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During Colorado’s Primary Election Week, Rep. Pettersen Leads Push For USPS to Ensure Timely Delivery of Mail in Ballots

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – During Colorado’s primary election week, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) led an effort with Representative Kim Schrier (WA-08) pushing for more reliable delivery for mail-in ballots, particularly for rural communities, which have experienced longstanding mail service delays. In a letter sent today to the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Members demanded answers on the specific steps USPS has been taking to ensure the timely and reliable delivery of election mail.

Colorado and Washington are both universal mail in ballot states, where every registered voter automatically receives a ballot in the mail. But rural and mountain communities across Colorado’s Seventh District, such as Silver Cliff and Poncha Springs, have faced persistent mail delivery challenges, including longer wait times, delayed delivery, and the unexpected closures, leaving entire communities without postal service. As millions of voters prepare to cast their votes this week in the upcoming primary elections, many depend on reliable access to mail in ballots to ensure that their votes are cast and counted on time.

The Members’ effort also comes on the coattails of mounting threats to mail‑in voting systems nationwide, punctuated by recent testimony from Postmaster General David Steiner indicating the USPS could withhold mail ballots from states that do not provide the federal government with lists of voters who have requested absentee or mail ballots.

In their letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, the lawmakers requested detailed information on USPS's election mail preparedness, including how the agency is addressing persistent service gaps in rural areas, mitigating workforce and transportation challenges, coordinating with state and local election officials, and ensuring ballots are delivered on time so every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

“Millions of Coloradans depend on voting by mail, especially in our rural communities where polling locations can be few and far between. We’re proud to have one of the most secure election systems in the nation, one that I helped build during my time in the State Legislature. These primaries are the voters’ first chance this year to make their voices heard on Trump’s disastrous policies for the past two years, but our rural communities have been dealing with delays that could jeopardize their ability to make sure their votes are counted on time.” said Pettersen. “Our democracy works best when everyone has a chance to have their voice heard. At a time when Trump is trying to attack mail in voting and rig both the primaries and the upcoming midterm elections by making it harder for people to vote, we should be doing everything we can to make sure that rural voters don’t get left behind just because of where they live.”

“The ability to participate freely and fairly in elections is not only a core principle of democracy, but is central to who we are as Americans,” said Schrier. “Right now, the Trump Administration’s attack on mail-in ballots, voter eligibility, and local election systems threatens the ability of my constituents to vote – especially those who live in rural communities far away from in-person voting options. Washington state’s mail-in voting system is one of the best in the country and, for decades, has increased the ability of all Washingtonians to make their voices heard each November. I am proud to lead the effort to ensure USPS is taking the necessary steps to deliver timely, reliable, and secure election mail for rural Americans.”

The full version of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Postmaster General Steiner,

We write to request information regarding the United States Postal Service’s preparedness to ensure the timely and reliable delivery of election mail leading up to the upcoming federal elections, with particular attention to service in rural and mountain communities.

Across the country, the Postal Service plays an essential role in connecting communities, supporting local economies, and ensuring access to critical services. That role is especially important in rural areas, where residents often depend on USPS as their primary and sometimes only reliable connection to mail delivery, including medications, essential goods, and election materials.

However, persistent service gaps in rural communities continue to raise serious concerns. In many areas, residents experience longer delivery times, inconsistent service, and limited access to postal facilities. These challenges are often compounded by workforce shortages, delivery route constraints, transportation delays, and geographic barriers such as mountainous terrain and long travel distances between delivery points. In some communities, post offices operate with reduced hours or limited staffing, further restricting access for residents who already face fewer alternatives.

Recent oversight findings and constituent reports have highlighted that mail delivery performance in certain rural areas has fallen below national averages, with delays in both letter mail and packages. These service gaps can have real consequences for families and small businesses, but they are particularly concerning in the context of elections. When voters rely on the mail to receive and return their ballots, even modest delays can create barriers to participation, especially in communities where in-person voting options are limited or far away.

The reliability of postal delivery is directly tied to the ability of voters to participate in free and fair elections. During recent outreach in rural and mountain communities, we consistently heard concerns about delayed mail delivery, inconsistent service, and uncertainty about whether ballots would arrive and be counted on time. These concerns emphasize the need for clear and proactive planning to address known service gaps ahead of the election.

We recognize and appreciate the dedication of USPS employees who serve rural communities under challenging conditions every day. At the same time, it is essential that USPS take targeted and transparent steps to address longstanding disparities in service and ensure that all voters, regardless of geography, have equal access to timely and reliable mail delivery.

To better understand USPS’s preparedness and planning efforts, we respectfully request responses to the following questions:

What specific operational steps is USPS taking to ensure all election mail, including ballots, is delivered in a timely and reliable manner for the upcoming election?
How does USPS define, track, and publicly report delivery performance for election mail, particularly for ballots sent to and from rural communities?
What targeted actions are being implemented to address persistent delivery delays in rural and hard-to-reach ZIP codes, including those with known staffing or transportation challenges?
How is USPS addressing workforce shortages, route coverage gaps, and logistical constraints that may disproportionately impact rural mail delivery?
What protocols are in place to identify, prioritize, and expedite election mail within USPS processing and delivery systems?
How does USPS coordinate with state and local election officials to ensure alignment on ballot mailing timelines and delivery expectations, particularly in rural jurisdictions?
Has USPS provided updated guidance to election officials and the public regarding recommended mailing deadlines to account for potential delays in rural delivery networks?
How does USPS handle ballots that are processed or delivered after applicable state deadlines due to postal delays, and what safeguards are in place to minimize these occurrences?
In light of recent federal actions affecting voter records and mail-in voting processes, how will USPS ensure that ballots are delivered accurately and on time to eligible voters, including in cases where address records may be incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent?
What were USPS’s on-time delivery rates for election mail during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles, including a detailed breakdown by rural and urban areas, and what lessons learned from those cycles are being applied to current preparations?

A reliable and accessible postal system is fundamental to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of where they live, can fully participate in our democratic process. Addressing longstanding service gaps in rural communities is critical to maintaining trust in both our postal system and our elections. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your detailed response.

Sincerely,

Rep. Pettersen is the founder of the bipartisan Delivering Postal Solutions Caucus, established to improve mail service in communities experiencing persistent delivery challenges. Throughout her time in Congress, she has consistently pushed USPS leadership for greater transparency and accountability, leading oversight efforts with both former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and current Postmaster General David Steiner to address chronic mail delays affecting rural and mountain communities across Colorado. Her advocacy helped secure the reopening of postal service in Poncha Springs through the establishment of a new post office. Rep. Pettersen also introduced H.R. 448, the Silver Cliff Community Act, to resolve the town's longstanding ZIP code issue and pave the way for a local post office to better serve the community.

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Rep. Pettersen Demands Answers After Trump Administration Leaves EPA Region 8 Employees Without Reliable Emergency Communications

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), alongside Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Representative DeGette (CO-01), demanded answers from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin after a series of alarming safety failures at the EPA Region 8 Headquarters in Denver, Colorado. These failures — including the mishandling of a bomb threat, removal of hardwired emergency phones, and the absence of clear emergency protocols — have left federal employees without reliable means to contact emergency services.

Before a recent bomb scare next to the building, EPA employees received vague warnings about threats to the office and to the State of Colorado, but management provided no specific details, safety guidance, or answers during a subsequent all-hands meeting. When the scare occurred roughly a week later, employees received no evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions, and local management allowed people to freely enter and exit the building. In addition, following 2025 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) actions, hardwired desk phones were replaced with computer "soft phones" that employees have not been trained to use, leaving them reliant on personal cell phones in a building with poor cellular service and no reliable way to contact emergency services.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, "It has been brought to our attention that EPA employees lack a clear understanding of who alerts whom during an emergency and how management becomes aware of incidents occurring in or around the building…When asked for specific details about the nature of the threats and the steps EPA was taking to protect staff, management did not respond."

The lawmakers continued, "The following day, there was a bomb threat against EPA Region 8 employees. Employees received no direction on whether to evacuate or remain home, and reports indicated even the Deputy Regional Manager was unaware of the situation occurring near the building. It appeared management was reluctant to make decisions, and their priority was keeping employees in the building."

In a letter, the Members ask the Department to explain:

What the process is for notifying employees of emergencies in the vicinity of the building, and what specific information is provided in those notifications;
What specific steps the EPA took in response to the threats made against the Denver office;
Why standard emergency communication protocols were not followed during the bomb scare incident;
Why hardwired emergency phones were removed, and whether the Administrator agrees their removal creates unsafe working conditions;
How the EPA plans to ensure reliable access to emergency services given that parts of the building lack cell service;
What training has been or will be provided to employees on the soft phone software, and whether it can successfully call 911.

The full letter is available HERE.

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To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.

On Dobbs Anniversary, Reps. Pettersen Introduces Resolution to Stop Government Surveillance of Reproductive Health Care Medication

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, on the anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced a resolution to prohibit the government from surveilling water systems, including groundwater, surface water, wastewater, or drinking water, to monitor essential medications used in Americans’ reproductive health care. The resolution comes amid growing concerns that anti-abortion lawmakers and federal officials are exploring ways to use public health infrastructure to track reproductive health care decisions.

Recent reports revealed that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials discussed developing methods to detect abortion medication in wastewater systems. Soon after, Texas lawmakers introduced legislation that would require wastewater facilities to test for mifepristone – the medication commonly used in abortion and miscarriage care – as well as ingredients found in certain forms of contraception.

This resolution comes on the 4th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, which held that access to abortion and reproductive care is not protected under the constitutional right to privacy. After this decision, many states across the country began to pass extreme measures to ban reproductive care such as abortion, abortion pills, birth control, and IVF. States that have outlawed access to abortion have also taken steps to track the movements of potential patients in and across state lines, which raises concerns on what additional surveillance tools may be utilized to identify the use of reproductive health care.

Pettersen’s resolution makes clear that tools designed to protect public health should never be weaponized to surveil Americans seeking legal health care or to target patients, providers, and communities based on deeply personal medical decisions.

“The idea that government agencies could use public health surveillance tools to monitor deeply personal medical decisions is a disturbing draconian tactic that is alarming and something that we should all be terrified of,” said Pettersen. “People should be able to make decisions about their reproductive health care without the government interfering. This resolution affirms that tools designed to protect public health cannot be weaponized to control women’s health care decisions.”

Resolution text is available HERE .

This resolution has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood.

Background:

Wastewater surveillance became an important public health tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping communities identify disease outbreaks and protect public health. However, experts have warned that the same technology could be weaponized to monitor the use of medications used in abortion care.

Rep. Pettersen has also consistently supported access to reproductive health care. As states across the country have adopted restrictive measures on abortion, reproductive care, and gender affirming care, Rep. Pettersen joined an amicus brief before the Supreme Court to defend access to mifepristone, an abortion pill that is FDA approved.

Rep. Pettersen Delivers Major Housing Affordability Wins for Colorado Families as Landmark Bipartisan Package Heads to the President’s Desk

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) applauded House passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant housing legislation in 30 years, which now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The landmark package is the result of months of bipartisan negotiations and includes several Pettersen-led bills to address housing affordability in Colorado and across the country.

Rep. Pettersen was a key negotiator in shaping the package, successfully pushing to revise a harmful provision that would have blocked Built-to-Rent homebuilding projects and undermined efforts to address the nation’s housing supply and affordability crisis.

The final package includes Pettersen’s Streamlining Rural Housing Act, which will reduce duplicative federal housing requirements that slow affordable housing development in rural communities; her Housing Supply Frameworks Act, which will help develop best practices on zoning and land-use policies; and the full version of her VALID Act, which will improve the mortgage lending process for servicemembers and veterans. Pettersen successfully secured inclusion of the full VALID Act after only an amended version was included in the previous House-passed package.

In Colorado, there is currently a housing shortage of over 100,000 homes and apartments. The state also needs to build over 30,000 units in the next decade to make up for the shortfall given the population growth. Due to this shortage, Colorado has seen median rents climb by more than 80% over the last decade. Pettersen’s bills take important steps forward to address that shortage and encourage policies that help new housing development.

“All across Colorado, families are being squeezed by the rising cost of housing. Whether in the Denver metro area or our rural mountain communities, there simply aren’t enough homes, and that shortage is driving up costs for everyone,” said Pettersen. “Housing affordability is one of the top issues I hear about from constituents, which is why I fought to include three of my bills in the most significant housing legislation in 30 years. This represents meaningful progress on one of the biggest challenges facing working families. It will help boost housing supply, remove barriers to construction, and expand access to homes families can actually afford. It’s rare these days, but this is an example of what Congress can — and should — be doing: rolling up our sleeves and working together to address the urgent issues facing the American people. While I know there’s still a lot more work we need to do, I’m proud to have helped shape this legislation and get it across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Pettersen’s legislation that passed in 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act – and will soon become law – are listed below:

The Streamlining Rural Housing Act: Introduced alongside Congressman Stutzman (R-IN), the bill directs HUD and USDA to enter a memorandum of understanding, a formal interagency agreement to coordinate housing standards, reducing redundant reviews that increase costs and slow affordable housing development in rural communities.
The Housing Supply Frameworks Act: Introduced with Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), the bill directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop frameworks for best practices on zoning and land-use policies to confront barriers to housing development and construction.
The VALID Act: Would update Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage disclosures to include VA Home Loans alongside FHA and conventional loan options. The bill would also ensure lenders are provided with important information regarding an applicant’s military service so they can provide information about VA loans early in the homebuying process.

Over her 14 years in elected office, Representative Pettersen has made expanding access to housing that families can afford a cornerstone of her work in Colorado and in Congress. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, as well as a Co-Chair of the Real Estate Caucus and the Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) Caucus, she is currently leading the charge to tackle the national housing shortage by championing policies that cut through regulatory red tape and streamline the development of innovative, low-cost homes.

Rep. Pettersen Demands Answers After Trump Administration Threatens $98 Million in Federal Funding for Jeffco Schools

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) demanded answers from the U.S. Department of Education after the Department threatened enforcement action and the potential withholding of federal education funding from Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) over a baseless, alleged Title IX violation regarding transgender students.

After notifying the District of its findings in March, the Department provided Jeffco Schools 90 days to address its concerns. Before that period expired, the Department issued a second warning letter threatening further enforcement action and skipped out on a scheduled meeting with the Jeffco School District to settle the dispute. Now, $98 million in federal funding hangs in the balance, putting critical resources at risk for more than 74,000 students – particularly students with disabilities, low-income students, and English language learners.

“I grew up an at-risk youth, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had access to exceptional public schools in Jeffco and teachers who believed in me,” said Pettersen. “Now, Trump is threatening to withhold nearly $100 million in federal funding that supports our classrooms and helps ensure every child has a chance to succeed. As a mom, I can’t imagine the fear and uncertainty this creates for families. Our kids should never be used as political pawns. It’s beyond despicable and a reminder that under this administration, our kids will always come last.”

“We appreciate Representative Pettersen's support for Jeffco students and the critical federal resources that help us serve them,” said Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent, Tracy Dorland. “Throughout this process, Jeffco has engaged in good faith, provided data, answered questions, and repeatedly sought to correct a significant factual misunderstanding at the center of the Office for Civil Rights' findings, while working to navigate conflicting state and federal requirements. Our focus remains where it belongs- on protecting educational opportunities for all students and reaching a resolution grounded in facts, sound law, and the best interests of the 75,000 students we serve.”

In a letter, Pettersen asks the Department to explain:

What specific Title IX provisions it believes Jeffco is violating;
Why it issued an additional warning letter before the original compliance period expired;
What efforts were made to work collaboratively with the district before threatening to terminate funding;
Whether the Department analyzed the impact funding cuts would have on students and district operations; and
Whether similar proceedings have been initiated against other school districts.

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary McMahon and Assistant Secretary Richey,

I write regarding the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) Office for Civil Rights' June 3, 2026 warning letter to Jefferson County Public (Jeffco) Schools, which threatens enforcement action and the potential withholding of federal education funding. As the Representative of Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District, which includes Jeffco School District and the 74,200 students it serves, I am deeply concerned about the serious, long-term consequences these actions could have on our students. I write to request a detailed explanation of the Office for Civil Rights' rationale for this action and to urge the Department to immediately rescind its threat to withhold federal funding from the district.

The Department first notified Jeffco Schools of its findings in March 2026 and provided the district with a 90-day period to address the Department's concerns related to Jeffco Schools’ compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), including ensuring that students are able to access facilities and programs regardless their gender identity. Yet, before that period had concluded, the Department issued an additional warning letter escalating the matter and threatening further enforcement action. This is especially troubling given that the Office for Civil Rights did not attend the June 16, 2026 meeting that had been scheduled specifically to discuss the tension between Colorado state law and the Department’s interpretation of Title IX, despite the district’s preparation and willingness to engage in good‑faith dialogue.

This pattern of escalation is further compounded by the Administration’s recent decision to move major civil rights investigative and enforcement responsibilities from the the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights to the Department of Justice. Placing these functions into an agency whose core mission is federal law enforcement fundamentally alters its purpose. This shift effectively weaponizes the Office for Civil Rights — recasting it into a federal enforcement arm.

Jeffco Schools have been working diligently to navigate its obligations under federal and state law while providing data, answering questions, and engaging in good-faith efforts to address both factual and legal concerns. Rather than working collaboratively with the district to ensure compliance and protect the rights and well-being of all students — including our transgender students who deserve equal access to safe, affirming learning environments — the Department has prematurely chosen a punitive approach that places essential educational resources at risk.

As stewards of our public schools, we have a responsibility to ensure every child has the opportunity to access a high-quality education, which, for many students, can be life-changing. The federal funding at issue, combined with state resources, enables Jefferson County to provide that standard of education and to support the community, including students with disabilities, students from low‑income families, and English language learners. If the Trump Administration chooses to withhold these resources, the district will be left without the funding necessary to educate and support our students.

All stakeholders in this matter share a common goal: ensuring our students have access to the best educational opportunities possible. And my hope is that we agree that Colorado students should not become collateral damage in a dispute between the Department and the district. As such, I respectfully request responses to the following questions to gain clarity into the Department’s course of action in this case by July 17, 2026:

What specific statutory and regulatory provisions within Title IX does the Department believe Jeffco Schools are violating?
What actions has the Department taken to work with the district to achieve compliance prior to threatening the termination of federal funding?
Why did the Department issue an additional warning letter before the expiration of the original 90-day compliance period?
Has the Department conducted an analysis of the impact that withholding federal funds would have on student outcomes, educational services, and district operations? If so, please provide that analysis.
Has the Department initiated similar funding-withholding proceedings against any other school districts? If so, please identify those districts and describe the status of those proceedings.
What criteria did the Department use to determine that threatening the termination of federal funding was warranted in this case?

In light of the significant risk to our students posed by potentially withholding this federal education funding, I strongly urge the Department to rescind its threat and instead pursue a path of action that protects both students and the educational resources upon which they depend.

Sincerely,

Medical center in Evergreen reopens following active shooter situation earlier this year inside the Colorado facility

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

It's been four months since a shooting incident at a Colorado medical clinic in the Jefferson County foothills forced that facility to shut its doors. On Monday morning, CommonSpirit Primary Care Evergreen reopened after making some changes.

In February, a 62-year-old man took his own life after firing 19 rounds into the clinic with a shotgun and causing extensive damage. First responders rushed to the scene on Ellingwood Trail in what was described as an active shooter situation. No one else was injured but numerous people including healthcare workers took refuge out of fear for their lives.

Since the clinic closed, CommonSpirit has changed the layout and enchanced security, which included upgrading access controls. New badge readers have been placed on many doors, windows have been reinforced and security at the front desk has been adjusted.

Executives from CommonSpirit said in a presentation Monday morning before the reopening that there are still a lot of strong emotions about the incident. Dr. Shauna Gulley, Senior Vice President of Physician Enterprise for CommonSpirit Health, said the goal is to preserve the center as a "sanctuary of healing."

"This reopening is more than a return to routine. It is a declaration of hope, that healing continues, that service to others will not be silenced by fear and that light can cover come darkness," Hill said.

A case file showed that man who fired the shots had a previous mental health history.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, who represents Colorado's 7th Congressional District, accepted CommonSpirit's invitation to attend Monday's ceremony and thanked healthcare workers. She spoke about the need for healing in the community and brought up the shooting at Evergreen High School, which only happened five months before what happened at the clinic.

"It's hard to imagine that this came off the heels of what had happened in Evergreen with the shooting at the high school and how you all have been impacted by gun violence," she said.

Rep. Pettersen Introduces Bill to End Long-Term Detention at Temporary ICE Holding Cells

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, after Republicans advanced their budget reconciliation legislation to pour $70 billion into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) – alongside Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Jason Crow (CO-06) – introduced a bill to prohibit ICE from holding individuals for extended periods in temporary holding cells that are not intended for long-term detention.

Pettersen’s legislation comes in response to alarming reports that ICE has detained individuals ranging in age from just one year old to 91 years old in small holding rooms meant for temporary processing, sometimes for days at a time. These facilities are designed to hold individuals for only a few hours and often lack beds, showers, and other basic accommodations. In response, Pettersen led Colorado Democrats in demanding answers from Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and later conducted a routine oversight visit to the Fremont County facility to examine conditions firsthand.

“Republicans just voted to hand ICE and CBP an additional $70 billion, yet they still refuse to guarantee even the most basic standards of humane treatment for the people in their custody,” said Pettersen. “No child, senior, or anyone else should be forced to spend days in a cramped holding cell that was designed for only a few hours of temporary processing. Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda is antithetical to the promise of this country and our values as Americans. If we fail to uphold basic dignity and decency, then we have lost ourselves as a country.”

“Donald Trump’s cruel immigration agenda has led to communities in Denver and across our country being terrorized by masked agents. They have kidnapped people off the street and detained them in facilities that are meant to be temporary,” said DeGette. “These prolonged detentions are traumatizing and must end immediately. I am proud to work with my colleagues to demand accountability from ICE, protect immigrant communities, and restore dignity and justice to our immigration system.”

“The Trump administration’s cruel and unconscionable immigration policies are taking a devastating toll on communities across our state,” said Neguse. “I’m proud to join Rep. Pettersen and my fellow Coloradans in introducing legislation to hold ICE accountable and put an end to inhumane detention practices, including forcing individuals to spend days in overcrowded holding cells intended only for short-term processing. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and basic humanity.”

“Last year was the deadliest year in decades for people in ICE custody. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress continue to hand ICE billions of taxpayer dollars with no guardrails or reforms,” said Crow. “Congress must do everything in its power to rein in this rogue agency and uphold our values.”

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

Pettersen has consistently voted against Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, including opposing their budget reconciliation legislation that pours $70 billion into ICE and CBP over the next three years. Pettersen also voted against over $45 billion in funding for immigration enforcement in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

During her time in Congress, Pettersen has advocated for legislation to require DHS and ICE officers to clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions, legislation that would reinstate protections that bar ICE from conducting immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, including churches, schools, hospitals, and non-immigration courts, and has demanded accountability from DHS.

Pettersen, Bennet, Hickenlooper Demand Answers as Trump Administration Pursues Backdoor Payouts for January 6 Defendants and Election Deniers

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) are demanding a full accounting of the Trump Administration’s so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and any efforts to compensate January 6 defendants, election deniers, or individuals involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including Tina Peters.

The lawmakers’ letter follows reports that attorneys representing hundreds of January 6 defendants have filed claims seeking compensation from the federal government despite the fact that the administration claimed that the fund is no longer moving forward. Yet, Trump has failed to provide any written confirmation that the slush fund has been terminated or disclose who applied for compensation, whether any payments were approved, or how taxpayer dollars may have been used.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: “Despite repeated assurances that you are ‘not moving forward with the fund,’ your agencies have produced no written confirmation of its closure, no legal justification for its existence, and no accounting of who applied, what was promised, or whether taxpayer dollars were ever committed. The absence of even the most basic materials — coupled with conflicting statements from the Administration — raises a serious concern: that the fund was used, or intended to be used, to financially reward individuals involved in the January 6 attack or those who amplified false claims of a stolen election.”

The lawmakers continued, “These concerns have only intensified in light of public statements from individuals who applied for compensation and now describe the fund as merely a “brief distraction” while they pursue payouts through other channels. The opacity surrounding this program has not lessened; it has deepened. And it has fueled legitimate fears that the fund, and the legal rationales underlying it, may have been — or could still be — used to support individuals whose actions undermined democratic institutions or threatened public safety, including through meritless claims brought by January 6 defendants and taxpayer‑funded payments to rioters who assaulted law enforcement officers.”

The letter requests a complete accounting of:

All individuals or entities who applied for compensation through the Anti-Weaponization Fund;
Any payments that were approved, denied, or disbursed;
Documents related to the creation, administration, and purported closure of the fund;
Communications between the Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, IRS, and the White House regarding the fund;
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) claims filed by January 6 defendants and individuals involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election; and
Any discussions regarding potential settlements or payouts for individuals claiming to be victims of "weaponization."

The full letter is available HERE.

Congress Demands List of People Who Have Applied for Trump Slush Fund

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In a memo obtained by Meidas Touch Network, a group of Members of Congress have demanded a list of people who have applied for taxpayer-funded payouts from the Trump Administration’s controversial $1.7 billion slush fund.

The 3-page memo, which was submitted to the Justice Department and Treasury Department, said the “conflicting” statements from the Trump Administration about the future of the fund have raised serious questions.

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The inquiry has asked the Administration to produce lists of names of people who have formally sought out payments from the fund, including any people who were defendants in the U.S. Capitol Insurrection. The copy obtained by Meidas Touch asks the Administration to turn over “A complete list of all individuals or entities who have filed claims in connection with their status as January 6 defendants, including the date of each application and the status or disposition of each request.”

The probe is being led by Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO). The memo said, “Recent reporting shows that attorneys representing hundreds of January 6 defendants have already begun filing claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The precedent your agencies have set, suggesting that January 6 rioters, election deniers, and others advancing baseless allegations of ‘weaponization’ are entitled to financial remedies at taxpayer expense, is indefensible. The Department of Justice cannot and must not use existing legal mechanisms to accomplish the same objectives as the Anti-Weaponization Fund, even if the fund itself has been quietly abandoned.”

In their inquiry, the Members of Congress blast the Administration for the secretive manner in which it is operating the fund. Their letter said, “The opacity surrounding this program has not lessened; it has deepened. And it has fueled legitimate fears that the fund, and the legal rationales underlying it, may have been — or could still be — used to support individuals whose actions undermined democratic institutions or threatened public safety, including through meritless claims brought by January 6 defendants and taxpayer-funded payments to rioters who assaulted law enforcement officers.”

There are at least five federal civil suits challenging the slush fund, one of which goes to court on Friday morning. Though one federal judge has briefly paused the operation of the slush fund, Members of Congress are suspicious that the Trump Administration is giving misleading statements about the plans to move forward with the taxpayer-funded payouts.

The memo from Rep. Pettersen and Sen. Bennet said, “Given the extraordinary nature of this fund, the Administration’s inconsistent public statements, the surge of filings by individuals convicted of serious offenses, and the DOJ’s refusal to provide written confirmation of the fund’s termination, your agencies must immediately produce a full accounting of how this fund was created, administered, and ostensibly terminated.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified in Congress last week that the Administration will not “move forward” with the fund. In a court challenge against the slush fund Wednesday, a Justice Department attorney invoked the same phrase to push back on a lawsuit against the fund, telling the judge the Administration will not “move forward.”

The careful word choice and the refusal of Trump Administration officials to commit in writing that the fund is dead, has raised increased suspicions about the Administration’s plan.

Rep. Pettersen Votes Against $70 Billion Check for Trump’s ICE Operations

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting against Republicans’ budget reconciliation package that gives $70 billion in funding over three years to a lawless Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Because they didn’t have the requisite two-thirds Senate majority to pass this cynical measure, Republicans used the budget reconciliation process, a fast-track legislative procedure that allows certain budget-related measures to pass the Senate with a simple majority vote. Republicans failed to include any meaningful policy reforms to ICE and CBP operations, such as body camera requirements and other accountability measures.

The vote comes amid mounting scrutiny of ICE operations nationwide. This year alone, ICE and CBP operations have been linked to the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Questions have also been raised regarding transparency, use of force, conditions in detention facilities, due process protections, and the agency’s treatment of U.S. citizens and individuals in this country legally.

“Republicans are asking taxpayers to write ICE a $70 billion check while refusing to implement any of the commonsense reforms needed to rein in this out-of-control agency – reforms that a vast majority of Americans support.

“We were told that they would target violent criminals, but instead, they are detaining children, deporting legal residents and refugees, and murdering U.S. citizens in cold blood. Now, Republicans are abusing the legislative process to continue Trump’s reign of terror on our immigrant community, making ICE the largest federal law enforcement agency in history.

“At a time when Republicans are cutting health care, food assistance, and other programs that working families rely on, they’ve somehow managed to find $70 billion for an agency that is operating without any accountability. This should tell you everything you need to know about where Trump and Republicans' priorities lie – and it’s not with us.”

This vote comes after Pettersen helped introduce three pieces of legislation to enact oversight on ICE alongside Representative Joe Neguse (CO-02) and the rest of the Colorado Democratic Delegation. These bills would ensure DHS agents are properly identifiable during immigration enforcement, prohibit ICE and CBP from detaining children or entering sensitive sites such as places of worship, and ensure that the location of detained individuals is readily available to their families. These bills would also bar ICE from converting warehouses, jails, or other facilities into immigration detention centers.

Pettersen has also consistently voted against Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, including opposing over $75 billion in funding for immigration enforcement in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” She also supports legislation to require DHS and ICE officers to clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions, legislation that would reinstate protections that bar ICE from conducting immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, including churches, schools, hospitals, and non-immigration courts, and has demanded accountability from DHS.

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Rep. Pettersen Votes Against $70 Billion Check for Trump’s ICE Operations

FY 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) Webinar

FY 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) Webinar

Littleton Mobile Office Hours

Wheat Ridge Community Resource Fair

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Federal Workers and Community Resource Fair

The Office of Rep. Brittany Pettersen’s Federal Workers & Community Resource Fair

Bailey Mobile Office Hours

Broomfield Office Hours

Conifer Office Hours

The Office of Rep. Brittany Pettersen’s
Federal Workers & Community Resource Fair