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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of beloved San Francisco community leader and restaurateur Philip De Andrade:

“Paul and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Philip De Andrade, whose joyful spirit, generous heart and deep love of San Francisco enriched the lives of all who knew him.

“For decades, Philip was a treasured member of our extended Pelosi family. From my first campaign for Congress, his friendship, kindness and dedication were gifts that we all deeply cherished. Philip served on my staff both in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., always bringing his warmth and generosity to our work on behalf of our constituents, who loved him dearly.

“Through his beloved Goat Hill Pizza, Philip helped create a gathering place that became woven into the fabric of both Potrero Hill and our City. May it be a comfort to Philip’s family and his many friends that so many join them in mourning during this sad time.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Don Beyer today issued the following statement on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encounters in Northern Virginia:

“The injuries to Jose Mejia Hernandez and his account of how he received them are extremely disturbing, and I am seeking further details about what happened to him in Arlington. It essential to establish the facts in this case, and, if this is another instance of unjustified violence by ICE agents, to hold them accountable.

“My office has received reports of several other ICE encounters in Northern Virginia in the past 10 days that featured unjustified violence or apparently warrantless detention. The pattern that emerges in the descriptions is of ICE agents stopping people outside or on the street, asking for ID, and often responding with violence when their orders are questioned, regardless of whether those orders violate individuals’ rights.

“In the case of Carolina Molina, ICE agents were filmed pointing a gun at a citizen because she verbally challenged and filmed them, activities which are protected by the First Amendment. I look forward to meeting with Ms. Molina soon to hear her perspective on these events and discuss next steps.

“I urge Northern Virginians to exercise extreme caution. ICE agents are here, they are regularly ignoring their training and departmental regulations that call for deescalation, they are disappearing people, and they are all too frequently becoming out of control or violent. I thank constituents who have alerted my office to these activities, and encourage all residents to review and remember their constitutional rights. Our community is diverse and inclusive, and we must work together to ensure that our neighbors are safe and that peace, law, and order can prevail.”

Northern Virginians are reminded to Know Their Rights.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 13 of their Illinois colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche calling on the Trump Administration to end its use of so-called “mega master” immigration hearings, mass proceedings in which as many as 185 noncitizens can be called to court on a single docket. The lawmakers warn that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is intentionally overcrowding dockets with little notice to immigrants in an effort to increase removal orders and advance the Trump Administration’s mass deportation campaign.

The other signers of the letter were U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02).

In the letter, the lawmakers write:

“Through these hearings, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is intentionally overcrowding dockets with little notice to immigrants in an effort to manufacture significant numbers of removal orders and advance the Administration’s mass deportation campaign. Reports suggest that DOJ is calling as many as 185 noncitizens to court on a single docket, an action designed to drive mass deportations through chaos and confusion.”

In May, DOJ’s EOIR instituted a policy requiring judges in non-detained immigration courts to conduct master calendar hearings for 100 individuals twice per week while also maintaining their previously scheduled dockets and individual merits hearings. Many of those appearing have never been inside a courtroom, are unrepresented, do not speak English or Spanish fluently, do not understand the requirements of immigration proceedings, and are seeking asylum. In Chicago, the median notice time given to immigrants to appear in court fell from 229 days in May to just 34 days in June.

The lawmakers continue:

“Courtrooms handling upwards of 150 respondents in a judge’s morning docket raise serious concerns about whether individuals are receiving a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Dozens of unrepresented respondents appear in a single hearing, in courtrooms designed to accommodate approximately 25 individuals. This limits meaningful opportunities for them to understand their rights, seek legal representation, or even obtain adequate translations while in the hearing.”

The lawmakers also warn about mega master hearings involving children, particularly unaccompanied children who may have already experienced trauma, abuse, and exploitation and have limited access to legal counsel. These proceedings can make it harder for unaccompanied children to understand what is happening, ask questions, identify errors, or communicate with attorneys, advocates, or caregivers.

In Illinois, the letter places the mega master hearings alongside other elements of the Trump Administration’s mass deportation campaign, including Operation Midway Blitz, the attempted deployment of the National Guard in Chicago, and repeated attempts to withhold federal funding based on policy disagreements. The lawmakers argue that mega master hearings at the Chicago Immigration Court are the latest example of policies prioritizing enforcement and deportation quotas over due process while creating fear, confusion, and uncertainty for Illinois communities.

The members requested responses by September 1, 2026, including answers to the following questions:

1. In light of policy changes regarding preliminary asylum interviews, what procedures is DOJ using to ensure that each asylum applicant receives a full and fair evaluation of the merits of their claim?
2. What factors account for the significant reduction in hearing notice periods between May and June 2026 in immigration courts?
3. What steps are being taken to ensure respondents in immigration court receive adequate notice of their proceedings?
4. What is the appropriate process for a respondent in immigration court to request additional time to obtain an attorney?
5. What measures is DOJ taking to ensure that unrepresented respondents are afforded adequate due process, including having sufficient notice to appear before an immigration court?
6. How is the DOJ ensuring that the current immigration court system has adequate personnel, meets courtroom capacity needs, and provides staff with the proper administrative resources to manage these increased caseloads and to ensure due process for every noncitizen respondent?
7. In response to a question for the record from Senator Padilla after your Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing, you stated that all master calendar hearings are conducted “fully in accordance with the applicable law….” Please specify what applicable laws were referred to in this response.
8. In your response to Senator Padilla, you also stated that when individuals appearing at mega master hearings have “specific questions or concerns, immigration judges will hear those cases individually as appropriate.” What are the protocols or policies in place to ensure respondents appearing at mega master hearings be heard? How should a respondent request that a case be heard “individually”?

The lawmakers conclude:

“We urge the Administration to discontinue practices that undermine due process, including the use of mega master hearings. Instead, the Administration should ensure that asylum seekers receive fair and meaningful hearings and uphold the integrity of our nation’s immigration system.”

The letter from the members is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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

 U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced $4,609,282.00 in new federal funding for the San Luis Obispo County Airport for a range of infrastructure upgrades. Specifically, the funding will go towards modernizing Runway 11/29’s safety system, upgrading Taxiway A, and creating a plan to identify wildlife around the airport and assess how to protect aircraft from potential wildlife hazards, such as bird strikes.

“As SLO County continues to welcome more visitors each year, it’s essential that we invest in our local airport to maintain the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew,” said Rep. Carbajal. This $4.6 million federal investment will allow SLO County Airport to launch important infrastructure upgrades to enhance the overall travel experience.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Carbajal and the U.S. Department of Transportation for this important investment, which will strengthen our airport, support our regional economy and help ensure San Luis Obispo County has the infrastructure needed to thrive for generations to come,” said San Luis Obispo County 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg.

“This significant federal investment in safe, reliable airport infrastructure is an investment in the long-term economic vitality, connectivity and resilience of our region, and we are grateful to Congressman Carbajal and the federal government for recognizing the importance of our airport to San Luis Obispo County’s future,” said Courtney Johnson, San Luis Obispo County Director of Airports.

This funding is from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

Since its passage in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast of California. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal played a key role in crafting and passing the landmark legislation in partnership with the Biden Administration.

In May 2026, Carbajal announced over $2 million in federal funding for the San Luis Obispo County Airport to improve the baggage screening system.

Last fall, Carbajal announced over $3 million in funding for two airports in San Luis Obispo County for infrastructure improvements. SLO County Airport received $2,725,597 to construct a new 315-foot Taxiway B3 to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. Oceano Airport received $313,500 to reseal 2,325 feet of existing Runway 11/29 pavement to extend its useful life.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Rep. Jimmy Gomez Delivers Keynote Remarks at American Postal Workers Union National Convention

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

In his first term, President Trump issued Executive Order 13936 to employ emergency authorities to strip Hong Kong of its preferential trade and export-control treatment it had previously enjoyed as a distinct customs territory and authorize sanctions against individuals. In July 2026, President Trump declined to renew the Executive Order, thereby lifting sanctions on key individuals and sending a signal that the loss of Hong Kong’s autonomy is no longer a major concern for the U.S. government.

“We are also concerned about the circumstances surrounding this decision. The PRC’s Ministry of Commerce has publicly stated that the non-renewal implements understandings reached during the U.S.-PRC economic and trade consultations in Madrid, and that the United States made commitments concerning Hong Kong and investment-related issues during those talks,” wrote the Members of Congress. “If accurate, this would mean that sanctions relief for officials responsible for prosecuting pro-democracy activists was used as a bargaining chip in unrelated trade negotiations.”

The Members requested answers from the President about the decision, including justification for easing sanctions on complicit individuals, whether the decision was part of any quid-pro-quo with PRC officials, and whether the Administration is committed to securing the release of publisher and prominent pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the Screen to Save Act, a bill that changes federal insurance guidelines to ensure mammograms, X-ray imaging tests used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer, are covered with zero out-of-pocket costs for individuals 30 and older. 

The Affordable Care Act currently requires most health plans to cover screening mammograms at age 40. However, the rate of breast cancers in individuals under 40 is on the rise, and Americans diagnosed with cancer in this age group are more likely to have features that contribute to poorer prognoses and outcomes—including larger tumor size and advanced tumor stage. Since routine mammograms are not standard for Americans under 40, tumors are most often found by the patients themselves. 

Several years ago, Congressman Neguse’s wife, Andrea, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, and courageously and successfully fought the disease—she is now in remission.

“Access to breast cancer screening can mean all the difference for families battling this terrible disease—and mammography remains the most effective way of increasing the odds of survival, opening the door to better and simpler treatments. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Screen to Save Act, a critical piece of legislation that expands access to early detection technology, lowering the age range of individuals eligible for regular screening with no out-of-pockets costs from 40 to 30,” said Congressman Neguse. 

“Like so many Americans, my family has been impacted by the scourge of breast cancer. My wonderful wife Andrea, over a year ago, battled this terrible disease for roughly 18 months, and every day I saw the grit, the determination, and the strength that it took for her to ring the bell and end her battle with cancer. I continue to be incredibly grateful to the many doctors, nurses, family, and friends who helped us throughout this journey. It’s on her behalf and on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of individuals diagnosed each year that we recommit to ensuring folks have the resources and information they need to fight cancer and win.” 

The Screen to Save Act is endorsed by the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition. 

“This bill will provide access to the earlier screening, risk assessment, and awareness needed to help younger women save lives. When caught early, breast cancer has a 99 percent survival rate. With the incidence of breast cancer among younger women increasing by roughly one percent each year, and Black women between the ages of 20 and 29 facing a 53 percent higher risk of breast cancer than white women in the same age group, the need for earlier screening is clear,” said Liz Powell, Esq., MPH, Founder of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition and Women’s Health Advocates. 

View the full bill text HERE.

Congressman Neguse has been outspoken in his support for ensuring adequate healthcare coverage for cancer patients. In June, he took to the House Floor to demand the Trump administration rescind the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) so-called “medical frailty” rule that would allow Americans battling cancer to be kicked off Medicaid.

Shortly following this speech, Neguse led the entire House Democratic Caucus in a letter to CMS urging them to immediately reverse course. 

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

August 18, 2026

In New Letter, Rep. Levin & House Colleagues Demand Transparency on the Status of Permit Approvals for Clean Energy Projects

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), alongside Ranking Members Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Huffman (CA-02), led colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee and Natural Resources Committee in a letter to Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum urging an end to the Department’s delays of clean energy project permits and on-time submission of required reports to ensure accountability.

In the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) Interior Appropriations bill, Rep. Levin secured language directing DOI to provide bimonthly reports on the status of permitting approvals for energy projects. DOI missed three reporting deadlines—March 24, 2026, May 23, 2026, and July 22, 2026. The Trump Administration has intentionally delayed permit approvals for clean energy projects, including a near complete block on wind and solar energy permitting. Despite court orders to overturn these hurdles for clean energy developments, the Administration continues to place new barriers on projects that would provide American households with access to affordable renewable energy. At a time when we need to add as much energy to our grid as possible, the Administration’s lack of timely reports keeps Americans in the dark about the role these delays are playing in rising energy prices.

The letter pushes Secretary Burgum to submit the required reports in a timely manner and end the procedural hurdles to clean energy development that would lower Americans’ energy bills. It also outlines specific oversight questions for the Administration to answer in the reports.

Read the letter here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

We write to request an update on the status of clean energy projects that the Department of the Interior (DOI) has been delaying arbitrarily. The bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (Division C of Public Law 119-74) requires status reports on the reviews of energy projects every 60 days. The Department missed three deadlines—March 24, 2026, May 23, 2026, and July 22, 2026— to provide Congress with these reports, and has only recently provided the first report. As the backlog of projects continues to grow, we urge your timely submission of these required reports to Congress, and that you lift the procedural hurdles to clean energy deployment that the Department has implemented.

Since President Trump has been in office, the Department of the Interior has been systematically disadvantaging wind and solar energy projects, while propping up fossil energy. Throughout your tenure, you have issued arbitrary directives, including the consideration of an energy project’s “capacity density,”^[1] the July 15, 2025, directive requiring that “all decisions, actions, consultations, and other undertakings” related to wind and solar energy receive your personal approval,^[2] and the payment of $2.5 billion of taxpayer funds to energy companies to walk away from their offshore wind projects.^[3] Other energy sources are not facing this same scrutiny. As a result of this increased and unnecessary bureaucracy, clean energy projects are taking longer to build or are being outright cancelled, right as prices rise and demand skyrockets.

We are in the midst of an affordability crisis, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation, yet the Department’s actions continue to keep energy prices high for American families and set us back as the rest of the world accelerates the deployment of new technologies. The Department’s policies have put hundreds of projects at risk, including 450 solar projects, representing 36% of all new planned power capacity in the United States.^[4] Constraints on clean energy development could add an estimated $81.2 billion to household energy bills over the next seven years.^[5] As the Department continues to institute discriminatory policies against clean energy, these trends will only accelerate as energy demand outpaces supply.

In order to improve transparency to ensure that we can power our country reliably and affordably, Congress mandated bimonthly reports from the Department on the status of energy permitting in the FY2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The Department has failed to provide timely reports and only recently has provided an initial status report. However, the information included in this first report was outdated. We urge you to provide these reports to Congress on time going forward, and to include information current to this point in time.

Specifically, the reports are required to detail the execution of funds to fulfill the timely review of all energy projects. We request that you provide to Congress an updated report by August 28, 2026, that includes:

1. A comprehensive list of all the projects currently under review by the Department that fall under the July 15, 2025, directive, including each projects’ specific current status in the review process.
2. A list of the wind and solar projects that DOI has completed required reviews for under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and issued the necessary authorizations to begin construction, since July 15, 2025.
3. A list of the wind and solar projects that the Department has rejected or that the project sponsors have withdrawn since July 15, 2025, including how much electricity generation capacity has been lost as a result of these rejections or withdrawals.
4. The total number of employees, broken down by field office, responsible for permitting wind and solar energy projects.
5. The total number of employees, broken down by field office, responsible for permitting oil, gas, and coal energy projects.
6. What steps the Department is taking to comply with the requirement in Public Law 119-74 to “ensure the timely review of all energy projects” and provide status reports every 60 days on the execution of funds to fulfill those timely reviews?

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

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