Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro202-225-6165
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement following Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona:
“Charlie Kirk was a good man. He was a dedicated Christian, who allowed his faith to guide him in all he did. He was a true patriot who loved the United States of America with all his heart. He believed in strong family values and was a devoted husband to his wife, Erika, and father to his two children. He was a leader and mentor to many with the talented ability to connect with the American people, particularly the youth, through his public speaking skills and successful conservative nonprofit, Turning Point USA.
“Charlie believed in the importance of civil discourse and public debate. When Charlie visited college campuses, he was not there to give speeches and presentations. Instead, he was there to respectfully take questions from students – no matter what side of the political aisle they were on – and try to find understanding of one another. In fact, I was looking forward to welcoming Charlie to my district this fall, as he was scheduled to be at the University of Oklahoma in Norman on October 16. Now, we unfortunately won’t get that opportunity.
“Yet, it was in this exact setting, while he was in the literal act of public dialogue, that Charlie was assassinated. It is just sick, tragic, and harrowing. It fills me with grief, not only for his family, friends, and Turning Point USA colleagues, but for our entire nation, as political violence of any kind is never acceptable and, quite frankly, is un-American.
“I have full faith in Director Kash Patel, the FBI, and Utah law enforcement as they actively work to bring justice to Charlie Kirk. However, we, as Americans, should also honor his legacy by engaging in genuine civil debate with those on the other side of the aisle, allowing faith and strong family values to guide us in our lives daily, spreading Charlie’s strong conservative message, and by coming together as a nation to fight back against the evil that exists in this country.
“I am confident that we will overcome this dark chapter. In the meantime, please join me in praying for the soul of Charlie Kirk, his family, his friends, his fans, and our country. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace,”said Congressman Cole.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro202-225-6165
Washington, D.C. – Today, on the second anniversary of Iran and Hamas’ evil attack on Israel, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:
“Today marks two years since the violent October 7th aggression against our great ally, Israel. Hamas and Iran’s inexcusable violence resulted in the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, resulting in the death of over 1,200 innocent people. It was just pure evil – and, sadly, Israel is still fighting for its right to survive to this day,” said Congressman Cole. “So, today, as we remember this solemn day, we honor those who were killed, pray for the safe return of every hostage, continue to stand with Israel, and thank President Trump for his efforts to secure long lasting peace in the region.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, where he pointed out how Donald Trump and the extreme MAGA Republicans continue to impose a reckless healthcare crisis and government shutdown on the American people, while House Democrats continue to stand up for the best interests of everyday Americans.
CHRIS HAYES: Joining me now is Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Leader Jeffries, it’s good to have you on. I know that you have known Tish James for a long time, so first just your response to the news today.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening, Chris. Great to be with you. Tish James is a strong, brilliant, courageous, faithful and patriotic woman and a great Attorney General. And it’s a shame that she’s being victimized in this way by Donald Trump and his corrupt Department of Justice. We’re in the midst of a Trump-caused government shutdown. The military is on the verge of not being paid, notwithstanding the fact that our men and women in uniform continue to put their lives on the line, we have a Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating people all across the country and Donald Trump could care less. The Republicans who are sycophants in the House and the Senate could care less. Instead they’re focused on bringing baseless charges and weaponizing the Department of Justice against perceived political adversaries.
CHRIS HAYES: You put a statement out in response to the news of Tish James’ indictment in which you said, among other things, that those sycophants who aid and abet the President’s vengeful schemes will not be able to hide from serious legal consequences of their behavior. They will be held accountable. What do you mean by that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well there’s two things to keep in mind here. First of all, there’s accountability for the corruption and the chaos that Donald Trump has unleashed on the American people from the very beginning of his presidency on January 20 that should be tied directly to the Supreme Court and the six right-wing justices who basically gave Donald Trump, without justification, blanket immunity. And he’s been out of control ever since. So that’s problem number one. Problem number two, of course, is the fact that there are so many different corrupt sycophants within the Trump administration, including but not limited to within the Department of Justice. Now these people don’t have immunity. And the reality is, the statute of limitations is five years, and there will be accountability with the next administration, if not before, when Democrats take back control of the House of Representatives.
CHRIS HAYES: There has been now a spate of obviously politically motivated, I think it’s fair to say, indictments. We’ve seen James Comey. We’ve seen now Letitia James. A member of your caucus, LaMonica McIver, already indicted for her presence near an ICE facility, a contracted ICE facility. What are you telling your Members? I mean, you’ve got Adam Schiff, who appears to possibly be next. It’s like, what are you telling your Members about how to operate in a world in which the President seems intent on abusing the Justice Department to go after political opponents.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re not going to be intimidated. We’re not going to bend the knee. We don’t work for Donald Trump. We don’t work for JD Vance. We don’t work for corrupt billionaires who fund these Republicans. We work for the American people. And this moment is gonna continue to require bravery and courage and character and conviction. But we stand on the shoulders of giants like John Lewis, who many of us served with, who also faced adversity, storms, turbulence, as they were trying to turn things around in this country. And we’re going to have to continue to rise to the occasion, and I’m so thankful for my colleagues in the House and in the Senate who continue to do so, including as it relates to defending the healthcare of the American people, holding the line and making sure we can get the things turned around in this country that need to be turned around for all Americans in blue states, in purple states and red states, whether you’re a Democrat or independent or Republican, this is a fight that we’re engaged in on all of the things for all of the people.
CHRIS HAYES: You talked about the issue of military pay and the possibility of it lapsing soon. I wanted to play you an exchange the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, had with a C-SPAN caller about exactly that issue and then ask you if there’s a way to work that out as a kind of side bill. Take a listen.
RECORDING OF C-SPAN CALLER: I have two medically fragile children, and as a Republican, I am very disappointed in my party, and I’m very disappointed in you because you do have the power to call the House back. You did that, or you refused to do that just for show. I’m begging you to pass this legislation. My kids could die.
CHRIS HAYES: You said you would support a stand-alone bill that would allow for full military pay. Do you still feel that way? And has there been any conversation with the Speaker’s office about that possibility?
LEADER JEFFRIES:There has been no conversation with the Speaker’s office, unfortunately. He’s made the decision. They canceled votes last week, canceled votes this week. He’s planning, apparently, to cancel votes next week. House Republicans have been on vacation, notwithstanding the fact that they’ve shut the government down. They refuse to pay our military. They refuse to deal with this healthcare crisis that they’ve inflicted on the American people, which includes but is not limited to the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, the fact that hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country, including in rural America, because of what Republicans have done with their One Big Ugly Bill. And now they refuse to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which is going to result in tens of millions of Americans throughout the country experiencing increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles, which could cost the American people thousands of dollars per year, sending many into medical bankruptcy or having to go without seeing a doctor when they need one. The whole enterprise that Republicans have been running over the last several weeks is extraordinary. It’s political malpractice and it is hurting the American people and now it’s going to have an adverse impact on our men and women in uniform and military families.
CHRIS HAYES: So you would—you think Johnson should call the House back and you can have a vote next week about military pay, knock that out of the way, that would be your position, right, if you were given the Speaker’s Gavel?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, my position would be, the Republicans need to get back into town and get off of their vacations. We already, Leader Schumer, myself, Democrats have consistently said, we’ll sit down any place, anywhere, with anyone at any time in order to find a bipartisan path forward, reopen the government, but at the same time we have to address the devastating Republican healthcare crisis that’s impacting people in small town America, rural America, the heartland of America, urban America, as well as in Black and brown communities all across America. So it’s all of the above. The Republicans have been missing in action. You can’t find them. They, along with the President, have been in the witness protection program—it’s extraordinary—while the American people are suffering. So absolutely, Chris, the House should be back in session. Keep in mind that since July, under this Republican control of the House, we’ve only worked 15 days in Washington and during those 15 days Republicans have done nothing to make life better for the American people.
CHRIS HAYES: There’s some reporting from a private call among the Republicans in their own conference that I want to share with you, which happened today. Three GOP lawmakers—Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma, Obernolte of California and Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota—raised concerns about the House remaining out of session next week, according to a source on the call. ‘I think we’re going to get to a point where it’s damaging to continue to keep the House out of the session,’ Obernolte told fellow Republicans. ‘I think that we’ve gotten to that point.’ And on that question. It seems as if part of the motivation here is to keep Adelita Grijalva, recently elected to represent, I think, the 7th District in Arizona, from joining Congress, where she would be an addition to the Democratic Caucus and the 218th petition signature on the discharge petition, which, when it happens, would lock the petition and require a vote on it. I asked Ro Khanna this last night. I know you talked to my colleague, Jen Psaki. Is it your belief that that is what is motivating the refusal to swear in Adelita Grijalva, or do you think there’s any other plausible explanation?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think there are only really two explanations. One, Republicans want to keep the government shut down, and they have no willingness to address the healthcare crisis that they’ve inflicted on the American people. And at the same time, they want to prevent the release of the Epstein files. And that certainly is the reason why they don’t want to call us back into session, because calling us back into session would require that Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva be sworn in, and she will be the 218th signature needed to trigger an up or down vote on the release of the Epstein files, and that will pass. And that apparently terrifies Speaker Johnson, it terrifies the Republicans and it certainly terrifies Donald Trump.
CHRIS HAYES: That’s an important point. I just want to stay with that for a second, which is that as long as they’re out of session and they’re doing pro forma sessions, it’s at the Speaker’s discretion, whether she gets sworn in in the pro forma session. But once they come back for session, he no longer has this ability to bar her from swearing in, presumably, right? Like that is the thing that is giving him the power to block her right now is that they are not in session.
LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely correct. You know he really should be swearing in Adelita in these pro forma sessions that we’ve had—
CHRIS HAYES: In pro forma like they have before, right.
LEADER JEFFRIES: No doubt about it, because as you point out, Chris, that’s been done in terms of Republicans swearing in Republicans in pro forma sessions as recently as April. But if he calls us back into session, there is zero justification.
CHRIS HAYES: So final question for you, and I want to just end on this. You’ve been talking about the ACA subsidies specifically. Johnson said today basically that this is all a red herring. He likes to use that phrase. And that basically, look, we were always gonna deal with that. Of course we’re gonna deal with the subsidies issue. You guys are shutting down the government because you’re throwing a tantrum, but we’ll get to it. Just open the government and then we’ll have a conversation. We’ll figure it out. That seems to be what he’s saying. What’s wrong about that? Why not do that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, our view has been clear over the last several weeks. We were never going to vote for a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people. We made that clear in early September, mid-September, late September and we continue to make that clear in October, for several reasons. But the Affordable Care Act tax credits is a matter that needs to be dealt with right now. Open enrollment starts on November 1st. Tens of millions of people are receiving notices right now indicating that their premiums are about to go up by thousands of dollars per year. This has to be dealt with with the fierce urgency of now, and we cannot rely on a wing and a prayer from Republicans or a blank check promise, given that this group of people has tried to gut the healthcare of the American people and has targeted the Affordable Care Act literally for the last 15 years. We need to get this done and we need to this done now.
CHRIS HAYES: Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thanks so much for making the time tonight.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California
FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the recent ceasefire agreement. “I am encouraged by the announcement of a potential agreement to end the conflict in Gaza. Critically, it is imperative that the hostages be returned after being held captive by Hamas for two long years. This development, along with the provision of more humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, are critical steps forward for peace, stability, and security for the Israeli and Palestinian people,” said Congressman Costa.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to monitor the progress of each “phase” of this agreement. I encourage all parties to remain committed to its implementation.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
The baseless indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James is part of Donald Trump’s corrupt weaponization of the criminal justice system against anyone who has sought to hold him accountable.
Attorney General James has courageously been at the forefront of successfully challenging the Trump administration’s lawless and deeply unpopular overreach. At all times, she has followed the facts, applied the law and been guided by the Constitution.
The malicious prosecution of Attorney General James has no legitimate basis in law or fact, was brought by a corrupt political hack and will not survive scrutiny in a Court of Law.
Donald Trump continues to disgrace the presidency and the Department of Justice. Those sycophants who aid and abet the President’s vengeful schemes will not be able to hide from the serious legal consequences of their behavior. They will be held accountable.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the announcement of an initial U.S.-backed ceasefire framework between Israel and Hamas:
“The first phase of the ceasefire agreement is an important and long-overdue step toward ending a war that has caused immense human suffering and instability across the region. The agreement calls for the return of the remaining Israeli hostages and will surge urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza for Palestinians. Fulfilling those commitments is critical to reduce further suffering.
“This phase must be swiftly implemented and built upon to achieve a comprehensive, permanent ceasefire. The United States, working with partners in the region, must remain deeply engaged to ensure the agreement holds and moves forward with the remainder of the U.S.-backed plan that ends the war, prevents Hamas’s ability to govern or conduct military operations, ensures Israel’s long-term security, delivers sustained humanitarian assistance, rebuilds Gaza, and establishes a credible path toward political resolution and Palestinian self-determination.
“This agreement represents a necessary first step in reducing violence and advancing regional stability. Achieving lasting peace will require continued diplomacy, accountability, and a clear commitment from all parties to support a secure and sustainable future for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
“We are elated by news that Israel and Hamas have come to an agreement to end the war in Gaza, release the hostages, and surge aid into Gaza. We thank President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and negotiators in allied and partner nations for their tireless efforts in service of peace over these past two years. Once all the hostages still held by Hamas are released, the Abraham Accords Caucus looks forward to reconvening Israel and its Arab partners in support of lasting peace, the disarming of Hamas, and rebuilding on foundations of stability and tolerance so that our ally Israel will never again be threatened.
WASHINGTON – Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus – Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Craig Goldman (TX-12) – released the following statement welcoming the announcement of a Middle East peace deal:
“We are elated by news that Israel and Hamas have come to an agreement to end the war in Gaza, release the hostages, and surge aid into Gaza. We thank President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and negotiators in allied and partner nations for their tireless efforts in service of peace over these past two years. Once all the hostages still held by Hamas are released, the Abraham Accords Caucus looks forward to reconvening Israel and its Arab partners in support of lasting peace, the disarming of Hamas, and rebuilding on foundations of stability and tolerance so that our ally Israel will never again be threatened.
“This devastating war began just over two years ago when Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, brutally slaughtered nearly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, including Americans. The past two years have seen tragic devastation and many false starts toward peace. We have also seen the welcome dismantling of much of Iran’s proxy terror network across the region, and the decimation of Iran’s nefarious nuclear and missile programs.
“We are grateful for strong U.S. leadership across Democratic and Republican Administrations and staunch bipartisan support for Israel throughout the war, including by helping bring dozens of hostages home during the November 2023 ceasefire, as well as dozens more in early 2025. We are also appreciative of the efforts of the mediators who helped get the deal over the line. Our hearts are with the families of the hostages in Israel as they anxiously await reunification with their loved ones, and we share in the hope of Israelis and Palestinians alike as they look forward to a peaceful future and the end of Hamas’s reign of terror.
“In the 118th Congress, the Abraham Accords Caucus launched the Gaza Working Group to prepare for the ‘day after’ Hamas’s defeat and breathe new life into the Accords. Building on the success of those efforts, we stand ready to work with the White House, Israel, our allies in the region, and the international community to kickstart these conversations in support of long-term peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians and a better future for the entire Middle East. We are particularly enthusiastic to work with the Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Morocco, and other Arab nations to deepen and expand the Accords to work towards a lasting peace in the region.”
The Abraham Accords Caucus, established to expand and deepen the historic Abraham Accords, serves as a forum for identifying and advancing strategic partnerships between Israel and its friends and neighbors. In the 118th Congress, Reps. Brad Schneider, Ann Wagner, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and David Trone launched the Gaza Working Group (GWG) within the Abraham Accords Caucus to guide regional efforts in rebuilding Gaza with a focus on thwarting extremism and ensuring lasting stability. Off-the-record, Member-level meetings allowed candid discussions with diplomats from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing regional contributions to Gaza’s reconstruction and sustaining the momentum of normalization efforts to foster peace and mutual prosperity between Israel and partner nations. The GWG worked with diplomats from across the region, as well as with U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and development organizations to sharpen these ideas and assert the bipartisan role of Congress in promoting the Abraham Accords. We thank our counterparts in the U.S. government and partner nations for their engagement, as well as the many experts and practitioners who shared their insights.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas:
“The agreement to end the war in Gaza and bring home the remaining hostages offers a moment of relief and hope after two years of immense suffering.
“Far too many families have endured heartbreak and uncertainty. Their prayers — and the tireless work of U.S. diplomats and our partners in the area — have helped make this progress possible. I’d like to thank the president and his administration for their leadership in delivering this historic achievement.
“This is not the end of the story, but a step toward a safer, more stable Middle East. The coming days will require accountability and cooperation to ensure Hamas fully abides by its commitments and that Israel retains the means to defend itself against future threats.
“I will continue supporting efforts that advance peace, promote dignity, and strengthen democracy across the region.”
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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representative Mikie Sherrill released the following statement regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas:
“I am deeply relieved that Israel and Hamas have reached an initial agreement to bring the remaining hostages held by Hamas home after more than two years in brutal captivity. Since Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attack, communities across the world, including in New Jersey, have come together every day to pray for and demand the safe return of the hostages. Today, those families and communities can know that there is a plan for their loved ones to finally come home.
“While there is still significant work to be done, this agreement is a vital starting point to permanently ending this conflict, protecting Israeli security with Hamas laying down its arms, and finally alleviating the famine and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I urge all parties to maintain their commitments from this agreement and take bold action to continue the peace process. Too many people have experienced pain and suffering for too long for us to allow this war to continue for even one more day. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas must allow unrestricted humanitarian and medical aid to reach civilians in Gaza immediately. Every delay means even more innocent civilians will die.
“The world is watching, and it is vital that President Trump continue every effort to negotiate the end of the war. American advocacy has been crucial to reaching this initial agreement, so I urge him and his administration to maintain America’s leadership, uphold America’s values, and do everything within their power to establish a lasting peace that will pave the way for a better future in the region. “
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Headline: Carter urges DOJ to investigate Soros role in left-wing violence
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi calling for an investigation into the role that groups backed by George Soros, such as the Open Society Foundations, have played in funding left-wing political violence.
The letter cites a growing trend of left-wing violence, including the recent politically-motivated assassination of Charlie Kirk.
In the letter, Carter writes: “There is growing concern, based on credible reporting, that George Soros’ Open Society Foundations have played a significant role in funding organizations associated with promoting political extremism and engage in or endorse actions that meet the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s definition of domestic terrorism.”
Cartercontinues: “The funding of organizations that engage in, support, or incite political violence must not be tolerated. I urge the Department of Justice to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into George Soros, the Open Society Foundations and their affiliates to determine whether they are in violation of any federal laws related to domestic terrorism, material support for violence, or other illegal activities targeting Americans based on political beliefs.”