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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jason Crow (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) released the following statement after voting in favor of Congressman Massie’s amendment to the Republican budget:
 
“Today we voted against additional taxpayer-funded military aid being given to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
 
“We support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to safety, security, and self-determination.
 
“We should not be giving military aid to any country that does not comply with our own laws and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet these standards.
 
“The status quo is not tenable. We need a different path forward for America’s foreign policy rooted in values and consistent application of the law.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.

“Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.

“Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.” 

The statement was released by Representatives: Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“The so-called Take Care of America’s Veterans Act cuts benefits and raises fees on future veterans. I cannot support that. Congress should be focused on breaking down barriers that prevent veterans from receiving the benefits they need, not creating more.

“I continue to support the Major Richard Star Act to correct the unfair offset in benefits for combat-injured veterans. I call on Speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor for a vote.”

Today, Rep. Larsen voted “no” on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA). The bill cuts an estimated $57 billion in disability compensation over the next 10 years for future veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea, two of the most common conditions among veterans. The bill would also triple fees on veterans refinancing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans at a time when Americans are already struggling to afford housing.

Larsen Continues to Fight for Veterans in Northwest Washington

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September 2025. Following those conversations, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns. Rep. Larsen submitted this report to the VA and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) to ensure Northwest Washington veterans’ voices are heard in the policy-making process.

After hearing from local veterans about the lack of transportation options to VA health facilities, Rep. Larsen introduced the Veterans Access to Transit Act last December to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations. Rep. Larsen’s BUILD America 250 Act, which passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in May, makes funding available to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations, like the Everett and Mount Vernon Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

Last August, Rep. Larsen reintroduced the Veteran Families Health Services Act, which would expand the fertility treatments and family-building services that are covered under servicemembers’ and veterans’ health care. Rep. Larsen also introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act this February, which would expand veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings through the VA.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act regarding funding for Israel.    

“Today’s vote was an unserious attempt by Rep. Thomas Massie to implement sweeping and irresponsible changes to America’s foreign policy.  

“Let me be clear. Benjamin Netanyahu’s reckless policies and the humanitarian crisis he has created in Gaza have damaged Israel’s reputation on the world stage and therefore jeopardized any progress toward weakening Hamas and implementing a necessary two-state solution. Not to mention, President Trump and Netanyahu’s dangerous and illegal war with Iran has driven up costs and put American troops in harm’s way. I firmly believe that the best thing for the U.S.-Israel relationship is for Netanyahu to lose his next election.

“That said, the U.S.’ longstanding partnership with Israel is critical for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and a blanket ban on all foreign aid, including humanitarian programs, would not only endanger the Israeli people, but also American troops and our allies in the region. 

“Attempting to litigate these complex foreign policy conversations through an amendment to the national security appropriations bill undermines the importance of our alliance with Israel and threatens to undercut ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Davids (D), Finstad (R) discuss future of the Farm Bill coalition after years of partisan gridlock

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

Washington, DC – Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after voting present on an amendment offered by Representative Massie to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“I cannot support this amendment as written because it is overly broad. Enacting it would hamstring our humanitarian efforts in the region by limiting funding for programs that support Palestinian economic development and peacebuilding efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. It would also weaken our ability to combat Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations that threaten Americans and our allies.

“At the same time, I have deep concerns about the path Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to pursue that undermines the long term security objectives of Israel and the United States. This path won’t lead to peace, only to more war and instability. The United States must stand for security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“I voted present today because I cannot support this amendment as written but also cannot support the disproportionate, extreme policies of the Netanyahu government.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, CongressmanJerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement regarding House consideration of H.R. 8595:

“Today the House voted on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation will weaken diplomatic and development capacities critical to national security and further isolate America on the global stage. Among other devastating cuts, it slashes $1.1 billion from international organizations—a blatant attempt to undermine American diplomacy around the world, as well as efforts to bolster global health and combat the climate crisis. The bill also includes specific and heinous attacks on women and LGBTQ+ individuals globally. Republicans also cruelly attached unrelated legislation to this bill that would undermine Americans’ democratic rights, including the fundamental right to vote, in service of a cynical partisan political agenda.

“In addition to the underlying bill, the House also considered several dangerous amendments, including amendments that would undermine efforts to build a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

“Most significantly, the overly broad Massie amendment, which imposes a blanket prohibition on any funds in the bill being used for Israel, including embassy operations, critical peacebuilding programs like the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Program (MEPPA), and more. MEPPA is the legacy of my dear late friend and colleague Nita Lowey and plays a critical role in peacebuilding and people-to-people relations between Israelis and Palestinians. Such efforts are absolutely necessary for real progress ever to be made in the region towards a viable, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

“I have made no secret my opinion of Prime Minister Netanyahu. I have often called him the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king who invited the Romans into Jerusalem over 2100 years ago. Netanyahu is responsible for Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, growing isolation in the region and around the world, and partisan politicization within American politics. He is responsible for the attempts to undermine Israel’s democratic character in service of keeping himself from facing justice, and for using the lives of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians as political pawns in his monomaniacal quest to cling to power. Under his leadership, Hamas grew a stronghold in Gaza with tragically disastrous results, and the Palestinian Authority has been shortsightedly weakened, undermining any viable alternative. Settler violence has surged in the West Bank, and new Palestinian terrorist entities have arisen. In short, Netanyahu has been a disaster for Israel and for all those around the world concerned with the future of the region. 

“I do not question the many well-intentioned supporters of the amendment who voted for it as a means of sending a message of disapproval of Israel’s actions. I share their disapproval of these actions, and I will never shy away from expressing my critiques of Israel’s behavior loudly and publicly without fear. However, I refuse to support prohibiting funding for the very peace-building programs and activities that are perhaps our best hope at present of improving the reality on the ground and building towards long-term peace. These programs, funded in memory of Chairwoman Lowey, are persistently under attack, with their funding under constant risk. I simply will not join those undermining the heroic efforts of these peace-seekers.

“I also want to strongly oppose the Tenney amendment, which called on the House to support upending the precarious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. As a progressive, I believe that religious freedom and equal access for all are important principles governing international relations. This amendment, however, fundamentally misapplied these principles to a tenuous and potentially dangerous situation on the Temple Mount. The status quo on the Temple Mount exists in a delicate arrangement, which is best explained by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s own words: “Muslims pray on the Temple Mount; non-Muslims visit the Temple Mount.” This policy was established in 1967 after Israel conquered the territory on which the Temple Mount stands, and it has been regularly reaffirmed by every Israeli Prime Minister and Government since.

“It is only now, when there are extremists and previously convicted terrorists serving as members of the Israeli cabinet, that this extremely delicate agreement has begun to erode. Over the past years, instigated by Israel’s so-called “Minister of National Security,” radical Israeli extremists have been methodically testing the limits and attempting to move the goal posts of the fragile status quo agreement. These provocateurs understand the implications of their actions. In fact, many of the most important Ultra-Orthodox and Orthodox Rabbis in Israel forbid visiting the top of the Temple Mount on religious grounds. But these agitators and instigators selectively seek out particular Rabbinic advice that place kosher certifications on their inciting actions. 

“It was former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount that many believe triggered the outbreak of the Second Intifada. And in recent years, social media clips exposing Israeli police beating Muslim worshipers in and around al-Aqsa Mosque with clubs and rifle butts have provoked violent responses and provided the pretext for rockets from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and more. Any attempts to change the letter, or even the spirit, of the status quo agreement on the Temple Mount has the potential to beget untold levels of violence and further dramatically destabilize the region.

“In addition to these amendments, I oppose the amendment aimed at defunding assistance to our vital ally Jordan, the United Nations and its important diplomacy around the world, the Global Environment Facility aiding in climate resilience in light of climate change around the world, and the Fulbright Program, which is the gold-standard of education and cultural exchange programs. 

“I am also deeply disappointed that the Republican majority refused to allow consideration of my bipartisan amendment to prohibit the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) from being eliminated or merged into another office. SEHI is the only office in the U.S. Government solely dedicated to advocating for Holocaust survivors. As I have said before, if this Administration truly cared about Holocaust survivors, they would strengthen the SEHI office—not eliminate it.

“Today’s legislation will make the world less safe and less secure for generations to come. Unfortunately, I was unable to vote due to a family medical emergency in New York. Had I been present, I would have voted against this deeply shameful bill and the dangerous amendments considered by the House. When this bill is sent to the Senate, I urge them to take a more responsible course.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain, and John Moolenaar are demanding immediate action from the Canadian government as another wildfire season brings dangerous smoke across the border and into Michigan communities.

After repeated conversations sharing concerns, and a lack of meaningful progress, the Members are making clear that continued inaction from Canada is unacceptable. The Members say Canadian leaders have had years to address the underlying causes of worsening wildfires, yet American families continue to bear the consequences.

In a joint letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Republicans warned that patience has run out and called on Canada to move beyond promises and take real action to protect communities on both sides of the border.

In their letter, the Members argued that, “We write today as members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to raise our voices on an issue that has already drawn letters from our colleagues in past years: wildfire smoke drifting across the border from Canada into our communities. Additionally, last year, Reps. James and Bergman each wrote letters to your government to raise the alarm about wildfire smoke pouring across our border from Canada into our communities. We write jointly this time because a year has passed, the season has come around again, and nothing has changed except that our patience has run out.”

The letter to Prime Minister Carney continued, “We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not. We were told the causes, chronic under-investment in forest thinning, fuel reduction, and prescribed burns, along with inadequate enforcement against arson, were being addressed. They were not, or not adequately enough to matter to the people we represent. Provincial leaders have offered excuses instead of results, and in some cases have openly dismissed the health of American citizens as an inconvenience to their own summer. That attitude is unacceptable from a neighbor and an ally.”

“We are done accepting apologies in place of action. If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people. That means our own agencies exploring direct involvement in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting capacity. It means reconsidering how much benefit of the doubt this relationship continues to earn on an issue where American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction, year after year. Sovereignty comes with responsibility, and the responsibility to prevent a foreseeable disaster from crossing into another country’s airspace has not been met.”

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement after voting “Present” on far-right extremist Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Massie’s amendment would have cut foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians and funding for refugee resettlement, peace-building, and U.S. Embassy operations. 

“I stand firmly against sending offensive weapons to Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and I continue to call for the protection of Palestinian civilians, a surge of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and a two-state solution to bring peace and self-determination to Israelis and Palestinians,” said Thompson. 

“I cannot support this amendment because it is so poorly drafted and overly broad that it would defund our efforts to protect civilians and promote peace, taking us farther from our goals. At the same time, I stand firmly against Netanyahu’s conduct in Gaza and his efforts to drag us into conflict with Iran.

“I voted ‘present’ in protest of Netanyahu and in solidarity with our peacekeeping efforts. This amendment was proposed by an extremist as an unserious solution to an incredibly serious issue and I refuse to play cheap political games when it comes to matters of global conflict,” he concluded.