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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, on Tax Day, U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) reintroduced their Millionaires Surtax Act, legislation to address the growing income inequality gap between wealthy and working Americans and raise significant revenue to support everyday families and grow our economy.

This surtax would implement an additional 10-point tax to incomes above $2 million for married couples or above $1 million for individuals – applying equally to wages and salaries as well as to capital gains and other investment income. This is a simple, straightforward reform that avoids common loopholes that the wealthy often try to exploit to game the tax code. The nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab estimates that this proposal would raise $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. This legislation is endorsed by a wide array of over 40 economic, labor, and nonprofit organizations.

A similar millionaire surtax framework is also a core component of Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer’s Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act, which fully offsets the cost of providing tax relief for millions of Americans who are struggling to afford the cost of living.

“The Millionaires Surtax is an urgently needed plan to restore fairness to the tax code, fight accelerating inequality, and fund important priorities for the American people,” said Congressman Beyer. “The Republican tax cuts in the first and now the second Trump term, as we feared, have led to enormous benefits for the wealthy. The unprecedented accumulation of wealth within a tiny class of people has distorted our politics, harmed the economy, and left unchecked, will eventually tear the country apart. Our legislation would help stop this trend by requiring the wealthiest to start paying their fair share. It would also benefit working people by providing revenue to help offset the cost of necessary investments in education, healthcare, childcare, and infrastructure.”  

“Our federal tax code is stacked in favor of the wealthy, especially those who make their money off of money – while disfavoring working Americans who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. I’m fighting for a fairer system that ensures those who are stretching to make ends meet can keep more of what they earn, while asking the well-off to pitch in more. Our millionaires’ surtax proposal is a simple way to raise new revenue that can be used to promote greater opportunity and shared prosperity for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.

This concept earns broad support from voters across the political spectrum. A recent poll of likely 2026 voters in battleground districts found that 58 percent supported a millionaires surtax. Additionally, a survey from early 2026 found that over seven in ten midterm voters are in favor of increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals, including over half of those who voted for Donald Trump in 2024. 

The Millionaires Surtax Act would:

• Raise substantial revenue for critical needs from the richest 1 percent. The nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab estimates the surtax would raise $1.5 trillion over 10 years, even though it would be paid by only the nation’s richest 1 percent of taxpayers. The surtax does not raise taxes for 99 percent of taxpayers.

• Apply to all forms of income over $2 million, both from work and wealth. It applies to salaries, wages, and private business profits currently taxed at a 37 percent rate; and returns on all investments, such as long-term capital gains and dividends, currently taxed at 20 percent. This universal application is key to effectively taxing the rich, who derive most of their income from wealth rather than work.

• Help close the wealth gap. The Millionaires Surtax would begin to address the nation’s widening wealth and income gaps that destabilize our economy and threaten our democracy.

Text of the bill can be viewed here.

This bill has been endorsed by: 198 Methods, Activist Evenings Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Americans for Financial Reform, Americans For Tax Fairness, Caring Across Generations, Citizen Action/Illinois, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Change Action, Demos, Families Over Billionaires, Family Values @ Work Action, Freedom Writers Collaborative, Friends of the Earth Action, Groundwork Action, Income Movement, Institute for Policy Studies – Inequality Program, Institute for Policy Studies-Program on Inequality, May Day Strong, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Organization for Women, Oxfam, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People’s Action Institute, Popular Democracy, Popular Democracy in Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Public Citizen, Rights & Democracy NH, Rights & Democracy Vermont, Safer Country, Safety Net Project at the Urban Justice Center, State Revenue Alliance, Strong Economy For All Coalition, Take On Wall Street, Tax the Greedy Billionaires, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a New Economy, United for Respect, and Voices for Progress.

“While millionaires and billionaires have more wealth than ever before, workers and families are being asked to go without health care, food, and more, all to maintain a tax system that favors the wealthy at everyone else’s expense,” said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “The only way we will be able to tackle the affordability crisis is to stop giving away trillions of dollars on tax cuts for the rich, and raise the revenue necessary to make key investments to bring down costs. We enthusiastically support Senator Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer for their leadership in introducing the Millionaires Surtax Act to adjust our tax code to make the wealthy pay their fair share.”

“Having run the successful ballot initiative for the millionaire’s surtax in Massachusetts, I can tell you this policy is a no brainer. The Millionaires Surtax is a clear, straightforward way to restore fairness to our tax system by making sure billionaires finally pay their fair share,” said Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families Over Billionaires. “It’s a proven approach that’s already delivering real results in Massachusetts — raising billions that are going straight into schools, transportation, and the things that make life more affordable, with no wealth flight or negative impact on the economy. This bill is what fairness looks like, and it’s long overdue.”

“Congressman Don Beyer and Senator Chris Van Hollen are answering the call of the 77 percent of Americans urging policymakers to rein in concentrated wealth and shift economic and political power to working families,” said Igor Volsky, Campaign Director for Tax the Greedy Billionaires. “The millionaire surtax is essential for chipping away at the extreme wealth that enables a small cohort of very wealthy individuals to manipulate our economy and democracy for their own benefit.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Viktor Orban overwhelmingly defeated after vice president campaigns for anti-democratic dictator

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, millions of Americans are marking Tax Day 2026 with increased tax benefits and savings thanks to the Working Family Tax Cuts Act passed by Republicans in Congress and signed into law by President Trump last year. According to the White House, more than 53 million filers have claimed at least one of the new tax cuts from the legislation, and the average refund has put 11 percent more money than the previous year back into the pockets of hardworking Americans.

Arizonans have benefited greatly from the historic tax cuts bills. Thanks to this legislation, many Arizonans have seen a substantial increase in wages, and 133,000 jobs have been protected. Well over a million Arizona seniors stand to benefit from the no-tax-on-Social Security provision. Approximately two-thirds of workers across the state are likely employed in overtime-eligible occupations, which could allow them to take advantage of the no-tax-on-overtime provision. Three percent of Arizona laborers could be eligible for the provision that exempts tips from taxes.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have been pleased to vote on two major tax cut laws that return money to where it belongs: the American people,”said Congressman Biggs. “The Working Family Tax Cuts Act was historic legislation that provided benefits to Americans where they needed it most – an expanded standard deduction, a larger Child Tax Credit, the elimination of taxes on overtime and tips, and a new bonus deduction for Social Security recipients. Republicans are taking action to protect the interests and future of Americans, as we seek to expand opportunities and savings for all.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON, DC – The Congressional Jewish Caucus (CJC) issued the following statement, signed by its 21 members, following the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel:

“The Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, former Congressman Eliot Engel. Serving 44 years, Eliot was a senior Jewish Member of this body and a dedicated public servant who represented New York’s Bronx, Rockland, and Westchester counties with distinction. Eliot was a steadfast voice for our Jewish community and a champion of bipartisan efforts to combat antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

“As a Caucus, we are committed to representing the unique perspectives and lived experiences of Jewish Members of Congress. Eliot always appreciated how important our shared history, culture, and values were. He is among the pantheon of champions of our people who have served with distinction in the halls of Congress.

“Throughout his long career, including as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot worked tirelessly to defend and support the Jewish community in the United States and around the world, and to ensure that the diverse voices and perspectives of Jewish Americans were heard in our nation’s capital. His leadership and commitment left an indelible mark on the House and on the lives of countless members of our community.

“The Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, Patricia, his family, his friends, his former staff, and all those whose lives were touched by his service. We stand in solidarity with everyone mourning his loss.

“We must continue the work he so passionately championed—opposing antisemitism, strengthening the Jewish community, and building bridges across divides. Eliot’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry these efforts forward.

“May his memory be a blessing.”

The Congressional Jewish Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Brad Schneider (IL-10). Members include Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Greg Landsman (OH-1), Mike Levin (CA-49), Seth Magaziner (RI-2), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Kim Schrier (WA-8), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Eugene Vindman (VA-07) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Elizabethtown, KY – In case you missed it, this week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) hosted a roundtable discussion with Kentucky workers about how the Congressional Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts have improved their financial well-being ahead of Tax, April 15th. During the event, Congressman Guthrie heard from local servers and law enforcement officers about how these historic tax cuts have enabled them to keep more of their hard-earned money.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts are a tremendous win for workers across the nation, especially right here in Kentucky. From law enforcement officers who work extra hours to keep our communities safe, to servers who rely on tips to pay their bills, to factory workers who work long hours to build p
roducts in the USA – Republicans’ tax policies have put the American worker first,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This Spring, Kentuckians from all walks of life are seeing lower tax bills and higher returns thanks to commonsense legislation that keeps more of your money in your pocket. This is responsible, conservative governance in action.”

Pictures of this roundtable can be found here. 

Short testimony videos with Elizabethtown law enforcement can be found here. 

Short testimony from a tipped worker and college student can be found here. 

B-Roll footage can be found here. 

Background:

No Tax on Tips:
– The Working Families Tax Cuts established a new deduction for qualified tips received by an individual who works in a profession that traditionally and customarily receives tips in a given taxable year, such as servers, delivery/rideshare drivers, hairdressers, baristas, and more. 

– Qualifying individuals may deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their total taxable income as long as they have a modified adjusted income below $150,000 for individuals or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. 

– Tips must be paid voluntarily, not subject to negotiation, and must be determined by the payor.

No Tax on Overtime:
– This legislation established a new tax deduction for overtime premium payments, which is the amount paid in excess of the regular rate at which an individual is paid.

– This deduction enables qualifying individuals to subtract up to $12,500 of overtime revenue for individuals and $25,000 of overtime revenue for joint returns made through overtime from their adjusted gross income.
– To qualify, individuals must have a modified adjusted gross income below $150,000 or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. Certain restrictions apply to employees who are employed with contracts that exempt them from the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act regulations.

Additional Tax Provisions Included in the Working Families Tax Cuts:
– Extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax reductions, that if not extended would have resulted in a 25% tax increase on Kentucky families. 
– Makes permanent the Enhanced Child Tax Credit, established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill also increased this tax credit by $200, to $2,200, per child in 2025, and contains provisions to adjust the Child Tax Credit for inflation. 
– Permanently increases the standard deduction for individuals and married couples to $16,100 and $32,200, respectively. This is an increase of $750 for individuals and $1,500 for families.
– Establishes Trump Accounts for children under 18, creating additional savings opportunities for children. For children born between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028, the federal government will contribute a $1,000 deposit into the child’s account. Parents can invest up to $5,000 annually, and may invest the balance in a mutual fund or an ETF.  Employers may contribute up to $2,500 annually. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

April 15, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Suzan Delbene (D-Wash.) introduced today the Optimizing Participant Tax Incentives through Optional Noncash Selections or OPTIONS Act. This bill would clarify existing gaps in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) rules governing employer contributions to employee benefit plans. 
“American workers deserve more freedom and true financial security when it comes to their benefits,” said Rep. Steube. “Unfortunately, ongoing confusion and inconsistencies with IRS rules governing employer contributions to benefit plans have shortchanged millions of Americans of potential savings. That is why I am introducing the OPTIONS Act to ensure workers have more choices and better benefits at the workplace.” 
“Workers want more flexibility in their financial planning, but employer contributions are mostly limited to retirement accounts currently. With many employees wanting to prioritize student loans and health care bills, this legislation would let them direct their employer contributions to these needs. This commonsense bipartisan bill would give workers more options while ensuring those focused on retirement can continue to save,” said Rep. DelBene.
“American workers don’t all face the same financial challenges, so their benefits shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all,” said American Retirement Association (ARA) CEO Brian Graff. “The OPTIONS Act is a smart, forward-looking solution that empowers employees to direct employer contributions where they need them most, whether that’s retirement savings, healthcare, or paying down student debt. ARA applauds Representatives Steube and DelBene for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation, which strengthens financial security while preserving the integrity of our employer-sponsored system.”
Background: In May of 2024, the IRS issued Private Letter Ruling (PLR) 20243400. This permitted a single employer to implement a flexible benefits program allocating contributions to employee retirement accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts, and educational assistance programs. While this ruling was a positive step, the fact it granted unique permission for one specific employer has created uncertainty for other employers interested in adopting a similar flexible benefit package for their employees. The OPTIONS Act resolves this extending the flexible benefits model in PLR 20243400 to all employers. 
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – A recently-released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlights how increases in telework have had positive effects on workers, the economy, and the environment and that more federal support is needed to help better plan and harness these impacts.

Commissioned by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Ranking Member of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on the Committee on Education and Workforce, along with Full Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott and former Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Carolyn Maloney, the report found that increased telework contributed to changes in transit, vehicle use, and real estate. To respond to these changes, the GAO recommends that the Department of Transportation establish and implement a detailed plan to complete the required travel demand data and subsequent guidance to assist Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) community planning modeling so they can best support workers, their families, public transit, and affordable housing.

“This report confirms what we have suspected to be true since the pandemic – the workforce, and with it the needs of workers and their communities, is changing, and moreover, that the wellbeing of working families, the economy, and the environment are all interconnected,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to have spearheaded this effort that gives us the information and tools we need to begin building and adapting communities that meet the needs and realities of the day so we can improve the quality of life of all Americans.”

This is the third and final report in a series commissioned by Congressman DeSaulnier related to telework’s impacts. The first report examined trends in telework before, during, and after the coronavirus pandemic. The second report laid out data showing the positive impact telework has had on worker productivity and firm performance in certain sectors. 

The full GAO report can be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today demanded answers in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin following deeply troubling reports that Special Government Employees, contractors, and other non-career personnel exercised improper influence over core agency functions at DHS and FEMA, raising serious concerns about shadow operations, ethics compliance, and a broader breakdown in oversight across the Department.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi warned that “what may have initially appeared to be isolated misconduct instead reflected a broader breakdown in internal controls, ethics compliance, and oversight across the Department,” and raised alarm that safeguards governing Special Government Employees and contractors “appear to have been systematically disregarded.”

The letter cites public reporting that former aide and Special Government Employee Corey Lewandowski “exceeded the statutory limits of his role as a Special Government Employee” and “exercised influence far beyond what is legally permitted,” raising grave concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of public office.

Krishnamoorthi also pointed to reports that contractor Kara Voorhies exercised “outsized and deeply inappropriate influence” over FEMA operations and spending decisions, allegedly functioning as a “shadow administrator” whose awareness or approval was required for routine agency functions, including engagement with Congress, coordination with governors, and communication with the White House.

“Taken together, these reports raise profound concerns about a systemic failure of oversight and accountability within DHS, in which a Special Government Employee operating beyond the lawful bounds of his authority appears to have enabled a contractor to exercise similarly improper influence over core governmental functions,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Given the gravity of the allegations, Krishnamoorthi requested written responses to the following questions no later than April 29, 2026:

1. What actions has DHS taken, or will it take, to ensure that Special Government Employees, contractors, and other non-career personnel do not exceed the lawful scope of their authority or perform inherently governmental functions?

2. What steps is DHS taking to determine whether additional contractors, consultants, SGEs, or other non-career personnel were granted similar authority or influence over operational, budgetary, grantmaking, procurement, or personnel decisions across DHS and its component agencies, including FEMA?

3. Has DHS initiated any internal review, ethics inquiry, or referral to the Office of Inspector General regarding the conduct described above? If so, what is the scope, status, and timeline of that review, and does DHS intend to make any findings public?

4. What corrective actions has DHS implemented, or does it plan to implement, to restore proper oversight, chain-of-command integrity, accountability, and compliance within FEMA and across the Department?

Krishnamoorthi concluded by warning that “these failures are not isolated incidents but instead reflect deeper and more systemic breakdowns in oversight, accountability, and internal controls within the Department,” and called on Secretary Mullin to “restore integrity and lawful governance to the Department.”

The full letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) reintroduced the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act, a bill that would help end the plague of illegal robocalls in America.  The legislation would give the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Do-Not-Call Registry teeth by providing all telephone subscribers, including small businesses, the ability to seek damages for all unconsented-to telemarketing calls immediately after such a call.  

Robocalls have become a widespread annoyance but are also costing consumers billions of dollars.  In 2025, Americans lost more than $1.1 billion to phone scams.  These scams are also becoming more advanced with the creation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which has lowered the cost of dialing to allow scammers to bombard non-consenting consumers with never-ending calls for pennies on the dollar.  Lead-generators compound this issue by inviting consumers to provide their information on one platform only to misuse and sell this information to hundreds of robocallers.  

“‘Do not call’ means do not call. Period. But illegitimate and intrusive robocalls are only getting worse, especially as scammers weaponize AI to impersonate loved ones and exploit Americans. So many of us are bombarded with relentless calls. Enough is enough,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That’s why I am reintroducing legislation that empowers victims to hold scammers accountable after just one illegal call. We need strong, pro-consumer guardrails now.”

“Like most Americans, I’ve experienced the nuisance of constant robocalls.  At best, these calls are an insatiable annoyance, and at worst, these calls prey on consumers by trying to undermine someone’s personal privacy and financial information,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “It’s got to stop.  The Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act will put real enforcement behind each violation of the Do-Not-Call Registry, protecting Americans from the scammers on the other end of the phoneline.”

“Robocall scams are getting more technologically sophisticated, including through the use of AI, while defrauding Americans of billions of dollars each year and disproportionately targeting our most vulnerable communities and seniors. I’m proud to co-lead the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act because no one should be scammed out of their life savings and we urgently need to strengthen protections for individuals as well as small businesses,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin.

“Small-business owners need to answer the phone every time it rings, or risk losing customers. This exposes Mom & Pop shops to aggressive telemarketing and scam robocalls,” said Patrick Crotty, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). “The Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act gives small-business owners and others options to make the calls stop.”

In addition, through neighbor spoofing—a deceptive practice that allows callers to disguise the number from which they are calling—scammers can trick unknowing consumers into answering the phone.  AI-generated voices that impersonate celebrities, family members, and elected officials make scammers even more difficult to detect. 

Robocall scams often target the most vulnerable within our communities, including senior citizens, immigrant communities, and people with disabilities. Small businesses also are bombarded with these illegal calls, creating additional and burdensome costs and interfering with productivity.

Specifically, the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act:

• Amends TCPA to cover the equipment that scammers and telemarketers use by updating the definition of an Automated Telephone Dialing System to include systems which dial phone numbers from a stored list successively without human intervention;
• Allows small businesses to add their numbers to the Do-Not-Call Registry;
• Provides landline and cellular consumers, including small businesses, who have telephone numbers on the Do-Not-Call Registry, a private right of action after receiving one telephone call by or on behalf of the same entity in violation of the TCPA; and
• Ensures that a minimum of $500 can be levied for each violation of the Do-Not-Call Registry.

In 1991, Congress passed the TCPA in response to a spike in telemarketing calls.  The TCPA prohibits calls using an automatic telephone dialing system or a prerecorded voice, including AI-generated voices, from being made to cell phones without the prior express consent of the call recipient.  While the TCPA also prohibits telemarketing calls to landlines without prior consent, these rules routinely are ignored because the enforceable penalties only apply if there are two or more calls in a 12-month period to the same line from the same caller.

The bill is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center, Consumer Action, Electronic Privacy Information Center, National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, and Public Citizen.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—As the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) begins crafting the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) asked the Committee to prioritize federal investments in Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville and the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). Both military installations drive the economy in South Texas, employ thousands of Coastal Bend workers, and play a crucial role in military readiness and national security. 

During the HASC Member Day hearing, Congressman Gonzalez specifically advocated for two NAS Kingsville priorities: The construction of a new “Pass & Tag Facility” to expedite visitor credentialing, and the replacement of the current Fire Station Training Facility, to meet safety standards and expand the space to accommodate modern firefighting equipment.

Congressman Gonzalez also addressed the significant reduction in workforce and workload at CCAD, urging the Committee to ensure the United States Army protects thousands of jobs rather than shifting repair work traditionally done at the depot to private contractors. Last month, the Congressman accompanied Army Undersecretary Michael Obadal on a visit to CCAD to discuss these concerns and inquire about the status of an expected $174 million federal investment.

Congressman Gonzalez’s remarks can be viewed here, and a transcript is available below:

Thank you, Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith, for holding today’s Member Day hearing. 

I appreciate the opportunity to speak before the Committee to discuss several important military installations in South Texas, including Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville and Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD).

Naval Air Station Kingsville has played a critical role in training the next generation of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators since it first opened its doors in 1942. Today, it is home to Training Air Wing Two and trains nearly half of the Navy and Marine Corps’ tactical jet pilots each year. NAS Kingsville also employs over 4,000 people and contributed around $1 billion to the Texas economy in 2024.

As you can see, NAS Kingsville plays a crucial role in national security and the local economy as well as across the nation. That is why Congress must address several pressing infrastructure issues – one is a really pressing issue, and that is a “Pass & Tag Facility” and Fire Station Training Facility. 

The installation’s current Pass & Tag facility is located 1.3 miles beyond the South Entry Control Point (ECP), requiring gate security personnel to escort visitors and contractors over a mile into the installation before they can obtain credentials.

The level of access before proper vetting poses significant security risks for NAS Kingsville, delays vehicle entry into the base, and places administrative burdens on security personnel. 

Another important infrastructure issue we must address is its fire station, which was built in 1956 and is in desperate need of renovation and replacement.

The current facility is way too small to accommodate modern firefighting equipment and is plagued by a variety of issues, including leaking roofs, mold, and ineffective climate control—in case I need to remind anyone here, it gets incredibly hot in this region of the state.

For years, NAS Kingsville Command has requested funding to complete the new “Pass & Tag Facility” and “Fire Station Training Facility.” However, they have been unsuccessful as the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) requires projects to be included in the “Futures Years Defense Program” or “Unfunded Priority List” to be eligible for this type of funding.

I urge you and your colleagues to include language in this year’s NDAA highlighting these two essential projects and include these projects in these lists.

I’d also like to take a moment and highlight another very important issue for South Texas – and that is the declining workload at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD).

As you know, Corpus Christi Army Depot, which currently employs over 2,000 highly skilled workers, is the U.S. Army’s premier facility responsible for the repair, overhaul, and modernization of helicopters and rotary-wing aircraft. As the world’s largest helicopter repair facility, the depot is vitally important for our military readiness.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Corpus Christi Army Depot on March 6th alongside Undersecretary Michael A. Obadal to see firsthand the essential work that the depot performs. 

Despite the fact that the depot’s highly skilled workforce is vitally important to American national security, the amount of repair work assigned to the depot and the number of people employed there has dropped dramatically over the years. Just in the past decade, we’ve lost about 3,000 or 4,000 jobs having billions of dollars impacted. Most of these jobs are veterans who have served our country in uniform.

Allowing depots like Corpus Christi Army Depot to decline risks permanently degrading an important military capability that gives the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) the surge capacity needed during a time of war or conflict.

The 50/50 rule has not really worked in this base. They do it as an overall purview of different bases. We’ve lost 3,000 jobs; we have about 2,000 that we’re trying to save. These are highly skilled, very well trained, individuals. As I said, most of them come from our military branches.

I think there’s so much more that can be done in this base, especially in terms of new industries like drone capacity or bringing in helicopter repairs from different branches to this facility. There is no place with more trained personnel in the world than Corpus Christi when it comes to helicopter repair—and certainly, moving into this new drone industry. 

I urge the Committee to please look into Corpus Christi. I’d be happy to tour the base with y’all and show you the incredible people who work there and the things that have been done for generations.

I appreciate the opportunity to testify before you. I love that this is a committee where bipartisanship still works. I think making sure that our bases have cutting edge facilities and that we continue taking care of the people is in everyone’s national interest.