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Tag: congressman

  • California congressman among those speaking out against ICE at the Super Bowl

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    U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna stood outside of Levi’s Stadium on Sunday as thousands of football fans streamed inside the Santa Clara venue.

    The congressman wasn’t there to cheer on his favorite team. He had stopped by to send a message: Federal immigration agents were not welcome at the Super Bowl.

    “This is my district and this is a time for elected leaders to be outside with people,” said Khanna (D-Fremont). “I’ve communicated to the NFL and to the administration to keep ICE out, but I think physically being here in the community makes a big difference.”

    At a news conference earlier this month, NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier said she was confident that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would not conduct operations at the Super Bowl. But Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously confirmed that ICE would be present.

    “We’ll be all over that place,” she told Benny Johnson, a right-wing podcaster, in October. “We’re going to enforce the law.”

    Khanna said his office had been flooded with calls and emails as the mixed messaging left many local residents fearful. He kept his district office open Sunday in case constituents had run-ins with ICE and needed assistance.

    As of 2 p.m., there hadn’t been any reports.

    Khanna was among 21 Democrats in Congress, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who sent a joint letter to Noem last week voicing opposition to immigration raids at the Super Bowl.

    “This should be a moment of celebration, unity, and economic opportunity, not a flashpoint for fear, polarization, and violence,” the lawmakers wrote. “Having ICE at the Super Bowl would undermine public safety, disrupt communities, and threaten the peaceful enjoyment this event should bring to the region and the nation.”

    Khanna wasn’t the only one speaking out against ICE on Sunday.

    Around 5:30 p.m. about two dozen anti-ICE and anti-Trump protesters gathered across the street from the stadium and unfurled a large yellow banner with the words “Trump must go now.” They chanted a profane slogan and “Trump is on the Epstein list.”

    One woman, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, held a poster that said “Murder Is Murder Stop ICE.” Another carried a sign with photos of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal agents in Minnesota.

    Before the game, activists Shasti Conrad and Michael Ceraso passed out rally towels with the words “ICE OUT” emblazoned on one side and a picture of a rabbit kicking a football enclosed in an ice cube on the other. The rabbit was inspired by halftime performer Bad Bunny, who has spoken out about the administration’s immigration raids, including at the Grammy Awards. Trump has called Bad Bunny “a terrible choice” for halftime performer.

    “My heart told me to do it,” said Ceraso, explaining that he felt called to speak up for others living in fear.

    Conrad wasn’t sure how football fans would react but said most people eagerly accepted a towel. “We have had overwhelming support,” she said, adding that thousands of towels were gone by the early afternoon.

    Others used music to get their message across. At one point, a song disparaging Noem and serving as an anti-ICE anthem that’s been widely circulated on social media could be heard coming from a crowd gathered outside the stadium.

    The Trump administration’s immigration raids, often conducted by masked agents in unmarked cars, have come under fire due to aggressive, and some argue unconstitutional, tactics — such as allegedly using children as bait or forcibly entering homes without a judicial warrant. The killings of Good and Pretti sparked further fear and backlash.

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    Katie King

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  • Congressman Ami Bera says Republicans privately concerned about President Trump

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    As Congress returns from recess this week, Sacramento Congressman Ami Bera says Republican lawmakers have privately expressed growing concern over President Donald Trump’s recent decisions.“I think they are very worried about what they’re seeing coming out of the President,” Bera said. “Even the actions with Venezuela — they weren’t consulted about any of this.”Bera, a Democrat who serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, returned Sunday from South America, where he met with Peru’s foreign minister. He said it was too dangerous for him to travel to Venezuela, describing the country as fragile following U.S. military action that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.“They’re happy Maduro is gone,” Bera said of Peruvian officials. “They want to see a stable Venezuela, but they’re cautious because you still have the Maduro regime in place, and a lot could go wrong.”He added that while Peru welcomes Maduro’s removal, leaders there are concerned that ongoing instability could lead to increased migration into neighboring countries.Back in Washington, Congress faces a potential government shutdown at the end of the month. Bera said lawmakers must address unresolved issues, including healthcare subsidies and immigration policy, after the action in Minneapolis. He also pointed to President Trump’s recent remarks about taking control of Greenland, which Trump has said is necessary for national security.“President Trump is not listening to anyone,” Bera said. “Now he’s talking about invading Greenland, and our closest allies in Europe are pissed off with us. He’s alienating everyone. I hope when I get back there tomorrow, Republicans will say enough is enough — let’s go around the president and get some of this stuff done.”Despite the challenges, Bera said he remains optimistic that a shutdown can be avoided.“I do not think the government will shut down because we saw how it hurt Americans,” he said. “We should negotiate. There’s going to be give and take. As Democrats, we’re not going to get everything we want. That’s how we’ve passed the appropriations bills so far, and I hope we get it done this week.”Bera also highlighted bipartisan support for extending health care subsidies, noting that 17 Republicans joined Democrats to back the measure, despite opposition from President Trump.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    As Congress returns from recess this week, Sacramento Congressman Ami Bera says Republican lawmakers have privately expressed growing concern over President Donald Trump’s recent decisions.

    “I think they are very worried about what they’re seeing coming out of the President,” Bera said. “Even the actions with Venezuela — they weren’t consulted about any of this.”

    Bera, a Democrat who serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, returned Sunday from South America, where he met with Peru’s foreign minister. He said it was too dangerous for him to travel to Venezuela, describing the country as fragile following U.S. military action that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

    “They’re happy Maduro is gone,” Bera said of Peruvian officials. “They want to see a stable Venezuela, but they’re cautious because you still have the Maduro regime in place, and a lot could go wrong.”

    He added that while Peru welcomes Maduro’s removal, leaders there are concerned that ongoing instability could lead to increased migration into neighboring countries.

    Back in Washington, Congress faces a potential government shutdown at the end of the month. Bera said lawmakers must address unresolved issues, including healthcare subsidies and immigration policy, after the action in Minneapolis. He also pointed to President Trump’s recent remarks about taking control of Greenland, which Trump has said is necessary for national security.

    “President Trump is not listening to anyone,” Bera said. “Now he’s talking about invading Greenland, and our closest allies in Europe are pissed off with us. He’s alienating everyone. I hope when I get back there tomorrow, Republicans will say enough is enough — let’s go around the president and get some of this stuff done.”

    Despite the challenges, Bera said he remains optimistic that a shutdown can be avoided.

    “I do not think the government will shut down because we saw how it hurt Americans,” he said. “We should negotiate. There’s going to be give and take. As Democrats, we’re not going to get everything we want. That’s how we’ve passed the appropriations bills so far, and I hope we get it done this week.”

    Bera also highlighted bipartisan support for extending health care subsidies, noting that 17 Republicans joined Democrats to back the measure, despite opposition from President Trump.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • House returns, set to end record-breaking government shutdown

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    Right now the process is underway to reach that final vote in the House to end this longest government shutdown ever. We also wanted to lay out how it’s currently set to work. Over the last 2 days, House lawmakers have been flying in from across the country as they’ve been on recess during the entire shutdown. Some potentially face shutdown-related flight delays, but they are on their way back to the Capitol. The House agenda today was very specific, swearing in *** new congresswoman from Arizona when the House resumed this. Afternoon then debate and an initial procedural vote scheduled for around 5 p.m. Eastern today. If that passes, the House would debate again and is currently scheduled to hold *** final vote around 7 p.m. Eastern. That vote does not include healthcare subsidies, which started the whole shutdown in the first place. Of course we want to reopen the government. But that we need to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis, and that begins with extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight. It was completely and utterly foolish and pointless in the end, as we said all along. Democrats are largely expected to vote no on this. Republicans who hold *** majority in the House can only afford to lose 2 votes in order to pass this bill. And if that happens, the bill then heads over to President Donald Trump for his signature before the very likely long process of getting the government back up and running again. Reporting on Capitol Hill, I’m Amy Lou.

    House returns, set to end record-breaking government shutdown

    House lawmakers reconvened in Washington on Wednesday to vote on a bill that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

    Updated: 2:05 PM PST Nov 12, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    House lawmakers raced back to Washington on Wednesday to vote on a bill that could end the 43-day government shutdown, making it the longest in U.S. history. Over the last two days, lawmakers have been flying in from across the country, some facing their own potential shutdown-related delays, to get to Wednesday’s expected final vote. The House’s agenda included swearing in a new congresswoman from Arizona, followed by debate and an initial procedural vote scheduled for early evening. If that passes, the House debates again before holding a final vote on the bill, expected around 7 p.m. ET. The bill currently does not include Affordable Care Act subsidies, which started the shutdown in the first place.Democrats, who are largely expected to vote “no” on the bill, expressed disappointment.”Of course, we want to reopen the government, but we need to decisively address the Republican health care crisis,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said. “That begins with extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.”House Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, were largely expected to pass the measure despite Democrats’ objections, but can only afford to lose two votes for the bill to pass. “We believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said. “It was completely and utterly foolish and pointless in the end, as we said all along.”If the bill clears the House, it will require President Donald Trump’s signature before beginning the likely lengthy process of getting the government back up and running again.However, full Republican support is not clear-cut ahead of the final vote. The bill includes a controversial provision that would ban most hemp products in the U.S. Supporters say it would close a dangerous loophole on unregulated products, but others argue it would destroy the hemp industry for many farmers. In the Senate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., for example, voted against the bill. Similar action in the House on Wednesday could hold up its passage.Watch the latest coverage on the government shutdown:

    WASHINGTON —

    House lawmakers raced back to Washington on Wednesday to vote on a bill that could end the 43-day government shutdown, making it the longest in U.S. history.

    Over the last two days, lawmakers have been flying in from across the country, some facing their own potential shutdown-related delays, to get to Wednesday’s expected final vote.

    The House’s agenda included swearing in a new congresswoman from Arizona, followed by debate and an initial procedural vote scheduled for early evening. If that passes, the House debates again before holding a final vote on the bill, expected around 7 p.m. ET. The bill currently does not include Affordable Care Act subsidies, which started the shutdown in the first place.

    Democrats, who are largely expected to vote “no” on the bill, expressed disappointment.

    “Of course, we want to reopen the government, but we need to decisively address the Republican health care crisis,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said. “That begins with extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.”

    House Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, were largely expected to pass the measure despite Democrats’ objections, but can only afford to lose two votes for the bill to pass.

    “We believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said. “It was completely and utterly foolish and pointless in the end, as we said all along.”

    If the bill clears the House, it will require President Donald Trump’s signature before beginning the likely lengthy process of getting the government back up and running again.

    However, full Republican support is not clear-cut ahead of the final vote. The bill includes a controversial provision that would ban most hemp products in the U.S.

    Supporters say it would close a dangerous loophole on unregulated products, but others argue it would destroy the hemp industry for many farmers.

    In the Senate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., for example, voted against the bill. Similar action in the House on Wednesday could hold up its passage.

    Watch the latest coverage on the government shutdown:

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  • Florida Rep. Luna Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation for Additional FEMA Funding

    Florida Rep. Luna Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation for Additional FEMA Funding

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    Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Florida and other states across the nation.

    “My constituents in Pinellas County depend on Congress to take swift and decisive action in the wake of this unprecedented disaster caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Republican Congresswoman Luna. “I am ready and willing to return to Washington and ensure our communities receive the critical resources necessary for a rapid recovery. Americans are counting on us, and we must take immediate action to address their life-saving needs.”

    The bill, introduced by Democratic Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz, allocates an additional $15 billion in response to Hurricane Helene, including $10 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief and emergency assistance and $5 billion in supplemental funding to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program.

    The office of Representative Anna Paulina Luna is committed to supporting constituents during this challenging time by providing a variety of resources. She provided a list of updated federal and local resources to help with assistance that is needed, and told residents do not hesitate to reach out directly to the Congresswoman’s office.

    Here is the list of resources provided by Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna:

    Important Steps for Assistance:

    1. Contact Your Insurance Provider:
      If you have experienced damage to your home, business, or vehicle, your first step is to file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to take photographs of all damages and submit them along with your claim.
    2. Filing a Claim with FEMA:
      After contacting your insurance company, you can also apply for disaster relief through FEMA. Below are links to the FEMA website and their mobile app, where you can access the application for disaster assistance:
    1. FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362
    2. DisasterAssistance.gov (The fastest way to apply)
    3. FEMA Mobile App (Available for download on app stores)

    Please be aware that after disasters, scammers may take advantage of vulnerable individuals by offering fraudulent assistance or services. It’s essential to protect yourself. Be cautious of anyone who arrives uninvited and offers to perform repairs. Always verify that the contractor provides a valid address, telephone number, and license information. For more details or to file a complaint, you can contact Pinellas County Consumer Services at 727-464-6200.

    Federal Resources:

    FEMA (Federal Emergency Management)-

    Link to Application: DisasterAssistance.gov.

    Mobile App: FEMA mobile app.

    Helpline: 800-621-3362

    SBA (Small Business Administration)-

    Small Business Association (SBA)’s Office of Disaster Assistance

    provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.

    Disaster Unemployment Assistance-

    https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp

    Veteran Resources:

    • If you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (24/7) – 1-800-424-3838
    • If you’re unable to receive a benefit payment after a disaster, contact the VA National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000 to request a special one-time payment.
    • If you’re a displaced Veteran and receive VA employment services, you may qualify for two additional months of Employee Adjustment Allowance. Contact your local VA regional office to speak with a Veteran Readiness & Employment specialist to learn more.
    • American Red Cross Services for Veterans:

    https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans.html

    Local & State Resources:

    Pinellas County Information Center:

    The County Information Center remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

    Call (727) 464-4333.

    Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat

    Disaster Distress Hotline:

    The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text1-800-985-5990

    American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter: 

    (Can provide emergency medical assistance/medications, disaster recovery planning, meals and water.)

    Phone Number: 813-348-4820

    Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/central-florida/about-us/locations/tampa-bay.html

    Salvation Army Disaster Assistance: 

    https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/HeleneServiceLocations

    PODS (Points of Distribution): 

    Food, water, and tarps are available at three points of distribution on Pinellas barrier islands:

    • St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Bvd. Food, water and tarps
    • Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd. Food, water and tarps
    • Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive. Water only

    Crisis Cleanup 

    This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with jobs such as mucking (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11, 2024.

    They have activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386.

    Website: https://crisiscleanup.org/disasters/171

    Temporary Place to Live / Shelter:

    Help with food/groceries:

    -Feeding Tampa Bay’s food distribution Disaster Relief

    –St. Pete Free Clinic:

    • We Help Free Pantry at 863 Third Ave. N (8:30am-3pm)
    • Deuces Drive-Thru at 2198 15th Ave. S (2pm-6pm).

    –3 Daughters Brewing– 222 22nd Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

    -Fresh Meals from various local restaurants:

    • 4-6pm Monday, 340 E Davis Blvd.
    • 8-10am Tuesday, 2219 S Dale Mabry Highway
    • 4-6pm Wednesday, 3644 S West Shore Blvd.
    • 8-10am Thursday, 1700 W Fig Street and 340 E Davis Blvd
    • 4-6pm Friday, 340 E Davis Blvd.

    Fare Free Bus Services: 

    To assist residents affected by Hurricane Helene, the City of St. Petersburg and PSTA are offering a two-week period of fare-free bus service within St. Pete city limits, starting Monday, September 30 through Sunday, October 13.

    • Applies to: Regular bus trips that begin and end within St. Pete city limits
    • Exclusions: Does not apply to Access, MOD, or other mobility services
    • SunRunner Update: SunRunner is turning around at Pasadena due to westbound access limitations
    • Fares Resume: Monday, Oct. 14, 2024

    For more information on routes and schedules, visit psta.net.

    Free Laundry Services: 

    • Parking lot across from Allendale United Methodist Church (3803 Haines Rd. N) – 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Easy Kleen Laundromat (2970 54th Ave. S) – 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (last wash at 8:30 p.m.)

    Cooling Stations

    These will provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones.

    Clearwater:

    Recreation Centers – Open Monday, Sept. 30, to Friday, Oct. 4:

    • Morningside Recreation Center, 2400 Harn Blvd, Clearwater – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Long Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater – 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Countryside Rec Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater – 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • McMullen Tennis Complex, 1000 Edenville Ave., Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater – CLOSED MONDAY; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday
    • North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatic Center, 900 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave., Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    Libraries:

    • Clearwater Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Dr, Clearwater – Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Clearwater East Community Library at St Petersburg College, 2465 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday
    • Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755, Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday
    • Clearwater North Greenwood Library, 905 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday.

    St. Petersburg: 

    • St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4444 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg – Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • Lakewood United Methodist Church, 5995 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg – Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Pets welcome)

    St. Pete Beach:

    • St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Madeira Beach:

    • Madeira Beach City Hall, 14225 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice.

    Seminole: 

    • Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St, Seminole, – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Largo: 

    • Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Dr, Largo – Monday – Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Gulfport: 

    • Gulfport Senior Center, located at 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport – open through Oct. 4, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Dunedin: 

    • First United Methodist Church of Dunedin, 421 Main St., Dunedin – Monday, Sept. 30, through Thursday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Lost Pets:

    • If you have lost or found a pet, visit pinellas.gov/lost-and-found.
    • You can visit the Pinellas County Animal Services’ Found Center to check for your lost pet or drop off a found pet at 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Found Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check other local animal shelters as well.

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