TSA workers and the outrageous security lines at our airports, and fund TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard while we continue to push for the reforms at ICE that the American people are demanding. Democrats are fighting for basic safeguards to protect Americans’ lives and liberties from this rogue agency, including requiring judicial warrants, no more masks, and mandating body cameras.
“The Senate bill is the same offer Democrats put on the table weeks ago and have been working to force a vote on in the House. We should abandon this pointless House Republican proposal and move forward with a vote on the bipartisan funding deal to end this shutdown.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon, Pappas Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Predatory Practices Used by Claim Sharks
Legislation follows NPR reporting on claim sharks using auto-dialers to spam a VA hotline meant for vets
WASHINGTON – Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) andChris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to combat predatory practices used by claim sharks to spam government lines with auto-dialers to collect information about veterans’ benefits.
Consumer protection laws already prohibit the use of auto-dialers from making calls to certain numbers, such as 911 and other emergency lines as well as rooms in hospitals and elderly living facilities. The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act would amend current law by prohibiting auto-dialers from making calls to a telephone number assigned to a federal department or agency.
“Our veterans should never be targeted by bad actors trying to profit off their hard-earned benefits – many at great cost to veterans and their families,” said Rep. Bacon. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act takes a commonsense approach to crack down on predatory practices and protect veterans from exploitation. I’m pleased to join Rep. Pappas in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”
“Unaccredited, for-profit companies are using robocallers and veterans’ personal information to spam VA hotlines about their benefits, identify any increases, and immediately send them a bill for thousands of dollars. It’s outrageous and must be put to a stop,” said Rep. Pappas. “My legislation would prohibit the use of robocallers to spam government lines to shield veterans from this predatory practice. For years I have led the fight against claim sharks breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud veterans, and I won’t stop. I will continue to combat these predatory practices, reign in claim sharks, and safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”
This bipartisan legislation is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The American Legion, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA).
“The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the bipartisan Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act for closing a critical loophole that currently permits predatory actors to use automated ‘robo’ calls to exploit veterans and overwhelm federal benefit hotlines,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi. “This commonsense legislation aligns with our unwavering interest in safeguarding veterans’ personal information, protecting VA claims support, and ensuring veterans remain in control of their earned benefits.”
“As we leverage new technology on behalf of veterans, we must also protect them from bad actors looking to use these same advances to exploit those seeking the benefits they’ve earned through service,” said Lt Gen Brian Kelly, president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act is a strong step forward, one that will make a real difference in the wider fight against claim sharks.”
Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years, a troubling development especially as more veterans receive the benefits they’re owed thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Houston, TX) — On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Congressman Al Green will host Passport Day along with the Houston Small Business Development Corporation. Representatives from the U.S. Department of State will be present to assist constituents with a variety of travel-related services, including passport applications and renewals. Congressman Al Green’s attendance is subject to votes in Washington, D.C.
Appointments are recommended and can be made by registering online here; however, walk-ins are welcome. The event will take place at 5330 Griggs Road, Houston, Texas 77021, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT.
Congressman Al Green stated, “Passport Day provides an important opportunity for constituents to obtain essential identification, not only for travel, but also for unexpected travel emergencies, and as a secondary form of identification. Constituents are encouraged to review the attached flyer to prepare for the event as well as visitTravel.State.Govfor additional details and frequently asked questions.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)
WASHINGTON –Yesterday, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) hosted the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus alongside caucus co-chairs Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), as well as founding members Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20) and John McGuire III (VA-05).
“Human trafficking is a complex and deeply troubling issue, and the launch event for the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus brought together lawmakers, advocates, survivors, and industry leaders committed to confronting this crisis head-on,”said Congressman Valadao.“Hearing directly from those on the front lines reinforces the urgent need for stronger coordination, greater awareness, and federal policy that reflects the reality in our communities. This caucus will serve as a critical platform to elevate those voices, and I look forward to working together to prevent exploitation, prosecute traffickers, and protect survivors.”
Attendees included representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association (AGA), Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), 3Strands Foundation, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, International Justice Mission, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Woodmont Lodging, Hyatt, Hilton, Donohoe Hospitality Services, Rights4Girls, JLL, Xenia Hotels, PM Hotels, and My Place Hotels.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined all House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Democratic members in sending a letter to HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) asking that a public hearing be immediately convened and the Department of Defense be brought in to testify on President Trump’s war against Iran.
In the letter, Garamendi and the HASC Democrats wrote, “We believe the military action against Iran necessitates that the Department of Defense immediately testify, in an open setting, before the House Armed Services Committee.
“We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency from the Trump Administration and the Department of Defense and its failure to keep the Congress and the American people informed. We remain concerned by the ever-shifting strategic and operational objectives of the conflict and lack of clarity regarding the possible use of U.S. ground forces in the region.
“This conflict has already resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and an additional 290 wounded. It has also resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 civilians and has had sweeping impacts on the domestic and global economy. As the stability of the Middle East hangs in the balance, our questions remain unanswered about the costs of this war, including daily operations, lost and damaged equipment, munitions expenditures, and reports that the administration plans to ask Congress for a $200 billion supplemental.
“There is no question that the Iranian regime is guilty of horrific crimes against its own people, conducts destabilization activities throughout the region, and should not be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon. However, our questions remain unanswered about the objectives of this war and the Administration’s strategy.
“Given the complexity and gravity of this conflict, it is imperative that it receive its own hearing, separate and apart from the committee’s posture hearing with the Commander of U.S. Central Command as well as the budget hearing with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Those hearings will not allow the time and attention this issue requires.”
WASHINGTON – On the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) eulogized Emmanuel Damas, a constituent who died in ICE custody after being denied necessary medical care.
Earlier this month, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), wrote to the Trump Administration demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Damas’ death. Mr. Damas is, at least, the tenth person to die in ICE’s custody this year.
A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.
Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Honors Emmanuel Damas, Constituent Who Died in ICE Custody
U.S. House of Representatives
March 26, 2026
Mr. Speaker,
I rise to remember Emmanuel Damas. 56 years old, a father, brother, son, valued community member, and neighbor of the Massachusetts 7th.
Like so many, Emmanuel came to this country seeking safety from the violence, the instability, and the crisis in Haiti, only to be abducted by ICE and transferred far from his family.
Now while in custody, Emmanuel pleaded for necessary medical care for a toothache—a basic human right. He was repeatedly denied medical care.
That toothache became an infection, an infection that resulted in septic shock, as infection took over Emmanuel’s body.
I can only imagine the agony he was in.
Eventually, Emmanuel fell into a coma and he died—a tragic, preventable, shameful death.
Mr. Speaker, this is not an isolated tragedy, but a pattern of cruelty and neglect that is robbing us of lives.
Emmanuel was at least the tenth person to die in ICE custody this year, and his death was entirely preventable.
So while there can never be true justice for Emmanuel—in a just world, he would still be alive and home with his family—there must be accountability.
Today, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and community, and together, we’ll keep pushing for the accountability, transparency and the healing they deserve.