Congress
U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Cross-Industry Stakeholders, Local Elected Officials Praise Senate Passage, Urge House Action on Landmark Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 27, 2025:* * *
Cross-Industry Stakeholders, Local Elected Officials Praise Senate Passage, Urge House Action on Landmark Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act
Mayors, housing and consumer advocacy groups, industry associations, and more voiced their support and urged the House to take up the bill
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This month, the Senate passed the landmark bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which previously passed the Senate Committee on ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 27, 2025: * * * Cross-Industry Stakeholders, Local Elected Officials Praise Senate Passage, Urge House Action on Landmark Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act Mayors, housing and consumer advocacy groups, industry associations, and more voiced their support and urged the House to take up the bill * This month, the Senate passed the landmark bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which previously passed the Senate Committee onBanking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in July with a unanimous 24-0 vote. Cross-industry stakeholders and local elected officials are voicing their support for the bill's passage and urging the House to pass the bill:
Local Elected Officials
Athens, Ohio Mayor and National League of Cities President Steve Patterson
"NLC applauds Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren for their leadership in advancing this broadly supported housing package, and the U.S. Senate for accepting the ROAD to Housing Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. The act received strong bipartisan support as a historic step forward in making housing more available and more attainable in our cities, towns and villages. NLC is proud to support this bipartisan landmark legislation that gives communities, builders and lenders more tools and supports necessary to build more homes, decrease costs and open the door to housing opportunity nationwide. We thank the Senate for its action and urge the House to follow suit to move this historic legislation over the finish line. If enacted, NLC is ready to work with our federal partners and local governments to quickly put these new supports into effect."
Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther
"The housing crisis in America touches everyone, and that's why America's mayors have long made reform a top priority. I am thrilled that our progress has gotten to this point, and I am grateful to the bipartisan group of Senators who share our concern about the rising cost of housing in America. This is an enormous problem, but the ROAD to Housing Act provides a real opportunity to make affordable housing possible for more people. This is a historic and long-overdue step forward. We urge the House to now follow the Senate's lead and make this bill a priority."
Oklahoma City Mayor and U.S. Conference of Mayors President David Holt
"America's mayors commend the United States Senate for making housing reform a priority and passing this important bipartisan legislation. Solving our housing crisis requires a range of solutions, and this bill provides needed regulatory reforms, the reauthorization of critical programs, and new investments in housing revitalization. We appreciate this bipartisan action and are eager to now work with members of the House to ensure a final bill can soon become law."
Organizations
Bipartisan Policy Center, Dennis Shea, Executive Vice President and Chair of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy
"I commend the Committee and your dedicated staff not only for developing and passing legislation that offers targeted, innovative solutions to many of the nation's most pressing housing challenges, but also for demonstrating thoughtful bipartisan collaboration during a time when our nation seems so divided. Despite significant progress, much more work needs to be done. The Bipartisan Policy Center and the Terwilliger Center stand ready to support this Committee in advancing practical, durable solutions that reflect the urgency of the moment."
Catholic Charities USA
"Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) applauds the US Senate for passing the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 with bipartisan support on October 10, 2025. All of God's children deserve a safe, decent place to call home, but a severe shortage of affordable housing and a critical lack of services continue to lead to alarming rates of homelessness around our nation. This is a pressing moral crisis in need of common-sense solutions, and this legislation will remove unnecessary barriers to new housing construction and provide greater incentives for local communities to build more affordable homes. CCUSA urges the House of Representatives to make this legislation an urgent priority."
Construction Revolution, Mary Tingerthal, Founder
[To the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs]: "Thank you for your leadership in advancing the ROAD to Housing Act and the opportunity to talk with you about the critical importance of modular construction in achieving increased housing production."
Council for Affordable and Rural Housing
"CARH applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Scott and Warren and thanks the members of the Senate Banking Committee for recognizing the importance of preserving and strengthening rural housing. The inclusion of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 within the NDAA underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that rural America remains a key part of the national housing conversation."
Enterprise Community Partners
"The ROAD to Housing Act is a comprehensive package that brings together 40 different provisions - many of them aligned with Enterprise's policy priorities - aimed at tackling the nation's housing crisis from multiple angles. At a time when the need for safe, affordable homes has never been more acute, this bill represents a critical and encouraging step forward."
Habitat for Humanity
"Habitat for Humanity applauds the Senate's passage of the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act along with the leadership of Chair Tim Scott and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren who championed the bill. We are encouraged by the commitment to housing that this bill demonstrates and support its provisions to streamline existing programs, increase the supply of affordable homes and preserve our aging housing stock."
Housing Assistance Council
"The Senate approved the ROAD to Housing Act and several provisions related to Community Development Financial Institutions on October 9 as amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. The ROAD to Housing Act includes the RHS Reform Act, which HAC has endorsed, and several other pieces of housing legislation. The CDFI provisions include one permanently authorizing the Native CDFI Relending Program in USDA's Section 502 program."
National Apartment Association, National Multifamily Housing Coalition, and Real Estate Technology & Transformation Center
"The housing crisis that impacts providers and residents, alike, demands creative solutions to overcome the difficult landscape across the country. We believe the ROAD to Housing Act is an excellent start and the Senate's passage of the proposal is yet another avenue to open an important dialogue within Congress on the best ways to fight this growing problem. We thank the Senate for their favorable passage of this important legislation and remain eager to work with both chambers on the future of the ROAD to Housing Act and its provisions."
National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, Sarah Brundage, CEO and President
"Through updates to support additional housing construction and preservation, as well as private investment in housing and other community development needs, the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act and CDFI legislation that passed the Senate today will play an essential role in boosting our nation's housing supply and supporting our nation's rural, Tribal, and lower- and moderate-income communities. NAAHL applauds Senate Majority Leader Thune and Minority Leader Schumer, Armed Services Committee Chair Wicker and Ranking Member Reed, Senate Banking Committee Chair Scott and Ranking Member Warren, and Senators Daines and Warner for their work to advance this landmark legislation."
National Association of Home Builders, Buddy Hughes, Chairman
"NAHB applauds the Senate for passing a bipartisan housing package to fix the housing crisis by addressing our nation's critical lack of housing supply. Building more homes is the only way to ease America's housing affordability crisis, and the ROAD to Housing Act includes favorable provisions aimed at zoning and land-use policies, rural housing and multifamily housing that will stimulate construction of sorely needed housing."
National Association of Realtors, Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer
"NAR applauds the Senate for passing this bipartisan legislation that addresses housing supply, affordability and homeownership pathways. At a time when homeownership increasingly feels out of reach, this legislation offers meaningful, pragmatic solutions to restore opportunity for millions of American families. We commend Chair Senator Tim Scott and Ranking Member Senator Elizabeth Warren for their bipartisan leadership on this critical issue. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration to enact this vital legislation and help preserve the American dream of homeownership for future generations."
National Housing Conference, David Dworkin, CEO and President
"On behalf of the members of the National Housing Conference (NHC), thank you for your leadership in ensuring the inclusion of the ROAD to Housing Act and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) enhancements in the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The ROAD to Housing Act represents one of the most impactful housing proposals in over a decade, and the CDFI provisions provide necessary support for these important organizations and the CDFI fund at a critical juncture."
New England Council
"We're thrilled the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate yesterday. This bill will take tremendous strides toward addressing our region's housing challenges, and we commend Senator Warren & Senator Tim Scott for their leadership."
Mortgage Bankers Association, Bob Broeksmit, CEO and President
"The Senate's passage of the ROAD to Housing Act is a win for housing affordability and consumers. Many of the provisions within the bipartisan measure are aimed to take meaningful steps to boost housing supply, cut red tape in federal program offerings, and expand access to affordable mortgage credit for families nationwide. MBA applauds Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for championing practical, bipartisan solutions on housing issues."
The Real Estate Roundtable, Jeffrey D. DeBoer, CEO and President
"The nation's chronic underbuilding has created an affordability crisis that demands coordinated action. The ROAD to Housing Act that recently passed reflects the kind of public-private collaboration needed to address the housing shortage by aligning federal incentives with local action to unlock private capital, expand supply, and strengthen communities nationwide."
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Bill Text Here (https://ct.symplicity.com/t/wrn/6115ae85dccdb36c28b87c4a372f789d/2790435945/realurl=https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/final_text.pdf)
Section-By-Section Analysis Here (https://ct.symplicity.com/t/wrn/6115ae85dccdb36c28b87c4a372f789d/2790435945/realurl=https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/road_to_housing_act_of_2025_section_by_section.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/cross-industry-stakeholders-local-elected-officials-praise-senate-passage-urge-house-action-on-landmark-bipartisan-road-to-housing-act
Construction Revolution Founder Tingerthal Testifies Before Senate Housing Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development released the following written testimony by Mary Tingerthal, founder of Construction Revolution, from an Oct. 21, 2025, hearing entitled "Innovation in U.S. Housing: Solutions and Policies for America's Future":* * *
Thank you Chair Brit, Ranking Member Smith and members of the subcommittee for giving me the opportunity to testify today about Innovation in U.S. Housing with a focus on solutions and policies that can move us forward to increase the supply of housing.
My ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development released the following written testimony by Mary Tingerthal, founder of Construction Revolution, from an Oct. 21, 2025, hearing entitled "Innovation in U.S. Housing: Solutions and Policies for America's Future": * * * Thank you Chair Brit, Ranking Member Smith and members of the subcommittee for giving me the opportunity to testify today about Innovation in U.S. Housing with a focus on solutions and policies that can move us forward to increase the supply of housing. Myname is Mary Tingerthal and I am the founder of Construction Revolution, a cross-sector collaboration in Minnesota formed in 2019 to reduce the cost of housing by creating an innovation hub for the effective use of offsite construction.
I'm here today to talk about why it is important to encourage housing developers to embrace modular construction as one way to help with the important national goal of increasing housing supply.
As you have reflected in the ROAD to Housing Act, it will take innovation in all parts of the residential development and financing process to accomplish that goal of producing more housing that is more affordable to more people in more places across the country.
My comments will focus on why modular or offsite construction should figure prominently among the innovations on the list of solutions that should be encouraged by federal, state and local officials and the home-building industry.
I spent my entire full-time career in the field of housing finance, working in the for-profit, non-profit and government sectors to finance housing in the U.S. In the final 8 years, I led the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, a $4 billion entity that works with private sector lenders and developers to finance homes for first time home-buyers and affordable rental apartments. During that time, I was frustrated by the fact that the cost of housing was rising faster than the incomes of the families we were serving. That's what led me to form Construction Revolution and begin a serious look at whether increasing the use of off-site or modular construction could help to produce housing faster and more cost-effectively.
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The Use of Modular Construction is Expanding and Important Lessons are being Learned
Over the past five years, entrepreneurs have stepped up across the country to invest in new factories to produce modules for the construction of housing, with much of that new capacity focused on multifamily housing. In that time, we have learned that modular construction can deliver benefits in three key parts of the housing production process:
* Shorter Construction Times
* Lower Construction Costs
* More effective use of skilled labor
In its 2025 US Permanent Modular Construction Industry Report,/1 the Modular Building Institute indicated that the key reason for choosing modular construction is because it can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to get from the groundbreaking to the first move-in. Estimates of time savings consistently range from 20% to 50%. This is possible because 60 to 70% of the construction work can be performed offsite in a factory at the same time that work begins on site excavation, foundation and utility work at the project site. This means that larger multifamily rental properties can start generating rent as much as one year sooner than is possible with traditional construction. This also reduces the time that expensive construction loans need to be outstanding.
The second most important driver for the choice of modular is cost efficiency. In addition to the financing efficiencies already mentioned, hard construction costs have been shown to be 10% to 20% lower on the portion of the construction that is completed in the factory. The Modular Building Institute cites a 2023 study showing that overall total costs of projects using modular construction are 4% lower than comparable projects using traditional construction. This is attributable to more efficient work processes, less construction waste and more effective use of skilled labor as a result of standardized construction processes. Even larger savings are possible if standardized designs are used for multiple projects.
The shrinking availability of skilled labor is the third most important driver of the choice of modular. Standardized design and processes mean that skilled tradespeople can oversee the work of lower-skilled workers who can be effectively trained to do repeatable tasks. The fact that the work is done in a factory setting means it is possible to attract non-traditional workers to residential construction who would not otherwise consider construction jobs. This is especially critical in harsh climates where heat or cold can make on-site construction work challenging. Quality control and consistency of construction are also improved in a factory setting.
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1 Modular Building Institute. 2025. United States Permanent Modular Construction Industry Report htps://www.modular.org/industry-analysis/
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Barriers to the Broader Adoption of Modular Construction by Housing Developers
With all of these advantages, why has modular construction not been more broadly adopted by the housing development sector?
Some progress has been made over the past 5 years. The Modular Building Institute estimates that, in 2024, 7% of multifamily buildings in the U.S. used either modular or panelized construction, with the National Association of Homebuilders estimating that 5% of multifamily construction was modular. This is an important increase in just the last three years from an estimated 2% of buildings in 2022.
On the single-family side of the picture, the Manufactured Housing Institute estimated that approximately 9% of new single-family homes in 2024 were manufactured housing under the HUD code, and BusinessWire/2 reports that in 2024 3-4% of single-family homes used modular construction.
These statistics show that demand is increasing for housing built using off-site construction, but many barriers to a broader embrace by the residential development and construction industry still exist.
First - developers are reluctant to undertake a modular project if they unable to use the most effective financing tools available. For example, the popular FHA 221(d)4 construction-to-permanent loan program has administrative measures that don't allow construction draws for materials and work that is completed offsite in a factory.
Second - because most building codes in the US are written for traditional construction, the permitting and inspection processes for modular buildings can be complicated, confusing and time-consuming. This is especially true for modules constructed in one state and installed in another state.
Third - another obstacle to the adoption of modular is a persistent negative perception about the quality and durability of the construction.
Fourth - one of the most commonly observed barriers to modular adoption is the construction industry's lack of familiarity of modular construction. Many stakeholders simply are unaware of the workflows, cadence and requirements that are unique to modular construction.
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2 htps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250818964836/en/United-States-Prefabricated-Construction-Market-Report-2025-Modular-Homes-Gain-Ground-Amid-Housing-Shortages-and-Climate-Challenges-in-the-U.S.---ResearchAndMarkets.com
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Potential Solutions to Overcome these Barriers have been Identified
In the ROAD to Housing Act, three sections begin to address these barriers.
Section 302(b) of the Modular Housing Production Act section of ROAD instructs HUD to look at the administrative measures authorized for FHA construction financing programs under section 525 of the National Housing Act and identify how they can be modified to support modular construction.
Section 302(c) of the Act authorizes HUD to do a study on the design and feasibility of a uniform commercial code for modular housing. Fortunately, this study can build on work completed over the last several years in a collaboration between HUD, the National Institute for Building Sciences and a network of national and international experts.
Section 303(b) of the Act instructs HUD to conduct a study on the cost-effectiveness, quality and durability of modular housing. The findings of this study could go a long way towards reversing the negative perceptions about quality and durability of modular construction.
To address the lack of familiarity with modular construction by industry stakeholders as well as other technical issues, HUD has worked with the National Institute for Building Sciences (NIBS) and a technical organization called MODX, which taps the expertise of a national and international network of experts in offsite construction. The first published work from this collaboration is "Offsite Construction for Housing: Research Roadmap"./3
The roadmap identifies research topics to overcome obstacles that prevent scalable growth and market penetration for offsite construction. Topics include: Regulatory Frameworks; Standards and Systems Performance; Capital, Finance and Insurance; Project Delivery and Contracts; Labor and Workforce Training and Management; and Business Models and Economic Performance.
The work of this group has continued this year with an initiative that focuses specifically on stakeholders in six regions of the country to develop regional action plans for stimulating the adoption of offsite construction in each region. The publication of these plans in the "HUD Breakthrough Pilot Handbook: Growing Offsite Construction for Housing through Regional Pilot Projects" is scheduled for 2026.
Finally, the partners of Construction Revolution have learned that education of stakeholders is most likely to occur when stakeholders have access to real-time information on actual projects. In 2021, Construction Revolution worked in partnership with MODX to develop an Offsite Accelerator course that provided detailed instruction about offsite construction to 24 practitioners in a mixed class including developers, architects, construction contractors and lenders. The course included two workshop sessions where participants were able to bring housing development projects they were working on to get real-time feedback on how they could effectively use modular construction to achieve their goals. One of the projects that the group analyzed - the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority Family Housing Expansion Project - was completed in 2024 and was featured at the 2024 HUD Innovative Housing Showcase. The project was also a finalist in the Urban Land Institute 2024 Award of the Americas./4
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3 Ryan E. Smith, Ivan Rupnik, Tyler Schmeterer, Kyle Barry. 2023 Offsite Construction for Housing: Research Roadmap. Prepared for Department of Housing and Urban Development, office of Policy Development and Research htps://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/Offsite-Construction-for-Housing-Research-Roadmap.html
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This project now serves as an example of the innovative and effective use of modular construction for developers and communities across the country.
The project was developed by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority to provide housing located in low-density neighborhoods for 84 low-income families. Financed as a single project, the development was constructed on 16 separate sites located in 11 different neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis that were selected for characteristics like proximity to high quality schools. Each building was either a fourplex comprised of 6 modules or a six-plex comprised of 9 modules, all fabricated by RISE Modular located in Owatonna, Minnesota. Research by the Minneapolis PHA had demonstrated that families who live in scattered site housing have beter outcomes (such as employment, buying a home and school achievement) than those families who live in higher density congregate settings, so they designed a project that would use medium-sized buildings in low density neighborhoods to increase the overall number of families they could serve with the program. Today, 84 families live in two and three-bedroom homes they can afford in buildings like the one shown in the photo below.
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4 htps://americas.uli.org/family-housing-expansion-project-uli-americas-awards-for-excellence-finalist/
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Conclusion
Modular construction is a technology innovation that can bring time savings, cost savings and better utilization of skilled labor to increase the production of housing. Encouragement from federal, state and local governments and the home-building industry through supporting innovation programs, such as those anticipated in Sections 209 - Innovation Fund and 210 - Accelerating Home Building Act of the ROAD to Housing Act, can help developers and industry stakeholders to gain confidence in this new approach. The two administrative measures in Section 303 - Modular Housing Production Act can provide more effective financing and address issues in the permitting and inspections process for modular construction.
Thank you for your leadership in advancing the ROAD to Housing Act and for the opportunity to talk with you about the critical importance of modular construction in achieving increased housing production.
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/tingerthal_testimony_10-21-25.pdf
Committee Democrats Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Firings
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, ranking member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following news release:* * *
Committee Democrats Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Firings
Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce led Committee Democrats in urging Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, Russell Vought, to reinstate thousands of unlawfully terminated employees at the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
These civil servants and the rest ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, ranking member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following news release: * * * Committee Democrats Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Firings Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce led Committee Democrats in urging Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, Russell Vought, to reinstate thousands of unlawfully terminated employees at the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These civil servants and the restof the country, who depend on the critical programs at ED and HHS, discovered these firings would occur through a social media post from Russell Vought's account. These terminations will make it harder for low-income Americans to meet the demand of rising costs and impact students' ability to access an equitable education.
"Instead of trying to prevent service disruptions for Americans living in poverty during the government shutdown, this Administration appears to be taking the opportunity to achieve its own policy objectives through destruction of these two federal programs by targeting the personnel who administer them, a clear subversion of the law," wrote the Members.
"[W]e call upon you to immediately reverse the layoffs and engage in a transparent manner with Congress," the Members continued. "Without it, the health and safety of those in our country, as well as the education of our nation's students, hangs in the balance."
On October 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump Administration from immediately dismissing some of the federal workers during a government shutdown.
Since February, the Trump Administration has fired tens of thousands of government employees. While some have been rehired, these haphazard actions ultimately harm workers, students, and families.
To read the full letter, click here (https://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/imo/media/doc/scott_et_al_letter_to_omb_re_rifs_at_hhs_and_ed.pdf).
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Original text here: https://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/media/press-releases/committee-democrats-urge-trump-administration-to-reverse-firings
Comer Investigates UNRWA for Obstructing U.S. Oversight Into Staff's Alleged Hamas Ties
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 27, 2025:* * *
Comer Investigates UNRWA for Obstructing U.S. Oversight into Staff's Alleged Hamas Ties
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is investigating the actions of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in response to credible reports that UNRWA staff members participated in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks Hamas carried out against ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 27, 2025: * * * Comer Investigates UNRWA for Obstructing U.S. Oversight into Staff's Alleged Hamas Ties House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is investigating the actions of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in response to credible reports that UNRWA staff members participated in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks Hamas carried out againstIsrael. In a letter to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Chairman Comer requests all documents and communication relating to the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigation into UNRWA staff members accused of assisting with or directly participating in the October 7, 2023 attack. This request follows UNRWA's repeated failure to adequately respond to the U.S. government's oversight requests.
"Despite repeated U.S. oversight inquiries, UNRWA, either on its own or at the direction of UN Headquarters, has refused to provide necessary documentation related to its staff's involvement in this atrocity. For example, although the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Inspector General (USAID OIG) has requested pertinent documentation related to the termination of several UNRWA employees implicated in the October 7th attack, the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), at UNRWA's request, has redacted valuable information, further obscuring the involvement of current and former UNRWA staff's in the attacks. This is unacceptable, as the lack of transparency greatly undermines U.S. efforts to assess risk and obstructs the oversight responsibilities of Congress," wrote Chairman Comer.
The United States alone has been the United Nation's largest contributor since its founding in 1945 and provides 22 percent of the UN general budget, 25 percent of its peacekeeping budget, and 40 percent of its humanitarian budget, including hundreds of millions in funds to UNRWA. Intelligence reports reveal that several UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023 attack against Israel by Hamas, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, that killed approximately 1,400 Israelis and at least 32 American citizens. Between 200 and 250 hostages were also taken into Gaza. These reports also uncovered the roughly 10 percent of UNRWA's 12,000 staff in Gaza were reportedly affiliated with Islamist militant groups, including Hamas. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan directly led to the release of the 20 living Israeli hostages on October 13, 2025.
"In February 2025, due to ongoing concerns regarding the connection between UNRWA and terrorist entities such as Hamas, President Trump issued an Executive Order terminating U.S. funding of UNRWA. President Trump's historic peacekeeping initiative was successful, but it raises serious questions about the UN's lack of effort in facilitating this process and whether it deserves to receive any continued funding from U.S. taxpayers. Without full accountability, we cannot confirm that implicated individuals--regardless of whether UNRWA or the UN generally believes they are culpable--have been removed from their positions or that vetting mechanisms are in place to prevent future threats. The risk remains that current or former UNRWA employees tied to terrorism could resurface within other UN entities or NGOs funded by U.S. tax dollars. The requested documents and communications are required for verification that no UN entity or NGO receiving American taxpayer funds employs individuals affiliated with, or supporting, terrorist entities," concluded Chairman Comer.
Read the letter to the UN Secretary-General here (https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UN-Sec-Gen-re-UNRWA-Letter_102725.pdf).
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Original text here: https://oversight.house.gov/release/comer-investigates-unrwa-for-obstructing-u-s-oversight-into-staffs-alleged-hamas-ties/
Chairman Smith Commends Trump Administration on New Investigation Into China's Failure to Uphold Its Trade Obligations
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:* * *
Chairman Smith Commends Trump Administration on New Investigation into China's Failure to Uphold Its Trade Obligations
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it was launching a new investigation - under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 - into China's failure to comply with its obligations under the 2020 Phase One Agreement:
"Under President Trump, America will not ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: * * * Chairman Smith Commends Trump Administration on New Investigation into China's Failure to Uphold Its Trade Obligations Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it was launching a new investigation - under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 - into China's failure to comply with its obligations under the 2020 Phase One Agreement: "Under President Trump, America will notbe shy about using our trade enforcement tools to go after nations that fail to abide by their trade obligations or that take actions that directly harm American workers, small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and innovators. Over the past several years, the Ways and Means Committee has been vocal about the need to utilize Section 301 and other trade authorities to hold China accountable - given that nation's chronic failure to live up to its trade-related commitments. In fact, Committee Republicans consistently called on the previous administration to ensure the Phase One agreement was being fully enforced. No trade agreement has any value for Americans unless the United States rigorously enforces it. Sadly, President Biden and his team failed to do so in several respects. The Biden administration slow-walked its review of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports to address measures that undermine American intellectual property rights, innovation, or technology development. Furthermore, despite China's clear failure to fulfill its Phase One obligations - including falling far short on its commitments to purchase U.S. agricultural products - the Biden administration failed entirely to enforce that agreement.
"President Trump's China actions correctly identify that nation as a bad actor when it comes to compliance with its trade obligations, in the Phase One Agreement and beyond. Just as we worked together to end China's abuse of our de minimis trading policy, Congress and the Trump Administration must continue to hold our trading partners accountable to ensure a level playing field for America's workers and businesses."
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READ: Chairman Smith: President Trump's Trade Agenda Changes Our Trade Relationships to Source of Economic Strength and Revenue, Not a Source of Decline and Dependence (https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/04/09/chairman-smith-president-trumps-trade-agenda-changes-our-trade-relationships-to-source-of-economic-strength-and-revenue-not-a-source-of-decline-and-dependence/)
READ: Four Key Moments: Hearing on America's Trade Enforcement Priorities (https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/02/28/four-key-moments-hearing-on-americas-trade-enforcement-priorities/)
READ: Chairman Smith: "Only the Biden Administration would need over two years to figure out that the Trump tariffs combatting China's unfair trade practices were, in fact, a good thing." (https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2024/05/14/chairman-smith-only-the-biden-administration-would-need-over-two-years-to-figure-out-that-the-trump-tariffs-combatting-chinas-unfair-trade-practices-were-in-fact-a-good-thing/)
READ: Ways and Means Republicans Demand Biden Administration Complete Review of Section 301 China Tariffs (https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2024/05/07/ways-and-means-republicans-demand-biden-administration-complete-review-of-section-301-china-tariffs/)
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Original text here: https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/10/25/chairman-smith-commends-trump-administration-on-new-investigation-into-chinas-failure-to-uphold-its-trade-obligations/
Chairman Comer Announces Transcribed Interviews With Discord, Reddit, Steam, and Twitch to Examine Online Radicalization
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 27, 2025:* * *
Chairman Comer Announces Transcribed Interviews with Discord, Reddit, Steam, and Twitch to Examine Online Radicalization
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today announced that the committee will hold transcribed interviews with the general counsels of Discord, Reddit, Steam, and Twitch to examine the radicalization of online forum users, including instances of open incitement ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 27, 2025: * * * Chairman Comer Announces Transcribed Interviews with Discord, Reddit, Steam, and Twitch to Examine Online Radicalization House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today announced that the committee will hold transcribed interviews with the general counsels of Discord, Reddit, Steam, and Twitch to examine the radicalization of online forum users, including instances of open incitementto commit politically motivated acts. Chairman Comer previously requested the Chief Executive Officers of the companies to testify on October 8, 2025, but in light of the ongoing Democrat government shutdown, the committee will instead proceed with transcribed interviews to obtain the necessary information.
"In light of the Democrat government shutdown, the House Oversight Committee is moving forward with our investigation into the online radicalization of forum users by conducting transcribed interviews with representatives from Discord, Reddit, Steam, and Twitch. In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other acts of politically motivated violence, Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that extremists have used to promote violence. We look forward to hearing from these companies about the actions they are taking to ensure their platforms are not exploited for nefarious purposes," said Chairman Comer.
Below are the dates for the transcribed interviews:
* November 4, 2025: Valve/Steam
* November 12, 2025: Discord
* November 18, 2025: Reddit
* November 20, 2025: Twitch
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Original text here: https://oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-announces-transcribed-interviews-with-discord-reddit-steam-and-twitch-to-examine-online-radicalization/
Bipartisan Policy Center Executive VP Shea Testifies Before Senate Housing Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development released the following testimony by Dennis C. Shea, executive vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center, from an Oct. 21, 2025, hearing entitled "Innovation in U.S. Housing: Solutions and Policies for America's Future":* * *
Chairman Britt, Ranking Member Smith, and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Dennis Shea, and I serve as an executive vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and lead ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development released the following testimony by Dennis C. Shea, executive vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center, from an Oct. 21, 2025, hearing entitled "Innovation in U.S. Housing: Solutions and Policies for America's Future": * * * Chairman Britt, Ranking Member Smith, and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Dennis Shea, and I serve as an executive vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and leadits J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy. BPC is a nonprofit think tank committed to advancing bipartisan solutions to some of the nation's most pressing challenges, including our nation's critical shortage of safe, decent, and affordable housing.
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America's Housing Affordability Crisis
Ron Terwilliger, our center's founder and a longtime housing developer, used to say that the nation's housing affordability challenge was a "silent crisis," largely ignored by the media and policymakers. But the problem has become so severe and unavoidable in recent years, it can no longer be considered "silent." Not unexpectedly, a bipartisan majority of Americans think housing affordability is a significant concern and support legislative reforms to address the crisis.
A record high 42.9 million households--half of all renter households and a quarter of homeowners--are cost burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on housing alone, leaving little to cover other essentials like food, child care, transportation, and health care.
In the last five years, home prices have skyrocketed by more than 50% and rents have jumped nearly 30%. Mortgage rates, property insurance costs, and property taxes have all increased as well, straining multifamily property owners and homeowners alike. With income growth lagging behind rising costs, home-ownership is slipping further out of reach for millions of families.
Homelessness is also continuing to rise at an alarming rate. More than 770,000 Americans--including a growing number of older adults and families with children--experience homelessness on any given night, a nearly 20% increase from 2023 to 2024. This challenge is not confined to our largest cities; the number of people unable to find and maintain stable housing has grown in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike, even as the capacity of organizations providing shelter beds or permanent supportive housing has increased.
Although estimates vary, it is fair to say that the United States has underbuilt housing by millions of homes since the Great Recession. The persistent mismatch between housing supply and demand has fueled today's affordability crisis. Starter homes--those smaller than 1,400 square feet--are in particularly short supply. In the 1970s and 1980s, these more attainable homes accounted for 30% to 40% of new homes being built. Today, only about 10% of new homes are considered starter homes.
At the Terwilliger Center, we operate from the belief that housing is foundational. Access to safe, stable housing is associated with improved health and educational outcomes for children, while supply constraints can hamper both individual economic opportunity and broader economic growth. As the housing affordability crisis deepens, Congress must act to ensure American families and communities have the foundation they need to thrive. Addressing these challenges will require creative problem solving to expand opportunity and affordability.
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Innovative Solutions to the Housing Supply Shortage
As this Committee has recognized, housing is a nonpartisan issue that commands strong bipartisan support. The housing affordability challenge affects Americans in virtually every state and community. I commend the Committee for acknowledging the growing severity of the problem and for your commitment to working together on solutions.
The Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act of 2025--which received a unanimous, bipartisan vote from the full Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and recently passed the Senate as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act--illustrates the broad areas of bipartisan agreement in housing. While addressing the housing affordability crisis will require sustained, bipartisan collaboration, this package marks a major congressional milestone.
The ROAD to Housing Act incorporates provisions from dozens of previously introduced bills, the majority of which were introduced with bipartisan sponsors, with many supported by BPC and our advocacy arm, BPC Action. The bill offers a range of creative solutions, updating and reforming federal housing policy through three primary channels: deregulation, modernization and improvement of existing programs, and support for state and local governments in addressing the housing supply shortage.
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Reducing Regulatory Barriers
Regulatory barriers can significantly hamper the construction and preservation of affordable housing, while diminishing the effectiveness of federal programs designed to expand access to such housing, particularly in neighborhoods of opportunity. The added costs associated with regulatory compliance can account for a large part of the price of newly constructed housing--nearly 25% of the average single-family home and more than 40% of a multifamily property, according to the National Association of Home Builders. While state and local regulations often pose their own unique challenges, small changes to federal requirements could together make a meaningful impact on housing supply and affordability. Several members of the Terwilliger Center's Advisory Committee recently sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent offering regulatory reform recommendations to help unlock the full potential of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), a critical tool that incentivizes private investment to help finance affordable rental housing construction and preservation. I commend this letter to the Committee's attention.
The ROAD to Housing Act includes several provisions aimed at updating and streamlining regulations. For example, provisions adopted from the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act would reduce delays and complexity associated with the HUD inspection process for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program by removing duplicative requirements for properties that have recently passed inspections under other federal housing programs. It would also allow new landlords to request advance inspections. These changes aim to incentivize greater landlord participation in the HCV program and ultimately expand options for voucher holders--approximately 40% of whom are currently unable to find an eligible unit with a landlord willing to participate in the program.
The Housing Supply Expansion Act, also included in the ROAD to Housing Act, would eliminate the permanent chassis requirement for manufactured homes. This simple but important change is expected to reduce the cost of new manufactured homes--already an affordable option--by
$5,000 to $10,000 per unit and encourage greater innovation in manufactured housing design.
The act also includes several provisions designed to streamline the environmental review process, incorporating provisions from the bipartisan Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development Housing Act and Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act. By simplifying and speeding up these reviews, the provisions aim to reduce the delays and added costs that environmental regulations can often impose on a housing development.
Deregulatory reforms like these, applied to existing programs and processes, can improve efficiency and efficacy without requiring additional federal spending.
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Improving and Modernizing Existing Programs
The federal government has dozens of programs that address a wide range of housing needs, from rental assistance to affordable housing development to homelessness prevention. While these programs have served millions of households over the past several decades, reforms and updates could further enhance their impact.
The ROAD to Housing Act would create a new pilot under HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency program to automatically enroll new households and remove enrollment barriers, incorporating provisions from the bipartisan Helping More Families Save Act. The pilot would evaluate whether an opt-out model improves the program's efficacy in promoting economic mobility and helping participating households achieve homeownership. The program has previously been shown to increase engagement with and access to self-sufficiency services, with graduates accruing an average of nearly $11,000 in escrow savings accounts.
The ROAD to Housing Act would also modernize programs within the USDA's Rural Housing Service, incorporating provisions from the bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act. These changes would help to preserve as many as 30,000 affordable rental homes in rural communities by 2050, revitalize many more aging homes, and strengthen USDA's capacity through IT modernization and increased staffing.
As today's housing challenges evolve, these proven federal programs remain essential tools for supporting renters and homeowners. Targeted updates and improvements to these programs would ensure that federal agencies are equipped to meet current and future housing needs.
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Supporting State and Local Governments
Many of the restrictive zoning and land use policies that prevent the use of innovative construction techniques and building designs--such as manufactured and modular construction, accessory dwelling units, and duplexes and other types of "missing middle" housing--are found at the state or local level. In recent years, cities and states across the country have begun reevaluating minimum lot size requirements, parking minimums, single-family zoning, and other policies to enable more home construction.
The ROAD to Housing Act provides funding and technical assistance to state and local governments working to reduce these barriers to development. The Housing Supply Frameworks Act, for example, would direct HUD to publish guidelines and best-practice frameworks for state and local zoning and land use policies, making it easier and more cost-effective for communities to implement pro-housing changes.
Another section of the bill, incorporating the Accelerating Home Building Act, would establish a grant program to support localities' development of "pattern books," or sets of pre-reviewed housing designs for missing-middle and infill housing, especially for rural areas and other high-opportunity areas. These pattern books would streamline construction approvals, reducing project timelines and costs.
Federal support is essential as jurisdictions explore ways to boost housing supply and improve affordability. At the same time, state and local leaders play a central role in crafting solutions tailored to the unique challenges of their communities. Many communities are already hard at work, addressing the unique housing challenges they face. Since 2018, at least 20 states have taken steps to make it easier to build housing.
For example, Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) has called Utah's lack of affordable housing its "single greatest threat." He set an aggressive goal of building 35,000 new affordable units by 2028, focusing on homes that will be attainable for new homeowners, young families, and local workers. In support of that goal, he signed several bills into law, including H.B. 572, which created the Utah Homes Investment Program, a $300 million program that supports banks in offering low-cost loans to developers building new affordable housing, and S.B. 168, which establishes a statewide code for modular building units, making it easier to build new modular homes.
On the other side of the country, Gov. Daniel McKee (D-RI) has set specific housing production targets for each municipality in Rhode Island, totaling 15,000 new homes by 2030. To support this effort, he established a new State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to help developers close financing gaps for affordable housing projects and deliver over 500 new units. The state legislature has also passed several new housing bills to modernize the state's permitting system, allow for new types of co-living developments, and establish a land bank that will be used to create new affordable housing on vacant or underutilized lots.
Local communities are also responding, with many implementing reforms that allow the construction of new types of housing. Oklahoma City, for example, passed an ordinance earlier this year making it easier to build accessory dwelling units in designated areas of the city as part of an effort to address its housing shortage. Cities are also implementing zoning reforms aimed at lowering the regulatory costs of new housing development. One such method is parking reform, which has already been implemented by more than 2,400 cities across the country. For instance, as part of Minneapolis 2040, a comprehensive plan that included city-wide zoning and land-use reform, Minneapolis adopted regulations eliminating off-street minimum parking requirements and lowering maximum parking allowances.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, a long-term "all hands on deck" approach is needed to solve the housing affordability crisis, including efforts from all levels of government, the private sector, and philanthropy. The private sector in particular plays an important role in developing and testing innovative ideas that can reduce costs and improve affordability. For instance, private companies are pioneering more cost-effective and resilient construction materials, the use of off-site building and artificial intelligence to shorten construction timelines, and the deployment of streamlined rental application processes. Without the private sector's leadership on innovation, we will not have the necessary tools to address the housing challenges we're facing.
If enacted, the ROAD to Housing Act would be the most comprehensive federal housing legislation since the Great Recession. Paired with the recent expansion of LIHTC--a longstanding bipartisan priority--in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the ROAD to Housing Act would provide a powerful example of the federal government's commitment to housing, give state and local governments new tools to address the housing challenges unique to their communities, and provide strong momentum for further action on supply and affordability by other stakeholders.
I commend the Committee and your dedicated staff not only for developing and passing legislation that offers targeted, innovative solutions to many of the nation's most pressing housing challenges, but also for demonstrating thoughtful bipartisan collaboration during a time when our nation seems so divided. Despite significant progress, much more work needs to be done. The Bipartisan Policy Center and the Terwilliger Center stand ready to support this Committee in advancing practical, durable solutions that reflect the urgency of the moment. Thank you for your time and attention.
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/shea_testimony_10-21-25.pdf
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Nominee Namdarkhan Testifies Before Senate Foreign Relations Committee
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee released the following testimony by Mora Namdarkhan, President Trump's nominee to be assistant secretary of State for consular affairs, from an Oct. 23, 2025, confirmation hearing:* * *
Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished Members of this Committee. I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. I am grateful to the President and Secretary Rubio for their confidence in me.
I would like to thank my family for their constant support. ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee released the following testimony by Mora Namdarkhan, President Trump's nominee to be assistant secretary of State for consular affairs, from an Oct. 23, 2025, confirmation hearing: * * * Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished Members of this Committee. I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. I am grateful to the President and Secretary Rubio for their confidence in me. I would like to thank my family for their constant support.As the daughter of Iranian immigrants and a proud native of Texas, my commitment to public service is rooted in the opportunities this country has afforded my family. I am deeply honored to be in a position to give back. I want to say "thank you" to the American people for this great opportunity.
I have founded and led businesses, practiced law in both Texas and the District of Columbia, and dedicated much of my academic and professional life to national security and human rights--areas that lie central to the work of the State Department.
If confirmed, I will lead the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) with a mission rooted in national interest. As Secretary Rubio has articulated, every policy we pursue must answer three key questions:
Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?
CA the heart of that mission. If confirmed, I will focus on three strategic priorities:
First - One of the most solemn responsibilities of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is the safety and security of American citizens overseas. If confirmed,
I will prioritize ensuring that no American is left behind. Whether it's a passport lost in a remote city, or a loved one wrongfully detained by a hostile regime, every American abroad deserves the full support and attention of their government.
Under President Trump's leadership, we have seen the safe return of dozens of Americans overseas; wrongfully detained individuals like Ksenia Karelina, Marc Fogel, Keith Siegel, and George Glezmann, whose freedom was secured through a decisive and unapologetic defense of American citizens. That legacy must continue. I will work closely with our Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, the National Security Council, and our embassies worldwide to bring wrongfully and illegally detained Americans home and prevent future cases through diplomacy, deterrence, and enhanced consular support. Americans must know that their government will never forget them, never stop fighting for them, and never negotiate from a position of weakness when their freedom is at stake. That is the standard we must meet.
While the world has become safer under President Trump's leadership, crises and conflicts continue to arise, demanding vigilance and swift action. Throughout the recent conflict in the Middle East, the dedicated men and women of the State Department, and particularly the Bureau of Consular Affairs, worked tirelessly around the clock to assist impacted American citizens depart safely. State Department safety and security messaging reached tens of thousands of Americans, providing critical updates and guidance. They remain ready to assist American citizens and their loved ones whenever and wherever the next global crisis occurs. If confirmed, I will also work to ensure that American citizens receive clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world, empowering them to make informed decisions before traveling.
Second - Upholding and improving the integrity of our immigration system is a critical national security priority. Every visa adjudication is a critical decision impacting national security and public safety. It is essential that our consular officers are equipped with the resources and support necessary to perform their duties effectively. As Secretary Rubio has emphasized, "Consular officers have the responsibility to ensure that visas are issued only to individuals who meet the criteria and do not pose a threat to U.S. interests. If someone violates the terms of their visa or engages in activities that undermine our foreign policy, consular officers have the authority to revoke their visa." Under President Trump's leadership, the border is the most secure it has ever been. CA, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement officials, works tirelessly both domestically and internationally to uphold the President's commitment to a safer and more secure homeland. I remain steadfast in supporting our operations at home and abroad to ensure that the privilege of a U.S. visa is granted only to those who meet the qualifications, that visa holders adhere to the terms of their visas, and that individuals who violate these terms or disregard U.S. laws will lose the privilege of holding a U.S. visa.
Visa decisions not only make America safer and stronger, but they also make America more prosperous. If confirmed, I will work to achieve President Trump's priority of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup the greatest sporting event in history. The Bureau of Consular Affairs is already supporting visa issuances for the official FIFA teams and spectators.
Third - Efficiency in our operations. Innovating CA not only enhances the safety of Americans but also improves service to the American people, more than 51 percent of whom now hold a U.S. passport. In FY25, CA issued a record 27 million passports. A prime example of these efficiency improvements is the introduction of online passport renewal, which allows American citizens to save both time and money by applying for passports from the comfort of their own homes. Passport specialists and agencies across the country are diligently processing applications, and many Americans can now renew their passports entirely online--eliminating the need for in-person appointments, mailing envelopes, writing checks, or even paying for passport photos. The timely and efficient operation of passport services exemplify the CA's continued commitment to security, efficiency, and exceptional customer service for the American people. While routine passport renewals are officially processed within 4-6 weeks, some private citizens have reported turnaround times as short as two weeks.
Innovation plays a critical role in strengthening national security. If confirmed, I will ensure that CA has all available tools to consider information when reviewing applications for possible ineligibilities and to enhance screening and vetting processes for visa applicants. We must continuously develop its capabilities to meet new demands and emerging challenges while upholding the highest standards of security in a rapidly changing global environment.
Additionally, I am committed to ensuring that CA fulfills its congressional mandate to process immigrant visa applications in as timely a manner as possible. Our dedicated professionals, both domestically and abroad, are working to improve immigrant visa processing, including strengthening security.
Finally, I recognize that the success of the bureau depends not only on sound policy and capable execution, but also on a strong and transparent partnership with Congress. Whether it involves a constituent's passport emergency, an adoption case, a child abduction mater, or the detention of an American overseas, I understand the urgency and human stakes behind each inquiry that reaches the bureau. If confirmed, I will ensure that your inquiries are met with transparency, responsiveness, and a spirit of shared service to the American people. I look forward to your questions.
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Original text here: https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/51e35d2f-c85a-578e-6c34-74124a2eefc5/102325_Namdarkhan_Testimony.pdf