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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson addressed House Republicans’ efforts to codify President Trump’s America First agenda into law, Congressional Democrats refusal to work in any meaningful way for their constituents, and Republicans common sense priorities for budget reconciliation.

Watch the Speaker’s full remarks here.

On codifying the Trump agenda:

We’ve been working around the clock to codify so much of what President Trump has been doing. I think there’s 143 executive orders that have been issued thus far, and we’re working around the clock to make sure that we put these into statutory law so that it can’t be reversed and erased by an upcoming administration. For some reason, the media acts like this effort is somehow a negative thing. It’s not at all. Anybody who says that just fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between Congressional Republicans and President Trump and his administration. We all ran on the same America first agenda: secure the border, cut taxes for working families, revive American energy production, strengthen our standing on the world stage and bring back common sense.

We already have the formula for prosperity and security, and that’s the thing about President Trump: he’s not an unknown entity, as we’ve all recounted many times. He’s done it once; he’ll do it again. We plan to work together to enshrine the agenda in the law and make sure we have a roaring American economy and stability and security, prosperity, and strength again,. From day one, President Trump has used his executive authority to reverse the devastating policies of the last administration. There was a lot of that to be done, but as the previous administration made it painfully clear, executive orders can be undone and overwritten, and that’s why we have to move it through the legislative process. And we are.

On Congressional Democrats refusal to work with Republicans:

House and Senate Republicans are utilizing the budget reconciliation process primarily because leader Schumer in the Senate, Leader Jeffries in the House and their Democrat colleagues, refused to engage in anything, no matter how meritorious, even to improve the lives of their constituents if it means that President Trump will somehow be credited with a win. I mean, it’s really sad, but that’s the fact. They’d rather put on performative stunts and host these activist town halls, and all this other nonsense then just work with us to bring costs down and make communities safer for their constituents. Just think about how the American people feel about these issues.

When Democrats had a trifecta in 2021, they used the budget reconciliation process, but you know what they did? They used it to “stimulate” the economy. What did that mean? Well, trillions in new spending and tax hikes and the green New Deal giveaways. We can’t do that. It’s not sustainable, so we’re going to reverse it. And guess what happened when they did that? We had runaway inflation, making the cost of living for everyday Americans unbearable. Contrast that with what we’re doing, what Republicans are working on right now, what we are delivering through the committees and soon through the whole house: lower taxes, decreased regulation, safer streets, keeping more of your money that you earn in your own pocket. We’ll take that to the people every single day, and they’ll be for us. And as the house works to finish budget reconciliation over the next few weeks, we’ll continue to shine a light on the Do- Nothing Democrats who would rather oppose President Trump’s popular agenda than work for the needs of their own constituents.

On the commonsense provisions included in budget reconciliation:

Consider this, secure the border, right? Securing the border is an 80/20 issue in America. Deporting illegal aliens? More than 50% of American people believe that every single illegal alien should be deported… But despite those numbers, the Democrats are taking trips to Central America to bring back violent illegal aliens back to the country. It’s madness. Strengthening Medicaid for Americans who need it by eliminating things like fraud, waste and abuse, which is a huge problem in the program, including removing illegal aliens. If you add all that together, 66% of the American people think that that’s a very important idea. We need to improve, shore up and strengthen the program so that it can be there for the people who desperately need and deserve it. And Democrats, what do they do? Lying about what we’re doing with Medicaid, so much so that we’ve gotten them to pull down their advertising because they were literally breaking the law. We sent cease and desist letters and they had to take it down.

Cutting taxes for working families and small businesses, what American doesn’t want to pay fewer taxes to the government? There may be a few, but I haven’t found them, especially on matters like the overtime, tipped wages and Social Security. Big promises for the President, and we’re going to deliver that. But it turns out congressional Democrats apparently want Americans to pay more. They’re adamantly against all those things I just named. They’re against keeping taxes low. And when they oppose the reconciliation bill, when they oppose the solution to this, to extend the tax cuts, they are actually advocating for the largest tax increase in US history, end of sentence.

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

Bacon, Pappas Co-lead Taiwan Representative Office Act

Washington, DC – Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) have introduced legislation to direct the Secretary of State to engage in negotiations with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) to rename its office the ‘‘Taiwan Representative Office.”

Currently named the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States, it represents the interests of Taiwan in the United States in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, functioning as a de facto embassy. Its counterpart in Taiwan is the office of the American Institute in Taiwan in Taipei.

This bill does not restore diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) or alter the position of the United States with respect to the international status of Taiwan.

“Taiwan is our friend, and we are treating them like second-class people because of the pressure and bullying by China,” said Rep. Bacon. “We want to elevate what we call their diplomatic facilities and their senior diplomatic representative. Taiwan deserves better from the world’s superpower for freedom.” 

“I am committed to standing with all our democratic allies against threats to their security and sovereignty, and we must continue to strengthen our diplomatic partnership with our democratic ally Taiwan as they face continued threats from Xi Jinping’s authoritarian regime,” said Rep. Pappas. “This bipartisan policy would properly recognize Taiwan’s de facto embassy in Washington to demonstrate our continued support and counter Xi Jinping’s attempts to intimidate Taiwan and other allies.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), co-chair of the PFAS Task Force, along with Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Dina Titus (D-NV), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), today reintroduced the bipartisan Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act (PFAS Alternatives Act), to support development of next-generation PFAS-free turnout gear for firefighters and better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work. Sunday, May 4 was International Firefighters’ Day.  

Studies have shown that all three layers of firefighter turnout gear contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a class of fluorinated chemicals known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, and are linked to harmful human health effects, including reproductive and developmental harms, weakened immune systems, and cancer – the leading cause of firefighter death.

“Firefighters’ jobs are already dangerous enough without worrying about the long-term health risks of being exposed to dangerous PFAS in their turnout gear,” said Dingell. “The PFAS Alternatives Act will remove this unnecessary occupational hazard and help protect firefighters as they work every day to protect us.”

“America’s firefighters charge into danger to save the lives of others,” said Graves. “This bipartisan legislation will help develop the next generation of firefighting gear to keep them safe—while they work to protect our families, our communities, and our country.”

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” said Bonamici. “The dangers they face shouldn’t come from the gear meant to protect them. I’m grateful to join several of my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will spur the development of turnout gear free from dangerous PFAS chemicals and improve the long-term health of the country’s firefighters.”

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and their health and safety must remain a top priority,” said Kean. “That starts with ensuring their gear is free from harmful chemicals that pose serious long-term health risks. I’m pleased to once again co-lead the PFAS Alternatives Act to eliminate toxic substances from firefighter equipment and support the long-term well-being of these brave men and women.”

“Firefighters put their health and safety on the line every day to protect our communities. They run in as others run out,” said Titus. “They shouldn’t have to worry about hazardous substances in their own turnout gear. I’m working with my colleagues to support the development of next-generation gear that is more resistant to soot and other chemicals while eliminating exposure to dangerous toxins like PFAS.”

“Firefighters risk enough without being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in the very gear meant to protect them,” said Fitzpatrick. “The PFAS Alternatives Act takes targeted, bipartisan action to eliminate these toxic substances and accelerate safer solutions. It’s time we matched our gratitude with real protections—as Co-Chair of the PFAS Task Force, I am committed to leading efforts like this to do exactly that.”

“First responders deserve first rate gear.  They put their lives on the line every day to save ours.  We must not make those who risk their lives wear even riskier equipment and handle even more dangerous materials,” said Ivey. “PFAS are directly linked to cancer.  And as a kidney cancer survivor, I know the hardship, uncertainty and fear any family would experience being exposed to cancer causing materials.  I want to thank my colleagues for this bipartisan effort.”

“Firefighters risk their lives to protect the community and in many cases they are exposed to toxic chemicals,” said Thompson. “The PFAS Alternatives Act is commonsense legislation that invests in safer, more effective equipment to better protect our first responders from these toxins.”

The PFAS Alternatives Act would:
– Accelerate the development of PFAS-free turnout gear through research, development, and testing of PFAS-free turnout gear materials.
– Facilitate the development of safer turnout gear materials that reduces the dangers firefighters face, including enhanced protection against primary and secondary exposure to particulates and byproducts of combustion; reduced maintenance that includes contamination resistance and greater ease of cleaning; visible warning indicators to alert firefighters to hazardous exposures or the need for decontamination; and consideration of body composition in turnout gear design.  
– Support guidance and training for firefighters on best practices for reducing harmful exposures through the proper wearing, cleaning, and caring for next-generation turnout gear.
– Involve the firefighting industry in the development process by requiring grant applicants to utilize the leadership, experience, and knowledge of firefighters to ensure the next-generation turnout gear will be both effective and practical for the everyday demands of firefighting. 

The PFAS Alternatives Act would authorize $25 million annually for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support the development of new materials, and an additional $2 million annually to support guidance and training.

The PFAS Alternatives Act is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

“The science is clear. Exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals is driving alarming rates of cancer in the fire service,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “The PFAS Alternatives Act is critical legislation that will help introduce next-generation, PFAS-free gear to better protect fire fighters and ensure we have a voice in developing the very products we rely on for safety. The IAFF is grateful to Rep. Dingell for championing this legislation, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today joined the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force as a co-chair, along with her colleagues Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Co-Chair and Founding Member of the bipartisan Task Force, Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08).

Founded in 2019, the Congressional PFAS Task Force has spearheaded a historic bipartisan effort to confront one of the most urgent environmental and public health threats facing America: the unchecked spread of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” across the nation’s water, land, and communities.

“In Michigan we know all too well the urgent, growing threat PFAS pose. It’s more important than ever we’re taking serious action in Congress to keep PFAS out of our homes, water, and environment, hold polluters accountable, and clean up existing contamination,” Dingell said. “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan PFAS Task Force to help educate our colleagues on this important issue, and work together across the aisle to advance legislation to protect Americans from the growing and urgent public health threat of forever chemicals.” 

“In Bucks and Montgomery Counties, we have seen firsthand the devastating cost of PFAS contamination. Families across our community have lived with the fear that the water they drink, the schools their children attend, and the homes they live in may not be safe. That is unacceptable — and it demands action,” said Fitzpatrick. “This fight is personal. It’s about protecting the people I represent, the neighbors I grew up with, and the future we owe to our children. Through the PFAS Task Force, I am doubling down on my commitment to deliver real solutions, real accountability, and a clean, safe future — not just for PA-1, but for every community across America facing this crisis.”

“Our country needs to address the problems PFAS chemicals create head-on, which is why I’m proud to co-chair the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force with both Republicans and Democrats,” said McDonald Rivet. “We will work together to raise awareness of the risk of PFAS chemicals and advocate for commonsense solutions for our constituents.”

“Harmful PFAS contamination poses a direct threat to the health of our military families and surrounding communities in Virginia’s Second District,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I am proud to join my colleagues as a co-chair of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force to ensure every American has access to clean water and a healthy environment for generations to come. This is a public health crisis that requires immediate action and commonsense solutions.”

This Congress, the Task Force is intensifying its mission to:

• Advance comprehensive legislation to end PFAS pollution and hold polluters accountable;
• Educate lawmakers and the public on the serious health and environmental consequences of PFAS exposure;
• Secure historic federal investments in research, remediation, and prevention;

PFAS chemicals have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, developmental disorders, and immune system dysfunction. Communities across Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Virginia have been among the hardest hit, with groundwater contamination stemming from military installations, industrial sites, and public water systems.

Across the country, PFAS contamination has left a devastating legacy of poisoned drinking water, rising health risks, and broken public trust—often without families even knowing they had been exposed. Thousands of communities continue to grapple with the long-term consequences of decades of unregulated chemical use. 

Last week, Dingell and Fitzpatrick led a bipartisan group of 44 House members in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the Agency to uphold the rule designating the two most dangerous PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Dingell has long led the fight against PFAS as the sponsor of the PFAS Action Act, which includes establishing a strong national drinking water standard. Additionally, Dingell has introduced the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act,  PFAS Alternatives Act, and Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act. The designation of PFOS and PFOA – two of the most widely used and notoriously harmful PFAS substances – as hazardous substances by the EPA under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), is a key pillar of Dingell’s bipartisan PFAS Action Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Dingell Statement on Trump FY26 Budget Request

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) spoke on the House Floor on H.J.Res.88. Dingell’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

See a video of her remarks here.
 
Thank you, M. Speaker. 
 
I rise today in opposition to H.J.Res.88.
 
As a staunch defender of Michigan’s auto industry — the backbone of the American economy — and someone who cares deeply about the environment, I do not take this vote lightly. I have spoken to all the stakeholders involved multiple times.
 
I believe in preserving consumer choice, maintaining American leadership in innovation, defending the future of domestic manufacturing, and protecting the environment. These are not mutually exclusive.
 
Michigan, and the United States, put the world on wheels, and now, we are leading the transition to the next generation of vehicles.
 
We cannot afford to cede that leadership to our adversaries. I will remind my colleagues that it wasn’t that long ago when gasoline prices went up and American consumers wanted smaller cars, Japanese carmakers flooded our market with smaller vehicles, caught our domestic industry flat-footed, and U.S. manufacturers paid the price for a decade. 
 
We must innovate, adapt, and build vehicles competitively here at home. The global marketplace wants EVs, hybrids, and internal combustion engines.
 
To lead globally, we must accelerate the manufacturing of cleaner vehicles in a practical, affordable, and inclusive way. That means building out EV charging infrastructure, keeping hybrids and plug-in hybrids available, and ensuring affordability, which is becoming one of the biggest issues in this country. Especially when competing with at least one country where the government subsidizes manufacturing, uses forced labor, and manipulates currency.
 
We cannot cede our leadership to China or any other country. This also means investing in advanced manufacturing, securing domestic battery supply chains, and protecting the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic EV investments.
 
California’s Advanced Clean Cars 2 program would impose EV sales mandates across nearly 30 percent of the U.S. market. While that may work for California, it isn’t working in some other states.
 
Let me be clear: this is not the time to ban gas-powered vehicles. CARB and Governors must be able to adjust these programs if market conditions change. Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently did just that, easing compliance enforcement. 
 
I share concerns about consumer choice, but this Congressional Review Act resolution has serious legal flaws. The Government Accountability Office and the Senate Parliamentarian both ruled that these waivers are not subject to the CRA. Proceeding sets a dangerous precedent. 
 
Misusing the CRA today could open the door to striking down a wide range of federal programs tomorrow, including Medicaid waivers, which worries me greatly. I don’t sleep at night on that one. 
 
We are here today because some states have adopted stricter rules that could ban new gas-powered vehicles by this summer. I support the EV transition, but we are simply not there yet.

For model year 2026, ACC 2 states would require 35 percent of new car sales to be a mix of electric or hybrid, yet the national average is still around 10 percent. That jumps to 68 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035. For most states, this is not realistic today.
 
We need all stakeholders at the table — labor, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, environmental groups, and consumers — to work together for the American people, and figure it out so we stay competitive in a global marketplace, meet consumer demand, take care of the environment, sell affordable cars, and keep manufacturing in this country.
 
This resolution would be unprecedented federal overreach. While I disagree with California’s timeline, I also disagree with misusing the CRA to address it.
 
If we’re serious about American leadership, EVs must be in our portfolio. I remain committed to protecting American jobs, expanding consumer choice, and ensuring U.S. leadership in global automotive innovation.
 
The American people sent us here to solve problems. Let’s stop wasting time on illegitimate messaging CRAs and work together to support innovation, build out the infrastructure, and ensure access to affordable, American-made vehicles — whether gas-powered, hybrid, or electric.
 
Let’s work together for our country. With that, I will be voting ‘no’.
 
Thank you, M. Speaker, and I yield back.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined 142 Members of Congress in demanding answers regarding the termination of students’ legal status. Despite the Trump Administration’s recent claim that it would reverse course, only Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made any policy change.  While students are no longer immediately deportable, they will be unable to return to the United States once they go home after the semester ends, as the State Department is not restoring students’ visa status.

“This is not about national security. It is about using immigration enforcement as a weapon to stifle political dissent, restrict due process, and enforce an exclusionary and nativist vision of America that runs counter to everything our institutions of higher learning stand for,” wrote the lawmakers. “Across the country, students are being picked up – in some cases by masked immigration agents in unmarked cars – and being held in detention facilities with no warning and limited information as to why they are being deported.”

According to recent reporting, more than 1,800 students and recent graduates across 280 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked. Since Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also confirmed that at least 4,736 have had their legal status terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). However, DHS does not have the authority to terminate this legal status except under very specific circumstances, none of which have been met in the vast majority of these cases.

“Our campuses have been spaces where students and scholars from around the world come together to challenge assumptions, push the boundaries of knowledge, and foster the innovation that has made our country a global leader,” continued the lawmakers. “But today, the Trump administration’s heavy-handed and politically motivated immigration enforcement is turning university campuses into places of fear, rather than learning, and these actions deter students from coming to study at U.S. institutions.”

Reporting has also shown that the State Department has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify students to target through their social media accounts. This aspect is especially troubling as social media accounts may not feature students’ names, and AI facial recognition is often prone to mistakes, at significantly higher rates when identifying people of color.

The full text of the letter can be read here.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Congressman Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) reintroduced the Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development (ICELAND) Act. This bipartisan legislation would add Iceland to the list of nations eligible for investment and trade in the U.S—provided that U.S. nationals are treated similarly by the government of Iceland.

The bill would also make Icelanders eligible for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant work visas, which are reserved for nationals of countries with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce, a qualifying international agreement, or has granted eligibility by statute. Iceland is currently one of the few European countries excluded from these visas.

“Iceland has long been an important trade partner of the United States—and especially for Maine, where our longstanding shipping and seafood trade with Iceland has fostered deep economic and cultural ties,” said Pingree. “My bipartisan ICELAND Act would strengthen that partnership for generations to come, creating greater economic opportunities for both countries at a time when the global economic order is rapidly shifting. By extending E-1 and E-2 visa eligibility to Icelanders, we’re not only honoring our shared commitments; we’re also investing in the kind of bilateral cooperation that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth in America and in the Arctic region. The ICELAND Act would bring our two countries into closer strategic alignment at a time when such partnerships are more critical than ever.” 

“As co-chair of the Iceland Caucus, I know the importance of having a strong relationship between the United States and Iceland,” said Murphy. “Iceland serves as an important ally in our common pursuit of democracy and economic security, and this legislation would be a critical step in strengthening the ties between our two nations. The ICELAND Act would increase trade and expand economic opportunities, while also injecting capital into both of our economies.”

Background:

In 1944, the United States was the first country to recognize the independent Republic of Iceland. As NATO members, Iceland and the United States share strategic interests in the Arctic region, as well as many political and cultural values, including mutual respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The U.S. and Iceland have a longstanding history of trade. As an export powerhouse in seafood ($247 million), optical and medical instruments ($75 million), beverages ($31 million), special other ($29 million), and machinery ($16 million), Iceland contributes to the commercial and trading interests of the U.S. economy. The U.S.

E-1 and E-2 visas allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for a period of up to two years (with an option to renew on a rolling basis) to engage in substantial trade and investment activities. Nationals of 84 countries are eligible for E-1 and/or E-2 visa status. Iceland is one of only four European countries (Russia, Hungary, and Belarus) and of a small handful of NATO and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member states that do not currently hold this status. Traditionally, E-1 and E-2 visas were extended to foreign citizens under “treaties of navigation”, however in recent years legislation is typically required to add nations to the list of eligible countries. In 2018, the KIWI Act was signed into law, granting citizens of New Zealand access to E visas. In 2022, the AMIGOS Act was signed into law, granting E visa eligibility to citizens of Portugal.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced that the two Maine students she nominated to attend U.S. Service Academies have both been accepted. Falmouth High School senior Samuel Yoon will attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado and Greely High School senior Riley Record will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York.

“Being accepted to a U.S. Service Academy is an extraordinary achievement that speaks volumes about a student’s academic excellence, leadership, and character,” said Pingree. “Like all the Maine students I’ve had the honor of nominating, Samuel and Riley have shown an outstanding commitment to serving our country. I’m incredibly proud of their acceptance to the Air Force Academy and West Point, and I wish them all the best.”

“My experience as captain [of my high school soccer team] has taught me the values of serving others and has reinforced my belief in the Air Force’s core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,” Samuel wrote in his letter requesting a nomination.“I have been fortunate to grow up in a caring family and community. I feel drawn to service, and the environment that the military provides is how I want to serve. The military’s emphasis on duty, honor, and selfless service resonates with me.”

“It is truly the camaraderie, atmosphere, and service to country that drew me to the Academies. That camaraderie is something I have not felt elsewhere, and the universal ambition and drive of the students create an environment I wish to be a part of,” Riley wrote in her letter requesting a nomination. “I see the Academies as [a means] to dedicate my life to something bigger than myself, and to become a leader who will help people and my country. What I want most in my life is to have a purpose and be a part of an organization greater than a single entity, and the military would allow me this privilege.”

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Leads Resolution Designating National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives to designate May 5, 2025, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.  

“The rate of missing and murdered indigenous women cases increase every year, and impacted communities continue to suffer,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Designating May 5 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls sheds light on this crisis and serves as a reminder that we must better equip our native communities to solve these devastating cases. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me on this important issue.” 

“The U.S. can no longer look away from the pain and injustice endured by Indigenous families whose mothers, daughters, sisters, and relatives have gone missing or been murdered,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Honoring the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is one way to bring national attention to this issue. As a nation, we have a moral responsibility to confront this crisis head-on—to honor the lives lost, support the families who continue to grieve, and make sure that Native communities have the resources, authority, and protection they deserve. We must uplift Native voices and invest in services for Indian Country so there are no more stolen sisters and no more stolen joy.” 

Newhouse and Leger Fernández were joined by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Ed Case (D-HI), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) in introducing the resolution.  

Rep. Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee said, “For far too long, dangerous predators have disproportionately targeted indigenous women and girls, with violence against Native women greatly exceeding the national average. Ending this crisis starts with awareness. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Newhouse, this legislation designates May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which is critical to increasing awareness of this issue and stopping this terrible crisis once and for all.” 

Rep. Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee said, “Although the epidemic of missing Indigenous people spans the country, these tragic crimes are often ignored. Tribal members in my district and across the country have been putting in the hard work on the ground to protect their people – but they can’t do it all alone. We have to shine a light on this crisis, and by designating May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for MMIW, we can call attention to this pervasive issue and get tribal communities the focus and support needed to end this injustice.” 

Rep. Dusty Johnson said, “Every life is worth fighting for. I’ve worked with South Dakota’s tribal leaders to advocate for additional tribal law enforcement resources and it’s important more than ever to continue focused efforts on our missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. According to the South Dakota Missing Persons Clearinghouse, nearly 60% of all missing persons in South Dakota are Native American. I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Newhouse to bring hope and healing to families across South Dakota.” 

Rep. Greg Stanton said, “It’s one of our nation’s greatest shames that such violence is perpetuated against Native communities, especially Native women, to this day. By designating May 5 as a National Day of Awareness for MMIP, this resolution honors the many victims and their families while calling on us all to finally end this crisis of violence. I’m proud to reaffirm my commitment to ensuring Native communities have all the necessary resources to seek justice and healing.” 

Rep. Stephanie Bice said, “I strongly express my support for the designation of May 5th as the ‘National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’. Not only are Indigenous people disproportionately the victims of violence in America, but also in Oklahoma. A study by the Urban Indian Health Institute rated Oklahoma in the top 10 states for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I’m grateful that my colleague, Congressman Dan Newhouse, introduced this critical legislation. We must continue working to bring awareness to these heartbreaking tragedies so that affected families may find justice.” 

Rep. Adrian Smith said, “The prevalence of violence against indigenous women and girls is a tragedy which calls for action. I thank Rep. Newhouse for his leadership on this resolution honoring survivors, families, and those we have lost.”

The legislation is supported by stakeholder groups including the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Tulalip Tribes, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and the National Congress of American Indians.

Gerald Lewis, Chairman, Yakama Nation Tribal Council said, “The Yakama Nation appreciates Congressman Newhouse continuously acknowledging the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous people throughout Indian Country. The hardship of having missing and murdered relatives at a regular and increasing rate causes distress for the Yakama Nation and other tribal nations with significant land bases; many times, we lack resources and support to adequately patrol our homelands. Preventative action could assist in combating this issue that continues to engrain generational trauma into our people. To accomplish this, support must be provided to tribal nations’ public safety, law enforcement, and justice systems through legislative action and collaboration from all governing bodies; no matter if they are local or federal. We can work together to bring our people home.” 

Charlene Tillequots, Yakama Nation Tribal Council, Chair for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Committee said, “Indian Country has dealt with crime and harm against our people for far too long. Today many families grieve the loss of a loved one, with no justice or closure to comfort them, because of shortfalls that obstruct initiatives that could combat this issue. The Yakama Nation and tribes across the United States desperately need resources for safety measures and justice services to protect the communities on our Reservation – this help includes recognition that this needs to be addressed immediately. Congressman Newhouse’s gesture, this resolution, addresses an impediment to Tribal sovereignty and public safety work we face today. We hope to continue making progress for future generations to be in a safer place than we are now – we’re simply aiming, at the very least, to have our family members make it home each night.” 

Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation said, “The Colville Tribes appreciates and supports the efforts of Rep. Dan Newhouse and others in Congress to keep attention focused on the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Despite receiving greater attention in recent years, the problem persists as Native women continue to suffer violence at rates much higher than the national average. The Colville Tribes supports the designation of a ‘National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ and continues to support a federal MMIW law enforcement presence specifically dedicated to serve the Pacific Northwest.” 

Teri Gobin, Chair, Tulalip Tribes said, “Every Native community in the nation has been touched by the epidemic of violence against Native people. Four out of five native women have experienced violence and more than half have been sexually assaulted by their intimate partners. Shining a light on the harm our people have experienced is a step towards fixing it. We urge our lawmakers to continue to fight for more resources for Tribes to create safe communities, including recognizing tribal court jurisdiction over cases that involve violence against our people. On May 5th, we will remember the lives taken too soon. We will drum and sing and cry together. We will pray and advocate. Together, we will build a future with no more stolen sisters” 

Lucy R. Simpson, Executive Director, The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center said, “The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls serves as a commitment to honor those we have lost, amplify the voices of survivors and families, and address this crisis of violence directly. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) sincerely thanks Representatives Newhouse and Leger Fernandez for their ongoing efforts to end violence against Indigenous people. Together, we must continue to seek justice, healing, and meaningful change.”  

Shannon Holsey, President, NCAI Violence Against Women Task Force Co-Chair said, “May 5th is more than a day of remembrance—it is a call to action. The epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives is a direct result of systems that have failed to protect us for generations. To end this crisis, we must continue to fully implement the tribal provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and return authority to Tribal Nations to safeguard our people. We must act with urgency and unity to strengthen tribal jurisdiction and invest in Indigenous-led solutions. This starts with strengthening tribal sovereignty, restoring the rightful authority of Tribal Nations to protect our people, and honoring the sacredness of every life stolen. Every Native relative deserves to be safe, seen, and honored.” 

Full resolution text here. 

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