Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON — Today, on the anniversary of the SpeechNow.org v. FEC D.C. Circuit Court decision, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03), introduced the Abolish Super PACs Act, legislation that seeks to put an end to super PACs in federal elections. The bill would place a $5,000 per calendar year limit on contributions to super PACs, effectively abolishing them. 

At a press conference earlier today, Reps. Lee and Khanna unveiled the bill and were joined by John Bonifaz, President of Free Speech For People, Lawrence Lessig, Founder of EqualCitizens.US and Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership at Harvard Law School, Aquib Yacoob, Chief of Staff of Women’s March, and Lauren Maunus, Advocacy Director of IfNotNow Movement.

Billionaires, corporations, and other wealthy interests are currently able to make unlimited contributions to “super PACs” that are not controlled by candidates or political parties, even when they spend money to support or oppose specific candidates. These unlimited contributions to super PACs in federal elections often rise to the level of millions of dollars, presenting the threat of corruption in the political process and staggering influence by the ultra-wealthy.

“Campaign finance reform is long overdue. We’re seeing the effects of money in politics destroy our democracy at this very moment because billionaires have been allowed to buy their way into our politics and influence the outcome of our elections. This must end,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “The Abolish Super PACs Act is one step towards putting the power back in the hands of the people and dismantling the oligarchy our country is careening to. Campaign finance reform starts with Congress passing this legislation, and I am grateful to my colleagues and our advocates in the movement for their support of this critical bill.”

“The American people are sick of the corruption and influence of money in politics. Our democracy shouldn’t be for sale. That’s why I don’t take a dime of PAC money. Abolishing Super PACs is a step toward giving everyone a voice — not just the ultra-wealthy. I’m proud to join Rep. Summer Lee to introduce this legislation to ban Super PACs. I’m grateful for Larry Lessig’s scholarship and voice on this issue,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

“A lack of limits on contributions to Super PACs allows corruption and dark money to run rampant in U.S. elections. It makes us more vulnerable to foreign interference. And it contributes to billionaire nepo baby Elon Musk being able to buy his way into our government and make a mockery of it. The time is now to stop the undue influence of dark money and special interests in our elections,” said Rep. James P. McGovern. “Our elected leaders should be chosen by the people with the strongest voices, not the billionaires with the deepest pockets. We can’t let the people who want to destroy our democracy keep getting away with this. The Abolish Super PACs Act would stop the out of control flow of unlimited money into our elections and return the power back to the people.”

“Our democracy should be of the people, by the people, and for the people – not for sale to the highest bidder,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. “In every cycle since the disastrous Citizens United and SpeechNow.org decisions, we have seen more and more special interest dark money poured into campaigns across the country – this year, with a billionaire paying millions to buy a seat as Shadow President. I’m proud to co-lead Rep. Lee’s Abolish Super PACs Act to cap contribution limits and ensure that our government isn’t beholden to donors.”

“Our system is corrupt. Super PACs spent a record-breaking $1 billion in dark money this past election cycle. When billionaires and special interest groups continue buying our elections, including seats in Congress, politicians will continue to be accountable to the needs of the rich and powerful instead of the people,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib. “This is not democracy. It’s oligarchy. We need to pass the Abolish Super PACs Act and overturn Citizens United.”

The Supreme Court has long held that limits on contributions impose only a “marginal restriction” on free speech, and that states have a right to limit contributions to prevent the risk of quid pro quo corruption and the appearance of corruption. However, a wrongly decided 2010 DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision in SpeechNow v. FEC struck down contribution limits to political action committees engaged in making independent expenditures.

The appeals court said that because the Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. FEC that independent expenditures did not pose a risk of corruption, unlimited contributions to independent expenditure PACs could not pose a risk of corruption either. But the decision overlooked (1) the Supreme Court’s longstanding practice of distinguishing between contributions and expenditures and holding expenditures to a heightened level of scrutiny; and (2) the fact that even if anti-coordination laws prevent candidates and super PACs from reaching quid pro quo agreements, those same laws do not stop candidates and super PAC contributors from agreeing to a quid pro quo arrangement that involve funneling bribes through super PACs. 

This federal bill would be in line with the Supreme Court’s precedent upholding contribution limits, rather than the dubious SpeechNow decision of the federal appeals court.

The Abolish Super PACs Act is endorsed by Common Defense, Court Accountability, Dream Defenders, End Citizens United, Equal Citizens, Free Speech For People, Gen-Z for Change, Grassroots Global Justice Action Fund, IfNotNow Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Justice is Global Action, Move to Amend, MPower Change Action Fund, National Iranian American Council Action, Our Revolution, Peace Action, RepresentUs, RootsAction, Rural Organizing, Sunrise Movement, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, and Women’s March.

“We applaud Congresswoman Lee for championing this critical legislation to abolish super PACs,” said John Bonifaz, a constitutional attorney and the president of Free Speech For People. “In the fifteen years since the SpeechNow ruling created super PACs, we have witnessed the way in which billionaires and other wealthy interests use super PACs to corrupt the political process. This legislation would prevent that rampant corruption and would help protect our democracy.  We strongly support this bill.”

“The broligarchs that own the Trump administration – and bankroll extremist politicians across the country – have used super PACs to buy elections and drown out the voices of everyday people for far too long,” said Rachel O’Leary Carmona, Executive Director of Women’s March. “This administration and its billionaire backers have made unilateral decisions that affect the health and safety of all Americans, and have attacked our rights, freedoms, and Constitution in the process. The Abolish Super PACs Act is a crucial step toward reclaiming our democracy and dismantling systems that allow billionaires and corporations to control our elections. Our government should serve the people, not the highest bidder.”

“Super PACs are one of the most corrosive and corrupting forces in our democracy,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “They have become tools for billionaires and corporate special interests to buy elections and shape policy to serve their interests. It’s why more and more Americans don’t believe they have a voice in Washington and that the government doesn’t work in their interest. The Abolish Super PACs Act is a commonsense step toward rooting out corruption and restoring trust in government. We’re grateful for Representatives Lee and Khanna’s continued leadership and advocacy to ensure our government works for everyone––not just the wealthy.”

“Corrupt billionaires like Elon Musk should never have been allowed to buy our government,” said Alex Aronson, Executive Director of Court Accountability. “But in the wake of the Roberts Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision, that’s exactly what the system of big-money super PACs has produced. It doesn’t have to be this way. The American people deserve a government that works for them, not for whichever oligarch cuts the biggest checks. We applaud Rep. Lee and her colleagues for introducing this crucial legislation to fight for a democracy that belongs to all of us, not to the highest bidder.”

“For 15 years, most lawyers have assumed that Madison’s First Amendment requires SuperPACs. It does not, and our urgent need now is to end this perversion of American democracy, and secure a democracy ‘dependent,’ as Madison promised, ‘on the people alone.’” – Lawrence Lessig, Founder of EqualCitizens.US; Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership, Harvard Law School

“The corruption and incompetence of the Musk-Trump administration will destroy rural communities, and it is the direct result of Super PACs. The introduction of this legislation to limit the influence of Super PACs is a bold and inspiring step, and is essential to rebuilding rural America. This is about returning power to the people and reaffirming that our democracy belongs to all of us, not just the wealthiest few. RuralOrganizing.org is proud to endorse this effort and we are calling on Congress to join Representatives Lee and Khanna in defending the voice of working class Americans by supporting this legislation.” – Dom Holmes, RuralOrganizing.org

“Corporate Super PACs are a key tool of billionaires and oligarchs to buy and influence elections and to take power out of the hands of voters,” said Jewish Voice for Peace Action Political Director Beth Miller. “Super PACs like AIPAC’s United Democracy Project spent eye-popping sums of money during the last cycle to oust progressives as punishment for reflecting popular and widespread voter sentiment in support of Palestinian rights. If we want to build a truly representative democracy that supports our communities and values justice and human rights, we must get rid of these inherently anti-democratic institutions.”

“The 2010 federal appeals court ruling in SpeechNow.org v. FEC  effectively legalized corruption in our electoral processes. As a collective of Gen-Z organizers, we demand a future in which our representatives prioritize the needs of their constituents over the desires of power-hungry corporations and wealthy elites. The introduction of the Abolish SuperPACs Act is an excellent first step in restoring accountability and faith in our democracy.” – Gen-Z for Change

“Allowing Super PACs is like handing billionaires and special interests a private broadcast tower to drown out democracy’s signal. At a time when rapidly spreading authoritarianism threatens the foundations of our republic, letting big money hijack the electoral airwaves becomes even more dangerous. The Abolish Super PACs Act is a chance to pull the plug and tune back into the voice of the people.” -Jon Rainwater, Executive Director at Peace Action

“For far too long, elected officials have prioritized billionaires’ profit over the people. We’ve watched firsthand as Corporate Super PACs have corrupted our political system, sidelining the issues that matter most. As just one example, AIPAC has bullied elected officials into violating human rights over and over, despite increasing public support for the Palestinian people’s struggle. This bill allows us to finally place limitations on these Corporate Super PACs and force electeds to represent the people.” -Ahmad Abuznaid, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action (USCPR Action) Executive Director

“It is past time to abolish Super PACs and end their corrosive influence on our wounded democracy,” said Sam Rosenthal, Political Director of RootsAction. “Super PACs have backed working people in the U.S. into a corner. We are subjected to rule by increasingly unpopular politicians whose candidacies are propped up by a handful of ultrawealthy donors and their dark money. RootsAction is proud to support this brave effort by Representatives Lee and Khanna to end this stain on our political process once and for all.”

“The Abolish Super PACs Act is a vital strike against the corrosive flood of unchecked money in our elections. By capping contributions and dismantling the super PAC machine unleashed by SpeechNow.org, Rep. Summer Lee’s bill confronts the reality that unlimited spending drowns out everyday voters and hands our democracy to the highest bidders. It’s a bold step toward a government of, by, and for the people—not the wealthiest few.” – Naveed Shah, Political Director at Common Defense

“We need billionaires and corporate interests out of our politics. Big Oil, AIPAC, and the crypto lobby should not be able to pour millions of dollars into elections to override the will of the people,” said IfNotNow Movement political director Lauren Maunus. “We demand that Members of Congress take the power away from Super PACs and return it to the people.”

“For far too long, corporate super PACs and billionaires have trampled over the rights of voters and working families in attempts to influence and buy our elections,” said MPower Change Action Fund Legislative and Political Director Yasmine Taeb. “Super PACs such as AIPAC’s United Democracy Project spent millions of dollars against progressive working class Members of Congress who have been advocating for Palestinian rights. As the largest Muslim digital organization in the U.S. with more than half a million members nationwide, we applaud Congresswoman Summer Lee and Congressman Ro Khanna’s leadership in introducing The Abolish Super PACs Act and urge Congress to pass it without delay.”

“Whether it’s raising the minimum wage, providing quality healthcare to all, or stopping the climate crisis — billionaires and their lobbyists have weaponized dark money SuperPACs to stop critical policies,” said Sunrise Movement Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay. “They’ve rigged the game so they can veto any policy that would hurt their bottom line. We must end this corrupting influence so we have a democracy that is truly by and for the people.”

A copy of the bill text can be found here, and a one-pager can be found here.

Footage from the press conference can be found here, and photos can be found here.

Issues: Government Reform & Ethics

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of a NAACP Juneteenth celebration in Edison, New Jersey—an annual event scrapped due to fear of violating a Trump-era executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion:

“Who could blame organizations that depend on federal funding for trying to avoid the wrath of a spiteful Trump administration that sees diversity and inclusion not as cornerstones of our democracy, but as threats to be eliminated?” Pallone said. “This is the same administration that tried to erase Jackie Robinson’s triumphs and downplay the heroism of the Navajo Code Talkers. Trump and his cronies have proven themselves to be small, fragile people—unwilling to embrace the full story of America, including the emancipation of enslaved people that we honor on Juneteenth.”

“Let’s be clear: ignoring history doesn’t heal this country—it weakens it,” Pallone continued. “The public deserves to know exactly what’s happening here—a coordinated national effort by Donald Trump and his cronies to erase truth, suppress inclusion, and rewrite American history.”

“We at the NAACP are being forced to relocate our Annual Juneteenth Festival from federal grounds simply because it could be seen as a DEI initiative and risk retaliation under the Trump Administration’s agenda. That’s not just unacceptable—it’s dangerous,” said Reggie Johnson, President of the Metuchen Edison Piscataway Area Branch of the NAACP. 

Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States, became a federal holiday with bipartisan support in Congress in 2021.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON- Today, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced a resolution recognizing March as Music in Our Schools Month. The measure highlights the value of music education and honors the work of music teachers across the country.
 
The resolution affirms that music is a core part of a complete education and recognizes its role in helping students grow academically and personally. It also acknowledges the educators who bring music into classrooms every day, often with limited resources and little recognition.
 
“Music education opens doors for students in so many ways, whether creatively, emotionally, or academically,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “With arts federal arts funding under threat, we must recognize the importance of music education to students across the country and honor the teachers who make it possible.”
 
“Music has been in America’s schools since before our nation’s inception, and research shows that access to a music education promotes development and teaches valuable skills that kids carry with them into adulthood,” said Senator Booker. “However, many kids today lack access to music education in their schools. This resolution recognizes the impact music has made on the culture of the United States, and the importance of ensuring every public school has the resources and support they need to include music in their curriculum.” 
 
The resolution encourages continued support for music programs in schools, particularly in communities where access has historically been limited.
 
The resolution is endorsed by a broad coalition of organizations and institutions, including Music Will, El Sistema USA, Conn Selmer, Inc., Music Travel Consultants, Musicians Abroad, Heart of America Choir, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, Bennett Travel, Education Through Music, A. Cuthbertson Consulting, the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, JazzSLAM, the Tullman Family Office, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Percussive Arts Society (PAS), Rock and Soul Forever Foundation / TeachRock, George Mason University, League of American Orchestras, New Harmony Line, Feierabend Association for Music Education (FAME), the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the Music Teachers National Association, National Association for Music Education.
 
In addition to Rep. Velázquez the resolution was cosponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), John Mannion (D-NY), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Dina Titus (D-NV).
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Hosts Tele-Townhall on March 25, 2025

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Honors Community Servant Amanda Brewer During Women’s History Month

Omaha, Neb. – This week, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) honored Amanda Brewer, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Omaha who has the heart of service for her community, by submitting her accomplishments into the Congressional Record. Brewer, who felt the call to drop her job in the corporate world to serve, knows that preserving communities goes beyond building homes. Through her vision and advocacy, Habitat for Humanity Omaha has become the top-ranked affiliate for serving families in the U.S.

Bacon will present an official copy of the record to Brewer, at a ceremony hosted at the Habitat headquarters, located at 1229 Millwork Ave, Suite 301, Omaha, NE 68102 on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. The reading of the speech by Rep. Bacon can be seen here.

Every year, Rep. Bacon honors a woman from the 2^nd District of Nebraska for their contributions to the community. Here is a list of the honorees over the years:

2025: Amanda Brewer, CEO Habitat for Humanity 

2024: Carmen Tapio, CEO of NorthEnd TeleServices

2023: Deborah Bowers Kippley, Art Instructor & Chair of Congressional Art Competition for Nebraska

2022: Carol McBride-Pirsch, Former Nebraska State Senator and Douglas County Commissioner

2021: Gina Ponce, Director of Latino Community Outreach at Bellevue University

2020: Catherine Lang, Former Executive Director for the Nebr. Business Development Center

2019: Sherry Wright, First African American Woman to receive a military’s commission from UNO’s R.O.T.C Program

2018: Rose Ann Shannon, Former KETV News Director

2017: Sara Woods, First Leader of the UNO Office of Engagement

What: Presentation of Congressional Record to Amanda Brewer for her contributions to the community.

Who: Rep. Don Bacon and Amanda Brewer

Why: To honor Amanda Brewer as an honored visionary leader and community champion as part of Women’s History Month.

When: Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Habitat for Humanity Omaha Headquarters, 1229 Millwork Ave, Suite 301, Omaha, NE 68102

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Angie Craig recently co-sponsored the Fighting Budget Waste Act to responsibly cut government spending and save taxpayers money. This bill will require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) annual report on federal programs with fragmented or redundant goals from the prior year in order to make them more efficient and reduce costs.

“We should be working to root out waste, fraud and abuse in our government and save taxpayers money. It’s just common sense,” said Rep. Craig. “But we have to do it in a thoughtful way that strengthens critical programs instead of making across-the-board cuts that jeopardize Minnesotans access to the services they rely on. That’s what this bipartisan bill will do.”

Rep. Craig has led the charge to cut wasteful government spending and save Minnesotans money. Last month, she introduced the bipartisan Leveraging Integrity and Verification of Eligibility for (LIVE) Beneficiaries Act with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to prevent Medicaid payments for deceased beneficiaries. This commonsense legislation would require states to check the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File database on a quarterly basis and verify that Medicaid patients are not deceased and still properly enrolled in the program.

The Fighting Budget Waste Act was co-introduced by Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Ed Case (D-HI). 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

For Immediate Release
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
Contact #: 202-225-3465

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie announces the introduction of H.R. 2356, the Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act. Rep. Massie’s legislation amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to require candidates for federal office to disclose both their possession of dual citizenship and also the foreign country in which their dual citizenship is held. The disclosure of dual citizenship status would appear publicly in the statement of candidacy filed when political candidates seek election to federal office. 

“Dual citizens elected to the United States Congress should renounce citizenship in all other countries,” said Rep. Massie. “At a minimum, they should disclose their citizenship in other countries and abstain from votes specifically benefitting those countries. If we are going to continue to allow Members of Congress to acquire and retain citizenship in other countries, they should at least be required to disclose to voters all countries of which they consider themselves to be citizens.” 

Original cosponsors of Rep. Massie’s Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act include Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA).

The text of H.R. 2356 is available at this link. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today to mark one year since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland after being struck by the Dali container ship:

“A year ago today, Maryland was put to the test when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. We lost six Marylanders that night who were working hard to repair our roads when the ship struck the bridge. I join in mourning them and in praying for their families. 

“Maryland has met the moment. Thanks to Moore-Miller Administration’s leadership, we cleared the wreckage and reopened the Port of Baltimore in record time. Our Congressional delegation successfully ensured the federal government will cover the full cost of the replacement bridge.

“Many Maryland workers, businesses, and communities are still struggling because of the loss of the bridge. That’s why Team Maryland remains laser focused on completing the replacement project as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible. Together, we will continue demonstrating that we are, as our governor says, ‘Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong.'”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

“Somebody’s got to clean house at the White House, and it’s obviously not going to be the President”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) reintroduced a resolution to reaffirm access to emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Their advocacy comes shortly after President Trump’s Department of Justice dropped a case that sought to protect emergency abortion care nationwide. 

“Federal law protects a woman’s right to emergency care — including abortion — and this resolution affirms these legal protections in the face of attacks from Washington Republicans. President Donald Trump has walked away from a court case that would uphold the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s protections for emergency abortion care. This deeply dangerous decision means that Donald Trump and the Department of Justice have decided to let women die by allowing restrictions on abortion access that violate EMTALA,” said Rep. Sherrill. “No woman should have to wait until her condition is life-threatening to get an abortion — and when they do, we’ve seen dire consequences. Rep. Sykes and I will continue pushing Congress to take swift action to protect women in New Jersey and nationwide.”

“Since the overturn of Roe, we’ve heard too many horror stories of pregnant women being turned away from emergency rooms. The Trump administration’s decision to drop this case is dangerous and has placed women’s access to emergency care in jeopardy yet again. Unfortunately, this falls right in line with this Administration and House Republicans’ attacks on our access to health care, as we have seen with their proposals to cut Medicaid for millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Ohioans in my district alone. This is completely unacceptable,” said Rep. Sykes. “Women should be able to access the reproductive healthcare they need, whenever they need it. I’m proud to lead this resolution with Rep. Sherrill to reaffirm that EMTALA guarantees emergency medical care, including abortion, for all Americans, no matter where they live.”

“Every American is entitled to life-saving health care when they need it, and no one should be forced to the brink of death because doctors are scared to provide essential care in an emergency,” said Rep. Degette (CO-01), Reproductive Freedom Caucus Co-Chair. “I’m proud to join Rep. Sykes on this resolution and will continue to fight to protect reproductive freedom for all, in Idaho and nationwide.”

“Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress believe that access to freedom should be a privilege for a few, not a right for all. They are the reason that millions of women in America are being denied basic, lifesaving health care. And the reason Idaho sued to overturn the federal right to emergency abortion care,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5). “For House Democrats, this resolution is common sense: we believe in the freedom to control your own body and get the care you need to stay alive. We believe in keeping the courtroom out of the emergency room.”

“Abortion care is essential healthcare and a human right. Doctors should be empowered to provide stabilizing care and not waste precious time during a medical emergency because of politicians’ interference,” said U.S. Representative Ayana Pressley (MA-07). “It is unconscionable to deny patients care that is essential to their health and survival. Damaging patient protections established by EMTALA will cost pregnant people their lives. These cruel abortion care bans are making pregnancy in America more dangerous by the day. I’m grateful to Rep Sykes and Rep Sherrill for their leadership and partnership. My colleagues and I will continue to do everything we can to fight to protect and restore access to care.”

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade nearly three years ago, 19 U.S. states have banned or limited access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform emergency care. Despite EMTALA requiring emergency rooms to treat and stabilize pregnant patients, reports of pregnant patients being turned away from emergency rooms have increased since 2022.

Last year, in the case titled Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court inexplicably demurred, and sent the case back down to the lower courts. 

Earlier this month, the Trump administration dropped the lawsuit that was filed by the Department of Justice during the Biden administration, signaling their intent to stop enforcing existing federal protections.

Fortunately, the St. Luke’s Health System in Idaho filed a separate case earlier this year challenging the state’s abortion ban for conflicting with EMTALA. In Idaho, and in several other states, state law banning abortion does not include an exception for the health of a pregnant person, only if it is necessary to prevent their death. However, EMTALA, which has been federal law since 1986, requires that hospitals receiving Medicare funding stabilize pregnant patients to protect their health. This conflict presents a serious threat to the providers caring for patients that could face criminal penalties for providing care if it is unclear whether or not the patient will die, and to the patients who may face permanent damage and even death without this care. 

To ensure that access to emergency abortion care is not interrupted, St. Luke’s filed for a preliminary injunction. Last week, the United States District Court of Idaho released their decision on this injunction, which prevents Idaho from enforcing the abortion ban against St. Luke’s and its providers to the extent that the ban conflicts with EMTALA. However, this ruling does not apply to all providers in the state, only those affiliated with St. Luke’s.

As litigation surrounding access to emergency healthcare protected by EMTALA continues, the health and lives of pregnant people across the country remain at risk as chaos and uncertainty around emergency abortion care remains the norm. 

This resolution will help alleviate this uncertainty by clearly and strongly reaffirming that EMTALA guarantees access to all forms of emergency medical care, including abortion care. 

The resolution has 88 co-sponsors. 

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Planned Parenthood Foundation of America, All* Above All, National Council of Jewish Women, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Guttmacher Institute, National Network of Abortion Funds, Catholics for Choice, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Abortion Federation, Power to Decide, Center for Reproductive Rights, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Democratic Women’s Caucus have all endorsed this resolution.

“The ACLU is proud to support this resolution to affirm the right of pregnant people to emergency abortion care. When a patient needs health- or lifesaving care, they should be able to access it without delay,” said Jessica Arons, Director of the Liberty Division for Policy & Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union, “This is what the law demands and what the vast majority of people in the U.S. support. Yet state abortion bans continue to deny patients this critical care, with devastating and deadly consequences. As the Trump administration signals that it will not defend access to emergency abortion care, we must do everything we can to protect pregnant people and prevent politicians from endangering their lives.” 

“Every person who needs emergency medical care, including abortion, has a right to receive it under federal law,” said Katie O’Connor, senior director of federal abortion policy at the National Women’s Law Center. “But with the return of the Trump administration and growing attacks on abortion, state politicians and conservative judges are working harder than ever to take that right away. This resolution sends a clear message: denying care puts lives at risk. We applaud Representatives Sykes and Sherrill for their leadership and stand with them in the fight to protect access to abortion for everyone who needs it.”

“During a time when access to lifesaving emergency care is under attack, In Our Own Voice is proud to support this resolution to reaffirm the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act,” said Dr. Regina Davis Moss, President and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda. “The overturning of Roe v. Wade coupled with states enacting strict abortion bans has led to chaos and confusion for both patients and doctors, forcing pregnant people fear for their health, fertility, and lives. Being pregnant and Black is already life threatening when Black maternal mortality and morbidity rates are the highest in the country. We thank Representatives Emilia Sykes and Mikie Sherrill for their leadership on this resolution, as they continue fighting to ensure everyone has autonomy over their health, bodies, and futures.” 

“At no point in pregnancy is a politician more qualified to make personal medical decisions than a patient and their doctor – including in life-threatening situations,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “Federal law protects emergency care, including abortion, nationwide. But the U.S. Supreme Court unleashed a national reproductive health crisis when it overturned Roe v. Wade, and abortion bans across the country are threatening pregnant peoples’ access to critical emergency abortion care. We applaud Reps. Sykes and Sherrill for standing up for the health and well-being of pregnant people and their families across the country by reaffirming their right to this care.” 

View the resolution text HERE.

Representative Sherrill continues to lead in the fight for women’s health in Congress. She stood up for servicewomen and military families against Senator Tommy Tuberville’s efforts to overturn the Department of Defense’s abortion travel policy. Additionally, she successfully secured an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA to codify access to year-long supplies of contraceptives to service members. Sherrill has introduced legislation to promote education about women’s heart health, and has co-led a bill to ensure women can access a full year’s supply of contraceptives, rather than just three months at a time. Finally, she is leading efforts to end “judge shopping,” a tactic used by anti-abortion advocates to gain favorable outcomes.

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