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Sen. Warren Issues Statement on Reports That NVIDIA's AI Computers Are Powering Moscow's AI Drones
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Senator Warren Statement on Reports that NVIDIA's AI Computers Are Powering Moscow's AI Drones
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, released the following statement on reports that AI computers made by NVIDIA may be powering Moscow's artificial intelligence drones, which reportedly killed three civilians in Ukraine on July
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Senator Warren Statement on Reports that NVIDIA's AI Computers Are Powering Moscow's AI Drones
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, released the following statement on reports that AI computers made by NVIDIA may be powering Moscow's artificial intelligence drones, which reportedly killed three civilians in Ukraine on July6:
"These allegations raise serious questions about whether NVIDIA is taking necessary steps to ensure its technology does not end up in the hands of adversaries.
"If Jensen Huang has time to attend a $1 million-a-head dinner at Mar-a-Lago and fly across the world to meet with President Xi Jinping, he can find time to testify in front of Congress about reports that NVIDIA technology is powering Russia's war machine. And Congress needs to act now to pass bipartisan bills that will make sure our most advanced technologies are not being used to compromise our national security."
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/senator-warren-statement-on-reports-that-nvidias-ai-computers-are-powering-moscows-ai-drones
Sen. Gallego, 6 Co-Signers Issue Letter to Senate Homeland Security & Government Affairs Committee Chairman Paul
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (TNSletter) -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following letter with six co-signers to Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul:
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July 31, 2026
The Honorable Rand Paul
Chairman
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Paul,
We commend you for calling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversight hearing that was held on February 12 following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis at the hands of federal officials, and for convening
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (TNSletter) -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following letter with six co-signers to Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul:
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July 31, 2026
The Honorable Rand Paul
Chairman
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Paul,
We commend you for calling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversight hearing that was held on February 12 following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis at the hands of federal officials, and for conveninga member-level briefing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership this week after the most recent fatal shootings involving ICE officers in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas. However, we were disappointed by the lack of information ICE provided at that briefing, and we believe additional steps must be taken to ensure sufficient oversight of DHS. Secretary Mullin and other Administration officials suggested there would be changes following the fatal shootings in January of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, but those statements have fallen flat: two more individuals have been needlessly killed within a single week. We therefore request that you build on the Committee's oversight work by convening a follow-up hearing with DHS leadership to continue holding agents who take the lives of innocent individuals accountable.
During the oversight hearing in February, you argued that "to restore trust in ICE and Border Patrol, [DHS] must admit their mistakes, be honest and forthright with their rules of engagement and pledge to reform."1
It is clear that this call has not been heeded. Secretary Mullin has now had sufficient time in office to enact meaningful policy change, yet once again we are having to discuss fatal shootings and escalatory behavior at the hands of DHS. Furthermore, DHS has still not been forthcoming about what, if any, corrective actions have been taken related to the killings of Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good. In light of these facts, we call on you to immediately conduct oversight of DHS, including, as necessary, to issue a subpoena for records and information regarding their tactics and excessive use of force.
Following the fatal shootings in Minneapolis, Democrats pushed for commonsense reforms based upon standards already applicable to virtually every law enforcement agency in the country in order to prevent further violence, such as requiring clear identification, prohibiting warrantless entries and arrests, and requiring real accountability.2
However, since then, the Administration has ramped up immigration enforcement, aiming for 2,000 arrests per day,3 during which federal agents needlessly shot and killed two individuals, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero.
The shootings of Mr. Salgado Araujo and Mr. Guerrero highlight a concerning nationwide pattern. They demonstrate the repeated violation of DHS's use of force policy, violations which have been the source of dozens of documented use of force incidents by federal immigration officers including those that resulted in the deaths of Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti.
* On July 7, federal agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas, as he was on his way to work. That same day, DHS released a statement claiming that the shooting was an act of "self-defense" in response to Mr. Salgado Araujo "weaponiz[ing] his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer."4
* On July 13, federal immigration officers fatally shot Mr. Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine. DHS immediately responded with a similar statement claiming that Mr. Guerrero attempted to flee using his vehicle and, that fearing for public safety, the federal agent fired his weapon.5
In both instances, the federal agents were not wearing body-worn cameras as required by DHS policy and ICE-issued directive, the shootings occurred during vehicle stops, DHS's claims have yet to be supported by video or non-government witness accounts, and neither person was the intended target of the operation.6
DHS's public responses to these shootings also reflect an ongoing pattern. The department will immediately put out a statement claiming the vehicle was weaponized against the agent and that the agent fired in self-defense. Yet, in case after case, the government's public description of the threat is contradicted by video footage, body camera audio, or witness testimony. DHS's record of inaccurately characterizing these shootings demonstrates that the agency cannot be trusted to police itself.
While fatal encounters most clearly illustrate the urgent need for greater oversight, they represent a fraction of the abuse Americans have witnessed across the country during immigration enforcement operations. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is the U.S. Senate's chief oversight committee and has jurisdiction over DHS. This committee has a strong tradition, under both Republican and Democratic leadership, of holding the Executive Branch accountable to the law and the American people. It is our duty to keep Americans safe while providing necessary transparency.
We call on you to hold a hearing with Administration officials, including Secretary Markwayne Mullin, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director David J. Venturella, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S.
Scott to explain why DHS has failed to implement meaningful reforms that could have prevented incidents like fatal shootings and reined in abusive and rampant immigration enforcement tactics.
Sincerely,
Ruben Gallego, United States Senator
Gary C. Peters, United States Senator, Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Andy Kim, United States Senator
Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator, Ranking Member, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
Elissa Slotkin, United States Senator
Margaret Wood Hassan, United States Senator
John Fetterman, United States Senator
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View the letter here: https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HSGAC-Dais-Letter-to-Chair-Paul-Immigration-Enforcement-Tactics-Hearing-07-31-2026.pdf
Murray, Coons Call for Immediate Independent Investigation of Extended Deployments & Unacceptable Quality of Life Issues on Aircraft Carriers
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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As USS Lincoln Heads Home--Murray, Coons Call for Immediate Independent Investigation of Extended Deployments & Unacceptable Quality of Life Issues on Aircraft Carriers
Lawmakers seek answers on glaring quality of life and operational issues aboard not only the USS Lincoln--but the USS Ford and USS Benfold, which recently suffered a days-long power outage
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Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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As USS Lincoln Heads Home--Murray, Coons Call for Immediate Independent Investigation of Extended Deployments & Unacceptable Quality of Life Issues on Aircraft Carriers
Lawmakers seek answers on glaring quality of life and operational issues aboard not only the USS Lincoln--but the USS Ford and USS Benfold, which recently suffered a days-long power outage
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Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate AppropriationsCommittee, and Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao calling for the Department of Defense (DOD) to immediately open an independent strategic review of the extended deployments of the USS Ford and USS Lincoln, as well as the USS Benfold's four-day power loss.
"We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent extended deployments of the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, and the USS Benfold's recent undisclosed power loss, and what it means for our sailors, Marines, and their families, as well as for the Navy's overall military readiness," write Murray and Coons. "Given the serious quality of life and operational concerns that have been documented and the Department's inability--or refusal--to provide the congressional defense committees with full and accurate information, we request that the Navy initiate an immediate independent strategic review of these deployments, and brief Congress on its findings."
The lawmakers note that a variety of serious quality of life issues have been documented aboard these aircraft carriers, and servicemembers and their families deserve better: "This administration has tried to downplay or paper over these reports, but the fact is our servicemembers and their families have reported alarming concerns that deserve redress and accountability."
Murray and Coons call on DOD to immediately conduct a review of these issues and to provide, in the meantime, responses to a series of questions about the extended deployments by September 1, 2026.
Full text of the letter is available HERE (https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/260824_letter_to_hegseth_re_carriers.pdf) and below:
Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao:
We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent extended deployments of the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, and the USS Benfold's recent undisclosed power loss, and what it means for our sailors, Marines, and their families, as well as for the Navy's overall military readiness. Given the serious quality of life and operational concerns that have been documented and the Department's inability--or refusal--to provide the congressional defense committees with full and accurate information, we request that the Navy initiate an immediate independent strategic review of these deployments, and brief Congress on its findings.
While the reporting that the Lincoln is now on its way home is welcome news, we still have many unanswered questions about the quality of life issues reported on these ships. This administration has tried to downplay or paper over these reports, but the fact is our servicemembers and their families have reported alarming concerns that deserve redress and accountability. Our military family members with loved ones serving on these ships deserve honest answers, and the Pentagon's denials to date are an insult to the service of these sailors and Marines.
These firsthand accounts from the Ford, Lincoln, and Benfold have included mental health and morale concerns, supply issues for basic necessities such as food, clean water and hygiene items, air conditioning, and cleanliness and sewage issues in bathrooms. There have also been reports of long lines at the mess halls and ship stores and disrupted and lost mail service. After working long shifts on duty during combat operations, our sailors and Marines should not have to worry about basic day-to-day functions, whether they'll have a full meal, or be able to communicate with their family members.
It also appears that the Navy was inadequately prepared for predictable risks associated with the Iran war, and we are deeply concerned about the implications for future operations or management of a peer conflict. Among these concerns is the availability of replacement carrier groups across the combatant commands and the disruption of the Navy's supply chain in the Middle East. We are also concerned about the future unbudgeted maintenance costs for the Ford and Lincoln and the length of time required to complete these repairs, which have not yet been outlined to Congress despite our requests.
We insist you immediately direct an independent strategic review of the extended deployments of the Ford and Lincoln, and the Benfold's four-day power loss. This review should be conducted by senior civilian executives and former military officers. It should examine readiness issues relating to operations, manning, quality of life, including mental health, and culture on the ships as well as communications with the crews' families. The review should provide recommendations in these areas to improve future extended deployments for sailors and Marines serving on carriers and all other Department of the Navy vessels.
As you begin this investigation, please also provide responses to the following questions:
1. Will the Lincoln make a port call along its voyage home, allowing sailors and Marines to enjoy critical relief from intense combat operations?
2. When is the next town hall and virtual meeting scheduled for families of the sailors and Marines serving on the Lincoln? Will these outreach meetings continue on a regular basis until the carrier arrives home?
3. What homecoming support resources have been provided to the sailors and Marines on the Ford and their families since returning home? Will the same or additional resources be provided to the sailors and Marines on the Lincoln and their families?
4. What mental health and sexual assault prevention and response resources are available to the sailors and Marines on the Ford and Lincoln?
5. When will the congressional defense committees receive the final command investigation report from the extensive laundry fire on the Ford, which destroyed berthing quarters?
6. What actions has the Navy taken to address and prevent future power issues on the Benfold?
7. What steps is the Navy taking to prevent similar quality of life issues on the USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington and other ships currently deployed in the Middle East and globally?
8. What were the Navy's operational and contingency plans for deploying the Ford first to the Caribbean for Operation Southern Spear and then immediately to the Middle East?
9. What were the Navy's contingency plans for supply chain disruption and being forced to remain at sea rather than docked at an ally's port?
10. What is the maintenance schedule for the Ford and Lincoln? What are the costs associated with these repairs?
11. What is the Navy's contingency plan to meet force requirements, including during any potential conflict, while two carriers are undergoing unplanned maintenance?
We request a written response to these questions and establishment of an independent strategic review by September 1, 2026. Thank you for your prompt attention to these important issues.
Sincerely,
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Original text here: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/as-uss-lincoln-heads-homemurray-coons-call-for-immediate-independent-investigation-of-extended-deployments-and-unacceptable-quality-of-life-issues-on-aircraft-carriers
Joint Economic Committee Ranking Member Hassan: Trump Gains $15.5 Million From Oil & Gas Stocks After His Iran War Gives Big Oil Sky-High Profits
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (TNSrpt) -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Trump Gains $15.5 Million From Oil & Gas Stocks After His Iran War Gives Big Oil Sky-High Profits
President Trump and Big Oil Profit Off the Iran War as Americans Pay $71.5 Billion More for Gas
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The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee - Minority released a new analysis today which finds that, at the end of 2025, President Donald Trump held as much as $45.6 million in oil and gas stocks, a portfolio that is now worth
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (TNSrpt) -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Trump Gains $15.5 Million From Oil & Gas Stocks After His Iran War Gives Big Oil Sky-High Profits
President Trump and Big Oil Profit Off the Iran War as Americans Pay $71.5 Billion More for Gas
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The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee - Minority released a new analysis today which finds that, at the end of 2025, President Donald Trump held as much as $45.6 million in oil and gas stocks, a portfolio that is now worthup to $61.1 million given the sky-high oil and gas profits and stock prices tied to Trump's war in Iran. And in just the first three months of 2026 - a period that covers both the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the start of the Iran War - the Committee found that Trump bought as much as $3.6 million in additional oil and gas stocks.
In addition, the report includes new nationwide and state-by-state calculations that show that Americans have now spent an additional $71.5 billion on gas since the start of President Trump's Iran War.
"President Trump continues to get richer from an illegal war that he started and refuses to resolve, while Americans pay the price for his actions," said U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, Ranking Member of the Committee. "On the campaign trail, Trump promised giveaways for Big Oil and relief for working families, but he can't deliver both. Since launching his war with Iran, Trump has made clear that he puts his own financial interests - and those of his biggest bankrollers - ahead of Americans who are burdened with higher costs for gas and everyday essentials under this administration."
As detailed in the new Committee report, throughout his campaign and early in his term, Trump received millions in donations from oil company executives, and his administration began to enact favorable rules and regulations for the industry - including billions in tax giveaways for Big Oil companies. These companies have seen massive profits since the President launched his war with Iran. Recentestimates show that Big Oil companies reported more than $125 billion in profits so far this year, including $12 billion for Chevron in the second quarter - its highest quarterly profits in six years -?and a sky-high $14.7 billion for Exxon Mobil in that same period.
This report is part of Senator Hassan's ongoing effort as Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee to quantify the economic impact that President Trump's actions have on American families. She will continue to shed light on the discrepancies between the President's financial gain and the losses Americans have faced from rising costs under his watch. Senator Hassan will also continue to push the Trump administration to reverse course on his tariffs, illegal war with Iran, and other harmful actions that have driven up costs in all 50 states.
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REPORT: https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/78cf1827-c629-486e-a446-6913ebb0deed/jec-report-on-big-oil-profits-trump-stock-holdings.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/press-releases?ID=9CA83D8F-3F02-4B2F-9BA8-66286D2DE57C
In Northwest New Mexico, Lujan Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Care for Seniors and Protect Nutrition Assistance for New Mexicans
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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In Northwest New Mexico, Lujan Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Care for Seniors and Protect Nutrition Assistance for New Mexicans
NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO - Last week in Farmington and Grants, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) held events highlighting his efforts to expand access to home and long-term care for older New Mexicans and people with disabilities and protect nutrition assistance for New Mexico families.
"Whether it's making sure our parents and grandparents can receive
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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In Northwest New Mexico, Lujan Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Care for Seniors and Protect Nutrition Assistance for New Mexicans
NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO - Last week in Farmington and Grants, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) held events highlighting his efforts to expand access to home and long-term care for older New Mexicans and people with disabilities and protect nutrition assistance for New Mexico families.
"Whether it's making sure our parents and grandparents can receivecare in the place they call home or ensuring families have enough food on the table, New Mexicans deserve the support they need to live healthy lives with dignity," said Senator Lujan. "Last week, I heard directly from local leaders and providers about the challenges facing families in Northwest New Mexico. I'll continue fighting to strengthen home-based care, support caregivers, and protect SNAP from attacks that would make it harder for families to get the food they need."
Supporting Care for Older New Mexicans in Farmington
In Farmington at the Native American Disability Law Center, Senator Lujan met with local leaders and providers to learn more about their work providing home- and community-based care in San Juan County. Senator Lujan heard directly from providers about the challenges facing rural and Tribal communities and discussed how his recently introduced Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act would expand access to long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities.
Fighting to Protect Nutrition Assistance in Grants
In Grants at the Grants Community Pantry, Senator Lujan met with local food and nutrition leaders to discuss the impact of Republican cuts to SNAP on families and communities in Northwest New Mexico. During the event, Senator Lujan heard directly about the challenges facing SNAP recipients and the local organizations that serve them. Senator Lujan also highlighted his efforts to fight back against cuts to nutrition assistance and protect SNAP for New Mexico families, including families in rural and Tribal communities.
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Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-northwest-new-mexico-lujan-highlights-efforts-to-strengthen-care-for-seniors-and-protect-nutrition-assistance-for-new-mexicans/
ICYMI: Banks Joins Fox News Digital for Exclusive Interview on 7-Part Immigration Package
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Banks joins Fox News Digital for Exclusive Interview on 7-Part Immigration Package
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Fox News Digital to discuss his 7-part immigration package including the Citizenship Act of 2026, the Dalilah Law, and the American Tech Workforce Act.
Key Excerpts on Banks Immigration Package:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "I'm new in the Senate, I served in the House for 8 before coming to the Senate, but after 4 years of wide open borders under Joe Biden and the Democrat when they
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Banks joins Fox News Digital for Exclusive Interview on 7-Part Immigration Package
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Fox News Digital to discuss his 7-part immigration package including the Citizenship Act of 2026, the Dalilah Law, and the American Tech Workforce Act.
Key Excerpts on Banks Immigration Package:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "I'm new in the Senate, I served in the House for 8 before coming to the Senate, but after 4 years of wide open borders under Joe Biden and the Democrat when theyin charge, I just realize that it has to be our top priority to put American works first and the safety of the American people first, by cracking down on illegal immigration. That's why I have introduced a package of seven bills over the last year and a half that I've been in the Senate. The Citizenship Act, that bans birthright citizenship for illegals, the Daliliah Law, that cracks down on illegals behind the wheel of semi-truck...My package of bills is common sense, and this has to be a top priority for Congress going forward to clean up the mess that the Democrats created."
"My seven bills go a long way and take a larger, broader approach to crack down on illegal immigration and do it in a way that permanently blocks these actions from happening in the future. Thank God President Trump is in the White House and doing what he can to stop it, but we've got to make it permanent. I can't believe the democrats would vote against any of these bills. I can't believe that the Democrats today are so radical and extreme that they are ok with what's happened to our country. Allowing illegals to take jobs from Americans, allowing illegals to be behind the wheel of a semitruck."
Click here (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senator-launches-assault-illegal-immigration-gaps-gop-races-midterm-clock-lock-key-wins) to read the full story from Fox News Digital.
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Original text here: https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-banks-joins-fox-news-digital-for-exclusive-interview-on-7-part-immigration-package/
House Oversight & Government Reform Ranking Member Garcia Issues Statement After Supreme Court Removes Hurdle for Trump Executive Order Restricting Mail-in Voting
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following statement on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Ranking Member Robert Garcia Statement After Supreme Court Removes Hurdle for Trump's Executive Order Restricting Mail-in Voting
Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement after the Supreme Court halted a lower court's ruling that paused portions of President Trump's executive order, which would effectively restrict mail-in
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following statement on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Ranking Member Robert Garcia Statement After Supreme Court Removes Hurdle for Trump's Executive Order Restricting Mail-in Voting
Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement after the Supreme Court halted a lower court's ruling that paused portions of President Trump's executive order, which would effectively restrict mail-invoting ahead of the midterm elections. Trump's executive order remains halted by a second injunction, in a lawsuit filed by the League of Women Voters and allied groups, and litigation continues.
"Let's be clear: Donald Trump is a loser who can't handle the fact that he was defeated in the 2020 election. He's attacking vote by mail because he's afraid of losing the midterms, and because he wants to push conspiracy theories and bogus claims.
While the Trump Supreme Court has once again sided with the President, vote by mail is still protected under a different court order.
But there's no question that Trump and his allies will continue their efforts to suppress the votes of the American people.
Oversight Democrats will continue fighting Trump's efforts to disenfranchise voters and the USPS's illegal and unconstitutional attempt to restrict voting by mail. We will not allow Donald Trump to use the Postal Service to interfere in our elections or make it harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote," said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.
In July 2026, Ranking Members Garcia and Joe Morelle led 169 Members of Congress in sending a public comment letter to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) urging the agency to reject its proposed rule restricting ballot mail in federal elections. In April 2026, Ranking Members Garcia and Morelle demanded the Postmaster General and the USPS Board of Governors oppose President Trump's illegal Executive Order titled, Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections, which would restrict vote-by-mail and make it harder for eligible Americans to exercise their right to vote.
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Original text here: https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-robert-garcia-statement-after-supreme-court-removes-hurdle-for-trumps-executive-order-restricting-mail-in-voting
House Oversight & Government Reform Ranking Member Garcia Demands Answers on Trump Administration Sweeping Surveillance of Community Organizations in Minn.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Ranking Member Robert Garcia Demands Answers on Trump Administration's Sweeping Surveillance of Community Organizations in Minnesota
Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, demanded answers from Attorney General Todd Blanche and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration's sweeping surveillance campaign against
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Ranking Member Robert Garcia Demands Answers on Trump Administration's Sweeping Surveillance of Community Organizations in Minnesota
Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, demanded answers from Attorney General Todd Blanche and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration's sweeping surveillance campaign againstcommunity organizations in Minnesota following the Administration's violent immigration crackdown in the state.
"This Administration launched a secret surveillance campaign against protestors, surveilling churches, infiltrating group chats, and subpoenaing years of banking records from community groups that were never accused of a single crime. Everyone responsible for this abuse of our freedoms should be held accountable," said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.
Without a legitimate basis to suspect criminal misconduct, the Trump Administration opened an investigation into several social and political organizations and individuals deemed critical of the Trump Administration's crackdown, including major labor unions like the Communications Workers of America and the Service Employees International Union, environmental groups like the Sunrise Movement, and community groups like Voices for Racial Justice, none of whom were accused of criminal wrongdoing.
In the letters to Attorney General Todd Blanche and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Ranking Member Robert Garcia wrote, "Law enforcement in a free and democratic society depends on the officers entrusted with authority to act within the rules and safeguards of our legal system. Yet, public reporting indicates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) engaged in a sweeping campaign of surveillance targeting numerous labor unions, environmentalist groups, and even a bicycle shop, all because members of these groups dared to protest the Trump Administration's violent crackdown in Minnesota earlier this year. For the federal government to infiltrate citizens' group chats, surveil places of worship, and obtain financial records of organizations that are not accused of any criminal wrongdoing represents one of the most concerning abuses of surveillance power this country has seen since the days of COINTELPRO."
In July 2026, Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal demanded answers from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) regarding the vetting and training of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in the wake of the killing of Joan Sebastian Duran Guerrero on July 13, 2026, in Biddeford, Maine.
In February 2026, Ranking Member Robert Garcia released a report (https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/imo/media/doc/mn_oversight_report.pdf) highlighting Oversight Democrats' key findings regarding the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both victims were killed while bearing witness to the abuses and injustices on their neighbors by the Trump Administration's aggressive, violent, and unlawful immigration enforcement tactics.
In December 2025, Ranking Member Garcia and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal launched a series of bicameral hearings to expose and investigate abuses, excessive force, and constitutional violations by federal immigration enforcement agents.
In November 2025, Ranking Member Garcia led Oversight Democrats in launching a public Immigration Enforcement Dashboard to track and document incidents of abuse and potential misconduct by DHS immigration enforcement agents across the country.
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INFODOC: https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/imo/media/doc/2026-08-24garciatodojremnsurveillance.pdf
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Original text here: https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-robert-garcia-demands-answers-on-trump-administrations-sweeping-surveillance-of-community-organizations-in-minnesota
House Judiciary Chairman Jordan, Rep. McClintock Demand Answers From Sanctuary Jurisdiction DAs
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Chairmen Jordan and McClintock Demand Answers from Sanctuary Jurisdiction DAs
Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Chairman Tom McClintock (R-CA) sent letters to Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz reiterating the Committee's requests for information on their offices' sanctuary policies and preferential
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Chairmen Jordan and McClintock Demand Answers from Sanctuary Jurisdiction DAs
Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Chairman Tom McClintock (R-CA) sent letters to Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz reiterating the Committee's requests for information on their offices' sanctuary policies and preferentialtreatment given to foreign nationals.
Sanctuary jurisdictions like Fairfax County and New York City flouting immigration law clearly involves federal interests. Failing to prosecute or under-prosecuting foreign nationals so that immigration consequences can be avoided implicates Congress's plenary power over immigration, which the Supreme Court repeatedly has described as the authority "to make rules for the admission of aliens and to exclude those who possess those characteristics which Congress has forbidden." Descano's and Katz's pro-criminal alien policies appear intentionally designed to thwart this authority.
Even after appearing before the Immigration Subcommittee at a hearing in May 2026, Descano still refuses to answer the Committee's basic questions about his policies in practice. Descano's new effort to minimize both the scope and the effects of his office's collateral immigration consequences policy is a surprising reversal after years of him boasting about the policy on his public campaign website. For years, in fact, Descano promised Fairfax County voters that his office would, "[w]herever possible . . . take immigration consequences into account when making charging and plea decisions." To date, Descano has been unwilling to identify the cases in which his office followed his own campaign promises and written policy. Katz's office has not provided any rationale for why it is not possible to provide documents and communications related even to a single employee, the office's Immigration Specialist, or materials related to certain foreign nationals' cases--the same cases it has boasted about in public reports. Because of the lack of cooperation from Descano's and Katz's offices with the Committee's requests, the Committee is unable to know the true scope of their policies or the full extent of their damaging effects on northern Virginia and New York City communities.
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INFODOC: https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2026-08-24-jdj-tm-to-commonwealth-s-attorney-descano-re-follow-up.pdf
INFODOC: https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2026-08-24-jdj-tm-to-queens-district-attorney-katz-re-follow-up.pdf
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Original text here: https://judiciary.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairmen-jordan-and-mcclintock-demand-answers-sanctuary-jurisdiction-das
Field Hearing Advisory: Defense Subcommittee Examines Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Ken Calvert, R-California, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following news release:
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Field Hearing Advisory: Defense Subcommittee Examines Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades
The Subcommittee on Defense, chaired by Rep. Ken Calvert, will hold a field hearing entitled "Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades" at College of the Canyons on Friday, September 4, at 1:00 p.m. PT.
The proceeding, which will include bipartisan participation from appropriators and witnesses from the
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Rep. Ken Calvert, R-California, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following news release:
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Field Hearing Advisory: Defense Subcommittee Examines Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades
The Subcommittee on Defense, chaired by Rep. Ken Calvert, will hold a field hearing entitled "Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades" at College of the Canyons on Friday, September 4, at 1:00 p.m. PT.
The proceeding, which will include bipartisan participation from appropriators and witnesses from theDepartment of War, defense industry, and academia, will examine issues critical to our nation's military, economy, and the future of warfare, including strengthening America's defense industrial base, developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain it, and securing access to critical minerals and resources.
Against the backdrop of historic investments included in the committee-reported FY27 Defense Appropriations bill, the forum will focus on turning congressional investment into the industrial capacity and military capability needed to sustain American deterrence - reinforcing a fundamental reality: American military strength depends on American industrial strength.
The full event will be available and livestreamed on the House Appropriations Committee's YouTube channel. Confirmed details, including a full witness list, will be available on the House Committee Repository in the coming weeks.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
* WHAT: Field Hearing - Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades
* DATE: Friday, September 4th
* TIME: 1:00 p.m. PT
* LOCATION: College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California
* PRESS RSVP: Credentialed press interested in covering the hearing in person must RSVP to Alexia.Sikora@mail.house.gov. Confirmation and further details will be sent later.
- NOTE: At field hearings, the same etiquette and decorum rules apply as to a hearing held in the Capitol complex. Press are not permitted behind the dais and cannot disturb or distract from the proceedings. All attendees will be subject to security screening. As outlined above, a livestream will also be available for broader viewing.
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Original text here: https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/field-hearing-advisory-defense-subcommittee-examines-industrial-base-and
