Kamlager-Dove demands FBI Director Patel reimburse taxpayers
U.S. Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD) yesterday fired off a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel demanding answers on why American taxpayers are being forced to foot the bill for his leisure travel.
The missive comes after reports indicate Patel has repeatedly abused taxpayer-funded government jets for personal travel—including a “date night” trip with his girlfriend, a luxury hunting getaway, and a golfing excursion in Scotland—all during the Republican shutdown that has left millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet.
“While millions of Americans struggled with skyrocketing healthcare costs, hunger, and missed paychecks due to the Republican ‘Great Gatsby’ shutdown, you used a $60 million government jet for an overnight date with your girlfriend, a Scottish golfing excursion with your buddies, and a trip to a luxury hunting retreat called ‘Boondoggle Ranch.’ Why should American taxpayers be footing the bill for private jets every time you decide to hang out with your golf buddies, see your girlfriend, or go to your boondoggle escape?” wrote the Members.
Reports show that Patel chartered the FBI’s Gulfstream G550—a $62 million aircraft typically found in the fleets of billionaires—for an overnight trip to Pennsylvania on October 25 to attend his girlfriend’s concert at a wrestling match at Penn State University. He then used the same plane to fly her home to Nashville the next day.
That same weekend, Patel used the FBI jet again to travel to “Boondoggle Ranch,” a luxury Texas hunting resort that advertises itself as the perfect place to “waste money or time on unnecessary or questionable projects.”
When Patel’s misuse of government aircraft became public through flight records and his girlfriend’s social media posts, he reportedly lashed out at staff—including by firing Special Agent Steven Palmer, a 27-year FBI veteran who led the Bureau’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), which oversees aviation operations and crisis response.
The Members noted that by regulation, Patel is required to reimburse the government for non-official travel and furnish the public with information regarding any travel on government aircraft by non-officials. They also directed Patel to produce records and communications related to travel by himself, other passengers on government planes, and the firing of Steven Palmer.
Burbank mayor, police chief mourn fallen police dog
Burbank Mayor Nikki Perez and Police Chief Rafael Quintero will deliver remarks tomorrow at a memorial ceremony to honor K-9 police dog “Spike,” who was killed in the line of duty on November 22.
Spike was shot and killed by an armed suspect during a coordinated search following a traffic stop. Spike’s actions during the incident were heroic and undoubtedly protected the lives of officers and community members.
The Burbank Police Department appreciates the community’s overwhelming support since Spike’s passing. This memorial provides an opportunity for the public and law enforcement partners to come together to honor Spike’s legacy, heroic actions, and service to Burbank residents. This ceremony will provide a dignified tribute honoring Spike’s service, sacrifice, and dedication to the City of Burbank. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
The formal memorial ceremony and procession is slated for 11 am tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3, in front of the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters. The procession will start at the Burbank Animal Shelter and conclude at the station, where Perez, Quintero, and Mayor Nikki Perez will deliver remarks.
Rivas leads in opposing push to revive AI moratorium
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley (portions), including Pacoima, Panorama City), co-chair of the bipartisan STEM Education Caucus, yesterday led a letter with over 75 members in opposition to any effort to reintroduce a moratorium on state and local artificial intelligence (AI) laws in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“Earlier this year, the Senate rejected this same AI moratorium concept on an overwhelming bipartisan 99–1 vote for H.R. 1, the reconciliation bill,” wrote the lawmakers.
“That vote sent a clear, bipartisan message: Congress should not freeze state and local AI safeguards, least of all when there are no meaningful federal protections in place. Trying to revive the same flawed policy in the NDAA, or through executive action, is an attempt to quietly jam through an idea that has already been rejected, as well as sidestepping public debate and bypassing the regular committee process.”
The lawmakers emphasized that these new attempts come at a moment of increased AI-usage and growing bipartisan public demand for safe, trustworthy AI development. States across the country, led by both Democrats and Republicans, are creating guardrails to protect consumers, workers, children, and vulnerable communities without hindering innovation. Blocking those safeguards now would leave Americans exposed to escalating risks, erode public trust, and undermine U.S. competitiveness.
“This proposal is not only dangerous, but it is also unpopular,” the lawmakers continued. “The American people want AI to be used in ways that are safe, fair, and accountable. They want innovation they can trust, not a rush to strip away all safeguards,” the lawmakers concluded.
Barragán says “No” to ICE use of San Pedro jail
U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Compton) last week said that in no way should the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency utilize the Federal Correctional Institution, at Terminal Island in San Pedro.
Barragán’s comments came after the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced that they were suspending operations at the jail over concerns about crumbling infrastructure. The lawmaker’s district includes the Terminal Island facility.
“No one should be held in or work in unsafe conditions, and Terminal Island’s aging infrastructure has been neglected for too long,” said Barragán. The Bureau of Prisons needs to transfer the current prisoners to nearby facilities where their families and lawyers will be able to visit without additional hardship. The guards and support staff, including medical personnel, should be prioritized for transfer to nearby facilities as well.
And under no circumstances should the Terminal Island facility be considered, or converted for use, as an ICE detention facility.”
