U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Grijalva to Skip State of the Union; U.S. Citizen Who Was Detained By ICE in Minnesota to Take Her Place
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Adelita S. Grijalva, D-Arizona, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Grijalva to Skip State of the Union; U.S. Citizen Who Was Detained By ICE in Minnesota to Take Her Place
Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced today that she will not attend this year's State of the Union address. Instead, Grijalva has transferred her ticket to Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05), who will be bringing Mubashir Khalif Hussen - a U.S. citizen of Somali descent who was violently detained by federal immigration agents despite repeatedly asserting his
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Adelita S. Grijalva, D-Arizona, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Grijalva to Skip State of the Union; U.S. Citizen Who Was Detained By ICE in Minnesota to Take Her Place
Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced today that she will not attend this year's State of the Union address. Instead, Grijalva has transferred her ticket to Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05), who will be bringing Mubashir Khalif Hussen - a U.S. citizen of Somali descent who was violently detained by federal immigration agents despite repeatedly asserting hiscitizenship - in her stead.
According to a federal civil rights lawsuit, Hussen was stopped by masked immigration agents while on his lunch break. Despite informing them he was a U.S. citizen and offering identification, he was thrown to the ground, restrained in a headlock, and detained for hours before officials ultimately confirmed he was, in fact, an American citizen. His lawsuit alleges racial profiling, unlawful detention, and excessive force.
"I will not sit silently while Trump gaslights the American people with lies about how great everything is," said Rep. Grijalva. "If Trump wants to boast about his reckless and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, he should do it in front of the people who these policies have directly harmed."
"Here's the real state of the union: our communities are living in fear, working families cannot make ends meet, healthcare is unaffordable for our veterans and seniors, meanwhile the Department of Education is being dismantled. These are policies that should be protested, not applauded."
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Original text here: https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/grijalva-to-skip-state-of-the-union-us-citizen-who-was-detained-by-ice-in-minnesota-to-take-her-place
Department of the Interior NEPA Reforms Will Help America Build
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Department of the Interior NEPA Reforms Will Help America Build
Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced final National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations that will modernize the permitting review process for the department. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:
"Today's NEPA announcement returns common sense to the Federal permitting process and will help America build
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Department of the Interior NEPA Reforms Will Help America Build
Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced final National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations that will modernize the permitting review process for the department. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:
"Today's NEPA announcement returns common sense to the Federal permitting process and will help America buildagain. By clarifying the scope of review under NEPA and requiring time and page limits for reviews, the Trump administration is taking yet another step towards unleashing our natural resource wealth and building much-needed infrastructure.
"Similar provisions were included in my legislation, H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act. Now the Senate must act to pass these important NEPA reforms and send them to President Trump's desk so they can be enacted into law."
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Original text here: https://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=418622
Department of Defense Heeds Merkley, Senate Budget Committee Democrats' Call to Release Unclassified Spend Plan for National Security Funding From the Big, Ugly Betrayal Law
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Department of Defense Heeds Merkley, Senate Budget Committee Democrats' Call to Release Unclassified Spend Plan for National Security Funding from the Big, Ugly Betrayal Law
Hegseth Was Preventing Congressional Oversight by Classifying the Full Spend Plan
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Today, after Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, led Senate Budget Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Department of Defense Heeds Merkley, Senate Budget Committee Democrats' Call to Release Unclassified Spend Plan for National Security Funding from the Big, Ugly Betrayal Law
Hegseth Was Preventing Congressional Oversight by Classifying the Full Spend Plan
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Today, after Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, led Senate Budget Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegsethabout his decision to classify the Department of Defense's reconciliation spending plan, the Pentagon has finally released an unclassified spending plan. Hegseth's obfuscation prevented Congress from conducting proper oversight to ensure that the funds were being used as intended and has raised concerns that this money was being treated as a slush fund.
After Republicans added $150 billion through reconciliation, the defense budget already totaled over $900 billion in FY2026 - the highest in American history. Hegseth and President Trump are now pushing for a $1.5 trillion defense budget in FY2027 - a more than $500 billion increase over current levels - even as the Department of Defense is struggling to identify ways to justify such a dramatic increase.
"For an administration that claims to be 'the most transparent in American history,' it shouldn't take Congressional pressure to release an unclassified version of its reconciliation spending plan. Congress has a constitutional duty to follow the money. And at a moment when the Administration is planning to propose a $1.5 trillion defense budget--the largest in American history-- transparency and oversight are more essential than ever.
"As Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, I will keep holding Trump and Hegseth accountable and work with my colleagues to tackle waste, fraud, and abuse," said Ranking Member Merkley.
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Original text here: https://www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-member/newsroom/press/department-of-defense-heeds-merkley-senate-budget-committee-democrats-call-to-release-unclassified-spend-plan-for-national-security-funding-from-the-big-ugly-betrayal-law
CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN WORKS ACROSS THE AISLE; CO-LEADS BILL TO REFUND VA HOME LOAN FEES FOR DISABLED VETERANS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (Rep.) -- Del. James Moylan, R-Guam, issued the following news release on Feb. 22, 2026:
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CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN WORKS ACROSS THE AISLE; CO-LEADS BILL TO REFUND VA HOME LOAN FEES FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Congressman James Moylan and Rep. Mike Levin (CA 49) have reintroduced the Veterans Assistance for Loan Origination Relief (VALOR) Act, a bipartisan measure to ensure disabled veterans are not unfairly charged VA home loan funding fees due to delays in the disability rating process.
This bill will ensure that disabled veterans are not forced to pay VA home loan funding fees
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (Rep.) -- Del. James Moylan, R-Guam, issued the following news release on Feb. 22, 2026:
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CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN WORKS ACROSS THE AISLE; CO-LEADS BILL TO REFUND VA HOME LOAN FEES FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Congressman James Moylan and Rep. Mike Levin (CA 49) have reintroduced the Veterans Assistance for Loan Origination Relief (VALOR) Act, a bipartisan measure to ensure disabled veterans are not unfairly charged VA home loan funding fees due to delays in the disability rating process.
This bill will ensure that disabled veterans are not forced to pay VA home loan funding feessimply because the VA has not finished processing their disability rating. Under current rules, a veteran can file their disability claim or intent to file on time, purchase their home, and only later receive their rating--leaving them stuck paying a fee they should have been exempt from. The VALOR Act fixes this by requiring the VA to treat that fee as an overpayment and refund it automatically once the disability rating is approved, shifting the burden on the agency rather than the veteran.
Guam's extremely high housing prices make homeownership unattainable for many veterans. Thousands of dollars in VA funding fees can be added to the cost of purchasing a home, stretching limited family incomes even further. The VALOR Act removes unnecessary financial barriers, putting money back in veterans' pockets and giving them a more affordable and equitable path to securing a home.
"I've heard personally from veterans who were proud to finally be in a position to buy a home, only to learn later that they'd been charged a fee they never should have owed. It's frustrating, and it's unnecessary," said Congressman Moylan. "These are men and women who served our country, followed the process, and still ended up paying more because their disability rating came through after the fact. That's a gap in the system, and it's one we can fix. I'm proud to co-lead the VALOR Act with Congressman Mike Levin to ensure that our veterans aren't penalized for administrative delays and that their benefits reflect the service they've given."
The Congressman will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the bill and deliver this commonsense relief to veterans and transitioning service members.
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Original text here: https://moylan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moylan-works-across-aisle-co-leads-bill-refund-va-home-loan-fees
Chairman Graves' Statement in the House During Today's Consideration of ROTOR Act
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Chairman Graves' Statement in the House During Today's Consideration of ROTOR Act
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) delivered the following statement on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today during debate on S. 2503, the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act:
Aviation has been in my blood my entire life, and it continues to be something
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Chairman Graves' Statement in the House During Today's Consideration of ROTOR Act
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) delivered the following statement on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today during debate on S. 2503, the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act:
Aviation has been in my blood my entire life, and it continues to be somethingI love. In the middle of my family farm in Tarkio, Missouri is Gould Peterson Municipal Airport, named after my uncle. Growing up, when my brother and I weren't doing chores, we'd do anything to mooch an airplane ride. That love of aviation and being a pilot has never left me.
When I came to Congress in 2001, I joined the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to work on these issues. It has been extremely rewarding, and being a pilot has provided me with invaluable insight into these issues. Throughout the years, I have worked on several pieces of legislation that addressed safety gaps following unimaginable tragedy. Every aviation accident typically has multiple contributing factors. Too often I have seen Congress react prematurely in a way that fails to address the multi-layered causes of accidents in a comprehensive and consensus-driven manner - and in some instances, to the detriment of fostering sound safety policy that prevents unintended consequences.
This is why I have long believed the best way to honor the victims of aviation accidents is for Congress to wait until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes its investigation, so Congress first has all the facts.
On January 29, 2025, an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines Flight while on final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The fatal collision claimed the lives of all 67 passengers and crew in both aircraft. The NTSB, along with federal partners and law enforcement agencies, jumped into action that cold January night, and the NTSB carried out, over the last year, one of the most impressive and comprehensive investigations I've seen. I'd like to thank the NTSB for their dedicated work over the past year.
The NTSB officially concluded its investigation and issued its Final Report last week, with numerous findings, the probable cause, and 50 recommendations to ensure this doesn't occur again.
It's my deeply rooted respect for the NTSB's investigations and processes that has led me to believe S.2503 does not sufficiently or properly address the findings and recommendations of the Board.
That is why, last Friday, I joined together with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, and Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith to introduce the ALERT Act. The ALERT Act is a comprehensive package of improvements that addresses all 50 safety recommendations issued by the NTSB. Unlike the bill before us today, the ALERT Act tackles all the identified root causes that led to this deadly crash.
Unfortunately, the ROTOR Act touches on only two of the NTSB's 50 recommendations and provides an overly prescriptive approach to mandating a specific technology, which is still largely under development, in a manner that can prove burdensome to some operators and create barriers to its adoption.
I'd remind my colleagues that we've been in this position before. Congress mandated the exact technology prescribed in the ROTOR Act in 2012. Due to the lack of maturity of the technology and scalable applications that can benefit a broad range of operators, the mandate proved to be so unworkable that this body had to repeal that mandate in 2018.
Sadly, many of the considerations that led Congress to repeal that mandate still exist today. Don't just take my word for it; listen to the words of an NTSB Board Member, who in the Final Report said, "While we laud ADS-B systems as an emerging technology in commercial fixed-wing and rotorcraft aviation that could have prevented this accident, it is still exactly that, an emerging technology. There are still technological barriers to implementing ADS-B In into the 5,500 commercial aircraft that are in the skies at any given moment."
Let me be extremely clear - as a pilot myself, I unequivocally support the adoption of safety enhancing technologies. I want to get this right.
Ultimately, any successful directive or mandate from Congress will be calculated, scalable, and future proof - not a blanket mandate that limits the aviation community to one technology. We've tried that before and failed, leading to no tangible safety benefit.
My greatest fear is that passage of this legislation today, in its current form, will unintentionally lead to an operational crisis in 2031 and force future Congresses to have the same debate on the need to repeal another unworkable government mandate.
It is that concern that informed the approach we took in the bipartisan ALERT Act. By implementing a performance-based and technology agnostic approach, aircraft would be able to be equipped with the appropriate collision mitigation system, thereby enhancing awareness for all.
While I rise in opposition to this bill, I know that all Members of this body and across the Capitol have a shared priority: a commitment to aviation safety. It was that shared priority that brought us together last Congress to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 - landmark legislation that is improving aviation safety and providing benefits to the flying public.
Here in the House, we will continue our legislative effort around the bipartisan ALERT Act to ensure all the NTSB's recommendations are addressed.
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Original text here: https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409354
Appropriators Deliver Joint Report on Christian Persecution in Nigeria to White House
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Appropriators Deliver Joint Report on Christian Persecution in Nigeria to White House
Following President Trump's call-to-action and redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), the House Appropriations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee delivered a joint report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to the White House. The findings follow a comprehensive investigation that included interviews with expert
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Appropriators Deliver Joint Report on Christian Persecution in Nigeria to White House
Following President Trump's call-to-action and redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), the House Appropriations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee delivered a joint report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to the White House. The findings follow a comprehensive investigation that included interviews with expertwitnesses, a hearing and roundtable, two on-the-ground assessments through bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, and close partnership with the Trump Administration.
Nigeria has become the most dangerous place in the world to practice the Christian faith, as jihadist networks exploit weak enforcement and limited accountability to carry out sustained and coordinated violence against civilians. Committee members witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences for innocent communities, regional stability, and U.S. national security interests. The report makes clear that failure to confront these threats only emboldens terrorist actors and accelerates further violence - underscoring that protecting religious freedom and countering extremism require clear red lines, real accountability, and decisive leadership. Thanks to President Trump's efforts since returning to the White House, and attention from Congress, there is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for real change to address this two-decades-long crisis.
Investigators on both committees recommend these actionable steps to align with President Trump's efforts from the White House:
* Strike a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Government of Nigeria to protect vulnerable Christian communities, eliminate jihadist terror activity, further economic cooperation, and counter adversaries in the region.
* Implement the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, which withholds funding to the Government of Nigeria until action is taken to stop violence against Christians.
* Invoke and publicly announce the CPC Presidential Directives to name and shame perpetrators of violence.
* Implement sanctions on groups and individuals who participate in, or tolerate, violence against Christians.
* Continue visa restrictions for perpetrators involved in Christian violence and violations of religious freedom.
* Demand the repeal of sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws.
* Review and use points of leverage to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm, including by blocking export of beef and other cattle-related products.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, "Liberty continues when strength stands guard. The freedom to worship is not a fleeting ideal, it is a cornerstone of America. From U.S. beginnings, our shores drew those seeking to pray without fear, and that promise must endure. So, though oceans stand between us, the call to protect faith and humanity does not fade with distance. President Trump made that clear when taking decisive action in Nigeria while simultaneously tasking us to deliver a report on further actions to protect persecuted Christians. I commend the work of our Vice Chair and NSRP Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, Rep. Riley Moore, and our committee members in leading efforts to stop extremism and systemic violence against innocent people. Our joint report focuses on defending lives, upholding religious liberty, and stopping terrorists. We affirm a necessary duality, no matter where we are: we defend U.S. principles by enforcing security. We protect faith by dismantling terror. And we recognize that a world where believers are safe is not achieved through hope alone - it is secured through vigilance that deters evil, confronts violence, and stands watch so prayer is never left undefended."
Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) said, "During my official travel to Nigeria, I heard directly from witnesses and experts about the horrific violence being carried out against Christians. No one should face persecution or death for practicing their faith. President Trump's America First foreign policy makes clear that defending fundamental freedoms, including religious liberty, is a core U.S. priority at home and abroad. I am proud to aid in that mission through the FY26 National Security and Department of State legislation, which withholds assistance to the Government of Nigeria until action is taken to stop these atrocities. We must stand with vulnerable communities, including Christian communities, and ensure those responsible for this violence are held accountable."
Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair Riley Moore (R-WV) said, "Following today's productive meeting at the White House, I want to thank President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and for his Administration's commitment to protecting our brothers and sisters in Christ from persecution and addressing the broader security challenges plaguing Nigeria. Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC and tasked me to lead a Congressional investigation, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today. I also want to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith for their leadership on this comprehensive investigation and delivering this report to the White House. I traveled on a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria and saw with my own eyes the horrific atrocities Christians face, and the instability the Nigerian government must combat. Through Congressional hearings, expert testimony, meeting with Internally Displaced People, hearing from religious leaders, and engaging with high-level Nigerian government officials, we have provided a clear picture of the threat environment in Nigeria and the horrific persecution Christians face. This report outlines concrete steps to impose accountability measures, counter radical Islamic terrorism, and lays out a plan to work in coordination and cooperation with the Nigerian government to bring security to all the people of Nigeria. Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching, and I urge the Nigerian government to take the opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with the United States. Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians."
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman and Values Action Team Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL) said, "Religious freedom is not simply an American value; it is a universal right rooted in the dignity of every human being. President Reagan quoted the Bible when he spoke about America as a 'shining city on a hill,' a beacon of hope for those yearning to live and worship freely. That light must continue to shine for persecuted believers around the world. The violence against Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere demands more than concern, it requires steadfast action. I am grateful for Chairman Cole's leadership and for the diligent work of our colleagues in producing this report, which outlines meaningful steps to confront extremism and protect vulnerable communities. When we defend religious liberty abroad, we reaffirm the principles that make our nation that shining city, strong, faithful, and unafraid to stand for what is right."
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Vice Chair Scott Franklin (R-FL) said, "During our visit to Nigeria, I saw firsthand the devastating impact of religious persecution on Christian communities. Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and no one should live in fear for practicing their faith. Congress has a responsibility to ensure strong oversight and real accountability. The United States must continue standing for religious liberty and confronting extremist violence wherever it occurs."
Homeland Security Vice Chair Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) said, "Last December, I traveled to Nigeria with a bipartisan group of members of Congress and saw firsthand the devastating toll that targeted violence and religious persecution have taken on Christian communities. Families are living in fear, and extremist networks are exploiting instability with little accountability. The joint report now being delivered to the White House makes clear that the status quo is unacceptable. Protecting religious freedom and confronting terrorism requires decisive leadership and real consequences. With President Trump's redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, we have a critical opportunity to bring meaningful change to a crisis that has gone on for far too long."
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) said, The U.S. will not turn a blind eye to Christian persecution. This report shows the unrelenting plight Christians have faced for years in Nigeria. Thanks to President Trump, America is paying greater attention to this issue and leading with strength to protect religious freedom throughout the globe."
House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) said, "President Trump's bold and well-founded redesignation of Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern' was not just a declaration - it was a directive. For nearly twenty years, the Nigerian government has been complicit in and complacent about the violent religious persecution occurring within its borders. By failing to punish and prosecute the Islamist extremists who wantonly rape, torture, and murder Christians and non-radical Muslims in their country, the Nigerian government has only emboldened these terrorist thugs to inflict even more suffering. This joint report - requested by President Trump and compiled by the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees - is a critical tool for helping the Nigerian government to help its own people. This report provides comprehensive recommendations for the United States to follow throughout its efforts to curb the religious violence in Nigeria, ranging from bilateral agreements to economic sanctions. It is well past time that we dismantle the culture of denial surrounding the religious persecution in Nigeria - and this report provides the proper tools to do so."
This joint effort from the Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees underscores the grave importance placed on this issue by both Congress and President Trump. Religious freedom is a founding principle of the United States of America, and House Republicans remain committed to protecting vulnerable religious communities around the world.
Read the report here (https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-appropriations.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/joint-nigeria-report-scanned.pdf).
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Original text here: https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriators-deliver-joint-report-christian-persecution-nigeria-white-house
