MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) renewed her demand for answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding conditions and operations at the ICE Processing Center in Camarillo, California. Brownley sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons raising serious concerns about transparency, safety, and the treatment of detainees at the facility.

Brownley’s letter follows reports from constituents and local advocacy groups of ambulances and first responders repeatedly seen outside the Camarillo center. She stressed that, given the documented pattern of abuse and inhumane treatment at ICE facilities nationwide, DHS and ICE must provide immediate accountability and oversight.

In the letter, Brownley pressed for detailed information on the scope and legality of immigration enforcement activities at the facility, including whether U.S. citizens, veterans, or DACA recipients have been detained, and whether detainees are being afforded adequate legal counsel, medical care, and safe conditions. She also demanded information on whether detainees’ rights are being protected and what steps ICE is taking to ensure compliance with federal law.

“The people of Ventura County deserve transparency and accountability from DHS and ICE. We cannot and must not turn a blind eye to reports of mistreatment, unsafe conditions, or violations of due process,” said Brownley. “Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight of federal agencies, and I intend to fulfill that duty on behalf of my constituents.”

In addition to demanding answers, Brownley formally requested access to conduct a site visit of the Camarillo facility as part of her Congressional oversight responsibilities. She asked for a detailed response to her questions no later than September 19, 2025.

The full letter can be found here and below:

September 12, 2025

The Honorable Kristi Noem
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20528-0525

Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,

I am writing to seek urgent answers regarding the conditions and operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center in my district, located at 321 Cortez Circle, Camarillo, California 93012.

My office has received several reports of ambulances and first responders outside of the facility, raising serious questions about the safety of detainees and conditions under which detainees are held. Given the documented pattern of abuse and inhumane treatment reported at ICE facilities across the country, it is of utmost importance that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide greater transparency and accountability with regards to ICE’s facilities and operations, and ICE must allow Members of Congress to conduct site visits at ICE facilities to fulfill our Constitutional oversight duties.

In light of these concerns, I am requesting prompt answers to the following questions:

1. What immigration enforcement activities, if any, have taken place this year at the ICE processing center in Camarillo?
2. How many individuals have been detained this year at the Camarillo facility, and how many are currently detained at the Camarillo facility? What is the status of each affected individual, and are any facing imminent deportation proceedings? Has anyone been placed in expedited removal or administrative removal?
3. For individuals detained, how many have had access to legal counsel? How many have been allowed to notify family members and loved ones of their location and reasons for detention? What is the process for such notifications, and what is the process for loved ones and legal counsel to visit with or speak to those detained?
4. Are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, DACA recipients, visa holders, or veterans among those questioned or detained? If so, how are their rights being protected?
5. What steps has ICE taken to ensure proper medical care is being provided to injured or ill detainees? Has ICE requested emergency medical care for any of its detainees, and if so, on how many occasions? If ICE requested emergency assistance, what were the conditions of the detainee(s) that necessitated an emergency response call?
6. Detail the food, sanitation, and living conditions at the facility. Are detainees being regularly provided with food and water? Do detainees have access to restrooms and reasonable privacy for dressing? Are detainees held in rooms that meet federally-mandated occupancy safety standards?
7. What steps is ICE taking to comply with disability rights laws and ensuring that detainees are provided access to necessary medications, assistive devices, and means of communication?
8. What steps is ICE taking to employ adequate measures to protect detainees from potential abuse and harassment?

Finally, I request access to visit the Cortez Circle facility as part of my oversight responsibilities and in pursuit of transparency and accountability. To arrange the visit, I request ICE officials contact my office at (805) 379-1779.

Given these pressing and immediate concerns, I also request a detailed response to my questions no later than September 19, 2025.

Sincerely,

JULIA BROWNLEY
Member of Congress

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Issues: 119th Congress, Civil Rights, Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Rep. Cuellar Appointed to Serve on FY26 Appropriations Conference Committee

Congressman joins House–Senate negotiations for the second time

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), joined a bipartisan coalition of 294 lawmakers in cosponsoring H.R. 842, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This bill would allow Medicare to cover FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests beginning in 2028, if the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determines coverage is appropriate.

The bill is named in honor of the late Nancy Gardner Sewell, mother of Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), whose legacy as an educator and advocate continues to inspire this bipartisan effort following her passing from pancreatic cancer in 2021.

“South Texas seniors deserve access to innovative cancer screenings,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The Nancy Gardner Sewell Act is a strong, bipartisan, and practical step to expand Medicare coverage for potentially life-saving cancer detection tests. By helping seniors get screened earlier, we can reduce late-stage diagnoses, improve outcomes, and lower long-term costs.”

Currently, many cancers lack routine screening options under Medicare, leaving older Americans at greater risk of late detection. The bipartisan bill creates a clear framework for CMS to evaluate and cover MCED tests, setting guardrails that ensure coverage is evidence-driven. The bill limits coverage to one test every 11 months and phases in by age – beginning at 68 in 2028, rising by one year each year thereafter.

In South Texas, where seniors face barriers to care in more rural communities, expanding access to blood-based MCED tests is especially important. These tests can be performed locally, without requiring long travel, making cancer screening simpler and more accessible.

“Cancer touches every family, and better screening means better odds,” continued Congressman Cuellar. “By establishing clear rules for Medicare coverage, we give patients and providers certainty while safeguarding the program’s integrity. I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure seniors in South Texas and across the country have access to lifesaving innovations in cancer detection.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined over 60 of his democratic colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 4849, Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act. This bill would reverse the drastic health care cuts Republicans passed in the “Big, Ugly Bill” and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. Without congressional action to extend these tax credits, South Texans who obtain health care through the ACA will be forced to pay almost 200% more in insurance costs.

The Republican budget law will strip health care from almost 15 million American, including more than 1.4 million Texans and 40,000 people in TX-34 who currently rely on Medicaid (known as STAR+PLUS in Texas) or the ACA over the next 10 years. These cuts will also lead to closures of rural hospitals and health centers across South Texas leaving South Texans and Americans, sicker and poorer.  

“We cannot stand idly by while poorly conceived legislation strips health care and raises costs for our most vulnerable. I am committed to working across the aisle to ensure our seniors, veterans and families have access to affordable high quality health care,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Republicans have an opportunity to reverse the cuts they promised they would not touch. Its time do right by the American people.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $462,000 to the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission. One EDA investment of $210,000 supports the development and implementation of an economic development framework. A second EDA investment of $252,000 will fund the hiring of a disaster recovery coordinator to assist with disaster recovery related projects in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties.

“These EDA investments for $462,000 help the Commission address natural disaster and economic development issues that affect the regional economies.” 

BACKGROUND

The $210,000 grant was administered through the Economic Development District Planning grant program.

The $252,000 grant was administered through the natural disaster supplemental package that Congress passed in the American Relief Act of 2024. Congressman Griffith supported the spending package as he continually advocated for it to include disaster relief.

A disaster recovery coordinator will help produce technical assistance, planning and management of disaster relief projects in the region.

Both grants are designed to strengthen regional economies and attract private investments.

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith met with the heads of planning district commissions based in Southwest Virginia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Lawmakers warn a CR anomaly for NASA is needed to prevent the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from prematurely making dramatic cuts at NASA without the consent of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Judy Chu (CA-28) led a group of bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter yesterday to House Appropriations Committee leaders urging them to include language in this week’s anticipated short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) that would explicitly protect NASA funding at no less than the currently-enacted levels.

“Without an anomaly providing guidance on the NASA budget,” the Members wrote, “OMB has pledged to apply its proposed FY 2026 cuts as soon as October 1st. That would result in an unprecedented, single-year cut to NASA, particularly NASA’s space science activities, resulting in irreversible impacts on America’s space leadership and capabilities.”

The letter notes that the cuts to NASA funding proposed in the FY26 President’s Budget Request (PBR) would be devastating for the agency and would affect every state and nearly every congressional district. The lawmakers note that if implemented, the FY26 PBR would: create needless disruption and uncertainty that threatens project timelines and risks unanticipated budget growth, throw away billions of dollars of functioning spacecraft, weaken national security, stifle the space economy, and ultimately surrender American space leadership to our adversaries like China. The letter commends House Appropriators for largely rejecting these cuts in the Committee’s Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, but notes that Congress must act now and provide explicit guidance in the CR to ensure the Administration adheres to Congressional intent.

“We therefore respectfully ask the Committee to include language in the CR explicitly protecting NASA funding at no less than the FY 2024/2025 enacted levels. Congress has acted before to protect essential programs under CRs, and NASA – a vital part of our economy, our national security, and our global standing – deserves the same protection,” concluded the lawmakers.

Click here for the full text of the letter.

“Congress has made its intentions clear: NASA should not be cut, and America’s leadership in space science must be preserved,” said Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society. “This message is bipartisan and bicameral. There is no ambiguity here. But given the uncertainty projected by OMB, and the irreversible consequences of potentially terminating dozens of one-of-a-kind space assets and disbanding skilled teams across the country, it is critical that our elected officials provide clear directives in the upcoming Continuing Resolution. We commend the Co-Chairs of the Planetary Science Caucus and its allies for taking this strong stand to protect NASA and ensure congressional intent is respected on October 1st and through all of FY 2026.”

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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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $710,000 to the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission. One EDA investment of $210,000 supports the development and implementation of an economic development framework. A second EDA investment of $500,000 will fund the hiring of an economic recovery coordinator to help in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Mount Rogers Planning District Commission serves Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington and Wythe Counties, as well as the Cities of Bristol and Galax.

“These EDA investments for $462,000 help the Commission address natural disaster and economic development issues that affect the regional economies.” 

BACKGROUND

The $210,000 grant was administered through the Economic Development District Planning grant program.

The $500,000 grant was administered through the natural disaster supplemental package that Congress passed in the American Relief Act of 2024. Congressman Griffith supported the spending package as he continually advocated for it to include disaster relief.

An economic recovery coordinator will work as part of a larger economic recovery coordination team to help with project planning, grant writing and contract negotiations will help produce technical assistance, planning and management of disaster relief projects in Lebanon, Virginia.

Both grants are designed to strengthen regional economies and attract private investments.

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith met with the heads of planning district commissions based in Southwest Virginia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in introducing the Supporting Early Childhood Educators Deductions Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would help early childhood educators cover the cost of supplies, books, and other classroom materials by allowing them to claim the educator expense deduction when they file taxes. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Access to quality education is one of the most important issues facing Central Valley families, and that begins with early childhood education,” said Congressman David Valadao. “Teachers spend on average $860 per year on classroom supplies to ensure their students can succeed, but while K-12 educators can claim the educator expense deduction, those teaching Pre-K and younger cannot. No teacher should have to choose between paying out of pocket or providing basic classroom needs, and this bipartisan bill expands the deduction so early childhood educators can focus on teaching the next generation rather than worrying about costs.”

“Early childhood educators often reach into their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom materials for their students,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The SEED Act would allow them to claim the same tax deduction already available to K-12 teachers.  This change not only provides relief for those educators but also shows that we value their commitment to giving our youngest children the foundation they need to thrive.”

“For early childhood teachers, every crayon, book, and learning tool is more than a supply — it’s an investment in a child’s future. In PA-1 and across the nation, our educators routinely reach into their own paychecks because they refuse to let a student go without,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The SEED Act affirms their dedication by extending to pre-K educators the same classroom deduction K–12 teachers already receive, correcting an unfair exclusion, strengthening the workforce, and putting more resources into our children’s hands during their most critical years.”

“Teaching is the ultimate act of optimism and safeguard of our democracy. America’s early childhood educators pour their hearts into their work, and far too often, their own money, just to do their jobs,” said Rep. Goodlander.  “These educators deserve the same tax deduction other teachers get, and I am proud to lead this commonsense, bipartisan bill that’ll do just that.”

“In Maine and across the country, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated educators who work hard to ensure that every child has a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and enriching,” said Senator Collins. “In spite of tight budgets and their own modest salaries, it is truly remarkable how often teachers use money out of their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies for their children.  As the author of the original tax credit for K-12 teachers, I am delighted to join this effort to expand this benefit to pre-K educators.  This tax credit would help more people by reimbursing early childhood educators for the resources they invest in our children’s future.”

“As a former school superintendent, I know that many educators often spend their own money to provide their students with the supplies they need to succeed,” said Senator Bennet. “We must ensure that all educators – especially those who teach our youngest children – can deduct these costs from their taxes. I’m grateful to work with bipartisan partners in Congress and in Colorado to pass this bill and deliver for educators and kids.”

Supporting organization include: Center for American Progress, American Federation of Teachers, Teach For America, First Five Years Fund, and Trying Together.

“Early educators play a vital role in helping children learn and grow while preparing them to enter kindergarten ready to succeed, yet too often they pay out of pocket for necessary classroom supplies.  The SEED Act is a commonsense, bipartisan proposal from Representatives Panetta, Goodlander, Valadao, and Fitzpatrick that would ease this burden and support the educators our youngest learners and their families rely on every day,” said Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund.

Read the full bill here.

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