Press Releases
Rep. Sara Jacobs Urges Thoughtful Implementation of the Global Fragility Act to Address Coups in the Sahel and Justice and Accountability in Sudan
At a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on the State of U.S. Policy toward the Sahel, Ranking Member Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) stressed the importance of thoughtful implementation of the Global Fragility Act that centers young and marginalized communities to address the main drivers of violence and instability in the Sahel. Rep. Jacobs also pushed for justice and accountability measures in Sudan, including holding the RSF accountable for mass atrocities in Darfur and Khartoum and … Continue Reading
December 04, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce Legislation to End Warrantless Surveillance of Americans
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined a bipartisan coalition in introducing the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act (PLEWSA)—legislation that ends the warrantless surveillance of Americans. The PLEWSA overhauls Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and requires a warrant for all U.S. person searches. FISA 702 authorizes the federal government to intercept electronic communications of non-U.S. persons who are located outside of the United States. But, … Continue Reading
November 30, 2023
Reps. Jacobs, Crow Introduce Bill to Increase Oversight of Civilian Casualties in Conflict Zones
Today, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), Co-Chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus introduced the Civilian Harm Transparency in Partnerships Act of 2023, legislation that requires the Director of National Intelligence to notify Congress if US-provided intelligence used by a third party results in civilian casualties. “The United States can’t fully address civilian harm without addressing incidents that result from sharing our own … Continue Reading
November 30, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Urges Justice and Accountability Measures in Ethiopia to Create Long-Term Safety and Stability
At a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Hearing on the State of U.S. Policy toward Ethiopia, Ranking Member Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) urged the importance of justice and accountability measures, implementing the signed Cessation of Hostilities agreement last year, and addressing conflicts in Amhara and Oromia in order to secure lasting peace, safety, and security in Ethiopia, the region, and across the continent. Watch Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Opening Remarks Here Rep. Sara Jacobs’ remarks as … Continue Reading
November 20, 2023
Transgender Equality Task Force Co-Chairs & Sen. Hirono Announce Resolution To Commemorate Transgender Day Of Remembrance
Today, Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus’ Transgender Equality Task Force, and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI) announced the introduction of a resolution commemorating November 20, 2023, as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). “Transgender and gender non-conforming people don’t feel safe in our country. No one should live with this constant fear and anxiety of being targeted because of who they are,” said … Continue Reading
November 18, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Calls for Ceasefire Ahead of Netanyahu Government’s Anticipated Military Operation in Southern Gaza
Following reports of the Netanyahu Government’s plan to expand its military operations into southern Gaza, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), the youngest Jewish Member of Congress and Co-Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, released the following statement: “Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israeli civilians on October 7th was gruesome, horrifying, and inexcusable, and the State of Israel has the right to respond to protect its citizens, and hold Hamas accountable. However, I … Continue Reading
November 09, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Criticizes Daily 4-Hour Humanitarian Pauses as “Wholly Inadequate”
Following the announcement of the Netanyahu Government beginning 4-hour daily pauses of fighting in areas of northern Gaza, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), the youngest Jewish Member of Congress, criticized the policy as “wholly inadequate” to deliver meaningful humanitarian aid to Palestinians in need. Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Two weeks ago, I called for a temporary cessation of hostilities amid the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and the lack of humanitarian access in Gaza. But the Netanyahu … Continue Reading
November 07, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Co-Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize and Reform Key Surveillance Law, Secure Protections for Americans’ Rights
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Lee (R-UT), and Reps. Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) in introducing the bipartisan and bicameral Government Surveillance Reform Act, which would reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act with important new protections for Americans’ constitutional rights. The bill reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 4 years, allowing intelligence agencies … Continue Reading
November 06, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Moves to Censure Rep. Brian Mast For Conflating Innocent Palestinian Civilians with Hamas
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), the youngest Jewish Member of Congress, released the following statement after noticing a privileged resolution censuring Rep. Brian Mast for conflating innocent Palestinian civilians with Hamas amid an alarming rise in anti-Arab hate and Islamophobia. “Innocent civilians shouldn’t be punished for the actions of their governments - and they’re certainly not responsible for the actions of terrorists. That applies to Palestinians in Gaza and civilians around the … Continue Reading
November 01, 2023
Following Speech on AI at US Embassy in London, Congresswoman Jacobs, Senator Markey Applaud Vice President Harris Defense of Civil and Privacy Rights, Adoption of Inclusive AI Safety Definition
Following Vice President Kamala Harris’s speech on artificial intelligence (AI) at the U.S. Embassy in London, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) applauded Vice President Harris’s commitment to defending civil and privacy rights while adopting an inclusive definition of AI safety, ahead of her attending the UK AI Safety Summit: “Vice President Harris has clearly articulated that we must act to prevent the full range of harms from AI, including societal … Continue Reading
November 01, 2023
Rep. Jacobs Joins Jewish Democrats on Statement on Cynical Republican Proposal Pitting American Support for Global Democracy and Allies Against Urgent Domestic Expenditures
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs joined a coalition of Jewish Members of Congress to issue a statement on the cynical Republican proposal to pit American support for global democracy and key American allies on $14 billion of funding cuts to the Internal Revenue Service. The below statement was signed by Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), … Continue Reading
October 31, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Ed Markey Urge VP Kamala Harris to Continue Leadership Ensuring AI Governance Promotes Civil Rights and Democratic Values at AI Safety Summit
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) led 19 bicameral colleagues to urge the Biden-Harris Administration to promote the importance of civil rights and democratic values in the governance of AI as the Vice President joins the UK AI Safety Summit this week. In a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris, the lawmakers praised the Administration’s efforts related to AI, including the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, and called for their continued leadership in elevating the … Continue Reading
October 26, 2023
Reps. Sara Jacobs, Jamie Raskin, Susan Wild Call For Temporary Cessation of Hostilities in Gaza to Establish Humanitarian Access
Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Susan Wild (PA-07) called for a temporary cessation of hostilities to establish access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need in Gaza. The lawmakers said: “As Jewish Members of Congress who have family and loved ones in Israel, we are sickened by Hamas’ brutal and inexcusable attack on innocent Israeli civilians on October 7th. Our hearts remain with those killed, injured, and taken hostage - and with all their loved ones - and … Continue Reading
October 19, 2023
Reps. Sara Jacobs, Lori Trahan Raise Civil Rights Concerns Around Use of AI in Schools
Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Lori Trahan (MA-03) led lawmakers in writing to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona requesting information on the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights’ understanding of the impacts of educational technology (EdTech) and artificial intelligence in the classroom. The letter follows a report by the Center for Democracy and Technology outlining serious concerns regarding Edtech and AI’s possible infringement on students’ civil rights in school … Continue Reading
October 13, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Urges Israel to Reconsider Evacuation Notice for 1 Million People in Gaza
Echoing calls from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations around the world, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Founder and Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, urges Israel to reconsider its evacuation notice of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza, including Palestinian civilians, aid workers, and all those sheltered in United Nations facilities. Rep. Sara Jacobs, Founder and Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, said, “I condemn Hamas’ … Continue Reading
October 12, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Calls on State Department to Expand Resources for Palestinian Americans and Americans in Gaza, West Bank
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led 16 colleagues in urging the State Department to expand its resources for Palestinian Americans and Americans living, working, or traveling in Gaza and the West Bank. In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the lawmakers urged the State Department to expand its guidance for Palestinian Americans and Americans in Gaza and the West Bank, ensure embassy staff fluent in Arabic are available to assist them, and publicize this information in an accessible … Continue Reading
October 07, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Statement on Israel
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) released the following statement on the unfolding situation in Israel: “I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ horrific, unprovoked attacks and call on all parties to take steps to prevent civilian harm. Israel has a right to defend itself, and the United States stands ready to offer our support. “My heart is with those who are grieving, who have lost loved ones, and those impacted by the unfolding hostage situation.” … Continue Reading
October 03, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Votes to Remove the Speaker of the House
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) voted to remove the Speaker of the House today in order to govern in a more responsible, bipartisan direction. Rep. Sara Jacobs said, “I believe that government can work by and for the people, and do real good in people’s lives. It’s why I’ve devoted my life to public service, and why I’m proud to serve my community in the House of Representatives. But House Republicans have turned the House into chaos, elevating extremism and the MAGA faction of their party. They … Continue Reading
September 30, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs: House Democrats Outwitted Republicans and Prevented a Federal Government Shutdown
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and 208 other House Democrats prevented a federal government shutdown, which would have cost the economy billions of dollars and impacted millions of Americans. Rep. Sara Jacobs said, “Speaker Kevin McCarthy owes an apology to our service members and military families, federal workers, and all those who rely on federal programs to make ends meet. They’ve been worrying, stressing, and penny-pinching, trying to figure out how to stretch one paycheck, knowing that … Continue Reading
September 29, 2023
Rep. Sara Jacobs Statement on Passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) released the following statement on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein: “My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Feinstein’s family and loved ones today. Senator Feinstein paved the way for so many women to enter and succeed in public service, helping to break into the ‘boys club of politics’ and change the mold of who we think is ‘ready’ and ‘capable’ of leadership. I feel so grateful to have grown up in California, where we had two strong female senators … Continue Reading