Rep. Panetta Demands Answers on Who Restricted Ukraine’s Starshield Access — Says “Ukraine Must Be Able to Count on the United States”

Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) posted on X on November 1, 2026, stating that Ukraine must be able to count on U.S. support and noting that he had joined colleagues seeking explanations for restrictions on the country’s Starshield satellite access.

Panetta attached a San Francisco Standard article covering the letter he and two other Bay Area Democrats sent to the White House.

The post reads in full:

“Ukraine must be able to count on the United States to support the defense of their democracy. I joined my colleagues calling for this Administration explain who restricted Ukraine’s Starshield access and what safeguards are needed to prevent future disruptions.”

The attached San Francisco Standard article, published October 23, 2026, reported that Reps. Sam Liccardo, Jimmy Panetta, and Ro Khanna sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles demanding a government-wide investigation into who ordered restrictions on SpaceX’s Starshield satellite services in Ukraine.

The article stated that Ukraine uses Starshield for military operations including medium-range drone strikes and to remotely pilot interceptor drones defending cities from Russian aerial assaults. Starting October 14, the service abruptly lost connectivity before operating at much lower speeds, undermining defenses against Russian missile and drone strikes, according to Ukrainian officials.

The lawmakers’ letter said Congress and the American public deserve to know who authorized the restrictions and questioned whether President Donald Trump or Elon Musk directed them. It noted conflicting accounts, with Musk denying responsibility and saying the Pentagon owns and operates Starshield, while later reporting indicated Musk authorized the restrictions and Reuters reporting that the order came from inside the White House.

Panetta has maintained consistent support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia since the full-scale invasion began. In 2022 he voted for the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act to speed weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian forces.

In September 2025 he traveled to Kyiv to meet defense leaders and demonstrate continued U.S. support, stating that mixed messages from the administration made it important to show members of Congress believe the United States must continue unwavering support for Ukraine and NATO allies.

He has joined bipartisan efforts pressing the Defense Department to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided long-range systems against legitimate military targets in Russia and has supported legislation imposing sanctions and providing assistance.

Following the October 2026 Starshield disruptions, Panetta joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urging the Pentagon to expand its Starshield contract, restore unlimited-speed service, maintain geographic coverage including over Russian territory, and evaluate Defense Production Act authorities to guarantee reliable access.

In an October 17, 2026, X post he described restricting Ukraine’s access to the military service while Russia rains down missiles and drones as despicable and dangerous and called for a full investigation and accountability.

The November 1 post reiterates the demand for answers on who ordered the restrictions and what safeguards are needed, consistent with his earlier statements and the letter detailed in the attached article.

Hakeem Jeffries Vows “Change Is Coming to the United States Congress” as Democrats Prepare to Challenge Trump’s Republican Majority

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a brief but pointed election-eve message on Monday, declaring that “Change is coming to the United States Congress.” His statement comes as Democrats seek to overturn Republicans’ narrow House majority and gain greater authority to investigate the Trump administration during the final two years of the president’s term. Jeffries has spent much of Trump’s second term criticizing the administration’s policies and promising increased congressional oversight if Democrats regain control of the House. Jeffries’ full X post reads: “Change is coming to the United States Congress.” 6:34 AM · Nov 2, 2026 The statement follows months of public remarks in which Jeffries has described Trump’s administration as corrupt and argued that congressional Democrats would pursue accountability. In September, Jeffries said a Democratic House majority would focus on lowering living costs, making healthcare affordable and investigating alleged misconduct by the administration. Jeffries has also repeatedly refused to rule out impeachment proceedings against Trump or members of his administration. He has said that any decision would be guided by evidence, legal standards and the Constitution rather than by a predetermined political outcome. In an August interview, Jeffries said Democrats would seek to hold officials accountable for corruption and extremism if they regained control of the House. He identified the Judiciary and Oversight committees as key bodies for conducting investigations. Jeffries’ October remarks reiterated that position. He said Democrats would follow the facts, apply the law and use constitutional processes to determine whether accountability measures were warranted. The Democratic leader has also opposed Trump’s Iran war. He has described the conflict as a costly war of choice and argued that the administration’s military decisions have increased gasoline prices and strengthened Iran’s position. His criticism has included calls for congressional oversight of the war and the administration’s foreign policy.

November 2, 2026

Warner Accuses Trump of “Raking in Billions” as Americans Face Rising Gas and Housing Costs — “His Reckless Policies Are Making Him Richer”

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia accused President Donald Trump of benefiting financially from his administration’s policies while American families face higher living costs, renewing a criticism that has become increasingly focused on the president’s investments in oil and gas companies during the war with Iran. Warner’s November 2 statement argues that rising expenses for households are occurring alongside significant increases in Trump’s personal wealth. The senator’s criticism comes one day before the midterm elections, with affordability and the economic consequences of the Iran war among the central issues facing voters. Warner’s full X post reads: “Since Trump took office, gas prices, housing costs, and everyday expenses have skyrocketed. American families are paying more just to get by, but Trump is raking in billions. The president’s reckless policies are making him richer while costing Americans more.” 11:04 AM · Nov 2, 2026 Warner’s reference to gas prices reflects his repeated criticism of Trump’s decision to launch military operations against Iran. In March, Warner delivered a Senate floor speech warning that the conflict had disrupted global energy supplies and contributed to rising fuel prices. He described the war as a conflict without a clear endgame. Warner has also criticized the administration’s shifting explanations for the war. In April, he said the White House had failed to provide a consistent justification and had not adequately planned for the consequences of the conflict, including rising prices for diesel, fertilizer and other essential goods. His criticism of Trump’s personal wealth became more specific in October. On October 27, Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine issued a statement highlighting a Joint Economic Committee report that estimated Trump’s oil and gas stock holdings had increased to as much as $81.6 million. The committee estimated that his oil and gas stock wealth had increased by up to $35.8 million during 2026. The Joint Economic Committee report also estimated that Americans had spent an additional $101 billion on gasoline since the beginning of the Iran war, averaging approximately $856 in added costs per family. These are committee estimates based on its analysis of energy prices and Trump’s financial disclosures.

November 2, 2026

Warren Says Americans Are Ready to Take Country Back From “Billionaires” and Trump’s “Corruption” — Calls for a Country That Works for “Working People”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts called on Americans to reclaim political power from wealthy interests and the Trump administration on Monday, framing the November 3 midterm elections as an opportunity to build a government that prioritizes working people. Warren’s statement reflects a longstanding focus on economic inequality, corporate influence and alleged conflicts of interest involving the president and his business interests. The Democratic senator has repeatedly criticized Trump’s financial dealings and argued that wealthy individuals and corporations have gained influence over federal policymaking. Warren’s full X post reads: “The American people are ready to take our country back from the billionaires, from Donald Trump’s corruption, and to build a country that finally works for working people. Let’s make the message loud and clear on November 3.” 10:27 AM · Nov 2, 2026 Warren’s reference to billionaires reflects her longstanding advocacy for policies aimed at reducing economic inequality and limiting the political influence of wealthy donors. Her work in the Senate has included proposals involving taxation, financial regulation and corporate accountability. Her criticism of Trump has also centered on alleged conflicts of interest. In May, Warren’s Senate Banking Committee minority staff released a report examining Trump’s diplomatic visit to China and the financial interests of the president, his family and billionaire allies. Warren described the visit as benefiting wealthy interests rather than American workers and families. Warren and Rep. Robert Garcia also pressed Trump in August over financial disclosures showing thousands of stock trades during his presidency. Their letter raised questions about whether government actions could affect the value of Trump’s investments. The lawmakers cited more than 17,000 trades worth up to $1.56 billion. Warren’s concerns about financial conflicts have extended to cryptocurrency. She has criticized Trump-linked cryptocurrency ventures and questioned whether the president’s personal business interests could influence federal policy. Her position has consistently focused on the potential for public office to be used for private financial gain.

November 2, 2026