Sara Jacobs

Reps. Sara Jacobs and Michael Baumgartner Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Expeditionary Diplomacy | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would empower U.S. diplomats to conduct expeditionary diplomacy in higher-risk environments by reducing bureaucratic barriers and shifting away from risk-averse diplomatic practices.

Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) introduced bipartisan legislation to empower U.S. diplomats to conduct expeditionary diplomacy, which is key to strengthening partnerships, gaining enhanced intelligence and local understanding, crisis response and management, supporting “whole of mission” strategies, and more. The bipartisan Expeditionary Diplomacy Renewal Act would help shift U.S. diplomacy away from a risk-averse, bunker-style approach and toward one that takes calculated, managed risks to ensure diplomats are more present, engaged, and effective in higher-risk environments. This legislation builds upon Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Diplomatic Support and Security Act, which passed into law in 2022, and reformed the Accountability Review Board process to ensure more balanced risk tolerance, required training on risk management, and amended promotion requirements for employees to incentivize more expeditionary diplomacy. Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Expeditionary diplomacy is essential for our diplomatic corps. We need to empower our diplomats to gain valuable information, build lasting partnerships, and respond to complex and deadly situations – especially in conflict zones or unstable regions. But too often, diplomats remain behind walls and wires, contained in capital cities, unable to do their jobs effectively. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Expeditionary Diplomacy Renewal Act, which would help find innovative solutions by establishing a dedicated team to study what’s getting in the way of expeditionary diplomacy and implement fixes. We can protect our diplomats’ safety and further U.S. national security and my bill shows the blueprint to do both.” “The State Department cannot advance America’s interests from behind blast walls. Despite recent reforms, expeditionary diplomacy remains far too difficult to approve and practice in high-threat environments. Our bill takes the next step by defining expeditionary diplomacy, identifying the barriers to implementation, and creating a Tiger Team to drive real change. This legislation will help the Department move past its bunker mentality and empower our diplomats to manage risk responsibly — not avoid it. I’m proud to co-lead this effort with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs,” said Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05). “The Expeditionary Diplomacy Renewal Act sets out a clear path to remove unnecessary barriers that too often inhibit our Foreign Service Officers from conducting direct, personal diplomacy in the places that need it most. This legislation builds off of previous bipartisan efforts to encourage Department of State leadership to employ risk management practices that give more autonomy to our diplomats who knowingly choose to serve in challenging environments to advance American interests,” said Brian Volsky, Policy Director, Foreign Policy for America. The Expeditionary Diplomacy Renewal Act would: Foreign Policy for America and the American Academy of Diplomacy have endorsed the Expeditionary Diplomacy Renewal Act.

ICYMI: Rep. Sara Jacobs Leads on U.S. Foreign Assistance Reform | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: Rep. Jacobs advocates for the Locally Led Development and Humanitarian Response Act, which aims to increase foreign aid funding to local organizations by reducing bureaucratic barriers, expanding funding flexibility, and improving access to U.S. assistance programs.

In case you missed it, last week, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) passed her bipartisan Locally Led Development and Humanitarian Response Act through the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Devex’s Adva Saldinger wrote: “In a sign that there is still room for bipartisan consensus on foreign aid-related legislation, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee last week passed the Locally Led Development and Humanitarian Response Act. “The bill aims to increase the amount of foreign aid dollars going to local organizations and reduce the barriers that have historically made it hard for these organizations to access U.S. funding. Among the changes it proposes are exploring new types of funding; investing in translation services; advertising opportunities locally; allowing multiyear, flexible, tiered, and milestone-based funding; and increasing indirect cost rates. “Both Republican and Democratic administrations have made efforts to boost foreign assistance to local groups because it is more effective and has lasting results, said Rep. Sara Jacobs, a California Democrat who cosponsored the bill with California Republican Rep. Young Kim. “This bill has been in the works for some time, Jacobs told Devex. During the Biden administration, Jacobs worked with former USAID Administrator Samantha Power to discern what policies and regulations were stopping the agency from working more with local partners and how Congress could address the problems. “‘What this bill does is try and lower the barrier to entry so [the U.S. government can] have the ability, have the flexibility they need to work with local organizations,’ she said. ‘We know that excessive red tape and regulations make the process to apply for federal funding so burdensome that really only large implementing organizations have the resources to apply.’ “Previous administration-led efforts came up short because they lacked congressional buy-in, action, and oversight, Jacobs said. But she acknowledged that implementing the legislation could be challenging, and the State Department — which absorbed the remnants of the U.S. Agency for International Development — will need to build up staff after the Trump administration gutted the U.S. government’s capacity to deliver foreign assistance. “‘We shouldn’t use the fact that it doesn’t have the capacity right now’ as an excuse because the State Department still needs to get money out the door, and not being able to do so could revive the cycle of relying primarily on large U.S. or international organizations, Jacobs said. ‘We have to use this moment to change how we do foreign assistance, and that’s part of what this bill does,’ she said. “This year, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will focus on updating the Foreign Service Act, which Jacobs said she hopes will address some of the personnel challenges at the State Department. The act governs the U.S. Foreign Service, establishing merit-based employment systems, salary structures, and regulations for diplomatic staff. “‘The absorption of foreign assistance entirely into the State Department, while I can see the theoretical reasons why it could make sense, the actual implementation has been very bad; we are very concerned about their ability to implement any of these things,’ she said, adding that members of Congress continue to push State Department leadership to beef up the department. “Because of the lack of bandwidth at State, the department is directing more U.S. foreign assistance towards the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other United Nations organizations to help disperse funds — the opposite of localization, Jacobs argued. “Jacobs said she is working with partners in the Senate to get a companion bill reintroduced in that chamber, with the hopes of passing the bill later this year, likely by attaching it to a must-pass piece of legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act. “‘What we’re hoping is to get the statutory language in this year so that next year, when [Democrats] are hopefully in the majority, we have the regulations in place, and then we can do the oversight to make sure the Trump administration is actually implementing it,’ Jacobs said. “The localization bill is just one piece of the foreign assistance puzzle for Jacobs. She said that the goal should be to make sure countries can provide for themselves and end past cycles of dependency, which is what African countries are insisting they also want after the fall of USAID. “While bilateral health compacts or government-to-government assistance could be part of the toolkit, there should be different approaches for different aims, and it’s important to also empower local civil society, Jacobs said. “‘My concern with the Trump administration’s approach to the global health MOUs is that they’re not transparent. Civil society has been basically entirely excluded. The timelines are unrealistic. They aren’t based on the country’s priorities and what they actually want to invest in, and the State Department currently doesn’t have the oversight and staffing bandwidth required to make sure these funds are not later subjected to waste, fraud, or abuse,’ she said. “On a broader level, Jacobs said Congress needs to rethink its role in determining the future of foreign assistance, including earmarks, which steer funding to specific projects that are often not based on country priorities. Instead, Congress should set clear mandates and timelines for each country that are realistic and that first strengthen systems such as health or governance. “‘We need to be thinking about what our foreign assistance will look like in 10, 15, 20 years. How do we make it sustainable across administrations? How does Congress help shape that framework and set the boundaries and make sure that it’s aligned with a country's priorities and our overall national security?’ she said. ‘We will have to rebuild the foreign assistance architecture so we might as well rebuild it in a way that’s actually going to be more effective.’” Background: Rep. Sara Jacobs is a leading voice in Congress for modernizing U.S. foreign assistance – pushing to localize aid, consistently follow our values, and increase investments in diplomacy and development initiatives rather than a military-first approach. Last year, she introduced the Protect U.S. National Security Act, which would prohibit the use of funds to eliminate USAID as an independent agency. She also led amendments in last year’s State Authorization process to strengthen global health systems, improve training on managing humanitarian assistance and international development, and oversight of acquisition and assistance personnel at the State Department.

Reps. Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Mark Takano, and Sen. Schatz Introduce Resolution Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Mark Takano (CA-39), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced legislation to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, recognize the many achievements and progress made by people in the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, and affirm their human rights. Rep. Sara Jacobs, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “Under an administration that constantly tries to make transgender and gender non-conforming people feel invisible, I am proud to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility. We cannot and will not let their hateful attacks steal our joy. To my trans friends and family, today is a day to celebrate being out, loud, and proud. And I will not stop until everyone can live freely and without fear of expressing their true selves.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “On Trans Day of Visibility, first and foremost, I stand with our trans loved ones. As Trump and Republicans continue their cruel and baseless attacks on the trans community, we must support our trans neighbors and work to protect their right to safety, respect, visibility, and equality under the law. Trans rights are human rights, and we must continue working to ensure that every person can live authentically as themselves. To trans people across this country: I see you, I hear you, and I will never stop fighting for you.” “As the transgender community continues to face attempts by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to erase their voices, their contributions, and their existence, I am proud to work with Congresswomen Sara Jacobs and Pramila Jayapal and Senator Brian Schatz in showing the trans community that we stand with them in the fight against erasure and censorship by anti-equality extremists,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates visibility and is also an opportunity to inspire others as we work towards a United States where people of all gender identities are free to live openly and authentically. The full weight of the Congressional Equality Caucus stands behind the trans community, today and every day.” “Trans people should be able to live freely, safely, and openly – just like everyone else. Instead, they continue to face discrimination and violence, both here at home and around the world,” said Senator Schatz. “International Transgender Day of Visibility is a chance to celebrate the trans community’s achievements and courage and renew our commitment to fighting for acceptance and equality.” “Recognizing Trans Day of Visibility is about more than visibility—it’s about affirming that trans people belong,” said Caius Willingham, Senior Policy Analyst at Advocates for Trans Equality. “Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Jacobs, Senator Schatz, and Representatives Jayapal and Takano, this resolution makes clear that even in the face of growing attacks, our communities will continue to be seen, heard, and protected.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs Reiterates Call to Break Up DHS | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: Rep. Jacobs opposes the current structure and mandate of the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that it has enabled mass surveillance and data collection on Americans without adequate oversight or evidence of improved security. She calls for breaking up and restructuring the agency.

After voting against H. Res. 1128, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) reiterated her call to break up and restructure the Department of Homeland Security. Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “After 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security was created to fix major security failures – but instead helped build a permanent domestic surveillance state. With a broad mandate and limited oversight, DHS has enabled mass data collection on Americans: buying our data from brokers, scanning our fingerprints and faces at airports, monitoring our social media, tracking license plates, and expanding border operations deeper into the interior. It then shares often racially-biased and poorly vetted information, frequently gathered without a warrant, with federal, state, and local governments and the private sector, where it can easily be weaponized. Despite little evidence that this has made us safer, DHS has continued to push the envelope of its mandate and its authorities to monitor, surveil, and collect information about Americans. And unfortunately, the Republican Party, better known as the Party of the PATRIOT Act, has further emboldened this rogue agency and given it a blank check to violate the rights and civil liberties of the American people. That needs to end, and the Department of Homeland Security should be broken up and fundamentally restructured.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs Leads Oversight Push of DoD’s $210 Million Purchase of Cluster Munitions from Israeli-Government Backed Company | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: Rep. Jacobs and colleagues are demanding oversight and detailed information from the Department of Defense regarding its $210 million purchase of cluster munitions from an Israeli government-backed company, citing humanitarian concerns about civilian casualties and the weapons' long-term dangers.

Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led an oversight push of the Pentagon’s $210 million purchase of cluster munitions from an Israeli government-backed company. In a letter cosigned by several of her colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee, the lawmakers demanded answers about why the Department of Defense has purchased cluster munitions and whether it plans to continue doing so. We write to request detailed information regarding your Department’s reported purchase of $210 million in XM1208 cluster munitions from Tomer, Ltd. On September 30, 2025, your Department awarded an indefinite delivery/quantity contract with a ceiling value of $829.1 million to Tomer. This contract, which was first publicly reported in February 2026, is for the manufacture, testing, and production of the 155mm High Explosive Advanced Submunition XM1208 projectile—a cluster munition. Cluster munitions are explosive weapons that indiscriminately disperse dozens to hundreds of submunitions over broad areas. The XM1208 cluster munition scatters nine submunitions that in turn explode to release around 1,200 tungsten steel fragments, fragments that have been found to disproportionately maim and kill children. The wide-area scope and imprecise targeting of cluster munitions make limiting their use to lawful military targets extraordinarily difficult. These weapons are among the most deadly weapons types for civilians, who accounted for 89% of recorded casualties from cluster munitions in 2024. Cluster munitions also pose risks long after conflict. Many lack reliable self-destruct mechanisms and have failure rates ranging from 2 to 40 percent, leaving large areas contaminated with unexploded bomblets. These remnants not only endanger civilian populations — especially children, who accounted for 71% of deaths from cluster munition remnants in 2022 — but also pose grave risks to U.S. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel. Our world-class technicians are often deployed after conflicts to clear these hazards in partner nations. Beyond raising serious safety concerns for civilians and U.S. personnel, this purchase departs from longstanding U.S. practice and international consensus. Cluster munitions are banned from 111 States, including most NATO allies. The United States last used cluster munitions in combat in 2003, aside from a single strike in Yemen in 2009. No American company currently produces them. At the same time, the United States has been the world’s leading supporter of efforts to clear unexploded cluster munitions, and has endorsed the landmark Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. We request detailed information on why the Department of Defense has purchased cluster munitions and whether it plans to continue doing so. Specifically, we request written responses to the following questions: Why did the Department purchase cluster munitions? Under what circumstances would the Department use or transfer the purchased munitions? Why did the Department execute a no-bid contract for the munitions in question? What specific needs require the Department to purchase XM1208 munitions? Does the Department intend to continue purchasing cluster munitions? If so, does the Department plan to do so indefinitely? Has the Department ever purchased cluster munitions from a foreign government or company? Please describe the current status of the U.S. cluster munitions stockpile. What is the current status of the U.S. policy to avoid production and use of cluster munitions? What does the Department assess to be the dud rate of XM1208 munitions? Please describe the testing conditions used to ascertain that dud rate. We respectfully request this information and documentation no later than April 3, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your response.

Jacobs, Beyer, Matsui, Lieu, McClain Delaney Introduce Legislation to Repeal White House AI Moratorium | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: The release advocates for repealing President Trump's executive order that would preempt state-level AI regulations, arguing that states should retain authority to enact AI safeguards and that federal guardrails are needed to protect the public from AI risks.

U.S. Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and April McClain Delaney (D-MD), today introduced the Guaranteeing and Upholding Americans’ Right to Decide Responsible AI Laws and Standards (GUARDRAILS) Act to repeal President Donald Trump’s executive order entitled “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence,” which is designed to establish a moratorium on state-level artificial intelligence policies. This legislation would prohibit the executive order from taking effect to ensure states can enact commonsense safeguards to protect the American public in the face of rapidly evolving AI technologies. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate. President Trump’s executive order would kill responsible safety reforms without providing any federal protections or AI governance requirements to replace the state laws it seeks to preempt. This executive order was followed by the White House’s National AI Policy Framework, which reinforces the administration’s commitment to preempting state-level AI laws without the establishment of clear, enforceable guardrails to address the urgent risks posed by AI systems – in addition to attempting to limit Congressional regulatory action. “President Trump’s laissez-faire approach to AI regulation and trampling on states’ AI rights is incredibly dangerous for Americans’ rights and safety,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs. “Congress should be proactively creating the rules of the road to protect people while encouraging innovation – instead of taking the back seat to President Trump and his Big Tech donors. But in the meantime, we can’t wait, so I’m proud to co-lead the GUARDRAILS Act to repeal Donald Trump’s AI moratorium. We can’t let Donald Trump’s corruption stand in the way of protecting Americans and people around the world, spurring innovation, and fostering public trust.” “In today’s lawless, Wild West artificial intelligence environment, states have been leading the charge to implement safeguards addressing serious risks ranging from algorithmic bias to data privacy and consumer protection. But the Trump White House aims to kill state AI laws without setting even minimally acceptable federal guardrails, exposing the American public to the growing risks accompanying completely unchecked artificial intelligence,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Until federal action ensures safe and responsible AI development, deployment, and use, states must retain the ability to implement policies to protect the American public.” “Embracing the amazing possibilities of AI can’t come at the cost of leaving Americans vulnerable to its profound risks, which is exactly what President Trump and Republicans are trying to do,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “Preventing states from enacting common-sense regulation that protects people from the very real harms of AI is dangerous. Congress has a responsibility to get this technology right, but states must be allowed to act in the public interest in the meantime.” “Republicans keep trying to strip states of the ability to enact commonsense AI safeguards—at a time when there are no meaningful federal protections in place,” said Rep. Doris Matsui. “President Trump’s executive order is illegal coercion: it threatens states with costly lawsuits and tries to hold hostage the BEAD dollars Congress provided to connect every American to affordable broadband. As Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I won’t let the Administration weaponize broadband funding to bully states out of enforcing their AI laws. That’s why my colleagues and I are introducing this bill to repeal the order, and I will keep using every tool Congress has to stop this overreach and protect the public.” “Congress has the responsibility to establish a national framework for AI and any attempt by Donald Trump to create laws through executive order is a sham. It is Congress' responsibility to check this overreach of the presidency,” said Rep. Ted Lieu. “Pleased to work with my friend, Congressman Beyer, to make clear that Congress has the responsibility to create AI policy at the national level. Americans deserve a set of AI guardrails that promote responsible innovation, and doing that through Congress ensures the true interests of the American people are honored. I welcome any effort by the Administration to work with, and not around, Congress to establish a federal AI framework.” “I’ve built my career advocating for digital protections for our most vulnerable Americans, including children and seniors, from cyber threats like fraud, data breaches, deepfakes, and more. Businesses do better—and strive to do better—when commonsense laws are in place to guide their decisions," said Rep. April McClain Delaney. “Trump's Executive Order fails to recognize the important role states play in shaping the policies that drive U.S. competitiveness and innovation. It could not be more clear: the Administration is actively seeking ways to make the internet a more dangerous place.” The legislation is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sean Casten (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Bill Foster (D-IL), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Luz Rivas (D-CA), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Mark Takano (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Text of the Guaranteeing and Upholding Americans’ Right to Decide Responsible AI Laws and Standards (GUARDRAILS) Act is available here.

Rep. Sara Jacobs: A Leading Voice Against Trump’s Reckless War in Iran | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: Rep. Jacobs opposes the Trump administration's military operations in Iran, characterizing them as a reckless regime-change operation without clear strategy or justification. She supports a bipartisan war powers resolution to prohibit further hostilities and opposes increased defense spending for the operation.

Since President Trump launched a reckless and illegal regime-change operation in Iran, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) has been a leading voice in Congress, pushing for an end to this war, supporting a bipartisan war powers resolution, leading oversight of instances of civilian harm, and vowing to oppose the Pentagon’s floated $200 billion defense supplemental package. In the immediate aftermath of the first U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Rep. Sara Jacobs told Kaitlan Collins at CNN: “I think this is one of, if not the biggest, blunders in American foreign policy.” She went on to say: “We’ve seen this before in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m very concerned that so far we have seen absolutely no plan for what comes next, absolutely no real strategy around this. We know that the U.S. actually is very bad at military adventurism in the Middle East. We’re very bad at regime change and at predicting what trying to regime change will lead to. And we don’t even have to look to other countries, right? It’s the U.S.’s own history of the CIA coup in Iran in the 50s that is in part what led to this very brutal Iranian regime today.” She has also criticized President Trump for following the lead of PM Netanyahu, saying on MS Now: “Bibi Netanyahu has literally been trying to get presidents from both parties to do a regime change operation in Iran with him for decades. Donald Trump is just the first one stupid enough to actually do it.” In a fiery speech on the House Floor, Rep. Sara Jacobs urged her colleagues to vote for the bipartisan war powers resolution to prohibit the Trump Administration’s further hostilities against Iran. She said: “While [our troops are] willing to make those sacrifices, we in Congress should be damn sure it’s worth it. Too often, it’s not…My colleagues will try to claim that voting for this war powers resolution hurts our service members. But the opposite is true…if any of my colleagues vote no [on the war powers resolution], they should come to my district, look our service members in the eye, and explain why they believe debating before we risk their lives is a bad thing.” At a House Armed Services Committee hearing on March 5th, Rep. Sara Jacobs questioned Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, who was unable to answer questions about whether or not the U.S. is at war, the objectives, or the total cost to the American people. In part, Rep. Jacobs said: “The American people are not stupid. Under Secretary Colby, this administration keeps telling us this is not Iraq, while using the exact same arguments that were used to justify the war in Iraq…And you literally can’t even tell me whether this is a war, what we’re trying to achieve, or how much it’s going to cost the American people. My generation has been paying our entire lives for forever wars that your president promised to end. And yet, you sit here today unable to provide us with any clarity. Our service members and the American people deserve better.” As Founder and Co-Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict caucus, Rep. Sara Jacobs, alongside Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Jason Crow, led a total of 121 House Democrats in demanding answers on civilian harm during Operation Epic Fury, including a reported U.S. strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school, where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were killed. She told NBC News that “we should all feel deeply ashamed by the killing of 175 civilians, mostly little children, who have nothing to do with this awful, reckless war…President Trump is denying any U.S. involvement in this strike and blaming Iran without any evidence and before the investigation is even complete.” At a House Foreign Affairs Services Committee hearing on March 18th, Rep. Sara Jacobs questioned the State Department’s Under Secretary for Management Jason Evans about the failure to adequately inform, prepare, and evacuate Americans in the Middle East. In part, Rep. Jacobs said, “Why is it that we were unprepared to evacuate Americans on a crisis that we started and we were more prepared to evacuate Americans from Afghanistan in a crisis that we didn’t start?” In response, Evans said: “Uh I would not say we were not prepared.” On CNN yesterday, Rep. Sara Jacobs vowed to vote against any defense supplemental package, including the floated $200 billion package. She said: “I will not be voting for any supplemental for this war for two reasons: one, I think that this war is wrong. It’s ill-advised, it’s illegal, and sending more money only allows them to escalate further. But also because we’ve seen in multiple court proceedings that it is viewed that if you fund a war, it is viewed as de facto Congress authorizing the war, and I do not think this war should be authorized…Not to mention the fact that $200 billion is the equivalent of the budget of the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development combined.” Rep. Sara Jacobs ran for Congress to be a voice for her generation and San Diego, the country’s biggest military community, and to caution about the unintended consequences of forever wars. Through her roles on the House Foreign Affairs and House Armed Services Committees, she has worked to shift U.S. foreign policy away from a military-first approach to instead focus on conflict prevention and addressing the root causes, as well as reining in presidential war powers. Before Congress, she worked at the State Department, UNICEF, and the United Nations to address, minimize, and prevent conflict, instability, and inequality around the world.

Reps. Sara Jacobs, Jason Crow, Yassamin Ansari Lead Majority of House Democratic Caucus Demanding Answers on Reported U.S. Strike on Iranian School | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: The representatives express concern about reported civilian casualties from U.S. military strikes in Iran, particularly a strike on an elementary school that killed at least 175 civilians. They demand detailed information from the Department of Defense about targeting procedures, civilian harm mitigation, and investigation findings, and call for public release of investigation results.

Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Jason Crow (CO-06), Founders and Co-Chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, and Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Democratic Iranian-American Member of Congress, led a total of 121 House Democrats in demanding answers on civilian harm during Operation Epic Fury, including a reported U.S. strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school, where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were killed. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, the lawmakers requested detailed information about the strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh school, the nature of the military targeting, the steps taken to mitigate and respond to civilian harm, and more. The lawmakers also called for the public release of the findings of the investigation into the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school. We write to express alarm regarding reports of civilian casualties arising from Operation Epic Fury in Iran and urgently request detailed information about the steps the U.S. is taking to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are particularly disturbed by reports of what appears to be the deadliest attack on civilians thus far: a girls’ elementary school, where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were reported killed and 100 children and staff wounded. The New York Times recently reported that the U.S. preliminary investigation found that the United States is responsible for this strike due to outdated targeting data. With reportedly over 1,000 total civilian deaths already and a lack of clarity about the anticipated scale and duration of operations, we demand clear answers on how the Department plans to investigate these reports and prevent the risk of further civilian harm. Longstanding U.S. military policy and the law of armed conflict, also known as international humanitarian law, apply during wartime and protect civilians and military service members alike. Under the law of armed conflict, the U.S. must distinguish between civilians and combatants, ensure proportionality, and take all feasible precautions to protect civilians. The Department of Defense has in recent years improved the way it prevents, mitigates, and responds to civilian harm, including through its Department of Defense Instruction on Civilian Mitigation and Response (DOD-I 30001.7) and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence that provides direct support to warfighters. We are therefore deeply concerned by reports of U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran that have resulted in significant and growing civilian harm. The U.S. and Israel have reportedly struck or impacted numerous civilian sites—including schools, hospitals, gymnasiums, public gathering spaces, and a UNESCO heritage site. In addition to civilian casualties, these strikes have disrupted civilian life and damaged infrastructure. The U.S. military must refrain from using explosive weapons in densely populated, civilian areas in line with its commitments under the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Civilians and civilian infrastructure may under no circumstances be the object of attack and must at all times be respected and protected by all parties. Reported civilian harm by the U.S. and Israel during Operation Epic Fury is particularly alarming yet unsurprising given the recent strain on our civilian protection institutions. For example, we understand that budget reductions at the Department have deprived military commands—including at U.S. Central Command—of essential resources needed to meaningfully address civilian casualties. In February 2025, you fired top military lawyers responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws of war, including those designed to protect civilians in conflict. And on March 2, 2026, you asserted that there would be “No stupid rules of engagement.” President Trump has likewise declared that “I don’t need international law.” This attitude is not only lawless but counterproductive. General Joseph Votel, former Commander of U.S. Central Command, recently stated “If you cause so many civilian casualties and you cause so much civilian harm here, it can actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do [...] the benefit to be gained by supporting these [Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR)] positions, I think it outweighs the movement of resources to other places.” Now is not the time to admonish the principles of civilian protection and undermine the important work the Department has undertaken in recent years to advance CHMR policy and practice. To that end, we seek detailed information regarding civilian protection during Operation Epic Fury and steps the military is taking to mitigate and respond to civilian harm. We also urge your Department to make public the findings of the ongoing investigation with respect to the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school. Specifically, we request written responses to the following questions: We request a response no later than March 20, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Jacobs, Welch Introduce Bicameral Bill Demanding Accountability for Hind Rajab, Palestinian Child Killed by Israeli Forces | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: The release advocates for federal investigation and accountability for the killing of a Palestinian child and civilians by Israeli Defense Forces, and calls for the Trump Administration to provide comprehensive answers on the death and broader patterns of civilian harm in Gaza.

U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today led Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) in introducing the Justice for Hind Rajab Act, legislation that requires the U.S. government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the killing of five-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab, her family, and paramedics sent to rescue her. The legislation would require the Trump Administration to provide comprehensive answers on the death of Hind and broader patterns of civilian harm in Gaza. Hind’s tragic story was the inspiration for a new docudrama film, titled “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” The film follows Red Crescent volunteers as they attempt to rescue Hind and her family and was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category. The Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026. “Five-year-old Hind should still be alive today. She was a beautiful and brave little girl with her whole life ahead of her. I was horrified by reports of the Israeli Defense Forces firing over 300 bullets at her and her family while they were simply trying to escape Gaza. No child should have to face that kind of terror, and no family should have to carry that kind of loss. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to partner with Senator Welch to deliver justice and accountability for Hind Rajab’s murder and all the civilian harm in Gaza. Hind’s story is a devastating reminder of the daily reality faced by Palestinians – and we won’t rest until they have safety, security, and peace,” said Rep. Jacobs. “Hind Rajab, her family, and the paramedics who tried to save them, should be alive today. This was not a ‘fog of war’ situation. There wasn’t any reason for the IDF to believe Hind and her family–who were trying to escape the fighting in Gaza–posed a threat,” said Senator Welch. “We need answers and accountability for the deaths of Hind, her family, and the paramedics who came to their rescue.” “Hind Rajab deserves justice, as do the thousands of Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces during the war in Gaza,” said Rep. Castro. “Hind’s heartbreaking cries for help and the terror she felt during her last moments have been heard across the world. No family or child should experience this horrifying brutality and loss. It is unacceptable that no Israeli soldiers have been held accountable for her deaths, or for the deaths of so many thousands of other Palestinian children during this war. I stand with my colleagues and demand an investigation into her murder and justice for her death.” “Today we honor the life of Hind Rajab, one of the tens of thousands of Palestinian children indiscriminately killed by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza,” said Rep. Jayapal. “This legislation importantly demands an investigation into her killing so we can finally begin to bring about accountability for the countless war crimes the U.S. has been complicit in inside Gaza.” On January 29, 2024, five-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab, along with six members of her extended family, were killed by machine gun fire from an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tank while she and her family fleeing fighting and famine in Gaza City. Investigations found a total of 355 bullet holes in Hind’s car. Two paramedics attempting to rescue Hind in an ambulance—along an IDF-approved route—were also killed by Israeli tank fire as they approached the car. The incident, which was extensively documented and has drawn international attention, has become emblematic of the devastating toll of the Gaza war on civilians, particularly children. Hind is just one of more than at least 20,000 children killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023—the highest rate of children to combatants killed in any contemporary conflict. Despite a tenuous ceasefire, Gaza’s civilians and children have continued to be killed in military operations and airstrikes. The Justice for Hind Rajab Act would: Learn more about the Justice for Hind Rajab Act. Read and download the full text of the bill.

Reps. Sara Jacobs, Jason Crow Demand Pentagon Briefing on Christmas Day Airstrikes on Nigeria | U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Of California's 51st District

Position: Representatives Jacobs and Crow are requesting a Pentagon briefing and detailed information on U.S. airstrikes conducted in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, citing discrepancies between official claims of targeting ISIS militants and reports of missile failures, civilian harm, and lack of credible evidence of ISIS presence in the targeted area.

Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Jason Crow (CO-06), Founders and Co-Chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, called for a Pentagon briefing and additional information on the strategy and execution of U.S. airstrikes on Nigeria on Christmas Day. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, the lawmakers requested specific information on the military targeting, legal rationale, steps to mitigate civilian harm, details on the missile failures, and more. We write to request detailed information regarding U.S. military airstrikes conducted in Nigeria on December 25th, 2025, in the northwestern Sokoto State, and the Department’s strategy to address armed violence in Nigeria. The Administration publicly described the December 25th operation as “multiple flawless strikes” against “ISIS terrorist scum” in northwest Nigeria targeting militants for “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” While the President and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) publicly asserted that the strikes targeted ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, Nigerian and international experts have noted that there is currently no credible public evidence of a sustained or operational ISIS presence in Sokoto State. Additionally, we have seen reports that at least four of the 16 missiles apparently failed to detonate as intended or missed their intended targets by hundreds of miles, with some striking a farmer’s field and residential buildings. Images and local accounts describe unexploded or errant munitions discovered in communities with no ties to ISIS. Now, the United States is reportedly sending 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country’s military to fight Islamist militants, supplementing a “handful” of U.S. military personnel already there to help Nigerian forces use intelligence to identify targets for military strikes. Given these conflicting reports and our committee’s oversight responsibilities with respect to U.S. military operations, we request that the Department of Defense provide a briefing to the signed Members. Specifically, we request responses to the following questions with respect to the December 25th strikes and the Department’s current posture and strategy with respect to Nigeria: How many strikes total has the United States directed in Nigeria on and since December 25th? Whom did the Department identify as the intended targets of each strike and what is the current assessment of who was killed or injured in each location? What specific terrorist group(s) were the targets associated with, and how did the Department reach that determination? What form of coordination with the Nigerian government and armed forces took place before, during, and after the strikes, including but not limited to requests for assistance, intelligence sharing, target development, and any joint public messaging about the missile strikes? Under what legal authority did the United States undertake these strikes? What factual evidence supported the Administration’s reliance on the legal authority in question? Why were the strikes of December 25th not reported to Congress under Section 4(a)(1) of the 1973 War Powers Resolution? What is the Department of Defense account of the reported failure of at least four Tomahawk missiles to hit their intended targets, including the apparent impact of munitions in or near Tambuwal and Ofa in Kwara State on December 25th? Provide the Department’s assessment of whether these incidents resulted from technical malfunction, targeting error, or other causes. What is the Department’s current assessment of civilian casualties or injuries resulting from U.S. strikes, including in communities near Jabo and Ofa where missiles or debris reportedly impacted close to civilian areas? How has AFRICOM engaged with civilians affected by these strikes? Provide information on reports of civilian harm the Department has received with respect to these strikes. What is the Department’s current estimate of the total financial cost of the December 25th airstrikes in Nigeria, and any other subsequent U.S. strikes in Nigeria since then, including the munitions expended, platform and personnel costs, intelligence and surveillance support, and post-strike assessments? What is the Department’s current assessment of how the airstrikes have affected levels and patterns of violence in the broader region and what indicators or metrics are being used for that assessment? What is the United States’ strategy to address armed violence in Nigeria? What are the functions and objectives of the U.S. military deployment to Nigeria, reported on February 3rd? Why doesn’t their deployment to Nigeria trigger the reporting requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the 1973 War Powers Resolution? What is the Department’s current posture and plan for any future U.S. strikes, or U.S.-enabled strikes, in Nigeria? We respectfully request this information and documentation no later than March 20, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your response.