A Founding Father’s Words Ring True

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

From sea to shining sea, millions are taking this week to celebrate America the Beautiful and the opportunity and hope she has brought to her people for 249 years. We also celebrate the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence, our nation’s founding document, which laid the blueprint for the freedoms we enjoy today. Thomas Jefferson, one of the document’s most famous authors, said, “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance.” His words still ring true today.

After months of hard work, bicameral conversations, and late nights in committee markups, our nation has another historic moment to celebrate. House and Senate Republicans passed a once-in-a-generation piece of legislation, delivering on the mandate handed to each member of Congress who was elected in November. Over the past several months, House Republicans have worked tirelessly to put pen to paper in order to craft legislation that delivers on the promises the President and House Republicans made to the American people. 

This monumental bill takes a step toward restoring fiscal sanity in federal spending, empowering American taxpayers instead of expanding bureaucracy, and fueling freedom from foreign adversaries through unleashing American energy; creating greater domestic opportunity which the abundant natural resources in our own backyard provide. As a proud Arkansan and American, it was a great privilege to have the opportunity to not only cast my vote for a better America, but to cast my vote in order to ensure prosperity, certainty, and hope for Arkansans throughout the Fourth District.

By curbing wasteful spending, House Republicans have ensured that vulnerable Americans will be able to receive the help they need, while stewarding taxpayer-funded programs responsibly. By creating greater fiscal sanity, House Republicans are delivering the largest tax break to working and middle-class Americans in our nation’s history. By bolstering our border security, House Republicans are keeping communities safe and fighting back against the war on deadly and illicit drugs like fentanyl. And by unleashing America’s energy potential, House Republicans are delivering results to lower costs at the gas pump, creating more jobs in the energy sector, and decreasing American dependence on adverse nations for critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Thomas Jefferson was right when he said that our founding ideals would take continuous work to protect and preserve. We must never sit idle, for even one moment, and expect that the work we have done is enough to maintain our liberties. For 249 years, our nation’s legislators have fought to continue paving the way for future generations. This week was no different, as the 119th Congress upheld that legacy and delivered the promise of a better tomorrow for the American people. There is no greater honor or anything I take more seriously than representing the people of the Fourth District of Arkansas. The rural communities, farming families, and workers who span across this great congressional district are a top priority every day. I am thankful for the opportunity to bring their voices with me to Washington in order to craft legislation and cast votes to empower every Arkansan with opportunity and security.

Supporting our Servicemembers and Bolstering Military Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Americans work hard to earn a living, and it is Congress’ duty to safeguard those resources through setting guidelines for spending, taxes, and planning each fiscal year’s federal budget. Throughout appropriations season, the twelve subcommittees on the House Appropriations Committee hold hearings to examine the budget requests and needs for federal spending in the upcoming fiscal year. Once these subcommittees pass their own crafted legislation, it heads to the House Floor for a vote. This week, the House voted for and passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MilCon-VA), 2026. 

House Republicans are committed to introducing and voting on numerous pieces of legislation throughout the year to support our service members. The MilCon-VA appropriations bill is no different. This vital piece of legislation supports our veterans, active-duty members, and their families to provide them with the resources and support they need, while also bolstering our national security and readiness capabilities at military facilities at home and abroad.

Our military heroes stand sentinel at freedom’s gate – sacrificing the comfort of their own homes, time with their family, and even their lives to protect our homeland. The men and women who boldly embraced the call of duty, knowingly heading straight toward conflict instead of shying away from it, are always deserving of our thanks and gratitude. Even now, thousands of active-duty service members are deployed across the globe. Regardless of their circumstances, these service men and women stay the course, remain steadfast, and do their duty to serve their country – no matter the cost. Providing them with the funds they need for better resources and support is a small way for Congress to pay its thanks for their service.

Providing our armed services with resources to develop and modernize integral military infrastructure and readiness is vital to ensure that our nation can proudly boast the most powerful military in the world. This piece of legislation prioritizes robust funding for infrastructure upgrades, rids obsolete infrastructure currently draining taxpayer dollars, and bolsters infrastructure necessary to support our nation’s advanced weapons systems. Funding will also be provided to enhance the quality of life for our military members currently serving, through planning and designing military housing that addresses barrack deficiencies.

It is well-known that those who return from the battlefield or retire from active military duties are still paying a weighty price for their service. This is why House Republicans have voted to fully fund veterans’ medical care, benefits, and toxic exposures-related needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Post traumatic stress and substance abuse disorders are common among those who have served in particularly devastating tours of duty and as a result, are in great need for social and emotional support networks within their communities. 

Affordable housing and a lack of employment opportunities directly impact our veterans’ ability to acquire viable housing, leading to a concerning increase in the national military homelessness crisis. Veterans are faced with countless obstacles in their transition from military life to civilian life, and Congress must do its due diligence to ensure that not a single veteran has to worry about where they will lay their head at night or where they will get their next meal. It is a great honor to vote for a piece of legislation which addresses these very concerns by providing funds for the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness.

Our military heroes are proud to serve our country, and we must be proud to support them in return. Their bravery and unwavering commitment to our country reflect the highest values of service, and while we may not ever be able to thank them fully for what they have done, we can certainly remain committed to crafting legislation that provides them with the care and service they rightfully deserve.

A Bicentennial Reflection: Honoring a Charge Worthy to be Remembered

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

This week marks the 200th anniversary of the only quote which rests in the House of Representatives, just above the Speaker’s rostrum, serving as a weighty reminder of the significant duties and obligations for every legislator in the House of Representatives. 

On June 17th, 1825, Daniel Webster was joined by another notable figure honored within the walls of this very same chamber: the Marquis de Lafayette. Webster and Lafayette were both in attendance for a memorial of the Battle of Bunker Hill in which more than 200 surviving Revolutionary War veterans were in attendance. Webster was to deliver the dedication speech and Lafayette was to lay the cornerstone for the monument to memorialize the war. 

Monuments usually stand to encourage reflections of the past, but Daniel Webster’s speech was a challenge to look toward the future. Mr. Webster’s oration included the quote which now hangs in the House chamber and says, “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also in our day and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”

Looking up at this quote from Daniel Webster perfectly outlines the role each legislator plays in Congress – to develop our nation’s resources and utilize the vast opportunity which they present. As a licensed forester and engineer, and someone who has dedicated a large portion of time to stewarding the resources of our land in a way that can be conserved, honored, and appreciated for generations to come, this call has always made perfect sense. The tireless work done in the House Natural Resources Community proudly embarks on championing these very ideals, and it is a privilege to serve on such an integral committee.

Upon the founding of our country, our forefathers crafted something so unique and monumental – establishing a way of life which, in that age, the world had never known. And over time, institutions and ideals were established which inspired watchful nations. Our forefathers drafted the blueprint for a modern-day democracy, and every generation since has taken up the mantle to preserve and defend it. While his original audience may have only been a few hundred people on a field in the middle of summer 200 years ago, that number continues to grow with each generation. As his audience now, in 2025, he calls us to promote our nation’s great interests to see whether we – in our day and generation – may do something worthy to be remembered.

History’s watchful eye is witness to the decisions that are made in the House chamber and the work done in the halls of Congress. The legacy and mission we have inherited as a legislative body remains as true now as it did in Daniel Webster’s time. And we must never lose sight of the call to develop our nation’s resources, build up our great institutions, and make the work we do in our own day and age something worthy of being remembered.

Rep. McClintock Remarks on the Big Beautiful Bill: Lower Taxes, Lighter Regulations, a Secure Border, More Frugal Government and a War on Waste

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Tom McClintock delivered remarks on the House Floor preceding the final vote on the Big Beautiful Bill:

Click to watch Rep. McClintock’s remarks

Big Beautiful Bill
Senate Amendments
July 3, 2025

This bill fulfills many of our promises to the American people: lower taxes, lighter regulations, a secure border, more frugal government and a war on waste.  Throughout history, these are the policies that have produced prosperity and security and there is every reason to believe they will again.  

I remind my conservative friends who say this bill doesn’t go far enough: our process was not designed to make perfect law – it was designed to make the best law that is acceptable to a majority.  Judging by the narrow votes, we have pushed this bill about as far toward perfection as the process allows.

The proof is not in the talking points made today, but next year, when Americans will ask themselves if they are better off.  I believe because of this bill, the answer will be a resounding YES.  And perhaps that is what the Democrats fear most.

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Swalwell Statement on the Israel-Iran Conflict

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) issued the following statement on the Israel-Iran conflict:

“I am closely monitoring the unfolding crisis in the Middle East following Israel’s operation targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure — and Iran’s subsequent response. This is a deeply volatile moment. I am gravely concerned about the potential for escalation into a broader regional conflict.

Iran’s repressive regime continues to pose a grave threat to global security — sponsoring terrorism throughout the region, violently suppressing its own people, and targeting Americans. Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Preventing that outcome is a matter of America’s national security.

I want to be clear: the Iranian people are not our enemy. They are victims of an oppressive regime. Like all people, they deserve dignity, peace, and the opportunity to live free from fear, violence, and repression.

Clearly, Israel has the right to defend itself against existential threats. It is also clear that we need strong, principled American leadership that ensures Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, while simultaneously working to de-escalate tensions, avoid regional war, and chart a path forward through diplomacy, stability, and lasting security.

I will continue to engage directly with my constituents — including the vibrant and diverse Muslim and Jewish communities in the East Bay — as we confront these difficult issues together. My priority remains the safety and security of all people, and our shared hope for peace.”

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Rep. Khanna, Progressive Caucus Demand Congress Reclaim Its Power: Pass the Iran War Powers Resolution Now

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

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, June 25th, Representative Ro Khanna and  members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus joined anti-war civil society leaders to call on Congress to pass Rep. Khanna’s bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran.  

There are currently 73 members signed onto the resolution. The text can be found here

Following the press conference, Rep. Khanna delivered a floor speech calling for the U.S. to “invest in good jobs at home, not billions in more missiles that we cannot afford.”

“Americans do not want another costly and disastrous war in the Middle East. They want peace abroad and good-paying jobs at home,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). “I am standing with my Progressive Caucus colleagues today to say no to more endless wars and to urge Congress to pass my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to reassert that any military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress.”

“Donald Trump cannot drag America into another endless foreign war. The House should vote this week on a War Powers Resolution,” said Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (TX-35).

“Donald Trump said he was going to be the president of peace that got America out of foreign wars. He then unconstitutionally struck Iran without Congressional approval, even though Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States,” said Chair Emerita Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “This is not our war to fight. Congress must vote on our War Powers Resolution to preserve our authority and stop’s President Trump’s illegal acts.” 

“Trump claims to be ‘pro-peace’, yet he’s dragging us into another destructive, unpopular, and expensive forever war without Congressional approval,” said Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04). “The War Powers Act exists exactly for situations like these—to prevent Presidents from pursuing reckless, ego-driven military actions. Only Congress can authorize war—and frankly, in this case, we shouldn’t.”

“President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). “The American people do not want another forever war. We have seen where decades of endless war in the Middle East gets us—all based on the lie of ‘weapons of mass destruction.’ We are not falling for it again.” 

“The American people do not want to be dragged into yet another war. As Members of Congress, it’s our job to make their voices heard—and our constitutional obligation to debate and vote on going to war,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02). I pray that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds. U.S. military involvement should never have happened absent Congressional approval. That’s why I support the War Powers Resolution led by Representatives Massie and Khanna and why I encourage all of my colleagues in Congress to do the same.”

“Time and again, Trump has exercised executive overreach—from mass firings to deporting citizens, and most recently, to dropping bombs on Iran without congressional authorization,” said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12).“This resolution is about reining in a wannabe dictator who continues to bypass Congress and risk the lives of the American people who are tired of sending their babies and spouses abroad into endless war. I am proud to be a co-sponsor and oppose this descent into fascism.”  

“If you want to send our children to war, you better come to Congress first,” said Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04). “The Constitution is clear—that’s our call, not the President’s. I represent a working-class district, and no one back home is asking for another war. They’re asking for us to lower costs on rent, groceries, and healthcare—not to be used as cannon fodder in someone else’s fight. I will keep fighting for them.”

“Four days later, we haven’t received a Congressional briefing scheduled on the president’s decision to unilaterally engage in an act of war. The facts about the impacts of the strike and Iran’s remaining nuclear capability are unclear. This is unacceptable,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “Congress has a constitutional role in our national security and we need the facts. We all want stability in the Middle East. We must work toward peace, not get drawn into another extended war.”

“It has only been a dozen years since nearly 100 Republican colleagues demanded that President Obama seek Congressional approval for his proposed attack against Syria,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Today, it appears most have ignored their own warning about the constitutional duty to consult and receive approval from Congress before engaging in an act of war. With the evidence coming forth that Trump misled the world on his claims of a ‘spectacular success,’ all that’s been obliterated is the credibility of Republicans who are displaying contradictions as big as the President’s. Our democracy is endangered more and more by the contradictions of both Trump and his enablers.”

“President Trump’s attack on Iran without authorization from Congress was illegal, threatens to destabilize the entire region, and makes Americans less safe. I stand with my CPC colleagues in supporting this resolution to reinforce the constitutionally-mandated separation of powers, and urging the President to return to a strategy of diplomacy that was successful under President Obama in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10).

“Regardless of our political party, we should all be clear that the power to declare war does not belong in the hands of the President. When unaccountable, extremist leaders seek to profit from endless wars and human suffering, we as Congressmembers have the obligation to affirm the Constitution and exert oversight,” said Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03). “It’s why I joined my colleagues to cosponsor the War Powers Resolution.”

“President Trump’s unilateral and unauthorized decision to conduct military strikes against Iran shows how he continues to put his own ego above the safety of our country. The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. Trump’s reckless strike violates the clear intent of our Founders, that Congress, not a king-like executive, should decide when our nation goes to war. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to reassert the constitutional power of Congress,” said Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08). 

“Donald Trump created this mess when he walked away from the Iran deal, and now he’s trying to bomb his way out of it. It didn’t work – we know we don’t have inspectors that can access Iran’s nuclear sites or information about where crucial stockpiles are,” said Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War. “We are so grateful to Ro Khanna and all the members who have supported his resolution to ensure that Donald Trump cannot take such reckless action that puts so many lives at risk again. We thank them for showing what it means to take a pledge to the Constitution of the United States and not to a wannabe king. 

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RELEASE: REP. RO KHANNA CALLS FOR CONGRESS TO CONVENE AND HAVE A VOTE MONDAY ON THE BIPARITSAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2025 

Contact: 

   Sarah Drory (Khanna), (202) 746-8361

Washington, DC – Representative Ro Khanna released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced U.S. strikes in Iran: 

“Stopping Iran from having a nuclear bomb is a top priority, but dragging the U.S. into another Middle East war is not the solution. Trump’s strikes are unconstitutional and put Americans, especially our troops, at risk. Congress needs to come back to DC immediately to vote on Rep. Thomas Massie and my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to ensure there is no further conflict and escalation. President Obama’s JCPOA limited enrichment to 3.67 percent and only in Natanz. After Trump ripped it up, we had 60 percent enrichment in Fordo. Americans want diplomacy, not more costly wars. We need to deescalate and pursue a path of peace,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.  

Rep. Khanna and Massie’s bipartisan War Powers Resolution has 47 cosponsors: Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Val Hoyle, Rashida Talib, Pramila Jayapal, Don Beyer, Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, Ayanna Pressley, Delia Ramirez, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, Chuy Garcia, Nydia Velazquez,  James McGovern, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Veronica Escobar, Paul Tonko, Becca Balint, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Hank Johnson, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Sara Jacobs, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Chris Deluzio, Gwen Moore, Mike Thompson, Yasmin Ansari, Bennie Thompson, Luis Correa, Betty McCollum, Marcy Kaptur, Mark DeSaulnier, Stephen Lynch, Andre Carson, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joaquin Castro, Maxwell Frost, Al Green, Debbie Dingell, Jamie Raskin, Melanie Stansbury, Sylvia Garcia, Leger Fernande, Diana DeGette. 

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Reps. Khanna, Massie, Introduce Bipartisan War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran

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

Washington, D.C.–– Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), the Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems (CITI), announces that he has introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit “United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives and can be called up for debate and a floor vote after 15 calendar days without action in committee.                                                                                                                                                       

Rep. Khanna joins Rep. Massie as co-lead of the Iran War Powers Resolution. 

“No president should be able to bypass Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war. The American people do not want to be dragged into another disastrous conflict in the Middle East. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie to reassert that any military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress,” said Rep. Khanna.

“The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn’t attacked the United States,” said Rep. Massie. “Congress has the sole power to declare war against Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”

In addition to Reps. Khanna and Massie, original cosponsors include Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Gregorio Casar (D-TX), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Ayanna Presley (D-MA), Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) has introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate. 

The text of the Khanna-Massie Iran War Powers Resolution is available here.

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Reps. Lofgren and Barragán Lead Democrats’ Response to Rep. Kim’s Distorted, Partisan Resolution Regarding Trump’s Authoritarian Response to the LA Protests

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led Democrats in introducing a resolution to condemn Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines during the LA protests, while reaffirming support for state and local law enforcement and the people’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest. This resolution provides a fact-based response to Representative Young Kim’s distorted, partisan, and misleading resolution that House Republican leadership will have the House vote on later this week. 

Rather than working on a bipartisan basis to condemn violence, defend the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights, and thank members of law enforcement, Rep. Kim’s resolution instead falsely claims that violence was widespread across LA and that California’s leadership has “prioritized protecting illegal immigrants and violent individuals over United States citizens” among other highly partisan claims. 

In contrast, the Barragán-Lofgren resolution accurately notes that violence in LA was limited and under control by local and state law enforcement. When communities exercised their First Amendment right to assemble and protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, President Trump wrongfully deployed the National Guard and active-duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom or local officials. Democrats’ resolution commends the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and maintain peace, supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, condemns acts of violence, and supports the military servicemembers in the Marines and National Guard while objecting to their current deployment to Los Angeles County. 

“Rep. Kim’s resolution regarding the L.A. protests is not just misguided, inaccurate, and disingenuous: it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. “President Trump’s deployment of Marines and the National Guard in response to largely peaceful protests was unprecedented and wrong. Trump’s refusal to coordinate with state and local officials in deploying active-duty troops also put both protestors and state and local law enforcement officers at risk. House Republicans should be conducting vigorous oversight of the shocking deployment of servicemembers – a blatant attempt to take over states’ law enforcement responsibility – not reflexively jumping to providing justification for Trump to send troops into other communities or defending his dangerous attempt to squash constitutionally-protected dissent.”

“Our communities have been terrorized by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s indiscriminate mass deportation ICE operations — in response, people spoke up and protested to express their fear, anger, and anxiety,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “State and local law enforcement had the situation under control and the Trump Administration intentionally escalated the situation when they deployed troops into Los Angeles. Our resolution makes clear that we will not stand by while the federal government tries to intimidate Californians into silence through a show of military force. We must protect the right to protest, condemn violence, and reject authoritarian tactics that have no place in America.”

“Communities throughout California have been upended by ICE raids where masked ICE agents are using excessive force to go after people without probable cause. People want safer communities, not to see elementary school students and sick people at hospitals deported without due process. Instead of deescalating violence, Trump has fomented it. By deploying Marines and the National Guard against protestors in LA, Trump exacerbated a situation that local officials had under control. The resolution introduced by Rep. Kim does not accurately state the facts of the situation and instead falsely lays blame on Californians for Trump’s escalatory actions. By introducing a resolution with the correct facts, Democrats are standing up for Californians, including our law enforcement officials, who have been repeatedly demonized by partisan hacks looking to score cheap political points,” said Rep. Lieu. 

“There was only one reason Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles: to launch his pathetic, made-for-TV reality show to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids,” said Rep. Kamalger-Dove. “But Angelenos know our city is not on fire.  We see right through the reality TV president’s theatrics that are meant to distract from this Administration’s tanking of our economy, devastating cuts to Medicaid, and the brutality and inhumanity of its mass deportations. If you pan away from the set, you won’t see Trump’s toy soldiers or violence, but real people hurting from his policies. Let’s focus the camera back on that.”

“The Trump Administration is using our military service members as political pawns to create a false narrative of uncontrolled violence, trample on legal precedent, and perpetuate fear and hate in our communities,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Last week, I led a letter with over 34 of my colleagues demanding that the President withdraw troops from L.A. and allow our local officials and law enforcement to do their jobs.  I’m proud to join California Democrats in demanding answers from the Administration.”

“As a proud born-and-raised Angeleno, Los Angeles will always be home. The Republican resolution we are voting on this week is a distorted and inaccurate attack on Los Angeles and our great state,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I thank Representatives Barragan and Lofgren for leading our California colleagues in introducing this resolution that reaffirms our support for peaceful protest and condemns President Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines on American soil. The President’s unprovoked and politically-motivated escalation of our military sowed more chaos and harm across our communities. My California House Democratic Caucus colleagues will continue to support the Constitutional right to peacefully protest the Trump Administration’s heartless immigration agenda while also swiftly condemning any acts of violence. Our Republican colleagues – especially our California Republican colleagues – need to do the same.”

“Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles was a dangerous overreach that bypassed both state and local authority. We all condemn violence. Californians have a right to protest peacefully — and the Governor’s office assured me that local law enforcement had the capacity to get the situation under control,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The Republican resolution isn’t about safety — it’s political theater aimed at stripping Americans of their rights. Instead of targeting violent criminals, Trump is going after hardworking community members and using military force to intimidate dissent. Our resolution makes clear: we won’t let fear or federal overreach silence Californians exercising their constitutional rights.”

“This week, Republicans are forcing a vote on a partisan resolution to legitimize Trump’s unacceptable attacks on our community in Los Angeles and to excuse his warrantless mass ICE raids, his takeover of our National Guard, and his deployment of U.S. Marines on the streets of Southern California. This is just wrong. I’m proud to instead join my California Democratic colleagues in introducing this resolution to stand up to Trump’s attacks on California, defend our constitutional rights to due process and free expression, and thank the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and prosecute those committing acts of violence and vandalism,” said Rep. Chu.

The resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Aguilar, Bera, Brownley, Bynum, Carbajal, T. Carter, Chu, Cisneros, Correa, Costa, Dean, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Espaillat, Friedman, Garamendi, R. Garcia, S. Garcia, J. Gomez, Gray, J. Hayes, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, T. Kennedy, Khanna, Landsman, Larsen, Latimer, Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Matsui, McCollum, Min, Morelle, Mullin, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Rivas, Ross, Ruiz, Salinas, L. Sanchez, Sherman, Simon, Swalwell, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson, N. Torres, Tran, Vargas, Waters, Whitesides. 

The text of the resolution can be found HERE

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Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on House Passage of the Partisan Tax Bill

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on the House of Representatives vote advancing the Majority’s partisan tax and spending legislation:

“Despite my continued calls for a bipartisan commonsense fix to our tax code, Speaker Mike Johnson forced through the President’s purely partisan reconciliation tax bill that provides tax breaks for billionaires at the expense of working families by cutting their benefits and our children by adding trillions to our nation’s debt.  That is why this partisan bill will be one of the largest self-inflicted wounds to working families and to our economy in our nation’s history. It is projected that this partisan bill will force over 15 million working families to lose their healthcare and nutrition assistance and set back our progress to protect our environment. Additionally and disturbingly, it is widely reported that this partisan bill will add nearly $4 trillion to our national debt and lead to a major drag on our economy. 

“Instead of focusing on economic security and fiscal responsibility, the President pursued a divisive and short-sighted agenda that hurts working families and jeopardizes our ability to maintain our national debt.  Rather than negotiating with Democrats to deliver meaningful, bipartisan solutions, the majority chose to placate the President and push through a bill that prioritizes politics over people.  I voted against the bill.  However, I will not be deterred from continuing my work to fight for working families and affordability in California’s 19th Congressional District and the future financial stability of our country.” 

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