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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

On September 2, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) formally proposed making the current airspace restrictions around Mar-a-Lago permanent. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal through October 2, 2026.

HOW TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT

Members of the public can submit comments on the FAA’s proposal by clicking here or by:

1. Going to Regulations.gov.

2. Entering FAA-2026-10827-0001 in the search box.

3. Following the instructions to submit a comment.

Comments must be submitted by October 2, 2026.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) recently joined Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore, and local residents to raise concerns about the FAA’s proposal and explain how members of the public can make their voices heard through the agency’s formal comment process.

Following the event, Rep. Frankel sent a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting that the FAA:

• Delay action on the proposal to make the restrictions permanent;
• Extend the public comment period by 60 days, through December 1, 2026, if the agency moves forward, so residents have adequate time to review the proposal and respond;
• Hold a public meeting in Palm Beach County so affected residents can ask questions, provide input, and hear directly from the FAA; and
• Establish a clear and expedited process to modify or end the restrictions if security circumstances change, rather than locking the community into restrictions that may no longer be necessary.

For Rep. Frankel’s full letter to the FAA, click here.

For Rep. Frankel’s full remarks from the press conference, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline and modernize how surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents apply for Social Security survivor benefits. The bill would help families avoid long phone hold times and unnecessary in-person visits during a period of intense emotional and financial strain.

“When a family loses a parent, spouse, or breadwinner, the last thing they should have to deal with is a maze of administrative red tape just to access the benefits their loved one earned through a lifetime of hard work,” said Davids. “My casework team will always help Kansans recover backlogged federal benefits — including Social Security — but families shouldn’t have to turn to their representatives’ offices just to get the benefits they’ve earned. This bipartisan bill would make it easier for families to get those benefits on their own, without having to navigate unnecessary hurdles during an already difficult time.”

“When families experience the loss of a loved one, the last thing they should have to deal with is red tape and complications when accessing the benefits they are owed,” said Representative Gabe Evans (R-CO-08). “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Survivor Benefits Applications Modernization Act to ensure grieving families have faster access to the resources and services they need during difficult times.”

Under current Social Security Act provisions, when a person passes away, their surviving family members — including young children, surviving spouses caring for children, and dependent parents — are eligible for survivor insurance benefits. However, unlike other federal programs that offer streamlined digital services, the Social Security Administration (SSA) process for survivor benefits still largely relies on manual scheduling and paper-based applications. This leads to extended processing delays, crowded field offices, and unnecessary stress for families facing sudden loss.

The bipartisan Survivor Benefits Application Modernization Act would fix that problem by requiring the Social Security Administration to:

• Establish an Online Self-Scheduling Portal: Within 180 days of enactment, the SSA Commissioner must launch an online system allowing applicants for survivor benefits to independently schedule appointments.
• Develop Online Application Filing: Within one year of enactment, the SSA must enable beneficiaries to complete and submit their survivor benefits applications directly through the secure online portal.
• Report on Efficiency and Integrity: Requires the SSA to submit a report to Congress within three years detailing application processing trends, administrative cost savings, and fraud and identity theft instances.

“New York Life supports the Survivor Benefits Application Modernization Act, which would enable grieving families to apply for Social Security survivor benefits online,” said Heather Nesle, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, New York Life. “As the nation’s largest corporate funder of childhood bereavement causes, the New York Life Foundation has long championed efforts that help grieving families access the support they need. We thank Representatives Davids and Evans for leading the effort to help more children access the financial support they are entitled to during an incredibly difficult time.”

Davids’ dedicated casework team works directly with constituents across Kansas’ Third District to resolve delays and recover earned federal benefits. Davids’ office has assisted thousands of Kansans in navigating federal agencies, including backlogged Social Security payments. By modernizing SSA systems at the systemic level, this legislation aims to prevent administrative bottlenecks before they happen, making it faster and easier for families across the country to receive the support they are owed.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Yesterday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) spoke on the House floor about the Ratepayer Protection Act and the importance of local communities, not the federal government, deciding whether to embrace data centers. Leader Scalise highlighted examples in Louisiana and Virginia where AI infrastructure has generated significant economic benefit to the community.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks.
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s remarks:On data centers being a local decision: “As we’re advancing in technology, we’ve got to do it the right way, Mr. Speaker. In a smart and thoughtful way. And if you look at communities that have embraced data centers, some communities said, it’s not for me. And that’s a choice communities make. The federal government is not the one making that decision.”On ensuring data centers aren’t increasing electricity costs:“What we’ve always said, and what President Trump took the leadership in doing, is meeting with all of the big tech companies that are building these massive data centers and said, just make sure as you’re making these big investments in communities, you won’t add to the cost of a local community’s ratepayer electricity rates. So the president got a commitment to do that. We’re not fully codifying that. It’s in essence a step in that direction what this bill is doing. But as the president did that, you saw companies going and making massive multibillion-dollar investments in some of our communities and helping those communities along the way.”On positive effect data centers have on communities: “In fact, if you go to little Richland Parish, a rural part of north Louisiana that not a lot of people live in, not a lot of opportunities for wealth in that parish, Mr. Speaker. But then Meta decided to build a data center, and that data center grew and grew as the community embraced it. They worked with the community. They’re building their own natural gas facilities. So it’s actually going to help the grid in that community because they’re going to be paying their own way, and anything extra they have is going to be offloaded to the grid. So the neighbors in that community will actually get lower utility rates… “As they’re building that data center, because of all of the increased sales tax collections to Richland Parish, they were able to give a bonus. I’m not talking about the base salary of their school teachers. They gave a bonus to every school teacher in Richland Parish because of the building of that data center. And Mr. Speaker, do you know how much every schoolteacher in Richland Parish just got a few months ago because of the data center? $50,000 per teacher bonus because of the data center…“Loudoun County in Virginia got the benefits of their data centers to the tune of a 30% reduction in property taxes for every homeowner in Loudoun County, Virginia. They’re benefiting from that still to this day, as well as the jobs that come along with it and the investment, the buildings that come along, the small business growth that we’re seeing.” On importance of beating China in AI race:“There’s a revolution happening. China’s competing and America’s competing. We surely do not want China to win this war. America’s staying at the forefront. I want us to stay at the forefront. Let locals make the choice and let consumers reap the benefits. That’s what’s happening right now. And this bill by my friend Congressman Evans ensures that we continue to see that growth continue.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: On National Voter Registration Day, Veasey, Wyden Introduce Resolution to Recognize September as National Voting Rights Month

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey, D-Texas, joined Sen. Wyden today on National Voter Registration Day to introduce a resolution designating September as “National Voting Rights Month.” 

“Over the past year, we’ve seen our fundamental right to vote eroded and access to critical information about the voting process worsen. In my home state alone, we’ve seen efforts to redistrict mid-decade, introduce restrictive voter ID laws, and reduce the number of polling locations available to voters,” said Rep. Veasey. 

“Now more than ever, it is essential for Americans to understand their voting rights, stay informed about what is happening around them, and help to keep their communities informed. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution alongside Sen. Wyden to designate September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month – a step towards raising awareness, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that Americans have the information they need to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard in November,” Representative Veasey continued.

“Trump is doing everything he can to disenfranchise American voters in this year’s midterms because he’s afraid his platform of jacking up costs is about to lose Republicans the midterms,” Senator Wyden said. “Access to the ballot and the right to vote are the bedrock of our democracy, and Congressman Veasey and I will continue fighting to protect this fundamental right for all Americans.”

The resolution will encourage voter registration in the month of September and push Congress to preserve the right to vote by restoring the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This is imperative amid Republican-led voter suppression attempts, and it is our responsibility to protect every American’s right to vote and make their voice heard at the ballot box.

The resolution is cosponsored by the U.S. Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Lou Correa (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Paul Tonko (D-NY). 

The Senate companion resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md)., Tammy Baldwin, (D-Wis), Michael Bennet (D-Colo), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn), Lisa Blunt Rochester, (D-Del), Cory Booker (D-N.J), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Chris Coons (D-Del), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), Dick Durbin (D-Ill), John Fetterman (D-Pa), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Tim Kaine (D-Va), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar, (D-Minn), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore), Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), Adam Schiff (D-Calif), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H), Tina Smith (D-Minn), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Mark Warner (D-Va), Peter Welch (D-Vt), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I). 

The text of the bill is here. 

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

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) applauded the passage of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting public health and lowering the cost of replacing older, heavily polluting diesel engines. Introduced by Pingree and Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), and Nick Longworthy (R-N.Y.), the bill reauthorizes the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program (DERA) through fiscal year 2029 at $100 million annually. 

First created through the Energy Policy Act of 2005, DERA provides grants and rebates that help schools, local governments, small businesses, and fleet operators replace or upgrade older diesel-powered trucks, buses, construction equipment, and other heavy-duty engines.

“Diesel fuel powers Maine’s boats, ferries, buses, construction trucks, agricultural equipment, and more, but emissions from older diesel engines have serious consequences for public health and the environment. Since its passage in 2005, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act has helped replace or retrofit nearly 100,000 diesel engines, vehicles, and pieces of equipment and deliver cleaner air and billions in public health benefits to communities across the country—including here in Maine,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “With Trump’s reckless war in Iran increasing volatility in global energy markets, and with the threats posed by climate change looming larger every day, Congress took a much-needed step today to reauthorize DERA so that we can continue to pursue solutions that help reduce our dependence on foreign energy and incentivize American consumers and businesses to embrace more efficient technologies. Reauthorizing this proven program will help us make progress on both fronts, while reducing pollution and improving air quality in Maine and across the country.”

“For more than two decades, DERA has been a model of effective, bipartisan policymaking,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Under the program, California has replaced thousands of polluting trucks, tractors, and school buses, helping children breathe cleaner and healthier air as they ride to school. And now, as diesel prices reach $6 per gallon nationally, DERA is more important than ever. It doesn’t just save lives, it saves people money. I’m proud that the House voted to continue funding this practical, commonsense program.”

“Today’s passage of the bipartisan Diesel Emissions Reduction Act is a win for American workers, American manufacturing, and communities across the country,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This legislation will help replace aging diesel engines in school buses, snowplows, agricultural equipment, emergency vehicles, and other critical equipment with newer, American-made technology. That means cleaner air for our communities while supporting good-paying manufacturing jobs right here at home. I’m proud to have co-led this bipartisan effort with Congresswoman Matsui, and I urge the Senate to pass this bill and get it to the President’s desk.”

Diesel engines are known to produce an outsized share of pollutants that contribute to asthma, heart and lung disease, and premature death—but remain in service across the economy due to the significant cost of replacement. 

Pingree has long been a champion of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, cosponsoring its previous reauthorization in 2019.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) today introduced the Good Energy Jobs Act, legislation that would codify labor and community benefit requirements, mandating that financial assistance delivered by the Department of Energy (DOE) supports high-quality jobs, broad community benefits, domestic manufacturing, and investment in small and disadvantaged communities

During the Biden administration, the Department of Energy delivered significant financial assistance contingent on strong labor standards, including support for disadvantaged communities and more. The result was a boom in private sector energy investments, resulting in massive growth in high-quality construction and energy technology manufacturing jobs throughout the county. The Good Energy Jobs Act would build upon this progress.

“I’ve always believed that investing in people and communities is the surest way to strengthen our economy,” Congressman Tonko said. “Our Good Energy Jobs Act takes that principle to heart, building on the successes of our Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with strong labor standards that create good-paying, union jobs and drive community development. Our legislation envisions a future where the Department of Energy isn’t just an ATM for project developers, but a partner in building a more prosperous economy for everyone. I’m thankful to my colleagues for standing with me to introduce this legislation, and urge Congress to join us in advancing this commonsense bill.”

“If we want to build the next generation of American energy infrastructure, we need to empower the union men and women who are going to build it,” Congresswoman Budzinski said. “This legislation ensures that workers are paid family-sustaining wages and have a fair shot at organizing, while also ensuring that projects drive local economic development on the front-end through clear, binding commitments. I’m honored to lead this bill with Congressman Tonko and Ranking Member Heinrich and proud to have the support of so many labor unions who see the impact this bill will have on America’s workforce and the communities their members call home.”

“My dad was an IBEW lineman, and he spent his career helping keep the lights on for our community. His union job gave him the ability to provide for our family, buy a home, and give my siblings and me opportunities that neither of my parents had growing up. That’s what a good energy job can do: it doesn’t just power our homes and our economy — it can power the American dream,” said Heinrich. “That’s why, when we invest taxpayer dollars in America’s energy future, those investments should create good-paying jobs, strengthen American manufacturing, and deliver real benefits to the communities where projects are built.”

This legislation is endorsed by several of the nation’s leading labor and environmental organizations, including: BlueGreen Alliance, Communications Workers of America; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Iron Workers International; Laborers’ International Union of North America; League of Conservation Voters; National Wildlife Federation; ReImagine Appalachia; Sierra Club; and United Steelworkers.

Quotes from supporting organizations can be found HERE.

A fact sheet of the bill can be found HERE.

A section by section summary can be found HERE.

Text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee and a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, delivered a stark warning against the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia And Iran Act during floor debate on the measure ahead of a final vote this afternoon.

His remarks as delivered follow below, and video is available here.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this well-intentioned but terribly flawed bill.
All of us on our side of the aisle strongly support Ukraine.

But this bill would do more harm than good for America and for Ukraine.

It has three main points: sanctions, tariffs, and symbolism.

The new sanctions on Russia in this bill would be strong and sweeping, if they were enforced.

But the bill gives Trump the power to simply ignore them, and that is what he is very likely to do.

His criticism of Ukraine and friendliness to Russia have both been rising recently, and he is even calling for Russian energy exports, the very thing this bill is purported to block.

The bill’s tariffs are a huge problem.

President Trump has abused every presidential tariff authority – every single one – that Congress has given, often to target our allies.

This bill has a loophole that would allow him to define basically any country as a facilitator of evading Russian sanctions.

He could then hit them with tariffs of up to 100%, with no guardrails or oversight, and no expiration. It’s a much stronger tariff power than those he has already abused, and it would be much harder to challenge in court.

Giving him this power when he has shown us over and over again what he will do with it would be an incredible mistake.

And finally, we are told the bill will be a symbolic win for Ukraine and a show of American support.

But if this bill passes, I predict Ukraine’s supporters will regret it.

Yes they will be able to say “we stood with Ukraine,” in the immediate aftermath.

But when Donald Trump hits our allies with new tariffs and waives sanctions on Russia, the propaganda victory for Putin will be lasting, and the damage will be embedded in U.S. law.

Meanwhile the Ukrainian cause will be tied to Trump’s widely hated tariffs – deeply unpopular in America already, and further stressing Americans’ pocketbooks [which] is not good for Ukraine’s long term.

We can do better, and the House has passed a better bill.

With negotiation and compromise, we can pass a stronger bill that truly supports Ukraine and tightens the economic screws on Russia without harming Americans.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided bill so we can pass a better one.”

Rep. Don Beyer serves as Senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, chairs the New Democrat Coalition’s Trade Task Force, and serves on the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee.

Beyer is the sponsor of the Congressional Trade Authority Act, which would rein in presidential abuses of authorities under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. He is the co-lead, with Rep. Suzan DelBene, of legislation to end abuses of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff authorities, and an original cosponsor of the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, which would repeal Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930; the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, which would strike Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a law that currently allows the President to impose sweeping 15% tariffs on all imports under a “balance of payments” crisis; and the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, which would halt President Trump’s trade wars, repeal tariffs, and reclaim Congress’ lawful authority over tariffs.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

10 AM – 2 PM

at the

Houston Business Development Inc.

How To Apply for the Global Entry Event 

GENERATE:  

Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account

APPLY:           

Log in to your TTP account and complete the application

DEADLINE:  

• Please apply by September 21, 2026 to continue the process.

REGISTER:   

COMPLETE THE PROCESS:  

• Email your conditional approval, or Application and PASS ID to 

• Robertine.jefferson@mail.house.gov. Once we have verified that your application is conditionally approved, you will receive a special access code to confirm your interview.

BRING:      

• Bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

QUESTIONS:

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

McCaul managed the House floor debate and gave opening remarks in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Rep. Panetta speaks on the House floor to push for the passage of

his bipartisan legislation to stem the flow of illicit xylazine.

To watch the video, click HERE or on the above photo

Washington, D.C. – The bipartisan, bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, introduced by United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. This bill would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Reps. August Pfluger (TX-11), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Deborah Ross (NC-02) co-lead this effort in the House of Representatives. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have reintroduced companion legislation in the Senate. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act previously passed the House last Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country,” said Rep. Panetta. “Addressing the illicit spread of xylazine has been a priority under both the Biden and Trump Administrations, and this unanimous House passage demonstrates the broad, bipartisan consensus behind taking action against this dangerous drug. The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would help us fight back by giving law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on traffickers while ensuring that veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to use the drug safely and responsibly. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill before the end of this Congress so we can get it signed into law and save lives.”

“I’m proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act pass the U.S. House. Xylazine was never meant for human use, and traffickers are increasingly turning to inexpensive products to make street drugs more potent and deadly. This bill takes a direct aim at traffickers and protects the legal use of xylazine by veterinarians and ranchers. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill to keep dangerous drugs off American streets,” said Rep. Pfluger.

“Thousands of Americans have died from overdoses of fentanyl laced with xylazine, but law enforcement still doesn’t have the tools it needs to properly combat this crisis. Now is the time for us to address this emergency while ensuring xylazine can still be used for veterinary medicine,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this life-saving bill, and I urge my Senate colleagues to get this legislation to the President’s desk.”

“I applaud the House for taking decisive action to crack down on xylazine traffickers, equip law enforcement with new tools to combat its spread and protect the drug’s legitimate use by veterinarians, ranchers and cattlemen. Congress has an obligation to protect Americans from the scourge of illicit xylazine and should continue to work in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to get this lifesaving legislation signed into law,” said Sen. Grassley.

Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. The bipartisan legislation would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals. The bill is endorsed by 41 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.

“Illicit xylazine is making an already deadly drug crisis even more dangerous, and we must give law enforcement the tools necessary to stay ahead of the criminals who are poisoning our communities. I am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan effort and pleased that the House has taken decisive action to crack down on the illegal trafficking and misuse of xylazine while protecting its legitimate veterinary use. This is an important step toward saving lives, strengthening public safety, and holding those who profit from this deadly trade accountable. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get this commonsense legislation signed into law,” said Rep. Bilirakis.

“We must take action to crack down on dealers who are cutting deadly drugs with the legal animal tranquilizer xylazine, which increases life-threatening impacts. Our bipartisan legislation that has passed the House would track the manufacture of xylazine and ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to crack down on illegal drug traffickers,” said Rep. Pappas. “I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation, and I’ll continue pushing forward comprehensive solutions that will combat our ongoing addiction epidemic.”

“Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative that has found its way into the illicit drug supply, making fentanyl and other deadly drugs even more dangerous while padding the pockets of drug traffickers and criminal cartels,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The House took an important step today by passing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This legislation gives law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on the illicit distribution of xylazine, while protecting its legitimate use by veterinarians. Now it’s time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President’s desk.”

“Fentanyl overdoses continue to take far too many lives, in no small part due to the widespread availability of deadly substances like xylazine,” said Rep. Ross. “This bipartisan bill will save lives by restricting access to this dangerous substance and giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on traffickers, while protecting legitimate uses of xylazine by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. I am grateful for the House of Representatives’ bipartisan commitment to passing this legislation, and I will continue working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:

• Schedule xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act; 
• Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of “ultimate user” — someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;
• Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and
• Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.

In December 2024, Rep. Panetta led a bipartisan coalition of 42 members calling for urgent Congressional action on his bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the growing threat posed by xylazine-adulterated fentanyl to communities across the country, and the need for proactive action to save lives. Earlier this year, Panetta authored and led a letter to the Trump Administration strongly opposing its decision by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to end funding for illicit drug test strips. In his letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Panetta and his colleagues emphasized that test strips are bipartisan, science-based tools that are critical to avoiding preventable deaths amid the rise of synthetic opioids and emerging adulterants like xylazine.

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