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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to authorize funding for Student Veteran Success Centers at colleges and universities nationwide, helping student Veterans transition from military to academic life.

“I have personally visited many schools that offer Student Veteran Centers and spoken with the Veterans who utilize them. The Veterans confirm that the enhanced services and specialized resources provided through the centers are invaluable as they seek to successfully reintegrate into civilian society,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “I hope my colleagues will join us in expediting passage of this important initiative.”

“As the mother of a U.S. Marine War Veteran, I know how demanding the transition from military to civilian life can be,” said Rep. Frankel. “Our Veterans are patriots who have served our country-they deserve every tool to succeed in their next chapter. Student Veteran Success Centers provide the academic support, mentorship, and community that help them thrive.”

Student Veterans face unique challenges, including long breaks from school, service-related disabilities, PTSD, and family responsibilities, which can lead to higher dropout rates and limited job opportunities.

The Veteran Education Empowerment Act reauthorizes the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant program through FY2033, supporting institutions in creating and operating Student Veteran Success Centers. Since its creation, the Department of Education has awarded nearly $50 million to more than 100 schools, including $4 million to eight institutions in Florida.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, DC-Last night, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act, a landmark bill to accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and expand access to life-saving therapies for children battling rare diseases. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) introduced the legislation in February alongside Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). 

This legislation combines two critical initiatives — the original Give Kids a Chance Act and the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act– to spur drug development for pediatric rare diseases, improve outcomes for patients, and close gaps in pediatric drug research.

“Today, we celebrate the House passage of this critical, bipartisan effort to give children battling cancer and rare diseases a real chance at life. By strengthening incentives for pediatric drug development, restoring essential programs such as the FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher, and ensuring that life-saving therapies reach the children who need them most, we are making meaningful progress. I am proud to have contributed to this important work and will continue fighting for children and families across our nation,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

“By passing the bipartisan Give Kids a Chance Act, the House has taken a meaningful step forward in improving health outcomes for kids fighting cancer and rare diseases,”said Rep. Castor. “This bipartisan legislation eliminates unnecessary red tape, prioritizes life-saving pediatric therapies and re-energizes pediatric drug research at no additional cost to taxpayers. As co-chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I’m pleased to see the House come together to remove barriers to care. Working together is how we strengthen families, expand opportunity and build a healthier, more hopeful future for our young neighbors in Florida and across the country.”

“As a founder of the childhood cancer caucus, I’ve met with countless cancer patients and advocates who have asked me for one thing: to give kids their best chance of beating cancer. Today, the House of Representatives shined a beacon of hope for those children and their families by unanimously passing the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act,” said Congressman McCaul. “Mikaela represents all the children who have advocated for this bill and suffered with this heartbreaking disease. Losing some of these kids has been the hardest part of my career, but today, I’m encouraged because I know Mikaela’s legacy-and all of their legacies-will live on in this bill forever and help save countless lives.”

“Today, the House delivered long-overdue hope for the millions of Americans and their families struggling with a rare disease,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I’m proud my RARE Act is included in this bipartisan package. It will prevent pharmaceutical companies from abusing their orphan drug status to keep other innovative drugs from coming to market. As Co-Chair of the Rare Disease Caucus, I’ve met far too many families who have been told there are no options for their child’s care. This legislation brings them real hope by ensuring investment into pediatric therapies and getting promising treatments to patients faster. Now the Senate must act quickly, because for the rare disease community, every single day matters.”

Background:  Each year, nearly 16,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. In fact, children comprise as many as half of those living with rare diseases, yet treatment options for children remain extremely limited compared to those for adults. The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act would reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration priority review voucher (PRV) program-which allows pharmaceutical companies to expedite FDA review of more profitable drugs in return for developing treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Since the bill’s passage in 2011, 63 PRVs have been awarded for at least 39 different rare pediatric diseases.

Additionally, thousands of successful drug combination therapies are now being studied and developed for adults, but not for children. The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act also authorizes the FDA to direct companies to study combinations of cancer drugs and therapies in pediatric trials. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to authorize funding for Student Veteran Success Centers at colleges and universities nationwide, helping student Veterans transition from military to academic life.

“As the mother of a U.S. Marine War Veteran, I know how demanding the transition from military to civilian life can be,” said Rep. Frankel. “Our Veterans are patriots who have served our country—they deserve every tool to succeed in their next chapter. Student Veteran Success Centers provide the academic support, mentorship, and community that help them thrive.”

“I have personally visited many schools that offer Student Veteran Centers and spoken with the Veterans who utilize them. The Veterans confirm that the enhanced services and specialized resources provided through the centers are invaluable as they seek to successfully reintegrate into civilian society,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “I hope my colleagues will join us in expediting passage of this important initiative.”

Student Veterans face unique challenges, including long breaks from school, service-related disabilities, PTSD, and family responsibilities, which can lead to higher dropout rates and limited job opportunities.

The Veteran Education Empowerment Act reauthorizes the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant program through FY2033, supporting institutions in creating and operating Student Veteran Success Centers. Since its creation, the Department of Education has awarded nearly $50 million to more than 100 schools, including $4 million to eight institutions in Florida, including Palm Beach State College.

Endorsements: Adjutants General Association of the United States, American Association of Community Colleges, American Council on Education, American Legion, AMVETS, Association of American Universities, Association of Public Land-grant Universities, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military-Veterans Advocacy, Minority Veterans of America, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Student Veterans of America, Veterans Education Project, and Veterans of Foreign Wars

For full text of the bill, click here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the Monterey-Salinas Transit District had received a $1,032,000 grant for its zero-emission fleet operations.

“We are proud of the efforts Monterey-Salinas Transit has made in reducing the emissions of its fleet, and this grant is going to be a huge help in furthering that progress,” said Reps. Lofgren and Panetta. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for which we both voted is continuing to support projects such as this, and we’re both working hard to ensure more federal infrastructure funding continues to flow to California’s Central Coast.

Carl Sedoryk, MST General Manager/CEO commented, “These funds are a critical part of building a complete funding package to develop an energy storage system for our growing fleet of zero emission buses. This system will ensure we can draw power during emergencies when the PG&E grid is unavailable.”

The Monterey-Salinas Transit District has rolled out a plan that will convert their transit bus fleet to zero emissions by 2040. This grant will be used to purchase a backup generator to support its zero-emission bus fleet. It is provided through the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program, which received significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supported by both Reps. Lofgren and Panetta.

Lofgren and Panetta also recently announced bus grants for Santa Cruz METRO and Santa Clara VTA.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) announced that Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority received a $20,311,640 grant for its fleet and facility modernization project.

“Replacing outdated buses with low-emission hybrids isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said Carolyn Gonot, General Manager/CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. “Government funding is critical to reducing harmful emissions, safeguarding public health, and ensuring our transit systems remain resilient for the future.”

“This is a major investment in Santa Clara County’s transportation system that will make our buses much cleaner and more reliable,” said Rep. Lofgren. “I’m proud to have voted for the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which significantly boosted funding for clean transportation projects just like this.”

“Silicon Valley should be on the forefront of tackling climate change — and that includes our local transit system. I applaud this investment in an updated bus fleet that will provide more sustainable and efficient service to our community in Santa Clara County,” said Rep. Khanna. 

“Santa Clara County continues to do its part to ensure that they’re on the right side of the effort to deal with climate change,” said Rep. Panetta. “This significant federal funding included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will help the County update their transit bus fleet with greener, safer, and more reliable alternatives. With this investment, the federal government continues to play its part in helping Santa Clara County lower greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that our region is leading the way when it comes to reducing our carbon output.”

“Modernizing Santa Clara County’s bus fleet will make our transit system more reliable while cutting harmful emissions and operating costs. I’m thrilled to see this investment coming to our community, and I applaud the Valley Transportation Authority for its work to secure this grant,” said Rep. Sam Liccardo.

Of VTA’s active fleet of 440 diesel-powered buses, 112 (25% of the fleet) are over 12 years old, leading to breakdowns and increased maintenance costs. Without this grant, VTA would be required to perform frequent repairs, threatening their ability to meet daily service needs. The fleet and facility modernization project improves the reliability of the bus fleet by replacing these outdated buses. It will also help launch VTA’s hydrogen fuel cell bus program, which will deliver zero-emission rides.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District received a $1,152,000 grant for its Paratransit Vehicle Replacement Project.

“This grant is going to make a big difference for Santa Cruz County residents,” said Reps. Lofgren and Panetta. “We both proudly voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, precisely because it boosted grant funding for programs like this. With this announcement, we’re going to get newer, cleaner buses that are going to save money for Santa Cruz Metro. In Congress, we’ll continue corresponding with the Department of Transportation and advocating for funds that improve transit for Californians.”

“This grant is a tremendous win for our community. With these funds, METRO will replace six aging paratransit vehicles and expand our fleet with two additional vehicles, ensuring that more residents who rely on paratransit have access to safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly transportation,” said METRO Board Chair, Rebecca Downing. “The new vehicles will reduce operating costs, improve service quality, and help us meet growing demand across Santa Cruz County. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren and Congressman Panetta for their steadfast support and advocacy for public transit. Their commitment to investing in cleaner, more accessible transportation makes a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

New vehicles will operate throughout the Santa Cruz County public transit network, serving eligible customers who are unable to use fixed route buses for some or all of their mass transportation trips. The new buses will significantly reduce METRO’s operating costs due to lower maintenance costs and anticipated lower fuel costs compared to older buses.

The grant was made possible by the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Reps. Lofgren and Panetta both supported, provides nearly $2 billion over five years to help transit agencies replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and facilities.

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

WASHINGTON – Last week, Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) led 12 House Members in urging the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to explain a Trump Administration budget proposal that could destabilize core housing assistance programs that veterans rely on nationwide.

In a letter dated Tuesday, November 25, the lawmakers write that they are “deeply concerned about the creation of a new program titled Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment (BRAVE) in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget proposal.” They note that “according to President Trump’s FY 2026 Budget Request, BRAVE seemingly requires the reallocation of all resources from the Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program – a total of $1.1 billion in discretionary resources.”

The Members warn that “the reallocation of federal funding from HUD-VASH to BRAVE threatens to destabilize a proven housing assistance program and puts more than 112,000 VASH vouchers dedicated to veterans at risk.” They emphasize that HUD-VASH is a long-established partnership between HUD and the VA that “combines rental assistance with case management and supportive services in order to help homeless veterans and their families obtain permanent housing and access the health care, mental health treatment, and other supports necessary to help them improve their quality of life and maintain housing over time,” and that “HUD-VASH has served more than 175,000 veterans since 2008.”

The lawmakers argue that dismantling HUD-VASH to create a new, undefined program is unjustifiable: “Reallocating resources from HUD-VASH in order to establish a vague and ill-defined program is reckless and irresponsible. HUD-VASH is a long-standing housing assistance program which has been vital to our nation’s most vulnerable veterans for decades.” They also warn that, despite its massive implications, “the VA FY 2026 budget request devotes only 10 lines to describing the new BRAVE initiative” and “provides no discernible administrative or organizational structure, distribution system, or performance guardrails.”

Their concerns deepen given that “the Trump Administration has proposed a 51 percent reduction in HUD’s budget.” The Members write that the FY 2026 proposal “does not address how the across-the-board cuts will impact veterans whose housing depends on HUD rental assistance, including the estimated hundreds of thousands of veterans who rely on HUD rental assistance programs other than HUD-VASH.” As a result, they conclude, “there is no clear plan to ensure veterans’ housing stability if HUD-VASH or other housing assistance programs are abruptly defunded. Absent answers to these questions, Congress cannot responsibly authorize such a significant reallocation of resources.”

The lawmakers underscore that destabilizing housing for veterans is unacceptable: “Veterans’ housing stability must never be subject to uncertainty due to reckless planning, indifference, or ill-advised experimentation. Our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in defense of our country. In return, we have a moral and civic obligation to provide them with consistent, reliable access to safe housing and essential support services.” They warn that “pursuing a programmatic transition that could put veteran housing at risk would be a profound failure of leadership and governance.”

To ensure transparency and protect veterans from losing housing support, the Members request direct answers from VA and HUD no later than December 12, 2025, asking:

1. What will be the organizational structure of the BRAVE program? What will its leadership and administrative structure be, and through what agency or interagency will it operate?
2. What will happen to the existing institutional structures operated by HUD-VASH? How will HUD-VASH staffing, service delivery, and housing agency partnerships be preserved?
3. What mechanisms will be in place to avoid gaps in housing assistance for veterans currently supported by HUD-VASH?
4. How many veterans are housed by or receive other forms of HUD assistance? Please provide a detailed breakdown of veterans served by each HUD program. Please also provide a detailed explanation of how these veterans will continue to access housing assistance if the BRAVE program and HUD budget cuts are implemented.
5. How will VA’s legislative proposal ensure all HUD-VASH beneficiaries are seamlessly transitioned into BRAVE, without housing loss or interruption in their care? What accountability measures will be put in place to ensure BRAVE funds are used effectively and transparently?
6. What mechanisms will be incorporated into VA’s legislative proposal for congressional oversight of BRAVE’s rollout and performance, if it proceeds? How will Congress be informed of and involved in the phase-out of HUD-VASH?

The lawmakers close by reiterating that “our budgets should reflect our commitments to veterans, while upholding accountability and service continuity. We urge you to treat this matter with the urgency and transparency our veterans deserve.”

This letter was led by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) and Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and also signed by:

• Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35)
• Rep. Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03)
• Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03)
• Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10)
• Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04)
• Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)
• Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08)
• Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL)
• Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01)
• Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

The letter is available here.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced the reintroduction of the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, legislation designed to strengthen America’s long-term economic and technological competitiveness. The bill takes a dual-track approach: expanding access to high-skilled talent from around the world while increasing federal investments in American STEM education to grow the domestic workforce.

The HIRE Act would double the number of H-1B visas available each year—from 65,000 to 130,000— to ensure U.S. employers, including those in critical and emerging technology sectors, can recruit the specialized talent needed to fill persistent workforce shortages. At the same time, the bill directs new funding to bolster elementary and secondary school science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, helping close the skills gap that continues to limit U.S. economic growth.

“To build the jobs and industries of tomorrow, America must stay at the forefront of innovation by strengthening our own workforce while continuing to welcome top talent from around the globe,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “The HIRE Act advances both goals by boosting STEM education in our elementary and secondary schools and by expanding the annual supply of H-1B visas from 65,000 to 130,000. By growing our domestic talent pipeline and ensuring employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, we can create good-paying jobs and secure America’s leadership in the technologies of the future.”

The legislation is supported by ITServe Alliance, the nation’s largest association of IT services organizations.

“The HIRE Act is an important step toward modernizing our high-skilled immigration system and ensuring that talented professionals can continue to contribute to America’s innovation economy,” Raghu Chittimalla, Governing Board Chair of ITServe Alliance, said. “Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of how small and mid-sized IT companies drive job creation and technological growth across the United States.” 

“ITServe Alliance fully supports the HIRE Act because it strengthens the pathway for U.S. employers to recruit and retain the best global talent while protecting American workers,” Anju Vallabhaneni, National President of ITServe Alliance, said. “This bill advances fairness, transparency, and workforce development—key priorities for both our members and the broader technology industry.” 

The full bill text is available here.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR) in partnering with a group of 100 Members of Congress in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the United States to work with both Israeli authorities and international partners to push toward rebuilding accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza. After two years of brutal conflict, Gaza’s medical infrastructure lies in ruins, leaving millions unable to seek even basic care and thousands suffering from life-threatening injuries. The United States has the ability to help rebuild this infrastructure and usher an end to this humanitarian crisis.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “Gaza’s health system is in dire straits, leaving civilians without access to the most basic medical care. It is crucial that accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure be rebuilt, and that medical aid and healthcare professionals be allowed to enter Gaza without delay. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 94 percent of Gaza’s hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, and those that remain are overwhelmed. With more than half of all essential drugs and two-thirds of medical disposables completely depleted, Gaza’s few functioning hospitals are unable to perform basic surgeries, treat chronic diseases, or care for malnourished children. The WHO estimates that more than 15,600 patients, including 3,800 children, require urgent medical evacuation to receive life-saving care; and at least 700 people have already died while awaiting transfer.”

The lawmakers continue, “Ensuring that children and families devastated by this war have access to medical treatment is indispensable to rebuilding trust and hope. The next generation cannot build peace without healing from the physical and emotional scars of this conflict. By pressing for the release of Gaza’s detained medical workers, rebuilding accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure, and reopening pathways to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network, the United States can help alleviate immense suffering, advance regional stability, and reaffirm our nation’s role as a credible partner for peace.”

The lawmakers request the following information by December 1, 2025:

• What steps is the State Department taking to facilitate medical evacuations for critically ill and injured Palestinians?
• What actions has the State Department taken to secure unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza to deliver desperately needed medical supplies, food, and water?
• What actions will the State Department pursue to secure the release of detained health workers held without charge?
• How will the State Department facilitate the reopening of the medical corridor between Gaza and the East Jerusalem Hospital Network and other facilities with the assurance that patients be allowed to return to Gaza when able?
• How will the State Department assist in rebuilding accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza?

The letter is cosigned by: Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

The letter is co-signed by Representatives: Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Robert Garcia (CA-49), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mark Takano (CA-41), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Andre Carson (IN-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Al Green (TX-09), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Derek Tran (CA-45), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Dave Min (CA-47), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Greg Casar (TX-35), Henry C. Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Sean Casten (IL-06), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Adam Smith (WA-09), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Jesús G. Garcia (IL-04), Don Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Julie Johnson (TX-07), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Robert J. Menendez (NJ-08), and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03).

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raising “serious concerns regarding recent reporting about lapses in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) hiring and vetting processes,” concerns made “even more urgent by the arrest of an ICE agent in Bloomington, Minnesota, during a multi-agency sting targeting individuals attempting to solicit a minor at the Mall of America.” In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote that although “public information about the individual’s background remains incomplete,” the nature of the allegations “heightens longstanding questions about ICE’s capacity to ensure that its personnel meet the agency’s own requirements.”

Quoting ICE’s own standards, Congressman Krishnamoorthi noted that “personnel vetting involves assessing an individual’s background, character, and other pertinent factors to ascertain their suitability” and that “all positions require security vetting and drug test,” with law enforcement vetting taking an average of three months to complete. Yet, “multiple recent investigations have revealed that ICE has permitted recruits to appear for training… before all required vetting steps were finished.”

The congressman also cited reports that instructors have discovered “disqualifying information only after recruits had already begun training,” including issues that “should have prevented their entry into the academy.” Additional independent reporting suggests that ICE’s accelerated hiring strategy could lead to “catastrophic” outcomes if vetting lapses continue unaddressed. Congressman Krishnamoorthi noted the “findings raise fundamental questions about the consistency of ICE’s practices with its own publicly posted protocols, and whether systemic weaknesses, procedural shortcuts, or oversight gaps are undermining the integrity of the personnel-screening process.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested a detailed response from Secretary Noem by December 10 to oversight concerns in five key areas:

1. The vetting steps completed for the Bloomington employee and whether required procedures were followed.
2. ICE’s criteria for allowing recruits to enter training when portions of vetting remain unfinished.
3. How often recruits have begun training prematurely in the past 11 months and what vetting gaps were involved.
4. ICE’s processes for verifying applicant information, identifying undisclosed allegations, or detecting falsified materials.
5. Systemic vulnerabilities, oversight mechanisms, and the role of contracted vetting firms in ensuring compliance with ICE’s own standards.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi underscored that the seriousness of the allegations requires a full accounting from DHS and immediate steps to restore confidence in ICE’s personnel-screening process.

The letter is available here.

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