LEADER JEFFRIES ON HOUSE FLOOR: “VOTE YES ON EXTENDING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TAX CREDITS”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor, where he emphasized that Democrats are following through on their commitment to protect healthcare and urged a yes vote on extending the expired Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years.

LEADER JEFFRIESI rise today, Mr. Speaker, in strong support of this bipartisan effort to protect the healthcare of the American people and ensure that we extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits to make sure that tens of millions of Americans do not experience dramatically increased premiums, copays and deductibles.

From the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have made clear that we will find bipartisan common ground with any of our Republican colleagues in order to address the affordability issues that are making life more expensive for everyday Americans, working class Americans and middle class Americans. That’s been our commitment from the very beginning. And today, we’re able to take a substantial step forward to address the healthcare crisis that does exist in the United States of America and was made worse by the One Big Ugly Bill, where Medicaid was cut by the largest amount in American history. And as a result of the policies that were part of that legislation, hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health clinics are closing all across America. We’ve also seen an extraordinary assault on the Center for Disease Control, the National Institute of Health, on the Food and Drug Administration, on vaccine availability, on public health and on healthcare of everyday Americans here in the United States of America.

Today, we have an opportunity to push back against that assault and do it in a bipartisan way. That is what the American people have been calling for. Democrats and Republicans working together to address the affordability crisis in this country. It is not a hoax. It is very real. Housing costs out of control, grocery costs out control, electricity bills out of control, childcare costs out of control and healthcare costs out of control. And what we do here today will not be the end of the effort that is necessary, but we can begin the effort that is necessary and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Several things that were mentioned earlier by some of my colleagues that are completely and totally inaccurate. The Affordable Care tax credits benefit working class Americans, middle class Americans and everyday Americans. And that’s why we’re waging this fight. We know that over 90% of the people who benefit from the tax credits that we’re working to protect today make, on average, $63,000 a year. That’s working class America. That’s middle class America. That’s the heartland of America. That’s rural America. That’s urban America. That’s small town America. That’s what we’re protecting when we extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And this is not a partisan issue for us. This is an American issue. In fact, we know that the 10 states that will be most adversely impacted by the lapse in the Affordable Care Act tax credits are all, Mr. Speaker, run by Republicans. We’re standing up for the American people. We’re talking about states like West Virginia, Wyoming, Alaska, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, South Dakota and North Dakota, the states most impacted by the lapse in the Affordable Care Act tax credits. This is not a partisan issue for us. It’s a patriotic one. And we will always defend the healthcare of the American people. That’s exactly why this is an important moment for everyday Americans. It’s what they want to see out of this Congress, the People’s House, the Article I branch of government, the House of Representatives, the first amongst equals coming together today. Every single House Democrat and at least 10 House Republicans to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Now, we believeas House Democrats that in this great country of ours, you work hard, you play by the rules, you should be able to live a comfortable life, an affordable life, live the good life. Good-paying job, good housing, good education for your children, good healthcare and a good retirement. Not too much to ask for in the wealthiest country in the history of the world. But a lot of work that needs to be done to make that aspiration, the American dream, the good life, a reality.Andtoday, we take an important step forward in that regard by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And when we get this done and send it over to the Senate and hopefully get it out of that chamber and to the President’s desk, it will be part of our continuing commitment to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system here in the United States of America and ensure that in every single part of this country, for working class America, urban America, rural America, suburban America, ex-urban America, the heartland of America and small town America, we can bring the American dream to life.

We will protect the healthcare of the American people today, but our commitment doesn’t end today. We will protect it tomorrow. We will protect it this week. We will protect it next week. We will protect it this month. We will protect it this year. We will protect it next year. We will protect the healthcare of the American people always and forever, and we will always fight to bring the great American dream to life. Vote yes on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Full Floor remarks can be watched here.

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Congresswoman Beatty's Statement on the ICE Killing in Minneapolis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following comment on the ICE shooting of a civilian woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“I am outraged by the unnecessary killing of an unarmed woman near a Minnesota ICE operation by a masked ICE agent. This tragedy stems from a reckless federal operation carried out over the objections of local leaders. These actions are not making our communities safer. They are spreading fear, chaos, and death. ICE must be held fully accountable. I am praying for the victim’s loved ones and stand with the people of Minneapolis against this cruelty and extremism.”

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Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on the Retirement Announcement of Steny Hoyer

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement after Congressman Steny Hoyer announced that he will not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

“Steny Hoyer has built an illustrious legacy of purposeful policymaking for over four decades in Congress. He will be remembered as one of the most respected and trusted public servants of our time, and his steadfast commitment to the people of Maryland will continue to be felt in their communities.”

“His advocacy for the American people, especially those too often underrepresented, is reflected in a record of meaningful accomplishment. From the American Rescue Plan and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act to the Help America Vote Act, his stewardship as House Majority Leader, and beyond, has served our country well and improved the quality of life for millions of Americans. His ability to build relationships and advance critical policy with intention and care, has strengthened our democracy.”

“Steny Hoyer has long been a principled and steady leader of House Democrats, and his guidance will be deeply missed. Our country is better because of his service, and I wish him and his family every success and happiness in this next chapter.”

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Rep. Craig Statement on ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement after a woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. You can watch Rep. Craig’s video statement on this incident HERE.

“For months, I – along with many of my fellow elected officials, law enforcement agencies and community members  have warned of the dangers of the Trump Administration’s chaotic, reckless and unnecessary ICE operations in our cities.

Today, our worst fears became reality when an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in South Minneapolis. This is beyond unacceptable. It’s unconscionable and sickening.

President Trump and his Administration will try to justify their meddling in Minnesota  they will continue to lie and say it’s about keeping folks safe  but Minnesotans know this isn’t true. It’s a flat-out lie. Today, the President’s political stunt got a woman killed.

Trump’s actions have never been about keeping people safe. They have never been about catching criminals. They have always been about weaponizing our immigration system and using immigrant communities as political pawns.

President Trump, Secretary Noem, hear me loud and clear: ICE must leave Minnesota  NOW.

We are a nation of immigrants. Immigrants are essential members of our communities. Immigrants make up the fabric of our state and they make us stronger.

To my fellow Minnesotans, stay peaceful. Take care of one another and know that I am fighting this reckless Administration at every turn. We won’t back down.”

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Davids Votes to Pass Bipartisan Funding Agreement, Securing Key Kansas Projects

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids voted to pass a bipartisan funding agreement that includes five of her project requests aimed at improving education, public safety, and water infrastructure across Kansas’ Third District. She applauded the cooperative effort as a critical step toward avoiding another costly government shutdown while making smart, targeted investments in communities.

“Working together across the aisle is how Congress should operate, and it’s about time we got back to it,” said Davids. “The projects we secured are fiscally responsible, developed in partnership with local leaders, and strengthen our communities by ensuring cleaner water, enhancing public safety, and driving economic growth. This is how we deliver concrete results for Kansans.”

The funding agreement includes the following projects championed by Davids:

  • K-State Olathe Manufacturing Equipment ($5,004,000): To buy lab equipment so students can train for high-tech, good-paying supply chain research and advanced manufacturing jobs as domestic manufacturing grows in Kansas City. Source.
    • “Kansas State University Olathe is honored and thrilled to receive federal funding to invest in education and research supporting the bio and advanced manufacturing industries. We are deeply grateful for the strong leadership and support of Representative Sharice Davids, Senator Jerry Moran, and others who made this investment possible. This transformational funding will have a lasting impact on the City of Olathe, Johnson County, the State of Kansas and the broader Midwest. As an innovation campus advancing Kansas State University’s Next Gen Strategic Plan, K-State Olathe is committed to building an ecosystem that helps meet the demand for a highly skilled manufacturing workforce and provides research solutions to industry,” said Ben Wolfe, Dean and CEO, K-State Olathe.
  • Bonner Springs Sewage ($1,092,000): To build new sewer lines to prevent overflows, as the current system is already at capacity, and better serve the 3,500 residents and local businesses. Source.
    • “We are incredibly grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for championing the Lonestar Interceptor project through the Community Project Funding process. This critical infrastructure investment lays the foundation for future development, protects public health, and ensures our city is prepared for long-term growth. Her support brings us one step closer to a more resilient and sustainable Bonner Springs,” said Tom Stephens, Mayor, City of Bonner Springs.
  • Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) Body Camera Replacement ($1,031,000): To purchase body cameras for all OPPD officers and improve video systems to increase safety, transparency, and trust. Source.
    • “Supporting our body-worn camera program is a vital step in our commitment to transparency and public trust, ensuring that every interaction between our officers and the community is documented with accuracy and integrity. We are incredibly grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for securing the federal funding necessary to equip our team with this essential technology, which helps keep both our residents and our officers safe,” said Curt Skoog, Mayor, City of Overland Park.
  • Olathe Sewer Rehabilitation ($884,466): To replace old, worn-out sewer pipes and manholes in Olathe to prevent leaks and protect the health and safety of Kansas families. Source.
    • “The City of Olathe is grateful to Rep. Davids and our other federal partners for their support of these critical infrastructure upgrades. Maintaining and rehabbing our sanitary sewer is essential to deliver first-class city services, and most importantly, to ensure the health and safety of our residents for many years to come,” said John Bacon, Mayor, City of Olathe.
  • Princeton Stormwater Improvements ($610,680): To improve Princeton’s storm drainage system to prevent flooding and support future business and job growth in the area. Source.
    • “We are grateful for the efforts of Representative Davids to bring funding to the City of Princeton. These funds will help this rural community make improvements to the streets and storm drainage that would not be possible without this funding,” said Paul Bean, Executive Director, Franklin County Development Council.

Today’s vote approved the compromised versions of the three Fiscal Year 2026 spending bills: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water; and Interior. The bills place guardrails on the Trump Administration from cutting critical federal investments and do not include proposed harmful provisions to weaken gun safety regulations, renewable energy investments, or personal freedoms.

This bipartisan approach in the U.S. House aligns with Davids’ long-standing call to pass responsible, bipartisan funding measures to avoid shutdowns. While today’s passage is a major step forward, six additional appropriations bills must still be passed before the January 30 funding deadline. Appropriations leadership anticipates one or two additional packages will be passed in the coming weeks to fully fund the remaining priorities, including Davids’ additional project requests.

Each of the Davids-requested projects was submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.

Golden secures funding for Maine lobster industry, law enforcement in House appropriations package

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today for a package of three appropriations bills — Commerce-Justice-Science; Interior and Environment; and Energy and Water — to fund part of the government through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The package, also known as a minibus, includes more than $5.1 million for local projects across Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.

The minibus passed the House in a 397-28 vote. 

“Securing federal funding for local projects is one of the most direct ways that we as representatives can make a difference in our communities,” Golden said. “It’s always encouraging to find Mainers who are doing good work to help their neighbors, and it’s just as rewarding to ensure there’s money in the federal budget to help bring those plans to life.” 

Today’s minibus includes funding for the following projects in ME-02:

  • $1,000,000 for the American Lobster Settlement Index Maine Collector Survey, which would support needed equipment, supplies and staff to expand American Lobster Settlement Index (ALSI) sites in the Gulf of Maine. The ALSI is an international collaborative monitoring program that was initiated in Maine in 1989 to track the health of juvenile American lobster populations at their youngest, most vulnerable stage during their life;

  • $1,031,000 for the Northern Maine Regional Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project, which would help the Maine State Police improve public and officer safety, increase the transparency of law enforcement through technology improvements and allow local law enforcement agencies to work together across Maine to reduce crime;

  • $1,004,000 for the Central and Western Maine Regional Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project, which would help local law enforcement agencies in the regions make critical upgrades to equipment and technology to support local law enforcement;

  • $982,000 for the Northeastern Maine Regional Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project, which would help local law enforcement agencies in Maine’s northeastern region make critical upgrades to equipment and technology to support local law enforcement;

  • $1,092,000 to upgrade the town of Wilton’s water system to meet current demand, potential future growth, and boost fire protection.

More details on Golden’s requests for FY2026 Community Project Funding can be found here.

If today’s three bills are passed by the Senate and signed by the President, six of the 12 appropriations bills needed to fully fund the federal government will have passed. Remaining appropriations include funding for the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Failure to pass those spending bills by the January 30 deadline would cause furloughs and other disruptions in those agencies.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Colonel William G. Ross, Maine State Police: “This federal funding secured by Congressman Golden will enhance our ongoing efforts to equip Troopers with the tools they need to perform their duties safely and effectively, supporting our shared priority of keeping Maine one of the safest places to live and work. On behalf of the men and women of the Maine State Police, along with our partners in the broader law enforcement community, we thank Congressman Golden for his work, his strong support for public safety, and his dedication to Maine.” 

Maria Greeley, Wilton town manager: “Approval of Community Project Funding (CPF) would allow the Town of Wilton to complete the critical stretch goals of its Waterline Main Replacement Project, addressing long‑standing infrastructure deficiencies and alleviating inadequate water pressure in East Wilton. This investment would significantly improve water system reliability, fire protection capacity, and overall public safety for Wilton residents and businesses. Just as importantly, CPF approval ensures these essential upgrades can be completed without placing an unsustainable financial burden on a small rural community, while representing a vital infrastructure investment that protects public health and supports long‑term economic and residential stability.” 

John Drouin, vice president of the New England Fisherman’s Stewardship Association: “The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association thanks Congressman Jared Golden for spearheading appropriations funding for the Maine Lobster deep-water collector survey. NEFSA is proud to have provided funding for this project for the last two consecutive years, as it delivers the only data on deep-water lobster settlement, helps inform regulators and stock assessment scientists, and validates fishermen’s observations of smaller lobsters appearing at greater depths.” 

Virginia Olsen, political director of the Maine Lobstering Union: “The Maine Lobstering Union would like to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Jared Golden for his support in funding the American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion. Maine lobstermen have long been regulated and often overregulated by the incomplete data collected. This will go a long way to better regulate our industry.” 

Chris Cash, director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute: “Lobster is central to Maine’s economy and identity, and expanding the Maine Collector Survey into Midcoast Maine is essential to understanding its future. This funding will support the establishment of a much-needed third monitoring site and extend the survey into deeper waters where young lobsters are increasingly found. With the right equipment, staff, and industry partnerships, additional deep water collectors can fill a critical information gap that will give fishermen and managers additional insight to help inform decisions for years to come.” 

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Ranking Member Huffman Statement on FY26 Appropriations Minibus

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

January 08, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the House passed a bipartisan spending package that protects America’s public lands from the Trump administration’s most extreme proposals and delivers $5.4 million in projects for California’s North Coast:

“President Trump came into this budget demanding we zero out clean energy spending, gut the Park Service by over a billion dollars, and clear the way for selling off America’s public lands. This bipartisan bill is Congress saying: not on our watch. Democrats stood our ground and negotiated to leave Trump’s most extreme demands on the cutting room floor.

“Is it perfect? No, Republicans still slashed renewable energy programs and raided mine-cleanup funds. But we kept the Land and Water Conservation Fund intact, saved water programs the administration tried to kill, and put guardrails in place to stop the sale of our national parks. After last year’s Trump-Musk firing spree, we also put in provisions forcing agencies to maintain basic staffing levels. The fact Congress even had to do this tells you everything about this administration’s priorities: they’d rather dismantle than govern.

“This wasn’t bipartisanship as compromise; this was bipartisanship as rebuke. The Trump budget was so reckless that even his allies in Congress are running from it. This administration came for our parks, our clean energy future, and our clean air and water, and today, they didn’t get their way. We’ll be here every single time they try again.”

Background

The FY26 appropriations minibus combines three spending bills: Commerce, Justice, and Science; Interior and Environment; and Energy and Water Development. The package is a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that largely maintains funding near FY24 levels while rejecting the Trump administration’s most extreme cuts and policy riders.

Key Wins

  • National Park Service: Funded at $3.3 billion—rejecting the administration’s proposed $1.2 billion cut. Includes language directing Interior to maintain ownership of national parks, trails, and wild and scenic rivers, and requires agencies to maintain staffing levels.
  • Land and Water Conservation Fund: $900 million preserved for land acquisition and state recreation programs, despite administration efforts to gut the program.
  • Forest Service: Received $3.7 billion for non-fire programs—$1.6 billion above the administration’s request.
  • WaterSMART: Programs were preserved despite the administration’s request to eliminate all funding.
  • NOAA Fisheries: Maintains FY24 funding levels after the House bill proposed a 40% cut, and provides funds to NOAA to carry out the action plan to enhance the Seafood Import Monitoring Program.
  • Fish and Wildlife Service: Maintains most FY24 funding; rejects numerous ESA riders from the House bill.
  • Indian Health Service: Funded at $8 billion, which is $76 million above the President’s request.
  • Oversight: Rejects the administration’s proposed 30% cuts to the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General, at Ranking Member Huffman and Representative Maxine Dexter’s request. This independent watchdog tracks down waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption at the agency.

Where Republicans Still Did Damage

  • Tilting the Scales to Big Oil: BLM renewable energy programs slashed from $24 million to $10 million while oil and gas programs got a $7 million boost. BOEM’s renewable programs cut by $21 million; conventional energy increased by $11 million. The administration didn’t get the complete zeroing-out they wanted, but the message is clear about whose side they’re on.
  • Raiding Coal Cleanup Funds: $515 million meant to clean up abandoned coal mines—money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities were counting on—redirected to backfill other cuts.
  • Abandoning Western Water: WaterSMART grants gutted from $65 million to $15 million. Drought response funding slashed from $41.8 million to $5 million. In the middle of a historic Western water crisis, this is indefensible.
  • Shortchanging Tribal Communities: Bureau of Indian Affairs cut $400 million below recently enacted levels, even as the administration claims to support Tribal sovereignty.
  • Burying Climate Science: Weather and Air Chemistry Research at NOAA, which includes critical climate research, slashed by 42%.

Delivering for California’s North Coast

The spending package includes $5.4 million in community project funding secured by Rep. Huffman for California’s 2nd Congressional District:

  • Offshore Wind Tribal Engagement – $1,031,000 Northern California Indian Development Council, Eureka
  • Marin County Water Infrastructure – $2,000,000 Marin Municipal Water District (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
  • Santa Rosa Water Infrastructure – $2,293,000 City of Santa Rosa (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
  • Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Equipment – $153,000 Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka

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Garamendi Joins Padilla, Schiff, Full California Congressional Delegation for Federal Disaster Funding One Year After LA Fires

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

WASHINGTON, DC – On the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) joins U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), the Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Congressional Delegations Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), and the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging President Trump to provide overdue federal disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild and recover.  

Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County fires last year burned more than 40,000 acres — an area over three times the size of Manhattan. The fires destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and claimed at least 30 lives.  

Due to the catastrophic scale of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, the lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for additional federal disaster assistance, coordination, and funding. They pushed President Trump to continue supporting impacted areas and provide additional disaster relief, just as the federal government has done for other disaster-stricken communities across the country. Although the Administration worked with California state and local leaders to complete the fastest wildfire debris cleanup in U.S. history, President Trump has not yet approved California’s request for additional disaster relief necessary for long-term recovery. 

The lawmakers highlighted California’s record cleanup with the help of the Army Corps of Engineers, clearing hazardous debris from more than 9,000 properties in under 30 days and removing over 2.5 million tons of ash, metal, concrete, and contaminated soil in the first nine months. They also expressed their appreciation for aid provided so far by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration to help residents and small businesses begin to recover. 

“As the recovery process continues, additional federal support is needed, and our entire delegation looks forward to working cooperatively with your administration to ensure the communities of Southern California receive their fair share of federal disaster assistance,” wrote the bipartisan group of California lawmakers.

“Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornadoes in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County,” continued the lawmakers. “Therefore, as we mark the one-year anniversary of this tremendous disaster, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild.” 

 In addition to Garamendi, Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, and Lofgren, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.-48), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.-05), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27). 

Full text of the letter is available here and below: 

Dear President Trump: 

At the one-year anniversary of the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles County, we write to highlight the historic response, the ongoing recovery, and to urge continued and additional support. In the initial weeks after wildfires, thanks to the decisive action of your administration, the Army Corps of Engineers conducted hazardous debris cleanup that was concluded in record time – clearing more than 9,000 properties of hazardous materials in under 30 days. Large-scale structural debris removal followed—over 2.5 million tons of ash, metal, concrete, and contaminated soil were removed in the first nine months. The billions in aid provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have also been incredibly helpful in supporting residents and small businesses to get back on their feet. As the recovery process continues, additional federal support is needed, and our entire delegation looks forward to working cooperatively with your administration to ensure the communities of Southern California receive their fair share of federal disaster assistance. 

Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Palisades and Eaton fires burned over 40,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and killed more than two dozen people. These wildfires have caused widespread damage across Los Angeles County, including federal and state highways and roads, critical public infrastructure, homes, and buildings. Both state and city officials have pushed policies to cut red tape on permitting and rebuilding regulations to speed up reconstruction of homes and essential infrastructure. But the historic destruction caused by these wildfires requires continued federal funding and support. Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornadoes in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County. Therefore, as we mark the one-year anniversary of this tremendous disaster, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild. 

Thank you for your consideration of this request. 

Garamendi Condemns Trump Admin’s Withholding of $160 Million in Highway Safety Funding for California

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump and Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the administration is withholding $160 million in life-saving funding for highway safety and law enforcement training in California: 

“Trump and Secretary Duffy are blatantly stealing from California. This decision is yet another partisan attack on a blue state, driven by retribution for Californians exercising their constitutional rights in voting overwhelmingly against Trump’s chaos. 

“Trump and Secretary Duffy’s announcement today is another dangerous political ploy. Slashing $160 million in funding for road maintenance and law enforcement will only make our roads more dangerous and put the lives of California drivers at risk.”

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Rep. Garamendi Statement on ICE Shooting U.S. Citizen in Minnesota

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee, issued the following statement after a U.S. citizen was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minnesota: 

“A woman in Minnesota was shot and killed by an ICE agent. We have all seen the video, and it is deeply disturbing. 

“Secretary Noem is now lying about what happened. After a year of fueling chaos, fear, and violence in our towns and cities through a reckless and irresponsible immigration crackdown, this is the result. 

“There must be a full, independent investigation. ICE agents must undergo serious background checks and receive proper training before they are given a gun.”