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Dear Friend,
It’s been a busy couple of weeks here in Washington, D.C. From introducing critical legislation to advocating for constituents’ priorities, there’s been no shortage of important work. I’m excited to be back home for a district work period to reconnect with communities across MN-05 and hear directly from you.
Take a look at what I’ve been up to:
Visiting Literacy Minnesota
As someone who learned English at the age of 12, I have personal experience with the transformative power of literacy. The ability to read, write, and communicate effectively opens up a world of opportunities that can change the trajectory of an individual's life.
That's why I'm proud to recognize the critical work done by Literacy Minnesota, an organization dedicated to empowering adults to develop the literacy skills needed to thrive. Their programs go beyond teaching reading and writing – they equip learners with the tools to unlock their full potential and actively participate in our communities. In Congress I will continue to support legislation that assist schools, nonprofits, and localities in developing literacy programs for young people and families.
Voting no on FISA Reauthorization
I recently voted against reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without critical reforms to protect civil liberties. While Representative Pramila Jayapal and the Congressional Progressive Caucus worked across the aisle to try to secure warrant requirements. It unfortunately failed on a 212-212 tie vote.
Section 702 of FISA currently allows the government to collect communications of non-Americans abroad that may also include those of Americans, without a warrant. This provision has enabled warrantless surveillance that disproportionately targets Muslim Americans, African Americans, and other minority communities. In 2022 alone, the FBI exploited Section 702 more than 200,000 times to search for Americans' data, raising serious Fourth Amendment concerns about unreasonable searches and seizures. True reform of our surveillance powers is crucial to upholding constitutional rights and preventing the unfair targeting of Americans under the guise of counterterrorism. I remain committed to advocating for surveillance policies that balance national security with the fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
Minnesota State Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura as a guest for the Japanese PM address to Congress
We were delighted to have Minnesota State Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura as our guest for the Japanese Prime Minister's joint address to Congress. Rep. Sencer-Mura is a trailblazer, being the first Japanese American elected to the Minnesota State Legislature.
Her presence is a testament to the growing diversity and representation in our nation's legislative bodies. We are grateful for Rep. Sencer-Mura's continued public service and her role in paving the way for future generations of Japanese American leaders.
Housing is a Human Right
In the wealthiest country in the world, it's unacceptable that we have such an extreme lack of affordable housing. Minneapolis recently built 84 affordable family homes using innovative construction to cut costs and time. While local efforts like these are helpful, they need more federal support. We need a comprehensive national strategy combining local ideas with strong leadership from Congress. My Homes for All Act would massively expand affordable housing by lifting restrictions on public housing construction and funding 8.5 million new public units plus 3.5 million for working families. The housing crisis impacts all of us and demands an all-hands-on-deck response at every level of government. By partnering with cities, states and advocates nationwide, we can finally make housing a human right for every American.
Watch my full remarks here.
Restoring Integrity to the Supreme Court
I joined Senator Blumenthal, Reps. Jamie Raskin, Melanie Stansbury, and Troy Carter for a press conference to introduce the Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act 2024. For too long, special interests have corrupted the Supreme Court, leading to unethical behavior and a lack of accountability.
The American people deserve to have faith that the highest court's decisions are fair and impartial, guided by the rule of law rather than politics or personal interests. That's why we've introduced the Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act. This bill will finally hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as all other federal judges.
Housing Not Handcuffs
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the case Johnson v. Grant Pass, a critical case that will decide whether cities are allowed to punish people for sleeping outside, even when there are no safe shelter options. I joined my colleagues for a press conference speaking out against cities for criminalizing acts of living outdoors for those experiencing homelessness. But unhoused individuals are not criminals – they are struggling against systemic failures like lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health resources, and economic inequalities. While we hope the Supreme Court upholds human dignity over cruel discrimination, we will keep fighting regardless of their ruling.
In Solidarity,
Ilhan Omar
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