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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore (R-Utah), Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.), DOGE Subcommittee Chair Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) released the following statements after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025:“For too long, Washington has run on reckless, out-of-control spending to the detriment of American families and taxpayers. Through their investigation into government waste, fraud, and abuse, DOGE uncovered shocking foreign aid initiatives funded by the American taxpayer – such as LGBTQ+ initiatives around the world or electric buses in Africa. Additionally, Americans continue to subsidize the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, including NPR and PBS, despite raging political bias,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. “American taxpayers shouldn’t be funding woke foreign aid or radical media – their dollars should go to improving the nation they live in. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for supporting my legislation codifying the Trump Administration’s rescissions request. House Republicans and President Trump ran on the promise to turn Washington’s spending trajectory around, and with this legislation, we’re following through.”“This $9.4 billion rescissions package is a step in the right direction in reducing waste in our spending, addressing our crippling federal debt issues, and ensuring the American Dream stays within reach for the next generation. If we keep running $2 trillion annual deficits for the next decade, our Treasury bonds will become worthless, and it will be impossible to protect any federal programs in the long haul. I am also pleased that this package maintains live-saving aid provisions in PEPFAR and other Global Health accounts. This effort is critical to scaling back our bloated federal spending,” said Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore. Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said, “Responsible governance means prioritizing fiscal sanity and holding Washington accountable. Just as everyday Americans make tough choices and cut costs, so should their government. This rescissions request is part of that objective and will advance accountability and save hard-earned taxpayer dollars. It’s another step in fulfilling the promise President Trump and House Republicans made to change the trajectory of our fiscal glide path and restore discipline across federal agencies. I commend Majority Leader Scalise’s work and his willingness to hear various perspectives on the proposal. Taken as a whole, this effort reflects a shared understanding that the status quo on spending cannot remain, and I am steadfast in my support of advancing that comprehensive mission. This is just the start, and we will continue to reevaluate federal spending and target investments where they’re needed most.”DOGE Subcommittee Chair Marjorie Taylor Greene said, “I’m so excited the House has passed its first bill codifying President Trump’s DOGE cuts into law! I’m proud of the work the House Oversight Committee and my DOGE Subcommittee have done to expose the waste, fraud, and abuse at USAID, NPR, and PBS. We led the way. We held the hearings. We’re getting results. But this is only the beginning. We must codify every single DOGE cut into law and keep our promise to the American people to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse for good.”“Taxpayers deserve an efficient, accountable government. H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, cuts reckless, politically biased spending identified by DOGE and takes a critical step toward fiscal health. House Republicans are ready to restore responsibility—I urge the Senate to act swiftly. Let’s go get’em!” said Rep. Aaron Bean.“The Rescissions Act of 2025 is a commonsense measure to restore fiscal discipline in Washington. As Co-Chair of the House DOGE Caucus, I’m committed to eliminating waste, reclaiming taxpayer dollars, and upholding conservative principles of responsible governance. Protecting the taxpayer and overseeing the allocation of their hard-earned money is the constitutional duty of Congress,” said Rep. Pete Sessions.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) spoke on the House floor before the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, which codifies President Trump’s DOGE cuts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse from federal overspending. Leader Scalise emphasized that Democrats’ ‘no’ vote is a vote to prioritize far-left foreign programs over lowering inflation, paying down our debt, and strengthening social services for Americans.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
Leader Scalise’s remarks:“I thank my friend, our conference chair, Ms. McClain, for managing this time on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, a lot of people come up here and they talk about trying to get America’s fiscal house in order, about the idea of getting back to balanced federal budgets. I don’t know many people here who are against it. I know when we later in this Congress put a bill on the floor to require a balanced federal budget, there will be many Democrats, Mr. Speaker, who will vote no on that, because when it comes time to actually put your votes on the board to back up the principles that most Americans relish, they walk away. They won’t be there when it actually matters. Everybody could talk about cutting wasteful spending. Even if you don’t necessarily agree that it’s wasteful spending, and what we’re bringing today is wasteful spending, but even if you think, ‘Okay, might not be as bad as some other things you don’t agree with,’ we all have to agree, Mr. Speaker, that as we just saw a few weeks ago, Moody’s downgraded the credit rating of the United States. Wasn’t a recommendation, Mr. Speaker. Wasn’t a warning that, gee whiz, if you folks don’t get your fiscal house in order, this might happen. They actually did it. They downgraded the credit rating in the United States because spending has to get under control. The party over there that spent the last four years under President Biden spending like drunken sailors, and all due respect to drunken sailors, because they don’t spend this bad. But the trillions of dollars of debt that were racked up had consequences, Mr. Speaker. “It had consequences not only in terms of our national debt, it affected the pocketbooks of families all across America because that spending, bloated spending in Washington, money we don’t have, by the way, increased inflation to the point where people couldn’t even go to the grocery store to fill up their carts. They couldn’t afford to go to the gas station to fill up their cars. They couldn’t afford to take out a loan to buy a house because interest rates had gotten so high that today we’re spending more money servicing our interest than we are on America’s national debt. These are all real, dramatic facts that concern most Americans. They say, thank goodness, Congress is finally bringing a bill to the floor to start cutting some spending that aren’t priorities. Call it wasteful if you want, call it whatever you want, but these aren’t things that we can afford to spend, even if you agree with them. Because it’s not money we have in the bank. It’s all borrowed money, Mr. Speaker. And so, where did we start? “Well, the White House laid out a number of things. They looked at that USAID program – they didn’t gut the whole thing, but they said there are a number of things that are being done that just don’t represent the values of the United States. And are being done in foreign countries while we don’t have our fiscal house in order here in America. So, how about we start there? I know the Democrats on the other side are acting like, ‘Oh, my God, the world’s going to stop spinning on its axis if this spending goes away.’ So why don’t we talk about some of the spending that will go away? Again, borrowed money, not money we just took out of the bank, money we borrowed from countries like China to spend on that is a debt to our kids. Each one of these I list, Mr. Speaker, you should ask, if you vote ‘yes,’ you’re finally relieving that debt burden. But if you vote ‘no,’ you think it’s okay to send this bill to our kids. “We’re not paying for it today, Mr. Speaker, but our kids would if we keep doing it. If the other side votes ‘no,’ they want to keep borrowing money from our children to spend a million dollars on voter ID in Haiti. The same party that doesn’t want voter ID in America – calls it racist – wants to fund voter ID in Haiti. $6 million for net-zero cities in Mexico. I know some of their best supporters are waving a Mexican flag at an American city right now, and they support those efforts. Most Americans don’t, Mr. Speaker. “$3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street. The minority leader held up a Sesame Street character here on the floor as if Sesame Street somehow is going to go away. I was just watching a commercial on TV yesterday where the Cookie Monster was actually doing an advertisement for Netflix because a private company is paying money to run Sesame Street. It’s not going away. It’s doing just fine. Very lucrative. What will go away is some of the far-left radical views that are being espoused. By the way, when this goes away at NPR, you can still turn on about six or seven other channels and get the same far-left radical views, but they’re all going to be private companies, Mr. Speaker, not taxpayer-funded entities. If somebody wants to pay money to go on one of their services that they stream or get over the top, or however they get their digital content, they can still do that.And there are a lot of options. Never been more options. Some people joke that they buy their services for their cable or whatever else they get, and that there’s 200 channels, and they might only watch four or five of them. There is still going to be a plethora of options for the American people. But if they’re paying their hard-earned dollars to go get content, why should your tax dollars go to only one thing that the other side wants to promote? Let everybody compete on a fair basis. They can still watch Sesame Street in Iraq, but let the Iraqi people pay for it, not the taxpayers of the United States of America’s children. “Today’s taxpayers aren’t paying for it because it’s all borrowed money. $2.1 million for climate resilience in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and East Africa. Five hundred thousand for electric buses in Rwanda. Rwanda is more than free to go buy all the electric buses they want or diesel buses. Why should the taxpayers of America be borrowing money from our children to buy electric buses for Rwanda? $33,000 for being LGBTQI in the Caribbean. Taxpayer money that a ‘no’ vote today says is more important than strengthening a program like Social Security. I say not. $643,000 for LGBTQI+ programs in the Western Balkans. Borrowed money. $567,000, Mr. Speaker, for LGBTQI+ programs in Uganda. $5.1 million to strengthen the ‘resilience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer global movement.’ Not sure what that global movement is. They can continue that movement in some other way, but just not with the taxpayer dollars of the United States of America’s children. Again, there’s no bank account that $5.1 million came out of. It’s all borrowed money that a ‘no’ vote says is more important than strengthening Social Security. $135 million in contributions to the World Health Organization, which we all saw during COVID, was the mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party. I would imagine if we stopped this $135 million funding, the CCP may pick it up because they were regurgitating their talking points during COVID. “At some point, Mr. Speaker, the question we’ve all got to answer is, number one, do you believe in fiscal responsibility? Maybe some people have other priorities than these they’d like to defund. But if you think these are all things that are worth borrowing money from our children to fund, then that’s what the ‘no’ vote represents. If you think it’s time we start somewhere, here’s the place to start, not to finish, just the beginning, to finally start getting control over spending and respecting those families who are working hard, who are working two shifts at the diner to pay taxes on tips that will soon go away if our One Big Beautiful Bill passes. Or somebody who’s working overtime because you want to send your kid to college, and you find out this is where your taxpayer dollars are going, and you’re disgusted and say, ‘When will somebody do something about it?’ Today’s the day to do something about it. Talk is cheap. Put the action on the floor. Let’s finally get control over spending in a small way. Start a bigger picture towards a balanced budget, but it starts here. Vote yes, get this done, and let’s keep moving forward to strengthen this great country. With that, I urge a yes vote and yield back, Mr. Speaker.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Current Israel-Iran Conflict

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Veasey released the following statement regarding the current Israel-Iran conflict: 

“Donald Trump’s short-sighted withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement placed Israel in a position where it felt a preemptive strike in self-defense was necessary. Iran’s failure to abide by nuclear nonproliferation agreements led the International Atomic Energy Agency to issue a censure of the regime. Iran’s continued development of its nuclear program poses a threat not only to Israel, but to the entire Middle East, the United States, and the Iranian people themselves. Israel’s right to self-defense in the face of the Iranian regime’s nuclear threat is paramount to the future safety of the region and of Americans as a whole.

Trump endangered our ally, Israel, in 2018 and gave Iran an opportunity to further destabilize the region. We must ensure the safety of our service members and Americans who may be caught in the crosshairs of this conflict.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey On Gov. Abbott’s Decision to Preemptively Deploy the National Guard Ahead of Protest

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to Gov. Abbott’s decision to preemptively deploy the National Guard to planned “No King” protests in Texas this weekend, Congressman Veasey has released the following statement:

“From the Boston Tea Party to the March on Washington, the history of America is of protest. It was built and shaped by those who dared to challenge injustice — it’s how we’ve always pushed this nation closer to its promise. It’s clear that Gov. Abbotts decision to deploy the National Guard—on top of local law enforcement—is not about public safety. It is an act of provocation designed to incite confrontation and sow fear. It’s an act to show servility to Trump.

I support every American’s right to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. But let me be clear: violence is never the answer. Trump and Abbott are not protecting the public—they are manufacturing chaos and hoping to divide us. Don’t give them what they want.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today spoke from the House floor and then voted against the $9.4 billion rescissions bill that cuts already Congressionally appropriated money for public broadcasting (PBS and NPR) and foreign aid, including support for poor children through UNICEF.

In his floor remarks during debate on the bill, Congressman Cohen responded to Republican members who had made false claims, and said in part:

“There will be people who will die. This bill is good for Russia and China and undertakers because it’s going to have people dying. Bill Gates says this is the richest man in the world – Musk – taking advantage of, and killing, the poorest children in the world. They’re not going to be getting the PEPFAR program created by George Bush. They’re not going to get the sustenance they need that’s rotting in ships right now. Don’t end it; mend it. This is a terrible bill. This is Musk’s bill on drugs.”

See the floor remarks here.

The measure passed on a vote of 214 to 212.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons condemning the agencies for unlawfully blocking their legally authorized oversight visit to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, California. On June 8, 2025, the Members attempted to conduct an inspection of the facility in response to a wave of immigration raids across Los Angeles County. Despite federal law guaranteeing Members of Congress unfettered access to DHS facilities for oversight purposes, the delegation was denied entry, even after waiting outside for nearly two hours.

“For nearly a decade, I’ve visited Adelanto because of its notorious history of violating detainees’ basic human and constitutional rights. Unfortunately, it appears that Adelanto’s inhumane track record continues as we hear reports that detainees rounded up after Trump’s ICE raids in Los Angeles are being denied their right to due process and that even U.S. citizens may have been detained. And yet, our attempts as Members of Congress to conduct oversight at Adelanto, which is expressly permitted by law, were unlawfully denied, blocking us from getting the truth about what’s going on behind illegally closed doors. Regardless of immigration status, everyone has a right to due process. We need answers now,” said Rep. Chu.

“This past weekend, I joined Reps. Chu and Tran to conduct Congressional oversight at the Adelanto ICE Detention Center, but instead we were met with locks on the gate, no answer to our calls, and denied entry,” said Rep. Cisneros. “We have a responsibility to ensure ICE is abiding by the law, but they refused to even let us in. We will not stop pressing for answers.” 

“On Sunday, I visited the Adelanto ICE Facility with Reps. Chu and Cisneros to perform my constitutional oversight responsibility for the health and safety conditions of the detention center. Despite having the right to enter, my colleagues and I were locked out,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “I won’t stand by while private facilities continue to deny lawful oversight requests. We demand transparency and accountability from all facilities holding detainees.

To read the full letter click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — released the following statement after Israel preemptively struck Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership.

“President Trump gave Iran every chance to negotiate in good faith and to dismantle their nuclear program.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu was also clear: The alternative to diplomacy would be strikes on Iran — a message he reiterated to me when I met with him this month. Unfortunately, the regime chose not to take the path of peace — to prioritize their own interests over their people’s. They brought this calamity on themselves.

“One thing is certain: Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon, and our world is safer for it. They would be wise to come to the table and make an agreement with President Trump while the offer still stands. If they instead choose to harm U.S. troops in the region, they will once again regret it.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States — conducted a site visit to Audi Field, a location for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

“As our nation prepares to host millions of international visitors for major events, we must create safe experiences that showcase the United States’ leadership and commitment to excellence,” said Task Force Chairman McCaul. “Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, I met with FIFA staff and White House officials today at Audi Field, where we held a robust discussion on ways to enhance public safety at this summer’s events — from facilitating swift information sharing and detecting unauthorized drone use to preventing lone wolf attacks. With terrorist incidents on the rise across our nation, I’m proud this task force — which includes colleagues who served in our military and as first responders — is laying the groundwork to secure our mass-spectator events by ensuring all levels of government, law enforcement, and private-sector partners are well-equipped to detect and mitigate threats.” 

Following the site visit, the Committee on Homeland Security announced the list of committee members on the task force, which is chaired by McCaul, who also serves as the chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the full committee. Below is a list of the members appointed to the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States:

Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas)

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.)

Rep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.)

Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.)

Ranking Member Nellie Pou (D-N.J.)

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.)

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.)

Representatives Gimenez and Pou joined Chairman McCaul at Audi Field. 

“The Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events sends a clear message: we’re leaving nothing to chance,” said Rep. Gimenez. “As the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I led efforts to secure global events that drew millions of visitors from around the world. With the U.S. set to host large-scale events, like FIFA 2026, the 2028 Olympics, and America’s 250th birthday, we must act now. Ensuring a safe and successful execution will require strong coordination among federal, state, and local partners so that every traveler and every community can enjoy these celebrations safely and confidently.”

“I’m honored to join this task force at such a critical moment for our nation. As a lifelong first responder, I know firsthand the unique challenges mass-gathering events present—and why they often become targets for those who seek to do harm,” said Rep. Strong. “As the United States prepares to welcome the world for events like the World Cup and the Olympics, we must ensure every measure is taken to protect the safety of our citizens and guests while preserving the spirit of these global celebrations. This task force will aid coordination efforts among federal, state, and local authorities – including law enforcement and emergency services.”

“As America prepares to host several major global competitions in the coming years, it is imperative that we provide a safe environment for our citizens and international guests,” said Rep. Crane. “By proactively establishing this critical task force, we will work closely with the administration to solidify operational readiness. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Green and Task Force Chairman McCaul, and I am honored to be part of this zero-fail mission.”

Background: 

The Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States was established earlier this year to conduct oversight of security preparations ahead of major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. As part of the committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events, members of the task force will visit additional event sites in advance, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings and recommendations. 

Prior to Congress, Congressman McCaul served as chief of counter terrorism and national security in the U.S. attorney’s office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing terrorist activity. And during the 113th-115th Congresses, he served as the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, leading the investigations into the Boston bombing to correct deficiencies at the FBI and CIA, and revamping how these agencies communicate with one another. He also led the Foreign Fighter Task Force, which enabled rapid legislative responses to the Paris Attacks.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following Israel’s decision to strike Iran’s military leadership and nuclear capabilities.

“My highest priority remains the safety of American citizens and servicemembers in the region. While the president’s decision in his first term to withdraw from the JCPOA has led to this extraordinarily alarming moment and made diplomacy substantially more difficult, it is imperative that the Trump administration focus on de-escalation before U.S. armed forces are dragged into another lengthy and lethal quagmire.

“I continue to support Israel’s right to exist and their right to defend themselves. I urge the leadership of both nations to de-escalate and come to the negotiating table to end this conflict before it spirals out of control.”

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and 38 members of the California Delegation demand that President Donald Trump immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, California. In a bicameral letter sent today, the lawmakers condemn the deployments as an unlawful overreach that bypassed state and local authority and urge the immediate withdrawal of the National Guard and Marines.

“We are writing to express grave concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard and the activation of 700 Marines to Los Angeles. These actions were taken without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local law enforcement. It constitutes a clear violation of constitutional principles and law, and a grave overreach of executive authority,” wrote the lawmakers.

“This deployment does not appear to be motivated by any public safety emergency that could not be dealt with successfully by local authorities. Instead, it coincides with a broader federal enforcement escalation involving mass ICE raids, militarized immigration tactics, and the use of tear gas and riot control methods in civilian areas. These actions undermine civil liberties, destabilize communities, erode public trust in government institutions, and violate the law,” continued the lawmakers.

As protests erupted in Los Angeles in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions, the Trump administration escalated the situation by authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local elected and community leaders. They argue the legal authority Trump cited doesn’t apply, making the deployment plainly unlawful.

“As federal officials, we must prioritize de-escalation and adherence to the constitutional principles that govern the balance of power between federal and state and local governments. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles and to refrain from further deployments of any military personnel in circumstances that violate constitutional boundaries and escalate domestic tensions,” stated the lawmakers.

The bicameral letter was also signed by Representatives Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ami Bera (CA-6), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-8), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-4), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

The full letter can be found here and below: 

President Donald J. Trump

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

RE: Deployment of National Guard Troops to Los Angeles 

Mr. President, 

We are writing to express grave concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard and the activation of 700 Marines to Los Angeles. These actions were taken without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom and over the objections of local law enforcement. It constitutes a clear violation of constitutional principles and law, and a grave overreach of executive authority. 

On June 6 and 7, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a series of immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles, which were met with widespread public protests. On the evening of June 7, you issued a formal memorandum titled “Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions,” authorizing the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard personnel to Los Angeles for a 60-day period. This action bypassed the state governor’s authority and proceeded despite active objections from local law enforcement already managing the situation. By the time National Guard troops arrived on Sunday morning, protests had largely subsided, and the streets were calm. Instead, the National Guard presence contributed to a renewed escalation of tensions. The overwhelming majority of protestors have done so peacefully. State and local authorities have already said that they can and will arrest and prosecute the very few who have committed acts of violence. 

This deployment does not appear to be motivated by any public safety emergency that could not be dealt with successfully by local authorities. Instead, it coincides with a broader federal enforcement escalation involving mass ICE raids, militarized immigration tactics, and the use of tear gas and riot control methods in civilian areas. These actions undermine civil liberties, destabilize communities, erode public trust in government institutions, and violate the law. 

Your memorandum cited 10 U.S.C. §12406 as the legal basis for your actions. That provision allows the President to call the National Guard into federal service only in three specific circumstances: 

(1) the United States, or any of the Commonwealths or possessions, is invaded or is in danger of invasion by a foreign nation; 

(2) there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States; or 

(3) the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States 

10 U.S.C. §12406 also requires that “Orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors of the States.” None of these enumerated circumstances exist and no order was issued through the governor of our state. Therefore, your order is plainly unlawful. 

In addition, on June 8, U.S. Northern Command announced the activation of 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to the Los Angeles area under the same Task Force. The deployment of active-duty Marines marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s response, blurring the line between military and civilian law enforcement roles. The deployment of active-duty military personnel into domestic operations raises serious legal and constitutional questions. Marines are trained for combat, not law enforcement. The introduction of Marines in securing largely peaceful protests is an unnecessary escalation in a situation that has already been inflamed because of escalatory actions. 

As federal officials we must prioritize de-escalation and adherence to the constitutional principles that govern the balance of power between federal and state and local governments. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately withdraw the National Guard and U.S. Marines from Los Angeles and to refrain from further deployments of any military personnel in circumstances that violate constitutional boundaries and escalate domestic tensions.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Immigration, Military