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Statement on Recently Released DOJ Documents Concerning Jeffrey Epstein and Les Wexner

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement in response to Department of Justice documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein and Les Wexner:

“My thoughts are with the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking and abuse. Their courage in coming forward demands our commitment to truth, accountability, and justice.

Throughout this matter, I have been consistent in my call for justice for the survivors. Within the recently released documents are references to Les Wexner and his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Mr. Wexner must answer all questions under oath. If he participated in or enabled these crimes, he must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

I have donated campaign contributions I received from Mr. Wexner to local organizations that support survivors of sex trafficking and abuse. I fully support the congressional investigation. As the facts are developed through the House Oversight Committee investigation, I will continue to stand with the survivors and their call for justice.”

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Rep. Garamendi Statement on the Administration's Proposed Maritime Action Plan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

“After years of underinvestment, our country is recognizing the critical importance of revitalizing America’s maritime industry for our local economies and national security,” said Congressman Garamendi. “There is much work to be done to strengthen our domestic maritime industry, and I am encouraged to see the Administration’s commitment to the maritime industry through the release of its Maritime Action Plan. To accomplish this vision, Congress needs to pass the SHIPS for America Act. The SHIPS Act represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to ensuring that America leads the global maritime industry, and I’m proud to champion it alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly. Today’s action is the next step in a long road ahead, but I’m confident we can usher in a new era for our workers, our local shipyards, and our community.”

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 Hoyer Remarks at Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council Inaugural International Gala

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

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) received a Lifetime Achievement Award along with former Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) from the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council at their Inaugural International Gala. Below are his remarks as prepared:

“Good evening, I am honored to receive this award with my dear friend Ben Cardin. Serving on the Helsinki Commission was one of the defining chapters of my forty-five years in the House, and my involvement with Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the defining chapters of my time on the commission.

“I visited what was then Yugoslavia in 1990 before the war. There, one could sense that the country, the continent, and indeed the entire world was not at the ‘end of history’ but at an inflection point in history. The Balkans brimmed with possibility but also immense peril. As communism’s threat waned, the dangers of nationalism grew. In the West, leaders proclaimed the birth of a ‘new world order.’ But the question remained: what would that new order look like? Would democracy, international law, and human rights reign, or would strongmen, dictators, and demagogues rule?  We on the Helsinki Commission knew that the answer could very well hinge on Bosnia’s fate. We also knew that democracy’s triumph was anything but assured. Blinded by the promise of a new world order, however, others forgot an old lesson: tyrants never respond to weakness. That came at a cost.

“I saw that cost with my own eyes, in 1998, when my colleagues and I observed the excavation of the mass grave in Srebrenica. I will never forget what I saw that day. What made that sight even more sickening was that we had seen it coming – and we could have stopped it. Even before widespread fighting began in Bosnia in 1992, the Helsinki Commission warned that a humanitarian disaster loomed. We held dozens of hearings between 1992 and 1995 on the human rights violations occurring in Bosnia. Ben and I even led a congressional delegation to Sarajevo in 1994 when Serbian forces still had it under siege. The stories we heard were horrific. Snipers killing elderly civilians as they gathered food, water, and firewood. A group of children killed by a shell when they were out sledding. A public market was bombed. The United Nations and its member states were not without means to respond, but they were indecisive and feckless in the face of clear aggression. UN monitors like those in Rwanda observed atrocities but believed themselves powerless to respond. The war crimes continued despite the presence of UN safe zones and peacekeepers. The UN’s weapons embargo on the former Yugoslavia hobbled Bosnia’s ability to defend itself. Our European allies were reluctant to put troops in harm’s way.

“From the start, I called for the United States to take action. Bob Dole, Joe Biden, Dennis Deconcini, Frank McCloskey, Chris Smith, Frank Wolf, and my friend Ben [Cardin] all made that appeal. The House agreed to a resolution I introduced to isolate Serbia, enforce the UN’s sanctions on Milosevic’s regime, create an international tribunal to prosecute the war criminals, and to authorize the use of force to stop the genocide. We also sponsored legislation to lift the embargo on Bosnia – which Congress passed in 1995 after years of effort. Although President Clinton vetoed that legislation because he had a different approach to achieving our shared goal of ending the genocide, Congress sent a signal of America’s resolve to our allies and adversaries. We helped break through the diplomatic logjam, and the Dayton Accords brought the war to an end by the end of the year.  I only wish that the West had responded in time to save the tens of thousands of people who lost their lives. We cannot bring them back, but we can and must remember them. 

“I fear, however, that we are once again forgetting the lessons we relearned after Srebrenica. Today, Vladimir Putin wages a brutal, unprovoked, and criminal war against Ukraine and its people. Today, Kharkiv is described as a ‘human safari,’ just as Sarajevo was just over three decades ago. Today, Ukrainian children are being abducted, orphaned, wounded, and killed, just as Bosnian children were. Recently, our national and international response has been piecemeal. There is consensus in Congress that we must act to help Ukraine, but we lack the political will to do so. We need only one more Republican signature to put the Ukraine Support Act on the Floor for a vote – just one signature of courage to join every Democrat in standing up for freedom, international law, democracy and decency. 

“The risks of inaction are far greater than the risks of action. This is our Churchill or Chamberlain moment. Being here tonight gives me hope that we will meet this moment. It gives me hope to see this vibrant community strengthening the bond between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gives me hope to hear how the partnership between the Maryland National Guard and the Bosnian military is enhancing our mutual security. And it gives me hope to see that democracy endures in Bosnia thirty years after I observed its first post-Dayton election – though I recognize many challenges persist. American democracy has its own challenges. But together, I have faith that we can overcome them. Because it doesn’t matter whether it’s Bosnia or America or Ukraine or anywhere else: democracy’s survival is never inevitable. It requires vigilance. It requires cooperation. It requires courage. And, above all, it requires action. Thank you.”

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Congressman Al Green Distributes 1,000 Valentine’s Day Cards from Local After-School Programs in the Congressional District and 1,000 Congressional Certificates Honoring Veterans During National Salute to Veteran Patients Week

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Houston, TX) — On Friday, February 13, 2026, Congressman Al Green marked National Salute to Veteran Patients Week by distributing 1,000 Valentine’s Day cards created by students in local after-school programs and 1,000 Congressional Certificates to honor veterans. The distribution was held at the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC). This event served as a tribute to courageous individuals dedicated to serving and safeguarding our country. 

National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is an annual event that allows the public to show love and appreciation for our veterans. These Valentine’s Day cards and certificates will be presented to both inpatient and outpatient Veterans at MEDVAMC, as well as the nearby Veterans Benefits Administration Houston Regional Office. 

Congressman Al Green stated that, “National Salute to Veteran Patients Week gives us the opportunity to honor the men and women who were willing to sacrifice their lives in service to our nation. What makes this distribution especially meaningful is that the Valentine’s Day cards come from our young people in the Congressional District. They remind our veterans that we honor their service and the support system their families provide them as they serve our nation.  Moments like this affirm that their courage continues to be honored and appreciated.”

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Amata Cosponsors Bipartisan SUSHI Act to Safeguard U.S. Fishing

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

Headline: Amata Cosponsors Bipartisan SUSHI Act to Safeguard U.S. Fishing

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is a cosponsor of the Standards for Understanding Source and Habitat Identification (SUSHI) Act, H.R. 3706, passed by unanimous consent on Wednesday by the House Natural Resources Committee. 

The bill works to secure American seafood against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which unfairly competes with the American tuna industry, along with other seafood. Among other provisions, the bill requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and the Administrator of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of seafood to support enforcement against IUU fishing.

“Food security is national security, and in the Pacific we’ve consistently raised the alarm over IUU fishing. The U.S. has been doing more to signal a growing commitment to these priorities, and this legislation will strengthen efforts to add protections regarding our seafood sources and keep our U.S. fishing competitive and supplying American households with tuna, which ultimately strengthens American Samoa.”

Women’s History Museum

In other congressional activity this week, Congresswoman Amata is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan bill directing the National Women’s History Museum and its site selection along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, this bill was examined in a legislative hearing by the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, within the House Natural Resources Committee, providing the next step forward for the legislation. 

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act, H.R. 1329, led by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), authorizes the selection of a prominent location on the National Mall for the American Women’s History Museum and ensures its exhibits accurately reflect the history and contributions of women in the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

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Wasserman Schultz, Blumenthal Reintroduce Jaime’s Law to Combat Gun Violence

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

“No family should endure the heartbreaking agony of losing a loved one to gun violence. Yet every day, families across America still endure this torment, and the lifetime of anguish it brings. Thankfully, more of those impacted by it are joining courageous parents like Fred Guttenberg and other gun safety advocates, to demand that Congress confront this public health crisis,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce Jaime’s Law, named in honor of Fred’s talented and compassionate daughter. This crucial legislation is part of the multifaceted legal approach we need to finally end the gun violence epidemic. A required background check to buy ammunition is already in place. But closing this loophole, to actually enforce that law, can and will save lives.”

Washington DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced the reintroduction of Jaime’s Law, a commonsense bicameral piece of legislation that would require instant background checks to prevent criminals from illegally purchasing ammunition. 

Watch Wasserman Schultz’s full press conference with Fred Guttenberg, gun violence advocate and father of Parkland shooting victim Jaime Guttenberg, here.

Under current law, dangerous individuals such as violent criminals and domestic abusers are prohibited from purchasing a firearm as well as ammunition. However, unlike firearms, federal law does not require a background check to prevent the illegal purchase of ammunition. Jaime’s Law would close this loophole by requiring buyers to either provide a license for the firearm or undergo an instant background check using the FBI National Instant Background Check System (NICS) before purchasing the ammunition. NICS is the same quick and easy process that applies to the purchase of firearms. 

Jaime’s Law is named in honor of Jaime Guttenberg, one of 17 victims murdered in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. 

“No family should endure the heartbreaking agony of losing a loved one to gun violence. Yet every day, families across America still endure this torment, and the lifetime of anguish it brings. Thankfully, more of those impacted by it are joining courageous parents like Fred Guttenberg and other gun safety advocates, to demand that Congress confront this public health crisis,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce Jaime’s Law, named in honor of Fred’s talented and compassionate daughter. This crucial legislation is part of the multifaceted legal approach we need to finally end the gun violence epidemic. A required background check to buy ammunition is already in place. But closing this loophole, to actually enforce that law, can and will save lives.”

“This legislation closes a dangerous loophole by requiring background checks on purchases of ammunition—a commonsense solution to combat the epidemic of gun violence in our country. Eight years ago, Jaime Guttenberg’s mom and dad received a phone call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Named in her honor, this legislation imposes life-saving background checks on ammunition purchases to prevent more senseless tragedies from devastating American families and plaguing our communities,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“This Saturday will be 8 years since the Parkland shooting and the murder of my daughter.  Because of what happened to my family and our community, I have spent the following years working to reduce gun violence.  Because of the work done during the Biden Presidency, gun violence has come down significantly.  We proved that effective policy and government can work to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of gun violence,” said Fred Guttenberg, founder of Orange Ribbons For Jaime. “In spite of the efforts of this administration to undo so much of that life saving work, recently the President and his cabinet recognized the reality of gun violence and too many guns on our streets.  While I do not expect them to take any action on that, perhaps this administration and Congress could join us with support for Jaime’s Law.  Jaime’s Law seeks to do nothing more than extend background checks to ammunition.  We are a nation awash in weapons.  However, they do not work without ammunition.  Let’s work together to pass Jaime’s Law this year.”

“It’s simply common sense that individuals prohibited by law from purchasing ammunition should be unable to buy it, but the Brady Background Check system does not allow for background checks on ammunition purchases — weakening our nation’s ability to prevent senseless tragedies,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. “Jaime’s Law will expand the background check system to allow for background checks to be run ahead of ammunition purchases and ensure that only licensed vendors can sell ammunition to the public. Brady applauds Senator Blumenthal and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for honoring Jaime Guttenberg and all of those lost to preventable gun violence with the reintroduction of this important legislation.”

Many states, like Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, California, and New York, led the way in requiring a background check to obtain a license to purchase or possess ammunition. Yet we know gun safety measures save far more lives when they are enacted nationwide, and purchasers don’t evade background checks by crossing state lines, or shopping for lax state regulations. Various experts point to enforcement of existing ammunition prohibitions as one of the most non-invasive, yet effective strategies for curbing gun violence. 

Find the full bill text here.

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Garamendi, Carbajal Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots. 

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews.  

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I’m honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.” 
 
“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.” 

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.” 

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.” 

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, ALPA president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession.” 

Read the full text of the legislation here. 

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Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Drawdown of Federal Agents in Minnesota

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), the Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on Thursday in response to White House Border Czar Tom Homan’s announcement that Operation Metro Surge will soon come to an end: 

“For months, the Trump administration has inflicted a reign of terror and chaos through Operation Metro Surge. The fact that the administration says that it ‘yielded the results they came for’ is a flashing red light warning to our entire nation. What are their results?

“Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot dead by federal agents. A 5-year-old boy was snatched from his own driveway — despite his family’s pending asylum case and no prior orders for deportation. A Saint Paul Hmong elder who is a U.S. citizen was dragged out of his home into the cold by masked agents in front of a frightened child because federal agents acted on erroneous information. A 23-year-old Saint Paul woman and U.S. citizen was taken from her car as she was warming it up in front of her house and detained for two days — shackled by her wrists and ankles, called a racial slur, and suffering a concussion and a seizure. Just days later, she was rearrested on baseless charges, then released. A Saint Paul man suffered eight skull fractures after being unlawfully arrested by federal agents. Just yesterday, federal agents forced a highspeed chase through Saint Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood that resulted in injuries and extreme danger to residents.  

“For months, Minnesotans’ constitutional rights have been violated. Thousands have been detained unlawfully. Children are afraid to go to school. Businesses are closing — some permanently. Local communities are facing mounting bills as their public safety budgets are stretched to the breaking point. The damage inflicted by this devastating surge in Minnesota is clear proof that President Trump’s immigration policy is nothing but a campaign of terror and retribution against Americans he doesn’t like, and it is being implemented by an inept, out of control, and cruel Department of Homeland Security.

“Minnesotans have suffered the reality of thousands of incompetent, undertrained, and unidentifiable federal agents who have been roaming our neighborhoods and acting with brutality and impunity. In the face of these extraordinary challenges, Minnesotans have responded admirably by caring for our neighbors and looking out for one another. 

“It’s up to Congress and the courts to stop these operations. It’s up to Congress to fix the mess that Trump has created. No community in America should have to face the carnage and lasting damage inflicted on Minnesota communities by the Trump administration for years to come.”

 

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U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum Opposes Republican Voter Suppression Legislation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 1383, the SAVE America Act. Congresswoman Betty McCollum voted no on the legislation. After the vote, Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement: 

“Under the United States constitution, states are responsible for conducting elections. To date, American elections are safe, secure, and fair. As we celebrate 250 years of American democracy, Congress should be following Minnesota’s lead and working to encourage more Americans to vote rather than putting up roadblocks to the ballot box.

“Republicans’ so-called SAVE America Act would disenfranchise millions of Americans – especially women – through a federal takeover of state election administration that makes it more difficult to vote. Under the guise of election integrity, this bill would require every American to provide burdensome ‘documentary proof of citizenship,’ similar to what Minnesotans already rejected, in order to participate in federal elections. REAL IDs, Tribal IDs, and military IDs alone do not meet this bill’s extreme criteria. This creates an indirect poll tax, because nearly half of Minnesotans don’t have a passport. Almost seventy million American women – one out of four Americans – would face an additional burden to register to vote simply because they changed their last name after marriage. Simply put, this Republican bill is about voter suppression.”

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Pallone Encourages Young Local Writers to Participate in 11th Annual Poetry Showcase

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today launched his 11th Annual Poetry Showcase in honor of National Poetry Month. As a long admirer of poetry, Pallone looks forward to seeing the creativity of students across New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District.

  

K-12 students enrolled in New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District Schools are encouraged to participate. Thematic categories include District Pride (local history, landmarks, culture), Voice of Change (social issues and hope for the community) and Our Common Ground (environment). Students should submit their original poems by email to Pallone.poetry@mail.house.gov by March 13, 2026.

“As we become more accustomed to the digital age, it is more important now than ever to highlight the value of poetry so that the younger generation understands the beauty of it,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am looking forward to celebrating National Poetry Month by reading the creative works of students across New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District.”

 

Winners will be selected in April by panels of local expert judges and honored at the Congressman’s Sixth Congressional District Spring Awards Ceremony. Additionally, selected poems will be featured on the Congressman’s social media.

 

For more information, please contact Pallone.poetry@mail.house.gov or call 

(732) 249-8892.