Democrats Demand DHS Reforms as Funding Deadline Looms; Millions Face Rising Utility Costs
Washington, D.C. – Congressional Democrats are pushing for significant reforms to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the deadline to fund the agency approaches. This comes as millions of Americans are also facing increased financial pressure due to rising utility costs.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer presented a unified front on Wednesday, outlining their demands for DHS funding beyond next week, according to Fox News. The Democrats are reiterating several policy proposals aimed at reigning in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices, some of which Republicans have already rejected, CBS News reported.
"Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not to brutalize or kill them," Jeffries said at a news conference at the Capitol, according to CBS News. He added that "ICE is completely and totally out of control, immigration enforcement should be just, it should be fair, and it should be humane. That is not what is taking place right now." Jeffries stated that "dramatic changes" are necessary.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans are grappling with higher utility bills. According to CBS News, regulators approved 43 rate hikes across the country in 2025, totaling $11.6 billion in increases, according to an analysis by Powerlines. The nonprofit, which focuses on lowering utility costs, said the vast majority of hikes have already gone into effect, while eight are slated to go live in the coming months. Powerlines estimates that 56 million Americans will see higher utility bills, adding financial strain at a time when energy costs are already a major concern. Utilities are increasing rates to cover the costs of repairing and replacing infrastructure, expenses related to extreme weather events, volatile fuel prices, and the increase in demand.
In other news related to federal law enforcement, the FBI's seizure of 2020 election materials in Fulton County, Georgia, has prompted a legal response. Fulton County officials filed a motion Tuesday seeking the return of ballots and other documents seized last week from a warehouse, Fox News reported. The motion, which remains under seal, asks a federal court to compel the return of around 656 boxes of original 2020 election materials. A warrant cover sheet provided to the county includes a list of items that the agents were seeking related to the 2020 election.
Additionally, in Minneapolis, the presence of federal agents has been a source of tension following recent shootings involving Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. ABC News reported that the federal government will "draw down" 700 agents, but 2,000 will remain in the state. The decision comes after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti, 37, and Renee Good, 37, in January. Pretti's death was ruled a homicide by the county medical examiner.
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