Yassamin Ansari

‼️ WATCH: @MizzWelch and I discuss our list of people who should testify in front of the House Oversight Committee on I’ve Had It Podcast ‼️ @OversightDems https://t.co/O8pFVzIReM

Meta, a trillion-dollar company, is seeking to claim research credits for expanding its massive data center footprint. I joined this bipartisan message to @SecScottBessent demanding that the Trump administration use the credits for their intended purpose, not as a billion-dollar giveaway to one of the world’s largest and most profitable companies.

What gives me hope during these dark times is the committed folks who show up - week after week - to their legislative district meetings. This is where the real work happens. Thank you @AzLd26Dems for your tireless efforts registering and turning out voters. We're going to turn this country around, together.

As Trump and Hegseth’s disastrous and illegal war in Iran continues, a recent strike killed five civilians at a wedding in Iran, including two children. This is the latest in a horrifying pattern of civilian casualties resulting from U.S. operations in Iran, including the strike at an elementary school on the first day of the war that killed 120 children. @RepSaraJacobs, @RepJasonCrow, and I led 74 of our colleagues demanding answers from the administration regarding the strike at the wedding and the continued pattern of civilian casualties in the Iran war—including what steps are being taken to prevent further civilian harm.

WASHINGTON – Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Jason Crow (CO-06) led 74 House Democrats in demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on a September 1 strike at a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran, that reportedly killed five civilians, including two children, and injured dozens. The lawmakers demand a full account of the strike and answers about the broader pattern of civilian harm resulting from Trump’s U.S. military operations in Iran, including whether U.S. forces were responsible and what steps the Department is taking to prevent further civilian casualties. In their letter, the lawmakers write, “We are once again writing with grave concern regarding the conduct of the Administration’s war in Iran. Specifically, there are devastating reports of civilian casualties at a wedding in the town of Kuhestak, Iran, on September 1, 2026. This is the latest in an alarming pattern of civilian casualty incidents in strikes carried out by the United States in Iran since the war began on February 28, 2026.” They further state, “The Post reported that six U.S. Navy aircraft-launched weapons targeted a communications complex near the home where the wedding was taking place and that one weapon missed its intended target. Accordingly, we demand urgent answers regarding the United States’ role in this strike, why the strike proceeded given the clear risk of significant civilian harm, and what steps the Department is taking to prevent further civilian casualties in Iran.” Ansari’s letter is co-signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Ami Bera (CA-03), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Jim Costa (CA-21), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Bill Foster (IL-11), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús García (IL-04), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), William Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), James McGovern (MA-02), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-10), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and Maxine Waters (CA-43). Read the letter below. Dear Secretary Hegseth, We are once again writing with grave concern regarding the conduct of the Administration’s war in Iran. Specifically, there are devastating reports of civilian casualties at a wedding in the town of Kuhestak, Iran, on September 1, 2026. This is the latest in an alarming pattern of civilian casualty incidents in strikes carried out by the United States in Iran since the war began on February 28, 2026. While the Department has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for this incident, the Washington Post recently reported that there is a “high likelihood” that the U.S. was responsible for the incident, citing an official familiar with the operations. Furthermore, analysis from U.S. weapons experts has suggested that the explosion was caused by a U.S. glide bomb. The Post reported that six U.S. Navy aircraft-launched weapons targeted a communications complex near the home where the wedding was taking place and that one weapon missed its intended target. Accordingly, we demand urgent answers regarding the United States’ role in this strike, why the strike proceeded given the clear risk of significant civilian harm, and what steps the Department is taking to prevent further civilian casualties in Iran. The consequences of this American strike have been devastating: 5 civilians were killed as a result of the strike in Kuhestak, including a 4-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, and dozens of civilians were injured. This incident is regrettably among the latest in a string of civilian casualty incidents arising from the U.S.-led war in Iran. This includes a strike at the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, on the first day of the war that killed a reported 175 civilians, including 120 children. While it has been reported that a preliminary investigation by the Department found that the U.S. military was responsible for the strike, over six months later the Department has still not publicly acknowledged responsibility for the strike nor released the findings of its investigation. Similarly, reporting and independent analysis indicate that U.S. forces were responsible for a strike at a youth sports hall in Lamerd, Iran, that killed 21 civilians, including 7 children, on February 28. While the Department has denied responsibility, analysis by weapons experts found that the damage pattern is consistent with that of an American Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). We are deeply alarmed by the continued pattern of civilian casualties resulting from U.S. operations in the war in Iran, and the apparent lack of action and accountability from the Department. Acknowledging such incidents, accepting responsibility, and learning from them makes our forces stronger, more effective, and an example to the world. When we fail to do so, it has the exact opposite effect. This is why it is all the more alarming that amid these devastating incidents, the Department has also severely degraded the civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) programs and personnel designed to prevent, respond to, and learn from civilian harm. Understanding the civilian environment – including the location of civilian objects and critical infrastructure such as schools and gymnasiums, and patterns of life including large gatherings such as weddings – was intended to be a key aspect of this program. Yet CHMR staff at CENTCOM have reportedly dwindled from over 10 to just one full-time staff. The Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, which was mandated by Congress and designed to support combatant commands in this lifesaving work, has been cut from over thirty down to just seven. On March 12, 2026, 121 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote to you demanding answers regarding civilian casualties caused by Operation Epic Fury and the Department’s civilian protection efforts. The Department refused to provide any answers, simply stating “The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) has initiated an investigation of this incident and appointed an investigating officer from outside the USCENTCOM chain of command. USCENTCOM will share the results of this investigation with Congress once it is completed.” Nearly seven months into the war, Congress and the American public still lack basic information about the findings of that investigation and the measures the Department has taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The strike in Kuhestak makes that failure all the more troubling. In response to the reports regarding U.S. responsibility for the strike in Kuhestak, a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command stated “The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC.” Similarly, Vice President Vance said at a press briefing recently that he was “skeptical” of reports that the U.S. was responsible for the bombing, while acknowledging that the incident was under investigation. We are concerned this lack of transparency from this Administration is becoming a pattern, given the Department also initially denied responsibility for the Minab strike and has yet to release the investigation related to that incident. The American people deserve answers on not just this strike, but the Department’s pattern of civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations in Iran. To that end, we insist on answers to the following questions no later than October 26, 2026. Did U.S. forces carry out the September 1, 2026 strike in Kuhestak, Iran, that killed 5 civilians and injured dozens? If so, what was the target and why was the decision taken to execute the strikes? What was the assessed civilian harm risk of the strikes, and what steps were considered or taken to prevent civilian harm? Has the Department formally initiated an investigation into the September 1 strike in Kuhestak? If so, please provide the date on which the investigation began, the office responsible for conducting it, whether the investigating officer is independent of the operational chain of command, and the expected timeline for completion. What is the status of the USCENTCOM investigation into the February 28 strike at the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab? On what date will the Department provide Congress with the full findings of that investigation, including its conclusions regarding U.S. responsibility and the circumstances that led to the reported civilian casualties? On what date will the unclassified version of these findings be made available to the public? Did the Department conduct an initial review of whether it is possible the U.S. was involved in the Lamerd strike on February 28, 2026? What were the results of that initial review? Was additional information provided after the fact, and did this alter the initial review results at all? Did the Department conduct a civilian harm assessment of whether it is more likely than not that civilian harm occurred as a result of this strike? What were the results of this assessment? Was additional information provided after the fact, and did this alter the initial review results at all? Has the Department conducted an administrative investigation, such as an AR 15-6, into the strike? If so, when was the investigation initiated, when are the findings due to the commander, and when will its findings be provided to Congress and released publicly? What steps, if any, has the Department taken to prevent civilian harm in targeting practices since the apparent U.S strikes in Minab on February 28, 2026? Please detail any specific policies that have been implemented. How many U.S. investigations, initial reviews, and civilian harm assessments into civilian casualties arising from operations in Iran have been initiated since February 28, 2026 and how many have been completed? Please provide details of all ongoing and completed investigations. Sincerely, Yassamin Ansari Member of Congress Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more. ###

DHS approved a $1.5B contract with the same company that provided security at Alligator Alcatraz to build and expand detention facilities in Arizona. Local governments didn't find out about it until after the contract was awarded. These are your tax dollars being used for facilities that repeatedly commit human rights violations - and they're not giving us a say in the matter. @AdelitaForAZ , @gregstantonaz and I are fighting back.

"I really hate these people." I spoke with @MizzWelch about our shared hatred and disgust for @SecMullinDHS, Stephen Miller, and all of Donald Trump's cruel and racist mass deportation agenda. I told Jennifer about the detention center visits where women told me they get UTIs because they only get used underwear and seeing children locked up. ICE is still recklessly sending people to third countries without any due process, like they did with Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Artemis Ghasemzadeh. We must abolish and prosecute ICE.

Donald Trump has used racist and dehumanizing language to target Ilhan Omar for nearly a decade. This is one more escalation in his campaign to use the power of the federal government to target anyone he perceives as a political enemy. It’s fascism and abuse of office on a scale we have never seen. This is the stuff of dictatorships. I stand firmly with Rep. Ilhan Omar, and we will not be intimidated by Trump’s police state.

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Today, we honor Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes and recognize the lasting impact of Indigenous peoples on our state and nation. https://t.co/OR20pnstve

Join me THIS SATURDAY for our first-ever Pride After Dark party 🏳️‍🌈 We’re teaming up with @commondefense and Phoenix drag sensation Barbra Seville for a community fundraiser to support our Get Out The Vote campaign. DON’T MISS: 👻 Halloween Costume Contest 👑 Drag Performance by Barbra Seville 😋 FREE FOOD Doors open 9:30 pm. Tickets are available at https://t.co/MEbJeMpiID. See you there!

This morning, Trump sent federal agents to raid a U.S. Congresswoman’s home. That’s authoritarianism. Ilhan Omar came to the United States when she was a child, as a refugee fleeing a civil war. She later became an American citizen and was elected to Congress. Her story is an inspiration to millions - the American Dream. But Trump and his fascist administration are hellbent on silencing her and instilling fear in all of us. We won’t let them. I stand with @IlhanMN

As the Trump Administration and fascists in Washington try to tear us down and take away our rights, we need to collectively fight back. We showed our power today at Phoenix Pride. Now let's take that power to the ballot box and vote for leaders who will keep fighting for an inclusive Arizona. LOVE IS LOVE 💕🏳️‍🌈

Democracy is an action - decisions will get made for you, whether you vote or not. This morning I joined @RaquelTeran, @VetsForward and @IndivisibleofAZ to invite Arizonans to join us THIS SATURDAY, October 17 for a No Kings Rally and March to the Polls. ⏰9-11am 📍Grant Park, Phoenix Bring your ballot. Make your voice heard.

https://t.co/PTmVzQQZjm

Climate is the defining issue of our generation, and we cannot afford to delay action. Young people have a critical role to play in driving meaningful change, especially at the local level. We must hold polluters accountable and invest in the clean energy transition. Our future depends on what we do today.

Feeling allll the pride in Phoenix 🏳️‍🌈 https://t.co/zyv2TSEDTB

I’ve heard some Members of Congress say they “don’t know enough about AI to regulate it.” That’s absurd. Just as we regulate airplanes, pharmaceutical drugs, cars and nuclear weapons, we need guardrails on advanced AI and we must ban artificial superintelligence - urgently. Anything other than that is an abdication of our responsibility to the American people. And the consequences of continued inaction will be nothing short of catastrophic.

Here we go again

To keep celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, I stopped by SadBoy Studio in Downtown Phoenix, founded by Pablo, a Phoenix native and son of Mexican immigrants. Fun fact: Pablo is also the artist behind my evil eye tattoo! 🧿 Through coffee, brands, events, and experiences, Pablo has spent years helping shape Phoenix’s culture and creating meaningful connections within our community. #HispanicHeritageMonth

It shouldn’t take a catastrophe for Washington to regulate AI companies. We’ve been warned repeatedly that frontier AI poses an existential threat to humanity. The companies themselves are preparing for it. Congress and the President need to act now.

The pressure is on in Arizona. Every vote counts to flip Congress, elect Dems up and down the ballot, and hold the Trump administration accountable. Check your registration at https://t.co/nnjioaGVGA and vote early! https://t.co/Zz6LoImO2b

Lots of love in Laveen! Always a pleasure to talk to my constituents about turning frustration into action. Our community is geared up and working around the clock to win the midterms here in Arizona. Thank you Stephanie Hurd and Fern Ward for hosting, Vice Mayor @KeshaForPhoenix for rallying with us, and @SouthMtnDems for your tireless work registering and turning out voters. We’re all in this together.

In 2026, we are live streaming state-sanctioned execution by firing squad. Pete Hegseth is taking criminal justice pointers from North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and Somalia… the only other countries in the world that host public executions. This is fundamentally un-American.

PHOENIX – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) celebrated the 50th anniversary of Los Abogados, Arizona’s Hispanic Bar Association, with a Congressional Record recognition honoring the organization’s five decades of service, advocacy, leadership, and commitment to expanding opportunity within Arizona’s legal community. “It is an honor to recognize Los Abogados and the incredible work they have done to build community, create opportunities, and advance the interests of Arizona’s Latino communities,” said Rep. Ansari. “At a time when we are seeing fundamental rights come under attack this work is more important than ever. I will continue fighting in Congress to protect Arizonans’ rights and conducting oversight to ensure accountability and equal justice.” The celebration hosted at Univision Studios in Phoenix featured the unveiling of a commemorative 50th Anniversary artwork by Los Abogados’ Artist of the Year, Michael Padilla, and a panel moderated by Congresswoman Ansari with Danny Ortega, Marian Zapata-Rossa, and Salvador Macias on the organization’s history, impact, and future. READ TEXT OF ANSARI’S CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Mister Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Los Abogados, Arizona’s Hispanic Bar Association. Founded in 1976 by Latino lawyers and law students, Los Abogados has spent five decades building community, creating opportunities, and advancing the interests of Arizona’s Latino communities within the legal profession and beyond. Today, Latinos comprise only approximately roughly 5% to 6% of all licensed lawyers in the United States. Through programming, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, Los Abogados works to address the systemic and cultural barriers that Latinos continue to encounter throughout their legal careers. For 50 years, Los Abogados has remained steadfast in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and education. The Hispanic Bar Association actively promotes diversity within Arizona’s legal and judicial professions. Supporting Latino lawyers and expanding their representation is essential to narrowing the significant representation gap and ensuring that our legal system better reflects the communities it serves. Los Abogados’ Civil Rights Committee supports the equitable and just application of civil rights, advocating for Arizona’s Latino communities. The committee organizes “Continuing Legal Education” seminars to update legal professionals about current voting rights, civic engagement, and racial profiling positions. Additionally, Los Abogados hosts citizenship fairs, providing essential immigration resources and assistance to Arizonans. As we commemorate this important milestone, we recognize Los Abogados for 50 years of service, advocacy, and leadership. I congratulate its members, past and present, and commend their enduring commitment to strengthening Arizona’s legal community and ensuring greater access, representation, and opportunity for all. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Los Abogados on their 50th Anniversary. ###

ICE is completely and utterly out of control. Agents wildly shot at Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez in Austin, Texas last month and just last night at Oscar Belgal in New York City — while a 5-year-old was sitting in the back seat of Oscar's car. These agents are wearing disguises and masks, randomly shooting innocent people. They even posed as electricians in Phoenix last month to arrest a man in his own home. There's no end to ICE's cruelty and cowardice. We need to abolish and prosecute this rogue agency.