Posts

Posted on

Rep. Aguilar Announces Dr. Cameo Carter, M.D. as 2026 State of the Union Guest

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Dr. Cameo Carter is a pediatrician who owns her practice in Redlands, California. Dr. Carter saw both her own health insurance premiums skyrocket, in addition to those of her patients, after Trump and Republicans let the Affordable Care Act tax credits expire

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that Dr. Cameo Carter, M.D., will be his guest to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address on February 24, 2026. A year into the Republican health care crisis, Dr. Carter’s attendance at the State of the Union Address serves as a reminder of the urgent need for Trump and Republicans to act now to restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits and address the Republican health care crisis.
“As millions of people around the country and tens of thousands of Inland Empire residents see their health care costs increase, it’s important to hear directly from people hurt by the Republican health care crisis,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Dr. Cameo Carter knows the real pain of rising health care costs. As a physician, she regularly hears from her patients who cannot afford their insurance after the Affordable Care Act tax credits expired. As a small business owner, she has also seen her own health insurance premiums increase. No matter what lies the President tells us about the Republican health care crisis during his State of the Union, Dr. Carter and the American people know the truth. I look forward to working with her as House Democrats fight back against Republican attacks on Americans’ health care.” 
“I’m honored to join Congressman Aguilar as his guest to the 2026 State of the Union,” said Dr. Cameo Carter. “As a physician, I hear from my patients every single day about the financial strain they face due to rising health care costs. I’ve seen firsthand how the loss of the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits harms our communities. Many of the people I treat now have to delay medical care or forgo it altogether because they simply can’t afford it. The American people need Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and protect access to affordable health care. I hope my presence at this year’s State of the Union serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address our country’s health care crisis.”
House Democrats recently led an effort to restore the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and stop health care costs from soaring, but Senate Republicans have been delaying voting on this bipartisan legislation. By restoring the Affordable Care Act tax credits, health care premiums will return to affordable levels for 24,000 people in California’s 33rd Congressional District and more than 1.7 million Californians.

Posted on

Congressman DeSaulnier Announces State of the Union Guest, Anti-Hunger Advocate and Wanut Creek Resident Caitlin Sly

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced anti-hunger advocate and Walnut Creek resident, Caitlin Sly, as his guest to the State of the Union on February 24, 2026. As the President and CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Ms. Sly is at the helm of an operation that provides 2.7 million meals per month as part of its mission to end hunger both by serving residents in our local communities and by advocating for public policy to address food insecurity on a systemic level. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, like food banks around the country, will see increased demand from the nearly $187 billion cuts to CalFresh/SNAP included in Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill signed into law by President Trump last year. 

“With more than 5.4 million people in California, including 2 million children, relying on CalFresh, I am honored to have Ms. Sly join me to put a human face to hunger and to call attention to the cruelty of this Administration and the urgent need for action at the federal level to fight food insecurity,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. 

“I am honored to attend the State of the Union at the invitation of Congressman DeSaulnier and to help elevate the voices of millions of Americans who face food insecurity every day,” said Caitlin Sly, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “Hunger affects every state in this country, and federal nutrition programs like SNAP are essential to the health and well-being of our community. The cuts to SNAP and Medicaid represent an attack on the most vulnerable people we serve – seniors, children, working families, veterans, and people with disabilities. Protecting these programs should be beyond partisan politics.” 

The Congressman and Ms. Sly will be available to press prior to the event. Media interested in conducting an interview should contact Mairead Glowacki at mairead.glowacki@mail.house.gov or (202) 760-1365.

Posted on

Hoyer Announces Founder and CEO of LifeStyles of Maryland Sandy Washington as His State of the Union Guest

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced that he will bring Sandy Washington, founder and CEO of LifeStyles of Maryland, as his guest to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address.

“I am pleased to announce that my dear friend Sandy Washington, founder and CEO of LifeStyles of Maryland, will attend the 2026 State of the Union as my guest. She and her organization have been on the frontlines of Donald Trump’s affordability crisis. Trump’s tariffs have raised costs on everything from groceries to clothing to other household essentials. His cuts to food stamps have forced thousands of Maryland families to go hungry. Additionally, Republican attacks on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act have jeopardized health coverage for tens of thousands of Marylanders in our district,” said Congressman Hoyer.
 
“Donald Trump doesn’t have Americans’ backs. Community leaders like Sandy do,” Congressman Hoyer continued. “LifeStyles of Maryland is working tireless to feed the hungry, house the homeless, find jobs for the unemployed, heal the sick, and clothe those in need. I look forward to having her join me tomorrow night.”

Just in the last few years since the return congressionally directed spending, Congressman Hoyer has secured approximately $1,572,000 in community project funding to support LifeStyles of Maryland. This funding has helped LifeStyles build safe and affordable housing for the homeless and provide supportive services such as financial management, credit repair, workforce development and behavioral health services for Marylanders.

Posted on

Reps. Castro, Cuellar, Casar, Bexar County Judge Sakai, Commissioner Calvert, San Antonio Mayor Jones Press DHS on Proposed ICE Facility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

February 23, 2026

San Antonio, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), along with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, and San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem opposing a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility on the East Side of San Antonio and urging DHS to engage with the community before moving forward.

In the letter, the group cautions that advancing a facility of this scale without meaningful consultation wastes taxpayer dollars and undermines public trust. They emphasize that neither the San Antonio congressional delegation nor local government leaders were consulted before ICE moved ahead with the proposal. They warn that the lack of communication and transparency raises significant questions about infrastructure capacity—including water, sewage, and electricity usage—emergency preparedness, public safety, and long-term impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

“The Trump Administration and ICE are invading our communities to carry out their mass deportation campaign. Their latest move to purchase warehouses and convert them into mass detention centers was done without consultation with local leaders or members of Congress. San Antonians and people across the country are rightfully rejecting their plans to turn community spaces into prisons,” said Congressman Castro.

“I strongly oppose ICE moving forward with this facility,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Based on what ICE has shared so far, the plan could include roughly 1,500 beds, but we still don’t have clear answers about the timeline or the impact on San Antonio. As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I don’t believe this is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”

“Innocent children are being locked up in ICE detention centers in dangerous and inhumane conditions. We should be shutting these facilities down, not building more,” said Congressman Casar. “San Antonio families deserve safety and dignity—not an expansion of Trump’s deportation machine in our own community.”

“The lack of transparency and communication around current and proposed ICE activities in San Antonio is unacceptable,” said Mayor Jones. “Our community deserves answers, and until then, I continue to call on Congressional leaders not to support funding for the proposed ICE facility in our community. I look forward to engaging with DHS Secretary Noem to ensure we’re balancing public safety and public transparency.”

“I oppose the ICE detention facility in Bexar County. I want to meet Secretary Noem and let her know directly why we oppose the detention facility,” said Judge Sakai. “Our community has questions and concerns. ICE needs to be accountable to our community.”

“Federal courts have repeatedly slapped down the Trump Administration when it oversteps the limits of federal law. As Military City USA, we have a special responsibility to demand the courts step in again and stop the Navy’s WEXMAC contract from being twisted to create a domestic ICE detention project at an eye-popping price above its appraised value and far outside its lawful purpose,” said Commissioner Calvert Jr.

The letter formally requests an in-person meeting with DHS that includes members of the San Antonio congressional delegation and local elected officials. The signatories also seek detailed information on the scope of the proposed facility, projected capacity, staffing levels, emergency response coordination, and whether ICE intends to expand its administrative presence in San Antonio.

The letter also requests a formal response from DHS by Feb. 27 and urges the department to pause further action until local concerns are fully addressed.

Read the full letter here.

Posted on

Congressman Valadao Releases Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding Requests Portal

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) opened his Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) portal for Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. CPFs are federal funds that Members of Congress can request to help support specific projects within their districts to address critical local needs. These requests are designed to ensure federal investments reflect community priorities and deliver direct benefits to constituents of California’s 22nd Congressional District.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, it’s my honor to work directly with our local communities to deliver critical Community Project Funding investments,” said Congressman Valadao. “This past year, I was proud to secure over $49 million to help support projects from improving our local infrastructure and building new senior housing to increasing water supplies. These targeted investments help ensure CA-22 has the resources needed to thrive, and I look forward to reviewing requests for Fiscal Year 2027.”

The deadline for Community Project Funding requests is to be determined based on when the House Committee on Appropriations announces its Member submission deadlines. Our office encourages entities requesting CPFs to complete their requests as soon as possible.

For a full list of eligibility criteria and selection guidance, click here.

###

Posted on

LEADER JEFFRIES INVITES VONETTA ROUGIER, JACKSON FAMILY TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement on inviting Vonetta Rougier of Canarsie and family members of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson as his guests for the 2026 State of the Union Address.

“Six months after Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans passed their One Big Ugly Bill imposing the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in American history, the people that I am privileged to represent in Brooklyn are suffering the consequences,” said Leader Jeffries. “It is my honor to welcome Vonetta Rougier, a constituent from Canarsie, as my guest to the State of the Union Address. Ms. Rougier is a full-time bus operator and a caregiver for her family, supporting her three children and 71-year-old mother. Vonetta is working every day and picking up extra shifts just to keep up with the skyrocketing price of housing, food and healthcare. Donald Trump promised that he would lower costs for hardworking American taxpayers like Vonetta on day one. One year later, Donald Trump and Republicans have only lowered people’s quality of life. House Democrats will continue to fight for folks like Vonetta because we know that everyday Americans deserve better.”

“It is also my honor to invite the family of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to attend the State of the Union Address. Rev. Jackson was a transformative political figure and a trailblazer extraordinaire who fought to make America live up to its promise of a thriving multiracial democracy,” continued Leader Jeffries. “While far-right extremists wage an all-out attack on civil rights, voting rights and democracy itself, House Democrats are committed to carrying on Rev. Jackson’s work. In his name, we will continue to stand up for the American people until we can end this national nightmare at long last.”

In addition to Ms. Rougier and members of the Jackson family, Leader Jeffries will be honored to host Ms. Marina Lacerda. Ms. Lacerda is one of numerous brave survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific abuse who are attending the address as guests of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC). “As a result of the courageous advocacy of Marina Lacerda and other Epstein survivors, the fight for transparency and accountability is alive and well,” said Leader Jeffries.

###

Posted on

Underwood Secures $11 Million for Local Projects Selected for Community Project Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that she has secured $10,954,800 in Community Project Funding from the recently enacted FY2026 Appropriations bills to support childcare, career training, clean water infrastructure throughout northern Illinois, and more.

“From my very first day in Congress, bringing federal resources home to our community has been a top priority,” Rep. Underwood said. “These investments will have a profound impact on northern Illinois, making a tangible difference in the lives of our families and keeping our community healthy and strong.”

The funding Underwood secured will support the following projects in northern Illinois:

Project Title: Lead-Free Water Project in Aurora, IL

Project Sponsor: City of Aurora

Amount Secured: $1,092,000

Address of Sponsor: 44 E. Downer Place, City of Aurora, IL 60507

Project: This funding will be used to remove and replace all remaining lead water pipes in the City of Aurora, providing safe, potable water for the community. An estimated 120 lead service lines for homes, impacting nearly 400 residents, are expected to be replaced. These pipes pose significant risk to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and lower costs for the community.   

Project Title: Grand Prairie Water Commission Infrastructure Construction for Northern Illinois

Project Sponsor: City of Joliet

Amount Secured: $1,092,000

Address of Sponsor: 150 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432

Project: This funding will be used to build a portion of the water main needed to deliver clean drinking water from the Chicago Department of Water Management to communities in the southwest suburbs. The City of Joliet is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities, including Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville, and Shorewood, that will use Lake Michigan as an alternative water source.

Project Title: Securing A Sustainable Water Source in Oswego, IL

Project Sponsor: Village of Oswego

Amount Secured: $1,092,000

Address of Sponsor: 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, IL 60543

Project: This funding will be used to construct water infrastructure upgrades that will allow Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville to store and clean water from Lake Michigan. The communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville have joined the DuPage Water Commission, a group of 30 communities that will use Lake Michigan as an alternative water source.

Project Title: City of Lockport Environmental Infrastructure Program

Project Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District

Amount Secured: $1,368,950

Address of Sponsor: 231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604

Project: This funding will be used for technical planning, design, and construction to improve wastewater and stormwater management in the City of Lockport. Lockport and the broader Will County region have significant wastewater and water supply treatment, distribution, and infrastructure needs that will be met with funding from this project.

Local infrastructure needs addressed by this project include the Bruce Road & SOS Children Village Utility Improvement Project, which would include the installation of a new lift station to serve the SOS Children Village.

Project Title: Education for Parents Project

Project Sponsor: Northern Illinois University 

Amount Secured: $850,000

Address of Sponsor: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115

Priority: This funding will be used to rehabilitate and convert property at Northern Illinois University to upgrade their child care center. The project will help the university hire new staff and make essential upgrades to ensure a safe and healthy environment for kids in the community.

Project Title: Law Enforcement Collaboration to Prevent Workplace Crime in Will County, IL

Project Sponsor: Joliet Township 

Amount Secured: $339,000 

Address of Sponsor: 175 W Jefferson St. Joliet, IL 60432 

Project: This funding will be used by Joliet Township to hire attorneys and project staff to collaborate with local organizations and law enforcement to address worker exploitation across Will County and the surrounding area.

Project Title: Clean Water Project in Oglesby, IL

Project Sponsor: City of Oglesby

Amount Secured: $1,020,800

Address of Sponsor: 110 East Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348

Project: This funding will be used to help replace 2,100 feet of water pipes impacted by lead and/or asbestos-cement in the City of Oglesby. These pipes pose significant risk to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and lower costs for the community.

Project Title: Bentley Road Pathway Connection

Project Sponsor: Plainfield Park District

Amount Secured: $250,000

Address of Sponsor: 23729 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield, IL 60544

Project: This funding will be used to connect existing trails and create four uninterrupted miles along the DuPage River into a pathway connecting parks, recreation areas, and small businesses in Will County.  The pathway will serve as a vital link between trails at Riverside Parkway, Sunset Park, and Hammel Woods along the DuPage River corridor.

Project Title: Reducing Recidivism and Supporting Reentry in Will County, IL

Project Sponsor: Will County Workforce Services Division—LWIA—10

Amount Secured: $600,000

Address of Sponsor: 2400 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 

Project: This funding will be used to provide job training to justice impacted individuals, helping them find long-term employment, increasing public safety, and reducing recidivism in Will County. Through work-based training, formerly incarcerated individuals will obtain skills that will help them obtain and keep meaningful employment. Participants will also receive case management to ensure successful completion of the program.

Project Title: Center for Parenting Students 

Project Sponsor: Waubonsee Community College

Amount Secured: $450,000

Address of Sponsor: Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Project: This funding will be used to repurpose and convert existing space on campus into a new Center for Parenting Students at Waubonsee Community College. The center will provide support for student parents and help them balance their schooling and their childcare needs.

Project Title: Senior Outreach and Care Project

Project Sponsor: White Oak Library District

Amount Secured: $850,000

Address of Sponsor: 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446

Project: This funding will be used for the purchase of a Bookmobile, allowing the library to reach more people in Will County by continuing outreach efforts outside the library’s physical location. Additionally, this funding will support the acquisition of books, computers, and staff for the new Bookmobile.

Project Title: Lockport Township Emergency Shelter  

Project Sponsor: Lockport Township 

Amount Secured: $1,950,000

Address of Sponsor: 1463 Farrell Road, Lockport, Illinois, 60441

Project: This funding will be used to support and protect the local economy in Fairmont, Lockport, and the surrounding communities in Will County by creating a permanent emergency shelter and regional hub for first responder safety training.

Earlier this month, Underwood announced that she secured an additional $2.5 million in FY2026 community project funding for projects across northern Illinois to support food security in the Illinois Valley, rural health care in Mendota, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in DeKalb.

###

Posted on

Congresswoman Norma Torres Statement on Ongoing ICE Abuses

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

February 23, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) released a statement in opposition to ICE Abuses:

“I believe that the ongoing broad enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection, are abusive, illegal, and unconstitutional. They deny the humanity of our immigrant communities in California and across the country, and illegally racial profile individuals. Look no further than the case of Ramiro Santiago Pacheco Martinez, along with many others in our community. Ramiro is a longtime Pomona resident who is currently detained at the Adelanto ICE facility, despite severe health conditions and the impact on his family.

“I do not support the detention of individuals who do not have a criminal record, including those who are actively pursuing lawful immigration status or seeking protection under our nation’s asylum laws. Due process and equal protection under the law are fundamental principles that must be upheld without exception.

“I am outraged by the violent interactions and alleged misconduct in my district and across the country. I strongly encourage local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate all credible allegations of physical abuse, unlawful entry, and violations of First Amendment protections. Earlier this year, I asked Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta to establish a way for Californians to report abusive conduct by federal officials at ICE and CBP. I’m pleased that just a few months ago, they took my suggestion and established a website to report abuse. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust, and all available video evidence related to these incidents should be preserved and reviewed in accordance with the law.

“I firmly believe in our government’s responsibility to support and protect the people of the United States, and to uphold our values in everything we do. Donald Trump and his minions appear devoted to undermining our rights, our democracy, and our Constitution. They are allergic to transparency and oversight. That is why I, along with 12 other Members of Congress, had to sue the Department of Homeland Security to stop its unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight of ICE facilities. I’ve been able to go to the LA Field Office and to Adelanto to inspect conditions on the ground and talk to constituents.

After repeated visits, it is clear that there is no place for for-profit prisons in our immigration system. There is too much room for abuse and neglect in pursuit of a profit margin. Adelanto, and others like it, must close. I’ll continue oversight visits at Adelanto, the LA Field Office, and every other place necessary to ensure that our families and loved ones are treated with dignity and fairness.

“We must take lasting action to ensure the abuses of the Trump Administration are never repeated. That means strengthening oversight, protecting constitutional rights, and holding institutions accountable so that our democracy remains just, transparent, and resilient for generations to come.”

###

Posted on

Congresswoman Torres Secures $5.2 Million in Federal Funding for the City of Ontario

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

February 23, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres and the City of Ontario announced a federal spending bill that includes $2 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) and $3.2 million water project through the US Army Corps for Ontario, projects secured by Congresswoman Torres, has been signed into law.

The funding includes:

  • $1 million for Vista Verde II Affordable Housing Development, a 150-unit development on Holt Boulevard that will provide a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, helping address the region’s severe housing shortage while supporting family stability and long-term economic security. This critical investment will increase the supply of affordable housing for working families and households in Ontario. In addition, Vista Verde II will generate local construction jobs, support the regional workforce, and contribute to economic growth. This investment advances the City’s housing and economic development priorities and delivers lasting benefits for families and the broader community.

  • $1 million for The Hub on Holt: Space for Entrepreneurship, Creation, and Innovation, which will transform a long-blighted and highly visible property on the 200 block of Holt Boulevard in Ontario into a vibrant community and economic asset. The Hub on Holt will revitalize a key downtown corridor with a new center for entrepreneurship, small business development, mentorship, and community engagement.

By investing in a critical gateway to Downtown Ontario, the project will drive foot traffic, reduce vacancies, enhance public safety, and stimulate the local economy . The project will create jobs, support small businesses, and provide new opportunities for innovation and programming, aligning with the City’s broader revitalization strategy and long-term vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

  • $3.2 million water project through the US Army Corps, The Euclid Ave. Recycled Water Project is a transformative investment in Ontario’s water future, constructing approximately 13 miles of new recycled water infrastructure to connect the Inland Empire Utilities Agency Regional Water Recycling Plant to downtown Ontario. Expanding access to recycled water, the project will reduce reliance on imported and groundwater sources, strengthen local water independence, and advance long-term conservation goals across the Inland Empire. Supporting both the design and construction phases, delivering smart, sustainable infrastructure that protects our water supply.

“These investments will deliver real results for the City of Ontario. By securing federal funding for Vista Verde II, an affordable housing development that will help address our region’s housing shortage, and for The Hub on Holt, which will create community innovation and engagement, we’re making smart, strategic investments in Ontario’s future,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “These projects will create jobs, reduce blight, strengthen public safety, and support long-term economic growth. I’m proud to work alongside the City of Ontario to bring these federal dollars back home and turn them into tangible improvements for families, workers, and neighborhoods.”

“On behalf of the City of Ontario, we thank Congresswoman Torres for her continued advocacy and partnership,” said Mayor Paul Leon. “This funding ensures that as Ontario grows, we are investing in infrastructure that protects our resources and supports our community.”

Congresswoman Torres has prioritized Community Project Funding to ensure federal dollars directly benefit Inland Empire communities. These projects reflect ongoing collaboration between her office and local leaders to address housing affordability, economic development, and infrastructure needs across the region.

###

Posted on

Rep. Garamendi Statement on Supreme Court Striking Down Trump’s Tariffs After Filing Amicus Brief

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s tariffs, ruling that President Trump violated federal law by exceeding his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA): 

“Trump thinks he is above the law, Congress, and the Constitution. That belief was tested on Friday,” said Rep. Garamendi. “Americans have been struggling to put food on the table and keep up with the unaffordable prices caused by Trump’s illegal tariff wars. This ruling is a major win for Americans who are struggling to afford basic necessities. As a member of the House Democratic Litigation Caucus, I was proud to sign onto the amicus brief challenging Trump’s illegal tariffs.” 

As a member of the House Democratic Litigation Caucus, Congressman Garamendi signed an amicus brief demanding that the Supreme Court overturn Trump’s costly and illegal tariffs. 

The House Democratic Litigation Task Force, was established to develop coordinated legislative, oversight, and legal strategies to defend the Constitution and protect the rights of the American people. To date, the Task Force has filed dozens of amicus briefs, launched numerous privileged resolutions of inquiry, conducted more than 10 shadow hearings and briefings nationwide, issued hundreds of investigative demands, and supported numerous lawsuits brought by third parties. 

Background: 

On April 23, 2025, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Vermont filed the suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, arguing that the President had exceeded his authority under IEEPA. 

The case challenged the President’s use of IEEPA to impose broad tariffs on imports, arguing that statute does not delegate Congress’s tariff powers under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. 

The tariffs at issue included sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all imports, as well as targeted tariffs affecting Canada, Mexico, and China, among others. 

In May 2025, the United States Court of International Trade ruled in favor of the states, finding the tariffs exceeded the President’s authority under IEEPA. 

The federal government appealed against that ruling. On August 29, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed that ruling—finding the President’s tariff orders went beyond the statutory grant of authority and were therefore unlawful.