House Values Action Team Statement Condemning Holy Week Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team; joined by VAT Co-Chair Congressman Josh Brecheen; VAT Co-Chair Congresswoman Mary Miller; Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Congressman Riley Moore and Members of the House VAT released the following statement in response to the violent Palm Sunday attacks on Christians in Nigeria:

“This Palm Sunday, reports from Nigeria indicate that more than thirty Christians were murdered in the city of Jos, the largest city in Plateau State. We deeply condemn these atrocities, as no one should face violence and death for their faith.

“The continued brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a moral outrage, and another example of targeted violence against Christians on holy days in Nigeria which has become a tragic, but predictable pattern in recent years.

As Members of Congress, we will continue to condemn these attacks, hold perpetrators of murder and violence accountable, and support the Administration in ensuring that U.S. foreign policy protects people of faith at an international scale. Earlier this year Congress passed bipartisan legislation conditioning U.S. security assistance to Nigeria on Abuja stepping up and defending our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As we enter the end of Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, the Nigerian government must drastically ramp up security measures across known hotspots in the Middle Belt to protect the right of Christians to worship freely. Failure to do so will result in more bloodshed and could force the U.S. to reevaluate our bilateral relationship.”

The statement was signed by House VAT Members including:

Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)                         Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06)

Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01)                             Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11)

Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06)                             Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04)

Rep. John Carter (TX-31)                               Rep. John Moolenaar (MI-02)

Rep. Keith Self (TX-03)                                  Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Rep. Michael Guest (MS-03)                        Rep. Nathanial Moran (TX-01)

Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID-01)                            Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-07)

Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20)                              Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05)

Beyer Statement on Anniversary of Liberation Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today released the following statement on the anniversary of President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day”:

“A year ago, President Donald Trump stood before the American people to declare “Liberation Day,” an expansive tariff regime he promised would revive American manufacturing and usher in a new economic “golden age” for America. Instead, Trump’s reckless and chaotic trade war has delivered exactly what many warned it would: a self-inflicted economic disaster that is crushing American families and businesses.

“We were told that this massive tax hike would somehow lower prices for Americans and foreigners would pay the costs. Like with most Trump promises, this did not happen. The tariffs forced Americans to pay more for everyday essentials as companies passed along the costs, from groceries to household goods. According to estimates from a Joint Economic Committee analysis, families could wind up paying more than $2,500 each in tariff costs in 2026.

“Trump also assured us that the tariffs would lead to an economic boom. Unsurprisingly, this did not happen either. Over the last 12 months, U.S. tariff policy changed more than 50 times, with rates going up and down depending on the President’s mood and his endlessly shifting set of grievances, making long-term planning and investment next to impossible. Companies across the country are scaling back hiring in the face of this mounting uncertainty or going out of business entirely, with small business bankruptcies rising 10% since last year and corporate bankruptcies increasing to their highest levels since 2020. The U.S. economy has, on balance, lost a total of 19,000 jobs in the last year. And instead of ushering in a manufacturing revival, Trump’s tariffs have worsened a months-long slide in blue-collar employment. Manufacturing employment has declined nearly every month since ‘Liberation Day,’ with factory activity contracting for months as businesses pull back in response to these tariffs.

“The President’s trade agenda has failed on its own terms. It failed to boost manufacturing, failed to reduce the trade deficit, and failed to deliver relief to working Americans. And yet, as Americans pay more for groceries, electricity, housing, and health care, my Republican colleagues in Congress continue to stand by and refuse to rein in these catastrophic tariffs.”

DelBene Statement on Attorney General Bondi Firing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

DelBene Statement on Attorney General Bondi Firing

Bellevue, WA, April 2, 2026

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi:

“Pam Bondi turned a blind eye to Trump’s broad daylight corruption, covered up the Epstein Files, used the law to go after the president’s political enemies, and fired career prosecutors who opposed her.

“We need an attorney general who will restore independence to the Justice Department, not act like the president’s personal attorney.”

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON FIRING OF PAM BONDI

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

Rep. Neguse Issues Statement on Firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi:

“When Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before our committee last month, the country learned what many of us have long made clear — that she was completely unfit to serve as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer. Her termination — a mere 30 days after former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was also removed — is long overdue.” 

“Put simply, Bondi’s incompetent mismanagement of the Department of Justice has been a disgrace. From her unlawful targeting of Trump’s political opponents to the dismantling of the Public Integrity Section and subversion of the rule of law, her tenure as Attorney General has been reprehensible.”

“We will continue to demand accountability, and to use every legal tool available to do so.”

Rep. Neguse has been a key leader in directing House Democrats’ legal and oversight efforts against the Trump administration. His work has resulted in significant outcomes, including the prior ousting of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. 

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Pelosi Meets with Sunset District Small Businesses Amid Trump’s Economic Turmoil

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi visited San Francisco’s Sunset District to meet with local small business owners and hear firsthand how Republican economic policies are straining neighborhood businesses.

During a walking tour with members of the Sunset Merchants Association, Speaker Emerita Pelosi visited several small businesses, including Andytown Coffee Roasters, Far Out Gallery, Stacy’s Hair Studio, After Hours Ramen and Vanida Thai Kitchen. The visit focused on the growing affordability, energy challenges, and new Trump Administration policies facing small businesses operating on thin margins in an increasingly volatile economic environment.

“Small businesses play a vital role in our economy, creating jobs, wealth and opportunity—then along came Trump’s tariffs,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “Democrats are committed to reversing the disastrous Republican economic policies and once again making the American dream attainable for small business owners and working families.”

“One of the Trump Administration’s new criteria required businesses to be 100 percent citizen-owned. One of our owners is a family trust, and we had to track down a 94-year-old grandmother to sign an affidavit just to qualify for an SBA loan,” said Lauren, co-owner of Andytown Coffee Roasters. “It’s making it harder to access capital that should be available to people coming to this country to employ Americans and build their dream.”

View photos and videos from the visit for fair use here.

Rep. Cleaver Presents $1,031,000 Check to Rockhurst University to Expand Cybersecurity and AI Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined University President Dr. Sandra Cassady, students, and faculty at Rockhurst University to present a ceremonial check for $1,031,000 in federal Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Cleaver to support the expansion of the university’s innovative technology programs, focused on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). This investment will strengthen Rockhurst University’s capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers in rapidly evolving fields, enhance hands-on learning opportunities, and deepen partnerships with local leading organizations in the tech sector.

“This funding is about investing in the future of our workforce and ensuring Kansas City remains competitive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven economy,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I was proud to secure $1,031,000 in federal funding for Rockhurst to expand its cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence – fields that are critical to our national security and economic growth. This investment not only opens doors for students by enabling new research and providing additional experience, but it also strengthens our local talent pipeline and positions our region as a leader in innovation.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Cleaver’s partnership and advocacy on this project,” said Dr. Sandra Cassady. “This grant is critical as we build out state-of-the-art learning facilities on campus and expand faculty and staff to support the expansion of tech and AI-based education and workforce development in Kansas City.”

This project is part of a broader effort by Rep. Cleaver to deliver direct federal resources to communities across the district. The Rockhurst investment is one of 15 community projects the congressman successfully secured federal funding for in the recent appropriations package, supporting a wide range of local priorities.

The funding will support research infrastructure and personnel to advance the university’s tech-focused degree programs that build on Rockhurst’s business program’s prestigious reputation.

Photos from today’s event are available here.

  

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

VIDEO: Rep. Haley Stevens Calls Out Rising Costs for Michigan Families on Anniversary of Trump’s “Liberation Day” Tariffs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, DC — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released a new video marking one year since Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, highlighting the rising costs Michigan families are still paying as a result.

In the video, Stevens calls out the harmful impact of Trump’s reckless blanket tariffs, noting that Michigan families have paid an average of $1,700 more for everyday needs since he took office, costs that could climb even higher in the year ahead.

Download a horizontal version of the video here.

Key Excerpts:

  • Since Trump came into office, Michigan families have been forced to pay on average $1,700 more for their everyday needs.
  • According to some estimates, that number could shoot up to $2,500 in 2026 alone.
  • That’s unacceptable. Michiganders work too hard and can’t afford these Trump-caused higher costs.
  • I’ll keep fighting to put a stop to these reckless and chaotic tariffs once and for all.

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Amata’s Easter Statement Celebrating the Resurrection

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement celebrating Easter:

“He is risen! As Christians, we have been proclaiming this wonderful message of hope for two millenia. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

“In American Samoa, we are a people of faith. Thank you to each of our pastors, church congregations, musicians, and faithful hearts throughout our islands for your dedication all year, and especially for your part in this joyful celebration each year to conclude Holy Week and consider the blessed hope in Jesus.

“May our Easter Sunday services be filled with praise, prayer, and gratitude, and may God be with our people, our families, and our islands in our worship and celebration.” 

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6

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Davids Celebrates Reopening of STARBASE Kansas City, Expanding STEM Opportunities for Students

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

KANSAS CITY, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids celebrated the reopening of the STARBASE facility at the Kansas City Readiness Center, which provides hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning experiences for elementary-aged students at no cost to school districts. Davids was joined by Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Representative Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), and community leaders, educators, and students.

“Programs like STARBASE give Kansas students a head start in STEM, opening doors to careers in aviation, cybersecurity, engineering, and public service,” said Davids. “These programs don’t just prepare kids for their futures — they strengthen our local economy by building a pipeline of talent that will attract businesses, create good-paying jobs, and keep Kansas competitive. I’m proud to support this bipartisan program that reaches students from all backgrounds, ensuring that opportunity is never limited by ZIP Code.”

The Kansas City facility, which was temporarily closed in 2023 due to water damage, has undergone a full remodel and reconstruction. Renovations included complete upgrades to the basement and first floor, modernized interiors, communications systems, lighting, and mechanical and electrical systems. The $6.8 million renovation was funded through a combination of $4.9 million in federal support and $1.9 million from the state. Kansas hosts five STARBASE locations, including Kansas City, Manhattan, Topeka, Salina, and Wichita.

Davids has been a consistent supporter of STARBASE in Congress, including the program in her appropriations requests for four consecutive cycles. In early 2025, STARBASE faced a significant funding disruption due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) federal grant cuts. Davids worked to ensure that federal investment was restored, allowing STARBASE to continue serving thousands of Kansas students.

STARBASE’s mission is not only to teach STEM skills but also to reach underserved communities and provide mentorship from uniformed service members. By bringing this program to Kansas City, students who may not otherwise have access to hands-on STEM labs can now explore, learn, and build skills that will serve them — and Kansas — for years to come. These skills are critical for the broader economy, helping develop the next generation of innovators, engineers, and leaders who will strengthen local businesses and create new jobs.