Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this Republican scheme to waste $70 billion in taxpayer money to give a blank check to ICE without any guardrails, any oversight, or any accountability. Immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, it should be just, and it should be humane. That is not what is going on right now as it relates to Donald Trump's violent mass deportation machine. Donald Trump promised America that he would target violent felons who are here illegally.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+51D shift +7$10.3M raised
Hakeem Jeffries
Representative · New York · Democrat
Hakeem Jeffries
Criminal Justice Reform · Affordable Prescription Drugs · Voting Rights · Immigration Reform
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to this America-last Republican budget that will provide billions of additional dollars to Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East, which has been a complete and total disaster for the American people. Donald Trump's reckless and costly war of choice in Iran has skyrocketed gas prices on everyday Americans who are already suffering from the failed Republican economy and drowning in its poor management.
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to the life, leadership, and legacy of an incredible mentor, a Clinton Hill legend and someone who provided tremendous support to me throughout the entirety of my public service journey, the iconic Marilyn D. Mosley. Marilyn was born and raised in Brooklyn. She is a proud graduate of New York City Public Schools, including Girls High, where she was voted in 1959 ``Most Likely to Succeed.'' That proved to be a prophetic observation.
Biography
Hakeem Jeffries began his career as a civil rights lawyer, advocating for social justice in Brooklyn communities. Elected to represent New York’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, he has focused on criminal justice reform, voting rights, and affordable housing. Jeffries played a leading role in passing the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, and currently serves as the House Democratic Leader. His leadership reflects a commitment to practical solutions and amplifying the voices of his diverse Brooklyn and Queens constituents in Congress.
Education
- J.D., Magna cum laude, New York University Law School, New York, NY1997
- M.P.P., Georgetown University, Washington, DC1994
- B.A. in Political Science, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY1992
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2013-PresentRepresenting New York's 8th district
Member, New York Assembly
2007–13Law Clerk, Judge Harold Baer Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Lawyer, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Litigation Counsel, Viacom Inc. and Cbs
Policy Focus
Congress28%
Crime and Law Enforcement15%
Commerce10%
International Affairs8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Hakeem Jeffries's record in Congress.
First Step Act
Co-sponsored and helped pass the First Step Act, a major bipartisan criminal justice reform law in 2018.
Copyright Law Modernization
Led passage of the Music Modernization Act to update copyright protections for songwriters and artists.
Affordable Housing Funding
Secured federal funding for affordable housing developments in Brooklyn, supporting low-income residents.
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Authored and advanced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address police misconduct and accountability.
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