MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Dingell Statement on President Trump’s Misguided Vaccine Order Jeopardizing Health and Safety of America’s Children

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Leads Foreign Affairs CODEL to Colombia Presidential Inauguration, City Struck by Devastating Earthquake After Departure

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, traveling at the request of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), led the Radewagen CODEL with Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) over the weekend to Colombia for the new President’s inauguration, ensuring that the Committee was appropriately represented there. 

Congresswoman Amata and Ranking Member Meeks at the ceremonies in Colombia

Just hours after their arrival back in Washington, D.C., that region of Colombia was struck by a major 7.4 magnitude earthquake, causing many injuries, 111 deaths as of the early news reports, and the destruction of at least 20 buildings just in Cali alone. 

“My deepest condolences to the people of Colombia as they mourn, rescue and then face the long recovery effort from this severe disaster,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It’s a shock to see them go from their welcoming greetings to us and their celebratory occasion just a day before, to this major natural disaster and loss of life. They will need prayer and support.”

Congresswoman Amata and Congressman Meeks attended the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella in the city of Cali, near the Pacific coast in the western part of the country. Congressman Meeks is the Committee’s Democratic leader, who has built seniority, serving since 1998, and is on track to be Dean of the New York House delegation in 2027. Also in attendance were other U.S. officials including newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was officially sworn in Monday after the trip.

Inauguration in Colombia

“Colombia is a $50 billion trade partner with the United States, as they import U.S. refined oil and corn, and export coffee and crude oil,” said Congresswoman Amata. “They are part of the Pacific Alliance economic integration, and as a Pacific coastal country, are located at one edge of the vast Indo-Pacific region that is essential to U.S. and worldwide commercial and security measures.”

While there, Congresswoman Amata took part in a roundtable with Mayor of Cali Alejandro Eder, and the Civil Society at the Universidad Santiago de Cali, where she gave a statement. 

Amata’s Remarks in Colombia

Talofa lava and good morning to you all. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for graciously hosting us in your beautiful city of Cali. 

My name is Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, Congresswoman in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

I’m proud to represent my home of American Samoa, a beautiful group of seven islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Many people do not know that, just like Colombia, the United States of America stretches into the Southern Hemisphere. American Samoa is in fact the only American soil south of the equator.

Our two countries share something else in common, as well. Both the USA and Colombia have long and proud histories of democratic institutions, constitutional government, and peaceful transfers of power. 

This shared commitment is a large part of why Congress considers Colombia to be one of our closest Latin American allies—if not the closest.

It is such a deep honor to visit Colombia on the special occasion of the Presidential Inauguration—alongside my colleague and good friend Gregory Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

I want to congratulate President De La Espriella and his administration on his election and inauguration. 

And I want to express my sincere congratulations for the successful exercise of your democratic rights. Colombia’s long and notable tradition of republican self-government continues!

When a new government is sworn in, as we had the pleasure of witnessing yesterday, it heralds a promising new opportunity for our countries to work together on shared challenges.

Perhaps the most important shared challenge the U.S. and Colombia face is, of course, on the security front. 

We know Colombia is facing a difficult moment, where violence caused by armed drug trafficking organizations and terrorist groups continues to take the lives of innocent people. This concerns us greatly. Our heart goes out to you.

And this is not only a problem for Colombia or for the region. Rather, it is directly linked to the United States—because every year tens of thousands of Americans die of cocaine overdoses.

This is a deep tragedy for both countries. And it has served as the basis for our incredibly close security cooperation since the 1990s.

Although the previous administration had at times a turbulent relationship with the United States, the strong institutional ties between our two nations endured. 

In January, the U.S. Congress enacted a foreign assistance bill, which contained nearly 200 million dollars earmarked solely for Colombia. Much of this will go toward building up Colombia’s security forces to better combat the armed groups who profit off illegal drug trafficking. 

There is still much we can do is to improve our security coordination—not only at the national level, but also especially at the sub-national level. Mayors and municipal leaders like yourselves are on the very front lines. You know best what the solutions are to your security challenges.

As this distinguished group knows well, firm government action against criminals and armed organizations is necessary, but so too is the critical work of civil society.

This includes alleviating poverty, creating economic opportunity for those in need, conducting prevention programs for youths that are at risk of gang recruitment, and ensuring the human rights of all Colombians are protected. 

These are essential things. I commend your good work on this front. The United States stands ready to help. A large portion of our foreign assistance to Colombia is designated for just this—in particular, for Indigenous and Afro-descendent communities whose regions are often suffering the brunt of criminal violence.

Before I close, let me mention another shared challenge. For the first time in a long time, Venezuela stands on the precipice of a new prosperity future. If our two countries work together, I fully believe that we can help Venezuela achieve a true transition to democracy and prosperity. 

This would benefit not only the millions of Venezuelans residing in this country, which Colombia has so generously welcomed in, but the entire region.

Like Colombia, the United States can be very politically polarized. But as you can see by the bipartisan nature of this Congressional Delegation, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress place a very high value on the U.S.-Colombia relationship. 

It is a relationship that has lasted two centuries. May it continue to prosper for another 200 years!

Thank you, or as we say in American Samoa, Fa’afetai tele lava. May God bless America, and may God bless the Republic of Colombia. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) delivered a $500,000 ceremonial check to the City of Bellevue to replace old pipes and upgrade the wastewater management system along Lake Washington. DelBene secured the investment in the FY26 federal funding law.

This federal investment will be dedicated to the Lake Washington Sanitary Sewer Lines Program. First installed in the 1950s and 1960s, the wastewater management system’s pipes are aging and need to be updated. They currently serve approximately 1,900 residents in the Hunts Point, Yarrow Point, Evergreen Point, Medina South, Meydenbauer Bay, Killarney and Newport South areas. Without repairs and modernization, the “Lake Lines” will begin to fail and could release raw sewage into Lake Washington. This federal funding will aid the City of Bellevue in developing a plan to manage and update the system, which will protect public health and the local ecosystem.

“Lake Lines serve 1,900 members of our community, but the aging pipes’ location along the shoreline and in Lake Washington create challenges for upgrades,” said DelBene. “Bellevue has worked tirelessly to come up with a strategy to update these pipes to preserve access, protect public health, and avoid harm to Lake Washington. This funding will make a difference in the development and eventual implementation of this critical project.”

“Most people never think about the sewer lines running along Lake Washington – and that’s a good thing. But some of this infrastructure has been serving Bellevue since the 1950s and 60s, and now it is our responsibility to plan for what comes next,” said Bellevue Mayor Mo Malakoutian. “We are grateful to Congresswoman DelBene for helping secure this federal investment and for recognizing that a $1.2 billion challenge will require continued partnership. This funding helps us start that work now, protect Lake Washington and plan responsibly for the generations that will depend on it.”

DelBene secured over $22.2 million for 15 community projects across Washington’s 1^st Congressional District in the FY26 federal funding package. Only non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities are permitted to receive funding.

More information about the project can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming Senate passage of a government funding extension bill to keep the federal government open when the fiscal year ends at midnight after September 30. The Senate’s version, passed 90-6, would fund the government across the board at current rates until December 11, one week longer than the House version, which was passed in late July. 

Congresswoman Amata pictured recently recording remarks

“Senate passage with a large bipartisan vote is good news, and I am optimistic Congress can avoid a shutdown,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I appreciate the major effort that went into writing and passing both bills, and I support prompt final passage of a bill to prevent a shutdown, which is the highest priority for a short-term extension.”

Amata continued, “I also strongly support passage of full-year appropriations for 2027 to lock in two of my requests for next year that are already in the bill – $1 million additional for our American Samoa operations through OIA, and $1 million for port infrastructure that I supported along with Governor Pulaali’i and Director Barney Sene.”

The December extension still requires final passage of a compromise reconciling the two bills, or for either house to take up the other house’s bill. Both versions of the extension continue current funding until December, allowing more work on 2027 appropriations. The House has completed committee work on all 12 appropriations bills, but bicameral passage of all 12 will not be completed before the September 30 deadline. 

Congresswoman Amata has voiced support for a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing focused on much-needed possible reforms to prevent shutdowns or make them uncommon in the future by examining procedural improvements.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, McCaul, Hoyer, Colleagues Introduce Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05) introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 alongside 15 of their colleagues. This legislation — which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House’s support — will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.

“Putin’s illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality,” said Rep. Bacon, Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus. “Senator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress’s clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia’s war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin’s aggression, honor Sen. Graham’s commitment to Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine.”

“Senator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That’s why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House,” said Rep. McCaul. “As President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire — ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham’s life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey’s vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world.”

“Democracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin’s effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I’m encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine’s success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia’s war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory,” said Rep. Hoyer.

Earlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate.

“This legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I’m grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I’m confident that these sanctions will pave the way,” said Sen. Darline Graham. “I’m grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close.”

“Representatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine’s cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done – July set a record for Russia’s use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding – profits from oil and gas – for these deadly weapons and Russia’s war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed,” said Sen. Blumenthal.

Joining Bacon, McCaul and Hoyer in introducing the legislation are Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02); Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09); Rep. Jake Auchincloss (MA-04); House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03); Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Andy Barr (KY-06) and Ed Case (HI-01); Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01); and Reps. Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06).

“Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia’s war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House,” said Rep. Wilson.

“Dictator Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing—Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Putin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace.”

“Since 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming,” said Rep. Auchincloss.

“I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime,” said Rep. Rogers. “Every dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia’s aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime’s continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America’s hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability.”

“It is long past time for Congress to impose tougher consequences on Russia and those financing its illegal war against Ukraine. I’m proud to support this updated legislation, which targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas that continue to fund the Kremlin’s aggression. This war has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including more than half a million deaths. The United States must continue standing with the Ukrainian people and keep the pressure on Russia to agree to a just and lasting peace that preserves a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine,” said Rep. Tokuda.

“For more than four years, the Ukrainian people have fought courageously to defend their sovereignty, and their resolve is paying off. Lindsey Graham understood that standing with nations fighting for freedom strengthens America’s own security, and until his final days, he was pressing for stronger sanctions against Russia,” said Rep. Turner. “This legislation honors that legacy, sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outlast Ukraine or the free world, and gives President Trump another powerful tool to pressure Russia, bring Putin to the negotiating table, and help restore peace to the region.”

“To end Russia’s unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin’s doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran,” said Rep. Wagner.

“Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they’ve bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin’s war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran’s weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it’s on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham — a national security champion — than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue; it’s an American one.”

“By targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin’s war machine and enable the Iranian regime’s terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America’s ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries,” said Rep. Barr. “Senator Graham understood that harnessing America’s full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I’m proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy.”

“Senator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “That conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin’s war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way—and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia’s banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin’s war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace—one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America’s resolve will endure until that peace is secured.”

“Supporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations,” said Rep. Vindman. “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security.”

“Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia’s war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal,” said Rep. Moran.

“For more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their freedom against Putin’s brutal invasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would increase pressure on the Kremlin, hold those supporting its war accountable, and strengthen Ukraine’s position in pursuit of a just peace,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The bill also extends longstanding sanctions against Iran. Sanctions cannot replace a clear strategy or the President’s obligation to seek congressional authorization for war, but they remain an important diplomatic tool. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation.”

Click here to read full text of the legislation.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Home insurance, rent, and mortgage costs keep climbing, flooding fears only grow, and we have a Republican Legislature that ignores our problems in Tallahassee, while handcuffing any local solutions at home,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Democrats are working to solve these problems, and that’s why I brought Congressman Cleaver here, so local leaders can work closely with us to help our hard-working families can afford to put a safe, comfortable roof over their head.”

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 Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after joining Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) to introduce the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in the U.S. House of Representatives, which requires a package of sanctions and financial restrictions that would cut off support for Russia’s war machine and restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors:

“I’m proud to join former Chairman McCaul to introduce this legislation in the House, a companion to the Sanctioning Russia Act, which the late Sen. Lindsey Graham negotiated in his final days, along with Sen. Blumenthal, Ranking Member Shaheen, and other Democratic and Republican senators, and which recently passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. For more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their free democracy against Russia’s determined effort to stamp it out and impose despotism on its people. Every day Ukraine fights on is a win for liberty as well as for American values and security.

“It has been an honor to help lead this fight in Congress, including working to discharge the Ukraine Support Act from committee and partnering with former Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Meeks, and others to pass it through the House in June – a strong signal of support for Ukraine and for NATO and our Baltic allies. We must ensure that Ukrainians have every tool needed to see this war to victory.  In doing so, we keep the faith with Ukraine and with international law.

“This bill would impose the toughest sanctions we can on Putin’s inner circle, Russia’s oil and gas oligarchs, its shadow fleet of oil tankers, and its financial sector – all of which have sustained Russia’s war machine. It reflects a bipartisan consensus on key issues, and I believe we can continue coming together on final details as this bill moves through the legislative process, including limiting presidential authority on tariffs to eight specific nations whose imports are funding Russia’s ongoing operations. While this sanctions bill would be a major positive step, its missing key provisions of the Ukraine Support Act, including $8 billion in military and reconstruction assistance as well as sanctions relating to the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. These must remain priorities for Congress in the months ahead.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to reach agreement and pass robust and bipartisan sanctions legislation. We must send the strongest possible message of American support as Ukraine defends democracy against despotism.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026alongside 16 of their colleagues. This legislation — which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House’s support — will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.

 “Democracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin’s effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I’m encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine’s success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia’s war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory,” said Congressman Hoyer (MD-05).

“Senator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That’s why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House,” said Congressman McCaul (TX-10). “As President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire — ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham’s life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey’s vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world.”

Earlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-ID). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate.

“This legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I’m grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I’m confident that these sanctions will pave the way,” said Senator Darline Graham (R-SC). “I’m grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close.”

“Representatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine’s cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done – July set a record for Russia’s use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding – profits from oil and gas – for these deadly weapons and Russia’s war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed,” said Senator Blumenthal (D-CT).

Joining Hoyer and McCaul as original cosponsors are Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Joe Wilson (SC-02); Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Marcy Kaptur (OH-09); Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus Don Bacon (NE-02); Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03), Representatives Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Andy Barr (KY-06), and Ed Case (HI-01); Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01); and Representatives Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06).

“Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia’s war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House,” said Congressman Wilson (SC-02).

“Dictator Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing—Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). “Putin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace.”

“Putin’s illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality,” said Congressman Bacon (NE-02). “Senator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress’s clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia’s war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin’s aggression, honor Sen. Graham’s commitment to Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine.”

“Since 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming,”said Congressman Auchincloss (MA-04).

“I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime,” said Congressman Rogers (AL-03).“Every dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia’s aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime’s continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America’s hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability.”

“It is long past time for Congress to impose tougher consequences on Russia and those financing its illegal war against Ukraine. I’m proud to support this updated legislation, which targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas that continue to fund the Kremlin’s aggression. This war has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including more than half a million deaths. The United States must continue standing with the Ukrainian people and keep the pressure on Russia to agree to a just and lasting peace that preserves a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine,” said Congresswoman Tokuda (HI-02).

“For more than four years, the Ukrainian people have fought courageously to defend their sovereignty, and their resolve is paying off. Lindsey Graham understood that standing with nations fighting for freedom strengthens America’s own security, and until his final days, he was pressing for stronger sanctions against Russia,” said Congressman Turner (OH-10). “This legislation honors that legacy, sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outlast Ukraine or the free world, and gives President Trump another powerful tool to pressure Russia, bring Putin to the negotiating table, and help restore peace to the region.”

“To end Russia’s unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin’s doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran,” said Congressman Wagner (MO-02).

“Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they’ve bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it,” said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-05). “This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin’s war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran’s weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it’s on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham — a national security champion — than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue; it’s an American one.”

“By targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin’s war machine and enable the Iranian regime’s terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America’s ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries,” said Congressman Barr (KY-06). “Senator Graham understood that harnessing America’s full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I’m proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy.”

“Senator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “That conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin’s war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way—and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia’s banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin’s war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace—one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America’s resolve will endure until that peace is secured. 

“Supporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations,” said Congressman Vindman (VA-07). “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security.”

“Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia’s war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal,” said Congressman Moran (TX-01).

“For more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their freedom against Putin’s brutal invasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would increase pressure on the Kremlin, hold those supporting its war accountable, and strengthen Ukraine’s position in pursuit of a just peace,” said Congresswoman Houlahan (PA-06). “The bill also extends longstanding sanctions against Iran. Sanctions cannot replace a clear strategy or the President’s obligation to seek congressional authorization for war, but they remain an important diplomatic tool. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation. 

Click here to read full text of the legislation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

MINNEAPOLIS – Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) sent an oversight letter to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) demanding a response as to why an undercover HSI agent was stationed outside of her monthly town hall meeting in Richfield. Following nationwide concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of ICE and DHS to intimidate Americans who oppose their political agenda, this action raises serious concerns about the purpose of HSI’s presence at the Congresswoman’s public event.

It also raises concerns about practices at HSI and ICE more broadly. It calls into question the level of training agents are receiving before being sent out into the field, given the agent claimed to have been conducting an undercover criminal operation with no prior coordination with local law enforcement near the Congresswoman’s event. Importantly, it indicates that HSI is continuing to use mismatched license plates on vehicles, in violation of state law and in contradiction to earlier commitments HSI made to Rep. Omar.

“HSI’s actions yesterday evening put an entire community at risk,” said Rep. Omar. “Instead of monitoring the area for those who might wish harm to me and my constituents, Richfield Police were required to devote time to investigating why an HSI agent was outside of a Congressional event in a vehicle with mismatched plates. It also raises serious and uncomfortable questions about the purpose of HSI’s presence outside of my event. At best, your agent was unable to assess that the parking lot of a community center hosting a Congressional event wasn’t the best place to conduct a drug operation. At worst, it emphasizes many Americans’ growing concern that the Trump administration uses ICE to surveil political opponents and may interfere with our democracy.”

Congresswoman Omar is demanding answers to the following questions:

1. Please explain why an agent was detailed to Richfield Community Center on the evening of Thursday, August 6, 2026.
2. Please explain when and how the HSI agent and her supervisors became aware I was hosting a town hall at this location and what action that knowledge prompted.
3. Please provide an overview of the training the agent had completed prior to her assignment at this location, as well as how long she has served as an HSI agent.
4. Richfield Police Department reported that they had received no advance communication of an undercover operation from HSI that would have allowed them to ensure the safety of the officer and the community, as well as support HSI’s broader work to combat drug trafficking. Please explain what steps you take to coordinate undercover criminal operations with local law enforcement, and why in this instance there was no prior coordination with Richfield Police Department.
5. Please share details of any meetings or events I have hosted in my official capacity as a Member of Congress that HSI agents may have been assigned to observe and why. Please share whether HSI agents have observed any other activity being undertaken in an official capacity by any other local, state, or federal officials in Minnesota this year.

You can find the full text of the oversight letter here. 

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