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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman DeSaulnier issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s announcement of plans to illegally freeze $10 billion in funding for child care subsidies and social services for low-income children in California and four other states with Democratic governors.

“Playing politics with the lives of children by stealing billions of dollars meant to support their care and development is a new level of depravity for the Trump Administration. Targeting programs that Democrats and Republicans created together that support working families and children is not America First and will only damage our workforce and economy in the long run. If the Administration has the resources to pursue an endless regime-change war in Venezuela like it claims, it certainly can afford to support our own children. Congress alone authorizes funding and I call on my Republican colleagues in the House to denounce, investigate, and hold hearings on this cruel, anti-American, and illegal Executive overreach.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela:

“There is no question that Nicolás Maduro is a dictator who has brutalized his people and dismantled Venezuelan democracy. The Venezuelan people deserve freedom, self-determination and the rule of law – just as all people do.

“But the Constitution is clear: the power to authorize military actions belongs to Congress. No president has the authority to unilaterally launch military action simply because they believe it is justified. All members of Congress have a duty to call out President Trump’s blatant violation of our Constitution. I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same.

“Serious questions remain unanswered: How many American troops have been deployed to Venezuela and how long will they be there? What actions is the U.S. taking to prevent chaos and violence in the region? Will the president’s illegal military actions end with Venezuela or will our military be used to also go after legitimate, democratically elected leaders in Latin America, as he has threatened with Mexican President Sheinbaum? Was this military operation solely motivated to extract Venezuelan oil for American companies as the president repeatedly alluded to in his press conference? And what will prevent this from becoming another endless war that the American people do not want?

“The president’s press conference failed to address any of these concerns. NATO and the international system depend on the U.S. to be a responsible leader. It’s time for President Trump to come clean to Congress, the American people and our international allies.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced the District of Columbia Transportation Funding Equality Act, which would make D.C. eligible for three federal programs that support the development and revitalization of public transportation systems in the same manner that states are currently eligible. The bill would also make D.C. eligible for a program to support the replacement and removal of infrastructure that damages the ecosystems of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.

“D.C. residents pay the same federal taxes as residents of all 50 states,” Norton said. “D.C. should be treated as a state in federal programs since its residents pay more federal taxes per capita than any state. This bill will give D.C. equitable access to four vital grant programs to improve its public transportation systems and infrastructure.”

Norton’s full introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the District of Columbia Transportation Funding Equality Act

January 6, 2026
 

Today, I introduce the District of Columbia Transportation Funding Equality Act.  This bill would make the District of Columbia eligible for three federal programs that support the development and revitalization of public transportation systems in the same manner as states are eligible for these programs.  It would also make D.C. eligible in the same manner as states are eligible for a transportation program that would support the replacement and removal of infrastructure that damages the ecosystems of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers.  D.C. residents pay the same federal taxes as residents of the states and therefore D.C. is almost always treated as a state in federal programs. 

First, this bill would treat D.C. as a state in the High-Density States Formula for certain grants from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund.  Currently, only states are eligible for these grants.  Second, this bill would treat D.C. as a state under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Under the formula grants for this program, each state is authorized to receive a minimum of $4 million per year, while D.C. is authorized to receive a minimum of only $1 million per year.  Third, this bill would treat D.C. as a state under the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program. Currently, only states and units of local government are eligible for these grants, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has held that D.C. is ineligible, even though D.C. operates as the functional equivalent of a city, county and state.  Fourth, this bill would treat D.C. as a state under the Safe Streets for All Program.  Cities, counties and political subdivisions of a state are eligible for this program, but DOT has held that D.C. is ineligible. 

The programs in this bill fund the modernization of bus and rail fleets, the purchase of zero-emission transit vehicles, the improvement of transit station accessibility for all users, the extension of transit services to new communities, the replacement and repair of culverts and the implementation of roadway safety improvements for all road users. 

I urge my colleagues to support this bill. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill on Tuesday to require the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to install security cameras at all USPS facilities to protect USPS employees, customers and property.

“I’ve asked USPS to expand the use of security cameras at postal facilities in the District of Columbia and across the country after learning that a D.C. resident was robbed in the parking lot of a post office in D.C.,” Norton said in the bill’s introductory statement. “The parking lot was not monitored by a security camera. USPS responded that it was not financially feasible to install and maintain security cameras at every postal facility. This bill authorizes appropriations for security cameras at postal facilities.”

Norton’s full introductory statement follows.

 

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

on the Introduction of the Postal Facilities Security Camera Act

December 30, 2025

Today, I introduce the Postal Facilities Security Camera Act.  This bill would require, subject to appropriations, the United States Postal Service (USPS) to install security cameras at each postal facility to protect USPS employees, customers and property.  This bill would also authorize appropriations to carry out the camera program.

I asked USPS to expand the use of security cameras at postal facilities in the District of Columbia and across the country after learning that a D.C. resident had been robbed in the parking lot of a post office in D.C.  The parking lot was not monitored by a security camera.  USPS responded that it was not financially feasible to install and maintain security cameras at every postal facility. 

USPS should have security cameras monitoring its facilities—both inside and outside—to protect employees, customers and property.  Security cameras can deter crime and assist in arrests and prosecutions.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet, delivered the following remarks at House Democrats’ hearing marking five years since the January 6 attack on the Capitol, featuring testimony from former law enforcement, state officials, Members who were present at the Capitol on that day, and a Jan. 6 participant who rejected Trump’s pardon, amid an ongoing effort by Republicans to whitewash the truth.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol has been a building permanently etched in my mind from an early age. It regularly came into my view as daily life took my family and I around the District of Columbia. To me, the Capitol was always citadel — a beacon of freedom, democracy and justice. At the age of ten I developed the vision that one day I would serve there as a legislator.

I was always so proud even today I’m still in awe of the U.S. Capitol, what it stands for, and the fact that it is my workplace, and has been for 19 years!

On January 6, 2021, amidst social distancing in response to the COVID pandemic then still ongoing, I was so proud to be one of a limited number of members of the House to be in the chamber to witness the certification of the 2020 elections. Though somewhat envious of those who were seated on the floor, I nonetheless savored the honor of having a seat in the House gallery from which I could observe the solemn proceeding.

As the peaceful transfer of power was taking place in the chamber, the proceedings were rudely, then violently interrupted. The disorder became louder and louder as the insurrectionists got nearer and nearer. The cacophony shut down the Speaker and caused the business of the House to stop. From the gallery, I watched as the Speaker was extracted from the Chair, and my colleagues evacuated from the floor. What would happen to us in the gallery?

The situation became scary, dire, and dangerous. I felt like a sitting duck. In those moments while in self-preservation mode I thought of jumping from the Gallery onto the floor so that I could be evacuated. My thoughts then turned to my colleagues also in the Gallery, and my thoughts turned to my moral responsibility to them. I would never leave them to save myself.

As we were being spirited out of the chamber into the hallway, I saw dozens of violent insurrectionists lying spread eagle on the marble floor, under gunpoint of the Capitol Hill Police.

I later learned that all those insurrectionists had been released without charges because there was not enough law enforcement manpower to take them into custody. They all walked. They came into the U.S. Capitol, disrupted our work and desecrated this citadel of democracy. They all walked.

Needless to say, I was gratified later when more than 1,500 perpetrators were prosecuted, some of the worst offenders receiving 20-year sentences. There was a sense that people had been held accountable for their crimes.

Then on January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump shot Lady Justice on 5th Avenue in broad daylight by pardoning each and every January 6 insurrectionist. It was a blow to justice and the Rule of Law in America. And my sense of anger at injustice has intensified as Donald Trump and lapdog Republicans in Congress do everything in their power in an unholy and futile attempt to whitewash and rewrite the history of what happened on January 6.

While Donald J. Trump and MAGA Republicans continue their systematic assault on truth and justice, I will proudly stand in the breech with House Democrats and all people of goodwill, to defend the concepts of truth, freedom, liberty, and justice for all, which IS Democracy in America.

I want to thank the Capitol Hill and Metropolitan Police for protecting us on January 6, I want to thank Leader Jeffries and Chairman Thompson for holding this hearing to commemorate the 5 year anniversary of this fateful day, and I want to thank Speaker Emerita Pelosi for her leadership during those difficult times.

For hi-res video, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

President Trump’s actions with respect to Venezuela raise serious concerns, not only about his apparent tolerance for authoritarian behavior abroad, but about his willingness to disregard democratic norms at home.

I join with millions of people and elected officials who believe that the principles of democracy are relevant and essential for all people, not just the powerful, but also the most vulnerable.

I have no respect for President Nicolás Maduro. I agree that drug trafficking originating in Venezuela must be addressed, and that the Venezuelan people deserve competent leadership and a stable, functional system of government in which the people, not force rule.

However, for the President of the United States, acting as Commander in Chief, to invade another country, attempt to impose leadership, and unilaterally determine that nation’s future is wholly unacceptable and has no place in our constitutional system.

Congress, not the executive alone, holds the authority over acts of war. For that reason, I join my colleagues in calling for immediate briefings from the executive branch to fully inform Congress of the nature, scope, and objectives of this action.

At a minimum, these events raise profound constitutional concerns. At worst, they represent a direct violation of the separation of powers that underpins our democracy.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced today his intention to introduce the No Occupation of Venezuela (NOVA) Act, legislation to prohibit the use of any federal funds—military or civilian, direct or indirect—to further in any way the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela.

The NOVA Act reasserts Congress’s constitutional power of the purse by cutting off funding for any U.S. effort to occupy, govern, or administer Venezuela, whether through military force or civilian authorities. The legislation makes explicit that there is no authorization for the United States to run Venezuela’s government, energy sector, financial system, or law enforcement, including through the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Treasury Department, or any other federal entity.

“At a moment when families are getting hit with rising costs of living, President Trump is trying to drag the country toward another overseas occupation he has no authority to start,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “The Constitution is clear: Congress controls the money, and Congress has not approved the United States occupying or running Venezuela—militarily, economically, or administratively. Americans do not want another endless entanglement abroad or their tax dollars used to subsidize an occupation while health care and Medicaid are on the chopping block at home. The NOVA Act stops this power grab cold.”

Under the NOVA Act, no funds of the federal government may be used, directly or indirectly, to further the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela, ensuring the Executive Branch cannot pivot from military action to civilian control, economic administration, or sector-by-sector takeover without explicit congressional authorization. The legislation will not prohibit the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance, preserving aid to the Venezuelan people while preventing any U.S. occupation or governance of the country.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration is moving to freeze billions of dollars in federal funding for child care and family assistance programs in Illinois, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York:

“Reports that the Trump Administration may impose a blanket freeze on child care and family assistance funding for states, including Illinois, are deeply disturbing. Such a move wouldn’t punish bad actors — it would harm working parents and children who rely on these programs. As someone who grew up on essential social programs when my family got knocked down, I know firsthand how life–changing that support can be. At a time when Illinois families are already facing an affordability crisis, the Trump Administration should not undermine support that helps parents remain in the workforce or play petty politics with the well-being of America’s families.”

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raising serious concerns about how DHS conducted Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois, including in his district, warning that the operation appears to have swept up large numbers of individuals without criminal convictions and produced deadly consequences.

The Congressman writes:

“DHS has said this operation focused on dangerous criminals, but the facts suggest that many people with no criminal convictions were arrested instead. During my oversight visit, I learned that individuals were targeted and held not because they had been convicted of a crime, but merely because they had been charged with an offense in the past.”

He further notes that public reporting contradicts DHS’s stated priorities: 

“While DHS has stated that roughly 4,500 people were detained during Operation Midway Blitz, reports show that only about 15 percent of those detained had prior criminal convictions. When enforcement actions primarily affect people without criminal convictions, it undermines DHS’s stated focus on targeting the most dangerous individuals.”

The letter also highlights the death of Nenko Gantchev, who died in DHS custody after being arrested when he voluntarily appeared for a scheduled immigration interview.

“He was not detained because of a criminal conviction,” Krishnamoorthi writes, “but because of enforcement practices that prioritized increasing the number of immigrants detained rather than focusing on genuine public safety threats. His case underscores the human cost of enforcement actions that do not center on individuals with criminal convictions.”

To ensure accountability, Congressman Krishnamoorthi requests written responses from DHS by January 15, 2026, to the following questions:

1. How many people detained during Operation Midway Blitz had criminal convictions?

2. How many detainees with no prior criminal convictions were charged with a crime by DHS at the time of their arrest?

3. Please provide body-camera footage for any arrests of individuals without prior convictions or active charges.

4. To which facilities were individuals detained in Illinois transferred, and how many of those transferred experienced serious health deterioration while in DHS custody?

5. How will DHS ensure that future enforcement actions target individuals with serious criminal convictions or active warrants?

The Congressman concludes:

“Immigration enforcement should focus on individuals who pose real public safety risks, not on families, workers, or bystanders caught in a dragnet. Until DHS can provide transparency and assurance that these operations are conducted lawfully and effectively, similar enforcement actions should be suspended.”

The letter is available here.

 

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

CHICAGO—Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Health leadership, and Illinois residents today at Bronzeville Community Health Center on Chicago’s South Side to highlight the real-world consequences of Congress’s failure to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which expired at midnight on December 31. Everyday Illinoisans already bearing the brunt of the ACA tax credit cuts joined the event to speak firsthand about how higher premiums have already affected their families and their ability to access care. During the visit, Krishnamoorthi met with patients and providers to hear directly from those navigating rising costs and coverage uncertainty, as well as from community health centers facing increased demand with fewer resources.

“Families were hit overnight with massive premium hikes because congressional Republicans refused to act,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “People who did everything right are now being priced out of care, not because they made a mistake, but because Republican leadership chose politics over patients. I’m fighting to restore these ACA tax credits because affordable health care should not disappear overnight. Congress can fix this by reversing these cuts, protecting Medicaid, and keeping families covered.”

“Local governments should not have to backfill for federal disinvestment,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Health care is a right, and we at Cook County will continue to deliver care with compassion and excellence. We will also continue to prove that even in the face of federal cuts, a values-driven public health system can protect lives, strengthen communities, and uphold the dignity of every person we serve.”

“Allowing ACA subsidies to expire will reverse health coverage gains, destabilize safety-net systems, and negatively impact working families and communities across Illinois,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, Cook County Health. 

More than 550,000 Illinois residents are enrolled in the ACA marketplace in 2025, including over 360,000 Cook County residents, roughly 90 percent of whom rely on premium tax credits to afford coverage. If the credits expire, average monthly ACA premiums in Cook County are projected to rise by about 95 percent, pricing many families out of insurance overnight.

The ACA coverage cliff comes as Cook County Health faces additional strain from President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which cut Medicaid by more than $1 trillion nationwide and imposed new work requirements. More than 3 million Illinois residents—one in four statewide—depend on Medicaid, which accounts for approximately 56 percent of Cook County Health’s patient revenue. The system estimates it could lose $88 million annually in Medicaid reimbursements as patients lose coverage.