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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on FOX News Sunday, where he laid out how House Democrats are standing up for the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people, while Republicans continue to show their inability to deliver on their promises to make life better for hardworking taxpayers.

SHANNON BREAM: Joining us now for another take, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Great to have you back, Mr. Leader.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Great to be on.

SHANNON BREAM: Okay, so you heard Ambassador Greer. He talked about all the positives that have come from the tariffs. He talked about the ability to negotiate and change trade as we now know it. Assessing the effect of the tariffs a few weeks ago at the end of ’25, Fortune said that Trump’s higher tariffs are certainly raising money. They’ve raked in more than $236 billion, much more than in the past. And the trade deficit, meanwhile, has fallen significantly since the start of ’25. The article says that tariffs have slashed the deficit in half. Is that not a good thing for Americans?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the trade deficit has not been meaningfully closed. That’s number one. Point number two is that we know farmers and small business owners, companies, as well as perhaps most importantly, the American consumer have been hurt, being forced to pay thousands of dollars more per year in additional expense when the affordability crisis right now is already crushing everyday Americans, middle class Americans and working class Americans. And we also haven’t seen a return of manufacturing jobs to the United States of America, which is what the Trump administration promised would take place.

SHANNON BREAM: So to the point of affordability, inflation is down, wage growth is up—it’s far outpacing inflation—consumer sentiment is positive, small business consumer sentiment is positive as well. I mean, there are a lot of markers that seem to be moving in the right direction. The American people, I mean gas prices down, grocery prices have slowed, are those not positive?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the American people understand that this administration promised that they would lower costs on day one. That’s the standard that this administration, that the President himself set. Costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America. We know costs have gone up. Housing costs out of control, grocery costs out of control, electricity bills out of control, healthcare costs out of control and child care costs out of control. America right now is far too expensive. And we all should be working together to lower the high cost of living, to bring about a situation in this country where if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life. Far too many people in this country—this is not Democrats or Republicans, these are Americans. This is not a partisan issue—far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck, can barely survive and certainly can’t thrive. And that’s the situation that we need to change decisively here in the United States of America.

SHANNON BREAM: Okay but, fair to say, looking at the data, that huge spikes in things like grocery prices and other things happened under the Biden administration. I mean, near record levels of inflation at 9%. That’s not gonna change overnight, but if it’s now nearing 2%, and rent prices have cooled, gas prices are down, those things have happened. I mean you can’t change all of that overnight. Do you not acknowledge that a lot of that happened under the last administration?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re focused right now on the here and now—

SHANNON BREAM: Which takes time.

LEADER JEFFRIES: —in terms of what the American people are confronting. This is 2026. Listen, the President himself is the one who said that costs were going to go down on day one.

SHANNON BREAM: And many counts they have.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s not the standard that we as Democrats set. That’s the standard that the President set. Now, I think in your own Fox News poll, 70% of the American people believe that the economy is not moving in the right direction. So this is not the Democratic position, this is the position of the American people. And we’re determined to do everything possible, working with anyone, anytime, anyplace, to lower the high cost of living because we do have an affordability crisis in America. It’s not a hoax. It’s very real, and it’s impacting people all throughout the land.

SHANNON BREAM: Okay, so I want to talk to you about the Supreme Court case, because you celebrated it on Friday, as many Democrats did. You have been very critical of the Supreme Court, as have many Democrats, calling them corrupt, saying they’re in the pocket of President Trump, saying that they need to be term-limited, the Court needs to be expanded. After the decision on Friday, which included a couple of the President’s own nominees voting against him and the arguments he was making, are Democrats now prepared to say that the court is neutral, it’s independent and you’ll stop talk of packing or term limiting the court?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I strongly disagreed with Supreme Court decisions in the past, and will continue to do so. However, the Supreme Court in this instance did the right thing. In terms of packing the court, that’s not a discussion that we’ve engaged in.

SHANNON BREAM: Many of your Members have.

LEADER JEFFRIES: As Democrats, listen, we’ve made clear to the American people. We’ve made clear, and I certainly made clear, that we’re focused on trying to do three things at this moment. Lower the high cost of living. Fix our broken healthcare system—we can begin by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that tens of millions of hard-working American taxpayers don’t experience dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles throughout the year. And of course, we also need to get ICE under control and deliver immigration enforcement in this country that’s fair, that’s just, that’s humane, so that taxpayer dollars aren’t being used to actually kill American citizens, like Renee Nicole Good or Alex Pretti.

SHANNON BREAM: So let’s unpack some of that. First of all, about the ACA subsidies. That was the last time you were here. We were talking about the shutdown that lasted 43 days had an enormous impact on the economy and a lot of people who missed a lot of paychecks, and yet Democrats who held the votes necessary to move things forward ultimately moved forward without a change to the ACA subsidies. We come to find out that 90-to-93% of people who are on these ACA marketplaces are getting federal subsidies. Meaning other taxpayers are paying into that, that doesn’t sound affordable. So, what about the promise of the Affordable Care Act that we’re now still fighting about these subsidies because it is so difficult to be paid for?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Listen, we have a broken healthcare system and we need to fix it in a comprehensive way. Ideally, we should fix it a bipartisan way. Part of the challenge that we’ve confronted during this administration is the One Big Ugly Bill enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. As a result of that policy, hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health clinics are closing all throughout the country, including in rural America. People are struggling and part of the way in which we can fix this is to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, to impact everyone in blue states, in purple states and in red states. In fact, in Republican-controlled states, people who have lost their Affordable Care Act tax credits are suffering the most. We’re talking about states like Wyoming or West Virginia, Alaska, South Carolina, Texas. These are states where people are struggling. So we’re trying to resolve this issue on behalf of everyone.

SHANNON BREAM: Okay, so to the issue of those cuts, you know that a lot of that has to do with either waste, fraud and abuse or it has to with eligibility and making sure that those benefits are there for people who actually need them, not able-bodied adults or those who are choosing not to work as part of the system. And there is money in there for those hospitals. They can reopen under an emergency basis. The money is there to help them move forward. So all of that was part of the One Big Beautiful Bill too. But where we get to now is ICE. You know it’s funded. Why shut down the government? We get new information this morning that TSA PreCheck is going away, Global Entry is going away. You know, there’s real worry now TSA and FEMA are not going to get paid. There’s a winter storm coming to your Northeastern location there. Why take away funding from FEMA, from TSA, the Coast Guard and others when ICE is fully funded? Why not reopen the government?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let’s remember, Republicans control the House, the Senate and the presidency. To the extent there is ever a shutdown, as was the case with the 43-day Trump-Republican shutdown in the fall and right now—

SHANNON BREAM: But you know they cannot move forward out of a shutdown without Democrat votes. They can’t do it. You guys have got to go with them.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Okay. So let’s talk about that. Our basic value proposition is that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not to brutalize or kill them, as was done with an ICU VA nurse—

SHANNON BREAM: Again, you’re not going to shut down ICE as part of this shutdown.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Alex Pretti. And so, our view—

SHANNON BREAM: And those are tragic cases that are being investigated and must be. We need answers on that. But that—

LEADER JEFFRIES: I’m happy to respond.

SHANNON BREAM: ICE is not going to shut down.

LEADER JEFFRIES: I’m happy to respond if you give me the opportunity to respond. So we believe that this moment should be used to make dramatic changes to ICE that are bold, that are transformational and that are meaningful, that include lifting up the Fourth Amendment and ensuring that judicial warrants are actually required before ICE agents can break into the homes of the American people. We believe there should be independent investigations so that if ICE breaks the law, state and local authorities can investigate and prosecute them, as is the case with every other law enforcement agency in the country. We believe that sensitive locations, like houses of worship, like hospitals, like schools and like polling sites, should be protected. These are basic common sense demands that have been laid out, and unfortunately, rather than dramatically reform ICE, the administration has decided to shut down FEMA, shut down the TSA and shut down the Coast Guard.

SHANNON BREAM: They will say your votes are doing that and, you know, there’s a lot of debate in there. We hope you find some common ground because there are some things there It sounds like Republicans agree with you on as well and the American people too. House Minority Leader Jeffries. Always good to have you. Thanks for coming by.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s PoliticsNation, where he reiterated that Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living, including by stopping the reckless Trump Tariffs from harming the American people.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Joining me now is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Leader Jeffries, we’re going to get to the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson in a moment, but first, I want to talk to you about the major political story today. President Trump claims today he’s boosting his global tariffs from 10 to 15% after the Supreme Court struck down most of his existing tariffs yesterday. Even some Republicans appraising to the decision. The President responded by insulting the justices who signed off on it after saying this about you. Take a listen.

RECORDING OF RYAN NOBLES, NBC NEWS: Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Leader, has called you a wannabe king.

RECORDING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: I call him a low-IQ individual.

RECORDING OF RYAN NOBLES, NBC NEWS: Why wouldn’t you just work with Congress to come up with a plan?

RECORDING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: I don’t have to.

REV. AL SHARPTON: What’s your reaction to the tariff ruling and to being called low-IQ Jeffries?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good to be with you, Rev. It certainly, in terms of the Supreme Court decision, was a big win for the American people and a big defeat for the wannabe king who did not have the authority to engage in the reckless Trump Tariffs that he has imposed effectively on the American people, hurting small businesses, hurting consumers, hurting farmers and hurting the economy. As a result of the Trump Tariffs, everyday Americans are paying thousands of dollars more in additional expense per year. Now the Supreme Court made clear that these tariffs were unlawful and unconstitutional, but the President can’t help himself, and so instead, he’s doubling and tripling down and continuing to hurt the American people. I’m less concerned about his petty, foolish and lame insults, Rev, than I am about the harm and the pain that Donald Trump continues to inflict on working class Americans, middle class Americans and everyday Americans.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, yesterday’s court decision pretty clearly put the ball back in Congress’s court. And while many House Republicans are reportedly relieved, Speaker Mike Johnson has already vowed to work with the President to find the best way forward on his tariff demands. The President seems to be claiming he can do whatever he wants. What are you expecting from the other side of the aisle, and how do you and your Caucus plan to respond?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Donald Trump and Republicans, they promised to lower costs on day one of Donald Trump’s presidency. Costs aren’t going down. Costs are going up. And in fact, things are out of control in terms of the affordability crisis. And so it’s ridiculous, if you think about it, Rev, that in the face of their failures relative to the economy, we’re seeing Speaker Johnson want to further impose these Trump Tariffs on the American people, find a different scheme to do it that we believe ultimately will probably be declared unlawful. And so, we’re going to continue to resist this effort by the President, which is not anchored in working with a bipartisan group of people, Democrats and Republicans and people in the House and the Senate, to actually lower the high cost of living, lower housing costs, lower the cost of groceries or goods or healthcare or child care or utility bills, all of which right now have been out of control under Donald Trump’s presidency.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, while all of this is happening, Trump says he’s considering a limited military strike on Iran to force the country to accept the deal on its nuclear program. He’s given Iran a two-week window for negotiations. Its foreign minister says it’s preparing a counterproposal. But U.S. military vessels have been building up in the region for weeks. And just like his tariff policy, none of the buildup appears to have gone through Congress for input or approval. Is a conflict inevitable at this point, Leader Jeffries?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The last thing that we need right now, given all the problems that we have in America, all of the damage that Donald Trump has done to everyday Americans, all of his failures that we’ve seen from day one of his presidency, is for Donald Trump to get us into another failed foreign war or reckless adventure that will ultimately, particularly in the Middle East, cost us lives and cost us billions, if not trillions, of dollars in taxpayer resources. And so, we’re going to continue to proceed in the same way that we have before, find a bipartisan path forward to try and stop Donald Trump’s ability to unilaterally strike anyone in the world in the absence of congressional approval, which, of course, is required by the Constitution.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Is Speaker Johnson on the same page?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Speaker Johnson is definitively not on the same page. So what we’re going to have to do is what we’ve done on a variety of different other issues, including, most recently, pass legislation in the House over the objection of Mike Johnson to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits by three years. All 213 Democrats at the time joined by 17 Republicans. We most recently, before the Supreme Court acted, led by Congressman Greg Meeks, we were able to take down one of Donald Trump’s initial tariffs that had been imposed unlawfully, in our view, on Canada. And we’re going to have to find a path forward, joined by just a handful of Republicans, to assert the principle that, absent explicit authorization for the use of military force, Donald Trump should not and must not strike Iran.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, midterms are just nine months away, and several Republican-led states are entering their primary seasons with gerrymandered voting maps at Trump’s request, as he threatens voter ID with or without Congress, and Republicans push the SAVE Act, which could radically restrict voter access. All of this, as the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the future of Section Two of the Voting Rights Act. How worried are you about the impact of all of this for Democrats in November?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s an all-hands-on-deck effort to make sure that there’s a free and fair election in November. First, we needed to stop his gerrymandering scheme, where, effectively, they wanted to alter congressional maps in red states only, all across the country, as part of their effort to rig the midterm elections. We’ve stopped that, effectively, from happening, and so they’ve run out of gas as it relates to that effort. But that doesn’t mean it’s over. As you pointed out, Rev, what we’re going to see is this effort to try to engage in voter suppression in a variety of ways, including by trying to jam the so-called SAVE America Act down the throats of the American people. Now, thankfully, Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats have made clear the bill is dead on arrival. And if the President tries to do any of this unilaterally, just as we’ve successfully done before, we will sue him, take it all the way up to the Supreme Court and I’m confident that we will win.

REV. AL SHARPTON: We lost Reverend Jesse Jackson this weekend. You know, you’ve been a member of the National Action Network for years, seen him there, know he’s been a central mentor to me. What are your thoughts on his life and legacy coming at this time in our nation’s history?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, he’s an incredible and real-life American hero. Through the force of his intellect, his advocacy, his character, his courage, his commitment, of course, has left America a more just place than the one that he’s found. Of course, we still have to march toward a more perfect union, and a lot of work needs to be done, but he’s shown us the way. And as you said, Rev, leaves behind such a tremendous legacy of his life’s work and leaders such as yourself, of course, who was very close to Reverend Jackson and mentored by him to continue the Civil Rights Movement efforts to bring about liberty and justice for all, equal protection under the law and make America the best version of herself. And so, we’ll continue to be inspired by him. There are four Black senators who stand on the shoulders of Reverend Jesse Jackson. When he began this work in the 1960s, of course, there were zero. There are about 55 African American Members of the House of Representatives. When he began this work in the mid-1960s, there were less than five. Now, there are at least 55. And so, we’re thankful for all that Reverend Jackson has done, what he’s meant, his inspirational leadership. And we continue to stand on his shoulders as we move forward to deal with the national nightmare that exists right now in the United States of America, and to show up and stand up and speak up for what Reverend Jackson fought for, what you fight for, Rev, in order to bring about a more perfect union.

REV. AL SHARPTON: I’m out of time, but one last question. Speaker Johnson has denied a request from Reverend Jackson’s family and others that he be allowed to lie in state in the Capitol. It’s reported the Speaker based his decision on a precedent in which the honor has been mostly restricted to government and military officials. Do you think an exception was deserved in this case, Leader Jeffries?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We certainly, as Democrats in the House, strongly supported an exception being made. We understand, of course, that tradition has it that in most instances, the honor is reserved for former presidents. But of course, precedent has allowed for instances where Rosa Parks, appropriately, Civil Rights hero, has lied in honor in the Capitol. And Billy Graham has lied in honor as a religious transformational leader. It’s interesting Jesse Jackson is both a Civil Rights leader and a transformational religious figure. And it was at least our view that if there was any instance where an exception was merited, it would be in the case of Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson, Sr. But we’re gonna continue to work with the family to make sure there are other appropriate ways to honor his life, his leadership and his legacy in Washington, D.C.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Alright, thank you very much, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

RELEASE: REP. HILL RESPONDS TO SUPREME COURT RULING ON IEEPA AUTHORITY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press availability in Laredo with Rep. Henry Cuellar, where he emphasized that ICE is out-of-control and must be reined in from brutalizing American citizens and targeting law-abiding families.

LEADER JEFFRIES: These are challenging times, but this was a wonderful ceremony, a celebration of the bi-national special relationship between the United States and Mexico, anchored in a commitment to economic prosperity and the cultural connections that have gone on for centuries. We also, of course, celebrate Washington’s birthday in the 250th year of the founding of our great country.

Laredo is an incredible city, an international city, but of course, one that has been dealt a blow as a result of the tariffs that are impacting the economy all across the country, impacting businesses all across country and impacting consumers. Trade between the United States and Mexico is, has been and will continue to be incredibly important. And through that lens, we want to make sure that as we approach the renewal of the U.S.M.C.A. Agreement, that we tackle it with an understanding of shared prosperity for all communities, particularly as it relates to the people here in Laredo.

We also believe that immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, it should be just and it should be humane. We want strong, safe and secure borders, and we will continue to support that. We also want to make sure that we lift up our heritage as a nation, both anchored in the rule of law, but as a nation of immigrants, as this wonderful city of Laredo has flourished and contributed so much, not just to South Texas, but to Texas and to America.

So it’s an honor to be here once again, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship in South Texas with policies that actually make life better for the people here in this wonderful part of the country.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) today announced that Haley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, will join him as his guest to the State of the Union on Tuesday, February 24. Haley bravely stood alongside Rep. Khanna, Rep. Massie, and other survivors outside of the Capitol to share her story and call on the administration to release the Epstein files and hold those involved accountable. 

“Haley’s courageous fight is proof that this isn’t about politics, it’s about exposing America’s two-tiered system of justice and bringing accountability to the Epstein class involved in the horrific abuse of young girls. She and her fellow survivors’ bravery was the catalyst for changing a rotten system and finally standing up for humanity and American values,” said Rep. Ro Khanna

“I’m honored and it came as a wonderful surprise to have been invited. I intend to show up fully with not only a hero, but a man who I have immense respect and admiration for,” said Haley Robson. 

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

Washington, DC — Rep. Panetta released the following statement:

“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court against this Administration reaffirmed what I long have asserted in that Congress must reclaim its Constitutional authority over trade. The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear that the Executive Branch cannot implement import levies under IEPPA without Congressional authorization due to our Article One power. Unfortunately, even with this ruling, uncertainty for U.S. businesses and consumers will continue as we figure out potential refunds from the President’s unconstitutional tariff policies. Moreover, the President recently stated that he would keep 10% across-the-board tariffs on all imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Despite the President’s justifications and promises for his incoherent trade policy, the embarrassing truth for this Administration is that since the tariff policy was put in place, manufacturing jobs are down, prices for products are up, and there are fewer choices of items for Americans. 

“Now more than ever, Congress must take a stand and be a check on this Administration’s executive overreach, including its harmful tariff policies. If not, Speaker Johnson should be embarrassed that he has allowed Congress to capitulate on our Constitutional responsibilities, especially with trade. Americans are hurting with continued high prices for housing, healthcare, food, fuel, and child care. It is Congress’s time to act for the people we serve so that we can lower costs for working families, including by preventing the President from re-instituting these tariffs with other imagined authorities. That is why Congress should be allowed to vote on my legislation, the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, to repeal the President’s ability to implement tariffs under Section 122. The decision by the Supreme Court is Congress’s chance to stop abdicating per our role, start legislating per our job, and reclaim our power under the United States Constitution.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Marine Corps veteran, small business owner, and City Councilmember Bernie Narvaez from Napa will be his guest to the President’s State of the Union address to Congress on February 24th, 2026. 

“Bernie is a shining example of what it means to be a public servant and to fulfill the American Dream,” said Thompson. “I am honored Bernie is joining me in Washington, D.C. as a representative for the hardworking people of our district. As a veteran, as a small business owner, as an immigrant, as a local elected official, and as a husband and father, Bernie knows all too well the importance of standing up for our country, defending our democracy, and lowering costs for hardworking people. 

“It was a privilege to have Bernie join me to speak to over one thousand community members at my Stop ICE Day of Action last month and I know he will be a powerful voice in Washington as we fight back against this out-of-control administration and fight for a more affordable future,” Thompson continued. 

“As an immigrant, Marine veteran, small business owner, and father, I see firsthand the hardships families and small businesses are facing today. Attending the State of the Union as Congressman Mike Thompson’s guest gives me the opportunity to help bring those real-life challenges to light and represent the voices of our Napa community on a national stage,” said Bernie Narvaez. 

BACKGROUND

Families across our country are being squeezed by rising prices caused by the President’s trade war. In California’s 4^th Congressional District, families are paying an extra $1,900 per year due to tariffs and the Big Ugly Law. 

Thompson recently led Ways and Means Democrats in designing a comprehensive bill to put money back in Americans’ pockets and strengthen our economy. The American Affordability Act is designed to lower everyday costs and expand economic opportunity through targeted tax relief and strategic investments to make housing, healthcare, childcare, energy, and education more affordable for Americans. 

As a combat veteran, Rep. Thompson is also fighting back against this President’s abuses of power, including opposing his unauthorized uses of military action abroad and standing up against ICE’s actions in Minneapolis and across our country. Thompson was joined by Mr. Narvaez in Napa in January for a Stop ICE Day of Action attended by over 1,000 community members. 

ABOUT BERNIE

Bernardo “Bernie” Narvaez is an Iraq War Veteran, small business owner, and City Councilmember from Napa, California. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Bernie immigrated to the United States with his family in 1990 and grew up in poverty, learning the value of hard work and family entrepreneurship. After the September 11 attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for six years.

In 2007, Bernie and his father founded Narvaez Insurance Services, which has served more than 4,000 families and small businesses. With more than 20 years as a business owner and employer, he understands firsthand the challenges facing working families and entrepreneurs, including rising health care, housing, and utility costs.

Bernie currently serves as City Councilmember for Napa’s District 4 and Vice-Chair of the Napa County Climate Action Committee. He and his wife, Gaby, are raising their three children in Napa, despite high living and housing costs, reflecting their deep commitment to the community. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Honoring Rev. Jackson, Pressley Joined the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice, Community Leaders and Members for Civil Rights Discussion

“We are confronted daily with a layered, unrelenting, legislated assault on Black people, on Black bodies, on Black votes, on Black power, on Black history, on Black progress. And we have to name it.”

Video (YouTube)

SOMERVILLE, MA – This week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joined community leaders and members for a panel discussion hosted by the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice and the NAACP Mystic Valley Branch to explore the evolution of civil rights advocacy across generations and reflect on how it informs the present-day fight to build a more just future. Rep. Pressley spoke of the inspiration and impact of her parents in coming to this work, her fight to combat systemic anti-Blackness, and her push to advance an affirmative civil rights agenda amid Trump’s attacks.

Titled “Lessons from the Past: Civil Rights Movement Then & Now,” the panel discussion entailed an insightful conversation between Rep. Pressley, Courtney Henderson, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Dr. Michael Curry, President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and Catherine Nakato, Deputy Director of the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice.

The panel was organized with the partnership of Tufts University, the NAACP of Mystic Valley, the City of Somerville, and Mayor of Somerville Jake Wilson.

A transcript of an excerpt of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks at the panel discussion is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Underscores Commitment to Fight Anti-Blackness, Emphasizes How Civil Rights Movement Shapes Racial Justice Work Today
Somerville, MA

February 18, 2026

CATHERINE NAKATO: Thinking about now, modern day, what does protecting and fighting for civil rights look like in your daily work?

REP. AYANNA PRESSLEY: Since you’ve invited me here, you’ve invited me here to be me.

CATHERINE: Correct. 

REP. PRESSLEY: And since this is Black History Month, I just want to take a moment while I acknowledge my commitment to do the work of safety and liberation of all marginalized people—I just want to talk about Black folks for a moment.

Because in this moment, what I see as my responsibility, you know, I revisit the words of Anna Julia Cooper often, who said, “When and where I enter, the entire race enters – human race – with me.” 

As a Black woman, we have been the liberators, the patriots, the defenders of democracy, the truth tellers, the justice seekers, the table shakers, the movement builders. I was sharing with someone earlier today when someone they were asking me, “Can you expound upon what you mean when you say ‘anti-Blackness with this Administration is on steroids’?” 

I have too many examples to enumerate. I think the problem is that we actually don’t name anti-Blackness, it is conflated with racism. And so when you have a white supremacist – you know, a chief of white supremacy – Occupant in the Oval Office emboldening white supremacy, and we can talk about the ways in which he is xenophobic, and anti-woman and anti-LGBTQ and trans, very few people will name anti-Black. 

But pay attention. Pay attention, because we are navigating, we are confronted daily with a layered, unrelenting, legislated assault on Black people, on Black bodies, on Black votes, on Black power, on Black history, on Black progress. And we have to name it.

Because what’s happened is that the codified harm to Black folk in budgets, the legislative harm to Black folks is so systemic, so unrelenting, that it is unremarkable to people. 

But Black women are still dying of sepsis in parking lots because someone doesn’t believe their pain or the laws won’t allow them to treat them and to intervene. Black men are still being strung up from trees. Black voters are still being denied access to the ballot. Black men still have the shortest life expectancy. Black home ownership is still the lowest that it’s been in six decades. 

So in this moment, I feel a tremendous responsibility—one, to be a truth teller, two, to make sure that these harms are not normalized. 

We have extended a cultural grace to the occupant of the Oval Office by saying that’s just him being him, and that’s just more bluster. That’s—of course, he’s hateful and harmful. That’s what he does. But your silence is not going to save you. It is not going to save any of us. 

We have to resist, reject, condemn. And policy is my love language, because every harm done to Black folk and marginalized people was legislated. It wasn’t something that just like happened in the ether. 

So I remain focused on how to undo centuries of harm, how to mitigate active harm in this moment, while still advancing an affirmative vision. 

And I’ll close on this. I talk often about how, in that speech that Dr. King gave at the March on Washington for jobs and freedom, that was not the speech that he was supposed to give. That while he could have continued to sit in the inequities and disparities and injustices, he gave voice to a dream. And in a fascist state, they don’t want you to dream. Dreams are not hokey. The dream of the slave is what kept them alive. Freedom. 

So in order to do radical work, we must first have a radical dream. And so, while I’m doing the active work of mitigating harm, I still am seeking to advance an affirmative vision. 

So, when I reintroduced Reparations, people said, “Why would you do that? Dems don’t – you don’t even have all the Dems supporting that. You don’t have a majority in the House, the Senate, the White House. This is—you know, what we’re living in. Why would you do that?” 

I said this is a moment of anti-Blackness on steroids. And so, I’m going to unapologetically pro-Black. That’s why I’m doing it. 

So we still have to do the affirmative work, and I’ll get into some policies and stuff later, but that’s what I see as my role in this moment is—it’s to not allow the suffering of Black folks to be so normalized that it is no longer called out to be confronted, and that we enlist everyone actively as co- conspirators in the work of our safety and our freedom, because we have liberated everyone else. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

***Full Text of Bill HERE (PDF)***

WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), announced the reintroduction of the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act—a bill to help support individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Right now, many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata. Unfortunately, Medicare does not. This bill would allow Medicare to cover wigs, ensuring many more people have access to this important treatment option.

“For people impacted by Alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, a wig can make a major difference—providing them with the confidence and courage to live as normally as possible during a challenging time,” said Rep. McGovern. “But wigs can cost thousands of dollars, and despite the enormous and clear benefits they provide, Medicare doesn’t currently cover them. That needs to change. This bill is about helping make sure everyone can live their lives with dignity and confidence, regardless of who they are or how much money is in their bank account. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and that is what this bill is about.”

“For many impacted by medical hair loss, unaffordable and inaccessible wigs can deepen an already significant mental and physical burden,” said Rep. Pressley. “As someone living with Alopecia, I know what it feels like to endure a vulnerable transformation not of my choosing. Those experiencing medical hair loss deserve to step into their own beauty and power, and I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Congressman McGovern and Senator Blumenthal to expand coverage for wigs, relieve financial barriers, and support dignity for all.”

“Our measure ensures patients struggling with hair loss can live their lives with dignity and confidence,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Medicare recipients who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with Alopecia, or suffering from other forms of traumatic hair loss shouldn’t have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to look and feel their best. By expanding coverage for medical wigs, our legislation removes the financial burden patients impacted by hair loss face and gives them the self-assurance and comfort they deserve.”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease, with no known cause or cure, affecting approximately 6.9 million Americans. The disease disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, particularly Black women. Many individuals affected by Alopecia Areata utilize wigs as there are currently few effective treatment options. Unfortunately, these prosthetics can come with a significant out-of-pocket cost from $100 to several thousand dollars for individuals with low or fixed incomes. This is especially burdensome for children, who often want cranial prosthetics for attending school.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today. Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced that he is leaving his State of the Union Address guest seat empty in order to honor Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother and local constituent who, despite living in the United States, was cruelly detained and later deported by ICE. In response to this announcement, Congressman Garamendi released the following statement:

“I am dedicating my State of the Union guest seat to my former constituent, 73-year-old grandmother Harjit Kaur. She is unfortunately unable to attend because she was cruelly deported to India in the dead of night. This seat is for her and every person across the country that’s been caged, detained, and killed at the hands of Trump’s secret police force. Let her empty seat be a stark symbol of the human cost of Trump’s cruel deportation agenda.

“President Trump promised to go after the “worst of the worst’ in his immigration policy. Yet his administration’s decision to cruelly deport a 73-year-old grandmother with no criminal record—who faithfully reported to ICE every six months for more than 13 years—is one more example of the thousands of individuals across the country whose lives and families have been upended by Trump’s ICE.

“Unfortunately, this has become far too common under Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. I dedicate this seat to Harjit, to her family, and to everyone affected by this rogue administration.”