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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Service Organization Caucus, introduced a resolution to designate the week of September 6 through September 12 as Celebrate Community Week and recognize the efforts of local service organizations across the country.

The resolution specifically applauds Kiwanis International, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International for encouraging and promoting community service and humanitarian assistance through their local chapters.

“Local service organizations bring people together to serve working families, strengthen communities, and make a meaningful difference in CA-19 and across the country,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan resolution recognizing Celebrate Community Week honors the countless volunteers who roll up their sleeves, give their time and talents, and step up in service to others. Their commitment to civic engagement, civic responsibility, and community service reflects the very best of our country.”

“Volunteerism is fundamental to healthy communities and an important aspect of our country’s shared values,” said Rep. Thompson. “I am grateful for community service organizations; the work they do provides opportunities to support our neighbors in need.”

“Kiwanis International and its fellow service organizations are dedicated to supporting communities in the United States and around the world,” said Kiwanis International President Michael Mulhaul. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on the Celebrate Community initiative and create meaningful change.”

“Volunteering with service organizations like Rotary gives people the chance to make a bigger impact by working with others, while also growing personally,” said Rotary International President Yinka Babalola. “Celebrate Community Week is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the contributions service organizations make both locally and globally, and the friendships people build along the way as they work toward common goals.”

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Richard Neal, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means today issued the following statement after Republican leadership scheduled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia And Iran Act for a vote in the House next week:

“House Democrats are rock solid in our support for Ukraine, but the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia And Iran Act would do more harm than good. This bill would dramatically expand presidential tariff authorities while failing to mandate sanctions on Russia, both of which are unacceptable. These flaws would raise Americans’ prices while undermining support for Ukraine in the long term.

“We continue to seek bicameral, bipartisan negotiations to craft a bill that can win strong support in both chambers and deliver on our promise to Ukraine. In the meantime, the President has ample authority to expand sanctions on those fueling Russia’s war machine, including those targeted by this bill, and we renew our call on him to do so without further delay.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota congressional delegation, released the following statement reflecting on the 25^th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Congresswoman, who was in Washington that day, is the only member of Minnesota’s 2001 delegation still serving today.

“September 11, 2001:  A beautiful blue morning sky being shattered by the horror of two airplanes steered into the World Trade Center towers. Evacuating with my staff from my Longworth House office building. Black smoke rising from the Pentagon across the Potomac River.  Seeing a fourth plane crashed into a Pennsylvania field. Along with you, these tragic images are seared in my memory, despite the passage of 25 years. 

These scenes have become part of the American psyche, even for those who were not yet born to witness them firsthand. They still fill us with fear, anger, grief, and sadness. In a moment, nearly 3,000 Americans’ lives were ripped away from us. Loved ones who were left behind have endured 25 years without grandfathers, mothers, husbands, sisters, and sons. The pain of their loss does not go away. 

Today as a nation, we once again come together to mourn with the families. We remember the steadfast flight attendants, resolute pilots, and selfless passengers, including our fellow Minnesotan, Tom Burnett Jr., who helped lead the effort to retake the cockpit of United Flight 93 from hijackers, and prevented it from hitting its intended target in Washington, D.C.

 And of course, we will never forget the courageous First Responders rushed toward toppling buildings, who risked their lives in hope of saving others. We remember the thousands who have faced illness and death from exposure to toxic dust and smoke during the months of recovery. We still feel the loss, the very sad sense of tragedy and hurt that touched us all. For all of us, September 11, 2001 remains a day that changed us and changed our country.

But let us not forget the spirit of unity that was forged in those ashes. We put aside differences and came together as Americans — far more powerful, resilient, and righteous than the perpetrators of the attack. Our nation emerged stronger.

The anniversary of September 11, 2001 is now a National Day of Service and Remembrance. We come together to give back to our communities across America. This year, volunteers in Saint Paul and cities across the country to help pack 18,000,000 meals that will feed Americans who depend on food assistance.

The 25th anniversary falls during the 250th year of our American journey. From the beginning, America has been tested by events and adversaries, both foreign and domestic. The future of our country is up to each of us. Our nation endures because of the power of individuals uniting to create a more perfect union.  

During the long, difficult years since that beautiful, terrible morning, the most important lesson I can draw upon is the profound blessing I feel to be an American and to share this country, our values, and our freedoms with my fellow citizens. There are no guarantees that our future will be free from challenges. But if we continue to build from the unity we shared after 9/11, our nation will not only endure, we will be stronger.”  

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

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — On September 3rd, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) hosted his sixth Telephone Town Hall of the year, bringing together over 3,000 constituents from across California’s 32nd Congressional District for a wide-ranging discussion on the most pressing issues facing the community and the country.

The Town Hall featured California State Senator Ben Allen, who joined Sherman to discuss issues affecting Californians at the state and local level and answer questions directly from constituents.

“These Town Halls give me an opportunity to hear directly from the people I represent, answer their questions, and make sure they know what is happening in Washington and how it affects their families and our community,” said Congressman Sherman. “I’m grateful to everyone who joined us and to Senator Ben Allen for helping provide a perspective from Sacramento. At a time of tremendous uncertainty at home and abroad, maintaining this direct dialogue with constituents is more important than ever.”

During the event, Sherman provided an update on the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, which has now stretched into its seventh month amid renewed hostilities in the region. Sherman discussed the continued risks to American servicemembers, the economic consequences of the conflict, including higher energy prices, and the need for Congress to exercise its constitutional responsibilities over matters of war and peace.

Sherman also discussed his concerns regarding the Trump Administration’s proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. After reviewing the agreement submitted to Congress, Sherman warned that it fails to include critical nonproliferation safeguards and could ultimately pave the way for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons. Sherman emphasized that preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East must remain a bipartisan national security priority.

In addition, Sherman addressed the continued economic pressures facing families throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles, including the cost of housing, groceries, gasoline, and other everyday necessities. He discussed his efforts in Congress to lower costs for consumers and protect Social Security, Medicare, and other programs relied upon by working families and seniors.

California State Senator Ben Allen provided an update on issues before the California Legislature and discussed efforts in Sacramento to address challenges facing communities throughout Southern California. Allen and Sherman also highlighted the importance of coordination between state and federal officials in delivering resources and addressing the concerns of shared constituents.

Constituents raised questions on a broad range of issues, including the war with Iran and U.S. foreign policy, the cost of living, housing affordability, immigration enforcement, health care, and protecting democratic institutions. Sherman and Allen responded directly to questions and discussed their respective efforts at the federal and state levels to address these concerns.

Participants also had the opportunity to respond to interactive survey questions and share their views on several of the major issues discussed during the Town Hall.

The results of the survey questions are as follows:

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Who deserves more of the blame for America’s affordability crisis?

-President Biden and Democrats: 9%

-Trump and Congressional Republicans: 81% 

-Both equally: 7%

-Unsure: 3%

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Do you support Trump’s tariffs on Canada? 

-Yes: 8%

-No: 90%

-Unsure: 2%

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Do you believe the U.S. has a responsibility to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s invasion?

-Yes: 75%

-No: 25%

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), along with nearly 100 other members of Congress, in demanding that Postmaster General David Steiner halt implementation of a new U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule carrying out President Trump’s executive order restricting mail ballot delivery. The lawmakers warned that the rule could throw the nation’s election system into uncertainty and chaos just weeks before states begin sending mail-in ballots to millions of Americans. The rule would require USPS employees to cross-reference mail ballots against voter information supplied by states, effectively asking postal workers to act as election judges. 

“The evidence is clear: Voting by mail is safe, effective, and helps to ensure everyone is able to execute their constitutional right to vote,” wrote the lawmakers. “USPS has played an essential role in elections for generations – and it is our fear that this final rule risks harming the democratic process and severely damaging USPS’s relationship with the millions of Americans who rely on USPS to deliver ballots every election cycle.” 

The lawmakers pointed to USPS’s longstanding record of successfully delivering election mail and the extremely low incidence of mail-voting fraud. During the 2024 election cycle, USPS delivered 99.22 million ballots, including ballots for servicemembers overseas, and delivered 99.88% of election mail within seven days. A 2025 Brookings Institution study cited in the letter found an average of just four cases of voter fraud for every 10 million mail-in votes cast. 

The letter also raises serious questions about USPS’s compliance with court orders governing the Administration’s mail-ballot policy. An anonymous whistleblower alleged that USPS resumed development of its Federal Ballot Mail Portal around July 29 while an injunction remained in effect and that work continued even after an August 27 temporary restraining order barred further preparatory steps. The lawmakers wrote that those allegations are difficult to square with USPS’s representation that it would take no action to implement the rule while the injunctions remained in place. 

“This rule is a solution in search of a problem,” continued the lawmakers. “For these reasons, we respectfully ask that you halt the implementation of this final rule.” 

Rep. Panetta and his colleagues demanded answers from Postmaster General Steiner, including whether USPS conducted a financial analysis of the rule, whether development of the Federal Ballot Mail Portal continued while court orders were in effect, whether USPS coordinated with the White House in developing the rule, how many postal employees would participate in ballot verification, and how USPS plans to handle ballots in states that have already printed envelopes that do not comply with the new requirements. 

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Postmaster General Steiner:

We write to express our grave concerns with the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Final Rule entitled “Ballot Mail For Federal Elections” issued on August 21, 2026. If implemented, this rule would throw our nation’s entire election system into a state of uncertainty and chaos just weeks before states begin sending mail-in ballots to millions of voters. The implementation of this rule would also further undermine public trust in the USPS’s ability to deliver election mail to the tens of millions of Americans who utilize the Postal Service to cast their ballot every election cycle.

As you know, during the 2024 election cycle USPS delivered 99.22 million ballots for Americans from every corner of the country as well as our servicemen and women serving our nation overseas. USPS delivered 99.88% of election mail within seven days of being sent, and 97.73% within three days, with the average time to deliver ballots from voters to election officials being 1 day. USPS was similarly effective in delivering mail-in ballots during the 2022 midterm and 2020 general election and has been relied on to deliver absentee ballots since the Civil War.

Voter fraud through vote-by-mail is incredibly rare. In 2025, the nonpartisan Brookings Institution found that there are on average four cases of voter fraud for every 10 million mail-in votes, comprising about 0.000043% of total mail-in votes cast. Contrary to claims by President Trump and his allies that mail-in voting encourages fraud, Brookings found that universal vote-by-mail states had the lowest percentage of election mail fraud.

The evidence is clear: voting by mail is safe, effective, and helps to ensure everyone is able to execute their constitutional right to vote. USPS has played an essential role in elections for generations – and it is our fear that this final rule risks harming the democratic process and severely damaging USPS’s relationship with the millions of Americans who rely on USPS to deliver ballots every election cycle.

This administration’s actions appear to be a misguided effort to correct a problem that does not exist. As mentioned above, every neutral and nonpartisan study on vote-by-mail shows that there has never been systemic fraud associated with voting by mail. However, the primary comments in support of the rule discussed “voter fraud as a significant problem and lauded the proposed rule for helping to restore voters’ confidence in election integrity.” We believe that it is telling that the primary supporters of the rule are arguing in its favor almost exclusively on the grounds that it would help eliminate an exceedingly rare problem.

Furthermore, these concerns are compounded by questions about USPS’s candor with Congress and the courts. At the June 24, 2026 Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, you reiterated that USPS would comply with any court orders governing mail-in voting. Yet an anonymous whistleblower disclosure submitted to Senator Blumenthal describes a different pattern: after USPS halted work on the Federal Ballot Mail Portal following the June 25, 2026 injunction, the whistleblower alleges USPS ordered development to resume around July 29, 2026 — while that injunction remained in effect — and that work continued even after the August 27, 2026 Temporary Restraining Order again barred USPS from taking further preparatory steps. This is difficult to square with USPS’s own representation in the Final Rule that it would take no action to implement the rule while the injunctions remained in place.

Although we believe that this rule is unconstitutional and illegal, we also have grave concerns with how this rule would be implemented given the extremely short time frame before election mail is sent by states and voters. Under this rule, USPS would be asking its employees – many of whom are already overworked and understaffed – to essentially act as election judges by and cross-referencing mail-in ballots with lists provided by states. It is irresponsible to impose these additional and undefined responsibilities that would be outside the normal expectations of a USPS employee.

Given the Postal Service’s current financial crisis – which you are asking for support from Congress to solve – and subpar on-time delivery rates, it does not make sense to dedicate limited USPS resources to implement this rule, especially when USPS’s existing election mail procedures have proved to be extremely effective. This rule is a solution in search of a problem. For these reasons, we respectfully ask that you halt the implementation of this final rule.

We also ask that you respond to the following questions no later than Thursday September 10, 2026:

1. Has the USPS commissioned or completed a comprehensive financial analysis on the implementation costs of this rule? If so, please provide it to Congress.

2. Did USPS continue development of the Federal Ballot Mail Portal or related IT systems at any time while a court order enjoining implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399 was in effect? If so, please provide the specific dates on which that work occurred and the legal rationale for continuing it while the injunction remained in place.

3. How could USPS represent—both publicly and in the Final Rule itself—that it would take no steps to implement the rule while the relevant injunctions remained in effect, when development work apparently continued during that same period?

4. Prior to issuing this rule, did anyone at USPS coordinate with or seek input from the White House about the contents of the rule? If so, in what form was input requested and please identify all White House political appointees and officials who were consulted?

5. Prior to issuing this rule, did anyone at USPS coordinate with or seek input from local and state election officials about the contents of the rule, specifically surrounding implementation?

6. How many USPS employees are expected to participate in the ballot verification process, and how will USPS fund additional training for employees without disrupting existing mail operations?

7. Given that multiple states begin mailing absentee ballots in a matter of days, under this rule, how does the Postal Service intend to deliver ballots in states that have already printed envelopes for the 2026 general election that do not comply with the envelope design standards required under the final rule?

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement on the 25^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks:

“Twenty-five years ago today, I watched in disbelief with the rest of the nation as two planes struck the Twin Towers and our nation came under attack. Later, from my office in the Capitol, I watched smoke rise from the Pentagon. I remember the fear and chaos of that day, but also the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that followed.

“I remember standing on the Capitol steps with my colleagues singing ‘God Bless America.’ I remember learning about the heroes on Flight 93. I remember our Solidarity March down Devon Avenue, where more than 100 people walked arm in arm, carrying American flags and declaring that we would not let this tragedy divide us.

“Let us honor and mourn the thousands of lives we lost that horrific day, and all those we have since lost to 9/11-related injuries and illnesses.

“We may come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures, but we all call this country home. Twenty-five years later, let us remember that unity is what carries us through our darkest days.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, 2001:

“On Patriot Day, we honor the 2,977 individuals whose lives were taken in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember the passengers and crew on hijacked flights, the office workers in New York, the dedicated personnel at the Pentagon, and our selfless firefighters, police officers, and first responders who rushed into danger. That dark day changed our nation and world forever, and from the ashes our nation came together with collective resilience, courage, and patriotism to heal and respond, including the thousands of Americans who answered the call of duty.

“It is a responsibility we all share to never forget the horrors of that dark day, honor those lost, and unite our country around our shared ideals of freedom, security, and liberty.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001: 

“September 11, 2001, is a day forever etched into the history of our nation. For those of us who lived through that day, the images and emotions remain as vivid as they were 25 years ago. We watched as our country was attacked, innocent lives were taken, and families received news that would change their lives forever. 2,977 of our fellow Americans never had the opportunity to return home that day.

“But September 11 is also a day that reminds us of the extraordinary courage and strength of the American people. First responders ran into the burning buildings to save others. Ordinary Americans aboard Flight 93 made the ultimate sacrifice to stop the terrorists from causing even greater destruction. In the days that followed, Americans came together to support one another and demonstrated a patriotism and unity that will forever be a part of our nation’s story.

“On this 25th anniversary, we remember the lives lost and the families who continue to carry their absence. We honor the first responders, survivors, recovery workers, members of our military, and all those who answered the call in the aftermath of that terrible day. And as another generation grows up without personal memories of September 11, we must continue to tell their stories and teach the lessons of that day. May we always remember the lives we lost, the heroes who emerged, and the strength of a nation that refused to be broken. We will never forget.”

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

We Will Not Forget

Washington, D.C. (September 11, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), issued the following statement in rememberance of the 25th Anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001.

“President Ronald Reagan warned, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” On September 11, 2001, that warning was realized by a new generation of Americans. A generation who had not experienced such a direct threat to our freedoms but had learned from a previous generation of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. And, just like that generation, we too were saddened, grief-stricken, scared, and angry.

“As the previous generation of Americans responded to the attacks in 1941, this new generation also experienced a surge in patriotism, nationalism, and prayer. We stood in lines at recruiting stations eager to answer our nation’s call and filled our church pews as we petitioned God to comfort our aching hearts and heal our wounded country. As always, God answered those prayers; and over time, our nation began to heal. But, as with any wound, the healing from this tragedy left many scars; however, scar tissue is thicker, harder, and tougher than the original tissue it replaces; and ultimately America became stronger and mightier as a nation.

“Two-and-half-decades have now passed since the attacks in 2001, and a new generation of Americans are now poised to lead our nation. However, as Reagan further admonished, this freedom is not naturally inherited by our children, it must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

“It is for this reason that today we remember those whose innocent lives were stripped away by a cowardly and ruthless enemy. We honor those who willingly gave their lives trying to save others. We thank those who have fought to ensure our freedoms can be passed on to the next generation.

“We must also heed the call of President Abraham Lincoln, ‘…that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth’, otherwise our children’s only experience with freedom will begin with the words, ‘Once upon a time…’”

Congressman Barry Loudermilk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) attended the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Memorial Stair Climb in Evans, Georgia. Following the event, Congressman Allen issued the statement below:

“On this day 25 years ago, evil breached our shores and our nation would be forever changed. Thousands of Americans said goodbye to their loved ones not knowing it would be their last. Today, we remember the lives of those who died on September 11, 2001 from terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, on United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in rural Pennsylvania, and the first responders who charged toward the chaos as others fled to safety. 

“I was honored to join the community in Columbia County this morning to remember those we lost on that heart-wrenching day which is forever etched in history. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and all of those impacted on September 11, 2001.”

Congressman Allen attends 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Memorial Stair Climb in Evans