Ilhan Omar

Rep. Omar Submits Five Amendments to the Farm Bill

Position: Rep. Omar opposes the Farm Bill as written, arguing it fails to address food affordability and hunger. She introduced five amendments to expand school meal programs, protect meat processing workers, increase Food for Peace funding, and promote sustainable farming practices.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced five amendments to the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. This bill fails to address the rapidly growing affordability crisis facing American workers, families, and farmers. This bill retains Republicans’ $187 billion cut to SNAP in last year’s reconciliation bill, leaving over 40 million Americans without the support they need to put food on the table. Congresswoman Omar’s amendments aim to combat hunger here in the United States and abroad, ensure workers’ safety in meat processing facilities, and invest in sustainable farming practices. “The Farm Bill that Republicans have put in front of us today completely misses the mark in addressing the needs of working people,” said Rep. Omar. “I introduced five amendments to reform our agriculture and nutrition policies to guarantee that no child goes hungry at school, prioritize workers’ safety in food processing industries, and ensure we’re doing all we can to end hunger here at home and end the global food crisis. It is shameful that Republicans completely abandoned vulnerable children and families in this bill. I will always put working families over big corporations looking to profit at the expense of the American people. I could not in good conscience vote for this bill.” The amendments introduced by Rep. Omar include: Omar #297 - Prohibits school lunch shaming. Omar #306 - Establishes a universal school meals program. Omar #340 - Categorizes controlled-environment agriculture, including vertical farming, as a high-priority research area. Omar #355 - Blocks two proposed rules that would raise line speed limits in poultry processing facilities and remove line speed limits in pork processing facilities entirely, and prohibits substantially similar rules in the future. Omar #366 - Doubles the funding for Food for Peace. The full text of the amendments is available here. ### Issues:Workers and EconomyEnvironmental Justice

Rep. Omar Speaks on the House Floor to Oppose $70 Billion for ICE and Border Patrol

Position: Rep. Omar opposes the inclusion of $70 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol in the Republican budget resolution, characterizing these agencies as inhumane and unaccountable, and citing documented harms to immigrant communities in her district.

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in opposition to the inclusion of $70 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol in Republicans' budget resolution. You can watch the full video here. Below is a transcript of her remarks: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. "I rise today in strong opposition to this Republican effort to funnel another 70 billion dollars to ICE and CBP to continue their inhumane, illegal and reprehensible actions. "This effort is even more incomprehensible considering it comes after Trump and Congressional Republicans already created an 85 billion dollars slush fund for ICE during the last budget reconciliation process. "In my district, ICE has used that money to terrorize Minnesotans, particularly our Black and Brown communities through “Operation Metro Surge.” "We watched in horror as ICE agents murdered Renée Good and Alex Pretti, in broad daylight. "We witnessed our neighbors being snatched off the street, pulled from their homes and cars, all without warrants. "And with tears in our eyes, we saw dozens of children ripped away from their families, friends, and schools–shipped to detention centers out of state. "Our communities are still recovering from the devastation caused by the federal occupation and the blatant trampling of the rights we, as Americans, hold dear. "We cannot send this rogue and unaccountable agency another cent. "I urge my colleagues to vote NO. "Thank you, and I yield back." ### Issues:Immigration

Reps. Omar, Titus Introduce the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act

Position: The representatives support legislation to remove federal barriers that restrict academic research on cannabis at universities, allowing researchers to study cannabis products that reflect state-legal markets and conduct clinical trials.

Washington, DC – Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Dina Titus (D-NV) yesterday introduced the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act to eliminate barriers to the academic research of cannabis, protect universities and researchers, and promote the responsible study of marijuana. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I am proud to support the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act because it removes outdated federal barriers that have long prevented universities from conducting critical cannabis research. This legislation protects universities and researchers while lifting barriers so we can make better public health decisions,” Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said. “The legal, responsible use of cannabis has been a major economic driver in Nevada and across the country and deserves further research,” Congresswoman Titus said. “The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act would eliminate outdated federal restrictions that prevent universities and researchers from studying the full range of cannabis products that Americans are actually using today.” Although 40 states have legalized medical marijuana and 24 states have legalized it for recreational use, federal law continues to impose significant barriers that limit meaningful research. Cannabis remains subject to restrictive federal controls that dictate who can conduct research, what products can be studied, and how studies are designed. Researchers are often limited to federally authorized cannabis that does not reflect the potency or diversity available in state-legal markets. Compounding these challenges, researchers must navigate strict compliance requirements and uncertainty regarding legal liability. These barriers have delayed clinical trials, constrained understanding of long-term health effects, and left critical gaps in knowledge. “It makes no sense for the federal government to impede this research when millions of Americans are already using marijuana, whether for medical purposes or recreationally,” Congresswoman Titus said. The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act is supported by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the National Cannabis Industry Association, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute. "This legislation is more necessary than ever before as the states continue to move towards allowing cannabis for medical and adult use purposes. Even if cannabis is federally reclassified in the near future, significant barriers will remain for scientists hoping to add to the existing body of research, especially when it comes to conducting clinical trials on health effects and studying the state-regulated products that cannabis consumers and patients are actually using. We applaud Rep. Titus for putting this bill forward again, and urge Congress to take action on it immediately to facilitate research, develop new medical treatments, inform evidence-based policies, and help consumers make educated choices," said Morgan Fox, Political Director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). "The American public has made clear that it wants access to safe, regulated, and tested cannabis products, and state-legal markets continue to evolve to meet that demand. However, federal barriers have long limited the ability of researchers to study cannabis in a way that reflects real-world conditions. The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act is a practical step toward expanding credible, real-world research by providing colleges and universities with the clarity and protections they need to participate. NCIA is proud to support this legislation, which will help strengthen the scientific foundation of the industry and better inform policymakers, regulators, and consumers alike,” said Brooke Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer, National Cannabis Industry Association. "The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act is commonsense legislation that will help researchers better understand the types of cannabis being produced in state-regulated markets. The bill will lift a major roadblock that currently prevents scientists from learning more about state-regulated cannabis and its public health implications. Increasing the body of scientific evidence with better informed research is something anyone who favors evidence-based drug policy should support," said Cat Packer, Drug Policy Alliance's Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation. "Everyone, from members of both sides of the aisle in Congress to the science community to the current and previous presidential administration, have expressed that cannabis research is necessary and important. This is practically the only issue that everyone can coalesce around these days, but there is not a lot of progress being made in reducing current barriers to cannabis research. Congresswoman Titus's bill is a smart response to the current barriers in cannabis research and since she has always been an advocate for common sense cannabis reform, it is fitting that she would lead the charge now. The UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute applauds her efforts and hopes that others will put in the necessary work to reduce the current barriers to cannabis research, which only serve to maintain outdated prohibition era policies," said Riana Durrett, Director, UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute. Issues:Education

Workforce Protections Ranking Member Omar Opening Remarks at 7th Hearing on AI’s Impact on Workers’ Rights

Position: Rep. Omar argues that Congress should establish federal guardrails on AI use in employment, including protections against worker monitoring, AI-enabled discrimination, and union-busting, and should strengthen enforcement of existing labor laws to address AI-related abuses.

WASHINGTON – Workforce Protections Subcommittee Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at today’s subcommittee hearing entitled, “Building an AI-Ready America: Understanding AI’s Economic Impact on Workers and Employers.” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the witnesses for joining us today. “Today marks the seventh hearing this Committee has held on artificial intelligence (AI) this Congress. “To put things into perspective, here is a list of issues in our jurisdiction that we haven’t held even a single hearing on— the healthcare workforce shortage, plummeting wages, school meal access, fair scheduling practices, wage theft, worker misclassification, gig economy protections, heat stress, and child labor prevention. “And is this singular focus even amounting to anything? After seven AI hearings, Committee Republicans have not produced a single plan or bill to protect workers from AI risks. “Republicans also have no plan to tackle the current cost-of-living crisis. President Trump’s reckless policies and Congressional Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Bill’ are only making things worse. “Millions of working families are struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Many working-class Americans are being forced to dip into their retirement savings or sell their plasma to help pay their bills. “And AI has the very real potential to deepen this economic hardship and inequality. Congress cannot stand on the sidelines and hope that corporations are going to do the right thing for workers. “For example, more companies are using automated technologies to constantly monitor their workers: from tracking their bathroom breaks to checking the tone of their voice. Some employers have even used AI-powered tools as a weapon to retaliate against workers who might want to unionize. “These AI tools are also becoming widespread in the employment process, with more cases of AI-enabled discrimination in hiring. “Despite instances of AI labor abuses, there have been successful efforts to keep this technology in check. Labor unions have been at the frontlines in this fight by using their power to bargain over working conditions to prevent the reckless use of AI and guarantee that workers have a voice in its development and implementation. “Additionally, some states have stepped up to protect workers by passing their own guardrails on the use of AI. But instead of holding tech companies accountable, the Trump Administration is actively undermining these states’ AI laws and looking to pass legislation to preempt any regulation. “As critical as it is to establish new guardrails on AI, we also cannot forget about enforcing our existing worker protection laws. While AI may be new, there is no AI loophole for wage theft, union-busting, and antidiscrimination laws. “Agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor have the duty and the power to protect workers during the rise of AI, but they need more resources. Unfortunately, these agencies have been hollowed out by the Trump Administration’s vicious campaign to slash the federal workforce. And in his latest budget, Trump is also proposing to cut funding for these severely understaffed agencies. “If we are going to uplift working Americans, a bold pro-worker AI agenda must help more workers join unions, place appropriate limits on AI, safeguard worker privacy, and enforce worker protections. “At the end of the day, AI is a tool. Whether this tool will benefit corporations and their wealthy executives or the working class and the middle class is a policy choice. It is up to Congress to make the right choice—and that starts with centering American workers, their livelihoods, and their well-being. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.” ### Issues:Workers and Economy

Defense Spending Reduction Caucus Slams Trump’s $1.5 Trillion War Budget Request

Position: Representatives Omar and Pocan oppose the proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget increase, arguing it represents wasteful spending on defense contractors while cutting essential domestic programs. They call for reducing Pentagon spending, improving fiscal accountability, and eliminating ineffective weapons programs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Mark Pocan (WI-02), co-chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, released the following statement after President Trump submitted the annual Presidential Budget Request to Congress, which called for a $1.5 trillion budget to the Pentagon, a 42% increase from last year, while cutting domestic spending by more than 10%: “Donald Trump’s draconian proposal to boost the Pentagon’s budget beyond the already unthinkable $1 trillion mark, to an even more outrageous $1.5 trillion, could be the most egregious waste of taxpayer dollars we have ever seen. This would be a larger military budget than the next 34 countries combined. At a time when families are paying more to put food on the table, gas in the car, and get the healthcare they deserve, this budget proposal is a giveaway to defense contractors at the expense of the American people. “Additionally, we cannot justify continuing to increase the Pentagon’s budget when the agency cannot even successfully pass a fiscal audit. The lack of accountability and transparency at the Pentagon is simply unacceptable. No other federal agency is allowed to operate this way. It's past time to rein in wasteful spending on ineffective weapons programs, stop rewarding wealthy and powerful defense contractors, and restore fiscal discipline to the Pentagon. We will continue to push for the Pentagon to pass an audit before it wastes another dollar of taxpayer money.” Some of the proposed cuts to non-defense spending to pay for this outrageous increase include: • Cut the EPA budget by half • Cut $10.7 billion for housing • Cut $8.5 billion for K-12 programs • Cancel $15 billion for clean energy • Cut $2.5 billion for clean drinking water • Eliminate $1.6 billion for youth job training • Cut $3.5 billion from the Labor Department • Eliminate $395 million for senior employment • Eliminate $775 million in food assistance grants • Eliminate the National Endowment for Democracy • Cut $5 billion from the National Institutes of Health • Eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) • And add trillions of dollars to the national debt over the next decade.

Defense Spending Reduction Caucus Slams Pentagon’s $200 Billion Request

Position: The representatives oppose the Pentagon's $200 billion funding request for military operations in Iran, arguing the war was not authorized by Congress and that the funds should instead be redirected toward domestic priorities including ACA subsidies, child nutrition, and veteran care.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Mark Pocan (WI-02), co-chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, released the following statement after reporting that the Pentagon will request an additional $200 billion to fight their illegal war with Iran: “It is preposterous for the White House and the Pentagon to think of requesting any defense money from Congress while waging a war we never authorized, let alone $200 billion. Recent reporting has shown that this war is already costing American taxpayers between $1 and $2 billion a day and has caused the deaths of 13 servicemembers, nearly 1,500 Iranian civilians, and dozens of civilians throughout the Middle East. Donald Trump owns this war. He walked us into this catastrophic and deeply unpopular war. “This is a war of choice with no apparent endgame. Instead of getting us into another quagmire, this money could go towards lowering costs for Americans, including by fully funding the ACA tax credits, feeding hungry kids, and taking care of our veterans. It is deeply shameful that Republicans always find money for wars, but are unable to allocate funds to take care of the American people. Congress should immediately reject this request.” ### Issues:Foreign Policy

ICYMI: Rep. Omar Speaks on the House Floor in Support of Iran War Powers Resolution

Position: Rep. Omar supports the Iran War Powers Resolution, which would require presidential authorization from Congress before conducting further military operations against Iran. She argues that unilateral military action without congressional approval violates constitutional authority and that diplomacy should be prioritized over military strikes.

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in support of the Iran War Powers Resolution, led by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), to require the president to seek authorization from Congress before using further military force against Iran.You can watch the full video here. Below is a transcript of her remarks: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. "I rise today in support of this resolution. "Donald Trump is unilaterally dragging this nation into an illegal and unjustified war with Iran. "As someone who has survived the horrors of war, I know that bombs do not build peace or create stability. "Military strikes will not make us safer; they will inflame tensions and push the region further into chaos. "Every time we abandon diplomacy, we choose destruction. "We know who will bear the cost of this decision: innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and our young service members sent into harm’s way. "The American people are exhausted by endless wars built on false promises and paid for with American and foreign lives. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority. "I urge my colleagues to vote YES to stop U.S. involvement in another illegal forever war. "Thank you and I yield back." ### Issues:Foreign Policy

Rep. Omar Statement on Trump's Illegal War on Iran

Position: Rep. Omar opposes President Trump's military action against Iran without congressional authorization. She argues the strikes lack legal justification, clear objectives, and imminent threat, and calls for Congress to invoke the War Powers Resolution to end the operation immediately.

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on Trump’s illegal war on Iran. “President Trump is unilaterally dragging this nation into an illegal and unjustified war with Iran without congressional authorization, without a clear objective, and without any imminent threat to the United States. This is a reckless abuse of power that puts both innocent civilians and American lives on the line for a conflict the American people do not want. “As someone who has survived the horrors of war, I know that bombs do not build peace or create stability. Military strikes will not make us safer; they will inflame tensions and push the region further into chaos. When we abandon diplomacy, we choose destruction. “We know who will bear the cost of this decision: innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and our young service members sent into harm’s way. This is the devastating human toll of another regime-change war. Already, children and families are paying with their lives. There is no moral or strategic justification for this bloodshed. “The American people are exhausted by endless wars built on false promises and paid for with American and foreign lives. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority. We must vote immediately on the War Powers resolution authored by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie. This unlawful operation must end immediately." ### Issues:Foreign Policy

Rep. Omar Statement on the Arrest of Aliya Rahman

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement after her State of the Union guest, Aliya Rahman, was arrested during the president's speech. “My guest, Aliya Rahman, stood up silently in the gallery during the president’s speech for a short period of time, part of which other guests were also standing. For that, she was forcibly removed, despite warning officers about her injured shoulders and ultimately charged with ‘Unlawful Conduct.’ "Reports indicate she was aggressively handled until someone intervened to secure medical attention. She was taken to George Washington University Hospital for treatment and later booked at the United States Capitol Police headquarters. "The heavy-handed response to a peaceful guest sends a chilling message about the state of our democracy. I am calling for a full explanation of why this arrest occurred.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar Announces Four Guests for State of the Union Address

Position: Rep. Omar opposes ICE enforcement actions in Minnesota, characterizing 'Operation Metro Surge' as reckless and harmful to community safety and economic security. She highlights cases of alleged misconduct, detention of citizens, and community disruption as grounds for legal accountability and reform of federal immigration enforcement practices.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) will take Aliya Rahman, Mary Granlund, Mubashir Hussen, and Gerardo Orozco Guzman as her guests to the State of the Union Address. The stories of these four Minnesotans reflect how ICE’s reckless actions in Minnesota through “Operation Metro Surge” have devastated Minnesotans’ safety and economic security. Aliya Rahman is a Bangladeshi-American software engineer, a resident of South Minneapolis, and a disabled person with autism and a traumatic brain injury. On January 13, Rahman was driving to a doctor’s appointment when her window was smashed in by DHS agents, she was forcibly removed from her vehicle, and she was violently detained by federal agents who had caused a traffic jam despite her repeated statements that she was disabled. She was taken to Whipple Detention Center where she witnessed inhumane cruelty against detainees from federal immigration agents. During her detention, Rahman experienced severe medical neglect and violence at the hands of ICE agents, requiring hospitalization for assault at Hennepin County Medical Center upon her release. Rahman is now calling for ICE to face legal accountability for their aggression against civilians. Mary Granlund is the Chair of the Columbia Heights School Board. Since the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old student at Columbia Heights schools, Granlund, Superintendent Zena Stenvik, and a group of Columbia Heights principals, teachers, interpreters, social workers, and community members have stepped up to protect their community. They’re conducting daily patrols, working to connect detained children and families with legal assistance, and coordinating food deliveries for families too scared to leave their homes. Despite Tom Homan’s announcement in early February that the surge is coming to an end, communities have not seen a decrease in ICE activities. The school district estimates that nearly 25% of its 800 students are learning remotely as they are too afraid to attend classes in person. Granlund, educators, social workers, and community members are doing invaluable work to keep Columbia Heights’ students and families informed, fed, and protected. Mubashir Hussen is a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and Minneapolis resident. On December 8, 2025, a masked federal immigration officer stopped Hussen while he was on his lunch break from work. The ICE agent detained Hussen, despite Hussen repeating “I’m a citizen” multiple times. The agent took Hussen to the Whipple Federal Building, where he was shackled and fingerprinted. Hussen was released after showing a photo of his passport card to an individual at the Whipple building. On behalf of Mubashir Hussen and two other community members whose constitutional rights were violated by federal immigration officers, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the Trump Administration to end ICE and CBP’s practice of suspicionless stops, warrantless arrests, and racial profiling of Minnesotans. Gerardo Orozco Guzman is the son of Eustaquio Orozco Verdusco, a workers’ rights organizer who has been fighting wage theft and labor trafficking. Orozco Verdusco works with Minneapolis-based worker center Centro De Trabajadores Unidos En La Lucha, which has been organizing against ICE’s detention of construction workers from job sites. He is also a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee. On January 9, 2026, federal immigration agents detained Orozco Verdusco in Coon Rapids under Trump’s “Operation Metro Surge,” flew him to Camp East Montana in El Paso, TX, and recently moved him to New Mexico, where he is currently detained at Cibola County Correctional Center. ###