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.

Rep. Aguilar Says House Republicans “Rubber-Stamped Trump’s Iran War” and “Ripped Food Away From 1 Million Kids” — “It’s Time for Them to Go”

Rep. Pete Aguilar, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, sharply criticized House Republicans on Monday, accusing the party of supporting President Donald Trump’s Iran war, reducing food assistance for children, protecting the president from accountability and cutting healthcare funding to finance tax benefits for wealthy Americans. Aguilar concluded his message with a direct call for voters to remove Republicans from their congressional majority. His statement comes one day before the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats are seeking to take control of the House of Representatives. Aguilar’s full X post reads: “With their majority, House Republicans have: Rubber-stamped Trump’s Iran war Ripped food away from 1 million kids Shielded the president from accountability Gutted healthcare to give billionaires tax cuts It’s time for them to go.” 10:32 AM · Nov 2, 2026

November 2, 2026

Warnock Tells Trump “He Can’t Stop What’s Coming” Ahead of Midterms — “Tomorrow, We Are Going to Remind Donald Trump” Who Holds the Power

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia issued a forceful election-eve message on Monday, invoking the power of ordinary Americans as voters prepare to decide control of Congress. Warnock’s statement comes after months of criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies, including the administration’s war with Iran, tariffs and economic decisions that the senator has argued are placing additional burdens on working families. Warnock’s post does not explicitly identify a particular election outcome, but its reference to the power of the people and the phrase “He can’t stop what’s coming” comes on the eve of the November 3 midterm elections. Warnock’s full X post reads: “Tomorrow, we are going to remind Donald Trump that it’s not about the people in power. It’s about the power that’s in the people. He can’t stop what’s coming.” 11:41 AM · Nov 2, 2026 Warnock has repeatedly challenged Trump’s handling of the Iran war. In April, he filed a War Powers Resolution intended to force a Senate vote on whether to end the conflict. Warnock described the war as an illegal and unwise decision, arguing that the United States risked becoming trapped in another prolonged Middle Eastern conflict. His opposition continued into the summer. On July 14, Warnock voted against the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, arguing that it authorized a blank check for the president’s war in Iran. He cited the lack of a justification, defined objective and exit strategy. Warnock has also criticized Trump’s tariff policy. As the ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness, he has worked on legislation involving presidential tariff authority. In August, his office announced a written commitment from the administration limiting certain tariff powers under a sanctions bill involving Russia and Iran. The senator’s record demonstrates that his opposition to Trump has involved specific legislative actions, rather than solely campaign rhetoric. His work on war powers and trade policy has focused on limiting the administration’s ability to act without congressional oversight. Warnock’s election-eve message also reflects his broader political emphasis on working-class voters and public participation. He has frequently framed political power as belonging to ordinary Americans rather than wealthy donors, elected officials or the executive branch.

November 2, 2026

Kelly Says Trump Started Iran War With No Congressional Approval, “No Strategic Goal, No Plan, No Timeline” — Eight Months Later And “Americans Can Barely Afford Their Lives”

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona renewed his criticism of President Donald Trump’s war with Iran on Monday, November 2, arguing that the conflict has continued for eight months without a clear explanation of its objectives or an established timeline for ending it. The Democratic senator linked the administration’s military decisions to the rising cost of living, saying Americans are struggling financially while the White House has failed to explain what the war was intended to accomplish. Kelly’s latest statement reflects a position he has maintained throughout the conflict, including repeated criticism of the administration’s lack of strategic planning, its decision to initiate hostilities without congressional authorization and the potential consequences for American servicemembers and national security. Kelly’s full X post reads: “It’s been eight months since Trump bypassed Congress and started a war with Iran. Prices are still rising, Americans can barely afford their lives, and this Administration still can’t explain what this was supposed to achieve or when it will end.” 10:55 AM · Nov 2, 2026 The senator’s reference to Congress concerns the constitutional division of war powers. Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, while the president serves as commander in chief. Kelly has argued that the administration should have sought congressional authorization for offensive military operations against Iran. On June 27, 2025, Kelly voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution led by Sen. Tim Kaine that sought to direct the removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran. Kelly said the American people and servicemembers deserved a genuine debate before the country entered a war. Kelly’s position became more pronounced after the conflict began in February 2026. In March, he warned that the administration lacked a clear objective, timeline, end state or exit strategy. He raised the issue during Senate intelligence hearings, questioning officials about what Trump knew before the conflict escalated. On March 4, Kelly also warned that the absence of a defined goal and timeline could place additional American servicemembers at risk. His criticism centered on the potential for an extended conflict without a clear strategic endpoint. The senator reiterated those concerns in an April 15 Senate floor speech, stating that the United States and Israel were fighting Iran without a clear strategy or goal. Kelly also distinguished his opposition to the war from his support for Israel’s security and right to exist.

November 2, 2026