Rep. Clyde Urges FEMA to Recommend Major Disaster Declaration for Northeast Georgia After Winter Storm Fern

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) sent a letter to Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Karen Evans urging the agency to recommend presidential approval for a major disaster declaration for Northeast Georgia counties severely impacted by Winter Storm Fern.

Notably, Rep. Clyde initiated his request by thanking FEMA officials for working on this matter amid challenges caused by Senate Democrats’, including Georgia Sens. Ossoff and Warnock, refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

“I want to express my gratitude for FEMA's ongoing engagement with state and local officials throughout the damage assessment process – particularly given the operational challenges posed by the ongoing Democrat-led shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. That FEMA personnel have continued to work diligently on behalf of affected communities under these circumstances is commendable, and I am grateful for their dedication.”

The Congressman highlighted the tremendous financial strain that local officials and their communities are facing due to recovery efforts.

“During and since those visits, I have heard directly from local officials across Northeast Georgia about the financial strain this storm has placed on their communities. The damage caused by Winter Storm Fern is simply beyond the capacity of these counties’ budgets to address alone. This burden is compounded by the economic vulnerability of these communities, as the majority of the affected counties are rural and have poverty rates above the national average. Local governments are facing costs associated with debris removal, infrastructure repair, and emergency response that far exceed what their fiscal resources can sustain. They have made clear to me that without additional federal assistance, a full and timely recovery will not be possible.”

Specifically, Rep. Clyde cited the preliminary damage assessment data for the hardest-hit Northeast Georgia counties.

“The scale by which these counties exceeded FEMA's own threshold for federal intervention is staggering. Habersham County sustained $7,223,461 in total eligible Public Assistance damage, or $156.93 per resident, exceeding its FY2026 per capita threshold by $6,999,750.34 – nearly 32 times the level FEMA considers the outer limit of local capacity. White County sustained $4,769,738 in eligible damage, or $170.33 per resident, the highest per capita damage figure of any county in the request, exceeding its threshold by $4,633,643.42, approximately 35 times. Rabun County sustained $1,659,595 in eligible damage, or $98.30 per resident, exceeding its threshold by $1,577,543.62, more than 20 times. Stephens County sustained $225,835 in eligible damage, or $8.43 per resident, exceeding its threshold by $95,664.76, approximately 1.7 times. In every case, the damage in these communities far exceeded FEMA's threshold for warranted federal intervention.”

Rep. Clyde continued by making the case that there is a sufficient basis for federal intervention in Northeast Georgia.

“I am also aware that the aggregate statewide damage from Winter Storm Fern, as currently assessed, does not meet FEMA’s per capita threshold for the State of Georgia as a whole. However, FEMA’s regulations and policy guidance explicitly recognize that localized concentrations of extraordinary damage can warrant federal assistance even when statewide thresholds are not met. This is further reinforced by FEMA’s own internal guidance directing Regional Administrators to give greater consideration to severe local impact when assessing whether to recommend a declaration. The per capita damage figures for the four Ninth District counties range from approximately $8.43 in Stephens County to $170.33 in White County – a compelling illustration of the kind of localized, concentrated impact that FEMA’s $4.86 per capita county cost indicator contemplate as a sufficient basis for federal intervention. I urge FEMA to apply that standard here.”

In closing, Congressman Clyde urged Acting Administrator Evans to recommend presidential approval for this major disaster declaration and emphasized his ongoing advocacy for Ninth District communities in need.

“I respectfully urge FEMA to complete its review of Governor Kemp’s request and to recommend to President Trump that he approve a major disaster declaration for the affected Northeast Georgia counties. My office stands ready to engage with FEMA at every step of this process, and I will use every tool available to me as a Member of Congress to advocate in a fiscally responsible way for the resources Northeast Georgians need and deserve.”

Read the full letterHERE.

Background

In late January, Winter Storm Fern hit Northeast Georgia, causing hazardous conditions, road closures, and massive power outages. In the days following the storm, Rep. Clyde visited the Ninth District’s hardest-hit communities — including White, Habersham, and Rabun Counties, to assess the damage left behind by the storm and to meet with local officials, utility providers, and Georgia National Guard troops.


Congressman Cohen Questions Intelligence Officials About Oil Prices and Sacking Iran Experts

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today questioned leading intelligence officials at a House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on threats to national security.

Congressman Cohen asked FBI Director Kash Patel about his firing of at least 12 FBI counterintelligence analysts with expertise on Iran days before the war broke out and whether they were terminated because of their role in investigating President Trump’s unauthorized storage of classified documents in his Mar-a-Lago bathroom.

In responses to Congressman Cohen’s questions, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged President Trump was aware of an unclassified intelligence assessment from last year that predicted closing off the Strait of Hormuz and “disrupting shipping” would likely be a retaliatory action taken by Iran if it were attacked. Knowing that he was aware of that prediction, Congressman Cohen asked why the president didn’t take steps to strengthen the defense of this critical oil transportation route before February 28 attacks.

Congressman Cohen’s questions about Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium were deferred to a closed, classified hearing immediately after today’s public session.

See Congressman Cohen’s exchange with the witnesses here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

The Honorable Tulsi Gabbard, Director, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI);

The Honorable John L. Ratcliffe, Director, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA);

The Honorable Kash Patel, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);

Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, Acting Director, National Security Agency; and

Lieutenant General James H. Adams, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency

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Davids Backs Bill to Ensure Any Tariff Refunds Reach Kansas Small Businesses, Families — Not Just Big Corporations

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced her support for new legislation that would provide automatic refunds to small businesses and families forced to pay President Trump’s reckless tariffs. While large corporations can fight in court to reclaim their losses, most small businesses lack the resources to recover these payments — leaving them and their customers to bear the cost.

“Reckless tariffs are a direct tax on Kansas families, raising prices on groceries, gas, and everyday goods, and squeezing small businesses,” said Davids. “The Supreme Court has made clear that these tariffs were illegal, yet the Trump Administration continues to announce more. This new bill would ensure hardworking Kansans and small businesses actually get the refunds they deserve — not just the largest, wealthiest corporations. This is a necessary step to restore fairness, lower costs, and protect Kansas communities.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on her support for the Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act

Trump’s tariff policies have hit Kansas hard, driving up costs for families and threatening small businesses and farmers. According to estimates, average American households will pay roughly $2,500 more this year because of these policies. Local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail have faced higher costs for imported goods, forcing some businesses to raise consumer prices, cut jobs, or close entirely.

While the Supreme Court ruled these tariffs illegal, the administration is still implementing them. Refunds are being discussed, but under the current system, small businesses often lack the resources to reclaim funds, while large corporations can pursue lengthy litigation to recover tariff payments.

The RELIEF Act would:

Require automatic refunds for all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025 – so small businesses and families don’t have to wait years or hire lawyers to get back the money they were forced to pay.

Ensure refunds are processed within 90 days of enactment – giving immediate relief to businesses struggling with higher costs and helping keep prices lower for everyday consumers.

Eliminate the need for individual applications or formal protests – removing bureaucratic hurdles so small businesses and families can actually access the refunds without extra cost, confusion, or delay.


Donalds Secures Win For Florida Condo Borrowers And Owners: FHFA Eliminates Limited Review Process

WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Director Bill Pulte of the United States Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) led the effort to successfully eliminate the restrictive Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Limited Review process for condominium borrowers and owners in the State of Florida.

For decades, Florida condominium borrowers and owners have been harshly subject to a 25% down payment — a rate significantly higher than those applied in other states under the same Limited Review lending process. An extensive evaluation of the Limited Review process by the FHFA concluded that the program disproportionately burdened consumers and penalized owners in Florida.

By returning to the traditional underwriting process and simplifying access to documentation, lenders will be able to provide conventional financing options in a far more efficient manner. Floridians will now have access to the same nationwide traditional lending terms with down payments ranging from 3% to 5%. Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

"For the last 17 years, the Florida condo market has been singled out and subjected to overly burdensome Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac restrictions that don’t apply to any other state in the country. These 2008 policies are not only outdated and unfair to the Sunshine State, but they are an unnecessary barrier to condo financing and have limited the available housing options for Floridians. I want to thank Director Pulte for his leadership and his decisive action to ensure prospective condo owners in Florida are subject to the same terms and conditions as the rest of the nation."

See video summarizing the Donalds-FHFA action HERE.

What This Means For You:

This change effectively retires the remaining geographic restrictions that apply to the state of Florida. Geographic restrictions remain in effect until the Limited Review process is retired on August 3, 2026.

Lenders may implement the retirement of Limited Review immediately, but must do so for all loan applications dated on or after Aug. 3, 2026.

Established projects previously eligible for Limited Review must now be reviewed using the Full Review process or, when applicable, the Waiver of Project Review process in Selling Guide B4-2.1-02 Waiver of Project Review.

More:

See Selling Guide B4-2.1-02 Waiver of Project Review HERE.


Fitzpatrick Calls on DHS to Release Nearly $600 Million in FEMA Reimbursements for PA Hospitals

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), joined by members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation including Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), Rob Bresnahan (PA-8), Dan Meuser (PA-9), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), and Mike Kelly (PA-16), is calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release nearly $600 million in previously unobligated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance funding still owed to Pennsylvania health care providers for eligible COVID-19 response costs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA made Public Assistance funding available to help reimburse hospitals for eligible emergency response costs. While much of that funding has already been distributed, nearly $600 million owed to Pennsylvania providers remains outstanding.

“Hospitals are among the most vital institutions in any community, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania’s hospitals proved exactly why. At the heart of that effort were extraordinary doctors, nurses, and health care professionals who worked tirelessly under immense pressure to care for the sick, protect those around them, and serve as a lifeline for families during a time of profound uncertainty. That service came at a significant cost, and these hospitals should not still be waiting for support intended to help shoulder that burden. We will continue pressing to ensure the hospitals of Bucks and Montgomery counties—and across Pennsylvania—receive the resources they were promised and rightfully earned,” said Fitzpatrick.

“The COVID pandemic placed an enormous strain on hospitals throughout our commonwealth — requiring providers to absorb large, short-term expenses in order to save lives,” said Mackenzie. “As our health care providers work to complete their COVID recovery and prepare for the future, they’re counting on full reimbursement via the funding that the federal government has already allocated. Distribution of the $600 million in outstanding Public Assistance funds will provide critical support for Pennsylvania providers and empower their ability to provide the highest quality care.”

“Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and did everything asked of them and more to protect patients and support frontline workers,” said Bresnahan. “FEMA should stop dragging its feet and release the funds these providers were promised so they can keep caring for families across the Commonwealth."

“Hospitals across Pennsylvania provide exceptional care to our communities every day. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania hospitals should receive the Public Assistance funding they are owed for the critical services they delivered,” said Smucker.

Fitzpatrick has long prioritized strengthening the health care systems and frontline institutions that Pennsylvania families rely on, including by securing federal investments to expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and improve access to high-quality care across the First District.


Frankel Convenes Security Briefing with Sheriff Bradshaw

Last evening, March 18, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) convened a Zoom briefing with special guest Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, bringing together more than 80 local elected officials, law enforcement personnel, and faith leaders in response to growing public concern about potential security threats.

“My office convened this briefing to encourage local officials and community leaders to work with law enforcement to assess potential risks, stay coordinated, and continue working together to keep Palm Beach County safe,” said Congresswoman Frankel.

Sheriff Bradshaw made it clear that there are no specific or credible threats to Palm Beach County at this time.

Bradshaw provided an update on Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office security protocols, interagency coordination, and preparedness efforts to address evolving threats—while maintaining public safety and minimizing disruptions to the community.

He underscored the critical role of municipal police departments in maintaining public safety, noting that his office remains in frequent communication with police chiefs across the county and stands ready to assist should any threats arise.

The Sheriff emphasized that residents and visitors should report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. If you see something, say something!

Additional updates will be provided as needed.


Fulcher Introduces Bill to Strengthen Geographic Diversity of Metal Depositories

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after introducing the System Integrity through Licensed Vault Expansion and Resilience (SILVER) Act, H.R. 8007.

“Having metal depositories located in more than one region in the United States will provide Americans across the country with affordable access to metal exchanges and safeguard assets in the event of a national emergency or extreme weather event. I’m proud to introduce The SILVER Act, which requires the approval of at least two depositories in the Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones, strengthening system integrity and resiliency,” said Congressman Fulcher.

Bill Background

Currently, the only precious metals depositories approved for deliveries on futures contracts are located within the Greater New York City Area. Since all metals storage facilities are located in such a limited and concentrated geographic region, there are substantial limits on market liquidity, increased security risks, and limitations on Americans living in the Western United States.

The SILVER Act requires a derivatives clearing organization to select at least two depositories in the Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones for approval.

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Gomez Grills Intelligence Chiefs, Exposes Lack of Evidence for War Justification

"If the President can ignore your [intelligence], why do you even have a job?" Gomez pressed during the hearing.

WATCH: Rep. Gomez blasts Trump's intelligence officials during House Intelligence Committee hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As U.S. military operations continue in Iran, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) sharply questioned top intelligence officials, exposing glaring inconsistencies, evasions, and a troubling admission: the intelligence community cannot clearly support claims that Iran posed an imminent nuclear threat.

Rep. Gomez repeatedly asked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard whether she still stands by her prior testimony that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. She declined to give a clear yes-or-no answer. CIA Director John Ratcliffe similarly avoided confirming that earlier assessment.

Rep. Gomez also pointed to President Trump’s public dismissal of intelligence findings, noting that officials would not directly respond when asked whether the President should rely on their assessments.

Key Excerpts from Rep. Gomez’s Questioning:

Intelligence Officials Admit that Trump May Ignore Intelligence in War:

Gomez: “Yesterday, you said the only person who can determine what is an 'imminent threat' is the President of the United States. Do you stand by that statement?”

Gabbard: “Yes I do.”

Gomez: "Director Ratcliffe, do you agree with that assessment?"

Ratcliffe: "The President as Commander in Chief gets to make a decision about what's an imminent threat."

Gomez: “If the President can determine and ignore what you're doing, why do you guys even have a job? Why do you even advise him?”

Gomez Questioning Exposes that Basis for Iran War Doesn't Exist:

Gomez: “Director Gabbard, last year you testified that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. Do you stand by that statement, yes or no?”

Gabbard: “Context matters—”

Gomez: “I reclaim my time. It’s an easy answer, you either stand by what you said last year or not.”

No clear evidence Iran posed an imminent threat:

Gomez: “Were they weeks away from achieving a nuclear weapon, yes or no?”

Gabbard: “This is a serious matter—”

Gomez: “Were they weeks away or not? The American people need to know if this was an imminent threat or not.”

DNI Gabbard Can't Answer Who Poses Greater Threat: North Korea or Iran:

Gomez: “Director Gabbard, you said that North Korea has intercontinental ballistic missiles that can reach the [United States]. Yet, the Defense Department said that Iran was at least 10 years away from that capability. Which one is the more serious threat? North Korea or Iran?”

Gabbard: “These threats are taken within the context of the total body of intelligence reporting.”

Gomez: “That’s my point. It’s not just about having the capability of building a weapon, it’s if they can actually deliver that weapon, if they have the intention of doing that.”

Gomez: “We haven’t heard that they were weeks away. We haven’t heard that they were months away. That’s what we’re waiting for.”

Gomez: “Imminent to me means they're mobilizing troops. They're moving things into position, artillery. They're getting ready to attack. But everything that we've heard is that this is not the case”


Rep. Grijalva Grills Trump and Republicans on the House Floor over the Iran War & Affordability Crisis

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Grijalva spoke on the House floor about the reckless war in Iran, which is exacerbating the affordability crisis here at home. $22.8 billion taxpayer dollars have already been spent on the war. This morning, reports surfaced that the Pentagon intends to request an additional $200 billion.

You can view her full remarks here.

I rise today on behalf of Southern Arizonans who are being squeezed to the brink—families who cannot keep up with rising healthcare costs, soaring gas prices, and a future that feels further and further out of reach.

Working families are struggling to get by. But instead of relief, they are being ignored—all while Trump and House Republicans continue to serve their billionaire friends and special interests.

Nearly 60% of families in this country are living paycheck to paycheck.

Yet there is always money for war, but never enough for the urgent needs of everyday people here at home.

The American people want healthcare, not warfare.

This war alone has cost us $22.8 billion. Think about that—$22.8 billion. That kind of investment could have provided Medicaid to over 6 million children, funded Head Start for 1.3 million families, canceled $20,000 in student debt for one million borrowers, or funded the ACA premium assistance that Republicans refused to extend.

These are the investments Southern Arizonans—and Americans across this country—want to see.

Working people are not interested in funding another endless war while they struggle to fill their gas tanks and pay their bills.

Instead of putting billionaires first, Congress should focus on policies that make people’s lives better.

It’s time to start putting the American people first.

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Hayes, Blumenthal, and Alsobrooks Introduce Legislation to Address Maternal Health Crisis

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) led the introduction of the Social Determinants for Moms Act to identify social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. This legislation will establish a whole of government task force to address the maternal health crisis. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Angela Alsobrooks are introducing the legislation in the Senate.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, a trend that continues to get worse. Black women, the maternal mortality rate in 2023 was 50.3 – nearly 3.5 times the maternal mortality rate for white women. Fortunately, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The Social Determinants for Moms Act is working to address these preventable pregnancy-related deaths.

This bill is part of the Momnibus Act, introduced by Representatives Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams (NC-12) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Momnibus Act is 14 bills that comprehensively address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.

“Black women in America are three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. Long-standing inequities in housing, transportation, and nutrition are directly linked to maternal health,” said Congresswoman Hayes. "In the wealthiest country in history, women should have access to high-quality health care and the ability to give birth with peace of mind. We can invest directly in efforts aimed at addressing the social determinants of health, allowing us to begin eliminating generations of disparities and ultimately saving lives.”

“Social barriers like inadequate access to healthy food and affordable housing play a critical role in how mothers recover from childbirth. This bill makes invests in all the nonmedical factors that impact mothers during and after pregnancy. By creating a whole-of-government task force to address the maternal health crisis in our country, the Social Determinants for Moms Act establishes an interdisciplinary approach to reduce maternal mortality and save lives. Every mother deserves to have a safe and healthy pregnancy—regardless of where they live and work, their ethnicity, or anything else,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“Moms are dying in America – both from a lack of access to health care and because of social determinants like racial discrimination, housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of transportation. It is unacceptable. American mothers deserve better. I am proud to partner with Senator Blumenthal and Congresswoman Hayes to make essential federal investments to address the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes for moms,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

Full bill text of the Social Determinants for Moms Act is available here. You can one-pager here.

Momnibus Act

The Momnibus Act is made up of fourteen bills. The legislation will:

Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition.

Extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods.

Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity.

Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans.

Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust.

Improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it.

Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms.

Invest in digital tools to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.

Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy.

Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.

Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies.

Invest in research to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths, end disparities, and improve health for women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health of moms and babies.


Huffman, 52 House Democrats Call on Appropriators to Defund Trump's Censorship of American History at National Parks

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led 52 other House Democrats in calling on House appropriators to block funding for Secretarial Order 3431, the Trump administration directive that has led to the removal of historical exhibits and educational materials about slavery, Indigenous peoples, and climate change from national parks and public lands across America.

In a letter to Chair Mike Simpson and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the members urged inclusion of language in the FY 2027 spending bill that would prohibit the use of any funds to implement, administer, or enforce the order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”

“The order has led to the arbitrary flagging of thousands of interpretive signage and educational materials across public lands and historic sites and resulted in the alteration, and in some cases removal of historic exhibits across the National Park System and other Interior-managed sites,” the members write.

The letter warns that the administration is “bypassing consultation with Tribal Nations and descendant communities and ignoring professional standards around historical interpretation." The members point to a growing pattern of political censorship stretching "from Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia to Muir Woods in California.”

“True patriotism requires honest engagement with both our moments of achievement and those of moral failure,” the members write. “Sanitizing history undermines efforts to ensure that all Americans can see themselves reflected in these shared places.”

The members also note that the directive's reach extends well beyond the park system: “Federal pressure to 'restore truth and sanity' to American history has already begun to have a chilling effect on historic preservation efforts nationwide, as states, localities, and cultural institutions fear censorship and retribution from the administration.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Background

Today's letter is the latest action in a sustained campaign by Natural Resources Committee Democrats to hold the administration accountable for censoring American history. In August 2025, Huffman led 12 colleagues in a letter warning that the administration's executive and secretarial orders were leading to the attempted erasure of historical content across the National Park System. In September 2025, Huffman grilled NPS officials at a committee hearing, calling the removal of slavery-related content "pure propaganda" and "un-American." In January 2026, Committee Democrats sent a formal oversight letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers about the systematic removal of exhibits on slavery and climate change from parks nationwide. Burgum has failed to respond to any of these inquiries. In February 2026, Committee Democrats ran a hearing about Freedom 250’s role in the whitewashing of history.

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Jayapal Statement on Upcoming FISA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the negotiations on the upcoming Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 reauthorization.

“As the Trump administration continues to run roughshod over our Constitution, we cannot continue to give them a further opening to sacrifice our civil liberties in the name of national security. We cannot give Stephen Miller a blank check to conduct domestic surveillance in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

“I have been working on essential reforms to FISA across Administrations, and I have not wavered — whether it is a Democratic or Republican President. This has always been a bipartisan issue for good reason. Americans across political parties care deeply about privacy and not being surveilled. Congress has a duty to protect those fundamental Constitutional liberties. Any attempt to push forward a ‘clean’ reauthorization of Section 702 will put our private, sensitive data at risk.

“This Trump administration has been particularly brazen in its use of domestic surveillance to suppress our Constitutional rights and dissent. In just the last six weeks, the administration has blacklisted Anthropic for refusing to stand down on its requirement that its technology not be used for the mass surveillance of Americans, and we learned that the Department of Justice surveilled me — and likely many other members — while reviewing the Epstein files, seeking justice for survivors. In Minnesota, federal immigration agents have surveilled and intimidated U.S. citizens exercising their First Amendment rights to document agents’ unlawful actions.

“It is time to reform FISA, ensure our Fourth Amendment protections are guaranteed, and stop the government surveillance of Americans.”

Section 702 authorizes the federal government to intercept electronic communications of non-U.S. persons who are located outside of the United States. However, the communications of Americans are often swept up when monitoring non-U.S. persons, are then kept by intelligence agencies, and can be later accessed without a warrant. This backdoor surveillance has occurred for decades and allows for rampant abuse. While the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims to have significantly reduced the number of backdoor searches in recent years, the truth is, we do not know the true number of searches on Americans. In 2024, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division uncovered that the FBI was querying Section 702 data differently and was not in compliance with statutory and court-ordered requirements intended to prevent abuses. In October 2025, the Office of the Inspector General stated it was “not able to conclude… that FBI’s querying compliance issues are entirely in the past.”

Jayapal has been a champion of Congressional efforts to reform FISA. She has led both bipartisan legislation and letters to enact reforms, as well as multiple bipartisan calls to leadership to not tie FISA reauthorization to “must pass” legislation and allow Members a vote on the standalone legislation. Jayapal also co-led the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act to stop the federal government from circumventing Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to privacy by closing loopholes that allow the government to purchase Americans’ data from big tech companies without a search warrant.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT TO DROP BOMBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST WHILE THIS ADMINISTRATION CAN’T FIND A DIME TO MAKE HEALTHCARE MORE AFFORDABLE”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s All In With Chris Hayes, where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to push back on Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice in the Middle East and the administration’s requests to continue spending taxpayer dollars in ways that do not make life better or more affordable for the American people.

CHRIS HAYES: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York is the House Democratic Leader and he joins me now. Do you feel that you have a strong understanding of even what the U.S. objectives are? I mean, Tulsi Gabbard said today that the President has been clear about what the objectives are. They differ from what Israel’s are. And she sort of sputtered a little bit in trying to describe that tension. But are you even clear what our objectives are?

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a great question, Chris, and the administration has articulated shifting objectives. One day it’s regime change. The next day it’s about stopping Iran’s nuclear aspirations, even though the President claimed several months ago that Iran’s nuclear program had been completely and totally obliterated. Day after that, it was about stepping in to protect Iranian civilians, to try to push back against the Iranian regime. Then the day after that they’ll say it’s about intercontinental ballistic missiles, where there’s no evidence that Iran actually has missiles that could strike the United States. Then they have a broad claim saying that it was about an imminent threat to the United State of America, and their own former national security professionals acknowledge that there was no imminent threat to America. This is the reason why, Chris, amongst many others, that the war is so deeply unpopular because the American people understand there’s no justification for it. It’s a reckless war of choice. And billions of dollars are being spent to drop bombs in the Middle East while this administration can’t find a dime to actually make healthcare more affordable for the American people.

CHRIS HAYES: Speaking of those billion dollars. Today we got this headline. The Pentagon is going to try to get $200 billion dollars in a budget request for the Iran war. CNN reporting there’s some cracks emerging in the GOP over the Iran war cost. Some, a little bit of dissent from some Members in Congress about that price tag. I’m imagining you’re a no on this. But the question is, are you confident you can hold an entire Democratic Caucus together in the House and get full unanimity in a no for that $200 billion supplemental?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, we’ll have to have that conversation, but as your suspicions suggest, Chris, it would be my expectation that there is strong Democratic opposition against the notion of continuing to pour billions of dollars of additional money into a war with no justification, no plan, no strategy and no clear indication as to how to get out of it where there was no rationale to get into it in the first place. And, in fact, Donald Trump said as Candidate Trump that he was not going to get us into a reckless war of choice in the Middle East and then President Trump got us into a wreckless war of choice in the Middle East wasting billions of dollars of taxpayer money. And the notion of them coming to Congress asking for $200 billion more is so beyond the pale that I’ve got to hope that these reports are inaccurate.

CHRIS HAYES: There was a War Powers vote, I think, a few weeks ago, in which Democrats, all but I think five, I want to say, on the Whip count, voted to force basically a restraint, a resolution, right? They would have forced a vote where Congress would have had to okay the action. My understanding of the reporting was that leadership whipped that vote. You whipped that vote, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, others, right. This was an important vote. Are you committed to whipping a vote on the supplemental if, in fact, they come to you for $200 billion, and really making this a priority for leadership?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I don’t want to get out ahead of Whip Katherine Clark, because those are conversations that we have. But needless to say, clearly, there’s deep skepticism that I’ve publicly articulated, and other members of leadership have publicly articulated, including the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro. But we’ll have that conversation when we need to have that conversation. What I can say is that it’s my expectation that we will have another War Powers Resolution vote sooner rather than later, potentially as early as next week, and we’re going to try to get to uniform Democratic support and get a handful of Republicans to join us so we can stop this reckless war of choice so that we don’t even have to deal with the possibility of considering some kind of request for $200 billion in additional taxpayer money who, as Bernie Sanders said, so much can be done with that to actually make life better for the American people in healthcare, in nutritional assistance, in housing and in other areas.

CHRIS HAYES: Well, I have to say, you know, everyone’s forgotten about the weird DOGE months in Washington when the President came in and Elon Musk set loose a bunch of twenty-somethings with AI to go fire a bunch of folks. But I, like, talked to, like, a park ranger that made $48,000 a year that lost their job. There are people that worked with veterans who lost their jobs. There are people that work in food safety that lost their job. We cut off emergency nutrition to some of the poorest, most starving people in the world. I mean, what does it say to you to say they’re going to spend $200 billion after going through all that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I mean, it’s such an extraordinarily out-of-pocket request, out of bounds, out of control. I mean, the extremists just continue to show the American people who they are: the same group of people who enacted the largest cuts of Medicaid in American history, literally ripped healthcare away from 14 million Americans and, in that same One Big Ugly Bill, enacted the largest cut to nutritional assistance. They took $186 billion away from hungry children, veterans and seniors in America to give ICE a $75 billion slush fund to brutalize and kill American citizens, to give their billionaire donors a massive tax break and now they want to come back to the taxpayers for an additional $200 billion for a reckless war of choice. The whole thing is so extreme, so extraordinary in its request that you would think it was being written by a Hollywood screenwriter, this is not reality. But unfortunately, this is the national nightmare that we’re living through right now in Trump’s America, and we’re going to do everything we need to do to get through it, starting by winning the midterm elections in November.

Full interview can be watched here.

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LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE PRIORITIES OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ARE ALL SCREWED UP”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he highlighted how Donald Trump and Republicans continue to work against the best interests of hardworking American taxpayers, including waging an illegal war of choice in the Middle East.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yesterday, House Democrats launched a discharge petition to force an up or down vote to make sure that we are paying TSA agents, paying the Coast Guard, supporting FEMA and supporting cybersecurity professionals who are working hard to keep us safe. There is no reason why the parts of the Department of Homeland Security that have been shut down by Republicans several weeks ago remains shuttered or that individuals like TSA agents have been forced for more than a month to work without pay.

Republicans have consistently refused, at this point in time, to enact the type of bold, meaningful, and dramatic changes to ICE that are necessary to get ICE under control. Our position remains the same. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people in the midst of an affordability crisis where life has become more expensive for everyday Americans because of failed Republican policies. And yet Republicans have decided that they would rather spend billions of dollars to unleash masked and untrained ICE agents to brutalize American communities and violently target law-abiding immigrant families, and at the same time are now spending billions of dollars on a reckless war of choice to drop bombs in the Middle East. But these same extremists in Congress and within the administration, starting with the President, can’t find a dime to make life more affordable for the American people or to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that 20 million Americans of every political persuasion can afford to go see a doctor when they need one.

The priorities of the Trump administration and Republicans are all screwed up. They’re focused on unleashing ICE brutality, enacting massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors and spending billions of dollars to drop bombs in the Middle East. But they don’t give a damn about making life better for the American people. Democrats are going to continue to focus our efforts on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system, making sure that immigration enforcement in this country is fair, just and humane and that we actually are focused on lifting up the quality of life of working class Americans, middle class Americans and everyday Americans, not the wealthy, the well off and the well-connected, which is what has been the obsession of the Republican Party.

Full event can be watched here.

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Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Stop AI Chatbots from Impersonating Doctors, Lawyers & Licensed Professionals

Washington, D.C. – With vulnerable users increasingly being influenced by artificial intelligence, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced legislation to prohibit AI chatbots from impersonating licensed professionals in the medical, legal, and financial fields.

The CHATBOT Act (H.R. 7985) aims to protect consumers from being misled by AI systems that falsely present themselves as qualified professionals despite lacking credentials or a license. AI chatbots may have the potential to develop into safe and valuable tools to augment the work of human medical, legal, and financial professionals. However, they can also give misleading advice about sensitive topics, which poses a particular risk to vulnerable individuals.

A recent study by Common Sense Media, which has endorsed the bill, showed 72 percent of teens report using AI chatbots at least once, and over half say they regularly use them several times a month. In some cases, the lack of chatbot safeguards has led to tragic consequences, including the suicides of a 14-year-old boy in Florida and a 16-year-old boy in California after interactions with AI chatbots falsely claiming to be therapists.

“While AI chatbots may expand access to information, they are not a substitute for doctors, therapists, attorneys, or other licensed professionals,” saidRep. Mullin. “We’ve heard horrific stories about what can go wrong, and no family should have to worry that a chatbot claiming to be a therapist might lead their child into harm’s way. No one should be misled into emptying their savings by an AI financial advisor. No one should be deceived by a so-called robo-lawyer giving fake legal advice. The CHATBOT Act would set clear guidelines to prevent the dire, and sometimes deadly, consequences we are seeing when AI chatbots establish a false sense of trust by impersonating licensed professionals.”

Some chatbots establish false credibility by stating or implying that they are licensed professionals or qualified advisors on high-risk matters – for example, by using terms such as “therapist,” “psychologist,” “lawyer,” or “accountant.” In documented cases, chatbots have referred to themselves as licensed therapists or certified psychiatrists, and some have even falsified or fraudulently used license numbers to gain users’ confidence. While existing laws prohibit humans from impersonating licensed professionals, the rapid evolution of AI has created gaps that current regulations do not clearly address. The CHATBOT Act closes those gaps by establishing clear, enforceable rules tailored to this new technology.

Specifically, the CHATBOT Act would:

Prohibit AI chatbot companies from falsely indicating or implying the possession of a medical, legal, or financial professional license in a chatbot’s output or marketing;

Prohibit AI chatbot companies from falsely implying that a chatbot’s output is verified by a licensed professional; and

Require the Federal Trade Commission to issue guidance to ensure clear compliance standards.

The CHATBOT Act is cosponsored by Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Darren Soto (FL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Kim Schrier (WA-08).

“As technology continues to advance, more of our most personal moments are moving into online spaces – like conversations with therapists, psychologists, lawyers, or accountants,” said Rep. Dingell.“Unfortunately, more and more individuals are relying on or being misled by chatbots that pretend to be licensed professionals. We’ve heard repeatedly about tragic stories of young people who have lost their lives after relying on AI chatbots instead of receiving professional help. When people seek care or support online, they deserve to know they are interacting with a real, properly trained professional and to feel confident in that assurance. This bill puts guardrails in place to address this rising issue and protect consumers.”

“Some of the most vulnerable moments in our lives happen in private conversations about our health, our finances, or a legal crisis. It is infuriating and heartbreaking that bad actors are using unregulated chatbots to lie, deceive, and exploit Americans when they are looking for help,” said Rep. Matsui. “People deserve to know who, or what, is on the other side of a screen and they deserve honesty when the stakes are high. This policy draws a clear line: an AI chatbot cannot pretend to be a licensed medical, legal, or financial professional, and it cannot falsely claim that a real expert has signed off on its advice. This is a practical step to protect Americans, safeguard sensitive information, and put transparency, safety, and privacy first.”

The CHATBOT Act is endorsed by the American Psychological Association, Consumer Federation of America, National Union of Healthcare Workers, Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Association for Justice, Investment Adviser Association, All Tech is Human, Common Sense Media, National Association of Consumer Advocates, and Alliance for Secure AI.

“Patients have a right to know whether health care guidance is coming from a licensed professional or a computer program,” said Dr. David Cockrell, O.D., Chairman of the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS). “Representative Mullin’s bill establishes a clear, common-sense safeguard by prohibiting chatbots from misrepresenting themselves as licensed health care providers or implying clinical oversight where none exists. As AI tools expand in health care, transparency and accountability must remain non-negotiable to protect patients and preserve trust.”

“The CHATBOT Act is a critical step to protect consumers by making it illegal for companies to advertise and allow their AI tools to falsely represent that their chatbots are licensed professionals. As AI has become increasingly unavoidable in everyday life, it also increasingly deceives users with misleading and bad advice under the guise of being from licensed practitioners,”said Susan Weinstock, the CEO of the Consumer Federation of America. “Too many families have seen the devastating effects of chatbots posing as professionals. We need this legislation, so that both consumers and qualified professionals are no longer put at risk.”

“Artificial intelligence has promising applications to improve efficiency in health care, but the evidence is clear that the expertise of a trained professional must remain at the center of decision-making in behavioral health care. Accordingly, companies with AI-powered chatbots should not be marketing or allowing these products to hold themselves out as a substitute for or equivalent to the training, education, and practice of health care professionals. The American Psychological Association applauds Representative Mullin for his leadership in bringing some accountability to this practice, and we are happy to assist in advancing the CHATBOT Act,” said Dr. Arthur Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association.

“Kids and teens are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for advice about their mental and physical health, school life, and personal lives, often without realizing these systems can sound confident despite lacking the training, judgment, or accountability required of licensed professionals,” said Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Policy Advocacy at Common Sense Media. “When AI chatbots claim to possessprofessional licenses or behave in ways that resemble real professionals, the potential for harm to young people increases significantly. By addressing deceptive claims of licensure or human oversight, the CHATBOT Act is an important step toward protecting users of all ages in the AI era. Common Sense Media is proud to support this legislation and applaud Rep. Mullin and his colleagues for introducing it.”

“When AI chatbots falsely claim to be licensed therapists, or produce fabricated credentials to gain a user’s trust, the consequences can be devastating, especially for children and vulnerable individuals seeking help. The CHATBOT Act establishes a clear and enforceable rule: companies cannot mislead people about what their products are or who is behind the advice they receive. Congress should continue building on this principle with comprehensive legislation that addresses the full scope of AI chatbot harms,” said Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI.


Kiggans, Bera Commit to Expanding Access to Global Health Services in SECURE Health Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Ami Bera (CA-06) introduced the Strengthening and Expanding Capacity for Unified Response and Excellence (SECURE) in Health Act. This bill promotes transparency and accountability in global health by requiring coordinated strategies, detailed tracking of federal spending and outcomes, and regular public reporting to ensure effective and sustainable investments in the global health workforce.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As a nurse practitioner, expanding access to quality and efficient care has been one of my top priorities since entering Congress in 2023. The SECURE Health Act directly addresses the reality that nearly half the world still lacks access to critical health services by strengthening and supporting the global health workforce. Through coordination with the President and federal agencies, this bill strengthens training and protections for the global health workforce and establishes a five-year strategy to maximize existing resources and drive future investment. This is about reinforcing America’s leadership and impact around the world.”

“Investing in the global health workforce helps build strong health systems that save lives and stop outbreaks before they spread and reach our shores,” said Representative Ami Bera. “But to get the most from the resources we already commit, we need stronger planning, better coordination, and a clearer strategy across our government. The bipartisan SECURE Health Act is a smart step forward that will make our investments in frontline health workers more effective, sustainable, and better aligned with our public health and national security goals.”

“The global health landscape is only as resilient as the people who serve on the frontlines. Every day, health workers serve as the first, and often only, line of defense against the diseases and crises that threaten our shared security,” said Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE’s CEO. “The SECURE Health Act provides a unified strategy that ensures that those who care for us have the support they need to care for their communities.”

Read the bill here.

Read a one-pager here.

This legislation was endorsed by: Frontline Health Workers Coalition, Accelerate Global, LLC, Advancing Synergy, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Association For Promotion Sustainable Development, AVAC, CARE, Catholic Medical Mission Board, Community Health Impact Coalition, CORE Group, Elizabeth Glaser, Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), FHI 360, Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Fund for Global Health, Global Health Council, Global Network et Black People Working in HIV, Greenlight Initiative Foundation, Ghana Housing Works, Inc., Medical IMPACT, North Carolina Global Health Alliance, Operation Smile, PAI, Project HOPE, Resolve To Save Lives, Save the Children, Shot@Life, Training for Health Equity Network: THEnet, Treatment Action Group, UNICEF USA, United to Beat Malaria, and World Vision


King-Hinds announces the 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Saipan - Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds has announced the start of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for high school students across the Commonwealth.

“This will be the second year I will be hosting the competition, and I am excited to see what our high school students in the Marianas have in store,” Congresswoman King-Hinds said. “We had a strong number of submissions last year, and I was impressed by the level of talent. I’m hoping to see even more participation this year.”

Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives invites high school students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to participate in the nationwide competition and showcase their artistic talent.

This year’s theme is “Our Golden Chapter: 50 Years of the Covenant.” The winning submission from the Northern Mariana Islands will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside artwork from students across the country.

The competition is free and open to all high school students in the CNMI. All artwork must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Submissions may be delivered by hand or mailed to any of the congressional district offices on Saipan, Tinian, or Rota, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

King-Hinds noted that submitted artwork must be original and two-dimensional. Eligible entries include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography. All submissions must also be suitable for public display.

A panel of local judges will select the winning entry based on originality, creativity, artistic merit, and overall presentation.


King-Hinds Seeks Coordinated Federal Approach to Lower Fuel Costs in the CNMI

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds has initiated discussions with the U.S. Department of Energy to address rising fuel costs in the CNMI and across Pacific territories, highlighting the structural challenges that continue to drive higher prices in the region.

In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the Congresswoman outlined the growing burden of fuel costs on residents and businesses in the CNMI, where gasoline prices currently range from $6.37 per gallon on Saipan to as high as $7.34 and $8.50 per gallon on Rota and Tinian. These costs significantly exceed national averages and are contributing to higher electricity, transportation, and consumer prices throughout the Commonwealth.

King-Hinds noted that while global conditions influence fuel markets, the impact on the CNMI is amplified by structural factors unique to small, remote, and import-dependent economies.

“For communities like ours, fuel costs come down to how fuel is procured and delivered,” King-Hinds said. “We operate at a scale that leaves us exposed to higher costs and volatility, and that is something we should be addressing directly.”

The Congresswoman emphasized that these cost pressures are occurring in a community with limited capacity to absorb them, with a significant portion of households already facing economic constraints. She also noted that fuel costs have broader implications for federal interests in the region, including logistics, infrastructure, and defense-related operations.

King-Hinds is working with the Department of Energy to identify practical pathways to improve fuel affordability and supply stability in Pacific territories. She pointed to the potential for a federally facilitated approach that could help address the structural limitations associated with small-scale fuel procurement by aggregating demand and improving access to more favorable contract terms. She is also seeking the Department’s perspective on how the federal government can serve as a constructive partner in addressing this long-standing issue, including whether existing authorities could support coordinated procurement, what policy or programmatic options may strengthen fuel affordability and supply resilience in insular areas, what legal, administrative, or market constraints may affect implementation, and whether targeted legislative action may be necessary. King-Hinds has also requested a briefing from the Department to further discuss these issues and any recommendations it may have.

She has previously raised broader concerns that federal actions affecting the CNMI have too often focused on restricting programs and opportunities, rather than pursuing solutions that address long-standing structural challenges in the region.

“This is a long-standing issue that requires a more coordinated approach,” she said. “The objective is straightforward, to bring down fuel costs and reduce the pressure these prices are placing on families, businesses, and our economy. That means looking for ways the federal government can respond proactively to challenges like this and deliver meaningful relief.”


Lawler Urges FY27 Appropriations For The Land And Water Conservation Fund

Washington, D.C. – 3/19/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the Domestic Policy Council, urging the protection of the integrity of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

With President Donald Trump’s leadership, Congress passed, and he signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law, guaranteeing permanent funding for LWCF and fulfilling a decades-long promise to dedicate $900 million annually to conservation and outdoor recreation.

“LWCF has proven to be a massive win for the President, for our districts and communities, and for the American people. We look forward to working with you to secure and celebrate the many LWCF successes that the FY27 budget submission can catalyze, and we appreciate your leadership and attention to this issue,” wrote the lawmakers.

For more than 60 years, LWCF investments have supported parks, forests, wildlife habitats, and expanded outdoor recreation access across the country, including in New York State and the Hudson Valley, strengthening local economies and preserving open space for future generations.

Joining Rep. Lawler in sending the letter were Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Nick LaLota (NY-01), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21).

The full letter 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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Representatives McBath, Valadao, Carter, Lee Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Combat Human Trafficking

Washington, DC – Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), joined by David Valadao (CA-22), Troy Carter (LA-02), and Laurel Lee (FL-15) this week launched the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members committed to advancing legislation and policy initiatives that raise public awareness of human trafficking, strengthen the United States’ prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable, and protect human trafficking victims.

“We are proud to launch the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Congress’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and holding traffickers accountable,” said Rep. McBath. “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands sustained action at every level of government. Through this caucus, we will work to raise public awareness, advance meaningful legislation, and coordinate closely with federal agencies, advocates, and community partners to confront this crime wherever it occurs. I thank my colleagues for their support on this issue. By bringing together members on both sides of the aisle, we are reinforcing our shared responsibility to combat trafficking and ensure that victims are protected.”

“Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities, and while there’s no silver bullet solution, there are actions we can take to fight back,” said Rep. Valadao. “I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors, improve coordination across federal, state, and local partners, and hold traffickers accountable. This caucus will engage lived-experience experts and key stakeholders to help guide future legislative action, and I look forward to working with my co-chairs to confront this crisis head on.”

“Human trafficking is an urgent threat in communities across our nation, and New Orleans is especially vulnerable as a hub for tourism and major events, leading to an increased rate of trafficking. I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching this bipartisan caucus to strengthen coordination at every level of government and hold traffickers accountable. I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring victims have access to the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives," said Rep. Troy Carter, Sr.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime that exploits both children and adults and preys on the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Rep. Lee. “I am proud to join the Congressional Combatting Human Trafficking Caucus and work alongside my colleagues to combat this abuse and hold traffickers accountable. Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims and strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers. I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus and advancing policies that help protect vulnerable individuals and bring traffickers to justice.”

Supporting organizations include the American Hotel & Lodging Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Kids in Need of Defense, Polaris, TAT, Protect All Children from Trafficking, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, Kings County Sheriff’s Department, the Central Valley Justice Coalition, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, It's a Penalty, 3Strands Global Foundation, Without Permission, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Kings Community Action Organization, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation, Wellspring Living, and Street Grace.

“The creation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus is a powerful signal that our leaders in Washington are committed to treating this heinous crime with the urgency it demands. The hotel industry has been a leading voice in prevention through our No Room for Trafficking initiative which trains employees and supports survivors. We’ve long believed that preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government, and are eager to work more closely with the caucus co-chairs – Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA) – and all members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen prevention and support survivors on their path to stability and recovery,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“The U.S. Chamber and our members are committed to combating human trafficking and we commend Rep. David Valadao, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Laurel Lee, and Rep. Lucy McBath for launching the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus. The U.S. Chamber looks forward to working with the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus in the fight to stop this heinous crime," said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"The AGA is proud to support the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Human trafficking is an issue that affects communities in all 50 states and requires strong collaboration across government, law enforcement, and community partners. We look forward to working closely with the Caucus and its stakeholders to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen prevention, awareness, and support for survivors,” said Alex Costello, Vice President, American Gaming Association (AGA).

"Human trafficking does not respect borders, and neither can the response to it. The formation of this caucus sends a clear signal that Congress is ready to match the urgency of this crisis with sustained, bipartisan commitment. Combating human trafficking requires more than good intentions, it requires coordinated legislative action. The launch of this caucus strengthens this coordination,” said Anne Basham, Chair, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking.

"KIND applauds Representatives David Valadao, Troy Carter, Laurel Lee, and Lucy McBath for launching the vital Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. The unaccompanied children that KIND serves too often face trafficking and other exploitation in their countries of origin and the United States alike. For decades, Congress has worked to address these abuses in a robust bipartisan fashion, including by helping ensure that unaccompanied children have attorneys who identify trafficking risks and guide children’s cooperation as victim-witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators. The caucus embodies this bipartisan approach to preventing and combating trafficking. KIND looks forward to engaging with its members on pragmatic solutions that keep children safe and hold bad actors to account," said Wendy Young, President, Kids in Need of Defense.

"We welcome the establishment of this Caucus and are encouraged by its commitment to elevating the experiences and leadership of those most directly impacted by trafficking. Policies are strongest when they are informed by the realities people face in communities across the country, and when survivor insight and credible data guide the path forward. At Polaris, we believe effective policy must center survivors, protect their privacy and dignity, and draw on the best available data and insights from the field. We look forward to engaging with the Caucus as its agenda develops to help ensure these values remain at the forefront of legislative and policy efforts,” said Megan Lundstrom, CEO, Polaris.

"As a non-profit organization that partners with the transportation industry to combat human trafficking, TAT welcomes the establishment of a bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Since its founding in 2009, TAT has trained over 2.5 million transportation professionals on how to recognize and report human trafficking. We also train law enforcement and facilitate the creation of public-private partnerships. Recognizing that coordinated approaches are essential, TAT supports the Caucus’ goals of elevating the voices of survivors and partnering with experts to advance policies to prevent human trafficking, recover and support survivors, and hold traffickers accountable,” said Esther Goetsch, Executive Director, TAT.

"PACT—Protect All Children from Trafficking—is thrilled to support the reconstitution of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Human trafficking in general, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children in particular, is a terrible crime that transcends national and international borders, and efforts to prevent it must transcend political divisions. PACT looks forward to working with caucus co-chairs David Valadao, Laurel Lee, Lucy McBath, and Troy Carter to advance survivor-centered legislation that strengthens federal anti-trafficking efforts, from supporting the work of federal agencies to prevent trafficking to ensuring accountability for platforms that facilitate exploitation," said Aram Schvey, Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations, PACT.

“The Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, is honored to be a part of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus, standing in commitment to protecting our youth, vulnerable individuals, and advancing meaningful solutions to end human trafficking. As a survivor, I believe that what happens to one of us should be the business of all of us. I speak for those who cannot, turning my pain into purpose, helping create legislation, and using my voice to advocate for prevention, protection future generations, and hope for survivors everywhere,” said Dess Perkins, CEO, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation.

“As Sheriff of Kings County, I’m fully committed to this coordinated effort to combat human trafficking both locally and across California’s Central Valley. Like many smaller communities, Kings County has been directly impacted by this crime, and I strongly support measures that increase penalties and strengthen collaborative enforcement efforts. Human trafficking is far more widespread than many realize and often goes unreported. I’m grateful to the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus for taking meaningful action to fight back,” said Dave Putnam, Sheriff, Kings County.

“The Central Valley Justice Coalition is deeply grateful and encouraged by the formation of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Since 2010, the Justice Coalition has been focused on preventing human trafficking through education, partnership, and outreach. We are pleased to see our elected officials giving appropriate priority to prevention and early intervention combined with systemic change and informed by survivor voice. We look forward to future conversations as together we work to bring freedom and flourishing to every member of our community,” said Christa Wiens, Executive Director, Central Valley Justice Coalition.

“Fresno EOC Central Valley Against Human Trafficking is proud to support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We are encouraged to see leaders coming together to strengthen national efforts to prevent trafficking and support survivors. As a direct service provider and leading organization of the Central Valley Freedom Coalition, a regional collaborative within California’s Central Valley, we recognize the critical role federal leadership plays in advancing victim-centered responses and prevention strategies. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure all survivors receive the support and protection they deserve,” said Misty Gattie-Blanco, MS, Director for Sanctuary and Support Services, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking.

"We support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and the opportunity it creates to strengthen coordination and prevention across sectors. Our work, delivered in partnership with frontline organizations and informed by lived experience, shows that addressing trafficking and exploitation requires trauma-informed approaches, stronger systems, and sustained collaboration. Human trafficking is a global issue that demands shared accountability, and we are committed to strengthening prevention and supporting vulnerable populations,” said Sarah de Carvalho, CEO, It’s a Penalty.

“Human trafficking cannot be addressed without centering the expertise of survivors and the organizations working alongside them every day. The formation of the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus signals a meaningful commitment to bipartisan leadership and survivor-informed policymaking. At 3Strands Global Foundation, we believe prevention, protection, and accountability must work together, and we look forward to partnering with members of Congress to advance solutions that strengthen communities and ensure survivors are not only heard, but empowered to help shape the policies that impact their lives," said Ashlie Bryant, CEO and Co-Founder, 3Strands Global Foundation.

"Since 2012 Without Permission has served 1,162 survivors of sex trafficking throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, 732 of those were children under the age of 18. Without Permission has three pillars, Prevention, Restoration, and Justice. In Prevention alone we have educated over 50,000 students. In Restoration we work to restore the survivors and support their families on their healing journey. Our Justice department works with District Attorneys, Law Enforcement agencies, and collaborates to provide trainings and education for further victim support and prevention. Without Permission exists to end sex trafficking and we are thrilled and honored to support the Combatting Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We believe this Caucus will make a huge difference in the fight against Human Trafficking," said Clint Rangel, Director of Prevention, Without Permission.

"The Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT) stands in staunch support of victims and survivors of human trafficking through coordinated, community-based action. Since 2012, KCAHT has led a multidisciplinary approach that unites law enforcement, service providers, and community partners to deliver survivor-centered solutions and disrupt exploitation. KCAHT supports the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and its commitment to advancing evidence-based policy, strengthening prevention and enforcement efforts, and elevating survivor voices at the national level. We commend the Caucus for its bipartisan leadership and focus on practical, survivor-informed solutions. We stay committed to working alongside federal, state, and local leaders to drive meaningful policy, expand access to critical services, and hold traffickers accountable. Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to combating human trafficking across the United States," said Dustin Contreras, Co-Director, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

"Kings Community Action Organization is proud to support the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and its bipartisan commitment to strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts nationwide. The caucus’s focus on elevating survivor voices, improving coordination across all levels of government, and advancing evidence based policies reflects our shared mission to protect vulnerable populations and hold traffickers accountable. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that promote safety, justice, and meaningful support for all impacted by trafficking," said Joey Cox, M.A, Director of Intervention, Prevention, and Support Services, Kings Community Action Organization.

"The California Commission on Sexual Exploitation is proud to support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This effort represents a critical step toward strengthening national coordination to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. We commend the leadership of the caucus founders for prioritizing this urgent issue and fostering collaboration across sectors. We look forward to supporting the caucus’s work to advance meaningful policies and solutions that address human trafficking in all its forms," said Dr. Tiara King, CEO, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation.

"The formation of the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus is a critical step forward in our nation's fight against one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. We are grateful to Rep. Valadao, McBath, Lee, and Carter for standing together in this bipartisan effort. At Street Grace, we know that lasting change requires bold policy, survivor-centered solutions, and unwavering political will and this caucus represents all three. We look forward to partnering with Congress to ensure that every child is protected and every trafficker is held accountable." said Bob Rodgers, CEO, Street Grace.

Caucus priorities include:


McIver, Pou, Swalwell, Introduce Bills to Block ICE Mass Deportation Sweeps at World Cup

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) announced the introduction of her Protect World Cup Attendees Act, one of three bills introduced as a package on immigration enforcement during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The other bills were introduced by Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-09), ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, and McIver’s fellow task force member Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-14). With millions expected to travel to host cities, lawmakers are working to stop the Trump administration from using the event to ramp up its deeply unpopular and deadly mass deportation agenda.

Because of Trump’s immigration operations, U.S. citizens and lawful residents have faced racial profiling, violent encounters, and even loss of life during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sweeps in our communities. Civil rights groups and courts have found that ICE and CBP target people based on appearance and language, fueling fear and undermining trust in law enforcement. The bills introduced today ensure that World Cup events—as well as affected transit systems and local safety operations—are not harmed by Trump’s dangerous policies.

“Fans from around the world and across the country will travel to New Jersey to watch the World Cup, and keeping them safe means protecting them from DHS attempting to turn this global event into a dragnet for the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda,” said McIver. “We fought to secure millions of federal dollars so soccer fans can enjoy the biggest game in the world—they should not be intimidated by immigration enforcement. I’m introducing this bill to draw a clear line that makes sure state and local law enforcement can actually focus on keeping fans safe.”

The three Democratic bills would place clear limits on how federal resources can be used for civil immigration enforcement during the World Cup:

H.R. 7982, the Protect World Cup Attendees Act, introduced by Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ):

Prohibits State Homeland Security Grant Program funds from being used for civil immigration enforcement at World Cup game sites.

Prevents state and local law enforcement agencies receiving Federal funds from participating in Section 287(g) immigration enforcement programs during World Cup games in host cities.

H.R. 7986, the Save the World Cup Act, introduced by Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ):

Prohibits civil immigration enforcement near 2026 World Cup matches or related festivals.

Ensures that areas surrounding stadiums, parking lots, and fan zones are not used for enforcement sweeps that deter attendance and indiscriminately target communities.

H.R. 7988, the Safe Passage to the World Cup Act, introduced by Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA):

Bans civil immigration enforcement on public transit in World Cup host cities during the tournament.

“With fewer than 90 days until kickoff, the World Cup should bring the world together and not leave families wondering if ICE agents will be waiting outside stadiums,” said Pou. “When I recently asked the head of ICE directly for a simple assurance that they would stay away from the games, he refused. That is unacceptable. So my legislation draws a firm line on the pitch: no ICE raids. There is no successful tournament if fans and players are looking over their shoulders. We want law enforcement to focus on strong security for the World Cup, not meeting civil immigration quotas. We should not allow fear to define this moment and ruin the games.”

“How can our country host the World Cup while deporting visiting fans from around the world?” said Swalwell. “As a former Division I soccer player, I know what an honor it is to host the world’s biggest sporting event. Our priority should be to showcase our best—not have police commandeering buses, trains, and public spaces. This bill ensures ICE cannot turn everyday public transportation into a place of terror. It is shameful for DHS to trap people with political stunts. We are better than this.”

“When we host the World Cup this summer, we must ensure it is a welcoming place for U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and foreign visitors. We cannot allow the Trump administration to use the events to further its horrific and unpopular mass deportation policies. I thank my colleagues for introducing these bills and for their leadership on this issue,” added Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02).

Bill Text: H.R. 7982, Rep. McIver

Bill Text: H.R. 7986, Rep. Pou

Bill Text: H.R. 7988, Rep. Swalwell

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Speaker Johnson on Hannity: Once Again, Democrats Are Trying to Reopen Our Borders to Criminal Illegal Aliens

WASHINGTON — Last night, Speaker Johnson joined Sean Hannity on Fox News to discuss Democrats’ demand to defund Customs and Border Protection – and reopen American borders – in exchange for their votes to pay TSA agents and fund FEMA for the American people. Speaker Johnson also addressed the Democrats once again being on the wrong side of a 90/10 issue with their opposition to the SAVE America Act.

“House Democrats and Senate Democrats have joined together – the same group that gave us wide open borders and defunding the police is at it again,” Speaker Johnson said. “They are refusing to reopen TSA and FEMA for the American people unless they can also reopen the borders for illegal aliens. That's exactly what's at stake right now.”

Watch the full interview here.

On Democrat attempts to reopen America’s borders:

Listen, this is what's really important. People don't understand, the Department of Homeland Security is the third largest department of the federal government. There are 10 agencies in DHS, and they happen to be the agencies that are there, just as the name suggests, to keep Americans safe. You have 260,000 employees [at DHS]. One of those agencies, just one of them, is Customs and Border Protection. It's the largest federal law enforcement agency in America, and they are trying to defund it. They want to defund the police, and this time, it's the people that keep the borders closed and keep our community safe and deport these dangerous people out of our country.

On Democrats voting against legislation to deport illegal aliens who commit fraud:

This is a very important thing. We've got to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse in government, the abuse of our federal welfare programs. Obviously, it's a big problem in the country. And if you have illegal aliens who have already violated the law to come here and they're engaging in these other crimes, you know, bilking the federal taxpayers, they ought to be immediately deported. The Democrats do not want to deport criminal illegal aliens, but 83% of Americans do. They understand this is critical to maintain the rule of law and law and order.

On the SAVE America Act:

We certainly encourage all Senators to do the right thing and do what the American people demand and deserve. The Republican Senators are working hard to pass the SAVE America Act. Of course, we passed it out of the House three times. The SAVE Act twice, and now the SAVE America Act. Sean, very simply, you're talking about requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID when you show up to do that. Those are 90/10 issues in the country, and 70% of Democrats say that is a commonsense regulation and restriction on voting. And they won't do it. The Democrats in the Senate will not do it.

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ICYMI, AL.com: ‘Selfless sacrifice’ of 6 killed in Iraq refueling plane crash honored on floor of Congress

WASHINGTON – Today, AL.com published a story regarding U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) leading a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the KC-135 crew who were killed in Iraq in support of Operation Epic Fury. Rep. Rogers was joined by the entire Alabama House Delegation and members of the Ohio Delegation.

Read the full story on AL.com here and below.

‘Selfless sacrifice’ of 6 killed in Iraq refueling plane crash honored on floor of Congress

William Thornton

March 19, 2026

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala. led his colleagues in the House of Representatives Thursday morning in a moment of silence for six crew members of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft who were killed last week in a plane crash over friendly territory in western Iraq.

They were from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Washington state.

The commemoration happened at 10:33 a.m. EDT on the House floor.

Rogers, standing with other lawmakers from Alabama and Ohio, said they stood to “honor the lives” of those lost in the incident one week ago.

The crash killed three people assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida: Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, of Trussville; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.

The three served in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham.

The three others were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio: Capt. Seth Koval, 38, a resident of Stoutsville, Ohio, who was from Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, who lived in Columbus; and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus.

Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags in Alabama to be flown at half-staff on the day of Klinner’s funeral.

Rogers said prayers are with the families of the six service members.

“I would also like to acknowledge the total of 13 service members who have lost their lives during this conflict,” Rogers said. “We commend their selfless sacrifice and service to our country, and pray for their loved ones.”

Other tributes followed from delegations from Ohio and California to fallen service members.

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Griffith Announces $100,000 ARC Grant to Blue Ridge Discovery Center

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Blue Ridge Discovery Center, based in Troutdale, Virginia, a $100,000 grant for a visitor center. This funding will support the development of a facility to expand the outdoor recreation economy in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Southwest Virginia communities rely on tourism as a leading source of revenue.

“This ARC grant for $100,000 helps the Blue Ridge Discovery Center support the tourism needs of the region with a visitor center.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, a new visitor center will generate an increase in annual revenue for the Blue Ridge Discovery Center by at least $184,000.

The visitor center will be a 1,920 square foot facility in Konnarock, Virginia.

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Norman Leads House Effort to Unlock Life-Saving Islet Transplants for Americans with Diabetes

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Norman (R-SC) introduced the House companion to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator Ted Budd’s (R-NC) Increase Support for Life-saving Endocrine Transplantation (ISLET) Act, legislation aimed at removing outdated federal regulations that currently prevent many Americans with type 1 diabetes from accessing life-saving islet transplantation.

The ISLET Act corrects a longstanding federal misclassification that treats pancreatic islets as drugs rather than organs. This bureaucratic designation has created unnecessary regulatory barriers to patient access to a treatment already widely available in other developed countries.

“Americans living with type 1 diabetes deserve access to critical treatments that can improve and even save their lives,” said Congressman Norman. “Right now, outdated federal rules are standing in the way of a procedure that is safely performed around the world. America should lead the world in medical innovation, not lag behind because of outdated bureaucracy. The ISLET Act cuts through red tape, enabling doctors to provide a procedure already used safely around the world and to continue advancing treatments that could one day cure diabetes.”

The ISLET Act would:

Update the Public Health Service Act to classify human cadaveric islets as organs,

Prohibit HHS from regulating pancreatic islets as drugs under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,

Prevent islets from being regulated as biological products or cellular/tissue-based products,

Require HHS to update federal regulations within one year, and

Direct HHS to report to Congress within six months on implementation progress.

By aligning U.S. policy with international standards, the legislation would provide access to life-saving treatment options for Americans living with diabetes, while simultaneously supporting continued and needed innovation in transplant medicine.

The legislation mirrors the Senate version introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), and has received support from organizations including the Islets for US Collaborative, The Cure Alliance, and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

“Americans living with diabetes have been kept from life-saving research by nonsensical red tape from the federal government,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Other countries treat islet transplantation as standard care, but a miscategorization in our law regulates islets as drugs rather than organs. The ISLET Act fixes this bureaucratic mess to bring America up to speed and make critical care available to those with type 1 diabetes. Thank you to Congressman Norman for his work to bring this crucial bill to the House.”

“As the U.S. continues to lead the world in modern medicine, we should expand patient access to effective therapies rather than overregulating treatments,” said Senator Ted Budd. “I am proud to co-lead this important legislation in the Senate alongside Senator Lee, and I am grateful for Rep. Norman’s leadership in the House to place islets under a less strict regulatory framework to expand access to proven treatment methods for type 1 diabetes.”


Pfluger, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans and Combat Deadly Nitazene

WASHINGTON, DC — As first reported in The Blaze, Representatives August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) introduced the House version of Senator

Schmitt's Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Nitazenes Act of 2026 (DETECT Nitazenes Act) to address the alarming rise in nitazenes, a new class of synthetic opioids that are stronger and deadlier than fentanyl.

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation directs the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to coordinate with the Drug Enforcement Administration to enhance technologies to detect illicit substances, particularly nitazenes, at extremely low concentrations.

It will also give law enforcement the resources, research, capacity, and technology needed to interdict and eliminate nitazenes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) added nitazenes to its 2025 National Drug Threat assessment, further emphasizing the need for legislation to combat this drug.

"Nitazenes are an emerging class of illicit drugs that pose a serious threat to Americans' health and safety, yet today, these deadly drugs have not received the level of attention necessary to combat them. The DETECT Nitazenes Act will close critical gaps in detection capabilities, support law enforcement efforts, and improve public safety outcomes by enabling faster and more accurate identification of these deadly substances. As the risk from synthetic drugs continues to evolve, this legislation ensures that we remain prepared to respond to the next generation of deadly narcotics and protect our communities," said Rep. August Pfluger.

“Nitazenes are poised to become the next deadly wave of the opioid crisis – cheaper than fentanyl, easy to traffic, and even more lethal. As cartels quietly mix these drugs into counterfeit pills and powders, too many communities are being put at risk without even knowing it. The DETECT Nitazenes Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to actually find and stop this threat. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to keep our communities safe and stay one step ahead of the cartels,” said Rep. Michael Baumgartner.

“For months, I’ve been working to stop the spread of dangerous nitazenes — highly potent synthetic drugs deemed ‘the new fentanyl’ that are devastating communities across Virginia and the country,” said Rep. Eugene Vindman. “I’m proud to co-lead a bipartisan bill to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to detect and stop the spread of these deadly substances before they claim more lives. We cannot wait for this crisis to escalate further. I will continue working to confront the growing threat of nitazenes with the urgency it demands.”

“Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids that are stronger than fentanyl, cheaper to produce, and devastatingly lethal. These deadly drugs are taking American lives, and we must get smart on them before they devastate communities across Missouri and the nation. I was proud to introduce the DETECT Nitazenes Act in the Senate and am encouraged to see my colleagues introduce it in the House. I urge both the House and the Senate to take up this critical bill to help tackle this crisis before nitazenes get out of control,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) are all original co-sponsors on the Senate version. Read more on the Senate version here.

Full text of the bill can be found here.


Exclusive: Congress to crack down on 'devastatingly lethal' drugs ravaging America

Originally Published in The Blaze on March 19, 2026.

Republican Rep. August Pfluger of Texas is leading a bipartisan charge to combat the rise of nitazenes, a class of illicit drugs that could be deadlier than fentanyl, Blaze News has learned.

Pfluger and co-leader Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.) introduced the House version of the DETECT Nitazenes Act Thursday alongside Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman of Virginia. The bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct resources from the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and the Drug Enforcement Administration to enhance technologies to detect illicit drugs like nitazenes at extremely low concentrations, according to bill text obtained exclusively by Blaze News.

"Nitazenes are an emerging class of illicit drugs that pose a serious threat to Americans' health and safety, yet today, these deadly drugs have not received the level of attention necessary to combat them," Pfluger told Blaze News. "The DETECT Nitazenes Act will close critical gaps in detection capabilities, support law enforcement efforts, and improve public safety outcomes by enabling faster and more accurate identification of these deadly substances."

"As the risk from synthetic drugs continues to evolve, this legislation ensures that we remain prepared to respond to the next generation of deadly narcotics and protect our communities," he continued.

Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, who is leading the companion bill in the Senate, demonstrated just how destructive nitazenes can be, urging Congress to take swift action.