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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released the following statement in response to the administration’s proposed budget, which outlines the president’s funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and serves as a starting point for Congress as it begins the appropriations process:

“The administration’s budget proposal takes direct aim at the programs South Texans count on.

“It would eliminate Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing. That means fewer affordable homes get built, street and water projects get cancelled, and local communities lose the tools they need to grow their economies.

“It would also cut $1.4 billion from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program helps mothers and young children afford healthy food. Across South Texas, it helps families stretch grocery budgets and keeps children on track during critical stages of development. The Republican’s budget adds to the cuts already made in the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and makes food even less affordable. These proposed changes would reduce the monthly WIC fruit and vegetable benefit from $54 to $13 for breastfeeding mothers and from $27 to $10 for young children. That takes fresh, healthy food out of the mouths of mothers and their children. That’s wrong, and it’s not American.

“The proposal would eliminate the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps families manage high electricity bills during extreme Texas heat. In our state, that support helps people keep the lights on and their homes safe during the hottest months of the year.

“It would eliminate Community Services Block Grants, cutting off direct support to families that helps reduce poverty and promote self-sufficiency.

“The budget would also cut $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health and $2.5 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limiting critical research for diseases like Alzheimer’s and weakening public health systems that support communities across South Texas.

“These decisions don’t make the need go away. They put more pressure on families and communities already dealing with higher costs.

“As a senior appropriator, I’ll continue to fight against these proposed cuts and work to protect the critical programs helping South Texas.”

The following represents a selection of cuts proposed in the Republican budget plan to departments/agencies:

• Cuts $10.7 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Overall USDA discretionary budget cut of $4.9 billion
• Cuts Small Business Administration (SBA) funding by 51% ($513 million)

The following represents a selection of cuts proposed in the Republican budget plan to programs:

• Eliminates Community Development Block Grants
• Eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
• Eliminates Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing
• Cuts $1.4 billion from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Reduces WIC fruit and vegetable benefits from $54 to $13 for breastfeeding mothers
• Reduces WIC fruit and vegetable benefits from $27 to $10 for young children
• Eliminates the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Eliminates Community Services Block Grants
• Cuts $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health
• Cuts $2.5 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eliminates housing counseling
• Cuts Project-Based Rental Assistance by $903 million
• Cuts Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly by $72 million
• Cuts Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities by $21 million
• Cuts homelessness assistance by $922 million
• Eliminates 12 K-12 funding streams, including English Language Acquisition programs
• Cuts higher education funding by 81% ($2.7 billion), including eliminating TRIO, GEAR UP, and SIP programs
• Cuts workforce development programs, including a 90% cut to Job Corps
• Eliminates the USDA Rural Housing Voucher Program
• Cuts USDA rural single family housing guaranteed loans by $5 billion
• Cuts USDA rural single family direct loans by $17 million

El congresista Cuellar rechaza la propuesta de presupuesto republicano que perjudicaría a los residentes del sur de Texas

Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el congresista estadounidense, el Dr. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta al presupuesto propuesto por la administración, el cual describe las prioridades de financiamiento del presidente para el próximo año fiscal y sirve como punto de partida para el Congreso al iniciar el proceso de asignaciones presupuestarias:

“La propuesta de presupuesto de la administración apunta directamente a los programas en los que los habitantes del sur de Texas confían.

“Eliminaría las Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario, el Programa de Asociaciones de Inversión HOME y el programa Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing. Eso significa que se construirán menos viviendas asequibles, se cancelarán proyectos de calles y agua, y las comunidades locales perderán las herramientas que necesitan para hacer crecer sus economías.

“También recortaría $1.4 mil millones del Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC). Este programa ayuda a las madres y a los niños pequeños a poder costear alimentos saludables. En todo el sur de Texas, ayuda a las familias a rendir más su presupuesto de alimentos y mantiene a los niños en buen camino durante etapas críticas de su desarrollo. El presupuesto republicano se suma a los recortes ya realizados en la llamada “Big Beautiful Bill” y hace que los alimentos sean aún menos accesibles. Estos cambios propuestos reducirían el beneficio mensual de frutas y verduras del WIC de $54 a $13 para madres que amamantan y de $27 a $10 para niños pequeños. Eso le quita alimentos frescos y saludables de la mesa de las madres y sus hijos. Eso está mal y no es americano.

“La propuesta eliminaría el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos (LIHEAP, por sus siglas en inglés), que ayuda a las familias a manejar las altas facturas de electricidad durante el calor extremo de Texas. En nuestro estado, ese apoyo ayuda a las personas a mantener las luces encendidas y sus hogares seguros durante los meses más calurosos del año.

“También eliminaría las Subvenciones en Bloque para Servicios Comunitarios, cortando el apoyo directo a las familias que ayuda a reducir la pobreza y promover la autosuficiencia.

“El presupuesto también recortaría $6 mil millones de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud y $2.5 mil millones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, limitando la investigación crítica sobre enfermedades como el Alzheimer y debilitando los sistemas de salud pública que apoyan a las comunidades en todo el sur de Texas.

“Estas decisiones no hacen que la necesidad desaparezca. Ponen más presión sobre las familias y comunidades que ya enfrentan costos más altos.

“Como apropiador senior, continuaré luchando contra estos recortes propuestos y trabajaré para proteger los programas críticos que ayudan al sur de Texas.”

Lo siguiente representa una selección de recortes propuestos en el plan presupuestario republicano a departamentos/agencias:

• Recorta $10.7 mil millones del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD)
• Recorte general de $4.9 mil millones al presupuesto discrecional del USDA
• Reduce el financiamiento de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) en un 51% ($513 millones)

Lo siguiente representa una selección de recortes propuestos en el plan presupuestario republicano a programas:

• Elimina las Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario
• Elimina el Programa de Asociaciones de Inversión HOME
• Elimina el programa Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing
• Recorta $1.4 mil millones del Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC)
• Reduce los beneficios de frutas y verduras del WIC de $54 a $13 para madres que amamantan
• Reduce los beneficios de frutas y verduras del WIC de $27 a $10 para niños pequeños
• Elimina el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos
• Elimina las Subvenciones en Bloque para Servicios Comunitarios
• Recorta $6 mil millones de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud
• Recorta $2.5 mil millones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
• Elimina la asesoría de vivienda
• Recorta la Asistencia de Alquiler Basada en Proyectos en $903 millones
• Recorta la Vivienda de Apoyo de la Sección 202 para Adultos Mayores en $72 millones
• Recorta la Vivienda de Apoyo de la Sección 811 para Personas con Discapacidades en $21 millones
• Recorta la asistencia para personas sin hogar en $922 millones
• Elimina 12 fuentes de financiamiento para educación K-12, incluyendo programas de adquisición del idioma inglés
• Recorta el financiamiento para educación superior en un 81% ($2.7 mil millones), incluyendo la eliminación de los programas TRIO, GEAR UP y SIP
• Recorta programas de desarrollo laboral, incluyendo un recorte del 90% a Job Corps
• Elimina el Programa de Vales de Vivienda Rural del USDA
• Recorta los préstamos garantizados para vivienda rural unifamiliar del USDA en $5 mil millones
• Recorta los préstamos directos para vivienda rural unifamiliar del USDA en $17 millones

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) introduced the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would facilitate better care management for the more than 22 million Medicare patients with two or more chronic diseases. Chronic care management has been proven to lower patient costs and improve health outcomes, but the practice remains underutilized because of Medicare’s payment structure. 

Chronic care management services are provided on the back end between providers but currently require a 20% cost-share from patients. This prevents many seniors from utilizing this service. The cost is a financial barrier, but it also confuses patients who don’t understand why they are charged for it. 

“Removing barriers to chronic care management is key to lowering health care costs and delivering better results for seniors,” said DelBene. “Chronic health conditions account for 90% of national health care spending, yet too few seniors are receiving these incredibly impactful services. Dropping cost-sharing requirements would increase access to these services for more seniors.” 

“The Chronic Care Management Improvement Act aims to allow seniors to access important services to manage their health, free of co-pays,” said Kelly. “This bill helps doctors manage patient health behind the scenes, an essential tool in the preventative care toolbox.”

Chronic care management services are performed continuously and billed each month. While providers are required to get consent from their patients before providing these services, it is confusing for seniors to get a bill from their physician when they did not have an appointment. The coinsurance is small, usually around $12 per month, but providers must comply with Medicare rules and make an honest effort to collect that payment. 

Chronic care management can improve patient outcomes, but these services are sorely underutilized. Only 882,000 – or 4% of eligible patients – have received these services according to the latest data. The vast majority of patients are not benefiting from coordinated care. 

A 2017 Mathematica analysis found that overall expenditures for seniors receiving chronic care management services were significantly lower compared to those not receiving them. After 12 months, spending per beneficiary per month saw a $28 decrease compared to those who did not receive such services. When the lookback was extended to 18 months, the savings jumped up to $72 per beneficiary per month. 

Chronic care management services include: 

• Recording of patient information using certified EHR technology; 
• Providing 24/7 access to providers; 
• Designating a team member to schedule future appointments;
• Systematic assessment of the patient’s medical, functional, and psychosocial needs;
• Medication reconciliation and adherence;
• Creation of a comprehensive care plan;
• Transmission of documents to ensure continuity of care during care transitions;
• Coordination with home and community-based providers; and
• Enhancing communication options (secure messaging, etc.). 

This bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by health provider and patient advocacy groups, including Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, AARP, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, American Diabetes Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, America’s Essential Hospitals, America’s Physician Groups, Association of American Medical Colleges, Connected Health Initiative (CHI), Association for Competitive Technology (ACT), Cadence, Healthcare Leadership Council, Health Care Transformation Task Force, Mental Health America, Medical Group Management Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of ACOs, National Kidney Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Rural Health Association, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, Premier Inc., Primary Care Collaborative, Primary Care Development Corporation, Remote Monitoring Leadership Council, TapestryHealth, and The Alliance for Connected Care.

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

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Co-Chairs of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus, today urged the Egyptian government to immediately release Ahmed Douma, who was arrested on April 6 at the Supreme State Security Prosecution headquarters:

“We urge the Egyptian government to immediately release Egyptian poet, writer, and activist, Ahmed Douma. His latest arrest for simply exercising his right to free expression follows a systematic campaign of judicial harassment by the government. President al-Sisi should end his targeting of activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and critics of his government and free all those wrongfully detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to welcome notice of a health services EMSC partnership grant for Emergency Medical Services for Children for LBJ Tropical Medical Center designated to American Samoa Medical Center Authority.

This is a discretionary continuation grant of $43,446 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). 

“Thank you Lata Allen for the efforts involved in this grant, and the pediatric emergency services it supports. Thank you as always to everyone involved in fulfilling federal qualifications to receive the funds that Congress appropriates,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to the administration of Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr., as well as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and HRSA Administrator Thomas Engels.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a federal funding notice from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) totaling 1,363,722 in three programs under the Fiscal Year 2026 HUD Community Planning and Development (CPD) formula grant allocations. 

Congresswoman and Commerce Director

The largest of the three grants is a Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) of $1,029,433, along with a HOME program grant of $248,993, and an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) of $85,296.

“Thank you to Commerce Director Aliimuamua Magdalene ‘Lina’ Petaia-Suisala and anyone else involved in administering these funds,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to HUD Secretary Scott Turner for the economic development and housing support for American Samoa, and congratulations to Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr.”

Each fiscal year, Congress appropriates budgeted funds for all federal departments and agencies. For 2026, Congress funded HUD at $77 billion, including CBDG at $3.3 billion nationwide, which maintains the prior year’s funding. This notification is American Samoa’s portion of CPD’s programs allocated by formula to provide affordable housing, boost community development and economic opportunity, and provide housing support to families.

CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low to moderate-income families.

HOME provides funding to states and localities that communities use in partnership with local nonprofit groups for wide range of activities including building, buying, or rehabilitating affordable housing, which can be for rent or homeownership, or providing direct rental assistance to low-income families.

ESG provides funds for the operation of local shelters, social service and homeless prevention programs.

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

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Lisa McClain (R-MI-09) led the introduction of a bipartisan resolution honoring the University of Michigan men’s basketball team for their victory in the 2026 NCAA March Madness tournament. On Monday, April 6, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the University of Connecticut Huskies to claim their first NCAA basketball title since 1989. The final score was 69-63. 

“Congratulations to the Michigan Wolverines on their historic win. Their victory is the culmination of their hard work, discipline, and dedication, and they represent the best of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the United States. It is an honor to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in uplifting their remarkable teamwork and success. Go Blue!” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

“Michigan basketball gave our entire state something to celebrate. This team brought the University of Michigan community—alumni, students, and fans—together around a shared sense of pride,” said Chairwoman McClain. “Regardless of which jersey we wear in Congress, Congresswoman Dingell and I will always come together to celebrate this team. Go Blue!”

Additional lawmakers supporting the resolution include Tom Barrett (R-MI-07), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Tim Walberg (R-MI-05).

In addition to the support demonstrated by members of Michigan’s U.S. House delegation, University of Michigan alum serving in the U.S. House of Representatives also signed on, including Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14).

A copy of the resolution can be found HERE and text is below:

Congratulating the University of Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team on winning the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. 

Whereas, on April 6, 2026, the University of Michigan Wolverines defeated the University of Connecticut Huskies 69-63, to win the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana;

Whereas the Wolverines earned the 1-seed in the Midwest Region of the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, known as March Madness, finishing the season with a program-record 37 wins;

Whereas the Wolverines began their championship run with a 101-80 victory over Howard University in the first round;

Whereas the Wolverines advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with a 95-72 victory over Saint Louis University, marking the ninth Sweet Sixteen appearance in the last 13 tournaments;

Whereas, in the Sweet Sixteen, the Wolverines defeated the University of Alabama, 90-77, setting a new program record for single-season wins;

Whereas the Wolverines delivered a dominant 95-62 victory over the University of Tennessee in the Elite Eight, securing its first Final Four appearance since 2018;

Whereas the Wolverines advanced to the national championship game by defeating the University of Arizona, 91-73;

Whereas the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship victory represents the University of Michigan’s second men’s basketball national championship in program history;

Whereas the Wolverines previously won a National Championship in 1989;

Whereas the success of the 2025-2026 University of Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team was made possible by the contributions of its student-athletes, including Ricky Liburd, Trey McKenney, L.J. Cason, Elliot Cadeau, Nimari Burnett, Oscar Goodman, Howard Eisley Jr., Winters Grady, Roddy Gayle Jr., Charlie May, Harrison Hochberg, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, Malick Kordel, and Will Tschetter;

Whereas the Wolverines’ championship victory marks the program’s first national title since 1989 and the first NCAA men’s basketball championship for a Big Ten Conference team since 2000;

Whereas Head Coach Dusty May and his coaching staff have instilled a culture of excellence, resilience, and teamwork in the University of Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team, leading the Wolverines back to the pinnacle of college basketball;

Whereas the University of Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team exemplified extraordinary teamwork throughout the season, coming together to form a unified, disciplined, and resilient team that elevated one another and prioritized collective success;

Whereas Michigan students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all fans of the University of Michigan Wolverines are to be congratulated for their sportsmanship, dedication, and support of their team; and

Whereas the University of Michigan Wolverines’ victory in the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game was also a victory for the entire State of Michigan: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

congratulates the 2026 national champions, the University of Michigan Wolverines, for their win in the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game;

recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, and support staff who were instrumental in the University of Michigan Wolverines’ victory;

invites the University of Michigan men’s basketball team to the United States Capitol Building to be honored; and

directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make available enrolled copies of this resolution to University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso, Athletic Director Warde J. Manuel, and Head Coach Dusty May for appropriate display.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (D-Texas) reintroduced the Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) Authorization Act, which would authorize a successful Department of Homeland Security (DHS) program that partners with other countries to help identify and stop dangerous criminals and potential terrorists from reaching our borders.

“Bad actors like traffickers, terrorists, and transnational gang members may lie about their identity in an attempt to enter our country undetected, but they can’t fake biometrics,” said Congressman McCaul. “The successful BITMAP program empowers our regional partners to identify and stop these individuals long before they reach our borders. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill on a bipartisan basis with Congressman Cuellar. The more we push our borders out, the safer our homeland will be.”

“Strong border security depends on international coordination and having the resources to stop threats before they reach our communities. The BITMAP Authorization Act will help us identify dangerous individuals earlier, expand collaboration with regional partners, and strengthen congressional oversight through firm reporting requirements on partner agreements and program outcomes,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I thank my friend and colleague Congressman McCaul for his collaboration on this bipartisan effort to ensure law enforcement has what it needs to protect the American people and stay ahead of future security threats.”

Background:

The Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) authorizes the U.S. government to provide foreign partners with the technical equipment and specialized training necessary to collect biometric and biographic data from individuals using illegal travel pathways, ensuring high-threat individuals are identified before they reach U.S. ports of entry. The BITMAP Authorization Act would codify the program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and strengthen congressional oversight. American citizens can opt out of providing biometrics for the entry-exit system.

Click here to read full text of the bill.

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

ALBANY, Ga. – On Saturday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) hosted a reception to honor the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition from Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District. The event was hosted at the Albany Museum of Art. The first-place winner’s art will be displayed in the underground walkway between the Cannon House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol. This walkway is commonly used by thousands of Americans, spotlighting artists and their talents to a wider audience.

“I am happy that this competition brought together so many young artists. Their work adds to the rich fabric of our community, and I am grateful for our schools, art faculties, community art organizations, museums, parents, and others who all play a crucial role in nurturing their talent and success,” said Congressman Bishop.

This year’s 1st place winner is Queasia Arnold, a 12th grade student at Westover High School in Albany, Georgia, whose work is titled, “Chin Up.”

This year’s 2nd place winner, Brianna Edward, is an 11th grade student at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Georgia, whose work is titled “Moving Forward.”

The 3rd place winner is Makayla Bailey, an 11th grade student at Monroe High School in Albany, Georgia, whose work is titled “Rooted in Remembrance.”

An Honorable Mention award goes to Jemiah Hall from Dougherty Comprehensive High School, Albany, Georgia, whose artwork is titled, “Soul of the Orchid.”

The annual competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, began in 1982. Nearly every U.S. House of Representatives office participates in the annual competition which is open to high school students from across the country.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS: Congressman Bishop with the 2026 competition winners and honorable mention awardees along with their teachers, parents, and Albany Museum of Art Executive Director, Andrew Wulf

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“We need to make life easier for the folks brave enough to be their own boss and keep our economy running,” said Wasserman Schultz. “These are the folks who put our local values into the Florida economy, and I’ll do all I can to support them and save them from being crushed by Republicans’ massive tariffs.”

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

Ahead of the April 15th deadline for tax filing, Joint Economic Committee Chairman David Schweikert (R-AZ), Ranking Member Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Vice Chairman Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Senior House Democrat Don Beyer (D-VA) issued a bipartisan alert today warning Americans about common tax season scams. These scams have become increasingly common, especially with emerging AI tactics, and nearly one in four Americans have reported being victimized by a tax scam.

“Criminal enterprises are exploiting tax season to target Americans, including seniors,” said Chairman Schweikert. “Scammers are impersonating the Internal Revenue Service through fake websites and calls in an effort to steal your money. Please remember, the IRS will not contact you via social media, demand immediate payment, or threaten to call law enforcement. If something seems suspicious, don’t click on links or share personal information. Stay vigilant and only use a reputable tax service or go directly to IRS.gov.”

“As Americans file their taxes this month, scammers are deploying an onslaught of attacks – often enhanced by artificial intelligence – designed to steal people’s money,” said Senator Hassan. “I encourage all taxpayers to review the tips in this bipartisan scams alert so that they can stay vigilant and protect their identities and accounts.”

“With tax season upon us, it’s important Americans remain vigilant and stay aware of possible scams,” said Senator Schmitt. “During filing season scammers will often prey on Americans by impersonating the IRS, using fraudulent links, or launching fake websites to steal personal information. Using these tips from the Joint Economic Committee, Americans can protect themselves from scammers and keep their information private and secure during filing season.”

“This tax season, it’s more important than ever for American taxpayers to stay vigilant as tax scams continue to rise,” said Representative Beyer. “Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technologies, including AI, to make fraudulent communications appear credible. Taking extra care to verify any IRS outreach is the best defense against becoming victims of these crimes.”

Read the Committee’s tax season scams alert here.