Congress needs to attach strict conditions to DHS funding | Opinion
Needed conditions on DHS funding
“Senate talks move in direction of splitting off DHS funding bill,” (modbee.com, Jan. 29)
Congress needs to put conditions on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including requiring the department to respect the constitution, and unmasking federal agents.
Law enforcement and the military do not need to wear masks. DHS is going into cities like an invading force with military weapons. They are terrorizing the population and racial profiling. Parents are having their children wear their passports around their necks out of fear.
DHS has killed people and violated constitutional rights. Public opinion is shifting: More and more people are having their eyes opened. Hopefully, Rep. Tom McClintock will be voted out of office in November.
Irene Lytle
Modesto
Reject harmful house bill
“Last Chance to Save: Leverage tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades,” (modbee.com, Oct. 26, 2025)
As the legislative session for 2026 begins to pick up speed, Congress is still considering whether to pass House Bill 4626, which would roll back energy-saving appliance standards. The bill would perpetuate energy waste and increase health-harming pollution while raising costs for consumers.
Efficiency standards saved American households and businesses around $105 billion on utility bills in 2024. Additionally, the average household in California saved upwards of $500 on its annual utility bill.
Defeating this bill is especially important now that the federal government has approved new oil leases as far north as Madera County. We need Congress to temper the environmental and health impacts of these dirty forms of energy by protecting energy efficiency standards, which save Americans money, reduce air pollution and make doing more with less energy possible.
Elliott Appleton-Sackett
Environment California Clean Energy Intern
Dems need to figure it out
“Watch California gubernatorial candidates debate on housing, homelessness, more,” (modbee.com, Feb. 4)
Democratic candidates for governor better figure this out soon. If over 10 Democrats run against two Republicans in California’s moronic top-two primary, the Democratic vote will be split, and the two Republicans could be the two highest vote-getters. And then the bluest state in the union gets a Republican governor.
It’s simple math. Some of you need to take one for the team and drop out now.
Matt Nelsenador
Sacramento
Believe fog advisories
“Central California tule fog triggers 43-vehicle pileup, 9 hospitalized,” (modbee.com, Jan. 28)
The Valley’s tule fog has been especially brutal this winter. A recent 43-vehicle pileup was triggered by dense fog and high speeds.
The tule fog is a ground fog which is dense and full of moisture. It’s a bit like driving inside a light bulb — even shadows disappear. At night, it is even worse because headlights just reflect off the fog and back into the driver’s eyes.
So when the California Highway Patrol declares a dense fog advisory, believe it. Exercise an abundance of caution.
Tim McGlasson
Visalia
A huge loss
“Catherine O’Hara’s Best Acting Roles: From ‘Home Alone’ to ‘Schitt’s Creek’,” (modbee.com, Jan. 30)
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Catherine O’Hara, at age 71. From “Home Alone” to “Schitt’s Creek,” her warmth, wit and unforgettable characters brought joy to audiences around the world.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.