Norton Statement on House Passage of Anti-D.C. Home Rule Immigration Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement after the House passed its third anti-D.C. home rule bill this week. The bill, introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), would nullify locally-enacted D.C. laws, policies and practices regarding D.C. exchanging information about the citizenship and immigration status of individuals. It would require D.C. to comply with requests by the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration detainers.

“The substance of Rep. Higgins’ bill is irrelevant, since there is never justification for members of Congress representing other districts to legislate on local D.C. matters. However, I’ll briefly address it.

“Consistent with federal law and D.C.’s values, D.C. limits cooperation with federal immigration agencies. The District concluded that cooperation would make D.C. less safe for all residents by diverting police resources and discouraging immigrants from interacting with the police department and other government agencies. D.C. is not the first or the only jurisdiction to come to this conclusion; many states, cities and counties agree.

“If Republicans cared about D.C. residents or democracy, they would take up H.R. 51, the D.C. statehood bill. H.R. 51 would admit the residential and commercial areas of D.C. as a state, giving D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full local self-government.

“I will use all the tools at my disposal to prevent any further advancement of this bill.”

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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Defends Illinois, Confronts Trump Medicaid Cuts, and Sets the Record Straight on Immigration at House Oversight Hearing with Governors

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, during a Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) defended Illinois, exposed the devastating consequences of President Donald Trump’s proposed Medicaid cuts, and set the record straight on the state’s immigration policies.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi used his time to call out the Trump administration for using the recent deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles as cover to avoid coverage of the House Republican budget plan, which the congressman refers to as the Large Lousy Law. In response to Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s questioning, Governor Pritzker confirmed that the proposed cuts would throw at least 700,000 Illinoisans off their health insurance and would lead to Illinoisans dying without access to health care. The proposed bill would also add trillions to the national debt, potentially triggering $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare, a program that every American senior depends on.

What Trump doesn’t want to discuss is that his Large Lousy Law cuts $625 billion in Medicaid, a program that insures millions of Americans,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Trump’s Large Lousy Law adds trillions to the national debt as well, which could force $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare. And of course, Medicare is a program every senior relies on.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also pushed back on President Trump’s repeated attacks on Illinois, including the assertion from the president that Illinois is a “poorly run state.”

Illinois has a $1.1 trillion economy,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “We produce the most soybeans in America, and we’re the number two producer of corn. We’re the number two manufacturing state in the country, and the number two destination for corporate expansions and relocations. We have the world’s first quantum and microelectronics park, and we’re ranked tops in the Midwest for workforce development and startups. Illinois is the heart and soul of America. I’m proud to be from Peoria, and I’ll always stand up for Illinois, loud and proud.”

The Congressman’s full question line is available here, and his introduction of Governor Pritzker here.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Calls on Secretary Noem to Testify Before Oversight Committee on the Manhandling of Senator Alex Padilla at Her News Conference

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the manhandling, forcible removal, and handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla (CA) at Secretary Noem’s press conference this afternoon:

“Senator Alex Padilla is the elected representative of 40 million Americans. This Administration is detaining citizens in broad daylight and terrifying our communities, all while refusing to answer questions. I will be calling on Secretary Noem to testify before the House Oversight Committee immediately to explain why she thinks it’s acceptable for a United States Senator to be thrown to the ground and handcuffed for asking questions during a news conference.”

Schakowsky, Ocasio-Cortez and Over 20 Colleagues Send Letters to Potential Purchasers of 23andMe Holding Co. Asking for Data Privacy and Consumer Protection Commitments

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) led concerned colleagues in a letter to Leonard S. Schleifer, CEO of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Anne Wojcicki, Founder of TTAM Research Institute, asking how their companies plan to protect consumers and their families if either of the two companies’ proposed bids to purchase 23andMe Holding Co. are successful.

The bankruptcy of 23andMe Holding Co. presents an unprecedented risk for more than 15 million consumers whose genetic data could be included in the sale. Previous breaches of 23andMe’s genetic data have impacted over 7 million Americans and highlighted the privacy risks inherent in the collection of genetic data.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and TTAM Research Institute recently announced bids in the bankruptcy auction of 23andMe Holding Co. The concerned lawmakers are writing to obtain further information on how each company would plan to protect 23andMe’s genetic data. 

“We are seeking assurances that your company will adopt the broadest possible interpretation of previous policies and continue to put new safeguards in place,” wrote the lawmakers. “Genetic data, which 23andMe helped make accessible to millions of Americans, provides myriad benefits for medical research, genealogical research, and individuals and families seeking to understand their personal histories. However, genetic data is highly sensitive and its inclusion in a commercial bankruptcy proceeding presents enormous and unprecedented privacy risks for millions of consumers.”

At the end of the letters, the lawmakers posed 8 detailed questions that each clarify customer data privacy policies, and asked that Mr. Schleifer and Ms. Wojcicki provide written responses to the questions by no later than Thursday, June 26, 2025.

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky and Ocasio-Cortez, the letter to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals was signed by Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), James McGovern (MA-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Norton (DC), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

The full text of the letter to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals can be found here.

The full text of the letter to TTAM Research Institute can be found here.

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Wagner Statement on Israeli Preemptive Strikes on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement in response to Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran:

“I wholeheartedly support Israel defending its people and nation. The United States must unequivocally stand with the Israeli people as they fight for their right to exist. Our alliance is resolute, and will never waver. 

“It is the stated goal of Iran to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, and they continued to enrich uranium to construct and use nuclear weapons on the Jewish people and the Western world.  Iranian leaders who operated in defiance of the United States, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the entire international community have now been permanently removed from power due to the success of this Israeli operation.  This should serve as a warning to the Ayatollah.  Agree to the Trump Administration’s terms, or suffer the most severe consequences. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the House Intelligence Committee to support Israel in their fight for lasting peace throughout the region.”

Cole Secures $1.45 Billion in Disaster Recovery for American Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACTOlivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured about $1.45 billion for the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. This disaster recovery funding will be used by American communities that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 or 2024. After the EDA money was announced, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. In fact, just last year, the towns of Sulphur and Marietta in Oklahoma’s Fourth District were devastated by tornadoes. Now, with this EDA grant funding, communities will be able to not only rebuild but also plan for long-term recovery and future resiliency,” said Congressman Cole.I look forward to seeing this funding being put to good use and I thank President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their commitment to helping Americans.”

How to apply for assistance:

If you are a state, local or tribal government, an economic development district, a higher education institution, an economic development organization, a public or private non-profit working with local government, or a public-private partnership for public infrastructure you are an eligible applicant for this disaster supplemental grant program.

Additionally, projects must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities in areas that received a major disaster designation occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. You can check eligibility here.

Readiness and implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or a Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.

Industry Transformation grant applications are due Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

Applications must be submitted online through the EDA’s portal. You can find the portal here. The required materials are detailed in Section D.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

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Cole Votes in Favor of Rescinding Wasteful Spending

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACTOlivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after co-sponsoring and voting in favor of the Recissions Act of 2025, which rescinds $9.4 billion of wasteful spending identified by President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE):

“Responsible governance means prioritizing fiscal sanity and holding Washington accountable. Just as everyday Americans make tough choices and cut costs, so should the government,” said Congressman Cole. 

“This rescissions package is part of that objective, as it will advance accountability and save hard-earned tax-payer dollars. It is another step in fulfilling the promise President Trump and House Republicans made to the American people – to change the trajectory of our fiscal glide path and restore discipline across federal agencies,” said Congressman Cole.

“I commend Majority Leader Scalise’s work and willingness to hear various perspectives on this proposal. Taken as a whole, this effort reflects a shared understanding that the status quo cannot remain, and I am steadfast in my support of advancing that comprehensive mission. This is just the start, as we will continue to reevaluate federal spending and target investments where they are needed most,” said Congressman Cole.

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Boyle Statement on Iran’s Threat to Israel and Global Stability

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DCCongressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement regarding the Iranian regime’s continued aggression:

“The Iranian regime has spent decades threatening Israel’s existence and fueling terror across the Middle East and the world. Its deepening military ties with Russia also underscore the growing global threat Iran poses.

Tehran has never been serious about peace, only about buying time to advance its nuclear ambitions. That’s why I voted against the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.

We must remain clear-eyed about the danger Iran presents and stand firmly with Israel and our allies around the world. It is deeply unfortunate, but not surprising, that President Trump refused to back Israel in this important moment.”

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Rep. Adams Votes No on Recissions Package, Cuts to Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) voted against the House GOP recissions package that would recklessly cut $9.4 billion from the federal budget. In addition to foreign aid, this bill targets NPR and PBS funding, threatening these sources of nonpartisan news, educational content, and emergency services for all Americans.

“Republicans in Congress are pushing unnecessary, harmful cuts in their recissions package that will ultimately hurt our most vulnerable communities,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Public broadcasting, one of the main services they’re targeting, is about more than just nonpartisan news and education; it provides lifesaving emergency communications to our rural and underserved areas. Last year, when Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, public radio stations provided updates, shared resource information, and kept North Carolinians safe as they navigated the storm. House Republicans voted to abandon those communities today.”

“The recissions package also puts the failure of Elon Musk’s DOGE on full display,” Adams continued. “While Elon Musk claimed he would cut $1 trillion from the federal government, the recissions package amounts to less than 1% of that. Meanwhile, House Republicans voted just last month to balloon the national debt by $3 trillion in their One Big Ugly Bill. It’s fiscal malpractice, not fiscal responsibility.”

Pappas Statement on Israel Striking Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement on Israel striking Iran nuclear sites:

“Iran is a terrorist state that has long fueled death and destruction aimed squarely at the United States, Israel, and our allies. A nuclear-armed Iran is a severe threat to America’s national security, global stability, and the existence of Israel. Israel is justified in seeking to degrade Iran’s nuclear program, as an international nuclear watchdog agency just verified Iran is in violation of non-proliferation agreements. The Trump administration must take steps to protect our citizens and troops in the region and ensure we stand with Israel.”