MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported the passage of S. 331, the HALT Fentanyl Act. The bill will permanently reschedule fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970; while maintaining access to FDA-approved uses of fentanyl. The bill was approved by a vote of 321-104.

 “Fentanyl continues to hurt communities across America and tear apart families. This bill helps in our fight against this public health emergency and threat to our national security,” said Congressman Bishop. “It empowers law enforcement to effectively prosecute the manufacturers and traffickers of new illicit drugs that are designed to look and act like fentanyl and are often more dangerous. It represents commonsense policy and has bipartisan support. That is why I, alongside the Congressional Blue Dog Coalition, urged Republican leaders to bring this bill to a vote today and I was happy to support its passage.”

In April, Congressman Bishop and members of the Congressional Blue Dog Coalition sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, urging him to bring S. 331 up for a vote. The bill was passed by the U.S. Senate in March and now heads to the President for his signature.

You can read the letter here.

The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives composed of fiscally responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find common-sense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted against a bill that would take back $9.4 billion in funds that were already Congressionally approved and signed into law. These funds were approved by Congress and signed into law earlier this year.

“Since the beginning of this year, the Administration has been illegally impounding funds that they are obligated to distribute, and this bill would rubber-stamp these actions all while Republicans in Congress devise a way to redistribute this money as tax cuts to billionaires,” said Congressman Bishop. “It takes an axe to public broadcasting which jeopardizes coverage of local news, emergency information like severe weather alerts, and access to PBS KIDS children’s programming, like Sesame Street, for rural communities across America. It forces America to retreat from the world stage by gutting life-saving programs that help prevent pandemics, provide clean water, and gives American agricultural producers the opportunity to help prevent hunger around the world.”

The Recissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) would:

• Eliminate $1.1 billion from public broadcasting, cutting off local PBS and NPR stations that provide children’s programming like Sesame Street and emergency alerts to rural communities.
• Cancel $8.3 billion in foreign aid, including:
  • $2.5 billion in development assistance abroad, including clean water, agricultural support, and food aid.
  • $900 million in global health programs such as HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal health, and infectious disease control.
  • $800 million in refugee assistance, cutting support for displaced families worldwide.
  • $496 million in disaster aid. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02), and Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) re-registered the House Congressional 4-H Caucus and will serve as its bipartisan co-chairs in the 119^th Congress. They are joined by Senators John Boozman of Arkansas and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the co-chairs of the 4-H Caucus in the U.S. Senate.

The Congressional 4-H Caucus connects Members of Congress with 4-H programs and activities across the country. 4-H initiatives allow youth to develop leadership skills and further their education in the areas of agriculture, science, civic engagement, health, and wellness. 

“In Georgia alone, 4-H serves over 150,000 young people. These students are the leaders of tomorrow, and it’s critical that we invest in their growth, education, and future,” said Congressman Bishop. “I am proud to join Representatives Harris, Craig, and Thompson in co-chairing this bipartisan caucus and working together to educate our colleagues about the important role that 4-H plays in their communities as well as across the country.” 

“The future of agriculture, science, and community leadership is bright thanks to organizations like 4-H,” said Congressman Thompson. “Found in every corner of every state and in areas both rural and urban, 4-H educates and inspires students to become successful and proactive leaders. I am proud to join my colleagues in launching the bipartisan 4-H Congressional Caucus in the 119th Congress to continue advancing federal support for this transformative program.”

“4-H is the largest youth development program in Minnesota, helping to foster the next generation of leaders through hands-on learning and exposure to agriculture and civic engagement,” said Congresswoman Craig. “Our children benefit from the leadership and community-building opportunities provided by 4-H, and I am proud to join my House and Senate colleagues to lead the bipartisan 4-H Caucus in the 119th Congress.”

“4-H is a vital program that educates and inspires future farmers and agricultural leaders to make an impact in their community,” said Congressman Harris. “Maryland’s First District is proud of the 4-H programs and their benefits for our youth. I am excited to join my colleagues to find ways to promote agriculture education to the next generation,” said Congressman Andy Harris.

“4-H is instrumental in preparing students for the future. I’ve witnessed the benefits and positive impact it has on young people, including my three daughters who were active members and state record book winners. I’m proud to support this organization whose influence in developing the next generation of leaders is undeniable, and I look forward to working with members of this caucus to promote and celebrate 4-H,” said Senator John Boozman.

“Minnesota 4-H is preparing over 40,000 young Minnesotans to lead in their communities,” said Senator Klobuchar. “I am glad to partner with Senator Boozman to champion 4-H in the Senate, and I will continue working with my colleagues to support opportunities for youth engaged in agriculture.”

The co-chairs are confirming the membership status of past Caucus members and encouraging new members of Congress to join the Caucus.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), released the following statement after U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference in Los Angeles. 

“The Trump Administration is out of control. The violent removal of my friend, Senator Alex Padilla, for simply asking questions of Secretary Noem at a press conference is not just disgraceful—it’s an attack on our democracy,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The Trump administration must be held accountable. Every day, they weaponize immigration enforcement to target and terrorize communities. In LA and across the country, ICE is hiding behind masks and trampling on people’s rights.”

“From undermining the rule of law to unleashing military force on our streets, the Trump Administration has made chaos a tool for power,” Matsui continued. “Now, they have crossed a new line: physically assaulting a U.S. Senator for doing his job. As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional duty to conduct oversight and hold the Trump Administration accountable. We will not let fear and intimidation silence us or stop us from protecting our constituents.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) led 27 lawmakers in a letter to Senate leadership. The letter urges the Senate to strike a provision in the Senate Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation text that would condition Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding on states acquiescing to a ten-year moratorium on enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations.  

“The BEAD program is a once-in-a-generation investment to close the digital divide in areas across our nation that have long been overlooked. Congress created BEAD as the product of thoughtful, bipartisan deliberations to expand affordable broadband access to every American,” wrote the lawmakers. “In contrast, the reconciliation text’s AI moratorium provision represents a reckless and dangerous attempt to force states to forfeit their ability to protect the public from the rapidly escalating risks of unregulated AI and automated decision systems. It is textbook federal overreach.”

In the absence of a federal AI regulatory framework, California and other states across the nation are embracing common-sense safeguards that ensure innovation and competition can continue to thrive while protecting the public. As AI tools grow more sophisticated and more widely deployed, these state measures are crucial to building consumer trust and ensuring safety. Yet the moratorium, spearheaded by Republicans, would strip states of their authority to respond to new and evolving AI risks—freezing vital consumer protections for a full decade.

The BEAD program, included as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access nationwide. It funds planning, infrastructure, and adoption programs in all 50 states and is key to closing the digital divide and getting rural and underserved Americans reliable, high-speed internet coverage. Just last week, the Trump Administration released new guidelines that would substantially delay BEAD investments, forcing states to redo their plans. Conditioning this transformative funding on the surrender of state policymaking authority is deeply troubling—and sets a dangerous precedent.  

“Rather than hold the administration accountable for betraying BEAD’s commitment to connectivity, the AI moratorium provision would destabilize BEAD further by allowing the administration to claw back long awarded funding from states unwilling to relinquish their role in ensuring safe and responsible AI innovation,” the lawmakers continued. 

Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE.

Dear Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Cruz, and Ranking Member Cantwell:

We write to urge you to strike a deeply dangerous provision in the Senate Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation text that would condition Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding on states acquiescing to a ten-year moratorium on state and local enforcement of their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations.

The BEAD program is a once-in-a-generation investment to close the digital divide in areas across our nation that have long been overlooked. Congress created BEAD as the product of thoughtful, bipartisan deliberations to expand affordable broadband access to every American. And a core tenet of BEAD is empowering our states and local communities to use their on-the-ground knowledge to ensure federal broadband dollars go where they are most needed. In contrast, the reconciliation text’s AI moratorium provision represents a reckless and dangerous attempt to force states to forfeit their ability to protect the public from the rapidly escalating risks of unregulated AI and automated decision systems. It is textbook federal overreach.

Linking critical broadband funding—intended to close the digital divide, support rural communities, and provide lifesaving services to our constituents—to the suppression of state-level AI oversight is both coercive and irresponsible. It forces states to choose between expanding internet access and safeguarding their residents from potentially harmful and untested technologies. The notion that states should be barred—even temporarily—from enacting necessary safeguards or responding to emerging harms undermines democratic governance and public trust. A federally imposed moratorium on state AI regulation, especially as a condition for infrastructure funds, strips state and local governments of their ability to respond to the specific, pressing needs and values of their communities.

What’s more, this sets a deeply troubling precedent: allowing essential public investments to be weaponized to block legitimate state policymaking on complex and consequential technologies. The consequences of such a trade-off are unacceptable.

The BEAD Program has obligated all the $42.45 billion allocated to states and territories to advance significant capital for broadband expansion. States are at the one-yard line, ready to reach the end zone and get shovels in the ground. But this success is under threat. After nearly six months of freezing BEAD progress, the administration doubled down on sabotaging BEAD with rule changes that would undo the states’ hard work,

further delay broadband buildout, drive up costs for consumers, and hamstring states’ flexibility to choose the right mix of technologies to provide the most reliable, scalable, and future-proof internet service available to a location. Rather than hold the administration accountable for betraying BEAD’s commitment to connectivity, the AI moratorium provision would destabilize BEAD further by allowing the administration to claw back long-awarded funding from states unwilling to relinquish their role in ensuring safe and responsible AI innovation.

We have already seen an outpouring of opposition against the House Republicans’ AI moratorium provision, including bipartisan opposition from state attorneys general state legislators, voters, and over 140 consumer advocacy, online safety, and civil rights groups These, and other growing voices, have highlighted how a ten-year hold on state enforcement and regulation exposes Americans to a growing list of harms as AI technologies rapidly evolve and expand across sectors, from healthcare to employment, education, and housing. The resulting regulatory gap from the AI moratorium provision would decimate the good work that states, led by both Democrats and Republicans, have accomplished to set commonsense AI guardrails, including in transparency and online safety.

The Senate Commerce reconciliation text fails to address these bipartisan concerns. Instead, it would further harm Americans by depriving a state of critical broadband funding simply because that state wants to exercise its right to protect its residents from AI-specific harms.

As you are aware, the “Byrd Rule” under the Congressional Budget Act prohibits the inclusion of non-budgetary provisions in reconciliation legislation. The effort to make BEAD funding contingent on a state’s decision to suspend any new AI regulations is not only a dangerous and sweeping policy change—it also plainly violates the Byrd rule.

For all these reasons, we strongly urge the Senate to reject the AI moratorium provision and preserve both the intent of the BEAD program and the states’ right to regulate emerging technologies in the public interest.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Defense, voted in Committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Defense Appropriations bill today.  

The FY 2026 Defense bill proposes to spend $831.5 billion, an amount equal to the FY 2025 enacted level, for federal agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community,

including the military branches of services, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Case’s Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for developing the bill. 

“While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it eliminates support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and fails to fund a cohesive and coordinated all-government defense strategy, all of which is critical as we face the generational challenge of the People’s Republic of China,” said Case. “The Committee also was forced to draft the bill in the dark because the administration failed to provide a detailed budget request, and that is a dangerous precedent to support.” 

Case spoke in Committee in favor of continued support for Ukraine. He stressed that despite the tragic consequences of President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war, “you cannot fail to do something that is hard, when you know that if you don’t do it, it will be harder in the future. That was the lesson of Neville Chamberlain in World War II.” (See Case’s speech here.)

Case also spoke in Committee on the proposal’s lack of a coordinated whole-of-government national defense strategy, which would include soft power tools like international assistance and trade. He called for a broader understanding of national security that looks beyond the narrow confines of military spending, including in the Indo-Pacific. He explained that “only a strong national defense, coordinated and delivered over time, will achieve the foundational necessity of all else.” (See Case’s speech here.)

Case also offered an amendment, which was accepted by the Committee, to prevent the transmission of classified information or war plans over unsecured networks. His amendment is a direct response to high-level Trump administration officials who used Signal to discuss U.S. military plans to attack Houthi groups in Yemen. Case said: “There are clear federal rules … that prohibit handling classified material outside of approved, encrypted and monitored systems … The rules around are not just suggestions, they are mandates.” (See Case’s speech here.)  

Despite his significant problems with the bill, Case highlighted programs and provisions he requested and secured that are especially critical to Hawai‘i, including: 

·         $30 million to continue efforts to replace O‘ahu’s outdated air surveillance radar, which is needed to defend Hawai‘i from missile attacks. 

·         Directing the Navy to support a program to control and eradicate invasive coral at naval installations, which is in response to the invasive coral found at the mouth of Pearl Harbor. 

·         Protecting the special contracting preference for Native Hawaiian businesses. 

·         $357 million for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration program plus an additional $235 million for the cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation. 

·         Funding for two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and will be maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.  

·         $186 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. 

·         $177 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which will help defend Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats. 

·         Over $421 million for “Civil-Military Programs,” which will support Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Academy. 

·         Over $70 million for Impact Aid programs, which help Hawaii’s public schools by partially reimbursing the cost of educating military children. 

·         Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have been efforts within the department to streamline control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai‘i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Other programs and provisions in the measure also requested and supported by Case and especially critical to the broader Indo-Pacific include: 

·         $8 million for the Asia Regional Pacific Initiative (ARPI) managed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. ARPI supports a wide range of exercises, humanitarian assistance, programs and training symposiums that help expand U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific. The initiative is an important tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 

·         Continued support for providing humanitarian and other assistance by U.S. military Civic Action Teams in the Freely Associated States. 

·         $6 million to expand the National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program to provide critical support to military and civilian health objectives. It will help advance national medical innovation, preparedness, disaster response and integration efforts to underserved regions, such as the Indo-Pacific. 

·         $75 million for decoupling rare earth magnet manufacturing from China. 

General military-related programs and provisions supported by Case related to the DoD overall include:

·         3.8% basic pay increase for all military personnel. 

·         $700 million for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund. 

This measure is one of the twelve bills developed by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2026 (commencing October 1, 2025). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.  

A summary of the defense funding bill is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Representative Jim Costa (CA-21) issued the following statement after learning that Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed today in Los Angeles, California from a press conference held by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “The forcible removal of Senator Alex Padilla from the press conference with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is not only outrageous and unacceptable—it is a violation of constitutional rights. As a duly elected official for the people of California, Senator Padilla has every right to express his freedom of speech. The conduct of those who detained him was both disgraceful and disrespectful, and it must be addressed. We must demand accountability and transparency from the Trump Administration.” said Congressman Jim Costa. 
You can view the statement HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [6/12/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced legislation to reduce hunger among college students.

The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act will require institutions of higher education to inform students who receive federal work-study or who are eligible to receive the Pell Grant that they may qualify for SNAP benefits. Institutions would also give qualifying students official documentation of their eligibility, overcoming a common hurdle students face when applying for SNAP benefits.

“Students can’t reach their full potential if they don’t have enough to eat,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I benefited from Food Stamps while I was working my way through college, and all eligible students should have that same opportunity. I introduced this legislation to help the many college students who have told me about the barriers they face when trying to put food on the table for themselves and their families.” 

“Students have enough to worry about, putting food on the table should not be one of them,” said Representative Mark Takano. “This bill would make it easier for students to have access to basic needs by notifying them of their eligibility and helping them apply for SNAP benefits. In a time when government programs are being rolled back, I am proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Bonamici that would make a noticeable difference in the life of college students.” 
 

Bonamici and Takano first introduced the legislation in response to concerns they heard from community colleges and universities about students struggling with food and housing insecurity. According to 2023-2024 survey data from the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, food insecurity affects about 43 percent of students at two-year institutions and about 37 percent of students at four-year institutions, up from 39 percent and 29 percent respectively three years prior.

The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act is a part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats’ campaign to reform America’s higher education system for students and families. The “roadmap” brings together a series of bold proposals focused on bringing down the cost of college, helping students access a quality degree, and—once students are in school—providing them with the support they need to graduate. Learn more about the Roadmap to College Student Success here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

The Government Accountability Office has recommended USDA Food and Nutrition Service improve its SNAP eligibility information for students and share best practices for notifying students of their potential eligibility. 

The legislation is endorsed by Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Bread for the World, The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, the Institute for Higher Education Policy 

The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D- MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Paul Tonko (D-NY). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, hosted “What’s Next in Transparency: 119th Congress.” Moderated by Law360 Reporter Courtney Bublé, the panel discussion included three government accountability experts.

As the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, Quigley has spent 16 years in Congress leading bipartisan efforts to increase honesty and trust in government.

“The cost of corruption is dollars, but the real cost of corruption is the loss of public trust. That trust has been on steady decline for the last 20 years,” shared Quigley in his opening remarks. “If we can improve the openness in communication between the government and the people, we can build a government that works better for the people.”

The panel’s experts represented a diverse range of views across the political spectrum, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the National Taxpayers Union, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

“Another thing we need to pay attention to is the destruction of records and agencies discontinuing the practice of maintaining certain records,” said Lauren Harper, Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. “You can not get a FOIA response if an agency has destroyed those documents. Or if it has opted to stop creating those records.”

“[Members who commit crimes] don’t lose their pensions until they’re finally convicted. That means many can sit in jail, and appeal, and still collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union. “The last piece of transparency we need for that is from the Office of Personnel Management, but they haven’t answered my emails since 2020.”

“Sunlight in government is essential to a functioning democracy,” said Jason Powell, Policy Director at CREW. “As part of DOGE’s efforts to reshape the government, on April 1st the CDC’s entire FOIA office was suspended without prior notice or without a plan for how the statutorily required work would continue. The CDC is now not able to respond to new [FOIA] requests, existing requests, or make statutorily-required proactive disclosures.”

To watch a recording of the event, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Josh Harder (D-CA) introduced the NCAA Accountability Act of 2025 in the House of Representatives. This bill will ensure due process protections for universities and individuals under investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for rule infractions.

“College sports not only unite communities, but help prepare our next generation for the future,” said Congressman Kustoff. “For too long the NCAA has operated with unchecked authority over college athletics, often treating its member universities and student athletes unfairly. That is why I introduced the NCAA Accountability Act. This bill will help ensure the due process, transparency, and fairness our universities and student-athletes deserve. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will hold the NCAA accountable.”
 
“For too long, the NCAA has operated without transparency, accountability, or fairness—leaving student-athletes, coaches, and universities vulnerable to inconsistent and biased enforcement. The NCAA Accountability Act levels the playing field by guaranteeing due process, restoring trust, and holding powerful institutions to the same standard we expect from everyone else. I’m proud to once again lead this effort with Representative Kustoff and look forward to continuing the fight to support those who make college sports great,” said Congressman Owens.
 
“College athletics bring out the best in our students and inspire communities across the country,” said Congressman Harder. “It’s only fair that student-athletes get the support and protections they need to succeed both on the field and in the classroom. This bill makes sure they do.”
 
Background:
With nearly 1,100 member universities and 460,000 student athletes, the NCAA is the largest collegiate athletic association in the U.S. It governs the athletic programs of and competition between member universities. Through its monopoly power and lack of oversight, the NCAA investigates and punishes its members with little regard for fairness, due process, or transparency. Its rules are irregularly enforced, and its investigations lack established procedures. Further, the NCAA punishes universities inconsistently and unpredictably.

The NCAA Accountability Act will: 

Due Process: 

• Require the NCAA to provide its member universities with fair notice regarding enforcement proceedings.
• Require the NCAA to complete any investigation no later than one year after it begins.
• Establish a two-year statute of limitations.
• Prohibit information from confidential sources from being offered into the NCAA’s enforcement decisions.
• Prohibit the NCAA from publicly disclosing information relating to an ongoing investigation until formal charges are filed. 

 
Fairness, Consistency, Accountability: 

• Provide member universities the right to resolve disputes (over sanctions for bylaw infractions) with the NCAA through arbitration. The 3-person arbitration panel will provide an independent, unbiased review and legally binding decision.
• Require the NCAA to conduct its enforcement proceedings and investigations in a fair and consistent manner. The penalties issued against member institutions for bylaw infractions shall be equitable with respect to severity of the infraction and the institution’s history of infractions.
• Direct the NCAA to submit an annual report to the DOJ summarizing its enforcement proceedings. The NCAA must also submit separate reports to each state’s Attorney General summarizing its interactions with member universities headquartered in their respective states. 

Enforcement:

• Direct the DOJ to establish supervisory and investigatory procedures to determine the NCAA’s compliance with this bill.
• Authorize the DOJ, through an administrative law judge, to fine the NCAA or individuals on staff up to $15,000,000 for violating the provisions of this bill.
• Authorize the DOJ to order the permanent removal of any member on the NCAA’s Board of Governors.

 

Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

 

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