Huffman, Pappas, Quigley Introduce Legislation to Improve Active Transportation Systems

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

April 29, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced legislation to reauthorize and improve the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). This federal grant program helps build connected active-transportation routes, including trails, sidewalks, and bikeways that support the health and economic growth of our communities.

Robust funding for active transportation is critical to meeting the growing demands from rural, suburban, and urban communities in California and across the country for convenient, accessible, and well-maintained biking and walking routes. As ATIIP authorization expires at the end of the year, the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) Reauthorization and Improvement Act would reauthorize the program for $250 million annually for FY2027 through FY2031 and ensure necessary resources are delivered to our communities.

“Americans deserve safer and easier paths to walk and bike in their communities to be active, travel longer distances without relying on cars, and stay connected,” said Congressman Huffman. “Supporting our communities with better walking and biking networks is good for people and the planet. Our bill to extend and fund the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) would provide much-needed federal resources to improve bike lane networks, sidewalks, and multi-use trails across the country.”

“Trails, sidewalks, and bikeways connect people together and to the places most important to them. These are active transportation networks that knit communities together, support outdoor recreation, strengthen local economies, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. It’s just smart infrastructure,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation would reauthorize a critical federal program that I helped secure in the bipartisan infrastructure law to ensure communities can make strategic investments in this space. I will continue working to pass this legislation and ensure we are improving infrastructure, supporting healthy, vibrant communities, and delivering a 21st-century transportation system to the nation.”

“As a recreational cyclist and member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m proud to cosponsor the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) Reauthorization Act,” said Congressman Mike Quigley. “Renewing this program will continue the creation of bike routes and park trails throughout Chicago and other cities—connecting our communities in a way everyone can enjoy.”

“The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program is the only federal program dedicated to establishing safe, connected routes to walk and bike to the places people need to go and it is sorely needed; with $40 requested for every dollar that has been made available. Rep. Pappas’ bill addresses the need for consistent, guaranteed annual investment so that this critical program can deliver mobility, safety and economic benefits on the scale that was intended by Congress in the last federal transportation bill,” said Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy at Rails to Trails Conservancy.

“The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is the kind of policy our nation needs to get federal funding flowing to these critical projects—from the Maine-to-Florida East Coast Greenway to similar efforts in Detroit, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and beyond. We are grateful for Rep. Pappas’s leadership in building a path forward by dedicating federal support for transformational greenway planning, design, and construction toward a healthy, sustainable, and thriving future,” said Dennis Markatos-Soriano, East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director.

“Across the country, we’re seeing growing demand for more safe and connected places to ride a bike,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “Investments like the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program are essential to meet that demand and unlock healthier, safer communities alongside stronger local economies. We commend Congressman Pappas for his leadership in advancing policies that improve the safety and accessibility of bicycling in communities nationwide.”

This legislation is supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, New Hampshire Rail Trails Coalition, Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, East Coast Greenway Alliance, PeopleForBikes, the League of American Bicyclists, and Southern Environmental Law Center. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is leading a letter with over 200 signers to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership in support of ATIIP.

Bill text is here.

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Rep. Garamendi Votes NO on FISA Section 702 Extension

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) released the following statement after voting NO on a five-year extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA):   

“While Section 702 of FISA is an important tool for national security, this authority also opens a backdoor for warrantless surveillance of Americans. This surveillance tool must be reformed to protect Americans’ privacy and civil liberties.  

“Congress cannot blindly trust that the Trump Administration will not abuse FISA. President Trump has already signaled his willingness to use Americans’ personal data to advance a mass deportation agenda. This Administration cannot be relied upon to police itself. 

“National security must not come at the expense of Americans’ constitutional rights. Congress must impose strong, enforceable guardrails on Section 702. I will continue to fight for privacy rights and oppose any ‘clean’ reauthorization that fails to include meaningful reforms.”  

Congressman Garamendi spoke out against the problematic provisions of the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act during an interview on CNN. 

You can watch his remarks here. 

Reps. Garamendi, Thompson, Sen. Schiff Secure $9M for Peach Farmers

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressman David Valadao (R-CA-22) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted their request for aid and will make up to $9 million available to fund a clingstone peach tree removal program for California farmers. Following the closure of Del Monte processing facility in Modesto, countless peach growers in the region are facing widespread contract cancellations, no market for their crop, and lack a viable path to mitigate their losses. This assistance from USDA will support affected growers in pulling trees and transitioning to new crops. 

“Our farmers are the backbone of rural communities, and when disaster strikes, they deserve a federal government that shows up and delivers,” said Rep. Garamendi. “This relief for peach farmers will help ensure they can recover, rebuild, and continue feeding families across our nation. I’ll always fight to make sure our farmers aren’t left behind when they need us most.” 

“Proud to have helped secure up to $9 million to support peach farmers in Yuba, Sutter, and surrounding regions,” said Rep. Thompson. “When a processing facility closes and 55,000 acres of fruit suddenly have nowhere to go — that’s not something a family farm can just absorb. This funding is a critical step in ensuring these important multi-generational businesses can stay afloat. Thank you Senator Schiff and Rep. Valadao, Assemblyman Gallagher, and our local leaders and farmers who helped make this happen.” 

“Following our urging to the Trump administration to deliver relief to peach farmers, I am pleased that USDA is unlocking this federal funding. California is the nation’s largest agriculture state and I’m glad Secretary Rollins is engaging with us to support our producers,” said Sen. Schiff. 

“For generations, Central Valley family farms have relied on Del Monte’s Modesto facility to process their peaches, and its sudden closure left growers with thousands of pounds of fruit and no clear path forward,” said Rep. Valadao. “After working closely with my California colleagues and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I’m proud to have helped secure up to $9 million to support our peach growers and keep local family farms afloat. This investment will give producers the time they need to adjust and plan for the future, and I’m grateful to Congressman Thompson, Senator Schiff, and our local leaders for their partnership.” 

“Our Sacramento Valley peach growers have been left with an impossible choice in the wake of the Del Monte bankruptcy: tear out their trees or absorb devastating losses. While this relief doesn’t make them whole, it gives many growers a path forward and a chance to rebuild. I was proud to work with Congressman Thompson to help deliver this support. In divided times, this is the kind of cooperation we need—real leadership that puts people first,” said California State Assemblyman James Gallagher.  

BACKGROUND 

The Del Monte facility processed a substantial share of the state’s canned fruit production, including more than 30 percent of California peaches. With no comparable alternative processing capacity available, producers are facing severe uncertainty and financial hardship.  

As the lawmakers requested, USDA’s assistance to farmers will include up to $9 million for the removal of up to 420,000 clingstone peach trees — approximately 3,000 acres — prior to the 2026 harvest season. Based on USDA’s analysis, removing 50,000 tons of peaches from production could save growers roughly $30 million in projected losses.  

In addition to Garamendi, Thompson, Schiff, and Valadao, the letter was signed by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27). 

Rep. Calvert Introduces Resolution Slamming California’s Energy Policies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert introduced a resolution condemning California and other states for enacting policies that restrict domestic oil production, increase gasoline prices, and undermine American energy security and national defense. The resolution calls out the California policies that restrict energy supplies and increase costs, which impact consumers – including the U.S. military. Last month, Rep. Calvert wrote an op-ed in the Orange County Register about the consequences of the restrictive energy policies enacted in Sacramento. 

“California’s radical anti-energy policies are having a devastating effect on our economy as well as our national security,” said Rep. Calvert. “The high taxes and burdensome red tape put in place by liberals in Sacramento have resulted in declining energy production as well as refining capacity. While California families are routinely hit with the highest gasoline prices in the country, the one thing worse than expensive energy is no energy. Recent global events have once again exposed the dangers of a heavy dependence on foreign sources of energy. The readiness of the military bases located throughout California is dependent on reliable energy sources. California must revisit these ill-advised policies for the sake of our economic and national security.”

Hoyer: Adopt this Legislation and Make America as Safe as We Possibly Can

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor in support of S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, which reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Below are a video and transcription of his remarks:
 

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was Majority Leader in 2008, Mr. Blunt, who was then in the leadership of the Republican Party, Senator Kit Bond, and Senator Jay Rockefeller, who co-chaired the Intel Committee in the United States Senate, and I worked together in a very difficult context. And that context was, the Bush Administration had asked for information from the telecoms, telecoms had given the information, and there were really no firewalls as to what that information was. And so, the four of us worked with the Intelligence Committee of the House to come up with legislation which would solve the problem of making sure that we were secure as a country and that the privacy of our citizens were secure. We think we accomplished that objective – and in fact, the leadership in the Senate voted for it, President Obama, then a Member of the Senate, voted for it, and Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Clyburn, and I voted for it, along with others. The Republicans were overwhelmingly for it. In September 2012, we did it again. Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Hoyer, [and] Mr. Clyburn voted for it. We did it again in January of 2018, and Pelosi, Hoyer, Clyburn, Wright, Ryan, McCarthy, and Scalise all voted for it.

“The point I want to make is this has been a bipartisan process with bipartisan presidential buy into the necessity to have this legislation adopted to keep Americans safe, while also adopting significant reforms in 2008, some reforms thereafter to provide for the privacy protections to the American people. It is a balance, but it is a balance that I think we have achieved. I think we ought to pass this legislation. I urge my colleagues to do so. Our FISA reauthorization bills are how Congress ensures that our nation is protected in the first instance against threats from terrorist groups and foreign adversaries. Our intelligence services have the difficult task of catching threats before they materialize and providing critical information to national security leaders. As many here will remember, the attacks of September 11th, 2001, occurred after our national security agencies failed to identify, track, and coordinate known threats. 25 years later, we have learned these lessons, and we continue to grapple with essential questions about how to balance the needs of our national security with protecting Americans’ liberties.

“That is an ongoing process, of course, and I know Democrats on the Committee, led by Ranking Member Himes, were diligent in pushing for reforms to Section 702 that would make those protections stronger for Americans while still delivering the tools needed. This bill does not include all of the reforms, of course, none of the bills that we consider have all the things we’d like to have in them. But, in testimony from Avril Haines, who headed up the DNI under the Obama Administration – excuse me, under the Biden Administration, she believes this is absolutely essential. Other members of the Obama Administration and the Biden Administration believe [that] this legislation is essential. I believe this legislation is essential, and I urge my colleagues – having worked on this since 2008 – to adopt this legislation and make America as safe as we possibly can. I yield back.”

Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bill to Immediately Lower Gas Prices

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced the Gas Prices Relief Act, legislation to help lower gas prices through the end of the year as they continue to climb due to President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. The Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 would suspend the federal gas tax to cut nearly 20 cents per gallon for the rest of the year, ensuring temporary relief lasts long enough for gas prices to come back down permanently. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09). 

“At a time when President Trump’s Middle East war is skyrocketing gas prices and making life even more unaffordable, Congress needs to do all it can to bring down costs for American families,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Washingtonians need immediate relief, and cannot wait until the war ends to see gas prices fall. I am proud to introduce this much-needed bill to bring immediate relief, and I will continue to be laser-focused on lowering the cost of living.”

“Valley commuters are facing a runaway rollercoaster of prices at the pump that have been out of control for weeks, and our families need some immediate relief,” said Congressman Harder. “$100 just to fill up your tank is unacceptable – we need the war in Iran to end, but we can’t wait months for prices to come down. That’s why I’m pushing to suspend the federal gas tax and lower gas prices right now.”

Two months after the start of the war, gas prices continue to rise:

WATCH: Pressley Joins Oversight Dems Filing Contempt Charges Against Bondi, Demands Accountability for Epstein Survivors

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Whether you’re a politician, a prince, or a president—we will not let go and a reckoning is on the way.”

45 Minutes Later, Republicans Announce Date for Bondi’s Appearance

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Oversight Democrats in filing a resolution to hold former Attorney General Pam Bondi in civil contempt of Congress after she failed to appear for her legally-binding, bipartisan subpoena to be deposed on the Epstein investigation and the White House’s cover-up of the Epstein files. The resolution would instruct the House of Representatives to go to court to compel Bondi’s testimony.

This morning, Rep. Pressley joined Ranking Member Garcia and colleagues for a media availability on the resolution. Less than an hour later, Oversight Republicans announced a date for Bondi’s appearance.

“Today we filed contempt charges against Pam Bondi to hold her accountable for defying her legal obligation to testify on her handling of the Epstein files—an important step toward accountability for survivors. Less than an hour later, Republicans announced a date for her appearance,” said Congresswoman Pressley in a statement. “Republicans cannot run from their cover-up of powerful, wealthy, and well-connected predators like Donald Trump. Whether you’re a politician, a prince, or a president—we will not let go and a reckoning is on the way.”

In March 2026, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform secured a bipartisan subpoena for then-Attorney General Pam Bondi following a motion supported by all Committee Democrats joined by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. Michael Cloud, Rep. Scott Perry, and Rep. Tim Burchett. The bipartisan subpoena passed the House Oversight Committee 24 to 19. On April 14, 2026, Pam Bondi refused to appear for her deposition before the Oversight Committee, despite the lawful bipartisan subpoena the Committee issued. The subpoena remains legally binding, even after Bondi was fired. The subpoena followed the Department of Justice’s botched release of the Epstein files and the continued White House cover-up.

Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks during the media availability is available here and a transcript is available below.

Transcript: Pressley Joins Oversight Dems Filing Contempt Charges Against Bondi, Demands Accountability for Epstein Survivors
U.S. House of Representatives
April 29, 2026

Just to level set why we’re all here: it is about the survivors. And this is quite literally a matter of life and death.

From our earliest meetings with the survivors, they made impassioned appeals to us that this not be one more demonstration of what has been an institutional betrayal for decades, where many have been complicit in protecting the powerful, the wealthy, and well-connected who participated in this pedophile Ponzi scheme.

We stand before the Oversight Committee room, a room now that bears the painting of Elijah Cummings, who reminded me as a freshman when I started on this committee that the work of the Committee on Oversight is to be in efficient and effective pursuit of the truth.

And under this Republican majority, everything that they have done has flown in the face of the integrity of this committee and what our job is.

[Republicans have] canceled hearings. [Bondi] has defied and not complied with a legally binding subpoena.

Our resolution is essential in getting us one step closer to accountability for the victims who have been sentenced with a lifetime sentence of navigating trauma and depression and suicide ideation, whose bodies were violated, whose dignity was violated, whose dreams were violated.

We have a responsibility to them that these vermin be held accountable for their vile acts.

And whether you are a politician, a prince, or a president, we will not let go and a reckoning is on the way.

—

In recent interviews, Rep. Pressley described why her work to subpoena the Epstein files is deeply personal to her.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for justice for survivors of sexual violence and reproductive freedom.

In July 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2024. In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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Krishnamoorthi, Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Pettersen Introduce Legislation to Let Congress Override Politically Motivated Disaster Aid Denials

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), alongside U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Brittney Pettersen (D-CO), introduced legislation to allow Congress to override a Presidential denial of federal disaster relief funding and create a new fast-track process to ensure states are not left without support.

President Trump is denying disaster aid to Democratic-led states at an unprecedented rate—the highest in the 47-year history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency—approving just 23% of their requests compared to 89% for Republican-led states. He has also taken roughly twice as long to act on requests from Democratic states, making it significantly harder for them to receive critical relief.

“President Trump has repeatedly denied disaster aid requests, including ones affecting families in Illinois, leaving communities struggling to rebuild after severe storms and flooding,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). “Disaster relief should never depend on politics or arbitrary decisions. Our legislation empowers Congress to step in and help deliver the support states need when federal assistance is blocked. Families rebuilding after disasters deserve certainty that their government will stand with them when it matters most.” 

“Disasters don’t care about state lines or politics, and neither should our President’s response,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO). “Following the Lee and Elk Fires and the flooding in Southwest Colorado last year, every single member of the Colorado delegation was united: our communities needed federal assistance. The President outright rejected our calls for federal support. As natural disasters increase, Congress must be able to push past political retribution and help our cities and counties meet the challenge posed by these events.” 

“The president is putting politics over Americans in crisis. We have to fight for a way forward,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “Disaster relief should never be tied to politics. Your zip code and your vote should not decide whether you can rebuild.” 

“When natural disasters strike — from wildfires to flash floods — the federal government must rise to the occasion and assist our communities,” said U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO). “Natural disasters don’t discriminate based on state or political affiliation — and neither should the federal government.”

“As wildfires become a year-round threat, Colorado communities cannot afford a federal government that turns its back on them when disaster strikes,” said U.S. Representative Brittney Pettersen (D-CO). “Every community — red or blue — should have the tools needed to recover and rebuild more resilient to future threats.” 

Illinois leaders appealed multiple federal disaster aid denials following severe weather events that affected counties across the state, including parts of the Chicago region. Similar concerns have emerged nationwide. In Arkansas, Republican state leaders urged reconsideration after a denied request tied to deadly storms, while Colorado officials sought reversal following wildfire and flooding disasters. Federal officials also denied aid connected to severe flooding in Wisconsin. Together, these decisions have raised bipartisan concerns about consistency and fairness in federal disaster response.

“I saw firsthand the destruction these floods caused and how much more difficult recovery became without support,” said the Executive Director of the Illinois Flood Relief Task Force. “Helping communities—especially those on the South and West sides of Chicago—recover from disasters should never be a political decision. It’s about making sure people have the support they need to rebuild and piece their lives back together.”

Under current law, governors may request federal disaster assistance after major emergencies, but Congress has limited recourse when those requests are denied. Krishnamoorthi’s legislation would require the administration to provide prompt written notification to Congress following certain denials and would establish expedited procedures allowing lawmakers to authorize disaster aid through a fast-track joint resolution process. The legislation is designed to help ensure communities can access timely federal recovery resources while strengthening accountability and consistency in disaster response decisions.

Summary of the Legislation

  • Creates a fast-track congressional process to authorize federal disaster assistance when requests are denied by the executive branch.

  • Requires the administration to notify Congress and provide a written explanation within 24 hours after certain disaster aid denials.

  • Establishes expedited House and Senate procedures to allow swift consideration of aid following major emergencies.

  • Helps ensure states and communities can access federal recovery support after storms, flooding, wildfires, and other disasters.

The text of the bill is available here.

Krishnamoorthi Presses DHS for Answers After New Reports of Trump Administration Expanding Demands for Sensitive Voter Data

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers following new reports that the Trump Administration has expanded efforts to obtain sensitive voter information and engage directly with state and local election officials. The letter cites new reports indicating that DHS personnel requested voter registration records, voting histories, and other election-related data in multiple states, in some cases including unredacted materials containing signatures and partial Social Security numbers.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi wrote:

“A recent investigation found that DHS personnel requested voter registration records, voting histories, and other election-related data in at least eight states, including, in some cases, unredacted materials containing signatures and partial Social Security numbers. The reporting indicates that these requests were made without a clearly articulated investigative basis and in areas that do not traditionally fall within DHS’s core mission.” 

He continued:

“These reported actions raise serious legal and constitutional concerns. Election administration is primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, and any federal involvement, particularly where it touches sensitive voter data, must be clearly authorized, narrowly scoped, and handled with care. They also risk eroding public confidence in the integrity and impartial administration of our elections.” 

Krishnamoorthi emphasized that these developments come amid broader efforts to expand federal involvement in election administration and growing concern among election officials about political pressure ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Krishnamoorthi requested that DHS provide the following information no later than May 8, 2026:

  1. Identify all statutory, regulatory, or other legal authorities DHS relies upon to request or obtain voter registration records, voting histories, or other election-related data from state or local officials. 

  2. Provide a list of all jurisdictions in which DHS personnel have requested or obtained election-related records since January 20, 2025, including the type of information requested and whether such requests were fulfilled. 

  3. For each request, describe the factual basis or predicate for the inquiry, including whether the request was tied to a specific allegation, referral, or ongoing investigation. 

  4. Describe any coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice or other federal entities regarding election-related investigations, including whether such entities reviewed, approved, or directed any such requests. 

  5. Detail the policies and procedures governing the handling, storage, retention, and protection of sensitive voter information obtained by DHS, including any limitations on dissemination, third-party access, breach notification protocols, and timelines for deletion or destruction of such data. 

  6. Provide all internal guidance, memoranda, or directives governing DHS involvement in election-related matters, including any changes to DHS’s role in election security, investigations, or data collection since January 20, 2025. 

  7. Explain how any voter data obtained by DHS has been used, including whether it has been shared with other federal agencies, used to initiate enforcement actions, or incorporated into broader federal databases. 

  8. Describe the training provided to DHS personnel engaging with election officials and the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with applicable laws, privacy protections, and constitutional limits.

The letter is available here.

Krishnamoorthi Warns CBP Tariff Refund System Could Shut Out Small Businesses

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott warning that the agency’s tariff refund system could shut out small businesses while favoring large corporations.

Krishnamoorthi raised concerns that while individual Americans who ultimately bore the cost of these tariffs are excluded from receiving refunds, the process must not further disadvantage small businesses already hit hardest.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi wrote:

“The structure of this refund process, as currently designed, risks delivering the greatest benefits to the largest and most well-resourced corporations while leaving small businesses at a significant disadvantage. I urge CBP to take immediate steps to ensure that small businesses receive the refunds they deserve.”

He emphasized the scale of harm caused by the tariffs and the urgency of equitable relief:

“After months of irreversible economic damage to small businesses, the Supreme Court ruled that not only are these tariffs unconstitutional, but that American importers are owed more than $166 billion taken from them by the Trump Administration’s illegal policy.”

Small businesses—particularly in Illinois—have borne the brunt of these costs, facing steep revenue losses and rising financial strain while larger corporations were better positioned to absorb or pass on price increases.

Krishnamoorthi also warned that technical failures and structural barriers could prevent small businesses from accessing relief:

“These structural advantages, compounded by early reports of website crashes, confusing interfaces, and delays within the CAPE portal itself, threaten to shut small businesses out of a process they are legally entitled to participate in.”

Finally, Krishnamoorthi called on CBP to reserve a meaningful share of refunds for small businesses and to publicly report distribution data by business size. He requested a response by July 13, 2026.

The letter is available here.