Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 5/21/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, released the following statement amid ongoing negotiations with Iran. Reports about conversations on sanctions policy have renewed concerns about ensuring justice and compensation for American victims of terrorism. Federal courts have previously found Iran liable for providing material support to other terrorist organizations and facilitating aspects of the 9/11 attacks.  “Nearly 25 years after the attacks of September 11th, the families of thos

WASHINGTON — This week, House Republicans passed two pieces of legislation supporting America’s veterans: the Veterans 2nd amendment Protection Act – authored by Chairman Mike Bost, and the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act – authored by Rep. Tom Barrett. “Every member of Congress is keenly aware that American strength and freedom are not free; they’re paid for and secured by the selfless sacrifice of our military personnel and their families,” Speaker Johnson said. “As Memorial Day approaches, this week, House Republicans advanced two pieces of legislation whi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement on H.R. 1329, a formerly bipartisan and noncontroversial bill which House Republicans loaded up with culture-war poison pills: “After the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act was introduced last year as a bipartisan bill to finally establish a museum to honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout our history, I joined 126 of my Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring it. Unfortunately, the legislation we are voting on today is a dramatic rewrite of the bill I supported.

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the Protect Gulf Life Act to nullify the March 31 decision by the Endangered Species Committee – also known colloquially as the “God Squad” or the “Extinction Committee” – to broadly exempt all oil and gas operations across the Gulf from complying with Endangered Species Act protections. “Congress did not establish the Endangered Species Committee to give out sweeping exemptions to special interests, and this abuse of power is another corrupt handout to benefit industry at the expense of threatened species,” said Rep. Beyer. “If Trump wants to ad

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the OPT Fair Tax Act, legislation that will close a perverse loophole that harms American workers.  Under current law, foreign workers in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes, creating an incentive to hire these foreign workers over American citizens. The OPT Fair Tax Act will ensure that OPT employment is treated the same as other employment under federal payroll tax law.  Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier thi

WATCH THE HEARING WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a hearing on the bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, legislation led by Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) alongside Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) to strengthen public safety in Indian Country, improve coordination in missing persons investigations, and support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers. During the hearing, Leger Fernánd

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) introduced the Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act, legislation to prohibit federal funds from being used to pay any claims submitted to the Department of Justice’s newly announced Anti-Weaponization Fund. The legislation comes one day after Fitzpatrick pressed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for answers on the fund’s legal authority, funding source, eligibility standards, and lack of congressional oversight. The DOJ announced on May 18, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Treasur

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18–21, 2026, as “SOF Week.” Rep. Castor led the resolution with fellow Congressional SOF Caucus Co-Chairs  Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). The Co-Chairs are also joi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously advanced two pieces of legislation led by Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) aimed at improving health care access, strengthening early intervention efforts, and expanding community-based care for young Ohioans.  The committee approved the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act (H.R.3747) and the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act (H.R.8209) during a committee markup, advancing both bills for potential consideration by the full House. “Alzheimer’s disease a

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) voted in support of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, legislation aimed at lowering housing costs, expanding affordable housing, and increasing homeownership opportunities for families in South Texas. The bill includes bipartisan reforms to increase housing supply, support affordable housing construction, revitalize vacant properties, streamline housing development, and strengthen housing opportunities in rural and underserved communities. “Families across South Texas are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs, limited hous

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Bioindustrial Infrastructure for Open Scale-up, Commercialization, and Accelerated Launch Ecosystems (BIO-SCALE) Act. This legislation will establish three or more product-agnostic, nonprofit, pre-commercial scale-up facilities for the scaling of non-pharmaceutical biotechnologies. “We must continue to lead the world in biotechnology, and the United States remains a premier place to scale biotechnology,” said Congressman Baird. “However, widespread use of life-changing innovations is often stalled because of roadblocks to the commercial production

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act has cleared another major legislative hurdle following passage out of the full House Appropriations Committee. The bill contains more than $120 million in funding victories for Texas’ 14th Congressional District, which includes: $100 million for the Sabine-Neches Waterway construction project to continue the deepening and expansion of one of the nation’s most critical energy export corridors. $12.7 million for Galve

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) will receive $8,777,683 in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Infrastructure Grant program. The funding will support the construction of the new 3,800-foot Taxiway R to help strengthen airport operations. "Atlantic City International Airport is one of the most important economic engines in South Jersey, and this investment is going to help ensure it continues growing and competing for years to come," said Congressman Van Drew. "At the same time, my offi

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Veterans Caucus Co-Chairs Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Ted Lieu (CA-36) along with seven members of the caucus came together in opposition to H.R. 6047—the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025, a Republican bill that would increase the cost of home ownership for every veteran and servicemember who uses the VA Home Loan program. The signing Democratic veterans are: Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-16), Jason Crow (CO-06), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Gil Cisneros (CA-36), an

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in favor of legislation to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights and expand benefits for brave Americans who were severely injured in the line of duty and Gold Star families. Passing these bills builds upon the recent work by the House of Representatives to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and increase access to care.   “I am glad to see the House take bipartisan action and pass commonsense legislation to enhance benefits for America’s most disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of those who ha

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the No Presidential Self-Serving Lawsuits Act to bar any president from initiating civil lawsuits against the U.S. government while in office and to prohibit use of the Treasury’s Judgement Fund to settle civil claims a president filed, even after leaving office.  The bill follows the announcement that President Trump initiated a lawsuit against the IRS and settled it by creating a slush fund to pay his allies for purported claims on “weaponization” of the legal system, including those charged in connection with the January 6 attack on th

This morning, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) spoke twice during a House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Subcommittee hearing. Testifying at today’s subcommittee hearing were Doug Collins, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Richard Topping, Assistant Secretary of Management and Chief Financial Officer. The first part is regarding military construction, including the new VA medical center in El Paso. The second part is regarding VA Home Loans, veteran homeownership, and a preview of upcoming legislation the

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a letter to Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll calling for greater transparency, meaningful public engagement, and stronger accountability regarding the proposed Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) data center project at Fort Bliss.   The proposed project, which has reportedly been discussed at hyperscale levels approaching 2.5 gigawatts, continues to raise significant questions from El Pasoans regarding potential impacts on local infrastructure, water and energy resources, household costs, environmental conditions, and community quality of life. While t

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “The President’s efforts to cover up his illegal business practices and make himself immune from future IRS audits will fail. No one is above the law. The President will pay the taxes he legally owes.”  This week, the President announced a settlement with the Department of Justice to end an investigation into his tax returns. The terms of the settlement will remove up to $100 million in potential IRS penalties against the President and will bar the IRS from future investigations into the President, his family

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:  “While families struggle to put food on their tables and gas in their cars, the President wants to hand out taxpayer dollars to domestic terrorists who attacked police officers on January 6th and other criminals. This out-in-the-open corruption is shameful. Taxpayer dollars should be spent making life more affordable and creating local jobs.” This week, President Trump announced a $1.8 billion fund to be distributed to the President’s political allies.   Rep. Larsen is cosponsoring Representative Jami

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. This bill includes funding for U.S. Capitol operations, the Library of Congress, and the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of full committee markup. “After months of hard work preparing the Fiscal Year 2027 bill as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, I’m proud to see it advance out of f

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) held a joint press conference with other members of the Florida delegation following the indictment of Raúl Castro. Congressman Byron Donalds commended President Trump and the Department of Justice for its indictment of Raúl Castro for his role in the 1996 downing of Brothers to the Rescue aircraft that killed three American citizens.  "This is a day of justice for the Cuban people. This is a day of justice for Cuban-Americans in Florida and all across the United States of America. For more than 60 y

Washington D.C. — Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) delivered opening remarks during the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of the Build America 250 Act. Below is a full transcript of his remarks, which can also be viewed here:   "Mr. Chairman, I want to commend you and Ranking Member Larsen for the bipartisan spirit that helped shape this bill. While I appreciate the work that has gone into this legislation, however, there are some serious shortcomings that I hope this Committee can address today.   As the sole Member of this Committee representing New York Cit

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Rudy Yakym (IN-02), introduced the Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to help schools, communities, and public health organizations develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategies to prevent suicide among children and adolescents. The legislation comes as youth mental health challenges rise nationwide with suicide becoming the second-leading cause of death for American kids.    In 2008, Rep. Pettersen lost her own brother, Justin, to suicide after he slipped through t

WASHINGTON— House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) applauded $152 million in state funding to support runway and taxiway upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base ahead of the arrival of the new F-15EX fighter mission.  "Selfridge is a critical component of America's national defense and a massive economic engine for Michigan," Chairwoman McClain said. "The F-15EX mission was an important upgrade to our airspace capabilities, but now we need to finish the job. Republicans are making sure Selfridge has the runway, infrastructure, and support needed to keep America dom

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) signed a letter in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to utilize a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. In the letter, the members call on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners, and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. This bipartisan and bicameral letter has support from over 110 members of Congress.  “The sug

Congresswoman Ross Introduces Legislation to Support Independent Musicians and Ensure Fair Negotiations with Streaming Platforms and AI Developers   Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026. This legislation will give small independent artists and music creators the power to collectively negotiate with both streaming platforms and generative artificial intelligence (AI) developers for fair compensation.   Under current law, small and independent musicians have little ability to bargain for fair compensation for the use of

WATCH THE HEARING WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández secured a major legislative hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands for her bill to strengthen the relationships between New Mexico land grant-mercedes and the federal government and protect their ability to practice centuries-old traditional uses on federal land. Representative Leger Fernández and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act (H.R. 2785) to provide greater cooperati

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives rejected the Republican, partisan version of H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act in a bipartisan vote of 216-204. The Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and House Democrats called for the bill to be returned to the original bipartisan version. Earlier this week, the DWC announced formal opposition to the bill. DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released a statement following the failed vote on the bill: “Today, the House proved that the Women’s History Museum does not belong to Trump. It belongs to the w

Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) joined Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to stop President Trump’s $1.8 billion “weaponization” slush fund settlement from taking effect. At the center of the controversy is a newly announced agreement between President Trump and his own Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ announced that Trump agreed to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the leak of his tax returns in exchange for the creation of a $1.776 billion fund for people claiming they were unfairly targeted by the Biden Administrat

WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) celebrated the passage of his Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs during its recent markup focused on delivering real solutions for America’s veterans and military families. The bill now advances for further consideration in the House of Representatives. “The successful passage of this bill through committee is an important step toward ensuring our servicemembers and veterans receive the care they deserve,” said Rep. Jackson. “Under Chairman Mike Bost’s leadership, Republican

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson signed a letter in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to utilize a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. In the letter, the members call on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners, and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. This bipartisan and bicameral letter, led by U.S. Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and Troy Carter (R-L

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today celebrated the advance of several priorities he champions impacting the health and wellbeing of American families out of the full Energy and Commerce Committee today. Among the bills advanced include: H.R. 8209  the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act This legislation would reauthorize the SBHC grant program. SBHCs help to deliver comprehensive primary health care services to millions of children across the country, including in NY-20 where Tonko represents. H.R. 3747, the Ac

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act, bipartisan legislation that provides parents who are unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition with financial assistance to purchase infant formula and donor breast milk.  This legislation is named for Constance C. McDaniel, a mother, army veteran, and advocate who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer in 2025. While pregnant, Constance underwent chemotherapy, and after her child was born, sh

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today applauds the passage of H.R. 1041, the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act. This legislation introduced by Bost prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from stripping veterans of their Second Amendment rights solely because they require financial assistance in managing their benefits. “Tonight the House passed my Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. No veteran should lose their Second Amendment rights simply because they need help managing their finances, but that is exactly what's been happening,” Chairman Bost said. “Witho

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act, sending Congressman Connolly’s final bill to the President’s desk. The House passed the bill in June 2025. “One year ago today, esophageal cancer took Gerry Connolly’s life. But the fight against this devastating disease is not over. Gerry made sure of that,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “For more than a decade, I had the honor of serving as Gerry’s Chief of Staff, learning from him, working alongside him,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) today introduced the Capitol Police Retirement Reform Act of 2026, legislation to count the overtime pay U.S. Capitol Police officers earn toward their federal pensions. The U.S. Capitol Police is understaffed, and roughly 25 percent of the force is currently retirement eligible. Too often, brave officers are forced to choose between continuing their service on the Capitol Police and moving to other federal law enforcement agencies that already count overtime toward retirement, where they can be

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 21, 2026… Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) led the markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 bill. The measure was approved by the Subcommittee. Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the markup, “The bill prioritizes transportation safety—on our railroads, highways, and in our skies—and ensures a responsible safety net with housing support for our most vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly, the disabled, veterans, and the working poor. […] This bi

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 21, 2026…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) led a public hearing on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Fiscal Year 2027 budget request with Secretary Sean Duffy serving as witness. Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “Our hearing today serves as an example of the reciprocal relationship between this Committee and the Executive Branch to ensure the appropriate resources are provided to DOT to meet our shared goals of sa

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Vern Buchanan (FL-13), and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the Semiconductor Superiority Act to amend the Section 48D Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit to explicitly include property and infrastructure for space-based semiconductor manufacturing. Section 48D of the Internal Revenue Code provides a tax credit to incentivize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. While Section 48D can be read to include next-generation semiconductor technologies developed in low-Earth orbit, it does not mention them explicitly. This bill clarifies that space-base

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), a consistent and outspoken advocate for building affordable housing, voted in favor of H. Res. 1299, amended legislation to strengthen and advance the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), a comprehensive package to expand housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen protections for renters and homeowners.  “For so many Vermonters, renting or owning a home is simply unaffordable right now. That’s why expanding access to affordable housing for Vermonters is one of my top priorities in Congress and I’m com

Washington, D.C. – 5/21/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the End Fraudulent Filings that Interfere with Elections Act, or the EFFIE Act. This legislation amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it a federal felony for any person seeking to be a candidate for federal office or any employee of that candidate to submit fraudulent signatures or documentation required for ballot access. The EFFIE Act would impose penalties of up to a $250,000 fine, up to five years in prison, or both for violations. “The introduction of this bill comes after hundreds of my

Bipartisan legislation passed Oversight Committee 40-0, corrects CBP error, and adds accountability safeguards WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced that his bipartisan U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Technical Corrections Act, introduced with Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform unanimously by a vote of 40-0. The legislation corrects a CBP error that caused certain officers to lose enhanced retirement benefits they were promised and planned around. The bill restores those benefi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that Congress has approved a Department of Veterans Affairs budget request of $1.6 billion to modernize the John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis. The VA funding bill, which is expected to be signed into law by President Trump, provides for construction of a new bed tower, mental health and substance abuse clinic, administrative facilities, parking garages, and central utility plant. . "Our veterans deserve world-class care, and that means making sure the facilities serving them are up to the task," said Bost. "The John Cochr

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz introduced the Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula Congressional Gold Medal Act. The bill would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Edinburg, Texas, native Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula. The legislation seeks to honor Sekula's courageous service and ultimate sacrifice for his country. Lance Corporal Sekula was the first Edinburg native to be killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was just 18 years old when he died on April 1, 2004, after sustaining injuries from enemy fire in Iraq. A proud Marine, Sekula had turned down an agricultu

Two bills targeting Medicare hospice fraud and COVID-era unemployment fraud clear committee.

The tens of millions of American small business owners deserve to know what options are out there.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, May 21, 2026, U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH) introduced the Protecting Enlisted and Recruits From Excessive and Catastrophic Trials (PERFECT) Act to reform how the Department of War handles cases involving servicemembers who accidentally use legally available dietary supplements that appear on the DOW’s prohibited list.   Current DOW policy treats possession of a banned dietary supplement as the same level offense as possession of a Schedule I drug, triggering mandatory administrative separation proceedings regardless of the intent or circumstance. Enliste