As part of my oversight responsibilities, I continue to speak up and demand action on some of the Trump Administration's most dangerous proposals and policies. That is why, along with Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, I led 24 House Democrats in urging U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to reverse course on the Administration's plans to eliminate the Community Relations Service (CRS). First established by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this program brings together law enforcement and local communities to address the root causes of tension and violence in the wake of conflict. This program is known as "America's Peacemaker," and eliminating the CRS will jeopardize public safety. To read our letter to AG Bondi, click here.
As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, I joined Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Jasmine Crockett in demanding the Department of Justice to reinstate hundreds of crime prevention and public safety grants that were abruptly terminated last month. Without explanation, more than 300 grant awardees learned that Office of Justice Program grants had been terminated. These grants serve victims of crime and support prevention efforts by law enforcement. These grant awards must be reinstated.
Finally, with my colleagues Reps. Terri Sewell of Alabama and Salud Carbajal of California, I also demanded that Education Secretary Linda McMahon reinstate the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. These life-saving measures were part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a law that I helped pass in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting. We secured $1 billion for these programs, and I personally convened conversations with local teachers and mental health professionals to hear about how these federal investments will support students and keep our schools safe. If Republicans want to continue approaching gun violence as a mental health issue, then they should join me in demanding the Trump Administration to reinstate these critical grant programs. To read our letter to Secretary McMahon, click here.
As I remain laser focused on advocating for the needs and priorities of our community in Washington, I take great joy in connecting with my constituents back home in Georgia—especially our students! This week, I was honored to announce the results of my 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Congratulations to Emmy Heller, Kiley Anderson, and Andrea Rodriguez for taking the top spots in this year's competition! Take a look at their artwork below—you'll be able to see their work on display in the my Georgia and Washington offices and the U.S. Capitol! Thank you to every student who participated in this year's competition.
