Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
CICERO, IL — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon and Illinois voting rights leaders at the Cook County Elections Processing Center for a tour and roundtable discussion on threats to voting access and election administration ahead of the November elections.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Clerk Gordon, Becky Simon of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, Christian Harris of Common Cause Illinois, and Ed Yohnka of the ACLU of Illinois discussed President Trump’s efforts to restrict mail voting and reports that his Administration could deploy as many as 1,000 Department of Justice personnel in connection with the November elections.
“Donald Trump is trying to seize powers over our elections that the federal government does not have, including turning the Postal Service into a gatekeeper for who receives a ballot,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “Our elections belong in the hands of the state and local professionals who administer them, not Donald Trump and his political appointees. I will keep fighting every attempt to interfere with Americans’ right to vote. The Postal Service should deliver ballots, not decide who gets to vote.”
Congressman Krishnamoorthi has led efforts to challenge the Trump Administration’s restrictions on mail voting, repeatedly pressing USPS to comply with federal court orders finding that Congress never gave the Postal Service authority to determine which voters receive mail ballots. Yesterday, he renewed his call for Postmaster General David Steiner to resign after USPS finalized its election-mail rule despite a court order barring him from completing that rulemaking. Following yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling allowing parts of the Administration’s plan to move forward while litigation continues, Krishnamoorthi stressed that the fight is far from over: the Court did not rule that Trump’s restrictions are lawful, a separate nationwide injunction remains in place, and legal challenges to the policy are continuing.
The Congressional App Challenge engages student creativity and encourages participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school and middle school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
“I’m proud to announce that the 2026 Congressional App Challenge is now open,” said Rep. Baird. “As a Ph.D. scientist and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I deeply value educating Hoosier students in STEM and computer sciences. Every eligible student in our district is encouraged to participate. I hope this challenge ignites a spark in students and encourages them to delve deeper into STEM fields. To all the students participating, best of luck! I look forward to seeing the outstanding apps our students create this year!”
The deadline for students to register for the Congressional App Challenge and submit their app online is 12:00 PM ET on October 26, 2026.
Students may use any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.) and create an app for any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.). The winning apps are eligible to be featured in the Capitol Building and be put on House.gov. Students who create winning apps will also be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., where winners from across the nation will showcase their projects.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission.
Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.
Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in.
If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating.
All competing students must be U.S. residents at the time of submission. There is no citizenship requirement for students.
If competing as a team, all members must submit their information on the registration form to participate.
Students may submit apps they created prior to the challenge, as long as their apps meet the standards of eligibility and were created after October 30, 2025.
Please click here for the 2026 rules and guidelines for students. Please click here for the 2026 resources for teachers.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)
For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland
August 20, 2026 202-808-6129
PRESS RELEASE
USDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT
U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as primary natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions across the Territory. Farm operators on all three islands are now eligible to apply for emergency loan assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), following the designation issued on August 20, 2026, by Deputy Under Secretary Brooke S. Appleton on behalf of USDA.
The designation — number 2026N00002336 — covers the entire Territory due to severe drought conditions recorded by the U.S. Drought Monitor. In 2019, as a result of Congresswoman Plaskett’s advocacy with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Drought Monitor expanded to include the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to providing a general summary of current drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor can trigger eligibility for permanent drought disaster relief programs. Until the drought monitor was extended to the Virgin Islands under Congresswoman Plaskett, farmers and others would be unable to receive drought support.
“Our farmers have carried the weight of this drought for months, and this designation is a critical first step toward getting them the relief they need,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Agriculture is a vital part of our Territory’s food security and our economy. I will continue fighting to make sure Virgin Islands farmers have every federal resource available to recover and rebuild. My office has been, and will continue to be, in close contact with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and USDA to support our agriculture community.”
Congresswoman Plaskett added, “I extend my appreciation to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Louis Petersen, as well as Governor Bryan and his Administration for their advocacy on behalf of our agricultural community. This disaster designation, which unlocks federal relief for our local farmers and ranchers, reflects their commitment to the Virgin Islands.”
Farm operators in the designated areas may be considered for FSA emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply. Each application is considered individually by FSA, based on the extent of production losses and the applicant’s security and repayment ability.
Virgin Islands farmers seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office:
USDA Farm Service Agency – U.S. Virgin Islands
Sion Farm Shopping Center
Phone: (340) 773-9146, ext. 100
For more information, you may also contact Congresswoman Plaskett’s offices on St. Croix at 340-778-5900 or St. Thomas at 340-774-4408.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
Griffith Celebrates $1,000,000 for Virginia Tech Nuclear Energy Project
ProjectName: Enhancing Nuclear Reactor Testing and Safety Through 21st Century Technologies
Recipient Name: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, located in Blacksburg, Virginia
Amount Received: $1,000,000
“Southwest Virginia is well situated as an energy producing region. One project that will contribute to our region’s energy future is led by Virginia Tech. That is why I am a proud advocate of this project, which I helped by securing $1 million in federal funding.
“This money brings Virginia Tech one step closer to carrying out its goals for an innovative and timely project.
“As someone who is a leading advocate for the critical role of nuclear energy for America’s energy future, I am excited to see Virginia Tech advance nuclear energy solutions.”
BACKGROUND
The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026.
Congressman Griffith’s statement on January approval of the above appropriations package can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)
Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jared Huffman (CA-02) and U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-CA) led 29 colleagues incondemning the Administration’s recentdecision to initiate a formal review of California’s coastal management program under theCoastal Zone Management Act(CZMA). The lawmakers emphasized the Administration’s ideologically driven intent to trample on states’ rights and jeopardize California’s shoreline.
“This extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument. It is an attempt to curb our state’s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states’ rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA,” wrote the lawmakers to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Neil Jacobs.
The CZMA authorizes California’s ability to preserve and manage its coastline, giving the state the power to review and approve projects impacting the coastal zone in coordination with the federal government. For 50 years, California and NOAA have successfully worked together to mitigate the effects of coastal projects on California’s coastal ecosystems and economy.
The lawmakers rebutted U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that “California has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith,” and that California’s objections were “unfounded.”
“Complementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world’s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions. California’s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world and positions us as the nation’s leading agricultural state. California contributes nearly $700 billion to the federal government, which is $83 billion more than it receives. Each dollar invested in California’s coastal management creates important returns for the rest of the United States. Simply put, far from obstructing innovation and economic development, California’s success subsidizes the success of the nation,” continued the lawmakers.
“If NOAA chooses to proceed with its review under these patently misinformed and unreasonable circumstances and decides California should no longer manage a coastal zone program, the State will lose the ability to collaborate with the federal government on effective and responsible project development, to offer meaningful mitigation measures for coastal development projects, or to access federal financial opportunities that support the protection and security of America’s Pacific Coast. … Both California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America’s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security,” concluded the lawmakers.
In addition to Panetta, Huffman, Schiff, and Padilla, the letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Robert Garcia (CA-42), John Garamendi (CA-08), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Maxine Waters (CA-43).
Full text of the letter is availablehereand below:
Dear Administrator Jacobs:
We write to express our strong opposition to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) out-of-cycle performance evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program (CCMP) undertaken just one year after the previous evaluation was completed. This unprecedented review threatens to disrupt 48 years of successful coordination between the State of California and the federal government to protect California’s coast. The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) relies on a robust, voluntary partnership between federal and state governments to ensure that all coastal development projects are carried out thoughtfully, prudently, and in alignment with both the state’s priorities and the goals of the law. This extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument. It is an attempt to curb our state’s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states’ rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA.
The purpose of the CZMA is to require collaboration between participating coastal states and the federal government to further both preservation and development goals and “to achieve wise use of the land and water resources of the coastal zone.” (16 USC 1452(2)). California has advanced this purpose by carefully reviewing, seeking to improve where appropriate, and ultimately approving the vast majority of projects impacting its coastal zone.
For this reason, it is strange that in a letter from Commerce Secretary Lutnick to the National Economic Council, the Secretary inexplicably claims that “California has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith” without any evidence in support of this and that California has a “long record of obstructing technological innovation, economic development, and related Federal efforts in the name of environmental extremism.” Both of these statements can be easily contradicted with facts.
The record of California’s regulatory decisions over the past few decades shows the State disapproved of only one desalination project out of several dozen, objected to just two space launch activities out of 135, and disapproved of exactly zero undersea cable and pipeline repair and maintenance projects. In fact, of the 3,700 projects the California Coastal Commission has reviewed under the CZMA since 1978, fully 96% of them have been approved by the Commission either outright or with environmentally beneficial modifications that advanced the Act’s twin goals of preservation and development. This reality plainly contradicts Secretary Lutnick’s allegation of obstructionism.
California has a long history of approving space launch projects and, as mentioned above, has only rejected two of 135 space launch and aerospace projects under its review since 1980. The Coastal Commission attributed its decision-making in these two cases to noise pollution, the potential for sonic booms, disruption of wildlife, and the fact that the applicant, SpaceX, provided insufficient information about its proposed Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Thus, California’s objections were not “unfounded,” as Secretary Lutnick’s press statement claimed.
Moreover, it is important to note that the CZMA does not grant a participating state veto power to block a federal project. If a state objects, the CZMA offers the Secretary of Commerce the opportunity to override a state’s objection when appropriate. In the case of the only two spaceport projects to which California objected, despite California’s clear explanation of its concerns, the federal government proceeded with the projects anyway without working through the issues California raised. As both the State and federal government acted within their rights in accordance with the law, this again calls the review of California’s program into question.
Complementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world’s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions. California’s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world and positions us as the nation’s leading agricultural state. California contributes nearly $700 billion to the federal government, which is $83 billion more than it receives. Each dollar invested in California’s coastal management creates important returns for the rest of the United States. Simply put, far from obstructing innovation and economic development, California’s success subsidizes the success of the nation.
Secretary Lutnick’s threat to revoke California’s program approval and Federal funding for failure to obediently comply with the Department’s prioritization of its favorite projects is contrary to 50 years of cooperative state and Federal relationships – and blatantly illegal. Even the first Trump Administration’s NOAA plainly stated in 2019 that NOAA lacks the authority to revoke a state program approval for failing to implement newly imposed Federal policies. The first Trump Administration acknowledged:
NOAA does not have authority to require a state to make a change to state law or its coastal management program, except in limited circumstances if a state is not adhering to its NOAA-approved coastal management program. [NOAA Coastal Zone Management Act Program Change Procedures Final Rule, Federal Register at 38120-38121 (August 6, 2019)].
California’s compliance with its own program is what NOAA can review – not whether California is complying with the current President’s Executive Orders or the current Secretary of Commerce’s insistence on his two favorite projects.
Secretary Lutnick’s letter misses this point that the CZMA as established by Congress, which is “to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation’s coastal zone for this and succeeding generations.” (16 USC 1452(1)). The CZMA is not about rushing through specific development projects. Instead, it exits to establish a coherent framework to both protect and develop the coast, preserving its essential nature “for this and succeeding generations.”
California has fully complied with the CZMA’s goals by coherent planning of preservation and development activities that have built up a “blue economy” valued at $51 billion of tourism, fishing and aquaculture, shipping and coastal recreation. We Californians cherish our magnificent coast, and the robust economic activity it generates depends upon advancing developments that will enhance rather than damage the coast’s value. As part of the coherent management of our coastal resources, for decades Californians have consistently opposed new oil and gas drilling, because just one oil spill could destroy our vibrant $51 billion coastal economy. Our position on new offshore drilling is in no way inconsistent with the CZMA. Quite to the contrary, it is part and parcel of the coherent regulatory framework that CZMA demands to both preserve and develop the state’s coastal economy in a manner that benefits this and future generations.
Fundamental to the CZMA is the understanding that the country’s interests are best served when the federal government works in collaboration, rather than in direct conflict, with state costal management programs. If NOAA chooses to proceed with its review under these patently misinformed and unreasonable circumstances and decides California should no longer manage a coastal zone program, the State will lose the ability to collaborate with the federal government on effective and responsible project development, to offer meaningful mitigation measures for coastal development projects, or to access federal financial opportunities that support the protection and security of America’s Pacific Coast.
For all the reasons above, we express our strong opposition to decertification of California’s coastal program or withholding of financial assistance. Both California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America’s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security. We must work together to accomplish these objectives. In this spirit, we thank you for your consideration of this letter and ask that if you decide to proceed that you fairly review California’s coastal zone management program based on its full record of regulatory approvals and in accordance with the CZMA’s mandate for consistent implementation of a state’s chosen management program to achieve wise use of its coastal resources.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Dingell Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade War
Washington, D.C., August 25, 2026
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement in the wake of a growing trade war between the United States and Canada:
“It is a dark moment for our country when the president is more comfortable cozying up to dictators and autocrats than working together to find common ground with our closest friend and ally. Canada and the United States share the longest international border in the world; we are bound together by generations of friendship, family, culture, and common democratic values, and yes, even Great Lakes,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The values that unite us are stronger than any policy disagreement that divides us. We are intertwined not just in our values, but also in our economies. Canada is a critical market for American manufacturers, farmers, energy producers, and more. And Americans depend upon Canadian products, energy, and natural resources. The United States needs to start treating Canada like the close partner they are, and both countries need to come back to the negotiating table and work out a fair and comprehensive deal. A prolonged and growing trade war will only hurt working men and women on both sides of the border.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement after the Supreme Court lifted an injunction against President Trump’s executive order restricting mail voting while a separate nationwide injunction remains in effect:
“Today, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority moved Donald Trump one step closer to upending mail voting just weeks before Americans begin receiving ballots. By throwing out the challenge from 23 states and the District of Columbia on standing without deciding whether Trump’s order is lawful, the Court opened the door to forcing states to turn over voter lists and allowing USPS to withhold ballots from eligible Americans who do not appear on them. A separate nationwide injunction still blocks implementation, yet Postmaster General David Steiner has already pushed ahead with rules to carry out Trump’s restrictions despite a federal judge expressly ordering him not to complete that rulemaking. As a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, I am renewing my call for Steiner to resign and, if he refuses, for the Postal Service Board of Governors to remove him. The Postal Service should deliver ballots, not decide who gets to vote, and I will fight every effort by this Administration to disenfranchise the American people.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room, where he emphasized that with 70 days until the midterm elections, Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living and holding Donald Trump and his administration accountable for their unprecedented corruption and extremism.
WOLF BLITZER: Joining us now to discuss this and more in an exclusive interview is the House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for joining us. Can you explain what was the specific objective of this meeting you had with Jared Kushner in New York?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning, Wolf. Great to be with you. And as we’ve repeatedly indicated as House Democrats, from the beginning of this Congress, we’re committed to pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people every day, every week, every month, year after year, until we can end this national nightmare. At the same period of time, of course, we have a responsibility to solve problems, and sometimes that means meeting with people on the other side of the aisle to figure out what the opportunities will be in order to address the things that the American people definitively want us to address, which from our standpoint is the reality that the cost of living in this country is way too high. Far too many people are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, they can’t thrive and they can barely survive. That’s not an acceptable situation, and we’ve got to address that affordability crisis, which is not a hoax. It’s very real. I hear about it every day here in Brooklyn and across the country, and we’re determined to do something about it.
WOLF BLITZER: So did you accomplish anything specific during this meeting with Kushner?
LEADER JEFFRIES: No, it was just a high-level topical conversation, particularly focused on affordability as well as the housing bill that was recently passed and enacted into law as a foundation for the type of thing that perhaps can be built upon moving forward. By the way, that housing affordability bill that ultimately became law, notwithstanding the President’s refusal to sign it, was driven by the strong leadership of Maxine Waters on the House side and Senator Elizabeth Warren on the Senate side of the Capitol, because Democrats are committed to getting things done whenever and wherever possible. At the same period of time, as I’ve mentioned, nobody’s getting a pass because we’re determined to make sure, beginning on day one, that we hold every single member of the Trump cartel accountable beginning on day one.
WOLF BLITZER: Well, beginning on day one, you mean if the Democrats become the majority in the House of Representatives and you potentially could be the Speaker. Is that what you’re suggesting? On day one of that event, you will begin to hold everyone in the Trump cartel, your words, accountable?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, what I’m suggesting is that if folks have been shortchanging the American people, screwing over the American people or stealing from the American people, yes, our commitment very publicly is that we’re going to hold the crooks accountable. We’re going to follow the facts, we’re going to apply the law and we’re going to be guided by the Constitution. Now, that work is going to be led by Jamie Raskin and House Committee Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, as well as Robert Garcia, who’s also doing a tremendous job, and Democrats on the Oversight Committee. But let’s be clear about something. Our commitment to the American people has been we’re going to fight to make life more affordable. We recognize that the cost of living is out of control and we need to lower the cost of groceries, lower the cost of gas, lower the cost of housing. We’re also going to fight to make healthcare affordable for every single American because we recognize that, in this great country, access to high-quality, affordable healthcare can’t simply be a privilege available only to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. It’s got to be a right available to everyone. That’s a principle that unites Democrats all across the ideological spectrum.
WOLF BLITZER: Do you have any plans, at least right now, to start meeting with the White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles or even President Trump himself before the midterm elections in November?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that depends on what legislative business may be in front of us as it relates to the things that need to be done for the American people prior to the midterms. I haven’t frequently engaged with Susie Wiles, though we’ll see what happens as we move forward in that regard. And of course, Leader Schumer and myself had one high-profile meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office in advance of the 43-day government shutdown, which, by the way, occurred because Democrats have made clear we’re not going to support partisan Republican spending bills, in that instance, that gutted the healthcare of the American people. And we’re going to continue to battle them on tariffs as we’ve done, battle them on Medicaid, battle them on the Affordable Care Act, battle them on Epstein, battle them on ICE funding, battle them on the reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East and, of course, battle them on the unprecedented corruption that has been unleashed on everyday Americans. But as I travel the country, Wolf, I also know that the American people want us in Washington to solve problems. And I’m not simply here to make a point, but I’m also here to make a difference. And we have a commitment to the American people to make a difference in their lives so that they can live an affordable life, a comfortable life and live a good life, which we know what that should look like—it’s a good-paying job, good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and, when it’s all said and done, a good retirement.
WOLF BLITZER: I know you’ve argued that Democrats can indeed address the issue of affordability, that crisis that’s unfolding, and take on President Trump’s tariffs while simultaneously conducting oversight of this Trump administration. Let’s watch what you said in a video posted on social media just yesterday. Listen to this.
VIDEO OF LEADER JEFFRIES: No one is going to get a pass. We’re going to hold every single member of the Trump cartel accountable, beginning on day one.
WOLF BLITZER: So what exactly does it mean, and what do you suggest it means when you use the phrase ‘Trump cartel?’
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, Donald Trump has conducted himself like an organized crime boss. These people have unleashed unprecedented corruption on the American people. And here’s our problem with that: that if you’ve got people in high office that are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends and their donors, then they’re not focused on actually making life better for the American people. And so, our commitment to combating corruption and to holding the crooks accountable beginning on day one is a commitment actually to make sure that we’ve got people in government focused on doing the things necessary to address the affordability crisis, to make sure that healthcare is affordable for every single American, to fix our broken immigration system, to restore the damage that’s been done to voting rights in the United States of America, including by passing the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and, of course, to ending this reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, which, by the way, has skyrocketed gas prices on everyday Americans while at the same time putting Iran in a stronger position. So there’s a lot of challenges that we’ll continue to confront as House Democrats through the balance of this Congress and, of course, into the next Congress.
WOLF BLITZER: If you become the Leader or the Democrats become the majority in the House, are you open to pursuing impeachment of President Trump or are you ruling that out?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ve made clear we haven’t ruled anything in and we haven’t ruled anything out. And certainly, as I’ve indicated, Jamie Raskin and House Judiciary Committee Democrats—I was a proud member of the House Judiciary Committee for 10 years—as well as Robert Garcia and Democrats on the Oversight Committee are going to take the lead. And as we’ve done in the past, whenever there have been moments of accountability that we’ve had to lead on, we are guided by three principles: follow the facts, apply the law and be guided by the United States Constitution.
WOLF BLITZER: On another important issue, Leader Jeffries, you issued a statement yesterday slamming what you called ‘the malicious claim that American Jews are inviting violence against themselves’ as ‘dangerous and antisemitic.’ Was that in reference to far-left influencer Hasan Piker and his recent very controversial comments?
LEADER JEFFRIES:Yes, those comments were dangerous, malicious and antisemitic and should not be tolerated by anyone in the public square. What we’ve seen is a startling rise of hate crimes all across the United States of America, but particularly in this moment directed against our Jewish brothers and sisters. And everybody, regardless of ideological perspective, should be willing to denounce this rise of antisemitic rhetoric, hate crimes and bigotry and actually try to move us to a society where we embrace everyone. Even where there are differences on issues, be they foreign or domestic, the notion that people should be targeted because of their religious beliefs or ethnicity or race, whatever the case may be, that’s fundamentally inconsistent with who we are in this country.
WOLF BLITZER: Yes, indeed. Hasan Piker’s clout among Democrats, though, particularly some younger Democratic voters, seems to be growing. We saw, for example, his prominence in the Michigan Senate Democratic primary. So why not call him out by name in your statement, if you feel so passionately about this issue?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I’ve just addressed Hasan Piker’s comments as it relates to the Jewish community as forcefully as I can, and I will continue to do that.
WOLF BLITZER: Yes, but in your original statement, he was not addressed by name. That’s why I was raising the question. Leader Jeffries, you want to give me a final thought before I let you go? And we’re grateful to you for joining us.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there are 70 days until the midterm elections, and we’re either going to move the country forward, or we’re going to turn back the clock. And Donald Trump’s administration has been a disaster for the American people. That is clear. And we have an opportunity to take back control of the House and the United States Senate so we can begin the process of ending this national nightmare. And look, our commitment as Democrats is going to be to fight every day, every week, every month to actually address the problems that matter here in this country while pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people that’s unprecedented in nature and needs to end.
WOLF BLITZER: And a final thought: will the Democrats be the majority in the House and the Senate?
LEADER JEFFRIES: We have a good chance of taking back both the House and the Senate, but we’ve got 70 days. And we’ve got to knock on every door, we’ve got to encourage everybody to vote. And we’re going to make sure that, notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s efforts, that it’s going to be the American people who decide who’s in the Congress after November 3.
WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, thanks once again for joining us. Appreciate it very much.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) will host a health care roundtable at Gillette Children’s on Wednesday, bringing together patients, providers, and state health care leaders to highlight the high cost of care and reduced coverage Minnesotans are experiencing as a result of the Republican budget law known as theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act.
WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum; Gillette Children’s President & CEO Barbara Joers; Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, Minnesota Medical Association President Dr. Lisa Mattson, Minnesota Hospital Association Director of State Government Relations Danny Ackert, MNsure CEO Libby Caulum, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Dawn Simonson, State Medicaid Director & Minnesota Department of Human Services Temporary Commissioner John Connolly, an SEIU health care worker, and a Gillette Children’s patient and parent.
WHAT: Health Care Roundtable
WHERE: Gillette Children’s, 200 University Ave E, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)
Yesterday, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) visited Brentwood School in Sandersville, Georgia to present three 12th District students with the Congressional Award, the highest honor Congress presents to America’s youth.
Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. The Congressional Award provides a structure for young Americans to learn the value of service, personal development, fitness, and citizenship through character forming experiences that shape tomorrow’s leaders and our country’s future.
During the event at Brentwood, Congressman Allen recognized Georgia-12 students Kessler Ann Bibb, McFerrin Dean Bibb, and Mary Thomas Smith (not in attendance, now attending the University of Georgia).Following yesterday’s presentation, Congressman Allen issued the statement below:
“Kessler, McFerrin, and Mary Thomas exemplify everything it means to be a young leader. The Congressional Award is the highest honor Congress presents to America’s youth, and these students were among only 19 young Georgians who were recognized in the 2026 Gold Medal Class,”said Congressman Allen.“Kessler, McFerrin, and Mary Thomas set out on this journey nearly three years ago, completing hundreds of hours of voluntary service, personal development, and physical fitness on their way to receiving this distinguished award. It was an honor to join the students and their families for this special recognition. I am confident that each of them will continue to shine bright in the future.”
A live stream of yesterday’s event can be viewed on Brentwood School’s Facebook page HERE. Additional photos can be viewed HERE.