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Congresswoman Betty McCollum Re-introduces The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

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

Legislation would promote human rights, peace, and justice for Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank and escalating violence against Palestinians, Congresswoman Betty McCollum today re-introduced The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act (read bill text here). Congresswoman McCollum introduced similar legislation during the 115th, 116th, 117th and 118th Congresses.

The legislation would prohibit Israel’s government from using U.S. taxpayer dollars in the Occupied West Bank for the military detention, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention; the seizure and destruction of Palestinian property and homes in violation of international humanitarian law; or any assistance or support for unilateral annexation of Palestinian lands in violation of international humanitarian law. 

“Not one dollar from United States taxpayers should be used to commit human rights violations, demolish families’ homes, or permanently annex Palestinian lands,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Americans provide billions of dollars in assistance for Israel’ government every year – those dollars should be used to improve Israel’s security, not to advance the extremist aims of the Netanyahu government. As the Netanyahu government continues to expand its annexation of the West Bank, this legislation is a timely reminder to our ally of the United States’ position that peace must remain the objective. Peace can only be achieved through a meaningful two-state solution, and Congress has a moral obligation to hold our ally Israel accountable for the well-documented mistreatment of Palestinian children and families living under Israeli military occupation.

“We have seen a groundswell of support for the Palestinian people in recent years, as more Americans support their efforts to achieve justice, equality, human rights, and self-determination,” added Congresswoman McCollum. “Prominent civil society organizations, as well as faith leaders from the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths, have endorsed this legislation because we all agree that no child should grow up enduring the horrors of unending armed conflict. There is a path to a peaceful future, and it requires leading with our U.S. values of democracy and equal justice for all.”

The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act would require the Secretary of State to certify annually to Congress that foreign aid to Israel does not violate any of the outlined prohibited uses.

The legislation would also require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the expenditure of U.S. taxpayer funds by Israel for “off-shore procurement” and compliance with Congressionally mandated requirements, providing transparency and accountability for the expenditure of U.S. foreign aid, as we do with all countries.

Original co-sponsors of the Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act include Representatives Carson, Casar, Evans (PA), Garcia (IL), Jayapal, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pingree, Ramirez, Tonko, Watson Coleman, Pocan, and McGovern.

The legislation has been endorsed by nearly a dozen civil society organizations including JStreet, New Jewish Narrative, Oxfam America, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Peace Action, Win Without War, Demand Progress, Arab American Institute, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Center for International Policy.

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Tonko Statement on Repeal of EPA’s Endangerment Finding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

Tonko Statement on Repeal of EPA’s Endangerment Finding

Latest Trump administration action would undermine countless environmental protections that keep families safe & healthy

AMSTERDAM, NY, February 13, 2026

AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement on yesterday’s repeal of the EPA’s “endangerment finding” — the long-standing, scientifically proven conclusion that greenhouse gas pollution warms the planet and harms public health — by the Trump administration:

“The repeal of EPA’s endangerment finding is a giant step backward in our fight to secure a livable planet for future generations. With this action, Donald Trump and his administration have made climate denial the official policy of the United States by once again placing polluter profits ahead of the well-being of American families. While countless Americans suffer from the negative health effects of unchecked corporate pollution and millions more face the extreme weather, wildfires, and droughts it causes, Trump and Lee Zeldin are showing nothing but contempt for their struggles. This policy will only make big polluters richer — and American families will pay the price.”

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Steil-Led Housing Affordability Legislation Passes the House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC – This week, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644), which includes the Accelerating Home Building Act (H.R. 5907), a bill co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05), on a vote of 390-9. 

“Housing costs have doubled over the last eight years in Wisconsin, making homeownership out of reach for many families,” said Steil. “By cutting through red tape and empowering local decision makers to increase supply, we can reduce costs and make it easier for families to purchase a home.”

Housing costs continue to rise due to a lack of supply, workforce shortages, and costly government regulations. These costs have put homeownership out of reach for many families. 

The Accelerating Home Building Act creates a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help towns and cities implement pattern zoning, a process for architects and local governments to develop “pattern books” full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs for use in their communities. This process tackles housing affordability by reducing red tape, lowering design costs, streamlining zoning approvals, and accelerating construction timelines.

CLICK HERE to read the Housing for the 21st Century Act.

CLICK HERE for a one pager on the bill.

 

 

 

 

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Congressman Al Green Secures Half a Million Dollars in Federal Funding to Combat Human Trafficking in Harris County Constable Precinct 7

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

(Houston, TX) —On Friday, February 13, 2026, Congressman Al Green will present a symbolic check for $500,000 to support Harris County Constable Precinct 7 in their combating of human trafficking across underserved communities in the Congressional District. This federal funding will provide specialized officer training and support community-based initiatives focused on prevention, victim services, and enforcement.

Houston continues to rank among the cities with the highest number of reported human trafficking cases in the nation, with vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted. Precinct 7 faces heightened risk due to socioeconomic barriers, major transportation corridors, large event venues such as NRG Stadium, and industries frequently associated with human trafficking activity. The funding will strengthen survivor advocacy services, expand community outreach and education efforts. It will also enhance law enforcement training as well as improve investigative coordination in partnership with local agencies and community organizations. 

Congressman Al Green stated, “Houston is one of the nation’s leading hubs for human trafficking, and far too many vulnerable residents are being exploited in our communities. This funding will help equip Harris County Constable Precinct 7 with the resources necessary to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and hold traffickers accountable. As Houston prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these proactive investments will help ensure we are prepared to address heightened risks of human trafficking and safeguard our communities.  I commend Constable ‘Smokie’ Phillips for his leadership and partnership in strengthening public safety throughout the district.” 

If you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking, or if you spot any red flags, help is available. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733, or visiting their website for confidential assistance and reporting options. 

Click here at 9:30 AM CT to watch the YouTube Live Stream of the event.

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Bacon, Carbajal Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Carbajal Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and John Garamendi (D-CA-08), introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots. 

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.”

“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.”

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.”

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I’m honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.”

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, ALPA president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession”

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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REPEAL OF THE ENDANGERMENT FINDING

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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Pressley Underscores Harm of Racial Bias in Home Appraisals, Urges Reform of Appraisal System to Ensure Equity, Accountability

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

“Black families who sought homeownership were held back by red tape, limited to redlined neighborhoods and faced blatant racism from banks.”

“And for those who managed to secure a mortgage and buy a home, the value of their homes was grossly diminished by an appraisal system rife with racial bias, and that same appraisal system is around today.”

WASHINGTON – During a House Financial Services Committee hearing this week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) laid plain the harmful discriminatory nature of the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color, across the country and in Boston. Rep. Pressley pushed for essential reform to modernize the appraisal process, strengthen transparency and accountability, and help families challenge bias valuations.

In November 2025, on National Housing Day, Rep. Pressley introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process. The Senate companion legislation is being led by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA). Bill text is available here.

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Underscores Harm of Racial Bias in Home Appraisals, Urges Reform of Appraisal System to Ensure Equity, Accountability
Financial Services Committee

February 10, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Well, since Black history is American history, I’ll say Happy Black History Month.

And on the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, I refuse to allow our contributions to be relegated to a footnote or to be whitewashed by an Executive Order. 

Dr. Hamilton, I am grateful for your leadership in shaping the national conversation on baby bonds, and I thank you for your partnership and counsel on the drafting of my baby bonds legislation in partnership with Senator Booker. 

Republicans and Trump won’t give you credit, but we know that Trump accounts exist only because of your genius and the work on the ground that you laid as spearheading the issue of baby bonds. 

So I want to give you your flowers officially on the Congressional Record, you have been a pioneer in confronting the racial wealth gap. 

I represent the Massachusetts Seventh congressional district, and a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found – and this will shock many – but that the median net worth for white households in Boston is $247,500, while for Black households, it is a mere $8. 

That has everything to do with housing. 

Dr. Hamilton, would you agree that homeownership plays an essential role in wealth building? 

DR. DARRICK HAMILTON: Yes. And thank you, Congresswoman, I honestly am very honored and proud to have that accolade that you offered me.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, and we’re grateful for you.

So yes, homeownership is essential to wealth building, and I believe that a majority of the public agrees with and acknowledges that.

In fact, during the 1950s and 60s, one of the foundational bricks that built America’s middle class was home ownership. 

It was the advice given by the government to citizens and passed down from parents to their kids. 

Homeownership symbolized financial opportunity and freedom. 

But we know what was also taking place in the 50s and 60s: Jim Crow. Jim Crow discrimination.

Black families who sought homeownership were held back by red tape, limited to redlined neighborhoods and faced blatant racism from banks. 

And for those who managed to secure a mortgage and buy a home, the value of their homes were grossly diminished by an appraisal system rife with racial bias, and that same appraisal system is around today. 

Just look at the data. Last year, a report estimated that Boston’s Black homeowners lose up to $2.3 billion in wealth because homes owned by Black families are valued about 18% less – they can literally be right next door to each other – than comparable White-owned homes, or roughly $125,000. 

But this isn’t just in my district. It’s happening all across the country. 

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a March 2024 article from The Bay State Banner titled, “Boston Black homeowners lose billions to biased property valuations.”

I also asked to enter into the record a Brookings Institution study titled, “How racial bias in appraisals affects the devaluation of homes in majority-Black neighborhoods.” 

And finally, I asked to enter without unanimous consent, a Freddie Mac analysis titled, “Freddie Mac Research Explores Causes for the Appraisal Valuation Gap for Homeowners in Minority Neighborhoods.”

CHAIR HILL: Without objection. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Dr. Hamilton, with my remaining time – for Black families of all income levels, there is no getting around a discriminatory appraisal system. Why does this matter for the affordability crisis and the racial wealth gap?

DR. HAMILTON: And you know, we should recognize, when we cited that most Americans own their home – that’s not true for Black people, and that’s grounded in a history that you describe. It’s not happenstance. 

Indeed, as we have this conversation, one of the problems is, if we look at any analytical issue in an ahistoric way, it’s myopic. 

So if we’re if we’re revisiting the Great Recession, if we’re revisiting inflation in the pandemic, if we’re not telling the complete story, we are inaccurate. 

Inflation was to deal with a pandemic, frankly, a plague that we were faced and we had supply chain issues. It’s almost miraculous that we’re still not in a great recession today.

The critiques of the Dodd-Frank Act that we’re hearing today, we’re losing the context by which it emerged. It’s almost as if we will repeat the same problems that we had in the past. 

Of course, we need smart regulation, but complete deregulation was the root of the speculation that nearly brought down our economy in two scenarios.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Dr. Hamilton. And on the issue of the appraisal system in particular, I just want to share that I was proud to partner with Senator Warnock to introduce legislation that would modernize the appraisal process, to strengthen transparency and accountability and the consumer right to appeal if they decide.

Thank you.

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Congressman García Invites Marimar Martinez, Woman Shot by Border Patrol, to State of the Union

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

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced today that his guest for the upcoming State of the Union address will be Marimar Martinez, a constituent of Illinois’ Fourth District, a teacher’s assistant at a Montessori school and a survivor of a near-fatal shooting by a federal agent. 

On October 4, Martinez, a U.S. citizen, was shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent while going to donate clothing to her church. Following the shooting, the federal government charged and prosecuted Martinez, falsely labeling her a “domestic terrorist”. The government later dismissed the charges, yet federal officials continue to defame her. Now Martinez is fighting to release all evidence in her case to expose the Trump administration’s lies and how federal agents are endangering people where they have been deployed. 

“After a Border Patrol agent brutally shot Marimar and bragged about it, the Trump administration wrongly called her a “domestic terrorist”. Even after all charges were dropped, they continue to smear her name. This is unacceptable,” said Rep. García. “I believe her personal story, as someone who has been harmed by this administration’s violent immigration enforcement, should be widely shared with the public, the media, and Members of Congress.”

“I am humbled by Congressman García’s generous invitation and appreciate Congressman García being in my corner from the beginning of this fight with the Department of Homeland Security over truth and fundamental fairness. I look forward to attending the State of the Union and hope the country can look at what happened to me and other victims of DHS’s unlawful behavior as a basis to call their elected representatives and demand accountability.” said Ms. Martinez. 

Martinez was nearly killed during Operation Midway Blitz, a months-long DHS operation that terrorized immigrant communities across Illinois, particularly in the district represented by Rep. García. During the operation federal agents used chemical agents against civilians, engaged in racial profiling, denied due process, and killed Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. 

A report by DHS found that only 3 percent of those arrested during Operation Midway Blitz had serious crime convictions. 

“This is the federal government’s playbook: escalate violence, criminalize our neighbors, and then lie to justify brutality,” García continued. “I am proud to stand with Marimar and support her demand for full transparency and accountability.”

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Carbajal Statement on Trump Administration’s Major Rollback of Environmental Protection Rules

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the Trump Administration’s rollback of the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endangerment finding. This finding determined that pollutants created from fossil fuels – such as methane and carbon dioxide – can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

“The Trump Administration has once again chosen to prioritize the interests of Big Oil at the expense of the American people. It’s 2026 — the debate over the reality of climate change should be long settled. For decades, scientific evidence and firsthand experience have shown that greenhouse gases pose a serious threat to human health and to our nation’s security. Just last year, communities across the country suffered more than $100 billion in damages from climate‑related disasters, including our own state, which is still recovering from the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles. The Administration has a responsibility to protect the American people from the escalating dangers of climate change, and I call on them to reverse this decision immediately.”

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Carbajal Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), along with U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots. 

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.”

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.”

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I’m honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.”

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.”

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, ALPA president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession.”