Rep. Cline Introduces the Protecting Access to American Products Act

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Protecting Access to American Products Act, legislation aimed at streamlining the U.S. trade shipping process during times of supply chain strain and uncertainty. The bill amends current maritime law to ensure that products made in America are not prevented from reaching American markets. Further, it is designed to allow for administrative flexibility in circumstances where supply chain continuity is questionable. This is especially important for American energy producers, who at times face transportation barriers moving domestically produced oil and petroleum products between U.S. ports when no qualified vessel is available, potentially forcing reliance on foreign imports despite strong American production. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Excessive red tape and outdated regulations are slowing the delivery of essential goods and making it harder for Americans to access products made right here at home. The Protecting Access to American Products Act offers a commonsense, practical solution by streamlining the waiver process and helping ensure that American-made goods, including American energy products, can move across the country more easily. This legislation supports domestic manufacturing, strengthens American energy supply chains, and keeps U.S. products competitive with foreign imports while still protecting American maritime jobs. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Lee to deliver reforms that protect our domestic interests while putting American families and businesses first,” said Rep. Cline.

“Outdated regulations are forcing Americans to buy gas and other products from despotic regimes instead of our own producers,” said Senator Mike Lee. “America produces liquefied natural gas (LNG), but we can’t ship it to other American ports due to hundred-year-old red tape. States in need of LNG are forced to rely on Russia for their energy supply – a national security risk and lost opportunity for America’s economy. This bill will prioritize American manufacturing and energy dominance by allowing waivers for industries like LNG for whom the restrictions don’t make sense."


DEM LEADER JEFFRIES JOINS CORREA, TRAN FOR VETERAN ROUNDTABLE

BUENA PARK, CA — Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) joined U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Derek Tran (CA-45), local elected officials, and community representatives from Veteran service organizations (VSOs) for a discussion about the Trump Administration’s broken promises to care for those who have served our country. The lawmakers heard the unique challenges facing Veterans and servicemembers, and highlighted their efforts to support troops in Orange County and across the country.

“Servicemembers, veterans, and their families have made major sacrifices for our country, and the federal government has an obligation to take care of them. Recent events—including ICE’s inhumane deportations and arrests of veterans and their families—have shown the federal government is not fulfilling that obligation, and we need to demand better,” said Rep. Lou Correa. “I am optimistic that Gypsum Canyon, Orange County’s first veterans cemetery, received bipartisan support in getting approval, and I appreciate Leader Jeffries’ supporting our Orange County veterans.”

The discussion focused on topics including:

Efforts by Representative Correa, Representative Tran, and California State Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) to advance construction of the Veteran Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon and the profound impact its completion would have on Orange County’s community of over 100,000 Veterans.

The effects of funding cuts to critical Veteran benefits and services, from health care to academic, personal, and professional support for student Veterans at on-campus Veteran Resource Centers.

Efforts to deliver justice for Veterans and their families who have been wrongfully targeted by ICE.

President Trump’s war in Iran, without consultation from Congress, which has already resulted in the death of seven American service members and the injury of over 140 service members.

“The Trump administration chose right out of the gate to go after the VA, to fire thousands of veterans who were part of the federal workforce and to cut back services our veterans depend on to live their lives as civilians with the dignity and respect that they deserve. Shame on Donald Trump for engaging in that type of egregious behavior while pretending as though his administration is standing up to cherish our veterans,” said Leader Jeffries. “House Democrats know our most significant, sacred responsibility is to make sure that we are taking care of the veterans who have taken care of America. We will continue to fight hard to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and ensure that veterans are able to receive their hard-earned benefits.”

“This Administration is failing our Veterans. Thousands of Veteran federal employees have been wrongfully fired. Critical VA benefits and services have been gutted. And now President Trump is threatening another forever war in the Middle East,” said Rep. Tran in his remarks. “When our service members come home, they shouldn’t be facing long wait times, delayed benefits, and broken promises. Their families shouldn’t be left wondering if they’re going to have health insurance or a roof over their head. Our Veterans deserve more than our words of gratitude – they deserve action and support.”

Representative Correa has been a strong advocate for U.S. veterans in Orange County and across the country. This includes his work introducing measures to increase federally funded research on innovative therapies to treat Veterans, urging the creation of Orange County’s first veterans cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim Hills, and being a leading co-sponsor on the Veteran Service Recognition Act that would allow noncitizen servicemembers to apply for naturalization during basic training.


Davids Visits Merriam Manufacturer to Highlight Small Businesses Challenges

MERRIAM, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited K.C. Strings, the largest instrument string manufacturer in the state of Kansas, to see the company’s manufacturing operations and hear directly from the owners about their new ventures and the challenges they face due to chaotic federal policies set by the administration.

“Small businesses like K.C. Strings are part of what makes our communities strong,” said Davids. “But I’m hearing from more and more Kansas business owners who are worried about rising costs and unpredictable policies coming out of Washington. Reckless tariffs and economic uncertainty make it harder for small manufacturers to plan, hire, and grow. I’ll keep working across the aisle to support small businesses, strengthen our domestic supply chains, and make sure entrepreneurs here in Kansas have a fair shot to succeed.”

While Davids previously released an updated report on the state of Kansas’ small business ecosystem that found strong entrepreneurial growth in Kansas’ Third District — including more than 10,700 new business applications in 2023 — many small businesses now report they are struggling. Rising costs and reckless tariffs are forcing small businesses to raise prices, delay expansion, and cut jobs.

In November 2025 alone, businesses with fewer than 50 employees laid off 120,000 workers — the largest monthly total for small businesses in five years. Recent reports also show half of small business owners have raised prices, one-fifth have delayed expansion plans, and 74 percent are concerned about surviving the next 12 months.

“We have a unique business here which also happens to be one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest,” said Jim Upton, General Manager, K.C. Strings. “We're also looking for opportunities to expand our operation, perhaps using 3D printing. We are very proud of what we do here and are glad for Rep. Davids to see what we're up to.”

During her time in Congress, Davids has worked across the aisle to support small businesses. As a former member of the House Small Business Committee, she called for strong oversight of pandemic relief programs to prevent fraud and focused on strengthening domestic supply chains to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers. She has also prioritized efforts to reduce excessive paperwork for small businesses and support individual workers, including veterans, women, and people in recovery.

She has also pushed back on reckless tariffs. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer that are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs that are raising prices for hardworking families.


Davidson Introduces Sweeping FISA Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, March 12, 2026, U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Lee (R-UT), introduced the Government Surveillance Reform Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to reauthorize and reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and enact sweeping reforms to protect Americans’ constitutional right to privacy.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Reps. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

“FISA Section 702 has been stretched far beyond its original purpose and now enables unconstitutional warrantless searches of American citizens and their private communications,” said Congressman Warren Davidson. “The bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act counters these abuses by requiring a warrant to search Americans’ data and by closing the data broker loophole that allows the federal government to spy on citizens by purchasing private data that would otherwise require a warrant or subpoena.”

“Advances in technology, from AI to the explosion of Americans’ data available for purchase, have far outpaced the laws protecting Americans’ privacy and civil liberties,” Senator Wyden said. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill as a leader of the Ben Franklin caucus, which stands for the proposition that liberty and security aren’t mutually exclusive.”

“It is imperative that Congress enact real reforms to protect our civil liberties, including warrant requirements and statutory penalties for privacy violations, in exchange for reauthorizing Section 702,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Our bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act stops illegal government spying and restores the Constitutional rights of all Americans.”

“Now more than ever, unchecked government access to Americans’ personal information threatens their privacy, their civil liberties, and our democracy,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Congress should not reauthorize broad domestic surveillance authorities without putting meaningful safeguards in place. The bipartisan, bicameral Government Surveillance Reform Act offers a comprehensive and balanced solution that would prevent abuse of Americans' personal information while preserving essential national security tools that keep our country safe.”

Section 702 of FISA allows the government to conduct foreign surveillance for security threats without individual court orders. However, these authorities have strayed from their original anti-terrorism intent, and instead, allow the government to search Americans' private communications—such as internet activity, phone records, texts, photos, and additional digital metadata—without obtaining warrants.

The Government Surveillance Reform Act would represent the most comprehensive reform of surveillance laws in nearly half a century. The bill reauthorizes Section 702 for four years with necessary privacy reforms and constitutional safeguards, including:

Closing the backdoor search loophole: The bill requires the federal government to get a warrant to access Americans’ private communications gathered under Section 702, with important exceptions for emergency situations.

Closing the data broker loophole: The bill bans the federal government from buying Americans’ data from data brokers without a warrant.

Prohibiting reverse targeting: The bill prohibits using surveillance on foreigners overseas through Section 702 as a pretext for gathering data on Americans.

Repealing the “make everyone a spy” provision: This bill repeals a controversial 2024 expansion that allows the government to force millions of Americans and companies to secretly spy on its behalf.

Reforming intelligence collection outside FISA: This bill protects Americans from intelligence agencies using non-statutory authorities, including by prohibiting backdoor searches and reverse targeting outside of FISA.

Updating privacy protections for AI and other modern technologies: This bill requires federal law enforcement to get a warrant to surveil Americans’ location information, web browsing data, search and chatbot records, and car onboard and telematics data.

Enhancing oversight and accountability: The bill strengthens judicial oversight, public reporting, and accountability requirements under FISA.

Alex Marthews, National Chair at Restore the Fourth: "The Government Surveillance Reform Act contains critical reforms to protect U.S. persons from unreasonable and warrantless government surveillance. It would rein in AI-driven misuse of NSA classified databases to spy on U.S. persons without probable cause or a warrant; it would make much less likely that Americans would be harassed or prosecuted on the basis of poor-quality data held on them by data brokers; and it would make it easier for people unfairly surveilled to get redress from the courts. We warmly encourage the Judiciary Committees in the House and the Senate to mark up a bill that takes the best parts of this bill, Senator Lee's and Senator Durbin's SAFE Act and Rep. Biggs' Protect Liberty Act, before the sunset of these authorities in April."

Bob Goodlatte, former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Senior Policy Advisor to the Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability: “PPSA commends Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Warren Davidson, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren for reintroducing the Government Surveillance Reform Act – a comprehensive surveillance reform bill that balances national security with Americans’ constitutional and privacy rights.

“The GSRA leaves in place the authorities needed to protect the American people from foreign threats, while reforming abusive government surveillance practices directed at Americans.

“It requires a warrant before the government can use FISA Section 702 to surveil Americans, it restricts the government’s warrantless acquisition of Americans’ sensitive personal information from shady data brokers, and it brings needed reforms to the procedures of the secret FISA Court.

“This balanced and comprehensive bill enjoys bipartisan and bicameral support because Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are alarmed by the abusive and pervasive surveillance of the American people by their own government. This well-crafted legislation should be included in the reauthorization of FISA Section 702 in April.”

James Czerniawski, Head of Emerging Technology Policy at Consumer Choice Center: “For years, the U.S. intelligence community has repeatedly misused its authorities under FISA, including Section 702, as well as other surveillance powers, undermining public trust and raising concerns across the political spectrum. Protecting constitutional rights and protecting national security are not opposing goals. We applaud the reintroduction of the Government Surveillance Reform Act, a bipartisan path forward that brings back a comprehensive package of reforms. This package responsibly reins in warrantless surveillance while preserving the tools needed to keep Americans safe. We commend Senators Wyden and Lee, along with Representatives Davidson and Lofgren, for once again leading this cross-party effort to advance essential, rights-protecting reforms.”

John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice: “Reform of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is long overdue. The federal government has used this provision to engage in mass warrantless surveillance and collection of Americans' international phone calls, emails, text messages, and other communications with little oversight or accountability. Asian Americans often encounter disproportionate amounts of scrutiny framed as ‘national security’. The Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2026 is a critical step in regulating the collection of Americans’ most sensitive and private information.”

Jeramie D. Scott, Senior Counsel and Director of the EPIC Surveillance Oversight Program: "The Government Surveillance Reform Act includes critical protections for our privacy and our data in an increasingly vulnerable digital world. As technology advances, so too must our laws to ensure that we secure the values enshrined in our Constitution. Our spy agencies should not turn warrantless surveillance systems inward to invade Americans’ communications, and they shouldn’t sidestep the Fourth Amendment by purchasing our sensitive information from data brokers. Our values and our Constitution demand our privacy and civil liberties be protected and EPIC is proud to support a bill that does just that.”

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Dingell Statement on Listing of Gelman Sciences Inc. Site to the EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to add the Gelman Sciences Inc. site in Washtenaw County to the Superfund National Priorities List.

“Today’s decision to place the Gelman Sciences Inc. site on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List marks a major milestone for the Ann Arbor community and for everyone who has worked for years to hold Gelman Sciences accountable and ensure this contamination receives the resources it deserves.

“For six decades, residents, local officials, and advocates have raised concerns about the spread of the 1,4-dioxane plume and the long-term risks it poses to drinking water, public health, and the environment. Listing the Gelman site on the NPL will help bring additional federal tools, authorities, oversight, and resources to support a cleanup and long-term strategy to protect public health.

“I want to thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel for recognizing the urgency of this issue, and for working closely with my office and the community to confirm this designation. This step reflects years of persistence from people who refused to let this problem be ignored.

“While this designation is an important step forward, our work is far from finished. I will continue working with the EPA, state and local partners, and the community to ensure the cleanup is transparent, drinking water is safe, and public health is protected. The people of Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities deserve certainty that their health, water, and environment are protected.”

Gelman Sciences operated as a medical filter manufacturer from 1966 until 1986 near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The facility’s unregulated waste handling created a plume of the industrial solvent 1,4-dioxane, which has spread and contaminated groundwater in Ann Arbor and Scio Townships. Surrounding communities have lived with the impacts of 1,4-dioxane contamination near the Gelman Sciences, which was first detected in 1985.


Congresswoman Escobar Celebrates FY26 Community Projects

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced that 12 of her Community Project Funding (CPF) requests have been signed into law. Through this year’s appropriations cycle, the Congresswoman was able to bring back $15 million to El Paso to support critical local priorities including water infrastructure, cancer research, public safety communications, and economic development projects across the region.

Watch press conference here!

This year’s Community Projects are:

$1,000,000 for the Village of Vinton to extend critical water and sewer services from Vinton Road to Valley Chile Road, improving service reliability and supporting future growth. This phase includes new water lines along Doniphan Drive and Border Steel Road, as well as sewer extensions to underserved areas including S. Desert Blvd and future residential developments.

$1,000,000 for the City of El Paso to improve safety and mobility in Segundo Barrio by addressing traffic impacts from the Stanton International Port of Entry. Funding will support ADA-accessible sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, improved traffic signals, lighting, road markings, landscaping, and safer street design for pedestrians and drivers alike.

$3,100,000 for the City of El Paso to expand the Ysleta Port of Entry, building on Congresswoman Escobar's priority of modernizing El Paso's land ports of entry. The project lays the groundwork for future construction that will improve border efficiency, safety, and trade operations.

$500,000 for the City of Socorro to design and build a new three-mile trail connection between Ysleta and Socorro along Alameda Avenue, expanding safe walking and biking options and improving regional connectivity for residents.

$250,000 for El Paso County to provide essential equipment so a new animal shelter can begin operations, allowing it to take in animals, deliver medical treatment, and improve animal care and welfare across the county.

$250,000 for the City of El Paso to create modular maker spaces at the Innovation Factory for early-stage manufacturing and aerospace companies. The project supports workforce training, product design, environmental management, and access to advanced manufacturing and testing equipment, helping local startups grow and create jobs.

$3,150,000 for the City of El Paso to support critical structural upgrades to I-10 for the Deck Plaza in downtown El Paso. The investment will strengthen retaining walls and support beams, improve fire safety systems, and modernize utilities over a six-block stretch of Interstate Highway 10, ensuring the long-term safety and stability of this vital transportation corridor.

$1,000,000 for El Paso County to construct a 2,500-square-foot prefabricated classroom and workshop for the Challenge Academy, operated by the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department. The facility supports evidence-based education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs designed to reduce youth recidivism and set young people on a path to success.

$1,092,000 for the El Paso County East Montana Water Tower Project to design and construct the East Montana Water Tower, a 750,000-gallon elevated storage facility to supplement an existing and aging 75,000-gallon water tower. With a planned lifespan of roughly 50 years, this water tower will serve more than 1,000 homes and businesses in this unincorporated part of the County.

$1,031,000 to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso to acquire medical linear accelerators (LINAC) for the research enterprise of TTUHSC El Paso. LINAC systems are devices used to treat large tumors as an external beam radiation therapy treatment. These systems will be used to research the biological and therapeutic effects of varying doses of radiation on the body.

$1,031,000 to the Rio Grande Council of Governments to replace or upgrade mobile and portable radios for public safety entities within El Paso County. This will drastically improve interoperable communications by providing reliable, timely communications among public safety responders and between public safety agencies and citizens, to effectively carry out public safety missions, as well as save lives.

$1,031,000 to the Town of Anthony to acquire a mobile command center for the Anthony Police Department with the technology necessary to support the Town of Anthony Police Department’s mission to set up a central, mobile emergency management hub.

$1,031,000 to El Paso Makes to initiate a manufacturing research project with El Paso small and medium manufacturers to develop manufacturing models enabled by digital engineering and automation capabilities to support United States goals to produce All Domain Attritable Autonomous Systems (ADA2) to counter China’s military.


Fulcher Joins Colleagues Calling on Trump to Prioritize Opening Japanese Market Access to U.S. Potato Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) joined U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and House and Senate colleagues in asking President Trump to prioritize gaining market access for U.S. fresh potatoes during Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s upcoming visit to the United States.

Ending Japan’s restrictions on U.S. fresh potatoes would result in an estimated $150 million a year in new American exports, benefitting farming communities in states across the country.

“U.S. potato growers produce the best potatoes in the world. International trade and foreign export markets are critical to the U.S. potato industry,” wrote the legislators.

“With low commodity prices and increased input costs this year, the potato sector, and specialty crops more broadly, are facing a major economic crisis. Japan represents a massive market with significant export opportunities for American potato growers,” continued the legislators. “Securing this long-delayed market access petition and unlocking the critical Japanese export market would make a meaningful difference for potato growers in our states and across the country.”

In Idaho, the potato industry accounts for roughly a third of all U.S. production and supports more than 28,000 jobs.

The letter was joined by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Angus King (I-Maine), Steve Daines (R-Montana), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) and Representatives Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Jeff Hurd (R-Colorado), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Michigan), Suzan DelBene (D-Washington), Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin), Andrea Salinas (D-Oregon), Julie Fedorchak (R-North Dakota), Dan Newhouse (R-Washington), Jack Bergman (R-Michigan), Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan), Tony Wied (R-Wisconsin), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Jeff Crank (R-Colorado), Glenn Grothman (R-Wisconsin), Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington), Cliff Bentz (R-Oregon), Gabe Evans (R-Colorado), Dan Meuser (R-Pennsylvania), Michael Baumgartner (R-Washington), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin), Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska), Val Hoyle (D-Oregon), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colorado), Robert Bresnahan (R-Pennsylvania), Kim Schrier (D-Washington), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin), Rick Larsen (D-Washington), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pennsylvania), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Washington), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wisconsin), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minnesota), Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), John Moolenaar (R-Michigan), Jason Crow (D-Colorado), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon), Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado), Adam Smith (D-Washington), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Hillary Scholten (D-Michigan), John James (R-Michigan), Brad Finstad (R-Minnesota), Janelle Bynum (D-Oregon), Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan) and Diana DeGette (D-Colorado).

Read the full letter HERE.

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Reps. Garamendi, Simon Demand DOT Stop Effort in Eliminating Civil Rights Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, joined Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and 11 of his colleagues in calling for the withdrawal of a Department of Transportation (DOT) final rule that would eliminate regulations providing essential civil rights protections, ensuring that organizations receiving federal transportation funding don’t unintentionally discriminate against protected groups.

These regulations have been standard procedure since 1964 and require transit agencies to weigh equity across fares, services, facilities, and language access when making policy and operational decisions. These federal protections ensure no person is excluded, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination under any transportation program or activity that receives federal funds. In addition to the harmful final rule, the DOT also published its rescissions of Title VI regulations as a Final Rule without allowing for public comment, which violates the Administrative Procedures Act and denies the public their rightful opportunity to provide comment on this critical civil rights protection.

“Not only is the Trump Administration ignoring the law, but it is also disregarding some of our nation’s most consequential civil rights protections for public transportation services, fares, and facilities. And they are doing this all while silencing public feedback,” said Rep. Garamendi. "I’m proud to stand with Congresswoman Simon in fighting to ensure our government rightfully invests in the American communities that have been overlooked for far too long.”

“Transportation is how people access jobs, schools, and health care—it's the physical infrastructure of equal opportunity,” said Guillermo Mayer, CEO & President of Public Advocates, a 55-year-old civil rights law firm and advocacy organization based in California. “When transit agencies aren't required to consider the impact of their decisions, Black, Latino, Asian, and Indigenous riders can end up with larger service cuts, more crowded buses, and fare policies not designed with them in mind. Those are the types of harms Title VI disparate impact analysis prevents. Secretary Duffy's rescissions would make those harms invisible and unreviewable.

The letter requests that the DOT withdraw the Final Rule (RIN 2105-AF45) in its entirety, or at a minimum, retract and reissue it as a Notice of Proposed Rule Making so members of the public have the opportunity to provide comments.

In addition to Congressman Garamendi, this letter was signed by Representatives Lateefah Simon (CA-12), André Carson (IN-07), Jesús (Chuy) García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Bonnie Watson-Coleman (NJ-12), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

You can read the final letter here.


Grijalva, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers on Surprise Facility Contract Awards

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07) joined Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) in sending two letters demanding answers about the recent $313.4 million contract awarded to GardaWorld Federal Services LLC (GardaWorld) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to renovate the Surprise, Arizona immigration facility. Earlier this week, Rep. Grijalva joined community members to protest a separate proposed detention facility in Marana, Arizona. This also comes after Emmanuel Damas died in ICE custody from an infection after complaining about a toothache following his detention at a facility in Florence, Arizona. He is the tenth person to die in ICE custody in 2026.

“At a time when in-custody deaths are reaching record highs, it is deeply alarming that DHS is handing out massive federal contracts to companies with no experience operating detention facilities,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This reckless expansion is being driven by Trump’s arbitrary deportation quotas and a for-profit detention industry cashing in on the suffering of families, including children and the elderly."

“Once again, DHS leaves Arizonans in the dark, awarding a massive contract to a firm with no experience in detention center oversight. This is Trump’s mass deportation agenda at work, and none of this makes our community safer or more prosperous—just the opposite,” said Rep. Stanton.

“Arizonans are fed up with ICE terrorizing our communities and they don’t want to see yet another detention center here in Arizona, especially not one in a hastily converted warehouse, run by an unqualified contractor, that is being built with no input from the local community. That’s why Reps. Stanton, Grijalva, and I are demanding answers,” said Rep. Ansari.

In a letter directed to outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, the lawmakers continued to press the administration over its failure to notify local government leaders, raising concerns about community impacts and mitigation measures.

The letter also demands greater transparency into the decision-making process behind the contract, questioning whether it represents a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and why it was awarded through a Department of Defense (DOD) procurement system that bypasses the normal competitive bidding process.

The letter to DHS and ICE is HERE.

In the second letter, sent to GardaWorld Federal Services President Pete Dordal Jr., the lawmakers question the firm’s ability to convert a warehouse not designed or zoned for human habitation and how code-compliance reviews will be conducted. A report from the Washington Post also shows that GardaWorld has not previously been directly contracted by DHS to oversee a detention facility.

“The decision to convert a warehouse not designed or zoned for human habitation into a large-scale detention facility on an expedited basis raises profound questions about contractor qualifications, concern for human health and safety, and the humane treatment of individuals who will be held there,” the lawmakers wrote.

The Letter to GardaWorld Federal LLC is HERE.


Congressman Hamadeh Applauds FDA Decision to Work with Manufacturers to Prevent Disruption of Access to Popular Thyroid Medications

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is applauding Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and his team at the FDA for taking important steps to ensure that 1.5 million American patients are not at risk of losing access to their desiccated thyroid medications.

These medications have been safely used for decades, but last November, Congressman Hamadeh was forced to take swift action to protect patients after the FDA moved against desiccated thyroid medications after Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Director George Tidmarsh allegedly used his regulatory authority and official resources to remove desiccated thyroid drugs from the market to cause financial harm to a former business associate, Kevin Tang, according to StatNews.

At the time, Congressman Hamadeh called for a withdrawal or indefinite suspension of any enforcement actions brought against desiccated thyroid drugs on or after the date of Tidmarsh’s appointment, at least until an integrity review could be conducted.

In his letter to Dr. Makary, Congressman Hamadeh shared concerns that any restrictions would affect patients who rely on these medications and asked what steps the FDA would take to ensure that patients’ access to effective thyroid treatment options is maintained.

Now, Congressman Hamadeh is applauding the FDA for granting enforcement discretion for NP Thyroid. In practice, that means the FDA will not take action to pull the company’s DTE products from the market while the company continues working toward formal FDA approval. This enforcement discretion is expected to apply to other popular brands as well.

“Patients who rely on this DTE product can continue getting their prescriptions filled without interruption. This is not a permanent approval,” stated Congressman Hamadeh, who vowed to continue fighting for these patients. “It is the FDA acknowledging that removing the product from shelves while the approval process plays out would harm patients more than it would help them. The FDA’s updated guidance page, revised March 10, 2026, confirms the agency is applying a “risk-based enforcement approach” rather than a blanket removal, and plans to issue formal draft guidance on compliance priorities by August 2026.”

The decision by the FDA is being hailed by patients and physicians alike. Dr. Brittany Henderson, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in thyroid health, celebrated the news on social media, saying the “outlook is so good.”

“As I have said before, it was clear to me based on the feedback that I have received from countless constituents that the FDA’s action against these medications was likely not science-based,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “So, I did not hesitate to question the FDA’s action that many of my constituents believe would negatively impact their quality of life.”


Himes, Pappas, Harder, Liccardo Celebrate Senate Passage of Bill to Expand Home Loan Access

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Josh Harder (CA-09) and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) celebrated the Senate’s passage of their Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act included as part of the 21st Century Road to Housing legislative package. The bill, which empowers the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to expand statutory loan limits for manufactured homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by an average of 107% across all loan types, now moves to the House where Himes, Pappas, Harder, and Liccardo are original sponsors of the legislation.

“We need to use every tool at our disposal to address America’s housing crisis. Reforming FHA’s Title I loan program to raise its antiquated loan limits returns a tool to federal housing authorities’ hands which they can use to build more homes across the country. I’m thrilled the Senate passed our legislation and I look forward to pushing for its passage in the House so we can get it signed into law,” said Congressman Himes.

“New Hampshire’s housing needs have reached a crisis point, and it is critical that we do all we can to increase the supply of affordable housing and lower costs on everything from rent to repairs,” said Congressman Pappas. “I am glad that the Senate has passed legislation I co-led that will strengthen and expand a critical federal loan program to provide assistance to middle-class homeowners. This will allow families to afford essential improvements and repairs and remain in their homes. I’ll keep pushing to pass this legislation in the House, and I remain committed to working with anyone to deliver for New Hampshire and ensure that homeownership stays a reality for every hardworking Granite Stater.”

“Valley communities are in a housing crisis - families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads while the next generation can’t even afford to leave home and move into a place of their own,” said Congressman Harder. “We need more new homes, lower housing costs, and projects finished faster - that’s exactly what this bill helps deliver. I’m going to continue pushing to make life in the Valley affordable again and restore our families’ dream of being able to buy a home.”

“We won’t meet our nation’s housing demand without building more homes, and ADU’s–commonly known as backyard homes or granny units–can provide a naturally affordable supply,” said Congressman Liccardo. “For too many of our cost-constrained homeowners, financing remains a major hurdle to building an ADU.” Liccardo continued, “I’m proud to co-lead this bill to amend HUD’s outdated loan limits to empower more homeowners to become home providers.”

The Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act seeks to boost America’s housing supply by:

Expanding FHA’s Title I loan program by increasing limits and extending terms on loans for manufactured homes—one of the largest forms of affordable housing currently ineligible for federal funding;

Allowing FHA to index property improvement loans to inflation and expand the data it uses when setting loan limits for manufactured homes, securing Title I as an essential tool for the future as home costs continue to rise;

Extending Title I financing to ADUs, a versatile means of expanding America’s housing supply.


Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Energy Affordability and Reliability

WASHINGTON, DC - Last week, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met with leaders from the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Maryland Energy Administration, the Office of People’s Counsel for the State of Maryland, and PJM Interconnection to discuss efforts to lower Marylanders’ electricity costs and strengthen the reliability of the regional electric grid. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here.

“At a time when Marylanders are facing financial strain at the hands of the Trump Administration, it is critical that we continue to combat rising energy prices for working families. I was glad to join my colleagues in the Maryland Congressional Delegation and leaders of the Maryland energy sector to discuss the critical issue of lowering costs while also strengthening the reliability of our regional electric grid. We will keep working with our state and regional partners to lower electricity costs for working families across our state,” said Congressman Hoyer.

“Too many Marylanders are already struggling to make ends meet and pay their electric bills, and the surge of data center development across our region is only making things worse. To address these rising costs – and to shore up our power grid – I’ll keep working alongside Federal Team Maryland with our regional, state, and local partners, and I’ll continue fighting to pass my Power for the People Act. Consumers should not have to pay one dime in additional electricity costs to support data centers for the richest companies on the planet,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“This Administration lied when they said they would lower our costs. Rent, groceries, and utilities are skyrocketing and Marylanders are struggling to get by. I am so glad Team Maryland met with state leaders to discuss how we can actually lower Marylanders’ electricity costs,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

“The urgent issue of energy affordability is hurting my constituents and their families,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I remain angry – that energy providers continue to rake in huge sums of money while the regulators fail to regulate. Working families cannot wait for another study, plan or proposal to address our skyrocketing electricity costs. The Maryland Public Service Commission must act swiftly to prevent any further utility rate increases moving forward, and PJM Interconnection must move swiftly to connect clean, affordable power sources to the grid that will help lower expensive utility rates. Congress must pass the POWER FOR THE PEOPLE ACT.”

“Marylanders should not be forced to shoulder skyrocketing energy costs. Large energy users like data centers should be responsible for building or securing the electricity they need instead of shifting those costs onto Maryland ratepayers. In addition, Maryland leadership should place a moratorium on the state taxes and fees that continue to drive up energy bills. Maryland families deserve reliable, affordable power, not policies that make their electricity more expensive,” said Congressman Andy Harris.

“The Trump economy is crushing Marylanders, especially as energy costs soar,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. “Together, Team Maryland is taking matters into our own hands, working to invest in affordable and reliable energy solutions for all our families.”

“People in my district and across Maryland have seen their energy bills soar by over 20% in the past year, and this situation is not getting better. We are paying for data centers that are not located in Maryland nor in the interest of our constituents. We need common sense regulations that save us from this affordability crisis and prevent rolling blackouts on the grid that would put lives and livelihoods at risk,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey.

“Every day I hear concerns about affordability and rising energy costs, and frankly, I share those concerns every time I open my own BGE bill. The data backs up what families are telling us: utility inflation has risen three times faster than general inflation, one in six households is carrying utility debt, and energy demand is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2032. All of this is happening while the President has effectively taken half of our future generation capacity off the table by cutting renewable energy projects,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “Two things can be true: we can compete with China without abandoning critical environmental safeguards, and we can achieve energy and water independence without passing the costs directly onto consumers. But right now, that’s not what’s happening. Billions in data-center-driven transmission upgrade costs have already fallen onto ratepayers. That’s why Team Maryland is working together on real solutions so our neighbors aren’t caught footing the bill.”

“Energy affordability is a major challenge right now as Marylanders continue to face crushing costs across the board. Rising demand from data centers, extreme weather, and the President’s disruptive energy policies are only driving prices higher for working families while benefiting the wealthy. Addressing this issue is a key part of my ‘Costs Down, Opportunity Up’ affordability agenda, and I’m proud to stand alongside Team Maryland’s delegation and our Governor as we work together to lead on solutions,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

“Maryland families are struggling with ever-increasing utility bills. Lowering the cost of living has to be the top priority for all levels of government. I will continue fighting to protect Maryland consumers and ensure we’re building out a reliable, sustainable and — most importantly — affordable energy future,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.


Jayapal, Jacobs, Welch Introduce Bicameral Bill Demanding Accountability for Hind Rajab, Palestinian Child Killed by Israeli Forces

U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today led Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) in introducing the Justice for Hind Rajab Act, legislation that requires the U.S. government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the killing of five-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab, her family, and paramedics sent to rescue her. The legislation would require the Trump Administration to provide comprehensive answers on the death of Hind and broader patterns of civilian harm in Gaza.

Hind’s tragic story was the inspiration for a new docudrama film, titled “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” The film follows Red Crescent volunteers as they attempt to rescue Hind and her family and was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category. The Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026.

“Five-year-old Hind should still be alive today. She was a beautiful and brave little girl with her whole life ahead of her. I was horrified by reports of the Israeli Defense Forces firing over 300 bullets at her and her family while they were simply trying to escape Gaza. No child should have to face that kind of terror, and no family should have to carry that kind of loss. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to partner with Senator Welch to deliver justice and accountability for Hind Rajab’s murder and all the civilian harm in Gaza. Hind’s story is a devastating reminder of the daily reality faced by Palestinians – and we won’t rest until they have safety, security, and peace,” said Rep. Jacobs.

“Hind Rajab, her family, and the paramedics who tried to save them, should be alive today. This was not a ‘fog of war’ situation. There wasn’t any reason for the IDF to believe Hind and her family–who were trying to escape the fighting in Gaza–posed a threat,” said Senator Welch. “We need answers and accountability for the deaths of Hind, her family, and the paramedics who came to their rescue.”

“Hind Rajab deserves justice, as do the thousands of Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces during the war in Gaza,” said Rep. Castro. “Hind’s heartbreaking cries for help and the terror she felt during her last moments have been heard across the world. No family or child should experience this horrifying brutality and loss. It is unacceptable that no Israeli soldiers have been held accountable for her deaths, or for the deaths of so many thousands of other Palestinian children during this war. I stand with my colleagues and demand an investigation into her murder and justice for her death.”

“Today we honor the life of Hind Rajab, one of the tens of thousands of Palestinian children indiscriminately killed by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza,” said Rep. Jayapal. “This legislation importantly demands an investigation into her killing so we can finally begin to bring about accountability for the countless war crimes the U.S. has been complicit in inside Gaza.”

On January 29, 2024, five-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab, along with six members of her extended family, were killed by machine gun fire from an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tank while she and her family fleeing fighting and famine in Gaza City. Investigations found a total of 355 bullet holes in Hind’s car. Two paramedics attempting to rescue Hind in an ambulance—along an IDF-approved route—were also killed by Israeli tank fire as they approached the car.

The incident, which was extensively documented and has drawn international attention, has become emblematic of the devastating toll of the Gaza war on civilians, particularly children. Hind is just one of more than at least 20,000 children killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023—the highest rate of children to combatants killed in any contemporary conflict. Despite a tenuous ceasefire, Gaza’s civilians and children have continued to be killed in military operations and airstrikes.

The Justice for Hind Rajab Act would:

Present Congressional findings on the attack that killed Hind Rajab and broader patterns of civilian harm in Gaza to reassert the United States’ commitment to the Geneva Conventions and the prosecution of war crimes;

Require a report from the State Department on all U.S. and Israeli efforts to investigate and hold accountable individuals linked to the attacks, and to comply with U.S. prohibitions on assistance to foreign security units credibly implicated in gross violations of human rights; and

Require certifications by the Secretary of State and Attorney General regarding compliance with U.S. war crimes laws, including a commitment to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute individuals responsible for the attack on Hind, her family, and the paramedics who responded to the scene.

Learn more about the Justice for Hind Rajab Act.

Read and download the full text of the bill.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEIDAS TOUCH: “TO THE EXTENT THAT WE NEED REGIME CHANGE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, IT IS GOING TO COME IN NOVEMBER”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas and emphasized that Democrats are pushing back against Donald Trump and Republicans to keep our nation out of another forever war and to tackle the real problems American families are facing.

BEN MEISELAS: Leader Jeffries, it’s great to see you here live with everybody. I showed a clip there of Donald Trump in Cincinnati. We also saw Donald Trump’s speech in Kentucky. And in that speech, he was barely coherent. He claimed that the war was won. He said the Strait of Hormuz is excellent and that everything’s going according to plan. He looked and behaved demented, and we know everything’s a lie. I want to get your reaction to that, Leader Jeffries.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump is a disaster. This guy has been completely and totally unqualified since the moment he first burst onto the national stage, unfortunately, about 10 years ago, and it’s only gotten worse. And certainly, the context of what the country and the world are now dealing with is toxic and extreme. This war is a failure. It’s a war of choice. We’ve already lost seven service members, heroes and patriots. Billions of dollars are being spent to drop bombs in the Middle East. The President is unwilling to spend a dime to actually make healthcare more affordable or reduce the grocery bills of everyday Americans. School children have been killed because of erroneous information. We also know gas prices are through the roof, and war has exploded all across the Middle East from a person, Donald Trump, who, as a candidate, said he was not going to get us into another endless war of choice in the Middle East. And so he’s been a failure. Republicans have been a failure. And to the extent that we need regime change at this moment in time, it is going to come in November.

BEN MEISELAS: I think that’s what a lot of people are saying and are happy to hear you say that the real regime change that is needed is the Trump regime. And frankly, the GOP regime as well. They’re on a retreat right now, or they’ve been on a retreat in Doral in Miami at Donald Trump’s resort, where they’ve been partying right now during this disastrous war. They’ve been living it up in the Trump ballroom out there, which is just so utterly offensive. And I think, though, a lot of people have been paying attention, though, to this retreat and what’s been going on there and saying, you know, it’s not only tone deaf, it’s consistent with their behavior in the past. But I just think even some MAGA people or Republican people looking at this, like, what the hell is going on here? What do you make of this GOP retreat, Leader Jeffries?

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s incredible to me. They’re down at Donald Trump’s luxury golf club, partying with each other and denying reality. Donald Trump continues to pretend as if the affordability crisis is a hoax. And now they’re trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people by suggesting that they should no longer talk about mass deportation. Republicans are the party of mass deportations. They are the ones who’ve actually decided that they’re going to spend taxpayer dollars not to make life more affordable for the American people, but to brutalize and kill them, as was the case with Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, and to violently target law-abiding immigrant families. It’s one of the reasons why their immigration policies are now perceived to be a failure, along with, of course, the failure on the economy, the failure on healthcare, the failure on nutritional assistance, the failure to uphold the rule of law, as you’ve consistently pointed out, Ben. This is a Trump cartel. This is the largest pay-to-play scheme that any presidential administration has ever run. And so that’s why we’re determined to make sure we do something meaningful to lower the high cost of living, on affordability, but at the same time, continue to bring about accountability, as was recently done with the termination of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, although that’s not over, because we’re going to continue to pursue the corruption that she clearly engaged in as well.

BEN MEISELAS: You mentioned that this entire Trump regime, by the way, which, as you mentioned, there needs to be a regime change right there. But this entire regime is a pay-to-play scheme. But even the people who paid to play in the Middle East are saying, when do we get to play? We paid. Where the hell is the defense? You wanted us to do World Liberty Financials, so we gave you hundreds of millions. You wanted us to do this. You wanted to do that. You wanted the Trump hotels. We gave you all of that. And now you rushed into this war without listening to us, without consulting us. And now we’ve heard that these Middle East nations are talking about security arrangements with Iran and with China. So we have a reordering of a world order post World War Two, except right now America’s being cut out because, despite having the most powerful military in the world, undisputed that we had that or that exists, but the fact that it was done in such an unprepared Trumpian way has turned the whole world against us right now.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely correct. And as we’ve seen in prior conflicts, including, of course, Iraq and Afghanistan, military might is not enough if the people who are actually directing the war don’t know what the hell they’re doing in terms of the civilians in suits in Washington, D.C. And that’s what we see as it relates to Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth and all the people who have gotten us into this war of choice without any justification. They’ve got no plans, no objective and no idea how to get us out of this situation that they themselves got us into. And as you’ve pointed out, you now have a dozen countries in the Middle East who are under attack from Iran and are trying to figure out, okay, if the United States doesn’t really know how to deescalate a conflict that they raced into, they’re considering other options. So Donald Trump, as the American people know, hasn’t made this country safer. The American people correctly have come to the conclusion he’s actually making us more vulnerable. And this guy, by the way, doesn’t even know the difference between friend or foe. He seems like he had a friendly conversation with Vladimir Putin of all people, who apparently is providing intelligence to Iranians to be able to target U.S. military servicemen and women. And rather than admonish, punish, make sure they have consequences for what Vladimir Putin and Russia appear to be doing, this guy, Donald Trump, continues to go after Ukraine, who’s our ally, partnering with Western Europe, trying to push back against Russian aggression. The whole thing is extraordinary and out of control. It’s one of the reasons why, though, the American people have been rising up, and Republicans have been losing elections literally for 15 consecutive months. Because the American people are done with the extremism, and we, as Democrats, are gonna continue to lean in to focusing on the issues that matter, driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and yes, cleaning up corruption wherever it may be found.

BEN MEISELAS: You know, Leader Jeffries, when, look, I obviously am no fan of Donald Trump’s, but when America is in a war, even if it’s a war that I believe is unlawful and I believe is disastrous, I still want to see, I still root for leadership qualities and clarity. Like let me say that, like, so that American people know what’s going on. And so when Donald Trump was giving the speech in Kentucky, and people are looking for just some level of clarity, a fraction of a fraction of moral clarity, this is what we hear. Salty, let’s play this clip.

RECORDING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: The only thing I admired about Barack Hussein Obama, which was nothing, actually. But the only thing is the way he bobbed down. Remember, he’d bob, hey, if you talk about unpresidential, he’s bobbing. And I couldn’t believe that he made it without at least a noticeable major fall. But Biden was the opposite. Biden couldn’t even walk up the stairs. He fell.

BEN MEISELAS: So, Leader Jeffries, when I watch this speech, in my opinion, there’s something seriously wrong with this person cognitively, physically. This person’s not right, you know. And I say this in the utmost seriousness. There’s truly something, and it’s staring us in the face. Before we go, I just want, you know, you to maybe just address like what we’re observing right now because I feel like we’re just being gaslit by a lot of media to believe that this is like normal. And it isn’t.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s absolutely abnormal. You know, from the perspective of someone who’s a New Yorker, we’ve known there’s something seriously wrong with this individual for decades. He’s been in our face, but the deterioration has certainly accelerated. And now it’s frightening for the American people, understandably, because this guy is the Commander-in-Chief at this moment. And it’s just going to be incumbent to make sure that we can erect as many ironclad guardrails around this guy and as you know you’ve pointed out, look, when we’re at war, we are going to continue to pray for the safety and security of our troops, our brave servicemen and women, all who are in harm’s way. But at the same period of time, we have a responsibility to make sure we’re defending the best interests of the American people, the country, the rule of law, the Constitution, all of which Donald Trump continues to run over. And he’s not offering a single coherent reason for the policies, the extremism, that he’s jamming down the throats of the American people causing folks to reasonably question what’s wrong with this guy.

BEN MEISELAS: Leader Jeffries, I know you got to go in 90 seconds. Address the midterms, though. A lot of people want to hear your perspective of it, you know. It’s so critical, I think, that Article One behave like Article One and be a check against this regime. Talk to us about it.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Absolutely. You know, James Madison once made the observation when they were contemplating the creation of the House of Representatives, that it should be an intimate sympathy with the American people and to function—Congress—as a rival to the executive branch. And that’s not what’s happening right now. House Republicans continue to bury their heads in the sand and they act like reckless rubber stamps to Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. Enough. In order for us to have a check and balance, for us to block and tackle on behalf of the American people, push back against this extremism and actually spend taxpayer dollars in ways that are designed to make the lives of the American people more affordable, Democrats are going to need to rout Republicans and take back control of the House. And the good news is we’re only three seats short. Narrowest majority that Republicans have since any party since 1930. We’re going to take back the House with the support of the American people and then put the American people first, not the Trump cartel.

BEN MEISELAS: Democratic Leader Jeffries, appreciate you joining us on this live. Thank you very much. And a lot of people are paying attention right now, these midterms especially. And I think you mentioning regime change of Trump is something that I saw in the chat that people are saying. I mean, for real, like this is something that I think in our worst nightmare, you know, people would say, it’s this bad. It’s worse than people say. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you so much, Ben.

Full interview can be watched here.

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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “THERE’S BEEN NO EVIDENCE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS ACTUALLY FOCUSED ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki, where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to keep Donald Trump and Republicans accountable for their failure to keep America safe and make life affordable.

JEN PSAKI: Joining me now is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, there is always something crazy to ask you about. So let me start there. I mean, as part of his obsession with pushing through the SAVE America Act, which is so inaccurately named, Trump reportedly told Mike Johnson ‘no one gives a [bleep] about housing.’ What’s your reaction to that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, you know, it may be the case that Donald Trump’s billionaire friends who hang out with him regularly at Mar-a-Lago don’t care about housing because they own houses all across the country and the world. But everyday Americans certainly care about the cost of housing and the fact that housing costs have skyrocketed out of control both in terms of rent and in terms of the ability of everyday Americans to purchase a first home, which has always been central to the American dream. But you know this is all consistent with the fact that Donald Trump believes the affordability crisis is a hoax. This from the same guy who promised to lower costs on day one, but costs haven’t gone down under Donald Trump’s presidency. They’ve gone up. Housing costs, gone up. Healthcare costs have gone up. Grocery prices have gone up. Now gas prices have gone up. And utility costs have gone up. His presidency has been a complete and total failure.

JEN PSAKI: One of the things that is certainly contributing to that is, of course, the war in Iran that Donald Trump started, that he is continuing to advocate for and seems to have no plan for. Right now, as you know well, Republicans have a historically slim majority in the House. There’s so many people, it feels like there’s a new retirement being announced every single day. I know in the Senate, they are trying to get—to hold them to account by getting them to testify under oath, the key Cabinet members like Hegseth and Rubio. Have you thought about how you can exploit that razor-thin majority, especially as you kind of, especially given the unpopularity of the war in Iran, how costly it is, how much Americans hate it and how there doesn’t seem to be a plan here?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we certainly are going to continue to press for administration figures to show up. In fact, next week upon our returning to Congress, the House Intel Committee will have several members from the administration, in terms of the intelligence officials, testify publicly under oath about threats across the world that are directed to the United States of America. And we will certainly press them about the information that the administration claims to have with respect to whether there was actually any imminent plans for Iran to attack the United States, any suggestion that they had the capacity or capability to actually do it because we’ve seen no evidence to suggest that is true. We’ll press them on Iran’s nuclear aspirations, particularly given the fact that Donald Trump claimed several months ago that the United States had completely and totally obliterated Iran’s nuclear program. Now he’s saying something entirely different. And so, certainly, we will keep our foot on the gas pedal to get answers from the administration because nothing compelling has been forthcoming from this group of people who are really part of the Trump cartel.

JEN PSAKI: Today, as you well know, there were two separate shootings, one at a Michigan synagogue—and this could be something you raise next week, certainly—and another at Old Dominion University in Virginia. And we know there have been, of course, cuts at the FBI. There’s been a redirection of resources at the Department of Homeland Security made by this administration. Kash Patel is apparently training as an MMA fighter. Who knows what’s going on over there. But given the current rise in domestic security threats—what we saw today—given a lot of people watching right now are scared, do you trust that this administration has their eye on the ball here on the threats that are coming in potentially to this country?

LEADER JEFFRIES: No. It’s not clear at all that the administration has actually been focused on making sure that we are as safe and secure here in America, particularly because so many resources over the last 15 or so months from this administration have been directed at flooding ICE and making sure that these agents can be unleashed on American communities using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill American citizens, as was the case with Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, and/or violently target law-abiding immigrant families when these extremists are the ones who promise to go after the worst of the worst and to focus only on violent criminals who are here illegally, and they’ve done the exact opposite. And so, the administration has been far too focused on jamming their extreme ideology down the throats of the American people, or doing things like the Trump tariffs, which of course are raising costs on everyday Americans as opposed to actually focusing on driving down the high cost of living, which is the Democratic plan. And so, unfortunately, you’re correct, Jen, that there’s been no evidence in real time that the administration is actually focused on the things that matter. And that’s one of the reasons why the war is so unpopular. And the American people have actually concluded, even in a recent Fox News poll, that this war is not making us safer. In fact, it may be putting us in harm’s way.

JEN PSAKI: Leader Hakeem Jeffries, so much on your plate every day. We’ll be looking forward to watching this hearing next week. Thank you so much for being here with me tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you so much.

Full interview can be watched here.

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SEEC Innovation and Technology Task Force Endorses Bills to Bolster American Innovation in Clean Technologies

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Innovation and Technology Task Force, led by Co-Chairs Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced the endorsement of four bills that will catalyze the deployment of next-generation clean technologies to accelerate American energy independence and homegrown manufacturing in the 21st century.

“Our history has shown time and time again that the United States has an incredible talent in leading the deployment of innovative, clean technologies of the future. Whether it’s developing the photovoltaic cell for solar energy or unlocking the power behind geothermal, our scientists and businesses have reinforced the value of U.S. federal research investments that bolster the American manufacturing sector and transform the global economy,” said the Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Kevin Mullin and Andrea Salinas. “The bills our Task Force endorsed today represent a snapshot of the federal policy priorities that can give the next generation of clean innovation the necessary boost they need, along with improving the technology that we increasingly rely on amidst the worsening climate crisis. By doing what we do best — inventing and innovating for the future — we can and we will meet the moment on the most pressing challenges facing the American people in the 21st century.”

Today, the Task Force endorsed four bills:

H.R. 6709 – Establishing DOE Fusion Office, Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)

H.R. 3048 – Establishing Ocean Innovation Clusters, Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01)

H.R. 753 – Fire Information and Reaction Enhancement (FIRE) Act, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28)

H.R. 4338 – Weather-Safe Energy Act, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03)

Background

In the 119th Congress, the SEEC Innovation and Technology Task Force is focused on advancing the research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges in our energy system and the environment. Every major form of energy deployed in the U.S. has been borne out of significant federal investment.

America has always excelled at invention and early innovation, but too many breakthroughs stall before reaching commercial scale. The U.S. has shown time and again its power to invent, but the challenge of the 21st century is scaling those inventions at home, rather than ceding that opportunity to foreign competitors. Last year, the Task Force released a principles document outlining federal policy priorities to close that gap.

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Landsman Introduces Bill to Lower Costs for Patients with Rare Skin Disease Named After Constituent Shane DiGiovanna

Cincinnati, OH – This week, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced a bill to help people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa improve their health and lower hospital costs.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic condition that makes the skin extremely fragile, which can cause several medical complications. EB affects 1 out of every 20,000 births in the United States.

Landsman introduced the Shane DiGiovanna Act – legislation that directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study whether paying for wound care through Medicaid would reduce hospital visits for EB patients and lower overall costs. Then, HHS must report back to Congress.

Shane DiGiovanna is a constituent of Landsman’s who has lived with EB and its debilitating symptoms his entire life. Despite these challenges, DiGiovanna has become a tireless advocate to raise awareness of the disease and support those impacted by it.

Congressman Landsman:

“Shane is an incredible person with a huge heart, and he has become a good friend to me. We are so happy to have worked with him on this bill to help those living with EB get the best care to live better lives.”

Shane DiGiovanna:

“Today marks an important step forward for patients living with Epidermolysis Bullosa and the families who care for them. The bandages that keep us alive can cost tens of thousands of dollars every month, and coverage is inconsistent or unavailable. The Shane DiGiovanna Act will help ensure that Medicaid patients with EB can access the wound care supplies they need without bankrupting their families.They are not comfort items. They are essential medical care. I want to thank Congressman Landsman for his leadership and for listening to the EB community. Together, we can make sure that no EB patient is denied the care they need simply because of the cost of the bandages that keep them alive.”

Brett Kopelan, debra of America Executive Director:

“debra of America would like to express our heartfelt and sincere gratitude to Congressman Greg Landsman for his dedication and commitment to helping the EB community by introducing the Shane DiGiovanna Act. EB is a devastating rare disease compounded by the fact that most of the population is unable to obtain the necessary wound care supplies that are critical to their health and well-being. The Shane DiGiovanna Act would demonstrably change the trajectory of the quality of life for the better for those that suffer from what we call “the worst disease you’ve never heard of.”

Read the bill text here.

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Larsen Invites Students to Participate in 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is inviting high school students who live or attend school in Washington’s Second Congressional District to showcase their artistic talents in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

“I am encouraging the many gifted young artists in Northwest Washington to submit their artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and have the chance to win a trip to Washington D.C.,” said Rep. Larsen. “It takes courage to put your work out there as a young person, and I appreciate the wonderful art that students submit for consideration every year."

All art entries must be original in concept, design and execution. Art submissions and forms are due no later than Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Interested students can find details and a full list of contest rules on Larsen’s website: https://larsen.house.gov/helping-you/2026-art-competition.htm

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the annual high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since 1982, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide have participated in the Congressional Art Competition. In 2025, Oak Harbor High School’s Tessa Meyer won the districtwide competition with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude,” which has been on display in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.

How to Participate

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school-aged students (grades 9-12) who live or attend school in the Second District. Students can verify whether they are Second District residents or attend school in the district here.

To submit your artwork, please download and print this Student Consent Form. This form must be attached to the artwork that is entered. If you cannot print the form, please contact our office for a copy. Forms and art submissions are due by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Forms can also be mailed or delivered with art pieces to Rep. Larsen’s Everett office:

Office of Rep. Rick Larsen - Everett

Re: Art Competition

Wall Street Building

2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9F

Everett, WA 98201

Contact Larsen’s District Office for More Information

Students needing assistance in delivering their artwork to Rep. Larsen’s office can contact Jessica Zuleta at (425) 252-3188 or Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov. Participants will be honored at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., later this year. Plans for a district celebration will be announced soon.

For more information, visit the 2026 Congressional Art Competition website here.

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Larsen Announces $17.5 Million Investment in Skagit Transit

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“Finally! Trump’s Department of Transportation (DOT) released $17.5 million it was holding hostage that will now allow Skagit Transit to move forward with its new Operations facility. I have been working with Skagit Transit leadership for several years to get these dollars out the door and put to work for local transit. So great to be part of this local victory.”

Larsen helped secure the $17.5 million DOT award to Skagit County last year. He is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

DOT released 123 grants today, including nine totaling over $183 million for Washington state communities:


Following Bombshell Reporting on ‘DOGE’ Data Theft, Larson and Neal Demand Answers and Accountability from Commissioner Bisignano

Washington, D.C. — Today, Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) and Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01) called upon Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano to finally give Congress and the American people the transparency they deserve after another whistleblower made shocking allegations on key data being mishandled at SSA. This demand for answers follows an in-person, bipartisan meeting where Commissioner Bisignano dismissed allegations from another whistleblower and failed to inspire confidence that he is fully investigating these allegations.

“In the meeting, the two of us asked repeatedly about access by ‘DOGE’ members to the public’s Social Security data, and SSA’s apparent lack of oversight,” wrote Larson and Neal. “Your responses seemingly minimized our grave concerns.”

The lawmakers continued: “Yet contrary to your assertions, a new whistleblower has come forward alleging that a former ‘DOGE’ member, reportedly by his own account, copied files containing Social Security PII on all Americans, living or dead, onto his own personal device(s) and tried to use these files as a private citizen…[T]his bombshell new report fuels our alarm that under your watch a dangerous lack of oversight may have led to a major security breach of Americans’ most private Social Security data.”

Given the gravity of these allegations and the sensitivity of SSA data, Neal and Larson emphasized the need for a swift response, giving Commissioner Bisignano until March 26, 2026 to detail the extent of his knowledge of this situation, how SSA is investigating 'DOGE’s actions at SSA and risk to the public, and what assurances he can provide about his leadership going forward.


Larson, Reed Introduce ACTION for National Service Act to Expand Service Opportunities for Young People and Take on Student Debt Crisis

Washington, D.C. - Today, during AmeriCorps Week, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) reintroduced the America’s Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act to expand access to national and community service opportunities for young people and reduce the burden of student loan debt.

“In his inaugural address, President Kennedy issued his famous call for all Americans to step up and serve their nation – something I am reminded of every day by the lapel pin I wear of his image,” said Larson. “I am proud to introduce ACTION today with Senator Reed and so many of our colleagues to make President Kennedy’s call to service a reality for more of our young people, rewarding them for their service and dedication and allowing them to invest in their future in return. Our bill will make it possible for volunteers to afford two years of in-state college tuition for every year they serve their country – reducing the burden of sky-high college costs and crushing student loan debt too many Americans face.”

“Answering the call to serve is among the most significant things we can do to improve our communities, strengthen our nation, and make a difference in someone’s life. Expanding opportunities for national service will help more people find their calling, unlock new opportunities, and help others,” said Reed. “This bill will grow our capacity to enlist, equip, and empower young people to address our nation’s most pressing challenges and give them the opportunity to serve the country while they earn money toward their education. It will build new partnerships for service, increase volunteerism, and strengthen our nation.”

America’s Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act would achieve the following goals:

Reduce the burden of student loan debt by ensuring young people who serve two full terms of service are rewarded with an educational benefit equal to four years of average in-state tuition.

Ensure that educational benefits are exempt from federal taxes.

Support at least one million full-time federal service positions a year—providing all who wish to serve the opportunity to do so.

Increase access to national service opportunities by raising AmeriCorps living stipend amounts.

Create a 21st Century American Service Outreach Program to notify eligible individuals about opportunities to serve.

Advance national and community service as a civic and national priority by elevating the Corporation of National & Community Service (CNCS) to a new Cabinet-level agency.

The ACTION for National Service Act is supported by 45 endorsing organizations, including Voices for National Service, City Year, Inc., Catalyst CT Inc., and National College Attainment Network.

“The strong desire of young people to serve their communities coupled with the tremendous needs of our nation, means that now is the time to strengthen national service. The ACTION for National Service Act would expand AmeriCorps to support communities, while giving young people experience, skills, increased benefits, and a post-service scholarship to help pay for college,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service. “We're grateful to Senator Jack Reed and Representative John Larson for championing this legislation so that every young American, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to spend a year in service.”

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Larson’s ACTION for National Service Act is cosponsored by: Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Diana DeGette (CO-01), John Garamendi (CA-08), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Judy Chu (CA-28), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Sean Casten (IL-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).

Cosponsors in the U.S. Senate include Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chris Coons (D-DE).


Lawler Responds To County Legislators' Call To Keep Indian Point Shuttered

Pearl River, N.Y. – 3/11/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement in response to comments from Rockland County Legislators Alden Wolfe and Beth Davidson opposing efforts to reopen the former Indian Point Energy Center.

“Residents in Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley are suffocating under rising energy prices because of New York’s disastrous energy policies. In fact, since the announced closure of Indian Point, New York has seen a nation-leading 58% increase in electricity costs.

In just a few months, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, will reopen the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant after recognizing the economic and energy consequences of losing a reliable source of power.

The facility is now expected to become the first nuclear power plant in the United States to restart after being closed. Once operational again, it will provide safe, clean, and reliable electricity (over 1 GW) for roughly 800,000 homes, helping keep energy costs down.

If Michigan can do it, there is no reason New York can’t. We need an across-the-board approach to bring down energy prices, and reopening Indian Point will go a long way toward achieving that.

Spineless politicians like Beth Davidson and Alden Wolfe are part of the problem; they are more interested in letting politics, not science, drive our energy decisions and are happy to kill good-paying union jobs, crush our municipalities and school districts with lost tax revenue, and stop clean, reliable, and affordable energy for consumers.

I look forward to hearing their plan to reduce energy costs, maybe during their respective political campaigns they can inform voters how they actually plan to reduce costs.”

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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Lawler Champions Caregivers with New Health and Wellness Legislation

Washington, D.C. – 3/12/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler introduced Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act, legislation to establish a federal grant program to support the health, well-being, and retention of caregivers across the United States. Specifically, this legislation directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program for nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services to promote caregiver wellness.

This legislation is inspired by the life of Dream Ioni Shepherd and the extraordinary caregiving journey of her mother, Diana E. Lemon, a constituent from the Hudson Valley. Her daughter was born with life-threatening sickle cell disease and suffered a stroke at just five years old, beginning years of intensive treatments, transfusions, and hospitalizations. In a final effort to save her life, Diana donated her own stem cells so Dream could undergo a transplant.

After four months in the hospital, Dream was finally able to return home, but her recovery required 12 to 14 hours of daily IV infusions through a central line, a level of medical care that insurance companies initially refused to support with trained professionals.

Faced with the possibility that parents could be forced to manage life or death medical procedures alone, Diana began advocating for change. That fight led to the passage of Dream’s Law in New York State, ensuring that patients discharged from the hospital with complex medical needs receive appropriate professional care at home.

Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act builds on the legacy of Dream’s Law by recognizing caregivers as essential partners in the health care system and investing in programs that provide restoration, mental health support, community connection, and practical resources. Inspired by Dream’s courage and the love that sustained her family, this legislation seeks to ensure caregivers across the country are no longer asked to carry that responsibility alone.

These “Dream Grants” can be spent on caregiver supports such as:

Meals

Transportation to and from work

Mental health services, including post-traumatic stress disorder services and supports

Holistic wellness programs

Other supportive services, as determined by the Secretary

Behind every patient navigating a medical crisis is a caregiver whose life has been fundamentally altered. Caregivers often place their careers, finances, emotional wellbeing, and personal lives on hold for years while supporting the survival and recovery of their loved ones.

“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those living with chronic illnesses. Yet many face high levels of stress, burnout, and limited support resources. By investing in programs that promote caregiver wellness, this legislation strengthens the support networks caregivers rely on and ensures they have access to the resources they need to stay healthy. Supporting caregivers helps build a stronger, more compassionate care system for the families and communities that depend on them,” said Congressman Lawler.

“This legislation is deeply personal to me as a mother and caregiver. For years, my world stood still while I cared for my daughter, Dream Shepherd. Like so many caregivers, I gave everything I had, often without the support systems that help people sustain themselves through that kind of love and responsibility. Today, Dream’s legacy lives on as the Legacy Founder of the Ossining Community Garden of Dreams Legacy Center, where we are developing a Land-Based Recovery Model for Trauma grounded in community-rooted healing justice. Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act reflects what I wish had existed during those years: spaces for restoration, mental health support, community care, and practical resources that recognize caregivers as human beings who also need to heal and be sustained while caring for those they love. This legislation recognizes what caregivers have always known: love may drive the work, but support is what sustains it,” said Diana Lemon, Co-Founder & CEO of Ossining Community Garden of Dreams Legacy Center.

“Caregivers spend so much of their lives holding everyone else together that they rarely have space to hold themselves. At the Ossining Community Garden of Dreams Legacy Center, our work is grounded in a land-based approach that helps caregivers and families maintain balance within themselves even when they are stretched beyond their capacity. Through horticultural therapy and wellness practices, farm-to-table food experiences, plant medicine education, spiritual gardening, and creative storytelling through our Multi-Media Imaginarium, we support caregivers in restoring their nervous systems, reconnecting with community, and finding moments of grounding. Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act recognizes something deeply human: caregivers should not have to disappear in order to care for the people they love,”said Lauren Green, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Ossining Community Garden of Dreams Legacy Center.

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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Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Coordinate Global Pandemic Response to Antimicrobial Resistance

More Than 35,000 People Die Annually from Bacterial Infections That are Resistant to Antibiotics; Bill Would Create a Global Strategy to Fight “Superbugs”

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Rep. David Valadao (CA-22) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Saving Us from Pandemic Era Resistance by Building a Unified Global Strategy (SUPER BUGS) Act. The bill, H.R. 7879, would help prepare for future pandemics by directing the Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to coordinate a federal strategy for working with foreign countries, multilateral organizations, and other appropriate entities to help develop and commercialize new pandemic products, including antimicrobials. These new antimicrobial products would fight the rapid global spread of pathogens resistant to treatment, which are considered “superbugs.”

Each year in the United States, at least 2.8 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and more than 35,000 of them die from these infections. Antimicrobial drugs are intended for short-term use, making the development of new ones less attractive to drug developers. In December 2018, there were 42 antibiotics in the global clinical pipeline, of which only 11 were being developed to treat superbugs on the World Health Organization (WHO) critical threat list.

“There is scientific consensus on the fact that our world will experience another global pandemic, and the next one is likely to be connected to antimicrobial resistance. It’s not a matter of if it will happen, it’s a matter of when,” said Rep. Levin. “In order to protect Americans and people across the world, we need international cooperation and a global strategy to fight superbugs that have become resistant to modern medicine. Our bill would direct the development of drugs and other products to fight superbugs by entering into partnerships with other countries and multilateral organizations. I thank Rep. Valadao for his partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process quickly.”

“In the Central Valley, we see firsthand the growing threat of superbugs like Valley Fever, which are becoming harder to treat,” said Rep. Valadao. “The bipartisan SUPER BUGS Act strengthens coordination with our international partners to accelerate new treatments and tools to combat drug-resistant pathogens, and I’m proud to partner with Congressman Levin to help prevent the next global pandemic.”

The SUPER BUGS Act would strengthen the United States’ ability to combat antimicrobial resistance and prepare for future pandemics by expanding collaboration with international partners and encouraging parallel investments in the development of antimicrobials and other pandemic countermeasures. The bill’s coordinated strategic approach would aim to ensure equitable contributions among participating entities and consider a range of mechanisms to accelerate development and access, including securing contracts with the private sector, establishing public-private partnerships, implementing alternative payment models, and streamlining regulatory approval processes.

The bill is endorsed by the Partnership for Fighting Infectious Disease, American Society of Microbiology, Global Health Technologies Coalition, American Public Health Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Sepsis Alliance, Treatment Action Group, and IAVI.

“National public health emergencies are a threat to every American. Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance are the root cause, and right now, the nation is unprepared to prevent them. U.S. health care requires a national strategy to get, and stay, ahead of the next pandemic. We applaud the sponsors for introducing the SUPER BUGS Act and for their commitment to addressing these very serious health and national security concerns,” said Candace DeMatteis, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID).

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