Sherman Blasts Trump for Blocking TSA Deal, Deploying ICE at Airports
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village) yesterday criticized President Donald Trump for derailing a bipartisan agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and deploying ICE agents to airport security checkpoints, as delays and TSA staffing shortages continue to strain airports nationwide.
“Trump just blew up a bipartisan deal to end this TSA nightmare because he wants to force through a voter suppression bill,” said Sherman. “Let that sink in.”
Sherman warned that, in the absence of proper TSA staffing and funding, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel have been deployed into airport roles for which they are not trained — leading to confusion and operational disruptions rather than improved security.
“Instead of paying TSA workers, the administration is sending ICE into airports who aren’t trained for aviation security and are already causing confusion and disruption, not solving the problem,” Sherman said.
The Congressman further accused Trump of holding TSA workers’ paychecks hostage in an effort to advance the SAVE Act — legislation Sherman voted against and says would make it harder for millions of eligible Americans to vote: “He’s wreaking havoc across airports and putting aviation security at risk, all to pass legislation that would restrict access to the ballot box.”
In response, Sherman announced that he has requested his own congressional salary be withheld until TSA workers receive their pay.
“Members of Congress should live by the same rules as the people we represent,” Sherman said. “If TSA workers aren’t getting paid, neither should we.”
LA County Legislative Delegation Announces 2026-27 State Budget Priorities
The Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation yesterday announced its budget priorities for the year that will protect essential local services, continue wildfire recovery, invest in housing and homelessness solutions and make critical infrastructure investments ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Outlined in a series of letters to budget leaders, the delegation’s proposals represent a coordinated effort to invest in Los Angeles County’s recovery and long-term resilience while preparing the region to host millions of visitors at upcoming international events.
The delegation’s budget priorities include $100 million for LA Wildfire Recovery and Community Rebuilding, a little more than a $1 billion in Health and Homelessness Investments, $735.9 million for LA citywide readiness to prepare for upcoming global events, and $379.29 Million for transit and mobility for the 2028 Olympic Games.
“The Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation recognizes the challenging budget year the state faces and will work to approve a responsible, balanced and on time budget,” said Delegation Chair Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood, Hawthorne, Lawndale). “A responsible budget includes protecting patient access to Los Angeles County’s public hospitals, restoring proposed MediCAL cuts impacting low income residents and helping more families find a safe, affordable and permanent place to call home.
“A responsible budget also includes looking ahead in order to have necessary security, accessibility and critical infrastructure investments completed prior to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she added.
The state budget must be approved by the Legislature no later than June 15 of each year.
Hahn Reopens Leland R. Weaver Library in South Gate
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Southeastern LA County including Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) joined LA County Library officials, local leaders, and community members on Friday to celebrate the reopening of Leland R. Weaver Library in South Gate after a year-long $1.3 million renovation.
“I know this has been a long year for so many people in South Gate who missed your library – but I hope you think it was worth the wait,” Hahn told the crowd. “This renovation represents a real investment here in South Gate and you can see it the moment you walk in. This library is modern, it is refreshed, and it has something for everyone – whether you are looking for a free activity for your kids, a new book to read, or a class to take.”
“Libraries are more than books—they’re access to a better future,” said South Gate Mayor Joshua Barron. “South Gate this is your space—bring your family and make it a special place.”
The library is named in honor of former South Gate Councilmember and Mayor Leland R. Weaver who served for 24 years on the city council before his passing in 1972. He helped establish a city swimming pool, a municipal auditorium, a girls’ clubhouse, tennis courts, and an art gallery. The library opened in its current location on Tweedy Boulevard shortly after his passing in 1973.
The Leland R. Weaver Library is the first of five Southeast LA libraries undergoing renovations at the direction of Supervisor Hahn. Libraries in Maywood, Lynwood, Bell, and Huntington Park are currently closed and are set to reopen this summer and early next year.
Valladares honored with Civil Justice Gavel Award
State Sen. Suzette Valladares (R-Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, portions of the Antelope Valley) has been named a recipient of the Civil Justice Gavel Award by the Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC), recognizing her leadership in promoting a fair and balanced civil justice system in California.
Each year, CJAC presents the Civil Justice Gavel to one Democrat and one Republican legislator who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing policies that improve California’s legal climate and promote fairness in the civil justice system.
“California’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but our state’s highly litigious environment is driving up costs and making it harder for entrepreneurs to succeed,” said Valladares. “If we want to improve affordability and encourage job creation, we must work toward a civil justice system that is fair and predictable. I’m honored to receive this recognition and will continue working to support reforms that protect job creators and consumers alike.”
When selecting award recipients, CJAC evaluates legislators’ voting records on bills affecting California’s legal climate as well as their broader efforts to support a balanced civil justice system.
Valladares was recognized for her consistent advocacy for policies that support small businesses, reduce excessive litigation costs, and foster a more stable and competitive economic environment in California.
