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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

April 9, 2026

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement:  

“House Democrats came to the floor this morning with a motion to stop Trump’s reckless war of choice — Republicans rejected the opportunity to end the war. 

We will not stop until we get a vote and put every member of the House on record. Families have already paid the price for Trump’s war, which has claimed the lives of U.S. service members and thousands of Iranian civilians. 

A two-week ceasefire where both sides don’t even seem to agree on the details is insufficient with a madman in the White House. House Republicans need to stop their blind support for Trump’s costly, dangerous war, and put the American people first.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 April 2026

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) introduced a resolution to recognize and honor our Cambodian veterans and the Khmer Republic Armed Forces for their service and sacrifices in support of the U.S. Armed Forces and freedom in Southeast Asia. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Cambodian veterans during the Vietnam War era, who had served in the Khmer Republic Armed Forces (KRAF) and fought side by side with the U.S. and allied forces. The KRAF provided critical intelligence, disrupted enemy supply networks, and supported American operations.

The U.S. is home to over 338,000 Cambodian Americans, many of whom are descendants of the veterans who sought refuge in the U.S. after they were targeted for their service in the Khmer Rouge regime’s genocide against Cambodians. Long Beach, in the Congresswoman’s district, remains home to the largest Cambodian population in the country. 

“Cambodian veterans stood with the United States during a critical time and faced unimaginable loss in the years that followed. Even through profound trauma and displacement, Cambodian veterans and their families have made lasting contributions to communities across our country, through their service in health care, education, public service, community leadership, and Armed Forces,” said Rep. Barragán. “This resolution is about recognizing that impact and ensuring their stories are never overlooked.”

“Among the 160,000 soldiers who served in the Khmer National Armed Forces, only a small number  (less than 5,000) managed to escape the turmoil of 1975. Tragically, approximately 150,000 of them, along with their family members, lost their lives in the tragedy of the Killing Fields. It’s a somber reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of this dark chapter in our history,” said Sar Sithan, Vietnam Veteran, Cambodian Veterans, Inc. 

Specifically, this resolution:

• Recognizes and honors the sacrifices of Cambodian Veterans and the Khmer Republic Armed Forces (KRAF) for their service and support of the United States during the conflict in Southeast Asia.
• Honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge genocide, including members of the Khmer Republic Armed Forces and their families.
• Recognizes the resilience and contributions of Cambodian veterans and Cambodian Americans who resettled in the United States and continue to serve their communities.

For the full text of the resolution, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 April 2026

Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov

San Pedro, CA –Today, Congressmembers Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Norma Torres (CA-35) were at a gas station in San Pedro with local residents to show how Trump’s war of choice in Iran has raised costs for Americans here in Los Angeles. Billions of dollars have been sent overseas on a weekly basis to pay for Trump’s war on Iran, money that the Representatives stated could have been used to help working families cover the rising cost of living. The Representatives also called for Republicans to join House Democrats to end the war and bring prices down for working Americans. 

Angelenos shared their stories of how the rising gas prices have made it harder to support themselves and their loved ones. One constituent shared how she must work double just to afford the supplies for her transportation services for folks who need wheelchair accessibility. A single mother shared her worries on how the rising cost of gas and other living expenses will affect whether she can open her small business and still support her family. And a father shared how he holds two jobs, both as an administrative clerk for his city and as an airline employee, and spends much of his time driving for work and for his children’s activities. He feels the growing strain of the rising gas prices and worries about how he will make ends meet. 

“Every time people pay for gas at a gas station, they have to foot the bill for Trump’s war of choice on Iran,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Californians have already paid nearly $1 billion more in gas costs since the start of this war. That’s money that should be going toward people’s rents, groceries, and taking care of families. This is unacceptable. Americans should not have to pay the price for Trump’s harmful decisions, and Republicans need to join House Democrats’ fight to end this war and lower costs so families can afford to live in dignity.” 

“This is what failed leadership looks like. Donald Trump promised to lower costs, but instead, families in the Inland Empire are now paying over $6 a gallon just to get to work. For the hundreds of thousands of people in my district who commute over 80 miles every day to and from work, this isn’t just frustrating, it’s devastating,” said Congresswoman Torres. “When gas prices rise, everything else goes up too, and working families are being forced to make impossible choices. I will always fight to lower costs and make sure our economy works for the people, not against them.”

For footage of the event and photos, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

April 30, 2026

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) introduced H.R. 8500, the Ensuring Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving Medicare patients’ access to timely and appropriate care.

Currently, Medicare beneficiaries experience delays and unnecessary administrative hurdles in seeking coverage decisions through the local coverage determination process due to inconsistent standards and a lack of transparency. This legislation would increase stakeholder involvement, require timely completion of requests, and create a formal review process for reconsideration decisions.

Congresswoman Barragán said, “Too often, seniors and people with disabilities face long delays or inconsistencies in Medicare covering innovative medical devices or treatments that could improve their quality of life. That is why I am co-leading the bipartisan Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act with Congressman Dunn and Congresswoman Tenney, which would make the Medicare coverage decision process more timely, transparent, and better backed by clinical expertise. This bill is an important step to helping ensure Medicare enrollees can access the appropriate care they need, when they need it.”

“Americans on Medicare too often face unnecessary delays and red tape in seeking coverage determinations for needed care. This bipartisan legislation will work to ensure patients receive timely coverage decisions and improve access to quality care,” said Congressman Dunn. “I thank Congresswoman Barragán for her work on this bipartisan legislation to bring fairness to Medicare coverage.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

April 25, 2026

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement:  

“At White House Correspondents Dinner as guest of C-SPAN and it’s absolute chaos. Heard the shots and had to get under our table.

Grateful for the immediate response from the USSS and security as they worked to apprehend the shooter and secure the area. 

Political violence is never, EVER the answer. It must end.”

FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS, CLICK HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) spoke at the Federal Courthouse for the newly renamed Felicitas and Gonzalo Méndez U.S. Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles, honoring the legacy of the Méndez family and their fight for school desegregation. In 2024, Rep. Gomez secured passage of legislation renaming the federal courthouse after Felicitas and Gonzalo Méndez, whose landmark case helped end school segregation in California and paved the way for broader civil rights victories nationwide. 

“I want to acknowledge the Méndez, Estrada, Guzman, Palomino, and Ramirez families, whose courage and sacrifice helped change the course of American history,” said Rep. Gomez. 

“Today, we gathered to honor families whose bravery transformed our nation. For too long, their story was overlooked in our history books, even though their fight helped lay the foundation for one of the most important civil rights victories in American history.” 

“That is why I was proud to lead the legislation in Congress to rename this courthouse in honor of Felicitas and Gonzalo Méndez.” 

The Méndez family fought alongside the Ramirez, Estrada, Guzman, and Palomino families in the landmark 1947 federal court case Méndez v. Westminster that led to the end of segregation in California schools. This case laid the groundwork for Brown v. Board of Education, which desegregated schools nationwide. 

Gomez introduced legislation that was included in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 which was signed into law by President Biden, making the Felicitas and Gonzalo Méndez U.S. Courthouse the first federal courthouse in history named after a Latina. 

As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the son of Mexican immigrants, the courthouse naming is personal to Gomez. “Today is a recognition of people being at the center of changing our laws and the course of our nation’s history. When Felicitas and Gonzalo Méndez and four other courageous families challenged segregation in California schools more than seven decades ago, they not only stood up for their own children, but for me, my three-year-old son, and generations of students of color,” said Rep. Gomez

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

New York, N.Y.  – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) visited the Early Childhood Center at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House to celebrate continued federal funding for their award-winning Head Start program that serves NY-12 children and families. 

Congressman Nadler secured $1 million in community grant funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for the Early Childhood Center. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for increased funding for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in NY-12 and nationwide. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow with their peers, regardless of their family’s income status,” said Congressman Nadler. “Head Start programs are critical to secure these opportunities for children and families in New York City and across the U.S. These investments in early education address the financial burden of childcare and empower guardians to work while their children learn and play in safe environments. It was a pleasure to see the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Head Start Program in action and meet with the passionate team that supports NY-12’s children and families every day.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately release federal funds for First Step Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. In a letter to the agency, Congresswoman Dingell rejected the administration’s claims of the funds as “fraud, waste, and abuse” and emphasized that continued delays have forced shelter closures and reduced lifesaving services for survivors across Southeast Michigan.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Mr. Fenton:

This letter is regarding the unsatisfactory and disappointing response to the letter I sent on December 18, 2025 regarding the status of Emergency Food and Shelter Program (ESFP) funding for First Step Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, specifically the claim that this funding is being reviewed in the interest of rooting out “fraud, waste, and abuse” to “deliver accountability for the American taxpayers.”

The funding authorized through EFSP is essential. It not only provides financial support for basic necessities but allows victim service providers who serve survivors of domestic violence, such as First Step, to continue funding lifesaving services for survivors across Southeast Michigan. The EFSP program funds are not waste, fraud, or abuse; these funds create the foundation for services rooted in comfort, stability, and nourishment during a survivor’s healing journey.

Despite the importance of these funds, organizations are still unable to access them. Since August of 2025, my staff has worked to obtain information on the status of ESFP funds and other critical funding that supports survivors without resolution. The continued lapse in funding has created a precarious financial situation for victim service providers resulting in a reduction of services, program instability, and shelter closures.

Additional administrative burden in the name of addressing “fraud, waste and abuse” has severely exacerbated the financial challenges facing organizations who provide critical resources and whose budgets and capacity are already strained.

Instead of supporting survivors of domestic violence, actions that delay funding they depend on and lack clarity will only make it more difficult for them to seek safety and justice. I urge you to take measures to ensure EFSP grant funding is released with a clear timeline for disbursement.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) urged the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to address delays in processing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback applications, some of which have sat undecided for over a year. In a letter to the department, Congresswoman Dingell highlighted the program’s role in retaining qualified public servants and called for coordinated efforts to ensure the 88,000 pending applicants receive timely decisions. 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Secretary McMahon:

This letter is regarding the delays experienced by applicants to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback. As a strong supporter of PSLF and our public servants, I am 

concerned by reports I have heard from my constituents of applications sitting without a decision for over a year.

The PSLF program provides essential support to eligible public servants by forgiving the remaining balance of their Direct Loan program student loans, so long as they meet the program 

requirements. PSLF Buyback provides opportunities for borrowers to “buy back” deferred or forborne monthly payments, allowing borrowers to make previously ineligible periods of 

deferment or forbearance qualifying monthly payments under PSLF. 

This program helps us retain qualified and competent public servants throughout our government and in the nonprofit sector by rewarding workers for their years of service. However, as of April 30, 2026, 88,000 PSLF Buyback applications were pending. In that same month, 4,790 applications were received and 6,870 applications were determined. While it is good that your department is making progress towards the backlog, there is still a long list of public servants waiting for the financial security they were promised.

I was pleased by the recent announcement that the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid is looking to hire 334 full-time employees by next year, a 45% increase from 

staffing levels as of April 2026 and increasing total staffing to 1,065 full-time employees.

However, even with successfully completing this hiring goal, the Office of Federal Student Aid would still be well under the staffing levels of the previous administration when staffing was as high as 1,444 full-time employees.I remain concerned by this administration’s propensity to push public servants out of federal work, including through the March 2025 Reduction in Force (RIF) only to have to hire workers for those same positions later on who are then faced with significant backlogs. The Office of Federal Student Aid is no exception.

I am hopeful we can work together to ensure that our public servants long-awaited answers to their applications for PSLF. Thank you for your consideration in this matter and I look forward to receiving a response.