Lawler’s Bipartisan ADA 30 Days to Comply Act Passes House Judiciary Committee

Washington, D.C. – 3/26/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced that his bipartisan ADA 30 Days to Comply Act passed through the House Judiciary Committee. The bill received bipartisan support in the House Judiciary Committee, passing 16-8.

The ADA 30 Days to Comply Act will create a notice and cure period for businesses to ensure compliance with accessibility standards enacted through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It specifically allows for a 30-day remediation window to address any problems.

“Ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities should always be the priority, not prolonged and costly litigation. The ADA 30 Days to Comply Act takes a commonsense, bipartisan approach by empowering individuals to raise concerns while giving businesses a clear opportunity to address issues promptly. I am proud to see this legislation advance and look forward to working with my bipartisan colleagues to get this signed into law,” Congressman Lawler concluded.

Cosponsors include Reps. Luis Correa (CA-46) and Brian Mast (FL-21).

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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McGovern Leads Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Federal Focus on Link Between Diet and Chronic Disease

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), alongside Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Emilia Sykes (D-OH), led a bipartisan letter urging Congressional appropriators to provide essential funding to make healthy food and good nutrition a core pillar of America’s healthcare system as part of the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill.

In the letter to Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the bipartisan coalition emphasized the urgent need to address diet-related disease and rising healthcare costs through “Food is Medicine” initiatives.

“Good nutrition is fundamental for restoring and maintaining health,” the lawmakers wrote, noting that poor diets have “strong ties to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gut health, mental health, cancer, and more.”

The lawmakers’ request for federal funding and an enhanced focus on better nutrition comes amid an ongoing surge in the cost of treating diet-related diseases—an increase which is crushing healthcare systems, federal and state budgets, and private employers. Notably, the combined healthcare spending and lost productivity from poor diets and food insecurity are estimated to exceed $1.1 trillion each year, emphasizing the immediate need for congressional action.

“Further action must be taken to support food is medicine efforts,” the lawmakers concluded. “We have it in our power to save lives, improve nutrition, and lower health care costs by directing more federal resources toward better integrating nutrition into our healthcare system.”

Specifically, the bipartisan coalition is requesting targeted investments to expand research on food is medicine at NIH, additional funding for HHS to bolster ongoing food is medicine work and expand access to medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, enhanced nutrition support through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and continued efforts to address maternal health by helping clinics provide nutrition services to at-risk mothers.


Speaker Johnson: For the Third Time, Democrats Pledge Their Allegiance to Criminal Illegal Aliens Over American Citizens

WASHINGTON — This afternoon, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks after a bipartisan majority of House members voted to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security for a third time. Once again, the overwhelming majority of House Democrats refused to provide funding for TSA agents, disaster relief, and our national security and instead chose to prioritize the welfare of criminal illegal aliens.

“So, the question for the Democrats right now is, and it’s a serious question: how long is this going to go on? Are we going to wait until somebody brings a firearm on a passenger airplane? Are we going to wait until we have a natural disaster that we cannot take care of? This is not a game, but these are not serious people,” Speaker Johnson said. “And they have demonstrated once again that they are putting the welfare of criminal illegal aliens above American citizens.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

Below are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:

We are quite frustrated right now. We keep saying that the coming election is about a contrast for America between common sense and crazy. And you just saw it on display here once again. For the third time now, almost every Democrat in the House except for 4 voted against the bipartisan, bicameral Department of Homeland Security funding bill. It would reopen DHS and get our airports running again.

And they did that for one reason: because they are trying to protect criminal illegal aliens. That's what this entire debate is about. And there's no way for them to hide from that. And they keep putting votes on the board.

I have suggested, and I suggested yesterday in a press conference, we should probably take this vote tally, blow it up on a poster and put it at every airport terminal around America. The Democrats just voted for the third time to make you stand in those long lines and to jeopardize our country.

You think at what's at stake right now. We have noted that the Department of Homeland Security is the third largest department of the federal government. We have 10 agencies in DHS. They happen to be all the agencies whose job it is to keep Americans safe.

You're talking about FEMA. Do you know that our disaster relief funds are being depleted right now? You're talking about TSA; you're talking about the Coast Guard. They're not getting paychecks right now. And that's why we have all this calamity and all of this danger.

So, the question for the Democrats right now is, and it’s a serious question: how long is this going to go on? Are we going to wait until somebody brings a firearm on a passenger airplane? Are we going to wait till we have a natural disaster that we cannot take care of? This is not a game, but these are not serious people.

And they have demonstrated once again that they are putting the welfare of criminal illegal aliens above American citizens. We are mourning the death of Sheridan Gorman, a young college student from Chicago who was murdered by an illegal alien because of Democrat policies.

Joe Biden had the border wide open. The Democrats in the White House in the last administration left the border wide open. They apprehended this guy, the murderer, and they let him go. And then he went to Chicago. Why there? Because that's a sanctuary city.

They arrested him there for another crime, and they put him out on the streets again. And he shot a young American citizen, a college student in the head, from the back. This is what's happening in America because these people are putting the welfare of criminal illegal aliens over Americans.

This is a vote tally; I just wanted to bring a little visual aid. We just print these out after the votes. This is the resolution right before the funding bill. The resolution was to “Express the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security.” Here's your vote tally: every Republican obviously voted yes. 187 Democrats voted against a resolution to support the Department of Homeland Security.

Here's a real profile in courage for the 13 who voted present. They don't even have the guts to tell you what they stand for. This upcoming election, again, is a contrast for America. It's a contrast between common sense and crazy. And the Democrats are making crazy policy decisions right now, and it is hurting real Americans. And we've had enough of them.

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Griffith Statement on IOC Ban of Male Athletes in Women’s Sports

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s competitions at the Olympics. These new rules will apply beginning at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. In response to this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“This latest action by the IOC will ensure level playing fields prevail in future Olympic competitions. Women athletes are finally being protected!

“As the supporter of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, I call on Democrats in the House and Senate to take a stand for fairness, integrity and the truth. Men should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

In the 118th Congress, he helped lead the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee in the panel’s efforts to push the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to take actions to root out cheating. For a hearing on this topic, Chairman Griffith invited U.S. swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt to testify.

In 2025, Congressman Griffith supported the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025.

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Norman Introduces Election Infrastructure Integrity Act to Safeguard U.S. Elections

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced the Election Infrastructure Integrity Act, legislation to prevent foreign adversaries from targeting the U.S. electoral process through cyber operations, supply chains, or investment vehicles.

At a time when foreign adversaries are actively probing vulnerabilities in U.S. systems, this legislation takes direct action to prevent interference through cyber operations, supply chains, and foreign-backed investment in election vendors.

This bill requires the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to establish and maintain a publicly accessible Election Vendor Transparency Database, ensuring that federal and state officials, and the American people, have clear visibility into the entities involved in facilitating U.S. elections.

Currently, there is no federal requirement for public disclosure of election system vendor contracts, ownership structures, or beneficial ownership. This lack of transparency creates blind spots that can be exploited by foreign actors seeking to undermine confidence in American elections.

“The American people deserve to know exactly who is involved in facilitating their elections,” said Congressman Norman. “Foreign adversaries are not sitting on the sidelines. They are actively looking for ways to exploit weaknesses in our system. I introduced this bill to bring sunlight to an area that has operated in the shadows for far too long and provide those safeguards essential to protecting our fundamental and sacred right to vote.”

This bill will ensure that, within 30 days after each federal election, states must report:

The names of all private vendors supplying voting machines, tabulators, election software, ballot printing, and technical support services,

Contract details, including duration and general scope of services,

Corporate ownership structures, including parent companies and major beneficial owners, and

Any foreign ownership, investment, or controlling interest in election-related vendors.

In actively protecting the electoral process, this Act will ensure that U.S. citizens, and only U.S. citizens, are determining the outcomes of U.S. elections. This will restore much-needed transparency, trust, and security to the voting process.

Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind and Adam Pack wrote an exclusive on the bill, which you can read HERE.


Nunn, Wasserman Schultz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Fertility Services

“As a father of six, I’ll never have a more important title than ‘Dad.’ Starting a family is one of the biggest dreams couples have, and no one should be denied that opportunity because of infertility, cancer treatments, or cost,” said Rep. Nunn. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes sure that fertility care is within reach for every family — not just those who can afford it or happen to have the right insurance plan. This isn’t a Republican or Democrat idea — it’s an American one, and I’m proud of the strong bipartisan support behind it.”

For families in Iowa and across the country, infertility affects roughly one in six people, with cost remaining the single greatest barrier to care. A single in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle can cost between $12,000 and $25,000, and many patients require multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy. At the same time, insurance coverage varies widely by state and employer, leaving millions of Americans without access to the care they need to start or grow their family.

“Infertility impacts millions of families and it doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone who wants to start or grow a family,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I know firsthand. Thanks to IVF, my husband and I conceived our twins, now both healthy young adults. But after enduring that struggle, I’ve fought to expand insurance coverage for the prohibitively costly fertility treatments that can make this only accessible to the very few who can afford it. As a breast cancer survivor, I’m also concerned with how a diagnosis, and treatments can affect survivors’ ability to conceive or even prevent cancer from being genetically passed on. So, for many survivors with a BRCA gene mutation, like me, IVF can be a godsend.”

The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would require group health plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services. This includes individuals diagnosed with conditions that prevent conception or carrying a pregnancy to term, those experiencing unexplained infertility, and patients whose fertility is at risk due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other invasive procedures.

The legislation builds on actions taken by the Trump Administration to expand access to fertility care. On February 18, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing agencies to reduce fertility treatment costs. The Administration subsequently advanced discounted fertility medications through TrumpRx and issued guidance to increase employer flexibility in offering fertility benefits. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act establishes a legislative framework to complement these executive actions — particularly in the employer-sponsored insurance market, where executive authority alone cannot reach.

“So many loving couples want to start a family but struggle with infertility. With soaring out-of-pocket costs for in vitro treatment and other fertility care, Americans are oftentimes prevented from being able to have children,” said Rep. Malliotakis. “Even for Americans with health insurance plans that provide some coverage, this critical treatment can be cost-prohibitive. This legislation would expand coverage and provide access to fertility treatments for millions of Americans who dream of expanding their family but have faced difficulties due to disease, ailment or unexplained infertility.”

“Insurance coverage and cost should never be a barrier to anyone’s dream of starting a family. This bipartisan bill will ensure infertility is treated like another medical condition, so people can get the care they need,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I am proud to join my colleagues on this long overdue legislation to expand family building options to all who need and want them.”

“For millions of Americans, the ability to build a family is deeply personal—but too often, it is made unnecessarily difficult by cost and limited access to care,” said Rep. Lee. “Infertility affects families in every corner of our country, regardless of background or income, yet access to treatment too often depends on those very factors—and that is not acceptable. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act is about changing that by ensuring families have a real opportunity—not just in theory, but in practice—to grow and thrive. This bipartisan legislation gives Americans what they deserve: the chance to pursue the American Dream and the hope of becoming parents. Strong families are the foundation of a strong nation, and this bill is an investment in the future of our country.”

“My grandkids are one of the greatest joys of my life and they wouldn’t be here today without fertility services. The average cost of IVF treatment can cost anywhere between $15,000-$30,000 and most insurance plans are not required to cover this cost,” said Rep. Norcross. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes starting a family possible for the millions of Americans across the country who struggle to bring a child into our world. I won’t ever stop fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all who need it.”

“Infertility affects 1 in 6 people, yet the majority of private insurance plans do not cover fertility treatment, leaving patients to face costs that often put parenthood out of reach,” said Danielle Melfi, CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association. “No one should be denied the chance to build a family because of a lack of insurance coverage. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would help address these gaps by expanding coverage for 133 million Americans who have private sector employer-sponsored health plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Our team at RESOLVE is encouraged to see Congressman Nunn and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz leading the charge on legislation that could help ease the financial burden for parents on their journey to building the families of their dreams.”

“After losing our first son to Krabbe Disease, IVF gave us hope and the chance to have a healthy child,” said Kasey Feldt, a patient-advocate. “Our insurance didn’t cover IVF, so we used our savings to pay out-of-pocket, and every shot, procedure, and dollar was worth it to bring our sons Lukas and Harper into the world. Access to fertility treatment shouldn’t depend on what someone can afford, having insurance coverage can make all the difference for people trying to build their families. I’m excited to see lawmakers taking the steps to make that a reality.”

“As infertility doctors, one of the greatest challenges we face is the ability to diagnose a condition that we cannot treat because a patient lacks insurance coverage,” said Dr. Valerie Lynn Baker, MD, Member of the ASRM Board of Directors and 2024 PRIMED Scholar. “Simply put, other diseases are not approached this way. Without coverage, patients are often driven towards riskier, more costly treatment options that can lead to downstream health complications for both the pregnant person and baby. We sincerely thank Representatives Nunn and Wasserman Schultz for their leadership on the HOPE with Fertility Services Act—because when IVF is covered, physicians can truly provide patient-centered care.”

“Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization, and it is time we treat it that way,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer. “At ASRM, we firmly believe that access to care should never depend on a person’s ability to pay—every patient who needs care should be able to receive it. Yet without comprehensive insurance coverage, that is too often not the reality. We applaud Representatives Nunn and Wasserman Schultz for recognizing the gap in IVF coverage and the need for a federal ERISA plan mandate. If enacted, the HOPE with Fertility Services Act will help ensure that approximately 133 million Americans with ERISA employer-sponsored health plans have access to the care they need to build the families they choose.”

“For too many American families, the dream of having a child is limited not by medical possibility, but by financial barriers,” said Dr. Joshua Klein, MD, Americans for IVF Advisory Board Member. “As a physician, I see every day how access to IVF can be life-changing—and how devastating it is when that access is out of reach. The HOPE Act is a critical step toward ensuring that building a family is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a possibility for all Americans who need it.”

The HOPE with Fertility Services Act is cosponsored by Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Young Kim (CA-40), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Greg Landsman (OH-01). The bill is endorsed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, the Tzedek Association, and Americans for IVF.

Rep. Nunn introduced the legislation today during a press conference alongside physicians and patient-advocates at the House Triangle in Washington, D.C.

The full press conference can be found here.

B-roll from the press conference can be found here.

Text of the bill can be found here.

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Pressley, Min Introduce Bill to Provide Oversight on Deaths Caused by ICE

Legislation Requires DHS Evidence in ICE-related Injuries and Deaths be Turned Over to Congress, Including Body Cameras, Incident Reports

Pressley Has Stood in Vigorous Defense of Immigrant Communities in MA 7th and Nationwide, Fighting to Bring Detained Neighbors Home

Bill Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Dave Min (CA-47) introduced the DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026 to increase transparency and government oversight regarding injuries and deaths caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. This legislation would address the rising number of individuals who are injured or killed during immigration enforcement arrests or while in the custody of ICE facilities.

This bill follows recent oversight visits Representatives Min and Pressley took to ICE facilities in their communities, seeking answers into the conditions of these facilities.

“The lives lost at the hands of ICE agents in broad daylight and behind the walls of inhumane detention centers require full investigations—and our bill would help the truth come to light,” said Rep. Pressley. “I’m proud to partner with Rep. Min to introduce the DHS Use of Force Transparency Act to bring accountability and healing to families whose loved ones have been hurt or murdered by ICE agents. We are requiring all DHS evidence related to these harmful incidents be turned over to Congress because Congress cannot conduct oversight when critical evidence is withheld or obscured. We will not stand idly by while rogue federal agents—emboldened by the Trump White House—brutalize our communities and cover it up with lies and confusion.”

“2025 was only the beginning of an alarming trend of increased use-of-force incidents by ICE agents and deaths of ICE detainees,” said Representative Min. “At least three Americans are dead while numerous others were injured because of ICE and CBP officers’ actions, yet barely any data is available. Congress must assert its oversight authority to investigate these abuses and protect Americans from aggressive, inadequately trained officers.”

The DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026 Would:

Require the Secretary of Homeland Security, within 30 days of enactment, to provide all documents and materials to the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee relating to:

Any DHS officer-involved shooting since January 20, 2025, resulting in injury or death; and

Any death occurring in DHS custody since that date.

Specify that production must include items like:

All video/audio footage (body-worn cameras, dash cams, surveillance, drone footage, etc.);

Incident and investigative reports (use-of-force reports, internal affairs files, supervisory reviews, medical reports, dispatch logs, etc.); and

Mandate that DHS produces materials in unredacted form to the maximum extent permitted by law, with any redactions must be accompanied by written justification citing the specific legal authority relied upon.

This bill is endorsed by Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), Center For Law & Social Policy (CLASP), California Immigration Policy Center (CIPC), Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL).

“Everyone deserves to live in safe communities, regardless of what they look like, the language they speak, or the color of their skin,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. “We cannot continue to allow our government to terrorize and inflict violence on communities with impunity. Our government has used our flawed immigration system to abduct our neighbors, create deadly chaos in our streets and terrorize our schools, churches, and businesses. You cannot create safety through fear, abduction, and zero accountability. By requiring transparency from DHS around the injuries and deaths caused by DHS officials since January 2025, this bill emphasizes that our government is accountable to its people. The DHS Use of Force Transparency Act is a necessary step toward safeguarding human dignity, protecting families, and ensuring our government upholds the rule of law. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is proud to endorse this legislation, and we call on Congress to pass it without delay.”

“Immigration enforcement under the Trump administration has become violent, deadly, and over‑militarized which is why the DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026 is a critical safeguard. In the 2026 fiscal year alone, 23 people have lost their lives, and countless others have endured physical and psychological trauma as a direct result of DHS’ enforcement practices,” said Melissa Shepard, Director of Legal Services at Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef).” Our communities are living under siege, and none of this makes anyone safer. This legislation brings a level of transparency and oversight that is urgently needed in a system that operated unchecked by the Constitution and unrestrained by basic standards of accountability. We applaud Congressmembers Min, Pressley, Norton, and Swalwell for fighting to hold DHS accountable and for insisting that constitutional rights and human dignity are not optional for DHS.”

Text of the bill can be accessed here.

In the Massachusetts 7th, Rep. Pressley has recognized and supported the many families torn apart and children suffering from the detention of a loved one—including harrowing attacks on Massachusetts families in their daily lives, abductions of dedicated workers at the Allston car wash, visiting Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk during her unlawful detention and pushing to bring her home, and more.

In March 2026, Rep. Pressley visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston Field Office in Burlington, to conduct oversight of the operations and conditions of the facility. Rep. Pressley engaged with ICE staff and leadership in a closed-door tour and discussion in the facility.

In February 2026, Rep. Pressley convened immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners, community advocates, and municipal leaders to hear of the essential role that immigrant-owned small businesses play in Massachusetts’ economy and communities and how they are suffering under Trump’s attacks.

In January 2026, Rep. Pressley and Senator Markey held a field hearing with members of the Haitian community on the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Testimony was documented in the Congressional Record.

Rep. Pressley also leads a discharge petition that could compel the House vote on a bill to require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years.

In February 2026, during Oversight Democrats’ bicameral shadow hearing on the use of violence by ICE, Rep. Pressley demanded Congress end qualified immunity to ensure federal law enforcement officers are held accountable for breaking the law and murdering civilians. Rep. Pressley called on her colleagues not to settle for bare minimum reforms in funding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security, instead urging them to fight to rebalance power and restore accountability.

In January 2026, at the invitation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Pressley went to Minneapolis to meet with organizers and community members impacted by ICE’s violent operation in Minnesota, where they have murdered bystanders, terrorized schools and small businesses, and abducted children and parents.

Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026, which builds on the lawmakers’ prior work by granting victims the right to sue federal law enforcement officers—not just state and local—for civil rights violations and abolishing the defense of qualified immunity in these suits. The expanded legislation would help deliver accountability for families abused by law enforcement, including ICE agents.

Congresswoman Pressley delivered a floor speech on the need to end qualified immunity for federal law enforcement, including immigration officers. Watch the floor speech here.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Pressley condemned the ICE murder of Renee Good in Minnesota and motioned to subpoena all records and footage related to the shooting, but Republicans obstructed it. Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s motion to subpoena is here.

In December 2025, Rep. Pressley convened and welcomed home the workers and families

impacted by the cruel and unlawful ICE raid at an Allston car wash in November. Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor condemning the Allston ICE raid and defended the vibrant immigrant communities who are being maliciously stolen from their homes, ripped from their families, and unlawfully detained and deported by the Trump Administration and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In June 2025, Congresswoman Pressley convened immigrant justice advocates, local leaders, and impacted families to tell Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Hands off our immigrant neighbors.

Rep. Pressley has also been an outspoken critic against the unlawful detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, Somerville resident, and constituent of the Congresswoman’s who was unlawfully detained for weeks in retaliation for her protected speech. After weeks of advocacy and Congressional oversight, including a visit to detention centers in Louisiana, Rep. Pressley and Senator Ed Markey welcomed Ms. Öztürk to Massachusetts following her arrival from ICE detention in Louisiana.

Rep. Pressley has also spoken out against reports of ICE activity in the MA 7th and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

As a leading voice and legislator, Rep. Pressley’s advocacy to protect children from abuse and trauma dates back to her days as a Boston City Councilor. In her first term in Congress, she partnered with the late Chairman Elijah Cummings to hold the first Congressional hearing on childhood trauma on the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Rep. Pressley leads the STRONG Support for Children Act, which would support communities in addressing childhood trauma through healing-centered, neighborhood-based, gender-responsive, culturally specific, and trauma-informed approaches that acknowledge the impact of systemic racism and inequities over generations. She has called for such trauma-informed and child-centered approaches to every issue, including: surging baby formula to Gaza, addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, addressing sexual harassment targeting children and women girls, committing to end gun violence, and more.

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VIDEO: On House Floor, Pressley Speaks to Survivors of Sexual Violence After Dolores Huerta, Others Shared Their Stories

Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Speaks to Survivors of Sexual Violence After Dolores Huerta, Others Shared Their Stories

U.S. House of Representatives

March 26, 2026

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to speak to survivors of sexual violence in my district, across the country, and around the world.

As a survivor of sexual violence myself, your stories matter. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. The shame that you carry, that was never yours to carry.

For too long, survivors have suffered in silence while abusers have carried on without consequence.

Last week, our sister survivor, Dolores Huerta shared her story publicly for the first time.

She revealed that she feared if she came forward, there would be no justice or accountability, only the vilification of a workers’ movement she had dedicated her life to. The burden, the pain, the silence she carried.

For women and mothers, it’s far too often an experience, the brutal violence, only to hide their pain, wake up every day, carrying on for their children, for their community, for their family, while they are shattered inside.

No survivor should have to suffer in silence. Society tells us our silence will stop the shame and trauma. It does not.

And while I will always respect and fight for survivors who choose privacy if it is part of their healing journey, I want you to know that I believe you.

I believe you if your voice shakes. I believe you if it happened decades ago. I believe you if you shared your story in real time or buried it away for years.

I believe you.

Abusers may think they wield power through violent acts, but let me tell you, anyone who violates another person in this way is small and broken.

They should not be feared. They should be named, shamed and held accountable for survivors everywhere.


VIDEO: Pressley Demands Consumer Protections in Digital Finance, Condemns Trump Profiteering

Transcript: Pressley Demands Consumer Protections in Digital Finance, Condemns Trump Profiteering

House Financial Services Committee

March 25, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: We’re talking today about tokens and digital assets and I just want to, for those watching at home, just really center the American public and my constituents of the Massachusetts 7th.

It seems everything and everyone is being attacked, except for affordability, and people are really struggling.

They are struggling to pay for their rent, groceries, gas and medical bills. They are exhausted by the constant chaos coming out of this White House and Donald Trump and his co-conspirators are making millions at the expense of everyday working people.

Trump and Republicans in Congress are continuing to try and weaken the SEC and make it harder for them to protect investors and consumers.

Mr. Banaei, you worked at the SEC and CFTC, and now you work in digital finance. Previously, you mentioned that you think regulators could have played more of a role in shaping these emerging technologies years ago. Can you just expound and elaborate on how the SEC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, could have exercised oversight of these technologies and protect consumers?

MR. BANAEI: The same decisions that the current SEC is thinking about, you know, could have also been, those authorities could have been exercised under the last administration. A different strategy was undertaken, and we could talk about it sometime. But I think the hardest thing for the SEC to do right now is, for example, looking at the whole myriad rules under reg NMS, including the order protection rule, which was mentioned earlier, and conducting industry outreach and roundtables in order to try to understand how we can bridge the gap between, for example, the public price feed, the securities information processor, the SIP, and on chain-based trading, for example, integrating data both on chain and off chain through connectivity between the SIP and US regulated liquidity pools. These are all issues that can be surmounted, but it requires extensive fact finding, and I would encourage this SEC to engage in that fact finding alongside the other efforts it’s doing. Otherwise it’s going to lead to the same lack of progress. Thank you.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Banaei. Mr. Zecca, I’m interested in NASDAQ’s approach to tokenization as a way that empowers shareholders to hold companies accountable. Are you working with consumer groups and advocacy organizations or other stakeholders on that goal, and how can interested parties like myself be involved?

MR. ZECCA: Well, thank you for the question. You know we’re not directly in touch because we’re sort of with the exchange. We’re not with the end customer. I do know that there are intermediaries who do speak to various groups, and we’re happy to demo our technology for anyone.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, alright. Well, I’m gonna take you up on that. Mr. Zecca, on the record, would you commit to working with my office as we move forward in that process?

And I just really do believe, as we innovate, that we have to have advocates and impacted consumers. They should be at the table. Okay, will you commit to that?

MR. ZECCA: Yes, happy, to work with you.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, excellent. All right, Mr. Bentsen, as a former member of Congress, I know you understand the importance of the public trust. Do you agree that there should be laws around digital assets so members of Congress or the president, for example, cannot unjustly enrich themselves or abuse their position. My time is short, yes or no?

MR. BENTSEN: Yes, we’re on record saying Congress should write rules around digital assets that are not securities.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, alright. For the record, I’m certainly not against innovation. I have introduced legislation to advance financial technology in a way to protect consumers, not harm them, evade the law, or enrich the pockets of the already wealthy and well-connected.

As we innovate, we should not exploit and leave communities behind, and we should not let Trump continue to make money and put our economy at risk by changing or not enforcing the laws created to protect consumers.

Thank you and I yield back.


VIDEO: Pressley Slams GOP for Denying TSA Workers Pay, Highlights Project 2025 Plot to Privatize, De-Unionize TSA

Transcript: Pressley Slams GOP for Denying TSA Workers Pay, Highlights Project 2025 Plot to Privatize, De-Unionize TSA

U.S. House of Representatives

March 26, 2026

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today on behalf of our dedicated TSA workers—workers throughout the country, including in the Massachusetts 7th who take pride in their essential work and they call Boston Logan International Airport their employer.

They have gone 40 days without pay for their essential work.

The Trump administration does not care about protecting our workers or serving the travelling public.

This is all a ploy for power and pushing an inhumane agenda against our immigrant neighbors.

Now, let’s go back to Project 2025.

I was a co-founder of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force here in the House.

Project 2025 proposed privatizing TSA screening, shifting airport workers away from the government and its protections and into the hands of private contractors. It called for the de-unionizing of TSA workers immediately.

What we see unfolding right now—this is not a contingency plan. It was always the plan.

And to bring in ICE agents, who continue to be paid, as if they will be able to step in for these highly trained, dedicated, and still unpaid TSA workers is not a solution.

Mr. Speaker, these are the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors, who are strained by missing paychecks and an inability to put food on the table.

Democrats have put forward multiple proposals to keep key agencies such as TSA and FEMA funded, while not giving another cent to ICE.

Republicans have refused each and every time. The cruelty is truly the point.


Raskin Introduces Slate of Bipartisan Legislation to Tackle America’s Mental Health Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation to invest in critically needed initiatives that help Americans experiencing mental health crises. As a rising number of Americans struggle with their mental health, the Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act and the 9-8-8 Connect Act would provide federal funding to organizations in our communities that are already working to support people in crisis and in recovery.

“Tens of millions of Americans have either suffered a mental health crisis or know a close loved one who has,” said Rep. Raskin. “For too many, seeking help can feel frightening or out of reach. Our bipartisan bills will help mental health care providers do their jobs and expand access to care for the many Americans who need it.”

The STOP Suicide Act, led by Rep. Raskin and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), expands access to evidence-based stabilization care for individuals with serious thoughts of suicide. Stabilization services can help patients reduce or eliminate imminent suicide risk and manage dangerous impulses, keeping them safe while relieving pressure on law enforcement and emergency rooms. This legislation will create a new grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand access to effective and timely outpatient and virtual stabilization care and treatment.

“People experiencing serious thoughts of suicide often find themselves without support and timely treatment,” said Rep. Bacon. “The STOP Suicide Act will provide an important tool that will help create needed programs to deliver outpatient or telehealth stabilization services. I’m pleased to join Rep. Raskin on this legislation that will help community health centers, rural health clinics, and others create and manage these programs.”

“In 2023, 49,316 people died by suicide and 12.8 million adults experienced serious thoughts of suicide in the United States. Research shows that even brief evidence-based suicide interventions can help people manage suicidal thoughts and increase connection to follow-up care,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “AFSP is proud to support the Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act, which supports suicide-specific stabilization services for individuals experiencing serious thoughts of suicide, helping people access interventions in the least restrictive setting possible, while relieving pressure on emergency departments and law enforcement. AFSP thanks Representative Raskin and Representative Bacon for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this important legislation.

This legislation is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the American Psychological Association.

The 9-8-8 Connect Act, led by Rep. Raskin and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), connects individuals experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis with follow-up services and expands access to the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Follow-up services may include check-ins to assess well-being and level of risk, and outreach to engage at-risk individuals in services.

“A serious crisis response cannot end with the first point of contact. It must be strong enough to help carry people from a moment of danger toward stability, support, and care. The 9-8-8 Connect Act takes a smart, targeted step in that direction by strengthening follow-up support, improving access to 9-8-8, and helping direct resources where service gaps are most acute. Through my work as Co-chair of Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force and partnership with our incredible PA-1 advocates, I have seen firsthand how important that continuity can be. This is the kind of practical, life-saving reform that can close dangerous gaps and help build a better crisis response system for the people who depend on it,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

This legislation is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

If you need immediate mental-health support at any time of day, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Read the full text of the Stop Suicide Act here and the 9-8-8 Connect Act here.

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Raskin, Merkley Legislation Would Ban Prediction Market Gambling on Elections, Sports, War and Government Activity

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced new legislation to crack down on often-times corrupt prediction markets.

Raskin and Merkley’s STOP Corrupt Bets Act responds to the recent explosion of prediction markets, which now offer event contracts on everything from elections to sports and acts of war. The bicameral bill would ban prediction market betting on elections, government actions, sports and military actions. These areas are not commodities and have little-to-no value in helping business investments. Initially, event contracts were created to be financial instruments for industries, particularly farmers, to use to hedge against potential losses.

“The oligarchs and opportunists are using prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket to enrich themselves. But democracy isn’t about insider gambling on our common future, it’s about everyone making our common future together. Placing bets on public policy and political events informed by insider knowledge and insider manipulation spreads civic cynicism and distrust in our democratic institutions," said Rep. Raskin. “By banning bets on elections, legislation, acts of war and other government actions, we can oppose corrupt attempts to rig our democracy and profit from the fix, and we can redeem public faith in the idea that government is an instrument for the common good and not a casino.”

“When anyone can use prediction markets to make a well-timed bet on Congress passing a bill, government decisions, or a military strike, it’s ripe for corruption and erodes public trust,” said Sen. Merkley. “The STOP Corrupt Bets Act restores the original intent of prediction markets and prevents these markets from further eroding our democratic institutions and turning them into a casino. I’m ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to crack down on this bad bet for democracy and restore our vision of government ‘of, by, and for the people,’ not government ‘of, by, and for the powerful.’”

Prior to 2024, event contracts on elections, sports, and government actions did not exist in the United States. A lawsuit brought by Wall Street firm Kalshi paved the way for election betting just months before that year’s presidential election, and the 2026 midterm elections will be the first full election cycle that allows election gambling. This is happening at the same time as reports of individuals using prediction markets to place suspiciously timed bets and earn massive payouts following the fall of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, ouster of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and military actions against Iran.

The STOP Corrupt Bets Act would:

Explicitly prohibit event contracts on:

Elections and their outcome;

Government actions across all branches unless there’s a commercial hedging need;

Sports, and;

U.S. or foreign military actions.

Clarify that the intent of Congress in the original statute was that these markets are already against the intent of the Commodity Exchange Act, and that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) must enforce and prevent any market that doesn’t have a commercial hedging value to prevent unregulated gambling.

Clarify that nothing in this bill preempts any State law that regulates or prohibits gambling or gaming.

Require the non-partisan, independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on prediction markets, insider trading, preventing any other markets that are “gaming” or gambling, the impact on children, and ways Congress can rein in offshore illegal bets.

This legislation also returns the power of regulating gambling to the states by ensuring they can choose to allow gambling and regulate it under state jurisdiction or prohibit it. Notably, this legislation does not prohibit state-regulated gambling, including traditional sports gambling. At least 20 federal suits have been filed against platforms offering prediction markets for their products that are akin to gambling, in direct violation of state law.

The STOP Corrupt Bets Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Raskin and Merkley’s bill is supported by Public Citizen, Americans for Financial Reform (AFR), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Project On Government Oversight (POGO) and Democracy Defenders Action.

"The prediction market industry has become nothing more than a gambling business by any other name. Recent bets on prediction market platforms on, say, the killing of a national leader or the price of oil that were placed moments before the federal government took actions causing those bets to become reality, suggests those bettors may have had insider information. The federal government should not be in the business of trying to run casinos. The 'STOP Corrupt Bets Act of 2026' by Sen. Merkley and Rep. Raskin would prevent prediction markets from operating as casinos and is heartily endorsed by Public Citizen,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.

“Recent high-profile instances of bets on war, elections and other political actions underscore the need for better regulation of prediction markets," said Donald Sherman, President and CEO of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). "These types of event contracts present clear ethical concerns. The STOP Corrupt Bets Act clarifies and extends the law to the most dangerous types of bets in order to combat the risk of bad actors circumventing existing state and federal laws and attempting to manipulate government actions to their own advantage.”

"Prediction market platforms must be clear and consistent on what event contracts are allowed and prohibited. Allowing bets on political events, government actions, and military matters undermines public trust and invites corruption. POGO is proud to endorse Sen. Merkley and Rep. Raskin's legislation as a crucial step toward meaningful oversight," said Janice Luong, Policy Associate, Project On Government Oversight.

Full text of the STOP Corrupt Bets Act can be found here.

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Representatives Ross, McCormick, Amo Introduce Resolution to Designate a National Science Appreciation Day

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Gabe Amo (RI-01), members of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the designation of today, March 26, as National Science Appreciation Day – the date the Polio vaccine was developed. This national observance would provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate American scientific achievements and inspire the next generation of leaders in these fields.

“Science is at the heart of progress, driving advancements in health, technology, environmental sustainability, and more,” said Congresswoman Ross. “I am proud to represent a district that includes much of the Research Triangle Park – a community that fundamentally understands the power of science to change lives for the better. Establishing a National Science Day will serve as a reminder of the critical role that science plays in our economies and communities and uplift America’s role as a global leader of innovation and discovery.”

"I am proud to co-lead a resolution introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) expressing support for designating March 26th as National Science Day in the United States. This resolution highlights the critical role STEM workers and innovation play in strengthening our economy and global competitiveness, while creating an opportunity to recognize America’s extraordinary achievements in science and technology," said Congressman McCormick.

“Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has long stood at the leading edge of scientific discovery, advancing blue economy innovations, renewable energy breakthroughs, and lifesaving research driven by our world-class institutions,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I am proud to co-lead Congresswoman Ross’s and Congressman McCormick's efforts to designate today, March 26th, National Science Appreciation Day to celebrate STEM workers and American innovation.”

In 2024, Congresswoman Ross led a bipartisan group of her colleagues in sending a letter urging President Biden to designate October 1, 2024 –- or another appropriate day – as National Science Day in the United States. In 2021, Congresswoman Ross first introduced a resolution to designate a National Science Day.


Rep. Sara Jacobs Reiterates Call to Break Up DHS

After voting against H. Res. 1128, Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) reiterated her call to break up and restructure the Department of Homeland Security.

Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “After 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security was created to fix major security failures – but instead helped build a permanent domestic surveillance state. With a broad mandate and limited oversight, DHS has enabled mass data collection on Americans: buying our data from brokers, scanning our fingerprints and faces at airports, monitoring our social media, tracking license plates, and expanding border operations deeper into the interior. It then shares often racially-biased and poorly vetted information, frequently gathered without a warrant, with federal, state, and local governments and the private sector, where it can easily be weaponized. Despite little evidence that this has made us safer, DHS has continued to push the envelope of its mandate and its authorities to monitor, surveil, and collect information about Americans. And unfortunately, the Republican Party, better known as the Party of the PATRIOT Act, has further emboldened this rogue agency and given it a blank check to violate the rights and civil liberties of the American people. That needs to end, and the Department of Homeland Security should be broken up and fundamentally restructured.”


Congresswoman Scanlon, Senator Murphy Introduce Legislation to Ban Private Equity Ownership of Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) this week introduced the Take Back Our Hospitals Act, legislation that would prohibit private equity firms from owning hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. The bill responds to a growing crisis driven by private equity’s takeover of health care providers across the country—a model that has produced higher prices, worse care, mass layoffs, and a record wave of health care bankruptcies, stripping communities of the hospitals they depend on.

Rep. Scanlon has led a continuing effort to sound the alarm on private equity’s takeover of medicine. Shortly after she took office, Rep. Scanlon raised concerns over the financial practices of Leonard Green & Partners that placed Prospect Medical Holdings facilities and patients at risk, and has continued to criticize reductions in service, facility closures, and harmful business practices. She raised the issue in oversight hearings with the Federal Trade Commission, and in June 2024, she led House and Senate colleagues in submitting a detailed response to a landmark cross-government inquiry by the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services on consolidation and corporate greed in health care markets. Rep. Scanlon’s submission detailed the damage inflicted on Crozer Health and Hahnemann University Hospital by their respective private equity owners, and called on regulators to treat long-term financial viability as a factor in antitrust review of health care mergers.

“What happened to Crozer Health is a cautionary tale for communities all over the country. Prospect Medical Holdings, a private equity firm, acquired the Crozer Health system, promising increased investment and better care. Instead, it drove Crozer into bankruptcy, closing four hospitals, laying off 2,600 health care professionals, and leaving Delaware County with just two hospitals to serve its 585,000 residents,” said Rep. Scanlon. “This is what happens when private equity treats our hospitals as cash cows. We cannot allow Wall Street’s race for profits to shutter more hospitals and nursing homes. The Take Back Our Hospitals Act will ensure that hospitals and nursing homes exist to serve patients, not Wall Street investors.”

“Private equity’s general business model is pretty simple: find hospitals that are in dire financial straits, make promises to fix things and then squeeze every cent they can out of patients before leaving communities to deal with the wreckage," said Senator Murphy. “I saw this happen in Connecticut and it was devastating for patients and for the doctors and nurses who were desperately trying to take care of people as facilities were falling apart and supplies ran short. Patient care, not profit, should be the priority in hospital and nursing home care, and my legislation would get these firms out of health care and allow hospitals and nursing homes to put care first.”

“We didn’t just witness the devastating consequences of private equity ownership during the collapse of Crozer Health in Delaware County—we were on the ground and at the bedside, living through it in real time. We saw what happens when profit is prioritized over patient care: Patients, frontline healthcare workers, and entire communities pay the price in the moment, and they continue to pay the price for years afterward," said Maureen May, RN, president of PASNAP, the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, which represents more than 11,000 frontline caregivers across Pennsylvania. "Private equity used Crozer as a piggy bank, ruthlessly and systematically draining what was once a four-hospital health system of every penny, and healthcare in Delaware County is still destabilized today, a year after Crozer's doors closed. Surrounding hospitals are still struggling to deal with the flood of patients, and community members are still struggling to access care. The Take Back Our Hospitals Act is a critical step toward ensuring this doesn't happen anywhere else, ever again, and PASNAP is proud to support this effort to protect our patients, our hospitals, and our healthcare system.”

The Take Back Our Hospitals Act would bar hospitals and skilled nursing facilities from receiving Medicare funds if they are owned by a private equity company, effectively prohibiting private equity ownership of these providers. To protect patients and ensure continuity of care, the bill provides a three-year transition period for private equity-owned providers to complete a sale or transfer.

Private equity investment in health care has grown from $5 billion in 2000 to an estimated $104 billion in 2024. The consequences have been severe: studies show private equity ownership leads to higher prices, staffing cuts, and worse patient outcomes, and 2023 set a record for private equity-owned health care bankruptcies. The Take Back Our Hospitals Act would close the door on this failed model and ensure that patient care remains the primary obligation of hospitals and nursing homes.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, Public Citizen, Private Equity Stakeholder Project, Center for Health and Democracy, Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, Service Employees International Union, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, Community Catalyst, National Nurses United, and the Committee to Protect Health Care.

Find the full bill text here.

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Rep. Sewell Statement on Refusal of Congressional Republicans to Fund TSA and Other DHS Agencies

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the continued refusal of congressional Republicans to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

"It is maddening that my Republican colleagues continue to hold the paychecks of our hardworking TSA agents hostage. For 41 days, Republicans have refused to fund TSA, demanding that Democrats agree to give more money to ICE and help pass Trump's election takeover bill. Republicans' political games have threatened the livelihoods of the TSA personnel who keep our skies safe. Their manufactured crisis has caused chaos for travelers everywhere."

"Democrats have put forward a clean bill to fund TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Republicans could end this shutdown today by passing that bill. Instead, they continue to take orders from Donald Trump. The American people deserve better."

Background

Rep. Sewell has signed a discharge petition to force a vote in the House on legislation to fund all DHS agencies excluding ICE. Congressional Republicans have already tripled ICE's annual budget, providing a historic $75 billion in supplemental funding to the agency in their so-called "Big Beautiful Bill." ICE is now the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the United States whose budget exceeds the military expenditures of numerous individual nations.

After the brutal killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents and the targeting of law-abiding immigrants, Rep. Sewell made clear that she will not support additional funding for ICE without—at minimum—common sense guardrails to rein in the agency's rogue and unlawful actions.

In a recent Fox News appearance, Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy admitted that President Trump instructed Senate Republican Leader John Thune to abandon an agreement with Democrats to fund all DHS agencies excluding ICE. President Trump instead suggested that congressional Republicans not "make a deal on anything" until Democrats agree to pass the SAVE America Act, which could block 21 million eligible Americans from voting.

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House Unanimously Passes Two Stanton-Led Bills Strengthening Federal Oversight and Safety in Federal Properties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two bipartisan bills led by U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) to strengthen federal oversight and improve safety at federal buildings passed the House unanimously this week. Both measures now head to the Senate.

Stanton serves as the Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management with jurisdiction over federal property.

"Following last year's abrupt federal lease terminations by DOGE, it’s clear that Congress needs greater transparency into how federal property is managed to ensure taxpayer money is used responsibly and Americans aren’t losing access to critical services," said Rep. Stanton. "At the same time, federal employees deserve safe, secure workplaces—and in times of crisis, clear communication can be the difference between life and death."

The GSA last produced a comprehensive State of the Portfolio report in 2013, leaving Congress without a clear accounting of the federal real estate footprint for over a decade. In 2025 and 2026, leases were terminated overnight, buildings were emptied, and entire agencies were displaced, all while Congress was kept in the dark.

H.R. 6480 responds directly to the aggressive reshaping of the federal government's real estate portfolio in recent years.

Stanton's legislation directs the Administrator of General Services to submit an annual report to Congress documenting every lease signed and terminated, every square foot leased and occupied, every GSA-owned building disposed of, and every plan to relocate federal agencies. The bill was cosponsored by Representative Scott Perry (R-Pa.).

Stanton spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 6480 ahead of passage. His full remarks areHERE.

The second bill, H.R. 6481, the Federal Building Threat Notification Act, establishes emergency communication protocols for federal buildings during threats or dangerous situations.

In 2024 alone, there were more than 3,500 recorded incidents at federal facilities nationwide — including 763 threats, 142 weapons violations, nine arson attacks, three homicides, and one kidnapping. The bill also addresses natural disaster threats, directing agencies to develop protocols in the wake of catastrophic storms like Hurricanes Katrina, Irma, and Maria, which severely damaged dozens of federal facilities.

The legislation directs the Administrator of General Services and the Director of the Federal Protective Service to develop and disseminate clear, actionable emergency communication guidance — including best practices for informing building tenants of threats and instructions for safety responses to heightened risks. The bill was cosponsored by Representative Perry.


Rep. Sykes Slams Republicans’ Incompetence After Weeks of DHS Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After more than a month of a partial government shutdown, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against two Republican-led measures on the Department of Homeland Security, calling them unserious and long overdue.

“The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So, when Republicans bring a so-called solution to end the DHS shutdown forward, without commonsense reforms for ICE, that is insane,” said Rep. Sykes. “ICE needs judicial warrants, body cameras, limits on excessive force, and transparency in its enforcement operations. These measures protect both public safety and civil liberties, and they should be non-negotiable. I support legislation to fund Homeland Security without giving more money to ICE that has killed American citizens without remorse. Republicans need to get serious and meet the American people where they actually are.”

Rep. Sykes said Republicans are still pushing half-measures instead of doing their job and passing a real funding bill. She emphasized that DHS workers and their families deserve certainty—not political games.

She pointed to her bipartisan Pay Our Military Act as a real solution. This legislation would guarantee pay and support for service members, civilian Department of Defense personnel, Coast Guard members, reservists, and contractors during a shutdown. More than 40,000 veterans live in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, and more than 6,000 active-duty service members across Ohio would benefit.

Rep. Sykes renewed her call for House Republicans to negotiate in good faith, advance commonsense ICE reforms, and pass a full funding bill that actually ends the shutdown.


Reps. Tlaib, Summer Lee, Grijalva Launch People’s Environmental Justice Caucus

WATCH: Livestream

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), and Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) officially launched the People’s Environmental Justice Caucus, a new congressional caucus focused on advancing policies that center community leadership and address environmental harms disproportionately impacting frontline communities across the United States.

“I’m proud to be launching the People’s Environmental Justice Caucus alongside Congresswomen Lee and Grijalva and amazing advocates and frontline community members from across our country. Growing up in Southwest Detroit, I thought the smell of pollution was normal, but through years of organizing with our incredible EJ community in Detroit, I’ve come to understand how our government has intentionally sacrificed our families for the profits of corporate polluters. This caucus will help bring my neighbors’ voices into the halls of Congress as we fight for Environmental Justice for All,” said Rep. Tlaib.

The newly launched caucus will serve as a platform for members of Congress to collaborate with community leaders, advocates, and policy experts to advance environmental justice legislation and ensure that federal policies reflect the needs and priorities of the communities most impacted by environmental harm. The caucus will also serve to strengthen federal environmental justice protections and develop a community input process to help shape the next iteration of the Environmental Justice for All Act.

“Environmental justice has always been driven by the leadership of communities who have been forced to live with pollution, disinvestment, and the consequences of climate change. The People’s Environmental Justice Caucus is about ensuring those communities are not only heard but centered in federal policymaking,” said Rep. Lee. “At a time when environmental protections have been rolled back significantly by the Trump administration, we must double down on advancing policies that protect our communities, hold polluters accountable, and build a healthier, more just future for everyone. I am proud to be a co-founder of this caucus with Reps. Tlaib and Grijalva and am grateful for the partnership of grassroots coalitions that make this work possible. I look forward to the progress our collective communities can make together.”

“The launch of the People’s Environmental Justice Caucus comes at a critical moment, when communities across the country are already dealing with the real impacts of pollution and climate change. My dad, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, spent his career fighting for those communities, and I’m proud to carry that work forward with Representatives Lee and Tlaib. This caucus is about making sure the people most affected aren’t left out—but are leading the way in the decisions that shape their lives,” said Rep. Grijalva.

The lawmakers hosted a panel on Capitol Hill earlier today with environmental justice advocates and grassroots organizers who have helped advance policy solutions, including earlier versions of the Environmental Justice for All Act and community-driven engagement processes that informed those efforts. The panel was moderated by Vernice Miller-Travis, co-founder and board member of WE ACT for Environmental Justice and Executive VP at Metropolitan Group. Panelists included Mar Zepeda Salazar, Legislative Director, Climate Justice Alliance and Dr. Ana Baptista, Ph.D., Director of the Tishman Environment and Design Center. Grassroots coalitions supporting this effort also include Climate Justice Alliance (CJA), the Environmental Justice Leadership Forum (EJLF) hosted by WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and the Platform for a Just Climate (formerly known as the Equitable & Just National Climate Platform).

“Together, our coalition of environmental justice and national partners are organizing to ensure impacted communities have a voice in creating the healthy and just climate future we all deserve. We are fighting for a Congress and a government that will finally put people before polluters and bring an end to the environmental injustices our communities face. The formation of the House Environmental Justice Caucus is a critical step toward bringing frontline communities into policymaking and ensuring that public health is no longer secondary to corporate profits,” said Dalal Aboulhosn, Coalition Member of the Platform for a Just Climate & Senior Director of Program & Policy at Center for Earth, Energy & Democracy (CEED).

“There is an incredible legacy of environmental justice leadership in the House of Representatives. In the face of the administration’s relentless attacks on environmental justice and its rollbacks of nearly every environmental and public health regulation protecting our communities, the launch of this caucus demonstrates that the environmental justice movement in Congress is as strong as ever – and needs to be. We are proud to support Representatives Lee, Tlaib, and Grijalva’s leadership in the next chapter of federal environmental justice policies and look forward to working together to advance thoughtful, community-led legislation that supports a healthier and more equitable future for all,” said Denise Patel, National Organizing Director, Environmental Justice Leadership Forum, Hosted by WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

“Climate Justice Alliance applauds the launch of the Environmental Justice Caucus in the House of Representatives today by Representatives Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Summer Lee (PA-12) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). While late Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva and A. Donald McEachin tirelessly worked to uplift environmental justice policy. This formation brings us hope for centering historically overburdened and underrepresented communities in climate, energy, and environmental policy at a time when big business and billionaires are gaining more power and control over all of us. As we approach the 35th anniversary of the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, the 17 principles of Environmental Justice that came out of it are more relevant than ever before. We appreciate the possibility and promise of this Caucus, alongside frontline communities, to enact just and fair legislation that will protect our kids, families, and communities by holding industry accountable, safeguarding our public health, and protecting our environment far into the future. Our federal policy should always aim to codify our inherent human rights to clean air, water, and land,” said Mar Zepeda Salazar, Legislative Director, Climate Justice Alliance.

To see photos from the launch event, click here. To watch the livestream, click here.

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Vindman Introduces Bill to Restore Crucial Funding for Sickle Cell Disease Research

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) introduced legislation to restore staff and funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) program, which was once the nation’s only public health surveillance system dedicated to collecting comprehensive data on individuals living with sickle cell disease.

The Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act would reinstate funding and federal workers previously cut from the SCDC program and safeguard it from future elimination without congressional approval. The legislation authorizes $10 million in funding for the program for fiscal year 2026.

“Sickle cell disease affects thousands of families across Virginia, yet the data collection programs needed to improve care and save lives were abruptly dismantled under the Trump administration,” said Vindman. “The Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act — named in honor of my constituent, who died at just 15 years old from complications of sickle cell disease — would restore a proven program that helped researchers and policymakers understand the real-world impact of this disease. By reinstating funding and requiring congressional approval before the program can be eliminated again, this bill ensures accountability and a renewed federal commitment to families living with sickle cell disease.”

This legislation is endorsed by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA).

“The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) applauds Representative Vindman’s leadership in introducing the Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act. This bill honors the life of Candis King, a young sickle cell warrior who we lost much too soon,” said Regina Hartfield, President and CEO of SCDAA. “The bill authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Sickle Cell Data Collection program, which compiles surveillance data on sickle cell disease, which is critical to the development of treatments, shaping policy, and providing services where they are needed most.”

The legislation is introduced in memory of Candis King, daughter of the Honorable Candi Mundon King and Deputy Sheriff Joshua King. A lifelong resident of Prince William County, Candis lost her life in October 2025 after a courageous battle with sickle cell disease. Vindman honored her life on the U.S. House floor in December 2025.

You can read full bill text here.

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders where red blood cells are abnormally shaped like a crescent moon or “sickle.” These rigid cells can block blood flow, leading to intense pain, anemia, and other serious health complications.

Approximately 4,000 people in Virginia live with sickle cell disease, with the condition impacting about one in 325 Black Americans, a rate higher than the national average. Approximately 155,000 Virginians carry the sickle cell trait.

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Wasserman Schultz, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make IVF Affordable

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the bipartisan Helping to Optimize Patients' Experience (HOPE) with Fertility Services Act to expand access to infertility diagnosis, treatment, and fertility services for Americans seeking to start or grow their families. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined as co-leads of the bill.

To watch the press conference, click here. For B-Roll, click here.

The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would require group health plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services. This includes individuals diagnosed with conditions that prevent conception or carrying a pregnancy to term, those experiencing unexplained infertility, and patients whose fertility is at risk due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other invasive procedures.

“Infertility impacts millions and doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone who wants to start or grow a family. I know firsthand. Thanks to IVF, my husband and I conceived our twins, now both healthy young adults. But after enduring that struggle, I’ve fought to expand insurance coverage for the prohibitively costly fertility treatments that can make this only accessible to the very few who can afford it.” said Wasserman Schultz. “As a breast cancer survivor, I’m also concerned with how a diagnosis, and treatments can affect survivors’ ability to conceive or even prevent cancer from being genetically passed on. So, for many survivors with a BRCA gene mutation, like me, IVF can be a godsend.”

“As a father of six, I'll never have a more important title than 'Dad.' Starting a family is one of the biggest dreams couples have, and no one should be denied that opportunity because of infertility, cancer treatments, or cost,” said Nunn. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes sure that fertility care is within reach for every family — not just those who can afford it or happen to have the right insurance plan. This isn't a Republican or Democrat idea — it's an American one, and I'm proud of the strong bipartisan support behind it.”

“My grandkids are one of the greatest joys of my life and they wouldn’t be here today without fertility services. The average cost of IVF treatment can cost anywhere between $15,000-$30,000 and most insurance plans are not required to cover this cost,” said Norcross. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes starting a family possible for the millions of Americans across the country who struggle to bring a child into our world. I won’t ever stop fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all who need it.”

“For millions of Americans, the ability to build a family is deeply personal—but too often, it is made unnecessarily difficult by cost and limited access to care,” said Lee. “Infertility affects families in every corner of our country, regardless of background or income, yet access to treatment too often depends on those very factors—and that is not acceptable. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act is about changing that by ensuring families have a real opportunity—not just in theory, but in practice—to grow and thrive. This bipartisan legislation gives Americans what they deserve: the chance to pursue the American Dream and the hope of becoming parents. Strong families are the foundation of a strong nation, and this bill is an investment in the future of our country."

“So many loving couples want to start a family but struggle with infertility. With soaring out-of-pocket costs for in vitro treatment and other fertility care, Americans are oftentimes prevented from being able to have children,” said Malliotakis. “Even for Americans with health insurance plans that provide some coverage, this critical treatment can be cost-prohibitive. This legislation would expand coverage and provide access to fertility treatments for millions of Americans who dream of expanding their family but have faced difficulties due to disease, ailment or unexplained infertility.”

“Infertility affects 1 in 6 people, yet the majority of private insurance plans do not cover fertility treatment, leaving patients to face costs that often put parenthood out of reach,” said Danielle Melfi, CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association. “No one should be denied the chance to build a family because of a lack of insurance coverage. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would help address these gaps by expanding coverage for 133 million Americans who have private sector employer-sponsored health plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Our team at RESOLVE is encouraged to see Congressman Nunn and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz leading the charge on legislation that could help ease the financial burden for parents on their journey to building the families of their dreams.”

“After losing our first son to Krabbe Disease, IVF gave us hope and the chance to have a healthy child,” said Kasey Feldt, a patient-advocate. “Our insurance didn’t cover IVF, so we used our savings to pay out-of-pocket, and every shot, procedure, and dollar was worth it to bring our sons Lukas and Harper into the world. Access to fertility treatment shouldn’t depend on what someone can afford, having insurance coverage can make all the difference for people trying to build their families. I’m excited to see lawmakers taking the steps to make that a reality.”

"As infertility doctors, one of the greatest challenges we face is the ability to diagnose a condition that we cannot treat because a patient lacks insurance coverage,” said Dr. Valerie Lynn Baker, MD, Member of the ASRM Board of Directors and 2024 PRIMED Scholar. “Simply put, other diseases are not approached this way. Without coverage, patients are often driven towards riskier, more costly treatment options that can lead to downstream health complications for both the pregnant person and baby. We sincerely thank Representatives Nunn and Wasserman Schultz for their leadership on the HOPE with Fertility Services Act—because when IVF is covered, physicians can truly provide patient-centered care."

"Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization, and it is time we treat it that way,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer. “At ASRM, we firmly believe that access to care should never depend on a person’s ability to pay—every patient who needs care should be able to receive it. Yet without comprehensive insurance coverage, that is too often not the reality. We applaud Representatives Nunn and Wasserman Schultz for recognizing the gap in IVF coverage and the need for a federal ERISA plan mandate. If enacted, the HOPE with Fertility Services Act will help ensure that approximately 133 million Americans with ERISA employer-sponsored health plans have access to the care they need to build the families they choose."

“For too many American families, the dream of having a child is limited not by medical possibility, but by financial barriers,” said Dr. Joshua Klein, Americans for IVF Advisory Board Member. “As a physician, I see every day how access to IVF can be life-changing—and how devastating it is when that access is out of reach. The HOPE Act is a critical step toward ensuring that building a family is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a possibility for all Americans who need it.”

“Infertility is a recognized disease that aligns with federal chronic disease frameworks, and fertility care is medically necessary chronic disease management,” said Davina Fankhauser, Fertility Within Reach. “By collaborating with actuaries, we demonstrated that evidence-based coverage can reduce projected costs by billions while ensuring patients receive timely, medically appropriate care—free from arbitrary insurance barriers. The HOPE Act expands access nationwide, extends coverage to self-insured employer plans, and holds insurers accountable to modern medical standards, delivering measurable benefits for families, employers, and the economy—especially for the 1 in 6 Americans affected by infertility.”


Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Bill to Make Registering to Vote Easier

Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Filer Voter Act, legislation that would make it easier to register to vote by allowing voters the opportunity to register to vote when they file their taxes.

“The United States is one of the few democratic countries that places such a heavy burden on its citizens when it comes exercising their right to vote,” said Watson Coleman. “Yet Republicans are pushing legislation like the SAVE Act, which would make it harder for Americans to register. The Filer Voter Act would make the registration process easier and expand access to qualified voters.”

Modeled on the Motor Voter Law, which allowed voters to register to vote at their local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), this bill would allow citizens to register to vote when they file their taxes. In the past decade of presidential elections, about only 60% of those eligible to vote did so. Increasing access to registration will allow more Americans to register and thus foster a more fair and democratic voting system.


Webster Votes Again to Fund DHS

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, today voted to pass H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, legislation that fully funds the Department of Homeland Security and ensures it is able to carry out its core mission of protecting the American people.

“Today, I voted once again to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. This makes the third time this year that House Republicans have voted for and passed legislation to fund TSA, the United States Coast Guard, and FEMA. For 41 days, Democrats have put politics over the public safety of Americans by refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security. This legislation ensures that the brave men and women of DHS – who have continued working without pay – are compensated and supported.”

“Every day of this shutdown has placed unnecessary strain on the men and women serving in the Department of Homeland Security. TSA officers have been forced to make difficult decisions as financial uncertainty grows, leading to staffing shortages at airports and delays impacting millions of American travelers. These disruptions are a direct result of Democrats refusal to fund the Department charged with keeping Americans safe. House Republicans are once again passing legislation to restore certainty and ensure those protecting our nation can continue their mission without distraction.”

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Rep. Whitesides Leads Robust Funding Effort for Earthquake Safety System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides led a bipartisan effort to push federal appropriators to fully fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of the nation’s only public Earthquake Early Warning System (EEW), also called “ShakeAlert.” ShakeAlert serves over 50 million residents and visitors in California, Oregon, and Washington, providing advanced notice of impending earthquakes so residents in affected areas can take steps to save lives and critical infrastructure.

“Every Californian understands the threat that even the smallest earthquakes can pose to communities and infrastructure, which is why I’m pushing my colleagues to fully fund the ShakeAlert system for the West Coast,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The cutting-edge science developed in California helps detect when an earthquake is coming before the damage begins, notifying millions of people every single year and helping them protect themselves and their property. With natural disasters on the rise, it is critical that the federal government fully fund these kinds of programs that keep people safe.”

Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), ShakeAlert detects significant earthquakes quickly, so alerts can be delivered to people before strong shaking arrives, urging them to take an immediate protective action. Alerts can also trigger automated actions that slow trains, close water system valves, issue public announcements, and open firehouse doors.

Between October 17, 2019 and September 1, 2023, ShakeAlert detected 94 earthquakes with estimated magnitudes of 4.5 or greater, triggering public messaging and allowing affected residents to take steps to adequately prepare themselves. With concern regarding increased seismic activity near the San Andreas Fault, there is public demand for the EEW to be fully funded and operational. FEMA estimates that earthquake recovery and losses cost $5 billion. The investment in ShakeAlert saves money for both the federal government and local areas impacted by earthquakes while keeping more people safe.

Rep. Whitesides was joined by Reps. Delbene and Bonamici in leading this letter. The letter was also signed by Representatives Brad Sherman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Janelle S. Bynum, Lateefah Simon, Steve Cohen, Salud Carbajal, Judy Chu, Jimmy Gomez, Rick Larsen, Doris Matsui, Jimmy Panetta, Marilyn Strickland, Van Hoyle, Mark DeSaulnier, Mike Thompson, Jonathan. L Jackson, Kevin Mullin, Sean Casten, Eric Swalwell, Adam Smith, Kim Schrier, Maxine Dexter, Juan Vargas, Jared Moskowitz, Jared Huffman, Seth Magaziner, Sam T. Liccardo, and Sydney Kamlager Dove.

Read the full letter here.

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The 27th district is home to more than 700,000 people across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and San Fernando Valley. It includes northern Los Angeles County communities like Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Acton, Agua Dulce, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, and Sun Village. I am honored to serve the people from these communities. Learn More


Senators Alsobrooks and Warren Investigate Venezuela Bond Trading After Trump’s Illegal Military Action Sparks Big Investor Gains

“We seek to better understand the extent to which insiders may have obtained any information regarding the Administration’s plans in Venezuela, and whether they used this information to inform their trading activity.”

March 26, 2026

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON DC – As reported this morning in Semafor, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), a Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Committee, sent a letter to Paul Atkins, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Robert Cook, President and CEO of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), requesting information about the trading activity involving Venezuela sovereign bonds and bonds linked to Venezuela’s state-run oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA). Prior to the U.S. unauthorized military action in Venezuela, the President made clear that he discussed military plans with public and private sector actors. In light of unusually high trading activity in Venezuelan sovereign bonds, this raises questions about whether individuals with inside information could be using confidential national security information for personal financial gain.

“Reporting indicates increased trading volume and significant price movements in Venezuelan sovereign bonds before and after the U.S. unauthorized military action on January 3, 2026,” wrote the Senators. “In the two weeks before the U.S. raid, ‘(t)he country’s bonds . . . rallied …to 33 cents on the dollar, a 40 per cent rise since the start of October,’ and one sovereign bond shot up nearly 38 percent in the days after the unauthorized military operation. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) data similarly indicates significant trading activity in PdVSA-linked bonds in the aftermath of the raid.”

“Estimates of trading activity suggest $1.5 billion or ‘about ten times (the) normal trading volume,’ in the days after the U.S. military operation. Because some Venezuelan sovereign bonds may be traded in foreign currency and through emerging market desks based in London or elsewhere in Europe, it may be difficult to determine trading volumes, significant orders, or the specific broker-dealers who may be facilitating the trades,” wrote the Senators.

The Senators continued: “FINRA refers hundreds of insider trading referrals to law enforcement authorities each year. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees FINRA, and holds FINRA responsible for fulfilling its regulatory responsibility. In addition, FINRA collects information on trading of sovereign debt through the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE).”

The Senators underscored the importance of regulators having access to detailed data that helps assess the risks associated with impermissible trading practices connected to Venezuela: “Public data provides only a limited snapshot. . . . Because some Venezuelan sovereign bonds may be traded in foreign currency and through emerging market desks based in London or elsewhere in Europe, it may be difficult to determine trading volumes, significant orders, or the specific broker-dealers who may be facilitating the trades. But when these trades are facilitated by FINRA member firms or brokers, additional public transparency is required due to potential risks of trading based on material non-public information.”

The Senators requested written responses to assist Congress in understanding the risks associated with impermissible trading practices connected to Venezuela, no later than April 7, 2026.

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