Dear neighbor,

First, I want to share some good news: the House passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. I am pleased to be one of the authors of this legislation, which would provide criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking who committed non-violent offenses as a result of their exploitation. Our bill seeks to treat survivors of human trafficking with justice and compassion, not criminalization. Now, I am urging the Senate to pass this bill.

Additionally, another bipartisan bill I helped lead, the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, was signed into law this week. This bill ensures the Administration consults Congress as it develops its policies related to Taiwan, allowing for a more unified approach to coordinating US-Taiwan relations and strengthening our partnership.

Now, the bad news – Secretary Hegseth lied about reports that a second strike was ordered to kill defenseless, shipwrecked survivors. Once the White House confirmed the second strike, Hegseth cowardly threw Admiral Bradley under the bus.

I served as a JAG on active duty for four years and in the reserves for 21 years. Let me be very clear: striking shipwrecked survivors is a war crime. We need the Department of Justice to open a war crimes investigation. If they don’t, a future Administration will because there is no statute of limitations on war crimes. Additionally, I am demanding that Secretary Hegseth resign. Between this and leaking classified information on Signal, which put military pilots at risk, Hegseth is completely unfit to serve.

Trump is focused on attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization, meanwhile grocery prices and healthcare costs are skyrocketing. He even called affordability a “hoax” and “con job” made up by Democrats. Trump and congressional Republicans are failing to meet the priorities of the American people.

To hear more of my thoughts this week, check out the video below:

WATCH MORE FROM THIS WEEK: On Wednesday, I joined the Hill’s AI Summit in America to talk about the latest congressional efforts to regulate AI. You can watch the full conversation here. Additionally, I went on ABC and CBS News to call out Hegseth and demand accountability for these war crimes.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY SUMMER SEMINAR: The 2026 USAFA Summer Seminar application is now open. This is a five-day immersive visitation experience for high school juniors (rising seniors) led by current cadets. Applications are open between now and January 15, 2026. Visit here to apply and find the summer seminar session dates for 2026.

If you are in need of help with a federal agency, feel free to reach out to my LA office at (323) 651-1040, or you can visit our webpage here. 

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted