Northern California Members of Congress Face Class Action Lawsuit
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Northern California Members of Congress
On December 19, more than 500 federal taxpayers from 10 Northern California counties filed a class-action lawsuit against Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson. The lawsuit, represented by Szeto-Wong Law, alleges that Huffman and Thompson violated US law by allocating $26.38 billion in military aid to Israel on April 20, 2024.
Despite facing significant opposition from constituents and mounting evidence of war crimes committed by the Israeli military in Gaza, Huffman and Thompson proceeded with their decision. The International Criminal Court of Justice ruled that genocide charges against Israel should not be dismissed, Amnesty International confirmed violations, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian territories unequivocally stated that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.
The diverse class members, including people from various backgrounds and professions, had made extensive efforts to appeal to Huffman and Thompson before the April 20 vote. Disheartened by their representatives’ actions, constituents like Robie Tenorio from Humboldt County expressed a loss of trust. Laurel Krause from Mendocino County described the officials as unresponsive to demands to end the genocide.
The plaintiffs argue that Huffman and Thompson’s decision forced constituents into complicity with genocide, causing moral injury and harm. Class member Carol Bloom from Sonoma County emphasized the immeasurable impact of Huffman’s vote on the community. Marin County resident Leslie Angeline, on day 31 of a hunger strike for Gaza, shared the heartbreak and trauma of complicity in ongoing genocide.
Indigenous elder and activist Judy Talaugon from Sonoma County highlighted the shared responsibility for advocating for Palestinian children’s rights. The class members are determined to exercise their power against government violence, as expressed by Maria Barakat from Sonoma County. This class action marks the beginning of a movement to combat complicity and demand accountability.
