In Response to Warren, King, and Wyden Request, Government Watchdog Launches Probe Into Ineffective “Free File” Tax Program

Text of GAO Response (PDF)

Washington, DC - In response to a recent request from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Angus King (I-Maine), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed it is launching a new probe into the Free File program, an IRS partnership with private tax prep companies. The lawmakers’ request followed the Trump administration’s decision to end the Direct File program — instead touting its failed Free File program, which has a nearly two-decade-long record of underperformance.

“GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement,” wrote GAO.

In April 2022, GAO released a report entitled “IRS Should Develop Additional Options for Taxpayers to File for Free,” highlighting the need for the government to develop new ways for low- and middle-income Americans to file their taxes for free. In response, the Biden administration created the Direct File program, which allowed Americans to file their tax returns online, for free, and directly with the IRS.

Last October, the Trump administration killed the Direct File program, asserting that the Free File program, which is operated by for-profit tax preparation firms and has a lengthy track record of underperformance, could meet taxpayers’ needs.

In addition to GAO’s earlier report, numerous reports by Congressional committees, nonpartisan watchdogs, and media outlets have identified serious problems with Free File. Free File partners have deliberately misled taxpayers into paying for assistance when they are eligible to file for free. Investigations by Senator Warren and others found that Free File partners have leaked sensitive taxpayer data to private tech companies, putting taxpayers’ most sensitive information at risk.

The new GAO investigation will help evaluate the program’s user experience, accessibility, accuracy, and costs, and address broader concerns surrounding Free File’s underperformance and the difficulties that low- and middle- income Americans encounter when trying to truly file their taxes for free.

Senator Warren is a leading voice in advocating for taxpayers and for improved IRS resources:

In April 2026, Senator Warren introduced the Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act, a bill to restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for tax enforcement, technology operations support, systems modernization, and taxpayer services like free taxpayer assistance.

In April 2026, Senator Warren took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Direct File Act. The bill would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program—which allowed Americans to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government—and make the program permanent.

In February 2026, Senator Warren led over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

In February 2026, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pressing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief of Taxpayer Services Ken Corbin on the Treasury Department’s decision to end Direct File and instead promote Free File.

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What They Are Saying: Rural Hospitals Across America Welcome Senate Passage of Welch-Supported Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program

Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) provides lifeline to rural communities

BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, shared that over a dozen rural hospital leaders from Vermont and across the United States are praising the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation supported by Senator Welch and led by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for five years.

RCHD provides a lifeline to rural hospitals by allowing them to test innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability to maintain and improve health care access in rural communities across the country. Vermont’s Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is one of the thirty hospitals across the country chosen for this demonstration program.

“America’s rural hospitals are essential to ensuring that every community can access lifesaving care close to home. But rural hospitals in Vermont and across the country are operating on razor thin margins—workforce shortages and rising costs only scratch the surface of the challenges they face,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the Senate’s unanimous support of this legislation which is so essential to ensuring to our hospitals can continue to provide vital care to rural patients in Vermont and across the country.”

The most recent performance data found participating RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins and had higher capital investments, resulting in stronger financial conditions and helping with staff retention. Participating hospitals are mostly paid using a reasonable cost-based methodology instead of the inpatient prospective payment system.

The bipartisan, bicameral Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act provides a lifeline to rural hospitals by allowing hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability and improve rural access to care. In addition to Vermont, twelve other states have hospitals in the program: Colorado, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (Michael Del Trecco, President and CEO): “Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare access in many regions, and in Vermont our families, friends, and neighbors depend on having care close to home. This Senate and House bill recognizes the importance of sustaining these essential institutions so patients can continue to receive high-quality care in the communities where they live.”

American Hospital Association (Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs): “The American Hospital Association applauds the Senate passing the Rural Community Hospital (RCH) Demonstration Reauthorization Act, which allows hospitals to continue providing essential care in their communities by supporting the financial stability of participating rural hospitals. Hospitals with 50 beds or less are some of the most vulnerable to closure, and the RCH demo offers an important model to maintain access in rural communities around the country. This bipartisan legislation gives more certainty for America’s rural hospitals.”

Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association (Jared C. Kosin, President and CEO): “AHHA supports the straightforward, five-year extension of the RCH Demonstration program and is grateful for its passage in the Senate. The financial stability the program provides has been vital to Alaska’s participating hospitals in bolstering their ability to maintain local access to healthcare and emergency services across their communities and regions.”

Iowa Hospital Association (Chris Mitchell, President and CEO): “The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration has been critical in supporting financial viability for participating Iowa hospitals, as well as preserving access to care for patients in communities with few, or no, nearby care options. The program’s structure provides stability hospitals need to plan effectively for the future and continue to serve Medicare patients close to home. Extending the program for another five years will build upon a proven model that benefits rural patients, providers as well as the Medicare program. I’m glad the U.S. Senate recognizes the importance of this program and passed legislation swiftly to extend it.”

Kansas Hospital Association (Chad Austin, President and CEO): “Access to care in rural Kansas depends on maintaining stable and sustainable financing pathways for community hospitals. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has helped participating hospitals continue delivering essential services close to home while supporting the health and economic vitality of their communities. Kansas hospitals appreciate the U.S. Senate’s passage of legislation to renew this long-standing program for an additional five years. This extension will help provide continued stability for participating hospitals in Kansas and beyond and the patients and communities they serve for years to come.”

Lakes Regional Healthcare (Jason Harrington, President and CEO): “The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program has been critically important to the sustainability of Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Through participation in the RCHD, Lakes Regional Healthcare has been able to maintain financial stability, reinvest in our facility, recruit and retain essential staff, and continue offering high-quality care close to home. The hospital serves as both a critical health care provider and a key economic anchor. Reauthorization of the RCHD is essential to ensuring that hospitals like Lakes Regional Healthcare can continue to meet the growing needs of our Medicare population and the communities we serve. I’m grateful to see the U.S. Senate quickly pass the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act to extend this critical program and I thank Senator Grassley for his leadership on this legislation.”

Maine Hospital Association (Jeffrey Austin, President): “Maine is one of the oldest and most rural states in the nation. Access to care is a challenge and getting more difficult as the growth in costs exceed the growth in revenues. Maine hospitals need creative solutions to this issue. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program has helped stabilize the finances for participating Maine hospitals. We wholeheartedly support its reauthorization and its continued support for rural Maine.”

Nebraska Hospital Association (Jeremy Nordquist, President and CEO): “The goal of keeping our rural hospitals and the critical services they provide open and accessible demands collaboration from lawmakers, providers, and local communities. It also requires the utilization of innovative models to sustain rural health care services. That is why the Nebraska Hospital Association is grateful to the Senate for supporting the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program. The loss of this program would threaten hospital stability, leading to service line cuts or closures. Participation in the RCHD keeps certain rural hospitals from falling through the cracks, helping them remain open to serve rural beneficiaries.”

In addition to Senators Welch, Grassley, and Bennet, the legislation is cosponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Read and download the full text of the bill.

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Young Visits 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS – On Friday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) visited the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne for an update and base tour.

“I am always impressed by the professionalism of the Blacksnakes and their contributions to our national security,” said Senator Young. “The 122nd Fighter Wing is a staple of the Fort Wayne community and continues to excel in ongoing missions around the world.”

Photos of the visit are below:


Press Releases

Reps. Aguilar, Chu and Gomez Visit Hunger Strikers at Adelanto ICE Detention Center, Renew Calls for Facility Closure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, California, to meet with detainees participating in an ongoing hunger strike and assess conditions inside one of the nation’s most troubled immigration detention facilities.

The Members met with detainees who launched a hunger strike on May 19, 2026, to protest unsafe and inhumane living conditions inside Adelanto’s Desert View Annex. Hunger strikers have demanded the removal of mold, access to clean drinking water, adequate food, and timely medical care for individuals with chronic health conditions. Detainees have also reported being forced to rely on expensive commissary purchases to supplement inadequate food provided by the facility and have organized an economic boycott in response.

Rep. Chu has conducted oversight of the Adelanto facility for more than a decade and has repeatedly called for its closure due to documented concerns regarding medical neglect, unsafe conditions, and detainee deaths.

“For more than a decade, I have called for the closure of Adelanto, and today’s visit made clear why that call is as urgent as ever,” said Rep. Chu. “The detainees we met with described horrific, unacceptable living conditions that no human being should ever have to endure. The problems at Adelanto are not new, and they are not isolated. They are the result of years of neglect that have continued despite repeated warnings, congressional oversight, and detainee deaths. Adelanto has had countless opportunities to change and has failed time and again. It is time to shut down this facility once and for all.”

“The Trump administration has tried to block congressional oversight and hide the inhumane conditions at immigrant detention facilities like the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, but Democrats have fought for transparency to bring attention to what’s happening behind closed doors,” said Rep. Aguilar. “We heard the truth today from detainees about the dangerous, unsanitary and unlivable conditions at this facility, and what they’ve been subjected to is nothing short of cruel. House Democrats will keep fighting for accountability and we won’t give ICE and Border Patrol another cent until their chaos and brutality are reined in and real reforms are in place.”

“Today, I heard directly from detainees who say they have exhausted every other avenue to raise concerns about the conditions they face inside this facility,” said Rep. Gomez. “Members of Congress have a responsibility to investigate these allegations and ensure the American people know what is happening inside. When people are willing to put their own health on the line just to be heard, that’s a sign that something is deeply wrong. No one should have to starve themselves to get basic dignity, medical care, or have their concerns taken seriously.”

Since the start of President Trump’s second term, five people have died while in Adelanto custody or shortly after being transferred from the facility. In total, at least 13 people have died in connection with Adelanto since it opened, making it one of the deadliest ICE detention centers in the country. Over the years, detainees, advocates, medical professionals, and oversight officials have documented serious concerns at the facility, including delayed medical treatment, unsanitary conditions, inadequate access to hygiene products, and barriers to communicating with attorneys and family members.

The Adelanto facility is operated by GEO Group, a private prison contractor that receives millions of taxpayer dollars to detain immigrants. Similar protests have recently emerged at other GEO-operated detention centers, including Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, where detainees have also engaged in hunger strikes over conditions and treatment.

The Members reiterated their commitment to conducting congressional oversight of immigration detention facilities and ensuring that all individuals in federal custody are treated with dignity and afforded adequate medical care, nutrition, sanitation, and access to legal representation.


Bacon, Pappas, Blumenthal Introduce New Comprehensive Legislation to Crack Down on Claim Sharks Scamming Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (CT) announced their new comprehensive legislation to hold claims sharks and other predatory actors accountable for exploiting veterans and survivors’ earned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

The lawmakers’ Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would make explicit that only VA-accredited individuals can assist veterans with VA benefit claims and reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While current law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.

“In recent years, numerous complaints have been raised about benefit‑assistance companies that target veterans with aggressive marketing practices, charge unauthorized or excessive fees, and provide misleading information about VA benefits. No veteran should be taken advantage of while trying to access the benefits they earned serving our country,” said Congressman Bacon. “These concerns underscore the urgent need for stronger protections and real accountability for bad actors. Predatory claim sharks undermine trust in the VA process and can leave veterans paying unauthorized fees for help they should be able to receive from accredited representatives. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Pappas on the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to strengthen consumer protections, restore real consequences for bad actors, and make sure veterans know where to turn for trusted help.”

“Veterans seeking to access their benefits should not face another battle to do so. Unaccredited, for-profit companies are scamming veterans of their earned benefits under the guise of helping them and they must be stopped,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation is about transparency for veterans so they know the resources and help available to them when they apply for benefits, and accountability for for-profit claim sharks that are breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud them. I’m glad to be working with Senator Blumenthal, veterans, veterans’ service organizations, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this issue. I won’t stop fighting to reinstate criminal penalties on these illegal business practices and safeguard the benefits veterans have earned.”

“Veterans need protection against claims sharks and other predatory scammers who are stealing millions in hard-earned benefits,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our legislation will close loopholes and impose strict criminal penalties— deterring as well as punishing bad actors. There should be zero tolerance for exploitive tactics robbing veterans of funds they well deserve and need to live. I hope this measure will have bipartisan backing.”

The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:

Reestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;

Prohibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;

Close loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;

Prohibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;

Require VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and

Increase warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.

"Our veterans sacrificed so much to defend us and our freedoms – the least we can do is protect the benefits they earned and deserve," said Congresswoman Bynum. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to crack down on claim sharks preying on veterans and taking their benefits. Let's pass this bill and ensure our heroes in need of assistance can access it without the risk of being scammed.”

“We must reinstate strong criminal penalties for bad actors who illegally charge veterans for VA claims, while requiring accredited or supervised representation, strengthening enforcement, and expanding outreach so veterans can access free, trusted assistance. Veterans who served our country should never be charged unauthorized fees or misled by companies seeking to profit off the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Lawler.

The lawmakers’ legislation builds on bipartisan efforts to hold unaccredited entities accountable and a NPR investigation that revealed private companies continue to make millions by extorting veterans, despite knowing their actions are likely illegal. It also comes on the heels of a U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina summary judgement ruling that unaccredited companies are considered agents and are subject to the federal ban on charging veterans for assistance with preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. Some states have passed legislation authorizing the practice of charging for assistance with VA claims. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act includes state laws preemption regarding recognition, fee agreements, or authority to charge for assistance with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims.

In the House, Bacon was joined by Reps. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Bill Keating (MA-08), Dina Titus (NV-03), Vindman (VA-08), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). In the Senate, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The legislation is also supported by National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The American Legion.

“NACVSO supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 and its efforts to restore integrity within the VA claims process,” said NACVSO President Andrew Tangen. “VA-accredited representatives operate under federal oversight, training requirements, and ethical standards designed to protect veterans, while unaccredited claims agents have increasingly exploited enforcement gaps while profiting from veteran injuries and illnesses. This legislation takes bad profit incentives away from unscrupulous claims agents by restoring criminal penalties for unauthorized assistance, improving transparency, modernizing accreditation oversight, and increasing awareness of predatory practices. No veteran should ever have to pay for initial claim services and those who have illegally profited must be held accountable.”

“For too long, unaccredited claims consultants have exploited veterans and survivors by charging excessive, unlawful fees for assistance they are not authorized to provide. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act restores accountability, strengthens protections for veterans navigating the VA claims process, and reinforces the critical role of accredited veterans service organizations, attorneys, and claims agents who are held to rigorous standards," said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). "MOAA applauds lawmakers for introducing this important legislation to preserve the integrity of the VA benefits system and ensure veterans are not targeted by predatory actors seeking to profit off of service-earned benefits.”

“DAV strongly supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to help combat a serious and ongoing threat: unethical individuals who prey on veterans navigating the complex VA claims process and charge fees for help that should be free and accredited. By reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited claims assistance, streamlining the accreditation process, and making public those who have been barred from VA accreditation, this bill puts teeth back into protections that veterans need, deserve, and have earned. Passage of this legislation would demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to honor and protect all who have served because every veteran deserves strong, honest advocacy when seeking earned benefits—not opportunists seeking to profit,” said DAV National Service Director Scott Hope.

Background

Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years.

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Random Lengths News: Barragán Leads Push to Restore $1.1 Billion for Home Care

By Reporters Desk – June 2, 2026

Washington D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), along with California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Derek Tran (CA-45), led members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or CMS administrator Mehmet Oz to reverse a decision to defer $1.1 billion in federal funding for California’s In-Home Supportive Services or IHSS program. As a longtime advocate for vulnerable communities, Rep. Barragán is spearheading this effort to protect Medicaid’s essential home- and community-based services that allow seniors and people with disabilities, including children, to receive care in their homes rather than in institutional settings.

In the letter, Rep. Barragán and her colleagues emphasize that IHSS serves more than 900,000 Californians and provides critical daily supports, including personal care, meal preparation, and medical assistance. The members raise serious concerns that CMS’s justification—allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse—lacks sufficient evidence and instead results in broad, indiscriminate funding delays that harm beneficiaries and caregivers alike. They underscore that California’s increased IHSS expenditures reflect deliberate investments to meet growing needs.

“In addition, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are harming patients through $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and undermining actual efforts to fight fraud, including the Administration’s decision to fire at least 17 inspectors general, including the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services,” the Members point out in the letter.

Members of the delegation warn that defunding IHSS could force individuals into more costly institutional care or homelessness, ultimately increasing federal spending and destabilizing care systems. The letter calls on HHS to immediately restore the funding in order to protect access to essential Medicaid services.


Baumgartner, Amb. Ryan Crocker Call for a Reinvigorated American Diplomatic Corps

SPOKANE, WA — Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) and Spokane native Ambassador Ryan Crocker today published a joint op-ed calling for a reinvigorated American diplomatic corps capable of operating effectively in difficult environments and responding rapidly to emerging crises.

“To practice diplomacy, you need diplomats,” Baumgartner and Crocker write. “While America’s ability to surge military power remains unmatched, our ability to surge diplomatic capability and political understanding must keep pace.”

“Ambassador Crocker is one of the most distinguished diplomats our country has ever produced, and Eastern Washington should be proud that his remarkable career began here in Spokane,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “I saw firsthand during the Iraq Surge that military power must be matched by experienced diplomats who can operate in hard places, understand the political terrain, and build the relationships needed to advance American interests. The State Department needs an expeditionary capability and a deep bench of diplomats prepared to serve when the stakes are highest.”

The op-ed highlights proposals under consideration by the House Foreign Affairs Committee to strengthen expeditionary diplomacy and establish a pilot Diplomatic Reserve Corps based on bipartisan legislation that Congressman Baumgartner is co-leading. A reserve capability would give the State Department greater flexibility to surge trained personnel and specialized expertise into foreign-affairs contingencies without creating a new permanent bureaucracy.

Read the Op-Ed here.

Read more about bi-partisan legislation on expeditionary diplomacy here and diplomatic reserve corps here.

More about the authors:

Ambassador Crocker served as the United States Ambassador to six countries: Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was sent to Kabul in 2002 to reopen the U.S. Embassy following the fall of the Taliban and was later recalled from retirement to serve another tour as Ambassador to Afghanistan. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.


AI Caucus Co-Chair Beyer Response to Trump’s Latest AI Executive Order

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order asking artificial intelligence companies to provide the federal government with early access to models on a voluntary basis:

“The risks posed by frontier AI models and their advanced cyber capabilities are real and demand serious attention, but this executive order falls short of providing a credible framework to manage those risks. As it is written, this order continues to allow companies to release powerful models to the public without undergoing meaningful evaluation or review. This largely voluntary and classified approach is simply not sufficient.

“Equally concerning is absence of clear guidance on how identified threats would be addressed. While this order creates channels to surface potential risks, it fails to define procedures for responding to them once identified. It also opens the door to redirecting existing federal grant funding toward AI vulnerability efforts without clear safeguards or accountability.

“This is underwhelming policy that mirrors the Trump Administration’s broader pattern of creating a wild west environment for AI development, rather than ensuring safe and responsible governance to protect the American public.”

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He was one of a handful of members selected to serve on the bipartisan Task Force On Artificial Intelligence, convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, and the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act.


Buchanan, Thompson Lead Landmark Bill to Transform U.S. Cycling Industry

The America Bikes Act Bolsters Safety, Increases Access to Bikes, Onshores Bike Manufacturing

WASHINGTON — Co-Chairs of the Congressional Bike Caucus Congressmen Vern Buchanan and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) announced the introduction of the America Bikes Act (H.R. 9041), comprehensive bipartisan legislation that will bolster cyclist safety, increase access to bikes and bring bike manufacturing back to the United States.

“Investing in safe, reliable transportation is essential for families, workers and seniors across Florida’s 16th District and communities nationwide,” said Buchanan. “That is why, as co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, I joined Rep. Mike Thompson to introduce the bipartisan America Bikes Act. This legislation delivers stronger investments in bicycle infrastructure and expands access to safer transportation networks. From neighborhood streets to daily commutes, bicycles remain a simple and effective way for Americans to get around, and this bill will support practical improvements that reduce congestion, improve mobility and keep cyclists safe.”

“Cycling is good for people and good for our planet. It just makes sense that we’d invest in expanding bike access and road safety so more Americans can benefit from cycling,” said Thompson. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus and an avid cyclist myself, I know that these sensible measures will improve and expand access to safe, healthy transportation for decades to come. I’m honored to work with Rep. Vern Buchanan on this landmark legislation.”

The America Bikes Act is landmark legislation designed to support and expand cycling across the nation by tackling safety, access and manufacturing challenges all in one bill. This bill includes cycling provisions previously introduced by Reps. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.).

Buchanan and Thompson’s legislation improves cyclist safety by expanding access to federal funding for local governments to improve roadway safety for bicyclists and pedestrians; helping local, regional and Tribal governments fund safety action plans and infrastructure projects aimed at preventing roadway fatalities and serious injuries; and making bike safety education a standard part of youth learning nationwide and expanding access to funding for on-bicycle education to elementary and secondary school students.

The bill also encourages more people to bike by improving access to programs that help kids safely bike and walk to school, expanding biking and walking infrastructure on federal lands, and reauthorizing federal funding for communities to plan, design and build walking and biking infrastructure. It expands incentives so more Americans switch to bicycle commuting and creates a grant program to connect biking and transit stations, including supporting bike parking at transit stations and expansion of bikeshare programs.

Furthermore, it creates incentives to manufacture bikes in the United States, supporting American manufacturing and creating jobs. Earlier this congress, Buchanan and Thompson introduced the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act (H.R. 3904) to provide a temporary suspension of tariffs on imported bicycle components if those components are used to assemble bikes in the U.S.

The America Bikes Act is endorsed by leading cyclist and road safety organizations, including The League of American Bicyclists, California Bicycle Coalition, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, PeopleForBikes, Safe Routes Partnership, National Bicycle Dealers Association and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

“With the America Bikes Act, Congressional Bike Caucus Chairs Mike Thompson and Vern Buchanan are celebrating the freedom bicycling brings to people and communities. The League believes life is better for everyone when more people can ride bikes and this bill represents a number of common sense initiatives to ensure our transportation system is safe and accessible to everyone,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists.

“Every child deserves the freedom to safely walk, bike, and roll to school and around their community. We applaud the Congressional Bike Caucus for introducing the bipartisan America Bikes Act, which includes language to restore statewide Safe Routes to School coordinators, a proven investment that helps communities make it easier, safer, and more joyful for kids to get where they need to go,” said Marisa Jones, Executive Director, Safe Routes Partnership.

“This bipartisan bill combines effective safety measures and critical reforms to funding programs that together will deliver the safe and practical bicycling routes that Americans demand and need for both daily transportation and healthy recreation,” said Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

“The America Bikes Act is a major step forward for the bike industry and the millions of Americans who want safer, better places to ride. By investing in connected bike infrastructure and supporting domestic bicycle manufacturing, this legislation will help more people ride bikes more often, strengthen the U.S. bike economy, create American jobs, and improve the health and safety of communities across the country. We thank Congressman Thompson and Congressman Buchanan for their leadership and commitment to expanding access to bicycling nationwide,” said Jenn Dice, President and CEO, PeopleForBikes.

“This bill is a game-changer for America’s bicycle retailers and the industry as a whole. The reinstatement of the employer-provided bicycle commuting benefit means more Americans will have a real financial incentive to commute by bike, and that translates directly into more customers walking through the doors of local bicycle shops. The suspension of duties on bicycle assembly parts lowers costs for domestic manufacturers, strengthens our supply chain, and helps American businesses compete. When paired with the $500 million annual investment in active transportation infrastructure and the Bicycle Transit Integration Grant Program, this package creates the conditions for a true cycling renaissance in the United States. The NBDA stands fully behind this bill and urges its swift passage,” said Heather Mason, Executive Director, National Bicycle Dealers Association.

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Reps. Smith, Suozzi introduce the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act

Today, Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act (HR 9085), legislation to require the U.S. Secretary of State to compile and submit a comprehensive report to Congress on whether the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has committed acts of genocide and/or crimes against humanity against Tibetans in Tibet.

HR 9085 is the House companion legislation to S. 4432, introduced by Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the Senate chamber earlier this Congress.

The bicameral, bipartisan legislation specifically mandates the Secretary of State to investigate whether the PRC has subjected the Tibetan people to arbitrary killings, serious bodily or psychological harms, inhumane living conditions, forced displacement and mass detentions, coercive sterilizations and abortions, and the involuntary removal of Tibetan children from their families and communities.

The report, which the Secretary of State must submit to the appropriate congressional committees no later than one year after the enactment of the law, requires:

An evidentiary basis for the determination, including documentation of specific acts and policies;

A review of actions and statements by the PRC government intended to sinicize Tibetan Buddhism or repress Tibetan language and culture that contribute to policies resulting in genocide or crimes against humanity against the Tibetan people;

Findings from Department of State reports and credible third-party analyses; and

Recommendations for United States policy responses, including, but not limited to, potential sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic actions.

Rep. Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), said: “For far too long, and with complete impunity, the Chinese Communist Party has been committing clear atrocities in Tibet against the Tibetan people. To marshal the clear and concrete actions needed to confront these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, we must disclose them by name, plainly and officially. The United States must stand alongside them as they fight to stop the erasure of their religion, language, culture, and identity. They deserve the support of every nation committed to freedom and democracy.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi said: “The Chinese Communist Party’s brutal transnational repression campaign, which targets Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, is a threat to democracy everywhere. I continue to stand with the Tibetans who are demanding independence and the freedom simply to be Tibetan - to speak their language, to practice their religion, and to live freely in their own country. Whether it's Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, or democracy advocates in Hong Kong, we need to stand up to China for its failure to promote basic human rights. We must call out oppression and religious persecution around the world.”

Sen. Rick Scott said: “Communist China is an evil, despicable regime, and the world can’t ignore the genocide happening right now in Tibet. General Secretary Xi and his thugs are complicit in systematic killings, torture, forced sterilization, forced displacement, government sanctioned kidnapping, and a myriad of other crimes against humanity in its oppression of the Tibetan people. We shouldn’t be surprised that the same regime that locks up political prisoners, like my friend Jimmy Lai, and wages a genocide against the Uyghurs, continues to commit existential human rights violations. I’m glad to have Rep. Smith and Rep. Suozzi join me in holding the CCP accountable for their senseless bloodshed.”

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CLARKE REINTRODUCES HISTORIC BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO BOOST MENOPAUSE RESEARCH, EXPAND TRAINING AND AWARENESS AROUND MENOPAUSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 2, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) reintroduced comprehensive bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would be the most expansive effort so far to boost federal research on menopause and would—for the first time—coordinate the federal government’s existing programs related to menopause and mid-life women’s health. The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act, authorized at $275 million over five years, would better address menopause and mid-life women’s health issues by strengthening and expanding federal research, health care workforce training, awareness and education efforts, and public health promotion and prevention activities.

75 million women are in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause right now in the U.S.—with 6,000 more women reaching menopause each day. But despite the fact that half the population in the U.S. will eventually experience menopause, menopause research has long been underinvested in and overlooked. To date, there are few federally funded clinical trials on menopause and menopausal hormone therapy and very little menopause education for doctors—only 30 percent of U.S. residency programs offer a formal menopause curriculum, and 80 percent of OB-GYN residents admit to being ill-prepared to discuss menopause.

“Menopause is a natural experience that no woman is exempt from, and yet, those going through this already difficult and often challenging stage of life remain subject to needless neglect, ridicule, and stigmatization. Let’s be clear: a woman’s value does not begin and end with her fertility. In mid-life and beyond, she will always have more to offer, more to feel, and more to give,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “I am proud to introduce legislation that provides the resources and support women need to face their new normal head on, counters the ongoing tide of attacks against their bodies and autonomy, and enables them to enjoy all that their next chapters have in store for them.”

“For too long, menopause has been something women are expected to deal with by themselves and like many areas of women’s health, it hasn’t received the attention or investment it deserves—that needs to change,” said Senator Murray. “This legislation takes important steps by increasing funding for menopause research and providing federal agencies with additional tools to better study and support mid-life women’s health. While this administration continues to dismantle programs and research that support women’s health, I’ll keep fighting to make sure we make it a federal priority.”

“Menopause is something half of the global population will experience, and it is imperative that we better understand it—as women, as healthcare professionals, as partners and support systems,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation makes it possible to invest time and energy into doing just that. I am honored to join this bipartisan group of determined women and strong leaders to advocate for women’s health.”

“ACOG is pleased to endorse the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act. As ob-gyns, we see firsthand the urgent need for improved public health awareness and access to trusted, evidence-based information on menopause and mid-life women’s health—especially at a time when health misinformation is rapidly increasing,” said Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, President of the American College of OB-GYNs (ACOG). “We’re encouraged that this bill would expand long overdue investments in federal research into menopause and evidence-based approaches to better support patients through the menopausal transition. We thank Senator Patty Murray and Senator Lisa Murkowski for their continued leadership and dedication to advancing menopause care.”

“The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is pleased to endorse the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act once again, and we thank Senator Murray and Senator Murkowski for reintroducing the bill,” said Kathryn Schubert, President & CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research. “By boosting research, strengthening clinician training, and raising awareness, this legislation will transform how our health system serves women in midlife and menopause — a population that has for too long been overlooked.”

“Menopause is not just a moment in time — it marks a major inflection point in a woman’s life and long-term health,” said Halle Berry, Academy-Award winning actor, advocate, and founder of women’s health company Respin. “I found out I was in menopause at 54 and spent years being misdiagnosed and in search of answers. The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act is a profound step toward addressing the harmful gaps in research, education, and healthcare and I’m excited to see this bill reintroduced. Thank you to Senators Murray and Murkowski, and to all the fierce Members of Congress who have supported and continue to support this effort.”

The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act would:

Expand federal research on menopause and mid-life women’s health:

Authorize $25 million per year over five fiscal years for NIH to award grants to support biomedical, public health, clinical, and translational research and innovation related to menopause and mid-life women’s health.

Establish new Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) categories for chronic or debilitating conditions among women related to perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, and mid-life women’s health.

Strengthen coordination within the NIH and across HHS to expand federal research into menopause and mid-life women’s health, including new pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments, and prevent adverse health outcomes among women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Support translational research activities to speed the translation and implementation of federal research to support evidence-based health care delivery of perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause care, and related women’s health services.

Require HHS to expand public health research, health care quality research, data collection and reporting, and occupational health research related to menopause and mid-life women’s health.

Support public health promotion activities to address chronic conditions affecting mid-life women’s health, strengthen early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of menopausal symptoms; improve health care delivery; and support the development of recommendations and best practices to expand access to mental health and substance use services for women experiencing perimenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal symptoms. Authorized at $10 million per year over five fiscal years.

Establish a national public health awareness, education, and outreach program on menopause and mid-life women’s health. Authorized at $10 million per year over five fiscal years.

Improve professional training resources for health care providers on menopause and mid-life women’s health through a new grant program. Authorized at $10 million per year over five fiscal years.

Direct the designation of Centers of Excellence in Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health, and authorize grants to support the improvement of professional training resources for health care providers on menopause and mid-life women’s health.

Require HHS to report to Congress on federal research activities related to menopauseand mid-life women’s health, related barriers to care for patients in rural and underserved areas; barriers to training for health care providers, and recommendations to expand access to care and increase public awareness.

Support coordination between HHS and other federal departments and agencies—including Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD)—related to menopausal symptoms, mid-life women’s health, aging, and public health promotion activities.

The legislation is endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Urogynecologic Society, Endocrine Society, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, Society for Reproductive Investigation, Society for Women’s Health Research, and Women’s First Research Coalition.

Read the full bill text HERE.

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Davidson Introduces Bill to Require Warrants to Access Americans' Emails and Other Electronic Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, June 2nd, 2026, U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) along with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan Email Privacy Act to update federal privacy law to reflect modern technology and communications.

The legislation closes outdated loopholes that allow government agencies to obtain stored electronic communications that are older than 180 days without a warrant and establishes uniform protections for Americans’ digital data regardless of how long it has been stored. The bill also ensures Americans receive stronger transparency by permitting service providers to notify customers when government entities seek access to their information, unless prohibited by court order.

"The Fourth Amendment is clear: the government must get a warrant before searching an individual's private property, including written communications. As today's world has grown increasingly digital, that principle should apply just as strongly to an email inbox as it does to a desk drawer or file cabinet," said Davidson. "That's exactly why I'm proud to cosponsor the Email Privacy Act—to ensure our freedoms carry into the digital world and that all communications are protected as the Founders intended. Congress must pass this commonsense legislation so Americans' rights are fully respected in the 21st century."

“The current law governing online privacy standards is egregiously out of date, leaving millions of Americans’ private communications and data vulnerable,” said DelBene. “Our laws must reflect the capabilities of modern technology rather than being stuck in the past. Personal email communications and physical documents should be protected with the same level of security. This bill makes critical changes that will update email privacy standards and modernize Americans’ civil liberties.”

“Americans should not lose their Fourth Amendment protections simply because their private communications are stored with a third-party provider. By eliminating the outdated 180-day rule and requiring the government to obtain a warrant for the contents of emails and other electronic communications, this legislation brings ECPA into line with the realities of the 21st century,” said Lee.

"Right now the only thing standing between the government and warrantless access to all of the old emails in your inbox is a federal appeals court decision. That's not good enough when it comes to Fourth Amendment protections for one of the fundamental forms of communication right now. I'm proud to partner with a bipartisan coalition to put clear protections for Americans' rights into black-letter law." said Wyden

The legislation is endorsed by Americans for Prosperity, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ACT | The App Association, Americans for Tax Reform, Center for Democracy & Technology, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Project on Government Oversight, Consumer Technology Association, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Engine, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Institute for Policy Innovation, Internet Infrastructure Coalition, Net Choice, R Street Institute, Software & Information Industry Association, TechFreedom, Demand Progress, Restore the Fourth, Fight for the Future, Consumer Choice Center, Due Process Institute.

Read the full text of the bill HERE.


Dingell Raises Concerns Over Administration’s Decision to Allow Chinese-Owned Connected Vehicles in U.S.

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) raised concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to permit Chinese connected vehicles to enter the United States, warning that allowing this poses a serious threat to American national security, driver privacy, and the competitiveness of the domestic auto industry.

In January 2025, the previous administration finalized rules effectively barring nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China. Congresswoman Dingell helped spearhead a bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, to put these rules into law. The duo introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.

Dear Secretary Lutnick:

This letter is to express concern regarding the recent decision by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) to authorize a foreign automaker with significant ties to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to continue importing, selling, and producing connected vehicles in the United States despite the administration’s connected vehicle security restrictions.

The Department of Commerce finalized these rules because connected vehicle technologies present clear national security risks. Modern connected vehicles are capable of collecting and transmitting enormous amounts of sensitive information, including geolocation data, driving patterns, infrastructure mapping, operational diagnostics, and personal consumer information. These systems can enable remote access to vehicle functions. As the Department itself recognized, these technologies are vulnerable to exploitation by our adversaries and could be leveraged for surveillance, intelligence gathering, or disruption of critical infrastructure.

This authorization appears to create a pathway for entities with substantial ownership, operational, or governance ties to the PRC to continue accessing our market despite the intent of the underlying connected vehicle rule. Congress and multiple administrations have recognized that Chinese companies operate under laws that can compel cooperation with the PRC and their intelligence services. These concerns cannot be mitigated simply through corporate restructuring, branding distinctions, or supply chain adjustments.

The decision also raises broader concerns about whether existing authorization and waiver processes may inadvertently create loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of the rule. If entities tied to the PRC are permitted to continue operating in our market through exemptions or special authorizations, it risks weakening the very protections the rule was designed to establish.

These concerns extend beyond national security. China’s automotive sector benefits from extensive state support, industrial overcapacity, unfair trade and labor practices, and distorted market conditions that threaten the long-term competitiveness of the American auto industry and our workers, suppliers, and communities that depend on it. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that allowed critical manufacturing sectors to be hollowed out through unfair competition and foreign subsidization.

Congress has increasingly recognized the seriousness of these threats. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation that has been introduced would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to foreign adversaries, including entities subject to the control or direction of the PRC. These proposals reflect growing bipartisan concern that current authorities may not be sufficient to fully address evolving national security and economic risks.

Accordingly, I request a briefing on the basis for this authorization decision and the broader implications for implementation and enforcement of the connected vehicle rule. Given the significant national security, economic, and supply chain concerns involved, I would welcome either a classified or unclassified briefing, in whichever setting the Department believes is most appropriate to provide a full understanding of the decision, the safeguards in place, and the potential implications for future authorizations. I also request answers to the following questions:

What criteria did OICTS use to determine that this authorization would not pose a national security risk?

What safeguards, mitigation measures, or ongoing compliance requirements were imposed as conditions of the authorization?

How does the Department evaluate ownership structures, governance relationships, board representation, operational control, and technology development ties when assessing whether an entity is subject to the direction or jurisdiction of a foreign adversary of concern?

How does the Department intend to prevent the authorization process from creating broader loopholes that may be used by additional foreign adversary-linked entities seeking entry into the U.S. market?

What coordination occurred between the Department, the intelligence community, and other national security agencies prior to approving this authorization?

Does the Department anticipate granting similar authorizations to additional entities tied to foreign adversaries of concern?

How will the Department ensure that future connected vehicle restrictions are fully enforceable and not circumvented through corporate affiliations, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, or other indirect ownership structures?


New Data Highlights Everyday Americans Winning Big from GOP’s Working Families Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement after new data was released by the U.S. Department of Treasury showing how the Working Families Tax Cuts delivered historic tax relief for everyday, hardworking Americans. Notably, the data reports that 96% of filers receiving a tax cut this year earned less than $200,000, making clear Republicans’ signature tax bill is having a positive impact on working families.

“This tax season, American workers and their families claimed $82 billion in individual relief directly from the Working Families Tax Cuts,” said Congressman Emmer. “This legislation is the single-greatest victory for working families in history! Thanks to House Republicans and President Trump, everyday Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned money. It’s a shame that Tim Walz and the DFL blocked many of these game-changing provisions from helping Minnesotans.”

2026 tax season facts and figures, courtesy of the Treasury Department:

Nearly 70% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $100,000

Over 7.5 million filers claimed the No Tax on Tips provision

Over 29 million filers claimed the No Tax on Overtime provision

Over 35 million seniors claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors

Over 1.4 million filers claimed the No Tax on Car Loan Interest provision

Nearly 40 million families claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit

Background:

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, securing no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, no taxes on Social Security, and no taxes on American-made car loans, among other provisions.

Before this legislation was passed, taxes were set to increase by $5 trillion. Thanks to its passage, 97% of filers received a tax cut this year.

Earlier this year, Tim Walz and Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party officials, sick with Trump Derangement Syndrome, blocked key provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts from going into effect - including no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions - for hardworking Minnesota families.

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Finstad Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge

ROCHESTER, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) invited middle and high school students from Minnesota’s First Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge.

Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by inviting them to create and exhibit their software application (also known as an “app”) for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or other platform of their choice. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four, as long as two of the teammates attend schools within the First District.

“The Congressional App Challenge is a valuable opportunity for middle and high school students to explore computer science while turning their ideas into real-world applications,” said Rep. Finstad. “Southern Minnesota is home to some of the brightest young minds, many of whom will become our nation’s next generation of innovators. I look forward to seeing the creativity and ingenuity they create this year.”

First-place winners from each Congressional district are invited to demonstrate their apps to Members of Congress at the #HouseofCode event held each spring. Last year’s winning app for Minnesota’s First Congressional District was “DermaSight” submitted by Simon Wilke of Century High School in Rochester. His app helps users detect early signs of skin cancer directly from their phones.


Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today introduced their bipartisan Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida’s agricultural producers recover after the devastating freeze in January 2026. Franklin and Cammack were joined by a majority of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Senators Scott (R-FL) and Moody (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.”

"Food security is national security. Right now, Florida's farmers need us to deliver," said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03). "As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I've seen up close what this freeze did to our growers. Whole crops gone. Families who don't know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner Simpson's disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington. I'm proud to work with Congressman Franklin to deliver the relief our farmers need."

“Florida farmers and ranchers produce the best food in the world, but this freeze has been tough for them, and the entire agriculture industry,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Our state feeds families and creates jobs across the country. Put simply, everyone needs relief here, and that’s why I’m proud to lead this bill in the Senate alongside my fellow Floridians in the House. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient; they will bounce back. It’s time to provide them with the assistance they need to do that.”

“While lots of Floridians experienced the historic freeze earlier this year, our farmers were especially hard hit with significant damage to many of their crops,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m glad to see this important legislation that provides emergency funding to deliver disaster assistance through State-administered block grants. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have what they need to succeed when it comes to feeding Florida and the rest of the nation.”

“I want to thank Florida’s congressional delegation for advancing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act and its much-needed relief for Florida’s farmers and growers, who are still recovering from some of the most devastating freezes our state has ever experienced,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I am also grateful to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for America’s farmers, especially in times of crisis. This funding will provide critical assistance to help impacted producers recover, replant, and continue doing what they do best — feeding families across the state, the nation, and around the world. Understanding that Food security is national security, we stand ready to administer these federal block grant funds and ensure assistance reaches Florida producers as quickly as possible.”

"Florida's farmers and ranchers were hit by a devastating freeze earlier this year that caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across our state," said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation is a critical step toward delivering timely, flexible relief to the producers who feed our communities and keep our rural economies strong. We appreciate Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Cammack's leadership in advancing a block grant approach that will allow Florida to respond quickly and efficiently to the unique needs of our growers. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover and continue producing."

“Florida’s strawberry growers experienced catastrophic losses from this year’s historic freeze during the peak of our production season,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director, Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Many family farms suffered extensive crop damage, lost revenue, and increased recovery costs that threaten the long-term viability of their operations. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association strongly supports Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s efforts to provide critical freeze disaster assistance to Florida agriculture. This legislation will help ensure growers can recover, continue feeding America, and preserve the economic strength of our state’s vital specialty crop industry.”

“Florida’s growers were hit hard by the historic freeze events earlier this year, and timely relief is critical to help them recover, replant, and keep feeding families across our state and the country,” said Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. “The Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act is an important step toward delivering that support. While disaster assistance can never fully make up for the losses growers suffer when a crop is destroyed, it can provide the resources they need to move forward and produce again. We appreciate Reps. Scott Franklin and Kat Cammack for their leadership in standing with Florida agriculture and advancing a solution to help growers recover and plan for the season ahead.”

“Florida’s citrus industry was among many of the state’s commodities impacted by freezing temperatures earlier this year, and we appreciate the leadership of Representatives Scott Franklin, Kat Cammack and Senator Rick Scott in introducing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This legislation supports the urgent needs of the nation’s agricultural producers by creating a clear pathway to expedite disaster assistance through state block grants and strengthening the resilience of our nation’s food supply.”

Specifically, the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act would:

Provide $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funding to the USDA to deliver aid through state-administered block grants

Help compensate producers for losses of revenue, quality and production caused by freeze and cold weather events

Cover prevented planting and damage to trees, bushes and vines & explicitly includes compensation for multi-year crop losses

Direct assistance to counties that received USDA freeze disaster designations issued on March 4, 2026

Require states to request assistance funding through USDA

Earlier this year, Florida experienced statewide sub-freezing temperatures for multiple nights during the state’s winter growing season. This impacted a wide range of commodities, including citrus, strawberries, blueberries, sugarcane and other specialty crops, many of which can experience catastrophic damage after just a few hours of freezing temperatures. Florida agriculture has experienced catastrophic production losses, significant quality reductions and damage to trees and plants that will affect future growing seasons, and Florida’s overall economy. According to preliminary estimates from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), losses exceeded $3.2 billion.

Franklin is actively engaged with growers, commodity groups and federal agencies in the aftermath of this year’s freeze. This bill is part of his broader efforts to make longer-term reforms to disaster response and USDA risk management tools for Florida producers. Earlier this Congress, Franklin introduced the TEMP Act to develop a temperature index policy producers can buy to help them recover from freeze and cold weather events. This bill passed the House as part of the 2026 House Farm Bill and was included in the FY27 House Ag Appropriations bill, which is due for floor consideration this week.

Original cosponsors include: Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01); Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02); Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05); Rep. Randy Fine (FL-06); Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07); Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08); Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09); Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10); Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13); Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14); Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15); Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16); Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19); Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23); Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27); and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28).

Supporting Organizations include: Florida Farm Bureau; Florida Citrus Mutual; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Florida Strawberry Growers Association; Florida Sugar Cane League; Florida Tomato Exchange

Read the full bill text here.


House Passes Fulcher’s Bill to Bolster Geothermal Energy Production

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher’s bill, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act, H.R. 1687, passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent. The legislation now heads to the Senate.

Congressman Fulcher released the following statement after the vote.

“Geothermal is a clean, abundant, and dependable energy resource that can help meet America’s rapidly rising power demands,” said Congressman Fulcher. “However, the lack of consistent geothermal lease sales and the slow federal permitting process result in timelines longer than many other energy projects. The bipartisan CLEAN Act will address these barriers and unlock opportunities to explore and develop this renewable energy source. I’m grateful to see my bill pass the House and urge the Senate’s swift consideration of this commonsense measure.”

According to the Department of Energy, the United States leads the world in geothermal electricity-generating capacity—just over four gigawatts. That’s enough to power the equivalent of about three million U.S. homes.

Background

Idaho plays a leading role in geothermal energy production. The City of Boise is home to the nation’s first geothermal district heating system, established in 1892. The system supplies naturally heated water through over 20 miles of pipeline, heating more than six million square feet of building space, including the Idaho State Capitol—the only geothermally heated capitol building in the U.S.

To begin developing geothermal on federally controlled lands—where approximately 90 percent of viable geothermal resources are located—projects must first obtain a lease, making consistent lease sales crucial to the expansion of this energy source.

The CLEAN Act amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to:

Require yearly lease sales for geothermal energy;

Require the Secretary to hold replacement lease sales for any sales that are missed in a given calendar year.

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Rep. Jimmy Gomez Sounds Alarm Over Trump's Appointment of Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement regarding President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence:

“As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I take seriously the responsibility of overseeing the agencies charged with keeping our country safe.

“At a time when the United States faces serious threats around the world and is engaged in an active war with Iran, I am deeply concerned by President Trump's decision to appoint Bill Pulte, someone with zero experience in intelligence or national security, as Acting Director of National Intelligence.

“The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the work of 18 intelligence agencies, oversees some of our nation's most sensitive intelligence operations, and is supposed to help inform decisions that can determine whether America goes to war. This is one of the most important positions in our government.

“Bill Pulte's background is in housing, not intelligence or national security, and the American people deserve confidence that the nation's top intelligence official was selected because they are qualified for the job. Instead, President Trump has once again chosen loyalty over competence, placing a political ally in a position that he has no right to be in. At a moment when the stakes couldn’t be higher, loyalty to the President shouldn’t be the qualifying factor for a position responsible for keeping our families and the entire nation safe.”


Gooden Seeks Transparency in Kaufman County Housing Policies

FORNEY, TX – Today, Congressman Lance Gooden sent a letter to the Dallas Housing Authority requesting answers and greater transparency regarding housing placement trends and neighborhood concentration concerns in Kaufman County.

The letter responds to concerns raised by homeowners in the Gateway Parks subdivision in Forney about Housing Choice Vouchers and federal housing policies contributing to increased institutional investor ownership and neighborhood instability.

“Families in Kaufman County deserve transparency and confidence that federal housing policies are being implemented responsibly,”said Rep. Gooden. “Housing programs should support both homeowners and renters while preserving the values that make our rural communities great places to live, raise a family, and build a future.”

An excerpt from the letter:

“Gateway Parks is a rapidly growing suburban community where significant institutional investor ownership, increasing HOA financial strain, and concerns regarding long-term neighborhood stability have become serious issues for homeowners. Per Gateway homeowners, fourteen of the twenty homes currently being built on a single street will be eligible as Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) voucher rental properties. As Kaufman County continues experiencing substantial residential growth, my office is seeking greater transparency regarding how federal housing placement policies are being implemented within suburban receiving communities and how those policies may intersect with broader housing concentration trends.”

Gooden copied the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on the letter.

Read the full letter here.


Congresswoman Goodlander Joins the Legal Fight to Stop Trump’s $400 Million Ballroom Vanity Project

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire joined fellow lawmakers in filing a legal brief Thursday in federal court to stop President Trump’s unlawful demolition and reconstruction of the White House East Wing and his proposal to build a massive ballroom in its place — a project with an estimated price tag of up to $400 million.

“The White House belongs to the American people — no President gets to bulldoze it on a whim,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “The Constitution is clear: it takes an act of Congress to tear down a federal building. This President skipped that step entirely — and he’s asking us to believe he can spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a personal vanity project that Congress never authorized and never funded. I will use every tool available, including the courts, to defend our Constitution and our system of checks and balances.”

The lawmakers filed the legal brief in National Trust for Historic Preservation v. National Park Service, currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Oral arguments are scheduled for June 5 following the district court’s preliminary injunction blocking the project.

The brief, signed by dozens of Members of Congress, lays out the constitutional case in stark terms. The Constitution clearly establishes “Congress’s primacy over federal property, spending, and the District of Columbia” — and therefore over any decision to demolish or reconstruct the White House. The brief notes that the White House “was built only after Congress passed legislation authorizing its construction and appropriating funds to cover that expense” and has been maintained that way for more than two centuries.

“Appellants have no authority to demolish the White House’s East Wing and to build a massive ballroom in its stead,” the brief reads. Congress, the lawmakers argue, “neither authorized nor appropriated funds for the President to demolish the East Wing” — and the statutes the administration cites to defend its actions cover only “maintenance and upkeep of extant White House property,” not the demolition of an entire wing.

The brief also exposes a glaring fiscal reality: the entire amount Congress actually appropriated for White House maintenance — even if devoted solely to this project — would cover less than one percent of the ballroom’s estimated $400 million cost. As the brief puts it, “Maintaining a building is flatly incompatible with demolishing it.”

The brief squarely rejects the Trump administration’s argument that Congress can only intervene after the fact if a White House renovation “goes too far.” That approach, the lawmakers write, is “precisely backward”: the constitutional default is not unlimited executive authority. As the Supreme Court established in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, the President’s power is at its “lowest ebb” when he acts against the will of Congress.

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JOINT STATEMENT: DEMOCRATS SECURE RELEASE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FROM DELANEY HALL FACILITY

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. LaMonica McIver, and Reps. Rob Menendez and Josh Gottheimer released the following statement: Yesterday, after months of advocacy, an 18-year-old high school senior finally returned to her Orange, New Jersey home after her months-long detainment at the Delaney Hall facility. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to speak with Ariadna, who, even after being subjected to detention for months, remains singularly focused on resuming her high school studies, with an intent to pursue a career in law. Ariadna is a remarkable young woman and a true leader who, among other things, provided translation assistance between detainees, detention facility guards and visitors.

Donald Trump claimed his immigration enforcement would be targeted at violent felons who are in this country unlawfully. Instead, stories like Ariadna’s are far too common throughout his mass deportation scheme.

For months, Rep. McIver and Members of the New Jersey delegation have visited Ariadna — a DREAMer never accused of any violent crimes — and lifted up her story. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end her detention is a recognition that she was unnecessarily detained. House Democrats will continue to advocate for decency and humanity in our immigration enforcement system.

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PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian “Taste of Greece” Festival in Tenafly

Above: Gottheimer at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian with volunteers and members of the community.

TENAFLY, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined the North Jersey community to celebrate Greek culture and heritage at the “Taste of Greece Festival”, held at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian.

The festival featured popular and traditional Greek foods, including souvlaki sandwiches, kebabs, Frappé, and more. Gottheimer was joined by volunteers and members of the congregation.

“The Taste of Greece Festival is exactly the kind of celebration that makes North Jersey so special — great food, warm people, and amazing traditions all in one place,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m grateful to The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian for welcoming me and for bringing our community together to honor the rich culture and heritage of Greek Americans across our great state.”

Below: Gottheimer visits with cathedral volunteers and members of the community.


STATEMENT: Gottheimer Statement on White House AI Executive Order

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, June 2, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the House Commission on AI, and Ranking Member of the National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:

“While today’s White House Executive Order represents a step in the right direction toward protecting America from national security risks, its purely voluntary nature lacks real teeth.

Powerful AI frontier models that exhibit dangerous capabilities, including cybersecurity risks and the potential to create novel bioweapons, must be shared with the government and relevant critical infrastructure entities before they are released to the public. While this process can’t be bureaucratic, it shouldn’t be optional.

A purely voluntary framework means allowing AI to remain the Wild West. After Anthropic’s Mythos announcement, we saw that good actors will proactively and expeditiously collaborate with the government to ensure that vulnerable organizations are safe from catastrophic cyber risk. But, we cannot trust that that will always be the norm. There are bad actors out there.

AI is too important — and the stakes of inadequate guardrails too grave — to settle for anything less than comprehensive action.

We can beat China, while protecting Americans and our critical infrastructure from serious risks. I’m working with my colleagues to develop commonsense policies and legislation in Congress to protect Americans, address national security risks, and boost American AI innovation.”


ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Hosts Press Conference on Proposed Closure of Tucson Indian Health Service Area Office

Watch the full press conference here.

Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva hosted a press conference on Monday alongside Tribal leaders, local elected officials, and community advocates to raise concerns about the proposed elimination of the Tucson Area Office of the Indian Health Service (IHS), its potential impact on Tribal communities across Southern Arizona, and the lack of meaningful Tribal consultation surrounding the proposal. Following the press conference, she sent a letter alongside Senators Kelly and Gallego to the Department of Health and Human Services requesting answers regarding the proposed closure.

“The federal government has a permanent, binding legal obligation to provide healthcare to Native Americans. This is derived from treaties, federal statutes, and Supreme Court precedent. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act mandates that HHS and IHS actions must improve, not diminish, the delivery of these services. By eliminating a distinct regional office, your agencies are actively retreating from this trust responsibility,” said Rep. Grijalva.

“Our healthcare staff and members will have to travel over two hours to reach the closest area office. We will have less access to specific support services currently provided. The proposed closure will have a negative impact for our Tribal members,” said Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

“Eliminating the Tucson Area Office will result in five million service reduction for Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui. The proposed closure of the Tucson Area Office will not achieve the goals of IHS realignment. It will not improve or streamline healthcare services and will not support Tribal self-governance,” said Carla Johnson, Tohono O’odham Nation.

“When we talk about closing the Tucson Area IHS Office, we’re talking about pulling out of a structural support from underneath already underserved populations... Real disruptions to healthcare access, facilities management, and environmental health services for the communities that depend on them every single day,” said Lane Santa Cruz, Tucson Vice Mayor.

About the Tucson Area Indian Health Service:

The Tucson Area Indian Health Service (IHS) works in partnership with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe in providing technical assistance to the primary health care and community outreach services of the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and a growing and diverse urban Indian population. The Area also provides urban health care services through the Tucson Indian Center, which provides community health outreach, education, prevention, and referral services, including case management, advocacy, and transportation.

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ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Hosts Roundtable on Veterans Visa & Protection Act

Tolleson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva hosted a roundtable discussion Friday with veterans, immigration advocates, and community leaders to discuss the recently introduced Veterans Visa & Protection Act, bicameral legislation that would establish a pathway to permanent residency for deported veterans and help prevent the deportation of veterans in the future.

The conversation focused on the experiences of immigrant servicemembers and veterans, barriers to obtaining citizenship through military service, and the urgent need to ensure those who served the United States can remain with their families and access the benefits they earned. Participants shared personal stories and discussed the lasting impact deportation policies have had on veterans, military families, and communities across Arizona and the nation. Among them was Alex Murillo, a deported veteran who was separated from his family and forced to live in exile in Mexico for 11 years following his removal from the United States.

“We want to protect veterans from deportation, protect those who are currently in danger of deportation, and bring deported veterans’ home,” said Murillo. “A veteran is someone who defends and protects this country, and we cannot leave them behind.”

The Veterans Visa & Protection Act would provide long-overdue protections for immigrant veterans and create a process for deported veterans to return to the United States and obtain lawful permanent resident status. Participants emphasized the importance of advancing the legislation and ensuring that no veteran is separated from their family because of their immigration status.

“Immigrant servicemembers answer the same call to serve and sacrifice as anyone else who wears the uniform,” said Rep. Grijalva. “They deserve the opportunity to build their lives here, remain with their families, and receive the benefits they earned through their service. The Veterans Visa & Protection Act is a critical step toward correcting these injustices and honoring our commitment to those who have served this country.”

You can see her video statement here.

A one-pager explaining the bill is available here.

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CHAIRMAN ROGERS' REMARKS AT OVERSIGHT HEARING ON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommitte on Commerce, Justice, Science, gave the following opening statement during an Oversight Hearing today with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche:

"I’d like to welcome our witness, the Honorable Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General of the United States, to testify before our subcommittee today. Last month, the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill cleared the full House Appropriations Committee.

"Your leadership of the Department of Justice comes at a crossroads. On the one hand, the subcommittee recognizes the strides taken by the department to make communities safe again across the United States, and to address the misguided priorities of the previous administration. On the other hand, the subcommittee recognizes areas for improvement, such as communicating with the subcommittee and the lack of testimony ahead of our bill moving forward.

"Additional areas of concern deal with getting appropriated dollars out the door and making progress with already approved projects. From the proposed Federal prison in Letcher County, Kentucky in my district that has been stalled to the delay of several grant programs, including the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which I worked to start in response to the opioid crisis and one that is vital for many communities like mine, it is critical for this Department to move with speed and meet Congressional intent. Finally, to date, we are still waiting on responses to questions for the record from two FY26 department hearings.

"While I would have preferred to start the Fiscal Year 2027 cycle differently by having this conversation prior to last month’s mark-up, this hearing is hopefully the start of productive dialogue between the subcommittee and the department under your leadership. I look forward to hearing your priorities and vision for the department, and responses to our questions regarding recent announcements. Your testimony will still be valuable to the committee as the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process continues.

"Over the past year, the Department of Justice has made great strides in combatting drug cartels and curbing the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Justice have taken down some of the most notorious cartel bosses, such as El Mayo, the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Nicolas Maduro, the leader of the Cartel of the Suns and former President of Venezuela. While these are significant wins, the department must continue this fight to eradicate the flow of illicit drugs and bring more cartel leaders to justice. While issues such as illegal immigration have been addressed head-on, other issues have emerged over the past year. I applaud the department’s efforts to tackle emerging issues, such as fraud that pits the underworld against American’s and their hard-earned taxpayer dollars and look forward to hearing more about the department’s plans to continue these efforts. I also look forward to hearing about the department’s efforts in supporting state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

"Over the past year, from Washington, D.C. to Memphis, Tennessee, the Department of Justice has aided local law enforcement agencies in surge operations to combat violent crime. American streets are safer now because of the actions of this department and the Trump Administration. General Blanche, I stand ready to support you and your efforts to ensure that the American public lives in a society that is free from crime and abuse. I look forward to hearing more from you today regarding areas of progress, areas of need, and plans to continue the department’s momentum.

"While the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations cycle has already commenced, there are critically important funding decisions ahead of us, and I hope we gain a better sense of your priorities today so that we can make the best decision on behalf of the American public. Before I turn to Ms. Meng for opening remarks, on behalf of this subcommittee, I would like to send well-wishes for a quick and healthy recovery to former Attorney General Bondi."


Huizenga Introduces Deport the Terrorists Act

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of the Deport the Terrorists Act. This landmark legislation would overhaul deportation proceedings for naturalized American citizens who are convicted of financing, materially supporting, or outright committing acts of terror.

“American citizenship is one of our nation's greatest privileges,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “If a naturalized citizen is convicted of committing, supporting, or financing acts of terror, they should lose their citizenship and swiftly be deported from the United States."

Under current law, a naturalized citizen cannot be removed even for the most violent acts of terror without first going through the slow and complex denaturalization process. This loophole has allowed individuals who embraced terrorist ideologies after gaining citizenship to remain shielded from swift removal.

Examples of naturalized citizens who committed acts of terrorism include one that took place in Michigan and one that took place in Virginia 2026.

Ayman Muhammad Ghazali, a naturalized citizen from Lebanon, carried out an attempted mass-casualty attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, MI, in March 2026, ramming his truck full of explosives into the synagogue and opening fire on congregants. He purposely targeted the Jewish community and the largest Jewish temple in MI due to his Hezbollah militant ideology. This individual was killed by security at Temple Israel.

Mohamed Bilor Jalloh, a naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, became radicalized with ISIS views while serving in the US Army National Guard. In 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to aid ISIS fighters with money and weapons and was sentenced to 11 years in prison but was released early in 2024. On March 12, 2026, he shot and killed ROTC Professor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and wounded two others at Old Dominion University in Virginia. This individual would have been deported under the Deport the Terrorists Act and unable to commit acts of terror in Virginia.

Khalid Ouazzani, a naturalized citizen from Morocco, swore allegiance to Al-Qaida and sent tens of thousands of dollars to the terror organization in 2008. In May 2010, Ouazzani pleaded guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida. In 2026, the DOJ started the denaturalization process. This individual would be deported under the Deport the Terrorists Act.

Salah Osman Ahmed, a naturalized citizen from Somalia, traveled abroad to take up arms with al-Shabaab. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists. In 2026, the DOJ started the denaturalization process. This individual would be deported under the Deport the Terrorists Act.

The Deport the Terrorists Act automatically revokes the citizenship of any naturalized US citizen convicted of a terrorism-related offense and makes such individuals immediately removable by creating new grounds for deportation for convictions involving terrorism, including conspiracy and solicitation.

Lastly, the Deport the Terrorists Act directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the removal of any individual whose citizenship is revoked due to a terrorism-related conviction.