U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate as well as the House and Senate leadership and House and Senate committees.
Featured Stories
Risch, Crapo, Rubio Introduce Bill To Prevent Illegal Immigrants From Using Arrest Warrants As TSA ID
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) introduced the Strengthening Enforcement to Curtail Unlawful, Risky Entrance to (SECURE) Flights Act, which would prevent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) from allowing illegal aliens to use immigration enforcement documents, such as arrest warrants, as identification when boarding commercial flights.
"It is outrageous that the Transportation Security Administration
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) introduced the Strengthening Enforcement to Curtail Unlawful, Risky Entrance to (SECURE) Flights Act, which would prevent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) from allowing illegal aliens to use immigration enforcement documents, such as arrest warrants, as identification when boarding commercial flights.
"It is outrageous that the Transportation Security Administrationallows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants as a valid form of identification to board a plane," said Crapo. "Instead of working to address the record surge of illegal border crossings, the Biden Administration decided to further endanger the safety of Americans and undermine the integrity of our immigration laws."
"If an Idahoan gets a speeding ticket, they can't use the ticket to board a plane, so why does the president seem to think an illegal immigrant's arrest warrant is a valid form of identification to board a plane? This policy is yet another example of the Biden administration's lax border policies that prioritize migrants over American citizens," said Risch. "The SECURE Flights Act would restore order and security by putting an end to the ridiculous policy of allowing arrest warrants to serve as identification for illegal immigrants."
The Secure Flights Act would clarify that DHS-issued documents, such as arrest or deportation warrants, are not valid for commercial airline travel. If a traveler presents one of those documents, the bill requires the TSA agent to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and local law enforcement to determine whether the individual is in violation of any terms or release. If the individual is found to be in violation, he or she will not be allowed to fly, with an exception if the individual is traveling for purposes of self-deportation.
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Original text here: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/risch-crapo-rubio-introduce-bill-to-prevent-illegal-immigrants-from-using-arrest-warrants-as-tsa-id
Rep. Rogers Statement on Manhattan District Attorney's Potential Indictment of Pres. Trump
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, issued the following statement on March 24, 2023:
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U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), today released the following statement regarding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's potential indictment of President Trump:
"I am deeply disturbed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's pursuit of bogus charges against President Trump. Should he choose to go through with indicting President Trump, it would be a slap in the face to the American judicial system and an absolute disgrace.
"This drawn-out political witch hunt is another example
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, issued the following statement on March 24, 2023:
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U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), today released the following statement regarding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's potential indictment of President Trump:
"I am deeply disturbed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's pursuit of bogus charges against President Trump. Should he choose to go through with indicting President Trump, it would be a slap in the face to the American judicial system and an absolute disgrace.
"This drawn-out political witch hunt is another exampleof the radical Left's weaponization of the law against President Trump and conservatives.
"Moreover, violent crime in New York has skyrocketed under Bragg's watch, and one of America's most richly historic cities has descended into mayhem. Instead of pursuing sham charges, Bragg should either focus his time on protecting New Yorkers from violent criminals or resign immediately."
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Original text here: https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1966
Rep. Jackson Reintroduces Resolution to Remove VP Harris as Border Czar
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) reintroduced a resolution calling on President Biden to remove Vice President Kamala Harris from her role as Border Czar. The resolution demands that a competent leader be appointed who will prioritize the safety of Americans, acknowledge that border security is national security, ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) receives the resources needed to execute their job effectively, and stop the flood of fentanyl pouring across our border.
Jackson's
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) reintroduced a resolution calling on President Biden to remove Vice President Kamala Harris from her role as Border Czar. The resolution demands that a competent leader be appointed who will prioritize the safety of Americans, acknowledge that border security is national security, ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) receives the resources needed to execute their job effectively, and stop the flood of fentanyl pouring across our border.
Jackson'sresolution comes on the two-year anniversary of Harris' appointment to the position of Border Czar. Jackson has made multiple visits to the border during this period while Harris has visited only once.
Jackson told Henry Rodgers of The Daily Caller: "Kamala Harris has done nothing to 'address the root cause of migration' or stop the influx of illegal immigrants coming across our border daily. She continues to sit by as the number of illegal immigrants coming across our border skyrockets, fentanyl deaths explode, and CBP officers are left to fend for themselves. She has completely betrayed the American people by blatantly disregarding her duties as Border Czar. Enough is enough! President Biden must remove Kamala Harris and replace her with someone who will put Americans first and stop the crisis at our southern border. Politics should never compromise our national security. We need change now!"
Additional background from The Daily Caller can be found here (https://dailycaller.com/2023/03/24/exclusive-house-republicans-resolution-kamala-harris-border-czar/). The full resolution is linked here (https://jackson.house.gov/UploadedFiles/03_23_23_Res_to_remove_VP_harris_as_Border_Czar_49_Final.pdf).
Original cosponsors include Representatives Dan Meuser (PA-09), Mike Garcia (CA-25), Brian Babin (TX-36), and Randy Weber (TX-14).
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Original text here: https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=611
Rep. Allen Introduces BARN Act to Streamline H-2A Visa Program, Help Farmers
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Rick Allen, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced H.R. 1778, the Better Agriculture Resources Now (BARN) Act. This bill would reform and strengthen the federal H-2A visa program.
Specifically, the BARN Act would transfer responsibility for certifying employers' program eligibility from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legislation also modifies the filing deadline to extend greater flexibility to applicants, enacts strong reforms to combat visa
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Rick Allen, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced H.R. 1778, the Better Agriculture Resources Now (BARN) Act. This bill would reform and strengthen the federal H-2A visa program.
Specifically, the BARN Act would transfer responsibility for certifying employers' program eligibility from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legislation also modifies the filing deadline to extend greater flexibility to applicants, enacts strong reforms to combat visaoverstays and fraud, and establishes clear housing requirements for H-2A workers.
Upon introduction, Congressman Allen made the following statement:
"Over the past few years, the American people have become increasingly aware of how fragile our food supply chain really is and the importance of ensuring a secure food supply. The processing delays that our farmers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced how essential it is that we maintain proper oversight over the H-2A program.
"Having spoken with countless farmers from across the Peach State, I am confident that the forward-thinking reforms contained in the BARN Act will help alleviate delays in this important program and ensure our farmers can meet demands during the critical planting and harvest seasons."
The BARN Act has been formally endorsed by the Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association.
Georgia Farm Bureau:
"Georgia Farm Bureau appreciates Congressman Allen's continued support of farmers and his efforts to improve efficiency of federal programs they utilize through measures such as the BARN Act. Georgia producers rely heavily on the H-2A program to meet their demand for a hard-working labor force in the critical times of harvest, but there are many inherent challenges with its current structure. By decreasing delays in start dates, optimizing the application process, and placing this agricultural program under the purview of USDA--which the BARN Act would accomplish--the H-2A program can become a more effective resource for Georgia farmers."
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association:
"The H-2A program is critical for Georgia fruit and vegetable growers who rely on the program for temporary workers. Without a consistent and sustainable guest worker program, our ability to provide fresh produce for American consumers will be compromised. H-2A reforms contained in the BARN Act go a long way towards providing stability in the ag labor marketplace and will strengthen our nation's ability to feed itself while not becoming reliant on foreign counties for our food supply."
Full text of this legislation is available here (https://allen.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BARN_Act.pdf).
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Original text here: https://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5612
REP. ANGIE CRAIG CROSSES PARTY LINES TO SEND FENTANYL LEGISLATION TO THE HOUSE FLOOR
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
U.S. Representative Angie Craig voted with Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to send the HALT Fentanyl Act to the House Floor.
The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I - giving law enforcement access to the increased resources and support needed to more effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.
"This isn't a partisan game - we need to be doing everything we can to protect our communities and families from the dangers
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
U.S. Representative Angie Craig voted with Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to send the HALT Fentanyl Act to the House Floor.
The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I - giving law enforcement access to the increased resources and support needed to more effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.
"This isn't a partisan game - we need to be doing everything we can to protect our communities and families from the dangersof fentanyl," said Rep. Craig. "We know that permanently scheduling fentanyl is not the fix-all solution, but it will give law enforcement more tools as they combat this crisis. I will be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation passed. The safety of our communities depends on it."
Rep. Craig voted for the bill as part of her continued push to secure additional resources for law enforcement as they combat the unique challenges posed by the fentanyl crisis.
Earlier in February, Rep. Craig joined a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Energy and Commerce Committee for a field hearing on the fentanyl crisis and a border tour.
Additionally, she is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Save Americans from the Fentanyl Emergency Act to reclassify all fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug to ensure law enforcement can continue to prosecute the sale and use of these substances.
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Original text here: https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-crosses-party-lines-send-fentanyl-legislation-house-floor
Burgess: Power to The Parents
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights.
"The Parents Bill of Rights affirms the fundamental rights of parents to be informed and involved in their child's education," said Burgess.
"Parents must have access to important information such as curriculum, school spending, and updates on any violent activity at school. One size fits all solutions from
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release on March 24, 2023:
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights.
"The Parents Bill of Rights affirms the fundamental rights of parents to be informed and involved in their child's education," said Burgess.
"Parents must have access to important information such as curriculum, school spending, and updates on any violent activity at school. One size fits all solutions fromthe halls of Washington do not consider each child and their unique educational needs.
"Parents are best suited to make decisions regarding their children's education. I am grateful for Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Congresswoman Julia Letlow for championing this legislation that underscores the House Republican commitment to putting parents back in the driver's seat of their child's education."
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Original text here: https://burgess.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403662
Blackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Fill Law Enforcement Vacancies And Strengthen Vetting Of Recruits
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the bipartisan Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act to help law enforcement agencies reduce staffing shortages and effectively protect communities.
In Tennessee, law enforcement agencies have experienced staffing shortages. The Knoxville Police Department reported being 10% understaffed in April 2022, and the Nashville Metro Police Department was 193 officers short in December 2022.
Blackburn and Ossoff's bill would provide a
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WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the bipartisan Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act to help law enforcement agencies reduce staffing shortages and effectively protect communities.
In Tennessee, law enforcement agencies have experienced staffing shortages. The Knoxville Police Department reported being 10% understaffed in April 2022, and the Nashville Metro Police Department was 193 officers short in December 2022.
Blackburn and Ossoff's bill would provide aone-time emergency boost in funding for the hiring or rehiring of police officers and sheriffs' deputies, helping agencies fill key vacancies.
The bipartisan bill also establishes a new vetting requirement for officers hired using the supplemental funding provided in the bill, ensuring that they undergo background checks and mental health evaluations. Currently, federal law does not require agencies to perform background checks on new recruits through the Federal COPS Hiring Program.
"The men and women in blue who dutifully protect and serve our communities need our support," said Senator Blackburn. "In Tennessee and across our nation, I have heard from several community sheriffs who are low on the manpower and resources needed to thoroughly do their jobs. This bipartisan legislation with Senator Ossoff takes a critical step toward strengthening hiring and bolstering our law enforcement community.
"Georgia communities face serious public safety staffing shortfalls. My bipartisan bill will help communities hire and retain officers while ensuring newly hired officers undergo rigorous vetting and background checks unprecedented in federal law," said Senator Ossoff.
"On behalf of the nation's Sheriffs, we thank Senators Ossoff and Blackburn for their support of Law Enforcement. Recruitment and retention of law enforcement is a huge challenge right now, and these resources will be invaluable to improving both," said Jonathan Thompson, Executive Director of the National Sheriffs' Association. "That and increasing crime prevention efforts is vital in keeping our communities safe."
"Across the country, police departments are fighting to contain the increased violent crime our communities are facing, but they are understaffed, under-resourced, and struggling to hire and retain good, qualified officers. In introducing the Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act, Senator Ossoff recognizes the vital importance of the COPS Hiring Program, which provides invaluable assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies for the hiring and rehiring of qualified officers," said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. "This legislation will immediately inject much needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to help them hire and rehire thoroughly vetted officers and keep our communities safe."
"The law enforcement profession continues to struggle with recruiting and retaining officers," said Eddie Garcia, President of Major Cities Chiefs Association and Chief of the Dallas Police Department. "Nearly every MCCA member is understaffed, which creates many operational and logistical challenges. COPS Hiring Grants are a critical tool, and this infusion of new resources will assist local law enforcement agencies with continuing to hire and rehire additional high-qualified law enforcement officers to serve their communities. The MCCA thanks Senator Ossoff and Senator Blackburn for their leadership on this critical issue."
Click here (https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/services/files/2C4A0573-5F86-485D-96F8-C7B92B92EA6F0 to read the bipartisan Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act.
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Original text here: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2023/3/blackburn-ossoff-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-fill-law-enforcement-vacancies-and-strengthen-vetting-of-recruits
