MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Today, House Republicans blocked a motion by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) to subpoena Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding abuses by DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Trump administration. Krishnamoorthi introduced the motion during today’s hearing, citing deadly shootings involving federal immigration agents, the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, and the Department’s repeated refusal to respond to congressional oversight requests.

Following the vote, Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:

“Today, House Republicans chose to shield the Trump administration from accountability as its reckless, militarized immigration operations like Midway Blitz spread fear across communities in the Chicago area and across our country with deadly consequences. Secretary Noem should have been required to answer under oath for a pattern of abuses that includes the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, the unjustified use of force against civilians, and deadly shootings by federal agents. Blocking this subpoena sends a dangerous message that the Trump administration can act with impunity and remain unaccountable for these abuses. I will keep fighting to uncover the truth and hold those responsible to account for these abuses and the lives lost, including those of Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — During a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) moved to subpoena Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing abuses by DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Trump administration and the Department’s failure to comply with congressional oversight. The motion came as Congressman Krishnamoorthi questioned Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about the impact of recent immigration enforcement operations.

During the hearing, Congressman Krishnamoorthi pointed to deadly shootings involving federal immigration agents, including the killings of Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González, as well as detentions of U.S. citizens and the use of force against civilians during enforcement operations. He also noted that he has been denied entry to ICE facilities in Illinois and that Secretary Noem has failed to respond substantively to more than a dozen oversight letters from his office.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi highlighted the individuals and families affected by DHS enforcement actions before formally moving to subpoena the Secretary:

“Secretary Noem must answer for her wrongdoing. For Jaime, my State of the Union guest, who raises his little sister after his father was coerced into self-deportation. For Chicagoan Marimar Martinez, who was shot five times. For my constituent Evelyn, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen who was wrongfully detained by ICE. For Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas González, and all the other victims of ICE and CBP. For the American people. It’s for all those reasons that, Mr. Chairman, pursuant to clause 2(k)(6) of House Rule XI, I move to subpoena Secretary Kristi Noem to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”

The motion is being held in abeyance until the end of the hearing when it will receive a vote.

Footage of Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s remarks is available here.

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) today led 182 colleagues in both houses of Congress in reintroducing the DISCLOSE Act, legislation to end the scourge of dark money in our democracy, shine a bright light of transparency on politics, and make government more accountable to the will of voters. The bill is sponsored by all 47 senators who caucus with Democrats, and 139 Democrats in the House. 

“Trust in our government is nearing historic lows, and we need to take action to bring greater transparency to our elections and restore Americans’ faith that their voices will be heard in our democracy,” said Congressman Pappas. “The DISCLOSE Act would stop billionaires and corporate special interests from secretly buying our elections by requiring dark money groups to disclose who their donors are and shining a light on payments made to social media influencers to promote or attack candidates. It is critical that we pass this legislation to put the power of our democracy back in the hands of the people.”

 “The Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision opened the floodgates to billions in dark money slime, fouling American politics ever since. The Court’s decision, which was based on egregiously false facts, corrupted our political process by allowing billionaires and the wealthiest corporations to spend unlimited money in elections while hiding from public view,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We need to pass the DISCLOSE Act to make government respond to ordinary Americans, not creepy billionaires. It’s time we shut the dark money floodgates.”

“The Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling flooded our elections with dark money, allowing billionaires to spend unlimited sums without accountability, oversight or disclosure,” said Rep. Raskin. “The DISCLOSE Act would unmask the anonymous billionaire donors dominating our elections and expose foreign influence, at least putting more power and information back into the hands of the American people.  I’m grateful to my colleagues Senator Whitehouse and Rep. Pappas for leading this important effort alongside me.”

“I’m grateful to Congressman Pappas for leading this important effort to root out dark money and corruption in our elections,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle. “The American people deserve to know who is trying to influence their vote, and we cannot allow wealthy hidden interests to drown out their voices.”

Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, secret spending in U.S. elections by corporations, ultra-rich ideological extremists, and secretive front groups has exploded. These dark-money expenditures that corrupt our politics increased from less than $5 million in 2006 to more than $300 million in the 2012 election cycle, and topped $1.9 billion in 2024, shattering the previous record of $1 billion in 2020.  

The DISCLOSE Act would restore transparency in American elections and restore fairness and accountability in our political system by:

• Requiring super PACs, 501(c)(4) “dark money” groups, corporations, and other organizations spending more than $10,000 in elections and on judicial nominations to promptly disclose donors who contribute more than $10,000;
• Shutting down the use of transfers between organizations to cloak the identity of the original contributor.
• Strengthening prohibitions against foreign actors participating in election spending in the United States, including in state and local referenda;
• Prohibiting the establishment of corporations to conceal election contributions and donations by foreign actors;
• Expanding “stand by your ad” disclosure requirements to online ads and ads that may promote or attack a candidate but stop short of expressly advocating for a vote for or against a candidate; and
• Requiring identification of top funders of outside groups paying for video, text, or audio political ads.

The bill has been adapted to the modern political ecosystem. The DISCLOSE Act of 2026 would:

1. Capture payments made to social media influencers to promote or oppose a candidate as political spending that must be disclosed and disclaimed;
2. Narrow and specify what constitutes threats and harassment to qualify for an exemption to disclosure, and put commonsense guardrails on the process to grant such exemptions; and
3. Allow more flexibility for disclaimers for short political ads instead of limiting it to hyperlinks.

Several prominent good-government organizations cheered the bill’s reintroduction today, including Campaign Legal Center, Democracy Defenders Action, Public Citizen, Democracy21, End Citizens United, Common Cause, Center for American Progress, and the Brennan Center.

“Americans deserve to know who is spending money to influence their elections. Every cycle, billions of dollars move through our political system with little to no transparency, allowing billionaires and powerful special interests to influence and shape election outcomes while working families are left in the dark about who’s behind the campaigns,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “The DISCLOSE Act is a commonsense step to bring sunlight back into our elections and restore accountability. We thank Senator Whitehouse and Representatives Pappas and Raskin for their continued leadership to increase transparency and integrity in our elections, and we look forward to working alongside them to build the momentum necessary to get this bill passed.”

“Our campaign finance system is failing voters, in no small part due to the torrents of anonymous spending aimed at influencing their decisions during election season,” said Trevor Potter, President of Campaign Legal Center and former Republican Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. “As the amount of secret spending increases, the need for Congress to pass the DISCLOSE Act becomes ever more urgent. Dark money denies voters critically important information about the sources of election spending, while also leaving our elections vulnerable to corruption and foreign influence. It is beyond time for Congress to come together on a bipartisan basis and pass this commonsense legislation.”

“All Americans deserve to know who is trying to influence their voices and their votes. However, when hundreds of millions of dollars in secret political money are spent on elections, Americans are too often left in the dark,” said Amb. Norman Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board chair of Democracy Defenders Action. “We commend the leadership of Senator Whitehouse and Representatives Pappas and Raskin for introducing the DISCLOSE Act, which will close loopholes that have been exploited by foreign governments and dark money groups. Democracy Defenders Action urges Congress to immediately pass this important legislation to shine a light on secret, special interest and foreign money so all Americans can get the transparency they deserve.”

“We applaud Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for the powerful national leadership he has provided to protect the American people from the flow of corrupting secret, or dark, money in the nation’s capital. Unlimited dark money contributions, spent to influence elections and officeholders, are among the most dangerous money in American politics. The absence of disclosure of this money means there is no way to hold accountable influence-buying billionaires and millionaires and influence-selling officeholders. The DISCLOSE act is the key to lifting this shroud of secrecy,” said Fred Wertheimer, President of Democracy 21.

“Full disclosure of money in politics is a principle that has overwhelming support among the American public. DISCLOSE 2026 would fulfill the public’s demand for this transparency. Yet a significant portion of Congress continues to deny the public an open record of who is paying for what in American elections. This is particularly galling given the increasing wave of dark money flooding into our elections since the disastrous Citizens United decision. Public Citizen applauds all those who back the relentless efforts by Sen. Whitehouse and Reps. Pappas and Raskin and others to provide the transparency of money in politics so demanded by the American public,” said Craig Holman of Public Citizen.

A summary of the DISCLOSE Act of 2026 can be found here. The House bill text can be found here, and the Senate bill text can be found here.

Background: 

Rep. Pappas has been an original cosponsor of the DISCLOSE Act since he came to Congress. He led efforts to pass the DISCLOSE Act in the 118th Congress following the retirement of Rep. David Cicilline. 

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) first introduced the DISCLOSE Act in the wake of Citizens United in 2010, and Sen. Whitehouse has led the introduction of the legislation in every subsequent Congress. Sen. Whitehouse led efforts in the Senate to pass the DISCLOSE Act in September 2022, January 2022 and July 2012; every member of the Republican Caucus in attendance voted to protect dark money, and all members of the Democratic Caucus in attendance voted to be rid of it. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, questioned Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano about his efforts to improve the IRS Free File program.  
 
During the hearing, Smith highlighted his efforts to end the Biden Administration’s burdensome Direct File program which was launched without proper Congressional approval.

Click the image above to watch a video of Congressman Smith’s questioning
Click here to download audio
Click here to download video

On Ending Biden’s Burdensome Direct File Program:  
 
Smith: And it makes me think about various federal workers who work hard to do the right thing, and the bureaucracy stands in the way. I think we should pay very close attention to hearing the messages that can oftentimes come from a federal worker who is suggesting a better way of doing things.  
 
And that’s why a categorical, call it an earmark of $80 billion, that would have added more employees, that would actually squeeze a lot of dollars, sometimes even without authorization, out of the middle class, with more audits. At the same time, when I think there’s common agreement that we want taxpayers to have better access to better service, and when the bureaucracy stands in the way, we should be concerned.  
 
I’m glad to have led the effort to put an end to the Direct File Pilot Program, supposed pilot program. This program was launched without clear statutory authorization. It overran projected costs and created a concerning conflict of interest by placing the IRS in the role of both tax preparer and tax enforcer.  
 
We saw troubling indicators that the program was not serving taxpayers as intended. For example, individuals who use Direct File receive refunds that average roughly $1,600 below the national average. We’ve even seen recently, some Democrats acknowledge that the Biden Administration launched Direct File without the authorization of Congress that we know was required. I was proud to lead the effort to put an end to the pilot program, and I certainly appreciate your team’s work in helping bring that chapter to a close.  
 

On Utilizing the Free File Program:

Smith: Now, moving forward, we know that to Free File, for example, is an option for the American people. That is an important distinction to make between Free File and the Direct File. A previous Direct File, as inefficient as it was. But looking at Free File, I’m wondering if you can reflect a little bit how you view taxpayers having access to the Free File program and what changes to various options you might suggest or are pursuing to expand eligibility or make these Free File programs easier for taxpayers.  
 
Bisignano: Free File is used, it’s well received. I think what I’m hearing across the board I asked the question this morning to the National Taxpayer Advocate, who actually, you know, publishes a report at tax season. And asked a very direct question, “How do you characterize many of the elements working right now?”
 
And the National Taxpayer Advocate, who does not report to me, said it’s going smoothly across the board. The outliers will obviously show up in other people’s offices, and that’s why we’re here to help them through it. And when I talked to the head of taxpayer services, he talked about the Free File, its utilization, its use, and more importantly, the amount of trust the American public has in the IRS and their ability to do the right thing for the American public.  
 
We may talk about difficult situations, but by and large, the American public does trust IRS in their matters, by and large and Free File and the elimination of Direct File fall in that category, sir.  
 
Smith: Well, thank you. I think, you know, millions of Americans would concur that your work is important, that collecting what is due is important, and that with today’s technology we should be able to see a future where taxpayers have more ease in paying their taxes across the board.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO ーCongressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s attack on Iran:

“A U.S. president is once again sending other people’s children to die for a regime change fantasy built on lies – with devastating, destabilizing effects for all involved. Congress must immediately reconvene to vote against this illegal war with Iran.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) reintroduced the “Save Medicare Act.” This bill renames so-called “Medicare Advantage” plans, prohibits private insurers from using “Medicare” in plan titles or advertisements, and imposes significant fines for any insurer that engages in this deceptive practice.  

Many cable news watchers get inundated with commercials for private healthcare plans during the open enrollment period. Because of that, Reps. Pocan, Khanna, and Schakowsky previously filmed a video explaining why Medicare Advantage is not Medicare. 

“Only Medicare is Medicare. It is one of the most popular and essential services the government provides,” Congressman Pocan said. “Private, so-called ‘Medicare’ plans run by private insurers undermine traditional Medicare and create confusion. They often leave patients without the benefits they need while overcharging the federal government for corporate profit. This bill makes clear what is – and what is not – Medicare, and ensures this essential program will continue to serve seniors and other Americans for generations to come.”

“It’s time to be honest about Medicare Advantage,” said Congressman Ro Khanna. “It’s a private insurance program that too often boosts profits by limiting coverage, while the name itself misleads seniors into thinking it’s traditional Medicare. That’s wrong. This legislation will stop private insurers from cashing in on the Medicare name. We should be working to protect and expand real Medicare instead.”

“Let’s be clear: Medicare Advantage is not Medicare. These private insurance plans use Medicare’s trusted name while too often denying medically necessary care, restricting providers, and overcharging taxpayers by billions. That is unacceptable. We have seen insurers exploit the system to boost profits at the expense of seniors,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “This crucial legislation will end deceptive marketing and ensure beneficiaries understand the difference between Traditional Medicare and private insurance plans. Seniors deserve transparency, accountability, and the full benefits they have earned.”

The “Save Medicare Act” will eliminate the confusion private insurers have relied upon for years to enroll unsuspecting seniors, and restore true Medicare as the primary health plan older Americans rely on. 

Co-sponsors include: Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Grace Meng (NY-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)

Endorsing organizations include: Center for Health and Democracy, Just Care USA, Social Security Works, Physicians for a National Health Program

Click here to read the text of the legislation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing entitled “Ready for Reuse: Legislative Proposals to Unleash the Potential of America’s Brownfields Sites.” The Subcommittee considered numerous draft legislative proposals to reauthorize, improve and implement the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program. The proposals included:

• Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act
• Brownfields Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
• Brownfields Inventory and Permitting Efficiency Act
• Brownfields Reauthorization for an Affordable and Revitalized America Act

Congressman Griffith continues to voice his support for the Brownfields Program, which delivers millions of dollars to Southwest Virginia communities to help with potential economic development projects. 

Congressman Griffith’s remarks during the hearing can be found here.

Following the hearing, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The EPA Brownfields Program has the power to transform polluted sites into new hubs for economic activity, including sites in Virginia’s Ninth District.

“Today’s hearing considered various policy ideas that will support the Brownfields Program. I am committed to working with other Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee on these proposals to ensure Ninth District communities have greater access to a vital federal cleanup program.”

BACKGROUND

In 2025, Congressman Griffith announced that LENOWISCO Planning District Commission received multiple Brownfield-related grants from the EPA. That funding supported community-wide assessments of local brownfields.

Since 2019, other Ninth District communities to receive Brownfields Program funding include Pennington Gap in Lee County, Dublin and Pulaski in Pulaski County, Bluefield in Tazewell County, Martinsville City and Bristol City. Data available here.

Before his July 2025 appointment as Health Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Griffith chaired the Subcommittee on Environment.

In March of 2025, Congressman Griffith chaired a hearing on the EPA’s Brownfields Program. Scott County Native and LENOWISCO Planning District Commission Executive Director Duane Miller testified to the panel and discussed the Program’s importance to Southwest Virginia communities.

LENOWISCO Planning District Commission serves the Counties of Lee, Wise and Scott and the City of Norton.

The Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields.

A brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

Brownfield Assessment grants provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments and community outreach.

According to the EPA, Assessment Coalition grants are designed for one “lead” eligible entity to partner with two to four eligible entities that do not have the capacity to apply for and manage their own EPA cooperative agreement and otherwise would not have access to Brownfields grant resources.

Congressman Griffith’s e-newsletter on the Program can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Medical Records Access Fairness Act, which would require health care providers to give patients access to their medical records at no cost at least once per year. 

Medical records fees that doctor’s offices charge patients can often be a financial burden. If a patient is unable to pay for copies of their own medical records, it can delay or prevent care. According to a 2018 study from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, patients who have long medical histories can incur costs of thousands of dollars on medical record copies, which are often charged per page and per recipient. The study also describes a situation in which one patient was charged over $100 for an electronic copy.

“Quality health care hinges on doctors having all of the necessary information about their patient’s case, but costly medical records can make this impossible,” said Rep. Foster. “Too often, the fees charged to access these records amount to thousands of dollars, which is especially burdensome for patients with chronic diseases and complex medical histories. This bill would give patients easier access to their medical records, removing an unreasonable financial burden and improving the health and well-being of many Americans.”

The Medical Records Access Fairness Act is cosponsored by Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and is endorsed by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. 

A copy of the bill can be found here. 

 

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

DEMOCRATS’ DHS SHUTDOWN: BY THE NUMBERS

“It is inexcusable that Democrats continue to shut down the American government over and over, hurting American citizens and jeopardizing the security of our homeland — on purpose — to protect illegal aliens.” – Speaker Johnson