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Ranking Member Lofgren Announces She Will Seek Chair of House Science Committee as Democrats Win Control of Congress
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-California, ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release:
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November 04, 2026
Ranking Member Lofgren Announces She Will Seek Chair of House Science Committee as Democrats Win Control of Congress
(Washington, DC) -- This morning, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) made the following statement after Democrats secured the majority of the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm election:
"Yesterday, the American people chose stability over chaos," said Ranking Member Lofgren. "They chose people
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-California, ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release:
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November 04, 2026
Ranking Member Lofgren Announces She Will Seek Chair of House Science Committee as Democrats Win Control of Congress
(Washington, DC) -- This morning, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) made the following statement after Democrats secured the majority of the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm election:
"Yesterday, the American people chose stability over chaos," said Ranking Member Lofgren. "They chose peopleand policies that will make not only their lives better, but the lives of future generations better. Americans chose science and reason. They've put their trust in Democrats and our ability to deliver on our promises.
She continued: "I will be seeking the Chair of the House Science Committee. First and foremost, as Chairwoman, I will work to put a stop to Trump's politicization of science. We will hold this administration accountable for the damage they have done to the American scientific enterprise. The oversight and investigations work we've been doing for the past two years in the minority will continue. We have a lot of work to do, and we'll be ready to hit the ground running come the start of the 120th Congress, with Democrats in control of the House and Senate.
"We will also set out to fix what Trump has broken. We'll restore and advance support for our premiere science institutions and the dedicated people who work there. We will build protections for federal science and innovation programs so Trump-era corruption cannot happen again.
"The future is unfolding before us with groundbreaking technologies like AI, quantum, and fusion energy. We need to build responsible regulations for AI while also fostering innovation. We must invest holistically in quantum to meet emerging challenges for our competitiveness in this field. This administration's climate denialism has set us back. We need to advance climate solutions now. Fusion, with its limitless, emission-free power, will help us achieve our clean energy future. Breakthrough after breakthrough in fusion energy science has been encouraging--and we need to match this momentum with federal support.
"The U.S. research ecosystem used to be the envy of the world. People brought their ideas and energy here--and our Nation reaped the rewards of that talent in discoveries and the resulting economic growth. That is now all at risk. I will stop at nothing to earn back the trust of our allies across the globe, end the brain drain, restore scientific integrity across our agencies, and reaffirm our leadership in science. The American people deserve no less."
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Original text here: https://democrats-science.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-lofgren-announces-she-will-seek-chair-of-house-science-committee-as-democrats-win-control-of-congress
Neal Statement on Democrats Winning House Majority
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:
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Neal Statement on Democrats Winning House Majority
November 4, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, MA-- Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after Democrats secured the House Majority:
"The people have rendered their verdict on the failed Trump agenda. After watching their groceries get more expensive, health care pushed out of reach, and job opportunities disappear, the American people have spoken
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:
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Neal Statement on Democrats Winning House Majority
November 4, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, MA-- Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after Democrats secured the House Majority:
"The people have rendered their verdict on the failed Trump agenda. After watching their groceries get more expensive, health care pushed out of reach, and job opportunities disappear, the American people have spokenloudly that they need a better path forward. Democrats are ready to answer that call.
"This mandate for Democrats is a profound opportunity for us to chart a better course and craft an agenda that puts people's needs first. We know they are tired of paying for Trump's needless war with Iran and price-hiking tariffs every time they visit the checkout counter or the gas pump. It's time for us to roll up our sleeves and advance policies that will rein in costs, fix our health care system, shore up the programs Americans rely on, and put an end to Trump's enrichment off the backs of workers and families.
"The American people are counting on us to find the best solutions for the problems they are facing. At the Committee on Ways and Means, we're ready to get that work done."
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Original text here: https://democrats-waysandmeans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/neal-statement-democrats-winning-house-majority
Khanna, Moolenaar Seek Answers on Air Force Changes to China Aerospace Studies Institute
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, issued the following news release:
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Khanna, Moolenaar Seek Answers on Air Force Changes to China Aerospace Studies Institute
November 4, 2026
WASHINGTON - Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party today requested a briefing from the Department of the Air Force on changes to
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, issued the following news release:
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Khanna, Moolenaar Seek Answers on Air Force Changes to China Aerospace Studies Institute
November 4, 2026
WASHINGTON - Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party today requested a briefing from the Department of the Air Force on changes tothe China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) at Air University, raising concerns that decisions affecting the Institute's resources and personnel could weaken the United States' ability to understand and counter the People's Republic of China's rapidly advancing aerospace capabilities.
In a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink, the lawmakers emphasized CASI's critical role in providing the U.S. government, military, Congress, and the public with research and analysis on the PRC's aerospace strategy, military modernization, and strategic thinking.
"Under-resourcing CASI's mission could risk undermining the ability of military leaders and civilian policymakers to understand the PRC's aerospace strategy and capabilities and, by extension, deter Beijing from using them in a military conflict," Ranking Member Khanna and Chairman Moolenaar wrote in the letter. "Any potential loss of such expertise is particularly worrisome given the PRC's continued efforts to rapidly modernize its aerospace forces while expanding its aggressive activities in the Indo-Pacific region."
The lawmakers further warn that reductions in CASI's resources or in-house expertise could leave the Air Force and other government agencies less equipped to assess the PRC's military capabilities, potentially forcing them to rely on costly outside contractors to fill critical knowledge gaps. As the PRC continues to advance its military technology, access to reliable, specialized research will remain essential to informing defense planning and national security policy, the lawmakers added.
"Understanding the PLA's capabilities in these domains is critical for deterring conflict and, as stated in CASI's charter, for 'improving [the U.S.] ability to be successful in strategic competition,'" the Members concluded. "As the PLA continues to expand its aerospace capabilities, our need to understand these advancements will continue to grow."
The Ranking Member and Chairman have requested a briefing from the Department of the Air Force on its resourcing and personnel decisions concerning CASI by November 20, 2026.
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Original text here: https://democrats-selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/media/press-releases/khanna-moolenaar-seek-answers-air-force-changes-china-aerospace-studies
Incoming Oversight Chairman Robert Garcia Statement After Democrats Secure Majority in the U.S. House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release:
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November 03, 2026
Incoming Oversight Chairman Robert Garcia Statement After Democrats Secure Majority in the U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement after Democrats secured a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Following this win, Garcia will become Chairman of the House Oversight
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the following news release:
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November 03, 2026
Incoming Oversight Chairman Robert Garcia Statement After Democrats Secure Majority in the U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement after Democrats secured a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Following this win, Garcia will become Chairman of the House OversightCommittee, where he has vowed to take on the Trump Crime Family, corporate corruption, DHS and ICE abuses, and the cover-up of the Epstein files. His statement can be found below.
"Lawyer up."
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Original text here: https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/incoming-oversight-chairman-robert-garcia-statement-after-democrats-secure-majority-in-the-us-house-of-representatives
Huffman, Hoyle Warn Changes to U.S. Positions on Wildlife Trade Could Increase Wildlife Trafficking, Zoonotic Disease Risks
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Jared Huffman, D-California, ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release:
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11.04.26
Huffman, Hoyle Warn Changes to U.S. Positions on Wildlife Trade Could Increase Wildlife Trafficking, Zoonotic Disease Risks
Ahead of international conference on wildlife trade, Ranking Members warned Trump political appointees are weakening protections against international wildlife trafficking
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Washington, D.C. - House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rep. Jared Huffman, D-California, ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release:
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11.04.26
Huffman, Hoyle Warn Changes to U.S. Positions on Wildlife Trade Could Increase Wildlife Trafficking, Zoonotic Disease Risks
Ahead of international conference on wildlife trade, Ranking Members warned Trump political appointees are weakening protections against international wildlife trafficking
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Washington, D.C. - House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, andFisheries Ranking Member Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) demanded answers from the U.S. Department of State and Interior regarding U.S. engagement in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
CITES is an international treaty that regulates the lawful trade in endangered species and combats illegal wildlife trafficking. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) serves as the lead federal agency on CITES issues due to its statutory role in implementing the treaty and its science-based approach to regulating wildlife trade.
However, under the Trump administration, the State Department is asserting itself as the lead agency for CITES, and the U.S. delegation from FWS has been filled with political appointees who are changing the United States' longstanding positions on key issues. CITES Standing Committee meetings commenced on November 2, 2026, with a number of State Department officials in attendance. The United States has long held that a science-based management approach is key to the treaty's success. The Ranking Members warned that the delegation is moving away from those science-based principles to favor wildlife trade industry interests, potentially weakening protections for endangered species and increasing the risk of trafficking.
Among these changes is a new position advanced by FWS Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Interior, Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, a Trump Administration appointee, to turn a blind eye to zoonotic disease risks. At a CITES meeting in July, Dr. Chatfield claimed that wildlife trade does not pose a significant zoonotic risk and that zoonotic risks should not lead to changes in international wildlife trade policy. These are diseases that can spread from animals to people, making safeguards for wildlife trade a matter of public health as well as conservation. Ignoring those risks could leave families and communities more vulnerable to future outbreaks. Dr. Chatfield has come under fire for her close association with industries that would benefit from weaker protections in international wildlife trade.
Dr. Chatfield's actions are particularly concerning given her track record of involving herself in official government decisions that could benefit her family's lemur breeding operation and other wildlife businesses. In April, Ranking Member Huffman referred an investigation to the Interior Inspector General regarding Dr. Chatfield's potential violations of federal ethics rules and federal laws.
Combating wildlife trafficking and other illegal activities that often operate alongside it has long been a bipartisan priority. The Ranking Members emphasized that "Congress has repeatedly expressed its interest in confronting wildlife trafficking, most recently through the 2022 reauthorization of the END Wildlife Trafficking Act. We are firmly committed to ensuring the proper implementation of CITES. Proper implementation safeguards American businesses and helps ensure that traffickers cannot corrupt legitimate trade or exploit global supply chains to undermine species' survival."
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INFODOC: https://democrats-naturalresources.house.gov/download/2026-10-28-jh-vh-letter-to-dos-doi-re-cites-leadership?download=1
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Original text here: https://democrats-naturalresources.house.gov/media/press-releases/huffman-hoyle-warn-changes-to-us-positions-on-wildlife-trade-could-increase-wildlife-trafficking-zoonotic-disease-risks
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Makes History With More Than 50 Incoming Members
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following news release:
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Congressional Hispanic Caucus Makes History with More Than 50 Incoming Members
November 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is growing, and our growth reflects a historic moment for Latino representation in America.
In December, the CHC will celebrate its 50th anniversary with more than 50 incoming Members joining our rankings, making this largest the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in history. This milestone is a testament to the communities, generations of leaders, and
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following news release:
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Congressional Hispanic Caucus Makes History with More Than 50 Incoming Members
November 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is growing, and our growth reflects a historic moment for Latino representation in America.
In December, the CHC will celebrate its 50th anniversary with more than 50 incoming Members joining our rankings, making this largest the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in history. This milestone is a testament to the communities, generations of leaders, andadvocates who fought to ensure that Latinos have a seat at the table and a shaping voice in our nation's future.
We dedicate this historic moment to Dolores Huerta, whose courage and courage lifelong to justice taught that generations that our rights fought must be for, our voices must be heard, and our community never never be counted out.
This cycle election, Latino voters their demonstrated power and influence in shaping the political landscape of this country. We are Americans, and we are America. Our communities are not an afterthought in our democracy. Our representation is growing, our voices are stronger, and no one can to take Latino voters for granted.
Fifty years ago, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus was founded to ensure that Latino communities had a voice in the halls of power. Today, that mission is more important than ever, and our growing membership is proof of how far we have come.
We celebrate this moment with pride and gratitude to all who those paved the way. But we know the work ahead ahead urgent: immigrant families and fighting back against the targeting, detention, and deportation of our neighbors; an immigration system that is humane, fair, and provide a citizenship to lower; lowering costs and economic expansion opportunity; our protecting civil rights; and offering results for families we represent.
Our numbers are growing. Our voices are growing. And our commitment to defend our communities and delivering for the people we represent has never been stronger.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus leadership
Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Deputy Chair Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)
Whip Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)
Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20)
Vice Chair of Communications Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)
Vice Chair of Policy Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-8)
Vice Chair of Member Engagement Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
Freshman Representative Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31)
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is 44 members strong. The CHC serves as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and, advancing through the legislative process, issues Hispanic affecting in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, please visit chc.house.gov.
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Original text here: https://chc.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-hispanic-caucus-makes-history-more-50-incoming-members
CAPAC Announces Largest AAPI Membership in History
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following news release:
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CAPAC Announces Largest AAPI Membership in History
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tuesday's historic election will send several new Asian Americans and one Pacific Islander (AAPI) to the U.S. Congress, many of whom will be setting historic firsts when they are officially sworn in. Four new AAPI candidates were elected to serve in the House of Representatives, while additional House candidates are in close races that have yet to be called.
"Last night's election was a resounding repudiation
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following news release:
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CAPAC Announces Largest AAPI Membership in History
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tuesday's historic election will send several new Asian Americans and one Pacific Islander (AAPI) to the U.S. Congress, many of whom will be setting historic firsts when they are officially sworn in. Four new AAPI candidates were elected to serve in the House of Representatives, while additional House candidates are in close races that have yet to be called.
"Last night's election was a resounding repudiationof President Trump and his failed policies that put the safety, security, and civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders at risk. It also marked a historic step forward for AAPI representation, with at least 22 AAPI Members poised to join CAPAC next year--the largest number in our nation's history. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the pressing needs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community and ensure their voices are heard in the halls of power," said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
The four new Asian American and Pacific Islander Members elected to the House of Representatives have also broken barriers with their respective wins: Pia Dandiya as the first Indian American woman elected to represent Florida's 22nd Congressional District; Dan Koh as the first Korean and Lebanese American elected to represent Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District; Alicia Garrido Limtiaco as the first CHamoru (Chamorro) woman elected to represent Guam's At-Large Congressional District; and Dr. Richard Pan as the first Chinese American elected to represent California's 6th Congressional District.
At this time, Dr. Amish Shah holds the lead in a close race that has yet to be decided. If Dr. Shah wins, he will be the first Indian American elected to represent Arizona's 1st Congressional District and bring the total number of CAPAC's AAPI Members to 23 next year.
In addition to welcoming the newly elected Members, Chair Meng also thanked departing Asian American CAPAC Members for their service:
"CAPAC thanks Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar for their years-long service and commitment to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across the country. They have led the fight against anti-South Asian hate, challenged the Trump administration's cruel immigration policies, and demanded accountability for its actions. Representatives Krishnamoorthi and Thanedar's contributions to our country will leave a lasting impact, and we look forward to continuing their work in the next Congress."
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Original text here: https://capac.house.gov/press-release/capac-announces-largest-aapi-membership-history
Beyer Statement On 2026 Midterm
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Beyer Statement On 2026 Midterm
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Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House and serves as the Senior House Democrat on Congress' Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement today:
"Donald Trump and J.D. Vance were elected on promises to lower prices and end wars. Instead, they plunged the country into an endless nightmare of inflation, corruption, and illegal military aggression. They embarrassed our good name abroad, embracing our adversaries and
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Beyer Statement On 2026 Midterm
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Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House and serves as the Senior House Democrat on Congress' Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement today:
"Donald Trump and J.D. Vance were elected on promises to lower prices and end wars. Instead, they plunged the country into an endless nightmare of inflation, corruption, and illegal military aggression. They embarrassed our good name abroad, embracing our adversaries andalienating our allies, and put our economy in a vice grip with disastrous tariffs. They dismantled the people's government, took a chainsaw to the federal workforce, and brought violence and mayhem into peaceful communities while putting violent criminals back on the street. They gutted health care and food assistance for millions while lining their own pockets and the pockets of their families and donors. Republicans in Congress were willing participants in the Trump-Vance debacle, surrendering the constitutional prerogatives of the Legislative Branch to serve as a rubber stamp.
"The American people have had enough. Their anger and disgust rose yesterday in a historic tsunami that swept Republicans from power, including many who few expected to face serious competition. People want a Congress that will listen to them, work for them, and fix their problems, rather than catering to the insane whims of a mad king. Democrats will answer that call, with a majority that fights for American values and the good of all Americans. We will fight to end Trump's illegal war, repeal his price-raising tariffs, and undo his cost-increasing health care cuts that left millions without coverage. And we will bring accountability to the most corrupt administration in American history.
"I am grateful to Northern Virginians for their trust in me to keep serving as their Congressman, I thank everyone who poured their time and effort into yesterday's elections, and I look forward to tackling the vitally important work that lies before us."
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Original text here: https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9276
