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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded Chairman Jim Jordan hold a House Judiciary Committee hearing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem following the fatal federal agent shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis who were peacefully exercising their First and Second Amendment rights. 

The House Judiciary Committee Majority’s own website says that “the Committee’s oversight responsibility for the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security” is “[p]articularly important in our time.”  Yet not a single witness from DHS has appeared before the Judiciary Committee during this Congress.

“This Committee has devoted years of oversight to alleged First Amendment violations by social media companies and has subpoenaed foreign companies over censorship concerns abroad. Mr. Chairman: look what’s happening right in front of our eyes. Federal agents have shot dead two American citizens in the past two weeks for doing no more than exercising their fully protected rights to protest, observe, and record law enforcement in public,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers want answers regarding the killings of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse and lawful gun owner who was filming law enforcement activity, and Renée Nicole Good, an unarmed mother of three who was observing an ICE operation from her vehicle.

Immediately following the shootings, Secretary Noem publicly labeled both victims “domestic terrorists” without evidence. But video footage viewed nationwide and verified by multiple news outlets contradicts DHS’s claims and all but proves that the shootings were without any legal justification.

Footage shows Mr. Pretti holding a cell phone when he was tackled by multiple agents and shot repeatedly in the back. Video also appears to show agents removing a firearm from his possession before another agent fired ten shots. Minneapolis Police have confirmed that Mr. Pretti had a valid permit to carry under Minnesota law and no criminal record.

Similarly, video evidence shows that Ms. Good was shot while seated in her car observing an ICE operation. Although DHS claimed she attempted to run over agents, footage shows her steering her car away from the agent who fired three shots into her vehicle.

“The attempted cover-up by DHS requires an inquiry by the House Judiciary Committee. Mr. Chairman, if your commitment to the First and Second Amendments—not to mention the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process—is genuine, as we have always believed it to be, then this Committee cannot look away when federal agents gun down Americans for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers’ demand comes amid reports that Secretary Noem will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3.

Click here to read the letter to Chairman Jordan.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar, Walberg, Scott, and Owens Introduce National School Choice Week Resolution

Congressman John Moolenaar, the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, alongside Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced a resolution to recognize January 25 to January 31 as National School Choice Week. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Moolenaar’s fellow co-chair of the School Choice Caucus, will introduce the resolution in the U.S. Senate. 

“Students deserve to have the chance to pursue the best education available to them, one that provides the best environment for learning, and one that provides them the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Parents must have a role in their child’s education. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as we introduce this resolution to recognize parents’ rights in their children’s education,” said Moolenaar. 

“When parents have access to a wide range of educational options—traditional public, charter, private, magnet, or homeschooling—students are more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. School choice recognizes this reality by empowering families to select learning environments that best match their children’s unique needs and talents. School Choice Week affirms our shared commitment to helping every child succeed,” said Walberg. 

“National School Choice Week is a celebration of opportunity and a reminder that education is not one-size-fits-all. When families have a choice, kids have a chance!” said Scott. “My life’s experience attending schools with fewer resources as well as schools offering greater opportunities has shown me the importance of empowering parents to choose quality education for their kids. Having more good teachers and mentors can change the direction of one’s life. It certainly did for me!” 

“Our most important national resource is our children, and ensuring that they are the best educated in the world should be our foremost priority. Where you live should not limit you to the quality or type of education your children can receive. There are more options out there for students and their families than they may realize and good schools across the education spectrum,” said Owens. “I encourage parents everywhere to seek out opportunities that help their children achieve their potential.” 

The text of the resolution can be found here. 

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

“With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I have raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans the same rights given to residents of the states – for 35 years.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — On Friday, January 23, the National Science Foundation (NSF) sent out an outrageous “Dear Colleague Letter” purportedly asking the scientific community for input on how to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). In the letter, the NSF reiterated its intent to “restructure” the research institution and the weather-related capabilities it operates. The agency also asked for input on opening “ownership of the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab building [located in Boulder, Colorado] for private use.” 

In response to the NSF’s letter, Congressman Joe Neguse intends to mobilize a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to submit a formal response in the comment process. 

“I urge all Coloradans to make their voices heard. The National Science Foundation is accepting public comments until March 13th,” said Congressman Neguse. 

Neguse has forcefully condemned the White House’s plans to dismantle NCAR since reports first surfaced. Earlier this month, he succeeded in protecting funding for vital programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations legislation. However, Neguse voted against the CJS bill as a result of its omission of statutory language that he proposed and fought for — on a bipartisan basis — to prevent attacks on the cutting-edge research institution.

“Donald Trump’s blatant and unlawful retaliation against Colorado must end. His latest attempt would destroy the federally-connected agencies and institutes tasked with keeping our communities safe and hand off their life-saving work to the highest bidder. It’s reprehensible and we will continue to fight against it on all fronts. NCAR is a vital, cutting-edge research institution, and dismantling it would be reckless, dangerous, and place the United States at a serious competitive disadvantage,” said Congressman Neguse. 

Individuals interested in submitting a document responding to NSF’s letter must do so by March 13, 2026. The NSF’s letter concerning NCAR is available HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) were joined by Reps. James Moylan (R-GU) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tim Sheehy (R-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Shelby (R-AL) in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral, Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act. This bill would strengthen protections for over 700,000 servicemembers and their families across the country living in privatized military housing.

An estimated 700,000 servicemembers and their families are affected by hazardous conditions in military-provided housing, including prolonged mold exposure, which is associated with elevated risks of respiratory illnesses, neurological symptoms, developmental delays in children, and other severe health effects. The MOLD Act addresses these conditions by setting enforceable health and safety standards, mandating independent inspections, and requiring transparency in reporting habitability issues such as water damage, humidity, and mold.

“In their service, our military members and their families sacrifice a great deal.  The last thing they should have to deal with is shoddy conditions, including mold, in their military housing,” said Rep. Panetta. “The MOLD Act will help ensure that privatized military housing is up to standard with frequent inspections, proper repairs and renditions, and better response times by landlords. This legislation is our way to ensure that military readiness starts at home.”

“This measure will help ensure that military families are protected from housing that endangers their health. They deserve the gold standard, nothing less,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “The MOLD Act will require strict health and safety standards, independent inspections, and financial accountability for contractors. This bipartisan, bicameral reform deserves quick passage so servicemembers and their families have a safe place to call home.”

“Our servicemembers and their families should never have to choose between serving their country and living in safe, healthy homes,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Military families at MacDill and across the country have faced unsafe housing conditions, including mold and other hazards, with too little accountability. This legislation addresses those failures by setting enforceable health and safety standards, requiring independent inspections, and increasing transparency. It’s about accountability, dignity, and keeping our promise to military families-no one who serves our nation should be forced to worry about their family living in unhealthy conditions.”

“For too long, military families have been forced to live with mold, moisture, and unresolved health hazards in housing they were promised would be safe,” said Rep. Moylan. “The MOLD Act finally establishes enforceable standards, independent inspections, and real accountability for contractors who fail our servicemembers. Living in a Pacific region where extreme weather and humidity are a constant reality, I know these risks cannot be ignored. I’m proud to work with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to ensure military families, whether in Guam or across the mainland—have strong protections, clear reporting tools, and a Department of Defense that is fully accountable to the people it serves.”

“After volunteering to serve our great nation, America’s military deserves the best — from equipment on the battlefield to housing here at home,” said Sen. Sheehy. “As a veteran who is married to a veteran, it’s an honor to serve our community each day in the Senate. I’m proud to lead this critical piece of legislation to bring accountability to the process of ensuring our men and women in uniform and their families have housing conditions and can focus on securing America’s future.”

“For too long, thousands of military families residing in privatized military housing have suffered the consequences of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions,” said Sen. Hirono. “From widespread mold to rat infestations, these atrocious living environments have caused severe health concerns for our military families and have forced them to bear the financial burden of repairs. Ensuring servicemembers and their families have safe and habitable housing is not just our responsibility, but critical for military readiness and morale. I am proud to introduce the MOLD Act to hold housing contractors accountable for addressing these issues and to better protect our military families.”

The MOLD Act addresses these concerns by:

• Requiring the Pentagon to issue humidity and ventilation standards within 1 year, and releasing test results to tenants within 10 days.
• Requiring inspections at move-in and move-out dates, after complaints, and after repairs. Inspections must be by certified third-party professionals. Failed units must be remediated or tenants relocated within 30 days.
• Establishing a complaint hotline for 24/7 reporting, and requiring a landlord response within 5 business days.

The MOLD Act is endorsed by Change the Air Foundation, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Safe Military Housing Initiative, Military Housing Coalition, National Military Families Association, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI).

“This is a historic moment for military families. Thanks to Senator Blumenthal and the other Congressional sponsors, the bipartisan Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act is an immediate response to a crisis that in this generation has simultaneously harmed military families’ health, degraded mission readiness, and weakened the future force. For too long, unsafe housing conditions, particularly mold and water damage, have gone unaddressed, leaving families unprotected due to a lack of transparency and accountability. The MOLD Act finally treats unsafe housing as the serious public health and military readiness issue it is. Change the Air Foundation is proud to support this legislation because it puts military families first, strengthens military readiness, and affirms that no one who serves our country should be asked to sacrifice their health or their family’s well-being because of where they live,” said Brandon Chappo, Director of Public Policy, Change the Air Foundation.

“Military families deserve safe, healthy homes — period. Blue Star Families supports the MOLD Act, a bipartisan effort to protect service members and their families from mold and unsafe conditions in privatized military housing. By establishing mandatory standards, independent inspections, and contractor accountability, this legislation takes an important step toward ensuring safe living environments. This isn’t just a housing or quality-of-life issue — it’s a readiness issue and a basic obligation to our nation’s military service members and their families,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families.

“Accountability is essential when neglect and inadequate maintenance result in hazardous military housing conditions. Service members and their families should not have to sacrifice their health or well-being due to substandard housing,” said MOAA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret).

“A safe home is a matter of basic human decency. But too many military families are living with mold and other hazards that threaten their health, often with no real recourse. The MOLD Act establishes clear standards and accountability so families can count on safe, healthy homes. We’re grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Sheehy and Representatives Wittman and Panetta for standing up for military families,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced new federal funding for projects across Ventura County. The funding was recently approved by Congress and signed into law through the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill. The bill includes investments for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Unidentified and Missing Persons Forensic Genetic Genealogy Testing Initiative and dredging of the Ventura Harbor.

The funding package includes a $700,000 grant for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Unidentified and Missing Persons Forensic Genetic Genealogy Testing Initiative. The funding will be used to investigate a backlog of unidentified human remains cases in the county.

“We’ve already seen very positive results from this initiative,” said Rep. Carbajal. “In just one quarter in 2024, the Sheriff’s Department and Medical Examiner’s Office used this genetic testing initiative to successfully identify and reunite four Central Coast families with the remains of their loved ones. These reunifications are only the beginning, and it’s critical we deliver the resources needed to bring closure to every family still waiting for answers.”

The funding bill also includes $5,980,000 in grants for the crucial annual dredging of the Ventura Harbor. 

“It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the annual dredging project for the economic strength of Ventura County. The project not only ensures successful maritime navigation but is foundational to maintaining the vitality of commercial fishing, local tourism, recreational boating, and waterfront businesses,” said Rep Carbajal.

In the spring of 2025, Carbajal began to push for funding these projects through formal requests to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released a statement calling for an end to federal overreach in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a Customs and Border Patrol agent. 

“The killing of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal law enforcement should shock every American. This ongoing assault and terrorizing of the American people must stop now.

I am calling on President Trump, Secretary Noem to immediately put an end to their reckless actions that are causing such great harm to communities in Minnesota and all across the country. Right here in Charlotte, we have seen the random targeting of American citizens and non-citizens alike by their own federal government. It is not right and we must speak up and speak out until it ends.

We must do better and I want to hear my Republican colleagues call for an end to this madness. Imagine if Alex or Renee Good were a member of your family, think of the outrage you would feel to know that your government could do this to you. We can and must do better.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is helping launch the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, a group of lawmakers dedicated to finding legislative solutions to the ongoing energy affordability crisis. The caucus will convene House Members around oversight strategies and tools to hold utility providers accountable for rate hikes.

“Families, working people, and seniors are being slammed by high utility prices, and they need relief and action. I’ve heard directly from Granite Staters who are worried about affording heat in the winter, spending as much on energy as they do on their mortgage, and juggling the cost of food and utilities,” said Rep. Chris Pappas. “Congress needs to step up, take on corporations raking in record profits, and deliver solutions that lower people’s bills and put more money back in their pockets.”

The other lawmakers in the caucus include Reps. Josh Riley (NY-19), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Mike Levin (CA-49), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Ami Bera (CA-06), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Seth Magaziner (RI-02).

Background: 

Pappas is a fierce advocate for efforts that lower energy costs for Granite Staters and programs that help low-income families pay their bills. He has repeatedly called on both Democratic and Republican administrations to stop the export of oil to foreign adversaries and protect and strengthen the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including successfully pressing the Department of Health and Human Services to take all necessary steps to ensure that LIHEAP funds were distributed to the states by November 30, 2025. He has also previously introduced, cosponsored, or called for the passage of the following legislation: his bipartisan Energy Burden Tax Credit Act, his bipartisan Transmission Facilitation Program Reauthorization, his Heroes Home Energy Savings Act, his bipartisan Bolstering Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve Act, the bipartisan Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act, the Energy Independence and Affordability Act, the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025.

In 2025 Pappas led 90 of his Congressional colleagues in calling for the protection of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the rehiring of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff who manage the LIHEAP program that were fired, and he supports the bipartisan LIHEAP Staffing Support Act, which would set a minimum staffing level within HHS to administer LIHEAP. In the House-passed HHS appropriations funding package, Pappas helped secure language requiring HHS to report to Congress on their current staffing levels to ensure LIHEAP is properly staffed.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswomen Susie Lee (NV-03) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and over 20 of their colleagues in a letter calling for an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

In their letter, the Members wrote, “The widely circulated footage of Ms. Good’s killing is deeply troubling. Her family and the American public deserve clear answers and accountability. Law enforcement officers are routinely entrusted with making split-second decisions under challenging conditions. That trust depends on sound judgment, appropriate deployment, and accountability when standards are not met. When the government’s duty to protect life and uphold the rule of law is in question, we must have rigorous oversight to understand what went wrong, ensure accountability, and prevent future tragedies, making an immediate, unbiased investigation is essential.” 

The Members also requested Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons respond to the following questions:

1. Please provide a full accounting of personnel and resources diverted to ICE operations since January 20, 2025, and any assessments of the resulting impacts on counter-terrorism, child sex trafficking, drug trafficking, disaster response, public safety, and other federal law enforcement missions.
2. In light of Ms. Good’s tragic death, what steps is the Department of Homeland Security taking to ensure transparency, accountability, and oversight of ICE operations moving forward?
3. What training standards and requirements govern ICE officers, including initial training, continuing education, and instruction on use of force and de-escalation?
4. How does ICE ensure consistent adherence to use-of-force policies, and what accountability mechanisms are triggered following a serious injury or fatal incident?
5. How many ICE personnel are currently assigned to or deployed within each undersigned Member’s congressional district?
6. How many individuals are currently in ICE custody from each undersigned Member’s congressional district?

The full text of the letter is available here.