Valadao, California Republican Congressional Delegation Issue Joint Statement on Dangers of Ongoing DHS Shutdown

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined the California Republican Congressional Delegation in issuing the following statement on the dangers of the ongoing partial shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Regrettably, this critical funding has not passed the Senate, putting our safety and security at risk. As members of the California congressional delegation, we are committed to protecting the homeland and the American people. Public safety should never be used as a bargaining chip.

“Today, we face a heightened threat landscape as our great nation counters the imminent danger posed by the Iranian regime. Now more than ever, it is critical to ensure our nation’s largest law enforcement agency is fully operational and has the resources needed to neutralize any potential threats. The security of our homeland is not a partisan game. Our cybersecurity operations are weakened, critical intelligence sharing is disrupted, and over 250,000 public servants supporting our national security are being forced to go without pay – including our TSA agents who work every day to prevent terror attacks.

“In our own backyard, California is preparing to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, followed by the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The safety and success of these global events hinge on DHS’ ability to maintain mission readiness. The longer this partial shutdown continues, the weaker our ability to prepare for these events becomes. To delay any longer is to risk the lives of countless Californians and millions of international visitors alike.

“Tomorrow, the House is expected to vote once again on DHS funding. Both sides of the aisle must come together in the spirit of responsible governance. In the strongest possible terms, we urge our Democrat colleagues to join us in voting to reopen DHS so it has the resources necessary to fulfill its mission and safeguard American communities.”

Congressman David Valadao, CA-22

Congressman Vince Fong, CA-20

Congressman Ken Calvert, CA-41

Congressman Darrell Issa, CA-48

Congressman Kevin Kiley, CA-03

Congresswoman Young Kim, CA-40

Congressman Tom McClintock, CA-05

Congressman Jay Obernolte, CA-23

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Babin Statement on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Babin Statement on Iran

Washington, February 28, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36) released a statement on Operation Epic Fury.

“President Trump is taking decisive action against the terrorist regime in Iran, a regime that has destabilized the Middle East, threatened our allies, and targeted Americans for nearly half a century. The era of appeasement is over. The day of accountability has arrived. For too long, Iran’s leaders have spread chaos beyond their borders while denying their own people freedom. President Trump is making clear that the United States will not tolerate nuclear ambitions nor terror proxies. America First means protecting our citizens, defending our allies, and ensuring that no hostile regime ever believes it can challenge us without consequence. I am praying for the brave men and women in uniform who are putting their lives on the line to secure the blessings of liberty for our children and grandchildren. Their courage safeguards our homeland. America stands strong. America stands resolute. And America will always defend freedom.”

Kelly: Working Families Tax Cuts are saving money for hardworking Americans, increasing productivity in the workforce

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a Ways & Means Committee hearing with IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, championed the Working Families Tax Cuts “No Tax on Overtime” provision which Kelly said is saving workers’ money and leading to increased productivity.

Welders, linemen, factory workers, and other employees earning overtime could see their taxes cut by $1,400, according to Ways & Means Committee estimates.

“The savings in this legislation are an incredible boost for the morale of the American people,” said Rep. Kelly. “Americans want to work overtime now because they get to keep the money. They don’t have to pay it to the government. They get to keep it with their families.”

You can find Kelly’s full remarks here.

Fast Facts: Working Families Tax Cuts

  • No Tax on Tips: Waitresses, barbers, bellhops, and other tipped professions could see their taxes cut $1,300.
  • No Tax on Overtime: Welders, linemen, factory workers, and workers earning overtime could see their taxes cut $1,400.
  • No Tax on Social Security: 88% of seniors receiving Social Security benefits will pay no tax on their benefits under the WFTC. $6,000 deduction for seniors 65+/$12,000 for married couple.
  • Largest Tax Refund Filing Season Ever: Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, taxpayers could get an average of $1,000 MORE in their tax refund this tax filing season. Refunds could total almost $4,000 per person on average, putting more money back in the pockets of working families.  Average refund amounts are up 14% so far this tax filing season.

Learn more here.

Rep. Garamendi, Espaillat and 70 Democrats Call for Investigation of ICE, DHS Warrantless Purchases of Americans’ Location Data

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, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-NY, and 70 Democratic lawmakers called for a new investigation of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), over warrantless purchases of Americans’ location data. 

The members called on DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to investigate ICE and other DHS agencies restarting warrantless purchases of Americans’ location data. The DHS Inspector General previously found that ICE’s data purchases were illegal, causing the program to shut down in 2023. 

“Location data is extremely sensitive, and can reveal someone’s religion, their political views, medical conditions, addictions, and with whom they spend time. It is for that reason that ordinarily, the government must obtain a warrant from a judge in order to demand such data from phone or technology companies,” the members wrote to DHS Inspector Cuffari. 

“Given DHS’ failure to adopt a policy for the use of commercial data, coupled with ICE awarding a no-bid contract to a shady data broker that is likely violating federal law, we urge you to open another investigation into the purchase and use of location data by ICE and other DHS components,” the members continued. 

ICE issued a no-bid contract to the surveillance company Penlink in 2025, which included licenses for its location tracking product, Webloc, according to a report by 404 Media. Webloc was developed by the controversial surveillance company Cobwebs Technologies, which combined with Penlink in 2023. Meta banned Cobwebs in 2021, as part of a crackdown on surveillance mercenaries after detecting the company’s customers targeting activists, opposition politicians and government officials in Hong Kong and Mexico. 

ICE has stonewalled congressional oversight of its location data purchases. Senator Wyden’s office requested a briefing from ICE soon after this contract was reported in October 2025. In December 2025, a briefing was scheduled for February 10, 2026. One day before that briefing was to take place, ICE cancelled it with no explanation and without any offer to reschedule. 

The letter is signed by Senators Alex Padilla, Calif., Richard Blumenthal, Conn., Andy Kim, N.J., Chris Van Hollen, Md., Adam Schiff, Calif., Brian Schatz, Hawaii, Raphael Warnock, Ga., Angela Alsobrooks, Md., Peter Welch, Vt., Ben Ray Luján, N.M., Cory Booker, N.J., Jeff Merkley, Ore., Edward J. Markey, Mass., Elizabeth Warren, Mass., and Tammy Duckworth, Ill. 

It is also signed by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, N.Y., Pramila Jayapal, Wash., Joaquin Castro, Texas, Greg Casar, Texas, Jim McGovern, Mass., Sara Jacobs, Calif., Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ill., Yvette Clarke, N.Y., Grace Meng, N.Y., Shontel Brown, Ohio, André Carson, Ind., Ro Khanna, Calif., Nydia Velázquez, N.Y. , Robin Kelly, Ill., Zoe Lofgren, Calif., Mary Gay Scanlon, Pa., Veronica Escobar, Texas, Paul Tonko, N.Y., Jimmy Gomez, Calif., Lori Trahan, Mass., Rashida Tlaib, Mich., Nanette Barragán, Calif., Lateefah Simon, Calif., Jesús García, Ill., Stephen Lynch, Mass., Juan Vargas, Calif., Lloyd Doggett, Texas, Eleanor Norton, D.C., Norma Torres Calif., Madeleine Dean, Pa., Doris Matsui, Calif., Suzanne Bonamici, Ore., Maxine Dexter, Ore., Andrea Salinas, Ore., Luz Rivas Calif., Ritchie Torres, N.Y., Dan Goldman, N.Y., Adelita Grijalva, Ariz., Robert Menendez, N.J., Delia Ramirez, Ill., Mike Quigley, Ill., Richard Neal, Mass., Becca Balint, Vt., Darren Soto, Fla., Mark Takano, Calif., Linda Sánchez, Calif., Jasmine Crockett. Texas, Sylvia Garcia, Texas, Seth Moulton, Mass., Kelly Morrison, Minn., Eric Swalwell, Calif., and Mike Levin, Calif. 

Rep. Green: Briefing Showed No Imminent Threat to U.S. Before War; Will Back War Powers Resolution

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

(Washington, D.C.) — On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor during one-minute speeches following his attendance at a classified briefing that showed there was no imminent threat to the United States before the war. Congressman Green also stated that he intends to vote in support of the War Powers Resolution.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including BlueskyFacebookInstagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Congresswoman McCollum to Vote Yes on Resolution Reining in War Powes

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the bipartisan Massie-Khanna War Powers Act (H.Con.Res.38), directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, will vote yes on the resolution, ending the President’s illegal war, citing the urgent need for Congress to reassert its authority over the power to declare war.

“President Trump has taken our nation to war in violation of the War Powers Act and the Constitution,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “President Trump knows his actions are unconstitutional, because the administration’s own justification for this unlawful war shifts by the hour. Passing this War Powers resolution is essential to reining in the unlawful actions of this president. Every Member of Congress must state on the record whether they support the president’s actions.

“Already, the lives of six American service members have been lost, including a fellow Minnesotan, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor of White Bear Lake. Their service to our nation will never be forgotten. We pray for their families, for the safety of all our men and women in uniform serving overseas, and for those in the region who now find themselves in danger because of President Trump’s reckless, unlawful, and unnecessary decision to go to war.”

Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Considers Cole Legislation

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACTOlivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) attended the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs hearing as they considered his legislation, H.R. 2827. After speaking at the hearing, Congressman Cole released the following statement: 

“As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the longest serving Native American in the House, I am resolute in my commitment to ensure tribal issues are heard in this chamber. That commitment is what brought me to advocate for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma in the Subcommittee hearing today,” said Congressman Cole.

“H.R. 2827 is a straight-forward, bipartisan piece of legislation. It simply resolves the claim to certain land exclusively for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma without setting any new precedent,” said Congressman Cole.

“I would like to thank Chairman Westerman, Chairman Hurd, Ranking Member Huffman, and Ranking Member Leger-Fernandez for their time and consideration. I really do appreciate their efforts to help move this much-needed bill through the legislative process,” said Congressman Cole.

Background:

In 1805, the Miami Tribe, Eel River Band, and Wea signed the Treaty of Grouseland, which under Article Four reserved all lands within the Wabash River watershed and land located west of the Wabash River, which is in present-day Illinois. Specifically in Article Four of this Treaty, the U.S. acknowledged ownership of this land and agreed not to purchase any part without consent of each of the aforementioned tribes. This key part of the Treaty is why Congress has the sole authority, at the request of the tribes, to extinguish any claims to the land.

Then, from 1805 to 1840, the U.S. transferred 2.6 million acres of land to non-native settlers in the area without having acquired title from the Miami, Eel River Band, and Wea under Article Four of the Grouseland Treaty. As a result, title to that land is still held by the Miami Tribe’s superior claim to title and the tribe never consented to that land being purchased. This has caused difficulties for landowners and farmers in Illinois in conducting certain operations or sales of this land.

Now, ever since the Indian Claims Commission’s adjustment in 1978, pending documents have been transferred to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to handle cases on unresolved Indian land claims. However, Congress is the only entity that can authorize the Court of Federal Claims to hear, determine, and render judgement on a tribe’s claim.
H.R. 2827 does just that by authorizing the Miami Tribe’s authority to bring their claim forward and relinquishes all claims to the land. There is no monetary compensation included, as it simply allows the tribe to have their day in court.

To read the bill text, click here.

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Congressman Cohen Questions DHS Secretary Noem about her Claim to be Deporting “the Worst of the Worst”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at an oversight hearing. Congressman Cohen asked Secretary Noem about her lack of response to repeated letters he has written to her over the past year and about claims that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are deporting the “worst of the worst.”

In his exchange with the Secretary, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“This gives me the opportunity to show you the eight letters I’ve sent you in the last year…and gives me the opportunity to ask you the questions and try to get answers. One of the things you’re most famous for is quote ‘we’re going after the worst of the worst’ – the murderers, pedophiles, the rapists, et cetera. In my letters, I said I agree with you: People who are in this country illegally or not citizens and commit those crimes should be deported. The facts show that most of the people you stopped and tried to deport have not committed those crimes. In fact, they’ve committed no crimes at all…

“Why do you continue to talk about the ‘worst of the worst’ when all the statistics show you’re not stopping the worst of the worst?…

“Go after the worst of the worst and, if you did, people wouldn’t find your department the worst department in the United States of America.”

Congressman Cohen also asked Secretary Noem about recent allegations that ICE agent training includes “secretive orders” that they violate the law. He also asked whether any of the January 6 insurrectionists have been hired by her department.

See the entire exchange here.

Congressman Cohen has previously called for Secretary Noem to resign, be fired, or face impeachment proceedings. 

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Aderholt Highlights Testimony from Two Alabama Leaders at Community Colleges Hearing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today chaired a hearing on the role of community colleges in preparing students for the workforce and strengthening local economies. The hearing included testimony from two leaders from North Alabama: Shawn Morgan of Bevill State Community College in Jasper and Dr. Patricia Sims, president of J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville.

Morgan, who serves as vice president of workforce and strategy initiatives at Bevill State Community College in Jasper in Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District, discussed how community colleges partner with local industries to ensure students receive hands-on training that aligns with workforce needs.

“It was especially meaningful to have Mr. Morgan share how Bevill State is helping students in our region gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs,” Aderholt said. “Community colleges like Bevill State play a key role in strengthening workforce pipelines in rural communities.”

Dr. Sims also testified about workforce training programs and partnerships with employers at Drake State in Huntsville.

“Dr. Sims is doing outstanding work just outside our district in Huntsville, helping students gain the technical skills needed to succeed in today’s economy,” Aderholt said.

Aderholt noted during the hearing that community college enrollment is rising as more Americans seek faster and more affordable pathways into the workforce.

Video of the testimony from Shawn Morgan and Dr. Patricia Sims is available on YouTube for those who wish to watch their full remarks before the subcommittee.

Rep. Gregory Meeks and USPS Honor Muhammad Ali with Stamp Unveiling Ceremony

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are recognizing an iconic American heavyweight boxer, activist and philanthropist also known as “The Greatest,” of all time Muhammad Ali during a stamp unveiling ceremony in Southeast Queens. The event happened on Tuesday, March 3, 10 a.m. to noon ET at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life in Jamaica, NY. 

“Muhammad Ali was more than a boxing champion,” Rep. Meeks said. “He was a historic figure who transformed sports and influenced culture worldwide. As a decorated heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Ali achieved extraordinary success in the ring. Outside of it, he was a staunch advocate for justice and equality. Ali is a true representation of an American hero showing courage and determination. This unveiling ceremony is a meaningful gesture to honor his remarkable accomplishments and profound impact on American history.”

More than 150 people attended the event, and over 6,000 Muhammad Ali stamps were purchased. 

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