Press releases
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53,502 rows where party = "Democrat" and state = "CA" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://ruiz.house.gov/latino-latina-physician-day-2026 | REP. RUIZ INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OCTOBER 1st AS NATIONAL LATINO AND LATINA PHYSICIAN DAY | 2026-10-01 | 2026 | 2026-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Raul Ruiz | R000599 | ruiz.house.gov | ruiz | https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On September 28, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), joined by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 1st as National Latino and Latina Physician Day. Latinos make up nearly one in five Americans, yet only 6.7 percent of U.S. physicians are Latino or Latina, and just 2.8 percent are Latina. By 2050, Latinos are projected to represent more than one in four people in the United States and one in three children. At the same time, the nation faces a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Research shows that when patients share the language and culture of their doctors, care and outcomes improve. Growing the Latino and Latina physician workforce means better health for our communities and for the nation. "Growing up in a farmworker family taught me what it means to go without care, so I became an Emergency Physician to serve under resourced communities," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. "Today, too many Latino families still can't find a doctor who speaks their language or understands their cultures. This resolution recognizes the Latino and Latina physicians working to close that gap, and it challenges us to open more doors for the next generation." "Trust in medical care is essential. Physicians that understand their community and are a reflection of it are critical when building and establishing that trust," said Rep. Salazar. "As our nation faces a healthcare workforce shortage, I am proud to co-lead this resolution that supports Latino and Latina physicians, who are helping to close gaps in care and serve as a trustworthy pillar of their community." The resolution supports increasing the number of Latino and Latina physicians and expanding diversity in the medical field. It has earned the support of leading national medical organizations. "The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is proud support National Latino and Latina Physicians Day and thank Rep. Ruiz and Rep. Salazar for their bipartisan work in highlight… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-sustained-push-reps-chu-sherman-sens-schiff-padilla-fema | Following Sustained Push from Reps. Chu, Sherman, Sens. Schiff, Padilla, FEMA Releases $6.6 Million for Wildfire Survivor Case Management | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers had repeatedly pressed FEMA to release already-approved funding as critical recovery program faced funding cliff WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, following weeks of sustained pressure from Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $6.6 million in previously approved funding for the Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) serving survivors of the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires. The funding represents the second and third installments of FEMA’s original DCMP award and comes on September 30, the same day the program had been facing a major funding cliff. A fourth installment of already approved funding remains pending. The DCMP helps survivors navigate critical recovery resources, including temporary housing, FEMA and SBA loans, insurance claims, and long-term rebuilding plans. Without this funding, the DCMP would have expired a year early today, September 30, 2026, leaving thousands of Californians without their case managers in the middle of their recovery, and over a hundred case managers without a job. Last week, the State of California also announced an amended agreement with case management providers allowing the program to extend until October 31st. However, additional federal funding is still needed for reimbursement and to ensure the program’s approved 24-month time frame is completed. Rep. Chu, who has led congressional efforts to secure federal disaster assistance, tax relief, and long-term recovery resources for Eaton Fire survivors, repeatedly pressed FEMA to release the outstanding DCMP funding, including through direct calls to the agency. September 3, 2026: It is announced that DCMP would be forced to terminate on September 30, 2026, over a year early, due to lack of FEMA funding. September 10, 2026: Reps. Chu, Sherman, Sens. Schiff, and Padilla sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding the agency immediately release the pre-approved DCMP fund… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-56-colleagues-demand-answers-about-the-quality-of-representation-for-children-facing-deportation-alone | CORREA, 56 COLLEAGUES DEMAND ANSWERS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION FOR CHILDREN FACING DEPORTATION ALONE | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | J. Luis Correa | C001110 | correa.house.gov | correa | https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) today led 56 colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration guarantee quality legal services and humane treatment for unaccompanied immigrant children in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Attorney General Todd Blanche. The letter follows reports of children as young as two years old showing up in immigration courts nationwide for fast-tracked hearings, many without an attorney. This change has been part of the Trump Administration’s cruel efforts to target immigrant children for removal and deny them legal immigration pathways. “We write to demand answers regarding the fairness of the legal process and the quality of representation being provided to unaccompanied children under the new legal services contracts for Our Rescue and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). Congress has shown clear intent through bipartisan passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization that children deserve representation in legal proceedings. However, we have received reports that unaccompanied children are being provided with inadequate representation and that their cases are being moved into expedited judicial proceedings meant to limit the strength of their legal defense and increase deportations. We urge you to follow the law and give children the fair day in court they deserve by ensuring legal service providers do not just collect a paycheck, but vigorously represent those they are paid taxpayer dollars to serve, and that courts give adequate consideration to each child’s case,” the lawmakers write. “Unaccompanied immigrant children are receiving substandard legal services at a time when the Trump Administration is already trying to prevent a fair hearing of their cases. The Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has reportedly directed immigration judges to limit the length of continuances from months to three weeks, reducing the time children have to find a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/costa-joins-three-congressional-caucuses-focused-campus-antisemitism-us-japan | Costa Joins Three Congressional Caucuses Focused on Campus Antisemitism, U.S.-Japan Ties, and Transatlantic Partnership | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jim Costa | C001059 | costa.house.gov | costa | https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced he has joined three congressional caucuses: the Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus, as a founding member; the U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus; and the Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus. The bipartisan Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus coordinates congressional oversight of how colleges and universities respond to antisemitism, pushes institutions to protect Jewish students, faculty, and staff, and champions efforts to identify and implement effective solutions. “Since Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, too many Jewish students have been harassed, threatened, or made to feel unwelcome on their own campuses,” said Rep. Costa. “Every student deserves to learn in a safe environment, free from hate. As a founding member of this caucus, I will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to hold institutions accountable for enforcing their own policies and to make sure our colleges protect all of their students.” The U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus fosters bilateral collaboration between the United States and Japan on trade, investment, regional stability, military cooperation, energy, technology, and the environment. “Japan is one of America’s closest allies and one of California’s most important trading partners, buying more than $11 billion in California goods last year, including food grown in the Valley,” said Rep. Costa. “California is also home to the largest Japanese American community in the nation. Strengthening this partnership means more opportunities for our farmers and businesses, and a more stable Indo-Pacific.” The Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus works to deepen the cultural, social, economic, and political ties between the United States and Denmark. “Denmark is a steadfast NATO ally and a valued partner on everything from agriculture to defense,” said Rep. Costa. “At a time when our transatlantic alliances are being threatened by President Trump, we must reaffirm our commitment to… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://gray.house.gov/media/press-releases/gray-issues-statement-federal-permitting-reform-agreement | GRAY ISSUES STATEMENT ON FEDERAL PERMITTING REFORM AGREEMENT | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Adam Gray | G000605 | gray.house.gov | gray | https://gray.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) issued the following statement after Senate leaders announced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026: “Reaching an agreement on permitting reform is an important and long-overdue first step toward fixing a broken process that has held back our ability to build things again in the Central Valley and across the country. I hear from folks in my district about the need for reforms to environmental laws like NEPA, CWA, and ESA, and this package delivers on all three. In my district, we’ve seen firsthand how important projects can take years to get built because they are held up by duplicative environmental permits, litigation, and other procedural delays. The Los Banos Creek Detention Dam Project - which expands an existing reservoir to allow for storage, groundwater recharge, and conveyance - was first proposed in 2012 but construction didn’t begin until the end of 2025. I attended the ribbon cutting at the beginning of this year. No project that takes six months to build should take over a decade to permit. It's not just water projects that are being held up. Streamlining regulations and cutting through red tape allows America to remain competitive in infrastructure and energy reliability on the global scale. Getting a bipartisan deal across the finish line will take continued work, but these types of projects can't wait. Congress needs to take this up immediately upon its return to Washington.” BACKGROUND: | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/liccardos-push-federal-approval-helps-santa-clara-valley-healthcare-open-new | Liccardo’s Push for Federal Approval Helps Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Open New Clinic | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sam T. Liccardo | L000607 | liccardo.house.gov | liccardo | https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SAN JOSÉ, CA — Today, Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) celebrated the opening of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare’s new San José-Campbell clinic after his office pressed federal officials to act on a long-pending approval. “Federal red tape shouldn’t delay a new health center or put access to affordable medications and health coverage payments at risk,” Liccardo said. “Our team is proud to have helped move this process forward so Santa Clara Valley Healthcare could open its doors and start serving patients across our community.” The new 10-story facility at 1410 South Bascom Avenue is the largest health center in Santa Clara County’s public health system, with 200 exam rooms. The services include primary care, urgent care, OB/GYN, maternal fetal medicine, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services together at one location. Santa Clara Valley Healthcare submitted its Change in Scope application to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in October 2025. After months without approval, Santa Clara County asked Liccardo’s office for assistance in July. His team repeatedly contacted HRSA as the clinic’s planned opening approached, and HRSA approved the new site for the County’s federal grant scope on September 22. | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-secures-over-1-million-san-miguel-emergency-operations-center | Rep. Panetta Secures Over $1 Million for San Miguel Emergency Operations Center | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jimmy Panetta | P000613 | panetta.house.gov | panetta | https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Rep. Panetta highlights critical federal funding to coordinate emergency response and keep San Miguel residents safe. To watch his remarks, click HERE or on the above photo. For additional photos and b-roll, click HERE. San Miguel, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that he secured $1,034,487 in federal funding for the San Miguel Fire Department to construct an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Community Project Funding, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center Grant Program, will fund the EOC portion of a new multiuse public-safety facility adjacent to the existing fire station. The facility will provide emergency services and law enforcement agencies with the dedicated space, technology, and resources needed to coordinate responses to large-scale emergencies. Rep. Panetta was joined at the press conference by San Miguel Fire Chief Scott Young, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, and local law enforcement representatives. “When disasters strike, it’s an all-hands-on-deck reaction by our firefighters and law enforcement officers at every level. That’s why coordination, communication, and integration are important for the success of that type of unified response,” said Rep. Panetta. “Emergency Operations Centers can act as a central nervous system for our community during major disasters. That’s why I’m proud to have secured more than $1 million in federal funding for an Emergency Operations Center to be located at a new firehouse in San Miguel. This investment will give local first responders the dedicated space and resources they need to better react, communicate, and keep our community safe.” “With San Miguel’s continued growth comes the responsibility of enhancing our emergency response services, facilities, and equipment. The proposed fire station expansion is a critical step in preparing San Miguel for the future. The San Miguel community is truly grateful for this support and for the recognition of the need to invest in emergenc… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswomen-luz-rivas-veronica-escobar-lead-45-colleagues-demanding-ice | Congresswomen Luz Rivas, Veronica Escobar Lead 45 Colleagues in Demanding ICE Restore Transparency in Detainee Locator System | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Luz M. Rivas | R000620 | rivas.house.gov | rivas | https://rivas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) led 45 of their colleagues in urging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella to restore detainee details to the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). The Members’ letter comes after a disturbing report from the Associated Press revealed that ICE began removing individuals with final orders of removal from ODLS. ODLS allows family members, legal representatives, and members of the public to locate individuals detained by ICE. “This is a wholly unprecedented move by the United States government to impede both access and legal representation for people in federal custody,” the Members wrote. “We urge ICE to restore ODLS location information for all individuals with final removal orders who remain in ICE custody and to provide Congress with the justification underlying this change. The federal government should not be denying any individual access to legal counsel or shielding their whereabouts from loved ones.” ICE has not publicly announced this change in policy and has not communicated to detainees’ families or legal representation where detainees are currently held who have disappeared from ODLS. The Members continued: “The consequences of this change extend beyond public transparency. Immigration attorneys have reported losing track of clients after they disappeared from ODLS, while family members are uncertain whether their loved ones were transferred to another facility or removed from the United States completely. We urge ICE to rescind this policy immediately and restore ODLS location information for all individuals with final orders of removal who remain in ICE custody. ICE should ensure that detainees remain locatable to their families and legal representatives instead of trying to hide these individuals’ whereabouts.” A full copy of the letter can be found here. The Members’ letter is signed by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Joaquin Castro … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/jacobs-castro-dean-beyer-casar-escobar-to-introduce-sanctions-on-drivers-of-settlement-expansion | Jacobs, Castro, Dean, Beyer, Casar, Escobar to Introduce Sanctions on Drivers of Settlement Expansion | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sara Jacobs | J000305 | sarajacobs.house.gov | sarajacobs | https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Greg Casar (TX-35), and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced legislation to impose sanctions on individuals and entities building or expanding settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. The Stop the Settlements Act would stop the construction of new settlements or expansion of existing Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza through the use of sanctions and a prohibition on the importation of goods made in these settlements and outposts. Stopping the construction of new settlements or expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza would protect Palestinians from dispossession of their land and help create a pathway to peace, where both Israelis and Palestinians are able to fully exercise their right to self-determination. “Pushing Palestinians out of their homes and off their land in Gaza and the West Bank is one of the greatest obstacles to a lasting pathway to peace,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “As long as the U.S. stands idly by, we’re knowingly supporting Israel’s coordinated strategy to consolidate Israeli control and prevent Palestinian statehood. We have another choice: use our tools and leverage to help make peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and everyone in the region a reality. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Stop the Settlements Act, which would require the President to sanction individuals and entities that build or expand settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. This is a reasonable and necessary step to uphold international law, protect civilians, de-escalate violence, and preserve the possibility of lasting peace, security, and stability.” “Under Netanyahu’s government, settlers are engaged in a violent land grab that’s ripping Palestinians from their land,” said Congressman Castro. “The record expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank continues to be one of the greatest impediments to peace. Democrats must face this with urgency—act now or watch the prospe… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/peters-applauds-senate-permitting-package-touts-his-priorities-to-speed-up-clean-energy-and-lower-costs | Peters Applauds Senate Permitting Package, Touts His Priorities to Speed Up Clean Energy and Lower Costs | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott H. Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | scottpeters | https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) released the following statement after the Senate unveiled its bipartisan permitting package, which includes the language of several bills Rep. Peters has championed over multiple sessions of Congress: “The bipartisan Senate package released today is a great step toward fixing our broken permitting system. We can't meet our surging energy demand, lower greenhouse gas emissions, or outcompete countries like China if it takes decades to build what we need. A permitting reform agreement with this much support from Republicans and Democrats should pass this Congress. “I'm glad the text from the Senate is finally public so everyone can dig into the details and tell us what adjustments or clarifications are needed. Profound change is never easy, but today’s problems require it. We have a broad coalition that needs this agreement to be enacted into law. American builders, investors, labor groups, climate activists, and taxpayers want Congress to act, and fixing our old and slow permitting system will require all of us to speak up and pitch in. “I'm especially encouraged to see so many of my priorities included. I've spent years calling for America to build critical infrastructure faster. My bills that are included in the package will increase energy supply, build more transmission, and make sure the backlog of clean energy projects get built with no more delays.” Included in the package was language from several major bipartisan bills led by Rep. Peters, including: The SPEED and Reliability Act, which significantly streamlines the siting and permitting of critical national-interest electric transmission lines. Faster approvals to build more lines would lower costs for consumers and prevent blackouts. The CERTAIN Act, which accelerates energy and infrastructure projects by enforcing strict application timelines and stops administrations from canceling permits that were already legally approved. The bill has been supported by nearly 40 organizations … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-statement-fema-funding-los-angeles-wildfire-disaster-aid | Sherman Statement on FEMA Funding for Los Angeles Wildfire Disaster Aid Program | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Brad Sherman | S000344 | sherman.house.gov | sherman | https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | PALISADES, CA — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement after FEMA announced funding to continue California’s Disaster Case Management Program for survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires: “Pleased to see that FEMA is paying California the money it owes to the state for providing caseworkers for fire victims through September 30. It is now time for FEMA to approve and fund keeping this program open at least through May of next year. Losing one’s home in a horrendous fire is extremely difficult on families. Working through the morass of governmental and insurance issues without a caseworker would be horrendous for many families.” ### | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-simon-announced-new-co-chair-congressional-caucus-black-women | Congresswoman Simon Announced as New Co-Chair of The Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Lateefah Simon | S001231 | simon.house.gov | simon | https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) recently announced that Congresswomen Lateefah Simon (CA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Shontel Brown (OH-11) will take up the mantle as the new Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls (CCBWG) in the 120th Congress. Despite more than 430 registered Congressional caucuses and Member organizations in 2016, until the creation of the CCBWG, no group on Capitol Hill had sought to make Black women and girls a priority in policy debates. Inspired by the #SheWoke Committee, a collective of seven women leaders with a shared vision of advocacy, equity, and sisterhood; Reps. Clarke, Kelly, and Watson Coleman created the Caucus to advance policies that eliminate barriers and disparities experienced by Black women. With Congresswomen Kelly and Watson Coleman departing at the conclusion of the 119th Congress, Congresswomen Simon, McIver, and Brown will take their place alongside Rep. Clarke. "I am deeply honored to join the Caucus on Black Women and Girls as a Co-Chair next Congress and pick up the mantle from Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman, Yvette Clarke, and Robin Kelly," said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "I started my career working with young girls who were impacted by the criminal justice system, and I know intimately that in every aspect of life from school to the workplace — Black women and girls face unique opportunities and challenges. Congress can and should do more to ensure that our federal policies see and serve Black women and girls equally, and I look forward to working with my Co-Chairs on this caucus to advance these efforts. Thank you to Congresswomen Watson Coleman, Clarke, and Kelly for the pioneering work you have done to advocate for our girls in Congress — the fight continues.” “I’m incredibly appreciative of the work Congresswomen Clarke and Kelly and I have accomplished over the last decade,” said Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman. “It has truly been an… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/dan-bieu-derek-tran-dong-bao-tro-du-luat-bao-ve-thu-nhap-tu-tien-tip-ho-tro | Dân Biểu Derek Trần đồng bảo trợ dự luật bảo vệ thu nhập từ tiền tip, hỗ trợ người lao động ngành dịch vụ | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Derek Tran | T000491 | tran.house.gov | tran | https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Dân Biểu Derek Trần đồng bảo trợ dự luật bảo vệ thu nhập từ tiền tip, hỗ trợ người lao động ngành dịch vụ Wednesday, September 30, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Dân Biểu Liên Bang Derek Trần (CA-45) đồng bảo trợ H.R.1314 , Dự Luật Bảo Vệ và Hỗ Trợ Thu Nhập Từ Tiền Tip (TIPS Act), cho phép người lao động trong ngành dịch vụ được khấu trừ tiền tip khi khai thuế. Dự luật sẽ nâng mức thu nhập gộp điều chỉnh tối đa để người lao động ngành dịch vụ đủ điều kiện hưởng khoản khấu trừ này từ $25,000 lên $112,500, đồng thời áp dụng thay đổi này lâu dài cho người lao động ngành dịch vụ khắp toàn quốc. “Trong lúc giá cả tăng vọt do cuộc chiến thiếu thận trọng của Tổng Thống Trump tại Iran và các chính sách thuế quan thiếu trách nhiệm, các gia đình lao động đang phải chịu áp lực rất lớn khi chật vật trang trải cuộc sống. Đối với người lao động ngành dịch vụ, tiền tip là nguồn thu nhập thiết yếu để lo bữa ăn, chi trả các khoản sinh hoạt hằng ngày và chăm lo cho gia đình. Tôi tự hào đồng bảo trợ Dự Luật TIPS vì sẽ mang lại lợi ích kinh tế thiết thực cho người lao động ngành dịch vụ và gia đình họ tại Nam California – giúp họ giữ lại nhiều tiền hơn và giúp họ ổn định tài chính lâu dài,” Dân Biểu Derek Trần cho biết. Dự Luật TIPS áp dụng cho người lao động trong các ngành thẩm mỹ, khách sạn, ăn uống, dịch vụ đậu xe và vệ sinh, qua đó mang lại lợi ích cho gần 70,000 người lao động ngành dịch vụ tại Địa Hạt 45 của California. Dự luật được Dân Biểu Steven Horsford (NV-04) giới thiệu tại Quốc Hội khóa 119. Khác với điều khoản trong H.R. 1 – còn được gọi là “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – dự luật này sẽ duy trì lâu dài mức khấu trừ thuế cao hơn dành cho người lao động ngành dịch vụ, thay vì để chính sách hết hiệu lực vào cuối năm 2028. Dân Biểu Derek Trần tiếp tục tập trung giải quyết cuộc khủng hoảng chi phí sinh hoạt và không ngừng ủng hộ các dự luật nhằm giảm chi phí cho các gia đình lao động: Vào Tháng Năm, 2026, Dân Biểu Derek cùng các thành viên của Lowering Costs Caucus gửi thư kêu gọi chính quyền Tổng Thống Trump có biện pháp giải quyết… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-derek-tran-lawmakers-urge-california-accept-10-million-federal | Representative Derek Tran, Lawmakers Urge California to Accept $10 Million in Federal Funding for Orange County Veterans Cemetery | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Derek Tran | T000491 | tran.house.gov | tran | https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) joined Rep. Lou Correa and a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week to send a letter urging Governor Gavin Newsom to ensure the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) accepts $10 million in federal funding offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon. Representatives Lou Correa, Ken Calvert, Young Kim, Mike Levin, and Dave Min, alongside State Senator Thomas J. Umberg and Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva and Avelino Valencia, joined Tran in signing the letter. “After more than a decade of work, we are closer than ever to fulfilling our promise to Orange County’s veterans and their families,” said the lawmakers. “We should not allow $10 million in federal funding secured for this purpose to be left on the table.” Read the full letter HERE. On July 27, 2021, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved $20 million for site development for a veterans’ cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, designating more than 200 acres of county-owned land near the 91 Freeway and 241 Toll Road for a public cemetery and a separate veterans’ cemetery. Combined state and local funding for the veterans’ cemetery construction now totals $50 million, including $25 million from prior state budgets and an additional $5 million allocated in the 2024 State Budget Act. The funding allocated has yet to be accepted by the California Department of Veterans Affairs. An Army veteran and a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, Representative Tran is dedicated to expanding protections and benefits for veterans: In July 2025, Representative Tran led a letter with Representative Correa to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), urging federal support for the construction of the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon. Rep. Tran’s first piece of legislation, the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, supports the livelihoods of veterans who were wrongfully removed from their civil serv… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-final-pre-midterm-effort-to-defeat-anti-voter-save-act-condemns-trump-corruption/ | Padilla Leads Final Pre-Midterm Effort to Defeat Anti-Voter SAVE Act, Condemns Trump Corruption | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, took to the Senate floor in opposition to Republicans’ so-called Stop Insider Trading Act, which would allow members of Congress who already own stocks to keep trading and does nothing to prevent the President and Vice President from trading stocks, and includes a voter identification provision from the SAVE Act that would require eligible voters to include photo identification in their mail and absentee ballots, among other provisions. If enacted, this requirement would have been stricter than all 50 states. Once again, Padilla led his Senate colleagues in defeating this anti-voter provision and underscored the importance of holding President Trump accountable for his ongoing corruption, this time, just over a month before Election Day. The Senate failed to advance the bill by a party-line vote of 53-47, with 60 votes required to pass the bill. “Here we are, 34 days before Election Day, or, as I like to suggest, 34 days before the final day to vote because we’re encouraging people to cast their ballot early if they can, or vote by mail if and where they can,” said Senator Padilla. “But instead of talking about the issues that are most on the minds of American families, Republicans are here again trying to distract from those issues and to, frankly, create confusion amongst voters in order to protect the President and the party from your failed policies.” While Republicans claim to express concern over insider stock trading, Padilla exposed Trump’s own corruption and highlighted his previous efforts to prevent it, including the fact that President Trump traded more than 21,000 times in his first year in office, more than every member of Congress combined, increasing his net worth by $4-5 billion. Padilla also called out Trump’s Truth Social service, which sells early inside access to presidential announcements to hedge funds and Wall Street firms. He further detailed the impacts of a… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-durbin-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure/ | Padilla, Schiff, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Protect Regional National Archives Facilities from Closure | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The Senators introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), introduced the National Archives Protection Act, legislation that would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can close or significantly restrict access to existing regional facilities. In June 2026, NARA announced plans to close its regional archive facilities and co-located Federal Records Centers (FRC) in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision raised concerns from archivists, researchers, and constituents about access to public records, many of which are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. “Our National Archives are home to the immigration journeys, military service, and family histories of people across the West and the Pacific,” said Senator Padilla. “Closing Federal Records Centers would cut researchers and communities off from our own past. I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin to maintain the public’s access to our nation’s historic documents.” “The administration is threatening access to historical and irreplaceable records, including closing down one facility in California that is home to countless photos and family heirlooms. Congress must exercise its oversight power to save decades of regional and national history,” said Senator Schiff. “Regional National Archives facilities, including Chicago’s Federal Record Center, ensure that Americans can access public and personal records without having to travel across the country. Closing these facilities without the oversight of Congress risks putting those records further out of reach for our communities,” said Senator Durbin. “The National Archives Protecti… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-advances-bipartisan-padilla-bill-to-support-desalination-and-safe-drinking-water/ | Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Padilla Bill to Support Desalination and Safe Drinking Water | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources advanced U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan bill to reauthorize desalination projects and research. Padilla’s Desalination Reauthorization Act cleared committee by voice vote, along with a bipartisan amendment that was also adopted by voice vote. “Access to safe and clean drinking water is a human right, and investments in desalination projects provide promising pathways to meet our water needs,” said Senator Padilla. “The bill will help strengthen investments into desalination research and development so that every American can access safe, clean water. This is a critical step in addressing California’s water crisis and building new pathways for water security across the country.” The legislation would extend the programmatic approval of the Bureau of Reclamation to fund desalination projects, which would otherwise expire this year. If the programmatic approval expired, Congress would need to pass a separate bill in order to authorize each new desalination project, which could substantially delay desalination projects and increase their costs. These projects, including the Doheny desalination plant in Orange County, help the Southwest counter drought by providing a drought-proof contribution to our water supply. In addition, the legislation would authorize Reclamation to support advanced pilots to test new desalination technologies like OceanWell, which uses the ocean pressure at depths of approximately 1,400 feet to reduce the energy costs of desalination, and can also minimize desalination’s effects on marine life. OceanWell is working with Las Virgenes Water District in Ventura County to test its technology off the Southern California coast. Specifically, this bill would: Reauthorize the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to provide grants for desalination projects, which is on track expire this year; Amend the programmatic approval to extend to public/private partnerships to build desalination projects; Direct… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-colleagues-fight-department-of-educations-new-rule-weaponizing-higher-education-accreditation-process/ | NEWS: Schiff, Colleagues Fight Department of Education’s New Rule Weaponizing Higher Education Accreditation Process | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “These changes set a dangerous precedent by forcing accreditors and, in turn, institutions, to answer to the political whims of the executive branch.” Washington, D.C. — After the Department of Education’s new regulations enabling new accreditors to enter the market more quickly, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led his colleagues in a comment letter to urge the Department to rescind the rule – warning of the implications to academic freedom and upholding the quality of higher education. “We urge you to ensure any reforms to the accreditation system prioritize what is best for students and taxpayers not partisan, political actors… The provisions outlined in the Department’s proposed rule threaten this system by inserting undue influence from the executive branch into the higher education accreditation process. Such changes place the academic freedom and intellectual diversity of our nation’s higher-education institutions in jeopardy,” the Senators wrote in a new comment letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent. The Senators warn that the provisions go against Congressional intent and will threaten academic freedom, invite inexperienced accreditors to enter the market quickly potentially leaving students vulnerable to fraud, impose ideological requirements on accreditors, and reduce guardrails around educational institution’s ability to switch accreditors – enabling those who have defrauded students. “Such a politicization of faculty hiring and tenure gives the executive branch undue political influence over who institutions hire and what research their faculties produce. These provisions will narrow the scope of future research and dissuade faculty from producing findings that might be unpopular with the corporate or political forces which can influence hiring and firing decisions at institutions. This rule will have a negative downstream effect on the pipeline of future innovation that drives economic growth and improves the lives … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-ricketts-unveil-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-endangered-species-recover-faster/ | NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Ricketts Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Help Endangered Species Recover Faster | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chairman of the Senate EPW Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, are unveiling bipartisan legislation to improve and modernize the implementation of the Endangered Species Act’s (ESA) species recovery efforts – aiming to make conservation efforts more efficient and standardized, encourage conservation efforts by private landowners, and help endangered species reach recovery. “Protecting the thousands of endangered species and strengthening recovery efforts must be a bipartisan cause – it is a shared responsibility that takes all of us. My new legislation with Senator Ricketts updates the Endangered Species Act to ensure policies that will help species on the verge of extinction survive and recover are implemented efficiently, based on science, and in partnership with private landowners and states. We must all do our part to leave the world a better place than we found it,” said Senator Schiff. “Fifty-three years ago, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act to recover threatened and endangered species. Instead, it has created regulatory barriers that make recovery efforts more difficult. The Improving Species Recovery Act would cut burdensome red tape and modernize the recovery process. It would empower local experts with the resources and certainty they need to de-list species. As Governor, I led boots-on-the-ground efforts to protect our wildlife in Nebraska. This bill would ensure states and private landowners can continue that work more efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Ricketts. The Improving Species Recovery Act modernizes and enhances the recovery framework under the ESA through voluntary partnerships and relationships with private landowners, conservation milestones, clear and standardized demographic metrics, automating its processes with digital technology, and promoting greater collab… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/city-san-jose-and-monterey-county-advance-protections-preventing-ice-facility | City of San José and Monterey County Advance Protections Preventing ICE Facility Construction | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sam T. Liccardo | L000607 | liccardo.house.gov | liccardo | https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | San José, CA – Today, several members of Congress representing our region– U.S. Representatives Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Jimmy Panetta(CA-19)– congratulated the City of San José and Monterey County for adopting interim ordinances that temporarily restrict the development of ICE detention facilities within their jurisdiction. “Local communities cannot control ICE rogue agents, but federal courts have upheld the authority of cities and towns to determine how and where DHS can build the infrastructure that enables this cruelty and chaos, namely ICE detention centers and processing facilities,” said Liccardo. “With a federal judge blocking a potential ICE facility at Gilroy, we expect the Department of Homeland Security will accelerate its search for new sites. By advancing these ordinances, the City of San José and Monterey County will make it far more difficult for DHS to convert large industrial and commercial sites for ICE detention centers, supporting our communities’ safety and public health. Thank you to Mayor Matt Mahan and the San José City Council in San José, along with Supervisor Luis Alejo, Board Chair Wendy Root Askew, and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for leading by example, and for expanding this regional effort to protect our communities.” Liccardo, who represents portions of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, released a toolkit in August to help local governments use zoning laws and building regulations to mitigate the expansion of ICE detention facilities and safeguard community health and safety. San Mateo County, and Napa County have already advanced such ordinances. Several other city councils have now directed their staff to begin this process, and several more ordinance changes are in the pipeline. “The Administration’s overreaching mass deportation policy has led to chaos in many communities and pain in our local economies,” said Rep. Panetta. “Detention centers are an extension of that cruel policy, and I applaud Monterey County and the City of San José f… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-passing-leona-bridges | Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Leona Bridges | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | pelosi | https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of San Francisco public servant Leona Bridges. "Leona Bridges was a devoted public servant and dear friend whose life was a blessing to San Francisco. From her work serving the public on San Francisco’s retirement board to supporting students at San Francisco State, Leona leaves an historic legacy of service that lives on in the countless lives she enriched. "I was proud to recommend Leona to President Biden for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board and appoint her to the California Democratic Party Central Committee. Wherever there was a need, Leona and her beloved Deltas were there. "May it be a comfort to her family that so many mourn with them and are praying for them at this sad time.” | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/peters-demands-answers-for-afghan-allies-and-military-families-stranded-abroad | Peters Demands Answers for Afghan Allies and Military Families Stranded Abroad | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott H. Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | scottpeters | https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) led 19 Members of the House and Senate on a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin urging the Administration to reunite the families of U.S. service members with their loved ones stranded overseas, and to reconnect Afghans with immediate family already lawfully in the United States. This comes days after two Afghan nationals arrived safely in the United States on September 22nd through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program under an exception to current policy. “This decision shows that the process to exempt certain migrants from both entry restrictions on foreign nationals as well as refugee resettlement works when leaders choose to use it,” the Members wrote. They highlighted that nearly 3,000 immediate family members of U.S. service members and veterans, including spouses, children, and parents of Americans who have worn this country's uniform, remain stranded overseas. Roughly 150 of them are at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, alongside more than 1,000 Afghan allies and family members who were vetted by the U.S. government and flown there on U.S. government aircraft. "No service member should have to choose between serving this country and being reunited with their family," the Members wrote. The Members called on the Departments to prioritize immediate family members of U.S. service members and veterans for exemption determinations and refugee processing, beginning with those at Camp As Sayliyah. The Members also urged the Administration to prioritize family reunification cases, including Afghans whose spouses, parents, or children are lawfully in the United States, and to name them as refugees so these families no longer depend on one-off exceptions. "This week, your Departments showed what is possible,” the Members wrote. “The families of the men and women who serve this nation, and the Afghans who stood beside them, deserve the same decision.” The letter was also signed by Reps And… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/joint-statement-congressman-brad-sherman-and-congresswoman-judy-chu-0 | Joint statement from Congressman Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Judy Chu on Talks with North Korea | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Brad Sherman | S000344 | sherman.house.gov | sherman | https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 29th, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) issued the following statement: “We welcome President Trump’s recent efforts to restart talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and – despite North Korea’s rebuff – believe that serious dialogue and diplomacy are our most effective tools for protecting US national security interests in the region, addressing nuclear proliferation concerns, and achieving a durable peace on the Korean Peninsula. We sincerely hope that President Trump will direct the State Department to take steps to lay a foundation for successful, meaningful discussions with North Korea. Those steps could include revisiting the ban on U.S. citizen travel to North Korea; pursuing a formal treaty, legally ending the Korean War; and starting negotiations with North Korea to establish liaison offices in each country. These actions would lay the groundwork for a productive and successful summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un and advancement of US interests.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-calls-for-immediate-action-after-california-is-left-out-of-federal-manufacturing-funding-for-second-year-in-a-row | Congresswoman Torres Calls for Immediate Action After California is Left Out of Federal Manufacturing Funding for Second Year in a Row | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Norma J. Torres | T000474 | torres.house.gov | torres | https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | The Manufacturing Extension and Partnership program helps small and medium-sized manufacturers strengthen supply chains, expand domestic production, and train workers for high-skilled, good-paying jobs Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and longtime advocate for manufacturing jobs in the Inland Empire, called on the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to immediately restore California’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center after the state was left without federal MEP funding for the second year in a row. MEP centers play a critical role in helping manufacturers secure their supply chains, expand connections with domestic suppliers, and develop their workforces by creating good-paying, high skill jobs. California has not had an active MEP Center since fall 2025. NIST’s choice to leave out California yet again, despite numerous applicants, means that the largest manufacturing state in the nation and the world’s 4th largest economy will now go more than two years without the expertise, support, and guidance that MEP centers and their networks provide. On September 15, 2025, the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded more than $30 million to support MEP centers in 11 states and Puerto Rico as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 MEP Center State Competition. At that time, California and Alaska were the only eligible states where no selection was made. NIST’s July funding opportunity anticipated up to $15.6 million annually for a California MEP Center. Now, more than a year later, California’s manufacturers are again being ignored by the Trump Administration. “California manufacturers should not have to wait another year for resources that businesses across the country are already receiving,” said Congresswoman Torres. “I have repeatedly called for the Department of Commerce to restore California’s MEP Center because I know how important these reso… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-duckworth-in-renewed-push-to-prevent-police-involved-deaths/ | Padilla Joins Duckworth in Renewed Push to Prevent Police-Involved Deaths | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) in reintroducing the Police Training and Independent Review Act,legislation that would help prevent police-involved deaths and encourage independent, impartial investigations into law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. “Communities across California cannot feel safe if they cannot trust that law enforcement officers will be held accountable when they use deadly force,” said Senator Padilla. “Police-involved deaths are avoidable, and we can help prevent these tragedies with improved training, impartial investigations, and increased oversight. This bill will help restore accountability into policing and provide justice for the communities and families who have been impacted by the use of deadly force.” “From Chicago to Louisville or anywhere in America, we cannot allow ourselves to accept that Black teenagers, men and women are still being unjustly executed at the hands of law enforcement without judge or jury,” said Senator Duckworth. The death of Laquan McDonald—an Illinoisan teen who was shot and killed 12 years ago at the hands of a Chicago Police Department officer with a recorded history of excessive force—“was preventable, and Congress still has yet to do enough to ensure tragedies like his never happen again. In honor of Laquan’s 29th heavenly birthday, I’m proud to lead Senate Democrats in reintroducing this overdue legislation that would help save lives and restore trust between law enforcement and local communities by increasing resources for training to help prevent such incidents, while promoting objective and independent investigations of police-involved uses of deadly force. Families like Laquan McDonald’s that have experienced heartbreak are no less deserving of justice than any other family. It’s time our country acts to ensure accountability within our law enforcement agencies and provide justice to those who have lost loved ones.” Police in the United States kill more than 1,000 people each… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-scott-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bridge-gap-in-veteran-services/ | Padilla, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bridge Gap in Veteran Services | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Building Readiness and Integration for Dependents Going to Civilian Environments (BRIDGE) Act of 2026, legislation to support military and veteran families during the transition from military to civilian life. This bill would establish a pilot program focused on practical tools, peer support, and community engagement to improve emotional, social, and financial outcomes for transitioning families. Thousands of servicemembers leave the Armed Forces and face significant challenges navigating employment, health care, education, benefits, and community reintegration. While the joint interagency Transition Assistance Program provides important pre-separation services, many military families still struggle to access personalized and coordinated support during this major life transition. This bill would establish a Department of Defense (DoD) pilot program to provide support through community connections and additional resources to assist servicemembers and their families. This legislation addresses the gap by providing whole-family support, building community connections, reducing isolation, and equipping families with the tools to thrive during and after the transition. “For too long, the servicemembers and their families have had to navigate the transition from military to civilian life without the resources needed to thrive,” said Senator Padilla. “We must do more to ensure that military families have the support they need after they leave active duty. Our bipartisan BRIDGE Act would create a pilot program to help us prioritize programs that focus on bridging the gap in services for veterans and military families.” “South Carolina is blessed to be home to thousands of our nation’s heroes,” said Senator Scott. “The men and women of the Armed Forces – and their families who have sacrificed alongside them – have earned the best possible support as they transition to civilian life. The BRIDGE Act empowers local commun… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-padilla-bill-to-help-prevent-catastrophic-wildfires-increase-use-of-prescribed-fire/ | Senate Unanimously Passes Padilla Bill to Help Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires, Increase Use of Prescribed Fire | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) of 2026, a bipartisan bill to make it easier for states and communities to use prescribe fire to reduce hazardous fuel and prevent catastrophic wildfires. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. “California is no stranger to devastating wildfires — and we cannot afford to wait until the next fire starts to take action. We must ensure that communities across the state and country have the necessary resources to proactively prevent and mitigate these disasters,” said Senator Padilla. “Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to confront the growing impacts of the wildfire crisis. I am proud to see the Senate unanimously pass our bipartisan bill to help communities protect their land as they face growing threats of wildfires.” WEPA would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. The bill also promotes the efficient use of state air quality resources and provides certainty that states will not be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires. Specifically, WEPA would: Make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fire to prevent wildfire emissions; Provide certainty that states won’t be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires; Promote the efficient use of state air quality resources; and Make our forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. In addition to Padilla, WEPA was introduced with Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). Padilla took to the Senate floor to advocate for the bill, highlighting the urgent need to make it easier for communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions … | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-secure-4-million-for-glassy-winged-sharpshooter-response-activities/ | NEWS: Schiff, Padilla Secure $4 Million for Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Response Activities | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that they secured $4 million in emergency federal funding to address the growing threat posed by the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) in California. In June, Padilla and Schiff, along with U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) and David Valadao (D-Calif.-22), REQUESTED THIS EMERGENCY FUNDING to support efforts to contain and eradicate the pest, which spreads Pierce’s Disease (PD) and threatens many critical agricultural industries in California, including wine grapes and table grapes. “California’s wine industry provides more than a million jobs and is crucial to our national economy,” said Senator Schiff. “This USDA funding is essential to aid grape growers during this time of need, and I’ll keep fighting for more resources to protect California’s agricultural industries.” “With the growing threat of invasive pests like the glassy-winged sharpshooter, we are working to ensure California has access to federal resources to quickly respond and protect our crops,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Our state’s growers have already felt the impact of these pests. I’m proud to have quickly secured this federal funding with my colleagues to ensure California’s agriculture and wine industries can continue to thrive.” This funding will allow the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to expand trace-forward investigations, increase inspections, destroy infested materials, and strengthen trapping and visual surveys at high-risk locations associated with recent GWSS-infested plant shipments. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works with the CDFA and county agricultural commissioners through a long-standing cooperative program to manage and contain GWSS in California. ### | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/city-san-jose-and-monterey-county-advance-protections-restricting-ice-facility | City of San José and Monterey County Advance Protections Restricting ICE Facility Construction | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sam T. Liccardo | L000607 | liccardo.house.gov | liccardo | https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | San José, CA – Today, several members of Congress representing our region– U.S. Representatives Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Jimmy Panetta(CA-19)– congratulated the City of San José and Monterey County for adopting interim ordinances that temporarily restrict the development of ICE detention facilities within their jurisdiction. “Local communities cannot control ICE rogue agents, but federal courts have upheld the authority of cities and towns to determine how and where DHS can build the infrastructure that enables this cruelty and chaos, namely ICE detention centers and processing facilities,” said Liccardo. “With a federal judge blocking a potential ICE facility at Gilroy, we expect the Department of Homeland Security will accelerate its search for new sites. By advancing these ordinances, the City of San José and Monterey County will make it far more difficult for DHS to convert large industrial and commercial sites for ICE detention centers, supporting our communities’ safety and public health. Thank you to Mayor Matt Mahan and the San José City Council in San José, along with Supervisor Luis Alejo, Board Chair Wendy Root Askew, and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for leading by example, and for expanding this regional effort to protect our communities.” Liccardo, who represents portions of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, released a toolkit in August to help local governments use zoning laws and building regulations to mitigate the expansion of ICE detention facilities and safeguard community health and safety. San Mateo County, and Napa County have already advanced such ordinances. Several other city councils have now directed their staff to begin this process, and several more ordinance changes are in the pipeline. “The Administration’s overreaching mass deportation policy has led to chaos in many communities and pain in our local economies,” said Rep. Panetta. “Detention centers are an extension of that cruel policy, and I applaud Monterey County and the City of San José f… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-lawmakers-urge-netanyahu-contain-settler-violence-protect | Rep. Panetta, Lawmakers Urge Netanyahu to Contain Settler Violence & Protect Communities in the West Bank | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jimmy Panetta | P000613 | panetta.house.gov | panetta | https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Reps. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) in sending a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging his government to take immediate steps to contain settler violence in the West Bank. “We write with urgent concern regarding the growing outbreak of extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including violence that has killed and threatened American citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “We do so out of concern for Israel’s long-term security as well as for the safety of Palestinians. Continued settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank will harm that security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” “Amidst this violence, we are especially concerned for the safety of American citizens in the West Bank,” continued the lawmakers. “Nine American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since January 2022. To date, no one has been held accountable for any of these nine deaths. Many of us have heard directly from constituents, including American citizens who have themselves been threatened or harassed by settlers without cause.” “Restoring the rule of law in the West Bank serves the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike,” concluded the lawmakers. “The safety of our constituents matters to us as the safety of your citizens matters to you. We also hope to see conditions improve so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live alongside one another without fear of terrorism or lawless violence.” In the letter, the lawmakers requested that the Israeli government take the following actions to uphold the rule of law and end the violence in the West Bank: Instruct the Israel Police and the Israel Defense Forces to defend Palestinian communities in the West Bank when they come under attack, and to apply that standard consistently, whoever the attackers are. Establish a transparent and credible mechanism to investigate and prosecute violence against Pa… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-calls-out-gop-attacks-on-jack-smith-refusal-to-acknowledge-trumps-conspiracies-on-ms-nows-all-in-with-chris-hayes/ | WATCH: Sen. Schiff Calls Out GOP Attacks on Jack Smith, Refusal to Acknowledge Trump’s Conspiracies on MS NOW’s All In with Chris Hayes | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW’s All In with Chris Hayes and called out Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans’ repeated attacks on Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led investigations into the events of January 6, 2021, and the case involving classified documents being stored at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. Schiff exposed Republicans’ refusal to acknowledge President Trump’s conspiracies relating to January 6 and Mar-a-Lago investigations during a Senate Judiciary hearing earlier today with Jack Smith. He also denounced Republicans for ignoring the Trump administration’s attempted indictments against Democratic Members of Congress. At the hearing earlier today, Schiff pledged to make a motion to subpoena Volume II of Jack Smith’s report at the committee’s next meeting. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On Republican’s attacks on Jack Smith’s investigations, Sen. Schmitt’s exchange: They teach you in law school not to ask a question you don’t know the answer to when you’re cross-examining someone. I don’t always agree with that philosophy. Sometimes you have to take a risk and ask a question you don’t know the answer to, but you generally don’t want to accuse someone of perjury and call them a dirtbag if you don’t know your facts. That’s pretty basic, and the point where I knew they made a colossal screw up was after Schmitt had gone through his “You’re a dirtbag and you’re clearly concealing and boy have we got you you’re in trouble for perjury.” Right after that, I was sitting at the end of the dais because I’m the junior member, so therefore I was closest to Jack Smith, and he must have been given a copy of that poster board, so he actually got to look at it for the first time. And he turned to me, I think, because I was closest, and mouthed, “I can explain. I think I can explain this.” So, it wasn’t my turn, but I piped up anyway. Can we give the chance, give this witness a chance to explain now that he’s seen the document? And Amy Klobuchar… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-calls-out-gop-refusal-to-acknowledge-trump-conspiracies-pushes-committee-to-subpoena-volume-ii-report-at-jack-smith-hearing/ | WATCH: Sen. Schiff Calls Out GOP Refusal to Acknowledge Trump Conspiracies, Pushes Committee to Subpoena Volume II Report at Jack Smith Hearing | 2026-09-29 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) called out Senate Republicans for their refusal to acknowledge President Trump’s conspiracies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led investigations into the events of January 6, 2021, and the case involving classified documents being stored at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. Schiff pledged to make a motion to subpoena Volume II of Jack Smith’s report at the committee’s next meeting. Schiff said “I’m going to make a motion at our next business meeting that calls for a subpoena, to subpoena your report. We should see it. The country should see it… They could’ve asked for your report. They don’t want to see your report. They don’t want the country to see your report… I hope we can let the country see your work product and see the release of the second volume of your report.” Read the full transcript below: Schiff: Mr. Smith thank you for coming to testify today. I’m sorry that you have been so villainized and attacked today. I want to point out though, what we’ve heard, and I’ve sat through almost every minute of this hearing. What we’ve heard and what we haven’t heard from my colleagues across the aisle, they have attacked you repeatedly, aggressively, inappropriately, scandalously, but none of them have contested what took place on this day. None of them had said there was no attack on January 6. None of them have tried to deny the assault on the police officers. None of them have even suggested the President wasn’t involved. None of them have contested any of these things. No, they have attacked you because they don’t want to address the facts. They don’t want to talk about this, they would rather attack you. And just to level set here, for all of the outrage of my colleagues over your requesting toll records because Rudy Giuliani and other co-conspirators were calling some of the members of this body, for all of the outrage over that, I should let you know, because you may not be aware of… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-takano-meng-and-sen-hirono-recognize-asian-american-and-native | Reps. Chu, Takano, Meng and Sen. Hirono Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Week | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), and Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of CAPAC, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27 – October 3, 2026. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions with high populations of AANHPI students, helping colleges expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll over 40 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award nearly half of all associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country. This resolution comes days after the Trump Administration diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress had designated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges (TCUs). Instead of increasing investment in HBCUs and TCUs, this Administration has chosen to take money and resources from schools serving historically underserved students, including AANAPISIs, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Congressional Tri-Caucus condemned the decision and urged the Administration to restore the funding Congress appropriated to support MSIs. Last year, the Trump administration also recklessly decided to end C… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-padilla-schiff-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule | Huffman, Padilla, Schiff, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | huffman | https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California's water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy an… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-peters-durbin-schumer-lead-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Padilla, Peters, Durbin, Schumer Lead Senate Colleagues in Demanding Secretary Mullin Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), led 30 of their Senate colleagues in demanding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over, and undermine public trust in, the 2026 midterm elections. The Senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about thousands of noncitizens who allegedly registered to vote, and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and immediately end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” wrote the Senators. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/ | Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California’s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying so… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-protect-college-sports-act/ | Padilla Statement on Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), issued the following statement after voting to pass the Protect College Sports Act of 2026: “College sports have long been an enriching part of American life, but in recent years, the pressures of big money have destabilized college athletics and overshadowed the primary mission of higher education. “College athletes are students first. I am proud to have secured critical provisions to better support their success both in and out of the classroom by strengthening oversight of health and safety standards, holding colleges and universities accountable for ensuring students achieve academic success, and allowing college athletic programs the flexibility to make conference decisions that best serve their students. “This bill also preserves opportunities for women’s sports and Olympic sports by protecting roster spots and requiring continued investment in the pipeline of American Olympic talent. “These reforms will help keep the focus where it belongs: on the students and the education that college sports are meant to serve.” The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 includes several provisions Padilla authored, including: Academic Performance Rating (APR) Padilla secured a change that would condition a school’s ability to use the retention fund to being in good standing with the NCAA’s academic performance and graduation standards for student athletes. Health and Safety Standards Padilla secured a change that strengthens and expands the work of the Commission on the Future of College Athletics to: Ensure the adequacy of and compliance with health and safety standards required in the bill (and consider options to further strengthen these standards and oversight, including through the creation of a third-party oversight organization), Evaluate the efficacy of the independence structure of health and safety officers, and Review violations, athlete injuries, or deaths. Conference Provision Padilla secured changes to reduce and eventually end the i… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-momentum-already-building-for-sens-tim-scott-adam-schiff-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-with-8-new-bipartisan-backers-in-senate/ | NEWS: Momentum Already Building for Sens. Tim Scott, Adam Schiff Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit with 8 New Bipartisan Backers in Senate | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan, bicameral backing from Senators in film production states – Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, and Montana – follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit Washington, D.C. — Bipartisan momentum for U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan, bicameral legislation to create a federal film tax incentive is already building in the Senate with the addition of 8 new bipartisan Senate backers from across the country. Scott and Schiff are announcing today that their Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will be cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). This legislation, introduced last week in both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump. “For years, I’ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it’s time we get this passed,”said Senator Schiff. “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/ | NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California’s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying so… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-schiff-hails-bipartisan-cooperation-on-new-bill-to-create-federal-film-tax-incentive-emphasizes-need-for-congress-to-take-action-to-regulate-ai-on-cnns-the-story-is-with-elex-michaels/ | WATCH: Schiff Hails Bipartisan Cooperation on New Bill to Create Federal Film Tax Incentive, Emphasizes Need for Congress to Take Action to Regulate AI on CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson to discuss the introduction of his new bill with Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, to create the nation’s first federal film tax incentive to help keep film and television production in the United States. The Senator highlighted support from Congressional Republicans and President Trump as evidence of a pathway to get the bill signed into law by the end of this year. He also discussed the importance of Congress taking action to regulate artificial intelligence and the need for the United States to come to an agreement with China on AI. View the full interview here. Key Excerpts: On Republican support for creating a federal film tax incentive: […] I think a lot of the Republicans were supportive of this. I’ve been having conversations with them for the last two years, and in the House for many, many years before that. What it really took was the president issuing a statement of support. I think they were waiting for a signal from the White House that if they got on board with this, they would have the president’s backing, and he did issue that statement. It was a full-throated endorsement of this bill, and that really moved things forward. Then it was just a question of hammering out some last-minute provisions, we already had a very good draft. I’ve had that for you know the last couple of years, and we also obviously worked with our Democratic and Republican counterparts in the House so that when we introduced the bill today, it was not only bipartisan but also in both houses, and that just gives us that much stronger chance for passage. On working with the White House, Trump administration, and stakeholders: We’ve been working closely with the White House, and Spencer Pratt has been very helpful. John Voight has been very helpful. They’ve been, I think, very good liaisons with the White House. And my understanding is that we have sign-off o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-conducts-in-person-oversight-of-uss-abraham-lincoln | Rep. Sara Jacobs Conducts In-Person Oversight of USS Abraham Lincoln | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sara Jacobs | J000305 | sarajacobs.house.gov | sarajacobs | https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Today, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined a bipartisan delegation to conduct in-person oversight of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is currently en route to its home port of San Diego. The lawmakers spoke with sailors, Marines, and leadership aboard the ship, conducting oversight of the extended deployment and its reported issues. Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “For months, I’ve taken the concerns shared with me about mail delays, food and supply shortages, low morale, and mental health crises aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln straight to CENTCOM and the Navy. Unfortunately, their answers have been wholly insufficient. “Oversight can’t wait until the USS Abraham Lincoln comes home to San Diego. We deserve answers and accountability now. That’s why I traveled aboard the ship today to conduct oversight in-person. I raised my concerns directly with the ship’s command and received a briefing on logistics, supply issues, and lessons learned for future deployments. I also met with sailors and Marines on board who painted a very different picture of this war; they shared stories of the deployment and their struggles to wash clothes, get medicine and health care, and eat enough food. I don’t blame the ship’s leadership for the past conditions; they did the best they could under difficult circumstances. The blame lies squarely with President Trump who knowingly launched a war without the required planning and strategy needed. He put these service members in the position where the conditions were so horrific that some attempted suicide. “I’m relieved that the USS Abraham Lincoln will soon be back in San Diego, and I’m looking forward to welcoming them home. But our demand for accountability won’t end when they make port. I will continue pushing for an OIG investigation into these conditions and a House Armed Services Committee field hearing in San Diego to hear directly from these service members. We need to prevent this crisis from happening ever again, and ultimately end the Iran war and bring all our service members home.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-urges-california-to-accept-10-million-in-federal-funding-for-orange-county-veterans-cemetery | CORREA URGES CALIFORNIA TO ACCEPT $10 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ORANGE COUNTY VETERANS CEMETERY | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | J. Luis Correa | C001110 | correa.house.gov | correa | https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | SANTA ANA, Calif. — U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46), who has long advocated for bringing a veterans cemetery to Orange County, sent a letter today urging Governor Gavin Newsom to ensure the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) accepts $10 million in federal funding offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon. Representatives Ken Calvert, Young Kim, Mike Levin, Dave Min, Derek Tran, and State Senator Thomas J. Umberg and Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva and Avelino Valencia joined Correa in signing the letter. “After more than a decade of work, we are closer than ever to fulfilling our promise to Orange County’s veterans and their families,” said the lawmakers. “We should not allow $10 million in federal funding secured for this purpose to be left on the table.” In July 2025, Rep. Correa led a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs urging federal support for construction of the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim Hills. A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below Dear Governor Newsom: We write to respectfully urge your administration to take all necessary steps to preserve the $10 million in federal funding offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Orange County. After more than a decade of work by veterans, local communities, and elected officials at every level of government, we have made extraordinary progress toward finally delivering a veterans cemetery for Orange County. The project enjoys broad and bipartisan support, including the County of Orange, all 34 cities in Orange County, our state and federal legislative delegations, and veterans organizations throughout the region. The County has also dedicated 200 acres of public land to the cemetery project. At the federal level, the Orange County congressional delegation has worked diligently and on a bipartisan basis to secure feder… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/09/25/prompted-by-constituents-death-rep-mullin-introduces-bill-to-designate-lethal-airguns-as-firearms/ | Prompted by Constituent’s Death, Rep. Mullin Introduces Bill to Designate Lethal Airguns as Firearms | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Kevin Mullin | M001225 | kevinmullin.house.gov | kevinmullin | https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Modern airguns can be powerful enough to cause serious injury or death, yet face far fewer safeguards than traditional firearms simply because they use compressed air instead of gunpowder. To close this dangerous gap, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced Garrett’s Law today after one of his constituents lost her son to suicide involving a high-powered airgun. Existing law requires licensed firearms manufacturers and dealers to conduct a background check on prospective buyers to identify individuals who are prohibited from owning a firearm, such as felons or those with certain severe mental health conditions. Yet, lethal airguns are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as consumer products, rather than as dangerous weapons regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. As a result, any individual can bypass a background check to purchase a type of airgun that is as deadly as a firearm, regardless of criminal history or ability to otherwise legally own a firearm. This loophole has caused irreparable and, in some cases, fatal harm. Garrett Edwards, a constituent of Rep. Mullin, struggled with mental health during the pandemic and was prohibited from possessing a firearm by law. Yet, sadly, when his condition worsened, Garrett legally purchased a lethal airgun online and used it to take his own life. To prevent similar tragedies, Garrett’s Law would close this dangerous gap in federal lawby designating high-powered, lethal airguns as firearms. “Garrett should still be here today,” said Rep. Mullin. “If a weapon is powerful enough to kill, it should be subject to the same common-sense safety standards as any other gun. It makes no sense that someone prohibited by law from purchasing a firearm can still walk into a store or go online and legally obtain an airgun capable of killing. This bill closes that gap and, hopefully, helps prevent another family from facing this kind of unimaginable loss.” “Garrett’s Law represents every person’s right to be protected f… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/reps-peters-miller-meeks-introduce-bill-to-make-safer-products-program-permanent | Reps Peters, Miller-Meeks Introduce Bill to Make Safer Products Program Permanent | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott H. Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | scottpeters | https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA) introduced the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act, legislation to formally codify and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice Program. The Safer Choice Program gives producers a voluntary framework to evaluate the human health, environmental, and economic effects of the chemicals and technologies they use. This also helps consumers identify safer alternatives for cleaning and other products. “San Diegans and families across the country rely on safe, effective products every day, and they should know if these products have been vetted against the highest health and safety standards,” said Rep. Peters. “Our bipartisan bill would permanently give consumers that peace of mind and provide American producers the competitive advantage of a trusted, nationally recognized label. I’m glad to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure the Safer Choice Program benefits consumers and producers for years to come.” “American families shouldn’t have to be chemists to know whether the products they buy meet high standards for health, safety, and performance," said Dr. Miller-Meeks. "This bipartisan legislation gives consumers clearer information while encouraging manufacturers to develop safer products, all without creating a new mandatory regulatory regime. As a physician, I’m proud to support a voluntary, science-based approach that gives Americans more confidence in the products they use every day.” EPA’s Safer Choice Program has helped drive innovation in safer chemistry for decades but has never been formally authorized by Congress. The Safer Choice Program Authorization Act would permanently authorize the program so that producers have clear health and safety standards and consumers can rely on a trusted federal label for safer products. The Safer Choice Program Authorization Act would: Formally authorize EPA’s “Safer Choice” and “Design for the Environment” programs; Maintain rigorou… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-introduce-bill-to-prevent-unlawful-immigration-arrests-and-detentions/ | Padilla, Durbin Introduce Bill to Prevent Unlawful Immigration Arrests and Detentions | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced new legislation to clarify existing requirements for immigration arrests and codify statutory procedures to prevent unlawful arrests and detentions. Immigration enforcement officers under this Administration have arbitrarily arrested U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status, including George Retes, Javier Ramirez, Andrea Velez, Wilmer Chavarria, and Dayanne Figueroa. “Republicans continued to write blank checks to ICE and CBP while serious concerns remain about officer and agent training, accountability, and the treatment of U.S. citizens,” said Senator Padilla. “Every person in America has civil rights — in spite of this Administration’s total disregard for the Constitution. This bill would establish stronger accountability and oversight, restore due process, and ensure federal immigration enforcement respects the rights and safety of Americans and noncitizens alike.” “The disturbing reality today is that many American citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country,” said Senator Durbin. “As Justice Sotomayor stated in her dissent in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, referring to immigration agents: ‘United States citizens are … being seized, taken from their jobs, and prevented from working to support themselves and their families.’ This must stop. The Immigration Warrant Reform Act will help prevent these due process violations while ensuring noncitizens who present a threat to public safety are not released. It is commonsense, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.” In a concurrence in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, Justice Kavanaugh relied on these gaps in immigration laws to find that immigration officers and agents may … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-van-hollen-senate-democrats-to-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi/ | Padilla Joins Van Hollen, Senate Democrats to Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators’ letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 15 of his colleagues in calling on President Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a letter to Trump, the Senators also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity. “We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level,” the Senators wrote. “As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threa… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trump-administrations-last-minute-election-security-plan/ | Padilla Statement on Trump Administration’s Last Minute Election Security Plan | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Overdue plan comes after Trump Administration defunded election security efforts, fired staff WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released its 2026 Election Infrastructure Security Plan, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections: “Donald Trump isn’t serious about election security. His Administration’s newly released election security plan is the product of an election denier in chief who has spent his time in office installing like-minded conspiracy theorists in leadership positions across the federal government. “After the President rehashed his tired conspiracy theories during his White House address in July, Secretary Mullin promised an election security plan within 30 days, along with DHS assistance for state and local election officials. The deadline came and went, voting is underway for the midterm elections, and the Trump Administration has gutted DHS’s election cybersecurity work. Election security staff has been fired and funding for state and local election officials has been cut, allowing mis- and disinformation to run rampant while denying election officials the tools to counter it. Meanwhile, the Administration is even withholding counterterrorism and disaster funds unless states go along with voter purging and voter suppression efforts. “While CISA claims to be changing course and offering to help state and local governments with election security, this report does not do that. The Administration must restore the Election Infrastructure ISAC funding as Congress has directed – and then support legislation like my State and Local Election Security Act of 2026 to provide state and local election officials with the resources they need to modernize voting equipment and defend against any potential interference and cyberattacks.” As Ranking Member of the Sena… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-breaks-down-new-whistleblower-allegations-of-dhs-lawbreaking-ahead-of-midterms/ | WATCH: Padilla Breaks Down New Whistleblower Allegations of DHS Lawbreaking Ahead of Midterms | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WATCH: Padilla uncovers Trump’s voter intimidation push through DHS whistleblower disclosure WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, released a video sounding the alarm over Trump’s ongoing attacks on American elections, including a recent disclosure by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower that alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Division officers to violate state laws as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at substantiating President Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. With just weeks to go until the November election, Senator Padilla breaks down the whistleblower’s claims and how the federal government’s alleged interference will impact eligible voters. Additionally, Senator Padilla calls for every American to resist these voter suppression tactics by making a plan and committing to vote this November. Following receipt of the bombshell whistleblower disclosure, Padilla and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the “Unlawful Voter Initiative” and provide responses to Congress on its activities, and protect naturalized citizens who were erroneously flagged as “unlawful voters.” On Monday, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighting the concerning activities detailed by the DHS whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions violated California law. Last week, Padilla and Schumer led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-morrison-and-sen-murray-lead-house-senate-democrats-demand-rfk | Reps. Chu, Morrison, and Sen. Murray Lead House & Senate Democrats to Demand RFK Jr. & HHS Return Millions in Funding for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Reproductive Task Force Co-Chairs & Liaisons Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led 92 Democratic Senators & Members in a letter to the Department of Human & Health Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) demanding the return of Congressionally appropriated funds to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP). When HHS initially terminated funding and announced their intention to redirect funds to ideologically conservative programs in July, 79 members of the DWC and Democratic Caucus sent a letter to HHS warning of the negative impacts this would have on communities. They demanded HHS restore the funding, provide the rationale behind each cancellation, and justify their plan to redirect funding. Since then, none of the funding has been restored to TPP grant recipients, and local programs that work to reduce teen pregnancy, STIs, and other health risks for young people have halted work. Although the administration’s attempt to redirect funding was stopped by federal courts, the funding is now sitting unused with no publicized plan from HHS to return it and seems likely to not be returned to grant recipients. If the funding is not returned soon, the over $100 million that Congress appropriated to TPP grants is at risk of lapsing—wasting Americans valuable tax dollars and leaving programs across the country unable to operate. HHS’s only options are to either return the funding to the communities and teens who rely on it or let it go to waste. In their letter, the Members and Senators expose the uncertainty created by HHS’s illegal withholding of TPP grant funding: “As the fiscal year rapidly comes to an end on September 30, we are very concerned that your Department has failed to distribute over $100 million of the $101 million in funding Congress provided for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program. Your decision to terminate the vast majority of existing TPP grants this summer an… | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-and-bipartisan-group-members-urge-administration-lead-ai-safety | Rep. Panetta and Bipartisan Group of Members Urge the Administration to Lead on AI Safety and Security | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jimmy Panetta | P000613 | panetta.house.gov | panetta | https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and members of the bipartisan Congressional Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Evolving Technologies wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging the Administration to lead international efforts to establish clear standards for the safe and secure development of advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The letter to President Trump comes as he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping. As the United States works to maintain its global leadership in AI, the Working Group called for stronger U.S.-China coordination on AI safety, including testing and incident reporting, and clear consequences for AI-enabled cyber activity targeting American critical infrastructure. The lawmakers emphasized that America can protect its national security, strengthen its technological leadership, and set the rules of the road for emerging technology at the same time. “The United States leads the world in AI, and we intend to keep it that way. But if we do not lead in setting global standards for advanced AI development, our adversaries will,” wrote the lawmakers. “In contemplation of your September 24th meeting with President Xi Jinping, we respectfully request that you prioritize a coordinated international effort on AI safety and security, beginning with China.” Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Mr. President, The bipartisan Problem Solver’s Congressional AI and Evolving Technologies Working Group recognizes the rapid advance of frontier AI and the need for American leadership in setting the international rules to govern it. Leading American AI developers have consistently warned that the most capable models are developing capabilities that carry serious national security risks. These include enabling sophisticated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, lowering the barriers to developing biological and chemical weapons, and increasing the risk of miscalculation in a military crisis The United States leads the world in AI, … | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/09/24/rep-aguilar-delivers-wins-to-strengthen-inland-empire-water-infrastructure-promote-environmental-conservation-and-protect-jobs/ | Rep. Aguilar Delivers Wins to Strengthen Inland Empire Water Infrastructure, Promote Environmental Conservation and Protect Jobs | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Pete Aguilar | A000371 | aguilar.house.gov | aguilar | https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/ | scraper | Highlights include over $85 million authorized for crucial water and flood infrastructure projects in the Inland Empire and expanding federal support for water scarcity management WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured key provisions in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 to strengthen water, sewer and flood control infrastructure in the Inland Empire, protect logistics jobs tied to the Port of Los Angeles and ensure the resiliency and conservation of the region’s water supply. “From our schools to our hospitals, homes, businesses and more, so much of California’s daily functions and quality of life depend on the reliable delivery and management of water,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I am proud of my work to help upgrade our region’s water and flood infrastructure, support good-paying logistics jobs and ensure the dependability of our water supply for generations to come. I’ll keep fighting for more resources to boost our economy and keep Inland Empire families safe and healthy.” “The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency thanks Congressman Pete Aguilar for his leadership in securing authorization of $67.5 million for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026,” said Robert Ybarra, President, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. “This authorization gives the Inland Empire a federal partner in building the water infrastructure our region needs to keep pace with sustained population and economic growth, and to help address California’s housing affordability crisis, which no region can solve without the water supply to serve new homes. It positions SGPWA to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on our Backbone Water System project, which will extend our transmission pipeline roughly 30 miles east and add groundwater recharge capacity, delivering a more reliable, drought-resilient supply to the families and communities that will one day call this area home. Congressman Aguilar ha… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-meng-and-krishnamoorthi-lead-bipartisan-letter-requesting | Reps. Chu, Meng, and Krishnamoorthi Lead Bipartisan Letter Requesting Temporary Protected Status for Nepal Following Catastrophic Flooding | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) led a bipartisan letter to President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging the Administration to immediately grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Nepali nationals following catastrophic flooding that has devastated over 1.6 million people. TPS allows people already living in the U.S. to stay and work legally when it is too dangerous for them to return to their home country due to war, natural disaster, or other crises. On August 26, a glacial collapse triggered catastrophic flooding through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors, devastating communities across northern and central Nepal. As of September 21, 2026, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reports 1,451 bodies recovered, over 5,780 people still missing, and an estimated 20,000 houses destroyed. Roads, bridges, schools, hydropower facilities, and other essential infrastructure have been destroyed or severely damaged. Nepal’s government estimates that recovery will cost $4.78 billion. Nepal previously received TPS after the devastating 2015 earthquake. That designation was terminated earlier this year, and in August 2026, DHS ordered roughly 7,000 Nepali TPS holders to leave the country or face deportation. The members wrote: “These conditions have placed an extraordinary burden on Nepal as the country undertakes massive rescue, humanitarian, and reconstruction efforts. Many Nepali nationals currently living in the United States are from the communities directly affected by this disaster. Families are attempting to determine whether their loved ones are alive, if homes remain standing, and if their communities remain accessible…For many, removal would mean returning to a country where their homes and communities no longer exists and relatives are missing or deceased.… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-moran-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-bring | Reps. Chu, Moran, and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Film Jobs Home | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | “For generations, Southern California has been the heart of America's film and television industry, supporting thousands of workers and small businesses in the San Gabriel Valley and across our region. But today, too many productions are leaving for other countries, taking good-paying jobs and economic opportunity with them. We cannot stand by while communities across the United States lose these productions and the jobs they support. That's why I am so proud to co-lead the bipartisan, bicameral Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which will create a new federal tax credit to incentivize film and television production here in America. This bill will help bring productions and jobs back home, support our creative workforce, and keep Southern California the entertainment capital of the world,” said Rep. Chu. “When a production comes to a community—from rural East Texas to urban New York—that money doesn't just benefit the production company. It helps the local caterer, the hardware store, the hoteliers, and every tradesman in between who makes film and television production possible. Those jobs are going overseas right now simply because other countries are offering bigger handouts. If we want to keep American storytelling in America, we have to level the playing field, and that's exactly what this bill does. This isn't about subsidizing Hollywood—it's about supporting the American worker, one story and one production at a time. I'm proud to work with Senator Scott and our bipartisan group in both chambers to get this done, and I'm grateful to Ambassador Jon Voight and Sean Astin for the work they've put into pushing this forward,” said Rep. Moran. “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to have served as the backdrop for both of these i… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-sherman-sens-schiff-padilla-press-fema-again-prevent-shutdown | Reps. Chu, Sherman, Sens. Schiff, Padilla Press FEMA Again to Prevent Shutdown of Critical Wildfire Recovery Program | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | chu | https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers demand FEMA reverse denial of additional funding as September 30 shutdown looms WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) sent a follow-up letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding immediate action to stop the Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) serving survivors of the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires from shutting down on September 30. The letter follows the lawmakers’ September 10 demand that FEMA immediately release millions of dollars in outstanding DCMP funding, a demand that has gone unanswered. On September 11, FEMA Region 9 denied California’s request for an additional $6.57 million needed to sustain the program, a decision the State has since appealed. The lawmakers are urging FEMA to grant the appeal, release the outstanding previously approved funding, and ensure there is no interruption in services. “FEMA approved this program because survivors needed sustained case management throughout a long and difficult recovery. Yet FEMA’s own funding delays now threaten to force the program to shut down months before the end of that approved period,” the lawmakers wrote. FEMA approved DCMP to operate for 24 months, but has released only approximately $3 million of the roughly $13 million approved for the program, with three remaining installments still under review. Meanwhile, the need for case management remains significant: DCMP providers report more than 3,000 survivors have been served, including 1,288 active cases and 84 survivors on an immediate waitlist. Of the active caseload, 1,023 cases are categorized at the highest complexity levels. The September 30 shutdown also lands just days before FEMA Rental Assistance for Los Angeles wildfire survivors is scheduled to expire on October 9. As of September 17, 801 households were receiving rental assistance, including 623 renter households, with another 329 applications pending. “Allowing DCMP to… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-rep-friedman-bipartisan-bicameral-coalition-announce-legislation | RELEASE: Rep. Friedman, Bipartisan & Bicameral Coalition Announce Legislation to Create a National Film Tax Credit | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Laura Friedman | F000483 | friedman.house.gov | friedman | https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, September 24, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced the bipartisan, bicameral Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, legislation to create a national film tax credit and bring hundreds of thousands of good-paying production jobs back to the United States. A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text is available here. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will create 143,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually across the country by establishing a 20% tax credit on labor expenses for American workers on qualifying film and television productions, with bonus credits worth up to 30% for productions that hire in rural or federal disaster areas, work across multiple states, or bring work home from overseas. The bill is led by Representatives Laura Friedman, Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Linda Sánchez (CA-38) (CA-30), Brian Jack (GA-03), David Kustoff (TN-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), Mike Carey (OH-15), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) in the House. In the Senate, the bill is led by Senators Tim Scott (SC) and Adam Schiff (CA). “For over a year, I’ve worked to build a coalition of unions, studios, Republicans & Democrats, and the White House, because we knew that a national film tax credit would bring hundreds of thousands of jobs back to our country,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “This bill is a result of that coalition. It tells every country that has been outbidding us for American work that we are done losing” WHAT THE BILL DOES: A 20% credit on American labor expenses. Feature films, television pilots, and television seasons that cost more than $1 million qualify if at least 75% of their principal photography days happen in the United States. Bonus credits that reward hiring where it is needed most. Productions can earn an additional 5% each, up to a 30% total credit, for shooting at least 30% of their days in a rural opportunity zone or a federally declared disaster area, for independent productions, for … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-titus-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-admin-plans-to-open-public-lands-to-ai-datacenters | Huffman, Titus Lead Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Trump Admin Plans to Open Public Lands to AI Datacenters | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | huffman | https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Interior is reviewing at least a dozen proposals covering 17,600 acres across six states while shutting the public out Washington, D.C. – Today, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Representative Dina Titus (D-Nev.), along with 14 House Democrats, sent a letter demanding answers from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on the Department's reported plans to hand over federal public lands for massive data center projects. The Bureau of Land Management is reportedly reviewing at least a dozen data center proposals at the President's direction, covering at least 17,600 acres across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Burgum has met with dozens of technology and energy executives about data center build out since the 2025 executive order on data center permitting, and BLM officials have reportedly compiled lists of public land to target for development. “Our public lands must not be managed by secret deals and industry-led schemes,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers warned that the buildout will drive up costs for families already facing rising bills. One study found data centers could consume up to 12 percent of all U.S. electricity by 2028, straining the grid and pushing energy prices higher. At the same time, BLM has lost nearly half its staff under this administration, with a reported 50 percent vacancy rate in the Lands and Realty program that handles permitting. The agency proposed further cuts for fiscal year 2027 while naming data centers a top priority, which the members said will worsen backlogs for ready-to-build clean energy projects that would lower energy bills. The letter points to the Townsite Data Center, the first BLM-approved data center on public lands, now held up in court after the agency let a developer reuse a permit issued for a solar project without new environmental review or public comment. The members also raised alarm over Secretarial Order 3452, which directs Interior staff to streamline or exempt reviews of impacts to cultural and his… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/09/24/mullin-kaptur-introduce-the-sunlight-on-superpacs-act/ | Mullin & Kaptur Introduce the Sunlight on SuperPACs Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Kevin Mullin | M001225 | kevinmullin.house.gov | kevinmullin | https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/ | scraper | San Mateo, CA — As the election nears and to help provide more transparency into who is paying for campaigns, Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced the Sunlight on SuperPACs Act of 2026. This new legislation would require federal election campaign ads paid for by SuperPACs to disclose the name and dollar amount contributed to that SuperPAC by its top three major donors of $5,000 or more. By providing voters with more information on the funders of election ads, they will be empowered to make more informed decisions about the content of those ads. “Voters deserve to know who is trying to influence their decisions at the ballot box,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15), who authored the California DISCLOSE Act while previously serving in the state’s legislature. “When political groups hide who is funding their ads, it undermines trust in our elections and our democracy. I’m proud to cosponsor the Sunlight on SuperPACs Act to give voters a clearer picture of who is behind the political messages they see and how much they have invested in them. With greater transparency in campaign spending, voters will have more of the information they need to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections.” “Voters should know who is bankrolling campaign ads that come across their television screens, billboards, and smart phones,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Requiring disclosures to appear in the campaign ads themselves will give voters the information they deserve. Transparency is the first big step to returning control of our democracy back to the American people.” “The explosion of ‘pop-up’ SuperPACs hiding their true agendas behind fake names and paperwork games is a scam to deceive voters,” said Jon Golinger, Democracy Advocate, Public Citizen. “The Sunlight on SuperPACs Act pulls the mask off these clowns by requiring the top three funders of every SuperPAC to be printed right on their ads. This is a proven method to arm voters with information they can use to… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/liccardo-calls-federal-investigation-russian-owned-menlo-park-development | Liccardo Calls for Federal Investigation into Russian-Owned Menlo Park Development, Potential Sanctions | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sam T. Liccardo | L000607 | liccardo.house.gov | liccardo | https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Liccardo (D-CA) demands Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launch an immediate federal review of the ownership and financing behind a proposed real estate development at 80 Willow Road in Menlo Park. Liccardo urged the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and other appropriate federal agencies to examine the property and consider sanctions against its Russian owner, Vitaly Yusufov, and his father, Igor Yusufov. “I urge immediate review of the source of funding behind a real estate development at 80 Willow Road in Menlo Park, California, owned by a Russian citizen, Vitaly Yusufov,” wrote Liccardo. “Public sources raise serious questions about Vitaly Yusufov’s ties to the Russian government and individuals linked to organized crime, warranting immediate review by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), and, ultimately, consideration for sanctions.” In the letter, Liccardo cited public reporting regarding Vitaly Yusufov’s past business dealings, his sanctions by Ukraine, and reported connections involving Russian government officials and organized crime figures. The letter also notes that Yusufov’s father, Igor Yusufov, previously served as Russia’s Energy Minister and as a board member of Gazprom and Rosneft. Liccardo raised separate national security concerns because of the property’s location in Silicon Valley and its proximity to companies and research centers working in defense technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. “Given the very high concentration of defense tech, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing companies and research centers in the region, we believe federal agencies should review the property, its ownership, and its financial backing to ensure Kremlin officials and their proxies cannot obtain sensitive information about critical U.S. companies and their employees,” the letter reads. The letter also point… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-bring-film-jobs-home | Sánchez, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill to bring film jobs home | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Linda T. Sánchez | S001156 | lindasanchez.house.gov | lindasanchez | https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), along with Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), today introduced the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, a bipartisan bill to revive film and television production in the United States and drive economic growth in local communities. The bill would create a federal tax credit for productions made in the United States to reverse the flow of film and television jobs to foreign countries that are luring these productions away. It would bring that work back to American production crews, small businesses and communities that depend on the industry.Sánchez and Moran were joined by Representatives Brian Jack (R-Ga.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Mike Carey (R-Ohio) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) in introducing the bill. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “The United States is losing good-paying union jobs because it’s become too expensive to film here,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “This isn’t about the actors who star in films and can travel for a shoot. It’s about the production crews and set builders, the backbone of the film industry. Our bill would create incentives to bring those jobs back home and boost local economies, not just in California, but across the country.” “When a production comes to a community – from rural East Texas to urban New York – that money doesn’t just benefit the production company,” said Congressman Moran. “It helps the local caterer, the hardware store, the hoteliers, and every tradesman in between who makes film and television production possible. Those jobs are going overseas right now simply because other countries are offering bigger handouts. If we want to keep American storytelling in America, we have to level the playing field, and that’s exactly what this bill does. This isn’t about subsidizing Hollywood – it’s about supporting the American wo… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-and-obernolte-lead-introduction-american-leadership-fusion-act | Lofgren and Obernolte Lead Introduction of American Leadership in Fusion Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Zoe Lofgren | L000397 | lofgren.house.gov | lofgren | https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | “Fusion is the future, and this bipartisan bill is a major step in capitalizing on the promise of its emission-free power,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “I’m proud to be introducing this bill today alongside Representatives Obernolte, Beyer, Trahan, and Gallagher—and I thank them for their partnership. We are faced with a choice: lead the global race to commercialize fusion power or get left behind. We need to match the momentum we are experiencing with breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility, from the emerging fusion energy industry, and at universities and other national laboratories across the country to fortify the foundation of fusion energy in America, in both the private and public sectors. With $10 billion in direct investments for high-priority activities, the establishment of an Office of Fusion at DOE, a workforce development program, and much more—this bill will unleash a new era of fusion energy development in the United States.” “Fusion energy has the potential to be a reliable domestic source of power and strengthen America’s energy independence,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte. “The American Leadership in Fusion Act supports the research infrastructure and commercialization pathways needed to move fusion technologies toward deployment and maintain U.S. leadership in this critical field.” “Fusion energy can help deliver abundant, reliable, clean energy for decades to come, but if we want to realize its promise, we need to make greater investments in its commercialization,” said Congressman Beyer. “That’s why I’m proud to support the bipartisan American Leadership in Fusion Act, which would provide $10 billion in direct investment to accelerate fusion commercialization and establish an Office of Fusion. We must give promising fusion technologies the resources they need to reach the grid and ensure American leadership in this global race.” “At a time when families across the country are struggling with rising energy costs, fusion energy offers the promise of delivering clean, reliable, and afford… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-cline-tillis-coons-blackburn-and-schiff-lead-bipartisan-bill-combat | Lofgren, Cline, Tillis, Coons, Blackburn, and Schiff Lead Bipartisan Bill to Combat Foreign Digital Piracy | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Zoe Lofgren | L000397 | lofgren.house.gov | lofgren | https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation focused on combating foreign digital piracy. The Deterring Extraterritorial Foreign Exploitation of Networks Damaging Intellectual Property (DEFEND IP) Act of 2026 is being led in the Senate by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Text for this legislation can be found here. Previous efforts to curb foreign digital piracy failed because they lacked due process, threatened free speech, and provided overly broad enforcement powers that risked harming legitimate websites and the open internet. The DEFEND IP Act instead: Respects First Amendment rights by requiring every blocking order to go through a U.S. court, requiring clear evidence, due process, and judicial oversight to ensure fair enforcement and prevent censorship. Allows for feasible tech solutions by not mandating specific technical measures for blocking like past proposals. Instead, it allows service providers to determine the best, least intrusive method(s) to comply with court orders, preserving internet stability and security. Strictly applies to large-scale, foreign-run piracy sites, ensuring that lawful U.S. platforms, mixed-use sites, and independent creators remain unaffected. Calls for ongoing monitoring, as judicial orders would be temporary and require detailed evidence showing harm before any issuance or renewal. Protects service providers from legal liability for implementing judicial orders and for actions of blocked criminal sites. “Protecting a free and open internet and standing up for American creators go hand in hand,” said Rep. Lofgren. "Foreign piracy operations exploit a loophole in our law, hurting workers and businesses in California and across the country while putting consumers at risk. I am proud to work across the aisle on this smart, targeted approach to crack down on foreign piracy while protecting Americans’ free speech and … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-authors-bipartisan-nato-shield-act-require-congressional-approval | Rep. Panetta Authors Bipartisan NATO Shield Act to Require Congressional Approval Before U.S. Withdrawal From NATO | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jimmy Panetta | P000613 | panetta.house.gov | panetta | https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the NATO Shield Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a statutory framework requiring Congressional approval before any President can initiate the withdrawal of the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) is co-leading the legislation. The legislation builds on Rep. Panetta’s bipartisan efforts to secure a provision in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to establish Congressional limits to prevent unilateral U.S. withdrawal from NATO. The NATO Treaty currently provides a process through which a member may withdraw following one year’s notice. The NATO Shield Act builds on Rep. Panetta’s previous NDAA efforts in order to ensure that any decision by a President to begin that process is subject to Congressional oversight and approval. “NATO is one of the most consequential and successful security alliances in the history of the world,” said Rep. Panetta. “It is the foundation for security not just in Europe, but also throughout the globe. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to have a voice in any decisions that weaken NATO. At a time of growing threats and global instability, the bipartisan NATO Shield Act would strengthen existing guardrails and ensure that any effort to withdraw the United States from NATO is subject to Congressional oversight and approval.” “I am grateful to co-lead the NATO Shield Act to ensure that America’s commitment to our NATO allies remains strong and any decision that weakens this critical alliance receives the full consideration of Congress. NATO is essential to achieving Peace Through Strength, deterring war criminal Putin, and ensuring Dictators with Rule of Gun who threaten freedom and democracy around the world do not invade Democracies with Rule of Law,” said Rep. Wilson. The legislation treats withdrawal from NATO as a matter directly connected to Congress’s constitutional war powers, as abandoning … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-joins-push-human-centered-framework-provide-guardrails-ai | Rep. Panetta Joins Push for Human-Centered Framework to Provide Guardrails for AI in Education and Workforce | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jimmy Panetta | P000613 | panetta.house.gov | panetta | https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined the introduction of comprehensive legislation to establish guardrails against artificial intelligence (AI) risks in education and the workforce and invest in protections for students, educators, and workers. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) is leading the bill. The Artificial Intelligence Education and Workforce Readiness Act is a robust federal framework to protect students, educators, and workers and help them safely navigate the technology in their classrooms and careers. The bill establishes national workforce strategies and coordinates evidence-based programs across the Departments of Education and Labor. It also directs safety research at federal science agencies, creates enforceable safeguards, protects workers and communities, invests in professional development, and more. “As the emergence of artificial intelligence reshapes our education system and workforce, the federal government needs to lead with the appropriate guardrails and necessary programs to protect our students, teachers, and working families,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to cosponsor this wide-ranging federal framework to ensure that AI is deployed strategically in classrooms and offices, protecting human-centered education and training, while investing in open-access research, upskilling resources, new pilot programs, clear safety standards, and transparency. AI has significant potential, but we must implement standards to ensure its deployment is safe, stable, and secure.” “AI is already shaping how students learn and how people earn a living, but federal rules and regulations to protect students, support workers, and enforce ethical standards do not exist,” said Rep. Bonamici. “The companies building these tools don’t get to regulate themselves; we need clear rules and accountability for how AI is used in classrooms and workplaces. My human-centered legislation will empower and protect students, families, educators and others in the workforce by investing in e… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases/rep-peters-urges-senate-to-finalize-permitting-package | Rep. Peters Urges Senate to Finalize Permitting Package | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott H. Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | scottpeters | https://scottpeters.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) released the following statement: “There is clear and real appetite for concrete bipartisan action that reforms the broken permitting process. We can’t wait, consumers can’t wait, and the planet can’t wait. Almost all energy projects in the queue are renewable. A faster permit process means lower costs, more jobs, and a speedier transition to cleaner energy production. “The Senate should finalize a deal this month to give stakeholders time to review it and build a coalition of support. The House, the Senate and the White House all want this to happen—this moment doesn't come often. The time to act is now. “President Trump has said he's willing to let clean energy projects move forward without interference, and that's welcome news. The only way to hold him accountable to this promise is congressional action. “A historic package like this will have its detractors, but it must have champions, or it will be picked apart by those who don’t get everything they want. On balance, if the gains far outweigh the flaws, we must show resolve." Background: As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force, Rep. Peters has some of the largest bipartisan efforts in Congress to streamline the federal permitting process for energy and infrastructure projects. Last year, he unveiled the SPEED and Reliability Act, which significantly streamlines the siting and permitting of critical national interest electric transmission lines. Faster approvals to build more electrical lines would lower costs for consumers and prevent blackouts. He also reintroduced the Fix Our Forests Act, his landmark forestry bill, which would reduce bureaucratic delays to streamline environmental reviews for fuel reduction projects. This bill passed out of the House last January and was introduced by both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate last April. In April, he released the CERTAIN Act to acc… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-simon-and-congressman-desaulnier-introduce-legislation-establish | Congresswoman Simon and Congressman DeSaulnier Introduce Legislation to Establish a Commission to Identify, Investigate, and Remedy Historical Injustices by Federal Agencies | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Lateefah Simon | S001231 | simon.house.gov | simon | https://simon.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced the Confronting and Correcting Historical Injustices Act, legislation that would establish a “Commission for Review and Correction of Historical Injustices” to identify, investigate, and remedy instances of historical injustice and discrimination carried out by federal agencies. “For far too long, communities – particularly Black and brown communities - have been subjected to discriminatory practices at the hands of our own government without proper accountability or acknowledgement. This current moment in history, when the Trump Administration is killing American citizens and terrorizing immigrant communities, demonstrates that the legacy of horrific violence and racial inequality towards immigrant communities by the federal government continues,” said Congresswoman Simon. “This legislation establishes a path to address these injustices and demand the accountability communities deserve. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation with my colleague Congressman DeSaulnier and carry forward the torch lit by Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “In order to realize the founding ideals of our country, we must recognize and address the darker chapters in its history marked by discrimination and hate,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Simon, who has been a strong leader on this issue, in introducing this legislation that will bring us closer to the promise of equality and justice for all.” The independent Commission established by this legislation would: Review cases of discrimination where individuals or groups have not received compensation for the actions of the federal agency; Recommend further legislative or executive action to address and resolve discriminatory instances; Establish a procedure for the public to submit discrimination cases for review; Hold the authority to issue a subpoena to any federal agency that the Commission deems necessary. This bill was … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-and-senator-padilla-introduce-basic-act-to-ensure-no-student-has-to-choose-between-college-and-basic-needs | Congresswoman Torres and Senator Padilla Introduce BASIC Act to Ensure No Student Has to Choose Between College and Basic Needs | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Norma J. Torres | T000474 | torres.house.gov | torres | https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students In College (BASIC) Act, legislation to help community colleges and four-year institutions address the unmet basic needs of their students by establishing a $1 billion competitive grant program to better connect students with the resources they need to stay in school and complete their degrees. Amidst the ongoing affordability crisis, college students across America are struggling to afford food, safe housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other necessities. Nearly one in four college students across the country experience food insecurity, a rate twice that of all other U.S. households, and 1 in 10 students experience homelessness. Research from The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University shows that 3 in 5 students do not have enough to eat or a safe place to live. Students with limited income or access to opportunities, such as Pell Grant recipients, parenting students, first-generation students, veterans, former foster youth, students with disabilities, and students at community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions, typically experience the highest levels of basic needs insecurity. Since Fiscal Year 2021, Rep. Torres and Senator Padilla have secured over $43 million for the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program (“Basic Needs Grants”) grants nationwide, including $10 million in FY2026. Basic Needs grants now reach schools in 22 states and Puerto Rico, including both rural and urban areas in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, and the program has received applications from many more states. The BASIC Act would build upon this progress and ensure students have access to basic needs. “No student wo… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-tran-introduces-legislation-lower-housing-costs-southern | Representative Tran Introduces Legislation to Lower Housing Costs for Southern California Families | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Derek Tran | T000491 | tran.house.gov | tran | https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) introduced the Housing Cost of Living Support for Tenants (COST) Act, to deliver relief to Southern California renters struggling with rising housing costs. The legislation creates comprehensive tax credits for renters, contributing to Representative Tran’s ongoing commitment to expand housing affordability. “Housing costs across the country, especially in Southern California have reached a breaking point. Families are barely scraping by to pay rent, let alone save for the future,” said Representative Tran. “This bill would provide immediate, tangible relief to renters in need, helping them keep a roof over their heads, provide more room in their budgets for everyday expenses, or even save to buy a home. I am proud to lead this effort on behalf of all American families.” Southern California families face some of the highest housing costs in the nation, with the average rent in Orange County being over $3,200 a month and skyrocketing almost 40%, since 2017. The proposed legislation introduces a new, baseline 8% refundable tax credit for families who make a gross income of $150,000 or less, with a maximum household cap of $333 a month, totaling $4,000 a year. In California’s 45th Congressional District, this would benefit over 75,000 households. While other efforts to lower housing costs would take time to implement, this bill immediately puts money back in the hands of renters as they tackle the costs of groceries, medication, childcare, and other expenses. This legislative push builds on Representative Tran’s record of delivering housing results for the region: Rep. Tran secured $250,000 in federal funding to support the construction of 2,700 permanent affordable housing units across Orange County. Tran cosponsored the Saving the American Dream Act to create an interagency task force on the housing crisis and the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to finance the building of more multifamily units. Additionally, Rep. Tran voted for the… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-deluzio-launch-effort-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-protect-voters-and-election-workers/ | Padilla, Deluzio Launch Effort to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places, Protect Voters and Election Workers | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | In early 2026, 32 percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment, 52 percent concerned for staff safety WASHINGTON, D.C. — With midterm elections just around the corner and threats to our elections at an all-time high from Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and California’s former Secretary of State, and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) introduced bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. “No voter should have to walk past a gauntlet of firearms to exercise their right to vote, and no election worker should have to risk armed threats just to do their job,” said Senator Padilla. “Intimidation and violence have no place at our polls. These threats disenfranchise voters, undermine the fairness of our elections, and prevent nonpartisan election workers from doing their jobs. Our bill will keep visible firearms and other forms of violence away from polling places, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right safely, freely, and without intimidation.” “The right to vote is foundational to America’s democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,” said Congressman Deluzio. “With the rising risk of political violence and ongoing threats to our democratic system, we need to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. Th… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-demands-answers-from-governor-abbott-on-texas-voter-registration-errors/ | Padilla Demands Answers from Governor Abbott on Texas Voter Registration Errors | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, demanded answers from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden regarding recent disclosures showing potentially hundreds of thousands of Texas voter registration applications were not properly processed, leaving newly registered voters at risk of being disenfranchised in the 2026 midterm elections. Ranking Member Padilla stressed that Congress has an oversight responsibility over Texas’ mass failure to process voter registration, due to federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), also known as the “Motor Voter Law”, writing: “[t]he NVRA requires states to offer voter registration at the state’s motor vehicle registration agency, and these issues raise questions about the state’s compliance with the law. Understanding both the scope of this error, how it occurred, and how the state will remedy it to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised is therefore an important subject for congressional oversight.” In his letter to Abbott and Howden, Padilla also pointed out that the error cannot be viewed in isolation and instead placed it within a broader pattern of state actions that have made it more difficult for Texans to make their voices heard at the ballot box. “The late timing of this announcement threatens the voting rights of more than a hundred thousand Texas voters on the heels of other intentional actions by the state that harm voting rights, such as mid-decade gerrymandered electoral maps and Senate Bill 1 that streamlined mass voter purges and restricted voting methods – including harsh limits on vote by mail. Voting rights advocates have also expressed concern that the state has failed to fund efficient election administration, greenlighted reductions in polling locations, and other additional obstacles and confusions for voters,” wrote Senator Padilla. “Texas has also proactively cooperated with the Tru… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-raskin-press-dhs-secretary-and-other-officials-on-trump-administrations-refugee-admission-policy/ | Padilla, Durbin, Raskin Press DHS Secretary and Other Officials on Trump Administration’s Refugee Admission Policy | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration’s shameful policies dismantling the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program during an annual, statutorily required refugee consultation for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting occurred as the Trump Administration is slated to limit refugee admissions “primarily” to just 17,500 White Afrikaners from South Africa over the next fiscal year. “Welcoming a thoughtful number of refugees every year is part of our nation’s legacy and an important international obligation. Yet the Trump Administration has all but closed the door on people fleeing persecution, even leaving behind Afghan allies who fought alongside U.S. service members and have now spent years in the resettlement pipeline,” said Senator Padilla. “Meanwhile, the Administration is aggressively pursuing the deportation of refugees, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and green card holders to countries we know are unsafe and have questionable human rights records. It’s un-American and flies in the face of our longstanding commitment to being a beacon of freedom in the world. The Administration must restart refugee resettlement to a respectable and honorable level.” “The Trump Administration’s agenda is clear: prioritize white-only Afrikaners as refugees and disregard the millions of men, women, and children from around the world who are trying to escape horrific violence and persecution,” said Senator Durbin. “Although we finally heard directly from a Cabinet official on this Administration’s refugee policies, unlike the last consultations, as the law requires, the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to attack our immigrant communities. We must restore… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-install-suicide-prevention-infrastructure/ | Padilla, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Install Suicide Prevention Infrastructure | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, introduced the Barriers to Suicide Act, legislation that would create grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. “Too many Americans die by suicide – and we know physical barriers can help save lives during times of crisis,” said Senator Padilla. “California has seen firsthand at the Golden Gate Bridge that nets and barriers work. As we continue to confront the suicide crisis, we must do more to help state and local governments install nets and barriers on bridges and other high structures. The Barriers to Suicide Act is commonsense, life-saving legislation that will help enhance safety standards and make our public infrastructure safer.” “We should be doing everything in our power to address our nation’s mental health crisis and investing in life-saving barriers plays an important role in preventing a moment of crisis from becoming a tragedy,” said Senator Tillis. “The Barriers to Suicide Act will provide critical funding to state and local governments to prevent more valuable lives from being lost.” Nearly 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falling deaths are a common cause of suicide, and restricting access to lethal means allows time for a feeling of crisis to pass, allowing people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help. A study found that San Francisco’s installation of netting on the Golden Gate Bridge reduced suicide rates by 73% in one year. Specifically, the Barriers to Suicide Act would: Establish a competitive grant program for states and localities to apply for federal funding under the National Highway Performance Program to install nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and at rail stations; and Authorize a study to identify the types of… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-warren-torres-introduce-bill-to-address-basic-needs-insecurity-in-higher-education/ | Padilla, Warren, Torres Introduce Bill to Address Basic Needs Insecurity in Higher Education | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students In College (BASIC) Act, legislation to help community colleges and four-year institutions address the unmet basic needs of their students by establishing a $1 billion competitive grant program to better connect students with the resources they need to stay in school and complete their degrees. Amidst the ongoing affordability crisis, college students across America are struggling to afford food, safe housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other necessities. Nearly one in four college students across the country experience food insecurity, a rate twice that of all other U.S. households, and 1 in 10 students experience homelessness. Research from The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University shows that 3 in 5 students do not have enough to eat or a safe place to live. “Higher costs fueled by the Trump Administration’s policies are making it harder for millions of students to afford basic needs like housing, healthcare, and nutritious food,” said Senator Padilla. “No student should have to choose between meeting their everyday needs and pursuing higher education. The BASIC Act will help bridge these gaps by providing resources to universities to support students not having to skip a meal or sacrifice their mental or physical health in pursuit of their higher education goals.” Students with limited income or access to opportunities, such as Pell Grant recipients, parenting students, first-generation students, veterans, former foster youth, students with disabilities, and students at community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), typically experience the highest levels of basic needs insecurity. “No student working toward a college degree should have to wonder where their next meal will come from or whether they can keep a roo… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-gas-and-diesel-prices-spike-sen-schiff-introduces-legislation-to-levy-an-excess-profits-tax-on-big-oil-companies-to-discourage-price-gouging/ | NEWS: As Gas and Diesel Prices Spike, Sen. Schiff Introduces Legislation to Levy an Excess Profits Tax on Big Oil Companies to Discourage Price Gouging | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Los Angeles, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to levy an excess profits tax on big oil companies to discourage price gouging and ensure oil companies aren’t profiting off of prolonged war and oil market instability. Schiff’s legislation comes as Americans are facing sky-high prices at the gas pump and Big Oil companies are projected to rake in $96 billion in profits in 2026, $13.5 billion more than last year. “After half a year of war, it’s clear who has benefited from rising gas prices: Big Oil companies. While American families struggle to fill their tanks, and farmers can’t afford diesel fuel, oil and gas companies are realizing massive profits. We need legislation to stop these companies from the price gouging that only adds to the pain at the pump. Big Oil must pay their fair share,” said Senator Schiff. The Oil Company Windfall Profits Tax Act would: Impose a permanent excess profits tax on big oil companies; and Direct all revenues raised by the excess profits tax to the Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, consistent with gas tax ratios As President Donald Trump’s war with Iran has entered its seventh month, gas per gallon and utility costs have reached record highs – increasing to nearly double the amount before the war. In California, gas prices have reached over six dollars. Schiff’s legislation comes at a time when even President Trump has called out oil companies – saying this past summer that Americans are being “gouged.” Background: In July, Schiff demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) launch a federal investigation into potential price gouging by Big Oil companies and publicly report its findings to Congress. He has previously championed a windfall profits tax on oil companies as a way of shifting the cost burden of gas prices off of American families, who have been spending at least $1.00 a gallon more compared to last year thanks to Trump’s war in Iran. This Summer, outside of a gas station wi… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-scott-schiff-reps-moran-sanchez-jack-friedman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-to-keep-film-and-television-production-in-the-u-s/ | NEWS: Sens. Scott, Schiff, Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Jack, Friedman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit to Keep Film and Television Production in the U.S. | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan, bicameral legislation from lawmakers from film production states follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) alongside U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas-1) Linda Sanchez (D-Calif- 38), Brian Jack (R-Ga-3), and Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30) introduced new bipartisan legislation to create a federal film tax incentive to keep film and television production in the United States. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would benefit every U.S. state and promote American jobs and spur local economic growth while allowing the United States to compete with foreign production incentives. The bicameral effort follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump. “For years, I’ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it’s time we get this passed,” said Senator Schiff. “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to serve as the backdrop for both of these iconic American stories,” said Senator Scott. “We cannot stand by as more and more Americ… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-as-uss-abraham-lincoln-returns-home-after-300-days-of-deployment-sen-schiff-renews-call-for-end-to-trumps-war-in-iran/ | WATCH: As USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Home after 300+ Days of Deployment, Sen. Schiff Renews Call for End to Trump’s War in Iran | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a measure that would have confirmed Congress has not authorized the ongoing deployment of U.S. troops for Trump’s Iran War Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) took to the Senate floor to urge Senate Republicans to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Trump’s illegal war in Iran. Schiff highlighted constituent stories from servicemembers’ families detailing the abysmal conditions onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, contrasting their sacrifices against the President’s downplaying of the war’s impact and obsessions with his vanity projects. Senate Republicans’ blocking of this resolution follows a series of similar resolutions led by Democrats in Congress, including by Senator Schiff and colleagues in the Senate, to confirm that Congress has not authorized this use of the U.S. military and require the President to end the war. The resolution failed today in a 49 to 50 vote. “In fact, the Lincoln set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea without a port visit. And a record away from its home port of San Diego. And even now, just recently after stopping in Thailand for its first regular port call in nearly nine months — hull rusted, paint peeling — the Lincoln and its crew were still a long way from home,” said Senator Schiff on the Senate floor. Schiff emphasized how the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln has sent shockwaves throughout the San Diego community and continued his call for an end to this war. Watch the full speech HERE. Download the remarks HERE. Read the full transcript of his remarks as delivered below: Ever since the USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned in the waning days of the Cold War, it has been known for many things. After a volcano erupted in the Philippines in 1991, the Lincoln led the largest peacetime evacuation of U.S. military personnel and their families. A baby was even born onboard during the evacuation — and named Abraham Lincoln. In 1993, the Lincoln became the first carrier in the P… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/costa-applauds-35-million-south-valley-water-infrastructure-projects | Costa Applauds $35 Million for South Valley Water Infrastructure Projects | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jim Costa | C001059 | costa.house.gov | costa | https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | FRESNO, Calif. - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the Bureau of Reclamation announced $25 million for the Kern Fan Groundwater Recharge Project and over $9 million for the Tulare Irrigation District’s Seaborn Reservoir as part of the Small Storage Program. “Water is the lifeblood of the San Joaquin Valley, and we need to capture and store every drop we can,” said Congressman Costa.“I’ve fought for investments in the Kern Fan Groundwater Recharge Project and Seaborn Reservoir because these are the kinds of projects that will strengthen our water supply, recharge our groundwater, and provide greater certainty for our farmers and communities. Kern Fan helped inspire my Every Drop Counts Act because we know what works in the Valley. This $35 million federal investment will help us put those solutions to work and build a more reliable water future for the San Joaquin Valley.” BACKGROUND: The Bureau of Reclamation announced $25 million in federal funding for the Kern Fan Groundwater Recharge Project and $9,279,859 for the Tulare Irrigation District’s Seaborn Reservoir Project. Congressman Costa has been a vocal advocate for both projects and for strengthening water infrastructure in the San Joaquin Valley. Congressman Costa’s legislation, Every Drop Counts Act, was based on the Kern Fan Groundwater Recharge Project. The Kern Fan Groundwater Recharge Project will enhance groundwater recharge efforts by developing a new 26,000-acre-foot regional water bank, in addition to adding 375 cubic-feet-per-second of conveyance capacity. This project aims to construct three recovery wells and utilize nearly 1,000 acres of existing recharge and groundwater storage facilities. By capturing water when supply is abundant, this project helps to provide certainty for our farmers, ranchers, and dairymen and women. The Seaborn Reservoir Project will repurpose a former mining operation into a 7,000-acre-foot reservoir to store Kaweah River water. The project will support flood control for downstrea… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/costa-leads-bipartisan-push-protect-american-produce-growers-us-mexico-trade | Costa Leads Bipartisan Push to Protect American Produce Growers in U.S.-Mexico Trade | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jim Costa | C001059 | costa.house.gov | costa | https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, joined Representatives Dan Newhouse (WA-04), David Rouzer (NC-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) in leading a bipartisan push urging the Trump Administration to secure stronger payment protections for American fresh produce growers and shippers doing business in Mexico through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) process. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator Julie Callahan and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, the lawmakers called on the Administration to secure protections in Mexico equivalent to those provided under the U.S. Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). While American produce sellers have payment protections at home and Canada has established comparable protections, U.S. growers and shippers selling into Mexico remain exposed when buyers fail to pay or become insolvent. In their letter, the lawmakers wrote: “As the Administration works to reduce the agricultural trade deficit and expand export opportunities for U.S. specialty crops, American growers and shippers should have confidence that they will be paid for the products they sell abroad. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Administration prioritize securing a commitment from Mexico through the USMCA process to establish protections for sellers of perishable agricultural commodities equivalent to those provided under the U.S. PACA Trust and Canada's Bill C-280. Establishing such a mechanism would create reciprocal protections across all three USMCA countries and provide greater certainty for American growers and shippers doing business across North America.” The full letter can be found HERE. BACKGROUND: The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) has long provided U.S. growers and produce sellers with important protections when buyers fail to pay or be… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-trump-xi-summit-bera-urges-trump-to-stand-firm-on-taiwan-and-establish-ai-crisis-guardrails | Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit, Bera Urges Trump to Stand Firm on Taiwan and Establish AI Crisis Guardrails | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | bera | https://bera.house.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, is urging President Trump to maintain longstanding U.S. commitments in the Indo-Pacific while using direct diplomacy with Beijing to address the emerging national security risks posed by artificial intelligence and reduce the risk of dangerous miscalculation. Ranking Member Bera joined East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chair Young Kim (CA-40) in a bipartisan letter outlining priorities for the Trump-Xi summit, including upholding America’s longstanding policy toward Taiwan and supporting Taiwan’s self-defense, securing the release of wrongfully detained Americans, disrupting the fentanyl trade, and reducing Beijing’s leverage over critical mineral supply chains. In a separate letter, Bera, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05), and House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa Ranking Member Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led 26 other House Democrats in calling for sustained dialogue between the United States and the PRC focused on artificial intelligence safety and risk. “President Trump must make clear that the United States will not compromise its commitments to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for the sake of reaching a broader deal with Beijing. That means standing firm on Taiwan, pressing for the release of wrongfully detained Americans, combating the networks fueling the fentanyl crisis, and reducing dangerous supply-chain dependencies,” said Representative Bera. “At the same time, the President should seek agreement on implementing AI guardrails and establishing reliable channels of communication that reduce the risk of miscalculation and provide mechanisms to deconflict during a crisis. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union developed similar mechanisms to communicate during moments of heightened tension. … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-friedmans-multi-year-push-create-national-film-tax-credit | ICYMI: Rep. Friedman’s Multi-Year Push to Create a National Film Tax Credit | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Laura Friedman | F000483 | friedman.house.gov | friedman | https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, September 23, 2026, as momentum builds in Congress behind a national film tax credit, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) released a record of her work to create a national film tax credit and bring film and television production jobs back to the United States. “I started working on this as soon as I got to Congress. Now, because of the effort we’ve put in alongside incredible Members of Congress like Rep. Brian Jack and Senator Adam Schiff, we’re closer than ever to getting it done,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Sixty-five other countries decided to compete for these jobs, and no single state can outbid a foreign government. These are carpenters, electricians, drivers, and camera operators in all 50 states, and I won't stop until we bring their work home.” Built the coalition behind this effort starting in 2025: Variety reported in May 2025 that Friedman was drafting the House bill and recruiting Republicans to build a bipartisan coalition behind it. Since then, she has worked with Rep. Brian Jack, Senator Adam Schiff, Jon Voight, industry unions, studios, producers, and more to make the case for a national film tax credit before the issue had political momentum. Co-founded the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus in September 2026 with Reps. Brian Jack (GA-03), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03), giving the effort a bipartisan home in the House. Release here. Convened a roundtable with the Directors Guild of America Leadership Council in August 2025 on bringing production back to the United States, building on an earlier roundtable with local businesses and community leaders and a rally of entertainment labor unions. Release here. Brought the job losses on the record in the district, joining Sen. Adam Schiff’s March 2026 Spotlight Hearing in Burbank, “Lights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production.” Making the Case Early in 2025: Los Angeles Times, May 2025 – Named… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-hears-damning-testimony-on-flock-surveillance-camera-misuse/ | WATCH: Padilla Hears Damning Testimony on Flock Surveillance Camera Misuse | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, raised serious concerns about Flock surveillance cameras, particularly their misuse for immigration enforcement. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Padilla questioned Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) about the widespread use of Flock technology among local, state, and federal officials as well as the private sector. Padilla also raised concerns about Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers’ ability to access Flock data despite Flock’s claims that it does not contract with ICE. Key Excerpts: PADILLA RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT FLOCK DATA SHARING WITH ICE PADILLA: Broad data sharing with ICE: Is it happening or is it not happening? Flock claims that it does not partner with ICE, and ICE does not have direct access to Flock cameras, or their systems, or their data. But we know that ICE is still able to access Flock data through state and local law enforcement agencies that have entered into agreements, cooperative agreements, with ICE, known as 287(g) agreements. So, can you explain in more detail how these agreements can function as a loophole for ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies to access data that they otherwise couldn’t? […] MARLOW: I would point out Flock seems to change its story week to week. It’s hard to even remember. But they did say for a long period of time, that ICE does not have direct access to Flock data, and that was true. But the key word there is “direct.” Exactly. And so, it doesn’t even take a 287(g) agreement, although that’s obviously a major problem. All it takes is one officer in one department who is a customer of Flock and participates in their nationwide data-sharing program, and you get a call from, be it ICE or any other federal agency, that says, “Hey, can you run a search for me?” And either because they believe in the cause that that federal agency is pursuing, or they just want to be on good terms… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-once-again-defeats-republican-efforts-to-advance-save-act-condemns-trumps-tariffs/ | WATCH: Padilla Once Again Defeats Republican Efforts to Advance SAVE Act, Condemns Trump’s Tariffs | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padila (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, once again took to the Senate floor to lead his colleagues in defeating Republicans’ attempts to pass parts of the SAVE Act voter suppression bill after the 2026 midterm election has already begun. Padilla opposed Senator Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) efforts to advance Senator Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) MAGA voter ID bill, S. 5271, which consists of a provision of the SAVE Act that would require eligible voters to provide specific types of photo identification when voting, including in their mail and absentee ballots, threatening to violate the right to a secret ballot and cause chaos in an election where mail ballots are already printed and voting is underway. With Election Day now 41 days away, Padilla highlighted the deliberate timing of Republicans’ attempts to advance the bill. Some eligible voters have already exercised their right to vote early, and Padilla emphasized the additional burden, especially for mail and absentee ballots, and chaos that would immediately follow if the voter ID bill passed. “The 2026 midterm election has already begun — it’s in full swing,” said Senator Padilla. “So let’s not be fooled about this attempt to pass a piece of the SAVE Act. Number one, the substance. It’s not just a voter ID bill. It’s a bill, and the timing is curious, that seeks to create chaos and confusion over vote by mail and absentee voting. The other part is, indeed, the timing and its implications. Trying to change the rules, because this bill, if signed into law, would go immediately into effect, creates chaos in the middle of an election that’s already underway.” Padilla sounded the alarm on President Trump’s efforts to interfere in the upcoming midterm elections and detailed the Supreme Court’s recent decision to block Trump’s vote-by-mail executive order’s directive that the U.S. Postal Service determine who is and is not allowed to receive ballots. He highlighted the bipartisan opposition … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-amidst-worsening-staffing-crisis-sens-schiff-and-whitehouse-renew-probe-of-fish-and-wildlife-service-after-dodging-lawmakers-inquiries/ | NEWS: Amidst Worsening Staffing Crisis, Sens. Schiff and Whitehouse Renew Probe of Fish and Wildlife Service after Dodging Lawmakers’ Inquiries | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators emphasize that staff and resources are spread thin, drastically impacting the ability to protect wildlife and public lands Washington, D.C. – After the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) sidestepped repeated inquiries from lawmakers regarding the worsening staffing crisis at the agency and dodged questions during Senate hearings, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate EPW Committee, are renewing demands that the agency immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at FWS. Since the Senators’ last inquiry in December 2025, which FWS did not respond to, FWS has lost 36% of its workforce – up nearly 10% since December. FWS offices in California have lost more than 40% of staff. With resources spread thin, the Senators emphasize that the reduction in its workforce drastically impacts the agency’s ability to carry out their responsibilities to protect wildlife and manage wildlife refuge lands. “Many are being forced to rely on outside nongovernment organizations for support of critical functions. Making matters worse, you removed the 16-year-long Chief of the Refuge System from her post without explanation. Further, there is currently a backlog of more than 400 species waiting for protection decisions, wasting critical time that could be used implementing species protection plans. Continued mismanagement and reductions to the workforce threaten FWS’s ability to perform these vital functions and leave American wildlife and the public to bear the consequences,” the Senators wrote in a new oversight letter to FWS Director Brian Nesvik. During Nesvik’s June 10 appearance before the Environment and Public Works Committee, Schiff pushed Nesvik on answers for the findings of the nationwide review of the Refuge System that the Senators demanded over six months ago. Nesvik stated they were “getting close to being wrapped up to where we can… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-duckworth-and-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians/ | NEWS: Schiff Joins Duckworth and Bipartisan Group of Senators in Demanding the Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The Senators’ call for an 18-month extension and redesignation comes as TPS for Ukrainians is set to expire next month Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the Senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long contributed to communities in Illinois, and across the country, both culturally and economically. The Senators noted that allowing an 18-month extension of the TPS would prevent these community members from being forced to return to dangerous conditions, while allowing the communities that benefit from their contributions to continue to benefit and learn from them. Along with Schiff and Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-breaks-down-need-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-to-keep-production-in-america/ | WATCH: Sen. Schiff Breaks Down Need for Federal Film Tax Incentive to Keep Production in America | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released a video highlighting his push to secure a bipartisan federal film tax incentive to drive more production in America while increasing job opportunities and economic development. The latest momentum for a federal film tax incentive in Congress follows President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of its passage. In the video, Schiff breaks down how a federal film tax incentive would work and how it would increase America’s competitive edge in film and television production. Watch the videohere Background: For years, Schiff has highlighted the need to increase film production in America and has continued to build bipartisan support in Congress for his federal film incentive proposal, which would promote American jobs and spur local economic growth by creating additional support for film and television production in the U.S., allowing us to compete with foreign incentives. This proposal would benefit every U.S. state and territory, doubling down on the investments of the 40 states that already have some form of film production incentive with a stackable federal credit. During his time in the California State Senate, Schiff helped lead efforts to increase production in California and protect local jobs. Schiff spearheaded efforts in Congress to extend California’s film tax credit, including in 2014 when he led 28 members of the California Democratic delegation in urging the leaders of the California State Senate and Assembly to reauthorize and enhance the tax credit. In 2024, Schiff sent a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics requesting detailed data on the impact of foreign production incentives on the domestic industry. In March 20, 2026, Senator Adam Schiff hosted a spotlight hearing in Burbank, California entitled, “Lights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production” to highlight the importance of bolstering American film production, and tackling the challenges facing the industry from generous ta… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-secures-250k-hartnell-colleges-child-development-center | Lofgren Secures $250k for Hartnell College’s Child Development Center | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Zoe Lofgren | L000397 | lofgren.house.gov | lofgren | https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SALINAS, CA — On Tuesday, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) visited Hartnell College’s Child Development Center to deliver a $250,000 check as one of her 13 community projects she submitted for the Fiscal Year 2026 congressional appropriations cycle. These funds will be used to renovate the Center’s outdoor learning environment and make essential safety upgrades. “It’s great to visit Hartnell College again and celebrate this win for the children of Salinas,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “The Child Development Center here has provided great programming for kids and has helped parents with young children pursue their educational goals. Every parent wants their child to be able to play outside safely, and I’m happy to help deliver this funding to help renovate the outdoor learning environment." "We're thankful for this investment, which will finally allow us to give our youngest students a space that matches the quality of learning we want to provide every day,” said Michael Gutierrez, Superintendent/President of Hartnell College. “The Child Development Center has always been about supporting Salinas families. We thank Congresswoman Lofgren for recognizing that investing in early childhood education is investing in our entire community." The Child Development Center at the main campus of Hartnell College serves the larger Salinas community by providing a quality preschool program that facilitates the transition to kindergarten for children 2 through 5 years of age. It includes educational development, health services, social services, and nutritional services. During 3-hour sessions, children spend between 2 and 2.5 hours in the Center’s outdoor learning environment. The outdoor climbing structure was installed in 1995, and a priority of the renovation will be to remove this structure. Currently, children need to cross a bike path to reach the play structure, another safety concern that will be addressed by the renovation. The redesign will also enhance access to gardening, outdoor dramatic play, art and construction,… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3528 | Carbajal Announces Funding for Central Coast Water Projects Passed House | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Salud O. Carbajal | C001112 | carbajal.house.gov | carbajal | https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill containing more than $66 million for Central Coast water projects. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 will now need to be considered by the Senate for final passage. Click here for legislative text and here for a summary of WRDA 2026.“Climate change and population growth are straining the Central Coast’s aging water infrastructure. We need strong federal investments to upgrade the water pipes, treatment plants, and sewer systems that serve our region,” said Rep. Carbajal, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Now that the House has passed the Water Resources Development Act, this bill is heading to the Senate carrying key investments I secured for our local infrastructure. I will continue working closely with my colleagues in Congress to ensure this critical legislation is signed into law and delivers for our communities.” The following projects and authorizations have been included in the committee-passed bill. $6,300,000 for the City of Lompoc. The City’s projects include the modernization of the City’s water treatment plant and construction of a stormwater treatment and flood control system. $30,000,000 for the Los Olivos Community Services District (LOCSD). The funding will be used for a new septic-to-sewer project. Once completed, the proposed project will collect wastewater from the LOCSD and send the waste approximately 3.5 miles to a connection point with the City of Solvang. The City of Solvang will then treat and dispose of the LOCSD’s wastewater at their regional facilities. $25,000,000 for the City of Ojai. The project would replace the metal pipes that service the City’s storm water collection system. These pipes are at the end of their expected life, having been in place since the early 1960s. $3,200,000 for Summerland Sanitary District to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure. $2,000,000 for the City of Solvang to improve its … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://garamendi.house.gov/2026/09/22/garamendi-radewagen-introduces-bipartisan-concurrent-resolution-commemorating-the-65th-anniversary-of-the-u-s-peace-corps/ | GARAMENDI, RADEWAGEN INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. PEACE CORPS | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | John Garamendi | G000559 | garamendi.house.gov | garamendi | https://garamendi.house.gov/category/press-release/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), the only returned Peace Corps volunteer serving in Congress and Co-Chair of the Congressional Peace Corps Caucus, introduced a bipartisan concurrent resolution with Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa) to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Peace Corps. The resolution officially honors the service, legacy, and ongoing global impact of the nearly 250,000 Americans who have answered the call to service since President John F. Kennedy founded the agency in 1961. “Patti and I answered President John F. Kennedy’s call to service fresh out of college, serving together in a small village in western Ethiopia. That experience changed our lives and inspired a lifetime of public service for us for several of our children who also answered the call,” said Congressman Garamendi (CA-08). “Sixty-five years later, the Peace Corps remains one of America’s most vital instruments of soft power, food security, and international goodwill. As we celebrate this 65th anniversary, Congress must continue to support a stronger, modernized Peace Corps that is fully prepared to face the global challenges of the 21st century.” “Thank you to 65 years of Peace Corps volunteers that have made a difference for millions of people throughout the world, and congratulations to the Peace Corps on this milestone,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa). “This Resolution provides congressional recognition for a proven program built on lasting values of serving others. It’s a pleasure to work with returned volunteer Congressman Garamendi to encourage Peace Corps volunteers for many years to come. I have fond memories of my time as a Peace Corps staffer, as does my daughter, a returned volunteer.” Read the concurrent resolution here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-bipartisan-ai-safety-bill-will-move-us-and-china-beyond-red-phone | New Bipartisan AI Safety Bill Will Move U.S. and China Beyond the “Red Phone” | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Sam T. Liccardo | L000607 | liccardo.house.gov | liccardo | https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Sam Liccardo (D-CA) and Kevin Kiley (I-CA) will introduce legislation to establish U.S.-China coordination on frontier artificial intelligence safety. The proposal advances that work on two tracks: clearing legal barriers so that top American experts in AI labs, companies, universities, think tanks, and other technical experts can engage directly with Chinese counterparts, while directing the State Department and the rest of the Administration to pursue negotiations with China on binding, verifiable safeguards. As Congressman Liccardo put it, “A lot of technical work must begin now, before political leadership can ever fruitfully meet at the negotiating table. Both nations will need to forge shared safety metrics, rigorous evaluation protocols, standardized testing, and critical verification mechanisms.” This proposal focuses on developing routine U.S.-Chinese communication at the technical level to prevent critical incidents from developing. “By establishing red lines now,” Liccardo added, ”we can avoid the need for red phones later.” “The AI industry has focused on running faster, but no human wins a race to superintelligence that exceeds human control,” said Liccardo. “We don’t talk to the Chinese because we trust them or agree with them; we shouldn’t and don’t. We talk to the Chinese because—as with the USSR during the Cold War—all of our lives depend on it.” The framework would: Pursue binding U.S.-China AI safety standards Direct the State Department to seek negotiations with China covering model testing and evaluation, independent auditing, transparency, incident reporting, capability pacing, and mechanisms to verify compliance. Protect American intellectual property. Direct the Commerce Department to pursue negotiations with China on protections against the compromise of U.S. intellectual property through model distillation. Target catastrophic AI risks. Focus negotiations on loss of control and alignment failures, AI-enabled chemical, biological, radiologica… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-presents-2-million-federal-funds-help-miraleste-intermediate | REP LIEU PRESENTS $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP WITH MIRALESTE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Ted Lieu | L000582 | lieu.house.gov | lieu | https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | LOS ANGELES - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) joined Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District leaders and community partners to tout the $2 million in community project funding that Congressman Lieu secured for Miraleste Intermediate School. In recent years, the school has experienced significant infrastructure needs. Miraleste Intermediate is a unique site because it is home to the Central Kitchen for Food Services, which provides prepared meals to 10 elementary schools, three intermediate schools, two comprehensive high schools and one continuation school. Replacing and renovating the utilities infrastructure, including the District Central Kitchen, at Miraleste Intermediate School will ensure that students continue to have their learning and wellness needs met, both at the school site and districtwide. “I’m pleased to have secured $2 million in federal funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements for Miraleste’s campus,” Rep. Ted Lieu said. “At a time when public education funding has been cut by the Trump Administration, this is an important boost to community efforts to create safe and productive environments for learning. These funds will help modernize the kitchen that helps provide meals for all Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) schools, will improve utility systems, and will strengthen building resilience in the event of earthquakes. I am excited to see how this project will enhance PVPUSD’s service to its students and staff.” | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-tran-co-sponsors-tipped-income-protection-legislation-support | Representative Tran Co-sponsors Tipped Income Protection Legislation in Support of Local Service Workers | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Derek Tran | T000491 | tran.house.gov | tran | https://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) co-sponsored H.R. 1314, the Tipped Income Protection and Support Act (TIPS Act) to allow service industry professionals to deduct their tips when filing taxes. This legislation would increase the maximum amount that service workers can deduct from an adjusted gross income of $25,000 to $112,500, and make this change permanent for service workers across the country. “While prices skyrocket due to President Trump’s reckless war in Iran and irresponsible tariff policies, working families are under an immense amount of stress as they struggle to make ends meet. For service workers, tips are essential to putting food on the table, handling everyday expenses, and providing for their loved ones. I’m a proud cosponsor of the TIPS Act because it creates a measurable economic impact for service workers and their families in Southern California — putting more money in their pockets and strengthening their financial futures,” said Representative Tran. The TIPS Act applies to cosmetology, hospitality, food/beverage, parking, and custodial service employees, benefiting nearly 70,000 service industry professionals in California’s 45th Congressional District. This legislation was introduced by Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04) in the 119th Congress. Unlike the provision in H.R.1 – the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – this legislation would make the increased deduction for service workers permanent instead of sunsetting it at the end of 2028. Representative Tran remains focused on addressing the affordability crisis and has continuously championed legislation to lower prices for working families: In May 2026, Tran joined fellow members of the Lowering Costs Caucus in a letter urging the Trump Administration to address skyrocketing energy prices. In July 2025, Representative Tran introduced the Baby Food Tax Relief Actto exempt essential baby feeding products, such as formula, high chairs, and baby bottles, from tariffs to lower costs for hard-working pare… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vargas-peters-jacobs-levin-and-senators-padilla-and-schiff-call-on-dhs-to-end-immigration-enforcement-activity-around-schools-in-san-diego-county-after-string-of-disturbing-ice-detentions-near-campuses | Reps. Vargas, Peters, Jacobs, Levin and Senators Padilla and Schiff Call on DHS to End Immigration Enforcement Activity Around Schools in San Diego County After String of Disturbing ICE Detentions Near Campuses | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Juan Vargas | V000130 | vargas.house.gov | vargas | https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Mike Levin (CA-49) and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to end Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement activity around schools and educational institutions in San Diego County. Since the start of the school year, there have been disturbing incidents where ICE agents have detained parents and students near educational institutions, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students, parents, families, and educators. “Parents should be able to drop their children off at school without fearing detention, and students should be able to attend class without encountering federal immigration enforcement around their campus,” wrote the lawmakers. “Schools and institutions of higher education have long been places where students feel safe enough to learn, belong, and achieve their academic dreams without their lives being uprooted. Schools should not become the backdrop for immigration enforcement activity, nor should parents have to choose between bringing their children to school and fearing that they may be detained in the process,” the lawmakers continued. “As back to school season continues, we demand that you end all ICE activity in the immediate vicinity of schools and college campuses, particularly during school arrival and dismissal times.” The full letter is available HERE and below: Dear Secretary Mullin, We write in strong opposition to the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement activity in and around schools and educational institutions in San Diego County. Over the past several weeks, ICE agents have detained parents and students near multiple educational institutions, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of our students, parents, families, and educators. Parents should be able to drop their children off at school without fearing detention, and stud… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-murphy-introduce-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools/ | Padilla, Murphy Introduce Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in re-introducing the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, legislation that would ban corporal punishment for any school that receives federal funding, as well as establish a federal grant program to support states and school districts across the country improve school safety. “Every student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment that fosters positive relationships and protects their physical and emotional well-being,” said Senator Padilla. “The evidence is clear – corporal punishment is a cruel and outdated method that harms students, hinders academic achievement, and worsens behavior. This bill will make more of our schools safer spaces for students of all backgrounds.” “Families should be able to trust that when they send their kids to school, they will be in a safe learning environment free from physical abuse,” said Senator Murphy. “The evidence is overwhelming: hitting kids does nothing to help kids. It’s past time to get this archaic, counterproductive practice out of our schools for good.” “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student,” said Senator Durbin. “We know that corporal punishment is counterproductive to learning and can harm a student’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It should be left out of the classroom entirely. By standing with Senator Chris Murphy and co-sponsoring this bill, we can ensure that no student falls victim to this outdated and cruel punishment.” “No child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,” said Senator Kaine. “It’s time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.” Inflicting physical pain on a student’s body as a form of discipline is used … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-demands-health-net-restore-coverage-for-thousands-in-ca-depending-on-assisted-living-care-warns-of-health-implications/ | NEWS: Sen. Schiff Demands Health Net Restore Coverage for Thousands in CA Depending on Assisted Living Care, Warns of Health Implications | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Adam B. Schiff | S001150 | www.schiff.senate.gov | schiff | https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is urging Health Net, one of the largest Medicaid plans in California, to reverse its termination of assisted living coverage for 3,000 Californians, jeopardizing access to housing and essential care services. “The sudden loss of assisted living benefits could have potentially devastating repercussions for enrollees and their family members. I urge Health Net to reconsider this coverage termination,” Senator Schiff said to Interim CEO at Health Net Eric Schmacker in a new letter. The Senator emphasized that millions of Californians are already facing significant uncertainty about accessing medical care in the aftermath of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history by this Republican-led Congress. Additionally, Schiff warned that forcing thousands to pay out of pocket for assisted living services will be a heavy burden on these patients and their family members. “Very few families have the capacity to provide full-time care, imposing undue financial, physical, and emotional strain on loved ones. Sadly, others have no family or support systems to rely on at all. With such limited alternatives, the risk of sudden coverage loss could be catastrophic,” the Senator wrote. “I am deeply concerned that Health Net’s coverage termination of Medi-Cal assisted living benefits will compound the damage caused by the cuts to Medicaid programs across the country. While California’s health care safety net faces extraordinary strain, we must work together to mitigate coverage loss and help Medi-Cal beneficiaries access the care and support they need,” the Senator concluded. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Mr. Schmacker, I write to you today with deep concerns regarding Health Net’s decision to terminate Medi-Cal coverage of Assisted Living Facility Transitions (ALFT) and Personal Care Homemaker Services (PCHS) Community Support benefits, impacting approximately 3,000 Californians enrolled in Health Net plans. The sudden loss of assisted… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-bera-secures-155-million-for-sacramento-river-basin | Rep. Bera Secures $155 Million for Sacramento River Basin | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | bera | https://bera.house.gov/news | scraper | SACRAMENTO, CA — Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 by a strong bipartisan vote of 415-9. The legislation includes a $155 million authorization that Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) helped secure for water and wastewater infrastructure in the Sacramento River Basin. The authorization will support water and wastewater infrastructure, including environmental restoration and surface water protection, across the Sacramento River Basin. It covers Sacramento County, along with Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, and Yolo counties. “Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the future of the Sacramento region,” said Representative Bera. “I’m proud to have helped secure this $155 million authorization to strengthen our region’s water systems, protect our waterways, and support the long-term needs of communities throughout the Sacramento River Basin. I’ll continue working to bring federal resources home to the Sacramento region and ensure our region has the infrastructure it needs for the future.” | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6186 | Rep. Gomez Demands Accountability and Transparency for Man Shot by ICE in Austin, TX | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Jimmy Gomez | G000585 | gomez.house.gov | gomez | https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and over 100 Members of Congress demanded that ICE immediately release Wilber Rafael Garces Perez from detention to allow him to receive medical treatment and stop its efforts to deport him. Mr. Garces Perez is a 28-year-old DoorDash driver who was shot in the back by an ICE agent in Austin, TX on September 20, 2026. In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella, the Members demand that: ICE release Mr. Garces Perez from detention so he can receive medical treatment; ICE abandon efforts to swiftly deport him or remove him from Texas; The ICE agent responsible remain in Texas; and DHS preserve all available evidence related to the shooting and share all evidence with parties that have jurisdiction to conduct a full, independent, and transparent investigation. Rather than receiving medical care, Mr. Garces Perez is being held at "the South Texas Detention Complex in Pearsall, Texas, which has a documented history of medical neglect," the Members write. "According to his lawyers, he still has the bullet lodged in his body. He's received no pain medication and had to sleep on the floor.'" "Mr. Garces Perez is a key witness to this shooting, and given ICE's history of obscuring the facts in similar investigations, he must not be removed," the Members write. The Members demand answers by Monday, September 28th, including: Why did agents use deadly force? ICE's use of force policy requires officers to render medical aid, and video suggests they did not. Why was that policy not followed? What is Mr. Garces Perez's current medical condition? What treatment is he receiving in immigration detention? Will ICE release all bodycam footage? The full letter can be read here. | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-announces-over-97-million-improve-jolon-road-sole-corridor-fort-hunter | Lofgren Announces Over $9.7 Million to Improve Jolon Road, Sole Corridor to Fort Hunter Liggett | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Zoe Lofgren | L000397 | lofgren.house.gov | lofgren | https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | JOLON, CA — Today, Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the County of Monterey Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks has received a $9,784,000 federal grant to rehabilitate approximately 8.7 miles of Jolon Road (from the Mission Road south to Bradley Lockwood Road). Running parallel to U.S. Highway 101, Jolon Road is the only corridor that serves U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett. The funding comes from the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which addresses deficiencies in community infrastructure that supports a military installation’s readiness. “I am thrilled to see that this grant was secured and that Jolon Road will be getting necessary safety improvements,” said Rep. Lofgren. “It’s fantastic news for the Monterey County residents that regularly drive this narrow road, especially our brave troops at Fort Hunter Liggett that rely on it. I commend Supervisor Lopez and Monterey County for their work on this issue, and I’ll always continue to be supportive of efforts to revitalize infrastructure and make California’s 18th district safer." “This is a big win for South Monterey County and a reminder of what is possible when we make sure rural communities have a seat at the table," said Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. "Jolon Road has served our families, our visitors, and Fort Hunter Liggett for generations, and this nearly $9.8 million investment will help us make long-overdue improvements to this critical corridor. Our rural roads matter, and the people who rely on them every day deserve safe, reliable infrastructure. I am grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren for continuing to show up for South Monterey County, and to our County Public Works team and partners at Fort Hunter Liggett for helping us bring this investment home. This is what partnership looks like, and I am excited to see these dollars put to work in our community.” “Jolon Road is the sole gateway and vital lifeline for everyone who lives, works, and trains at Fort Hunter Liggett," said Colonel Jason… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-lofgren-urges-removal-wielicki-leader-climate-research-office | Ranking Member Lofgren Urges Removal of Wielicki as Leader of Climate Research Office | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Zoe Lofgren | L000397 | lofgren.house.gov | lofgren | https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (Washington, DC) – Yesterday, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) Director, Michael Kratsios, urging him to remove Dr. Matthew Wielicki from his position as leader of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The USGCRP was established by law in 1990 to develop and coordinate a comprehensive research program to address climate change. Dr. Wielicki is a climate science denier who has built a career around belittling scientists’ calls to action on climate despite his own lack of training in the field. “For the last 20 months, the Trump Administration has systematically attacked our nation’s scientific enterprise, handing the keys to discovery and innovation to our greatest adversaries,” Ranking Member Lofgren wrote in her letter. “Climate science has been one of its most relentless targets. But it now appears that erasing the Federal Government’s support for climate science is not enough for this Administration, and that climate science is to be weaponized against the American people as well. Earlier this summer, press reports indicated that the White House had appointed Dr. Matthew Wielicki to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) decision to select a leader of USGCRP who has demonstrated an aggressive unwillingness to collaborate with other scientists is unacceptable. In addition, the law governing the USGCRP requires that its members be permanent employees of certain federal agencies or departments, which Dr. Wielicki is not. Therefore, his appointment appears to violate the law. I urge you to remove Dr. Wielicki from his position and appoint a leader who has the technical expertise, scientific credibility, and legally required qualifications to do the job in a manner worthy of the Government of the United States.” Ms. Lofgren details the importance of the USGCRP’s work and how the Trump administration’s targeting of the Program, rooted in climate deniali… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-min-and-ansari-demand-law-school-admission-council-reverse-improper | Reps. Min and Ansari Demand Law School Admission Council Reverse Improper Discrimination Against Iranian Americans | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Dave Min | M001241 | min.house.gov | min | https://min.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC. — Today, U.S. Congressional Representatives Dave Min (CA-47) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) sent a letter to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) President and CEO Sudha Setty demanding that LSAC immediately review and restore accounts improperly restricted based on Iranian nationality or heritage. The reported restrictions have affected U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other individuals residing in the United States during a crucial point in the law school admissions cycle. The lawmakers’ letter follows reports that LSAC broadly suspended accounts belonging to individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage after the Office of Foreign Assets Control suspended Iran General License G under its Iran Sanctions program. The members emphasized that federal sanctions rules restrict certain services provided to Iran, the Government of Iran, or persons in Iran, but do not make Iranian nationality alone a basis for prohibiting services. “LSAC's broad suspension of the accounts of all individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage regardless of residence is an egregious overcompliance that has unfairly targeted impacted American citizens and residents based on national origin alone,” the lawmakers wrote. “These suspensions occurred at a particularly consequential point in the admissions cycle and created uncertainty regarding candidates' ability to sit for scheduled examinations, access their accounts and application materials, and meet admissions deadlines. For candidates with an imminent examination or application deadline, restoring an account several days later may not fully remedy the resulting harm,” the lawmakers continued. “At its core, this is about equal access to legal education and the danger of treating Iranian nationality as a proxy for sanctions risk. Institutions should determine whether a restriction is legally required based on each person’s individual circumstances, not impose sweeping restrictions and place the burden on applicants to prove that the restrictions should ha… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-joins-democratic-womens-caucus-members-in-calling-out-hhs-secretary-for-proposed-plan-to-gut-head-start | Congresswoman Torres Joins Democratic Women’s Caucus Members in Calling Out HHS Secretary For Proposed Plan to Gut Head Start | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Norma J. Torres | T000474 | torres.house.gov | torres | https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) joined Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC Whip Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), DWC Senate Liaison and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) & Lateefah Simon (CA-12) in sending a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) demanding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdraw their proposed rule to gut 90% of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) that would increase costs for families and eliminate educational resources women and families rely on. The letter was signed by 87 House Democrats. For 60 years, Head Start has served over 40 million families and children with accessible social services, healthcare, and improved early learning standards. The program provides low-income children, children with disabilities, dual language learners, and children experiencing homelessness with the resources needed to succeed in school. Even after six decades, Head Start remains popular, with four in five Americans saying they’re in support of the program evidence that Trump’s efforts to gut it are out of step with what Americans want. The proposed rule would diminish the quality of Head Start services and undermine its ability to develop evidence-based programs that improve education, health, nutrition, parental involvement, and social services forcing families to either lose these resources or turn to more expensive options elsewhere. Head Start could no longer connect families to jobs, education, and housing opportunities or effectively help children succeed in school. In the letter, Members highlighted how the proposed rule would undermine Congressional authority and intent: “The administration claims to be removing red tape and saving money. In reality, this proposed rule would override Congressional intent by removing standards that make Head Start the program that it is today and that Congress explicitly directed HHS to create based on resear… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-to-ag-bonta-investigate-shocking-whistleblower-disclosure-alleging-alarming-dhs-activities-in-california/ | Padilla, Schiff to AG Bonta: Investigate Shocking Whistleblower Disclosure Alleging Alarming DHS Activities in California | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Alex Padilla | P000145 | www.padilla.senate.gov | padilla | https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Allegations made by DHS Whistleblower could have far-reaching impacts on eligible California voters and lawfully present noncitizens WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), in a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, flagged concerning activities detailed in a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions may have violated California law. In their letter to Bonta, the Senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread noncitizen voter fraud. The Senators emphasized the potential impacts these actions could have on eligible California voters, including naturalized citizens, such as the creation of erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” especially given the reckless performance quotas of 40 subjects per day being demanded by DHS and the required usage of unreliable source data compiled with so-called “supplemental magic.” “Of particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California’s voter registration site to access voter data,” wrote the Senators. “California’s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver’s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials p… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
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