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Casten, Levin, SEEC Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Introduce the Energy Bills Relief Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

March 18, 2026

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2026) – Today, 120 House Democrats, led by House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act, a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power available – renewable energy.

“Families across America are struggling with ever-increasing energy prices. In the last year, electricity rates have soared, increasing by as much as 13% under the Trump Administration. We can point to any number of things that have driven those increases, but at the center of it is that our current energy policy prioritizes the interests of energy producers over the interests of energy consumers,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “It’s time to change that. The Energy Bills Relief Act is a consumer-focused approach that prioritizes expanding access to low-cost, clean energy. It lowers costs, increases reliability, and helps provide a livable planet we can pass to our children and grandchildren.”

“The Energy Bills Relief Act is the consumer-first energy policy that American families have been demanding. It lowers energy bills by putting affordability over profits, deploys the most affordable and reliable energy we have ever had, modernizes our electric grid, and ensures that data centers and large energy users pay their fair share instead of passing those costs onto families and small businesses,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “American families were promised lower energy costs. Instead, this Administration canceled clean energy projects that would have helped to meet rising demand, repealed the tax credits that were actually keeping costs down, and left families holding the bill. The Energy Bills Relief Act changes that equation entirely and delivers the real, comprehensive relief that families across this country deserve.”

Text of the legislation can be found here.

A section-by-section can be found here.

A one-page summary can be found here. A three-page summary can be found here.

A list of cosponsors can be found here.

Statements of support from key issues advocacy organizations and industry leaders can be found here.

The Energy Bills Relief Act prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy by:

  • Reinstating tax credits for home and system-wide energy improvements that were ended by President Trump and congressional Republicans

  • Incentivizing utility companies to save consumers’ money by rewarding them for making their systems more efficient, thereby lowering bills

  • Providing financial assistance to American families to make sure their power isn’t shut off

  • Cracking down on price gouging, so energy companies can’t take advantage of you to boost their profits

  • Ensuring that facilities like data centers are paying for their own costs because it’s not fair for their expenses to be pushed onto your household if one opens in your area

  • Giving a voice to the American people so they can benefit from energy projects in their community

Electricity rates are surging nationwide, and millions of households are struggling to pay their rising energy bills. The most effective way to lower utility costs for American households is to expand access to renewable energy — the most reliable and low-cost energy source.

We have the tools to power America with abundant, reliable, American-made clean energy. The missing link between those tools and expanded access to that low-cost and efficient energy is a consumer-first energy policy.

For too long, U.S. energy policy has boosted the profits of energy producers at the expense of energy consumers. The Energy Bills Relief Act shifts our focus to lowering costs and increasing reliability for American homes and businesses by deploying more renewable energy. It is firmly rooted in the American values of choice and competition. It prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy.

The Energy Bills Relief Act is what American families need to see costs go down, reliability go up, and ensure our electric grid can meet rising demand.

Last September, Reps. Casten and Levin released a discussion draft of the legislation under the name of the Cheap Energy Act.

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House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, HFAC Dems, Demand Answers from Rubio on Americans Stranded in Middle East War Zone

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, together with Democratic Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers for the administration’s failure to protect Americans in the Middle East prior to President Trump launching the Iran war. The letter demands that Secretary Rubio explain in writing what planning, if any, the State Department undertook prior to the start of his Iran war to ensure for the safety of thousands of Americans now stranded in countries across the Middle East.

Cosigners of the letter include Representatives William R. Keating; Joaquin Castro; Ami Bera; Sara Jacobs; Jared Moskowitz; Gabe Amo; Madeleine Dean; Bradley Scott Schneider; George Latimer; Greg Stanton; Dina Titus; Pramila Jayapal; Johnny Olszewski, Jr; Jonathan L. Jackson; Ted W. Lieu; Kweisi Mfume; Jim Costa; Julie Johnson; Sarah McBride; Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.

A PDF of the full letter can be found here.

“…Despite these anticipated retaliatory attacks, the Department did not begin to order or authorize the departure of U.S. diplomats and their families until March 2—two days after the war had begun—from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. personnel in Karachi and Lahore were evacuated a day later, after the attack in Karachi had already occurred. Additionally, you indicated that more than 1,600 Americans were stranded and seeking means to leave the region after the war began.

“There is no higher responsibility than the safety and security of Americans overseas. Yet the Department under your direction did not prioritize getting Americans out of the conflict area or sufficiently preparing U.S. embassies and personnel for the consequences of President Trump’s decision to begin the war on February 28. It was not until March 2 that Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar posted on X for Americans to, ‘DEPART NOW … using available commercial transportation’ from 14 countries. But by that time, commercial flights had largely stopped across the region, leaving Americans stranded. The conflicting messaging telling Americans to leave without means of evacuation sowed mass confusion. It took another day for President Trump to state that the United States would start providing government-chartered flights.” 

 

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Chairman Kelly, Ranking Member Thompson Introduce Bill to Strengthen IRS Whistleblower Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — This week, U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Mike Thompson (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, introduced the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act to make commonsense reforms to the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Whistleblower Awards Program.

The IRS’ whistleblower program has enabled the agency to collect more than $7.5 billion from individuals and businesses caught dodging taxes. It has retrieved additional billions through the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, which was created as a direct result of actionable information brought to the IRS by whistleblowers.

“The legislation ensures fairness and accountability for the hardworking American taxpayer,” Rep. Kelly said. “Whistleblowers are essential to ensuring the integrity of our tax laws. Exposing wrongdoing by tax cheats and fraudsters guarantees our voluntary tax system is fair for all Americans.”

“A strong whistleblower program helps the IRS recoup taxpayer dollars that were lost to tax fraud or tax evasion,” said Rep. Thompson. “The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act will help the IRS crackdown on tax cheats. By strengthening this vital program, it will provide an incentive to anonymously report incidents of tax fraud and improve the IRS’s compliance and enforcement efforts while deterring those who seek to exploit the system.”

BACKGROUND
The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act includes six measures to bolster the successful program, ensure fairness and protect the whistleblowers who come forward. The legislation would:

  • Provide for De Novo review in appeals heard by the U.S. Tax Court, allowing for new evidence to be admitted to the record;
  • Establish a presumption of anonymity for whistleblowers before the court;
  • Provide that interest be paid to awardees if the whistleblower award has not been paid within one year of the IRS collecting all proceeds;
  • Bring the tax treatment of attorney’s fees into line with other whistleblower programs; and
  • Improve the program’s annual report to Congress to help tax writers identify areas in most need of attention.

The Kelly-Thompson legislation is supported by the National Whistleblower Center.

You can find the bill text here and a section-by-section here.

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Miller, Colleagues Reintroduce the Expanding Support for Living Donors Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA) in reintroducing legislation to provide more support to living organ donors and address the increasingly high costs of donation. The Expanding Support for Living Donors Act would remove financial barriers that prevent many people from donating life-saving organs.

“Becoming a living organ donor is an extraordinary act of generosity, but for many Americans the financial costs tied to donation remain a serious barrier. No one who steps forward to save a life should be left worrying about lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses. This is why I was so happy to partner with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene to reintroduce the Expanding Support for Living Donors Act, which strengthens and modernizes the Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program by extending it through 2037. This way we can expand eligibility and increase reimbursement amounts beginning in fiscal year 2027. By updating this program to reflect today’s economic realities, we can better support donors and help ensure more patients receive the life-saving transplants they need,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“Donors give the gift of life to their fellow Americans, but too often they’re held back by high personal out-of-pocket costs. No one should have to choose between saving a life and paying their bills. This legislation would remove unnecessary financial barriers that contribute to the transplant list growing every year. By making donations more accessible, we can help more patients receive the life saving transplants they need,” said Congresswoman DelBene.

“As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the life-changing impact that organ donations have and know that these donations add years to recipients’ lives, giving them a new lease on life and precious, additional time spent with their family and loved ones. Unfortunately, living donors often face burdensome financial barriers when trying to donate, such as travel costs and lost wages. These barriers can be the only obstacle standing between patients and the lifesaving care that they need. That’s why I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to help address this issue and increase access by expanding financial assistance to living donors,” said Congresswoman Schrier.

The bill is supported by the following patient advocacy and medical groups:
National Kidney Foundation, American Society of Nephrology, Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance, American Kidney Fund, Waitlist Zero, Centers for Dialysis Care, Central Florida Kidney Centers, Independent Dialysis Foundation, Northwest Kidney Centers, Puget Sound Kidney Centers, Renal Physicians Association, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Liver Foundation, American Nephrology Nurses Association, Dialysis Patient Citizens, Ardelyx, Washington State Hospital Association, American Diabetes Association, DaVita, Fresenius, American Medical Association, and The Rogosin Institute. 
 
“Giving a life-saving organ as a living donor is one of the greatest possible gifts. The American Society of Nephrology believes that living donation should be a cost-neutral act and commends the introduction of the Expanding Support for Living Donors Act,” said Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN, President, American Society of Nephrology. “This bipartisan bill breaks down barriers to living organ donation by covering more out-of-pocket costs incurred during the living donation process for most Americans, enshrining our nation’s commitment to those who give the gift of life.” 
 
“In the United States, twelve people die every day waiting for a kidney transplant,” said Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. “Living donors make an extraordinary and selfless choice to save lives, and they should never face financial barriers because of that generosity. Strengthening the National Living Donor Assistance Center will help remove those barriers and ensure more patients have a chance to receive the life-saving transplant they need.” 
 
“The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the Expanding Support for Living Donors Act, which would increase the number of living donors eligible for important federal programs,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO, American Kidney Fund. “There are many Americans moved to donate a kidney that may hesitate because they can’t afford time off, dependent care, transportation or lodging. By improving access to federal support, this legislation would ultimately help ensure more people on the kidney transplant waiting list receive the life-saving transplant they need.”  

Click here for bill text.

Background: 

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Democrats’ Ransom Demand for Funding DHS: Re-Open Our Border for Criminal Illegal Aliens

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

WASHINGTON — In their haste to defend criminal illegal aliens, Democrats have shut down the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – the third longest government shutdown in U.S. history – and jeopardized our national security at a time of heightened threats on our homeland. Democrats claim they are taking a stand against deportations, but their legislation tells a different story.

Following Senate Democrats’ failed attempt last week, House Democrats are trying to force legislation to partially fund DHS but leave Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unfunded, conveying that they either don’t understand the function of federal law enforcement agencies or they are attempting to revert to the dangerous open border policies of the Biden Administration.

“Democrats refuse to reopen TSA and FEMA and the Coast Guard and these other critical functions of government unless they can reopen our borders to illegal aliens,” Speaker Johnson said this week. “CBP is the largest federal law enforcement agency. Any bill that strips its funding weakens our defenses against terrorist plots, undermines the integrity of our borders, and disrupts lawful travel through US ports of entry, including the millions of American and international travelers processed at our airports every single day.”

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

CBP is the largest federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. with more than 60,000 active personnel. The agency is charged with securing our borders, countering terrorism, combatting transnational crime, facilitating trade, protecting intellectual property, and facilitating lawful travel through US ports of entry. 

SECURING AMERICA’S BORDERS

CBP officers patrol and secure America’s 6,000 miles of land borders, 2,000 miles of coastline, and all ports of entry. CBP officers prevent drug smugglers, human and child sex traffickers, weapons traffickers, and other bad actors from entering our homeland.  

  • In FY2025, border apprehensions hit their lowest mark in over 50 years.
  • In December 2025, there were just 30,698 nationwide border encounters – 92% below the peak during the Biden Administration.
  • In December 2025, there were zero parole releases into the homeland – following 7 consecutive months of zero releases – compared to the 7,041 parolees released by the Biden Administration in December 2024.

PREVENTING THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL DRUGS

CBP is the primary federal agency tasked with seizing illegal drugs before they invade American communities. CBP officers monitor ports of entry, cargo containers, vehicles, and along border checkpoints for drug smugglers seeking to poison our neighborhoods.

  • In FY2025, CBP officers seized 170,000 lbs. of meth, 70,000 lbs. of cocaine, and 12,000 lbs. of fentanyl.
  • Fentanyl seizures at the US-Mexico border in 2025 dropped 46% from 2024 and 57% from 2023, signaling that strong border enforcement is successfully deterring transnational criminal organizations from attempting to smuggle more drugs. Fentanyl is still the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 48.
  • The scale of the challenge is vast; in any given month, CBP will inspect millions of cars, trains, and ships, process tens of millions of travelers, and clear hundreds of billions of goods entering our shores.

DEFENDING AMERICAN AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

CBP agriculture specialists are America’s frontline defense against biological threats, invasive species, and foreign animal diseases that threaten farms, forests, and food supplies. Agriculture remains one of America’s largest industries and employers, and protecting our natural resources and food supply is essential to maintaining national security.

  • The USDA estimates that invasive species have cost over $26 billion per year in lost economic activity.
  • CBP coordinates closely with the CDC, USDA, and other federal agencies to screen travelers for infectious diseases and potential bioweapons. During a shutdown, interagency communication is weakened.

ADDITIONAL CBP NATIONAL SECURITY FUNCTIONS LEFT UNFUNDED BY DEMOCRATS

  • Counterterrorism and weapons of mass destruction prevention
  • Intelligence, targeting, and pre-arrival screening of suspicious persons
  • Combating transnational organized crime
  • Aerial surveillance support for natural disasters
  • Tactical threat response
  • Supply chain and cargo security

REMEMBER, DEMOCRATS OPENED AMERICAN BORDERS & LET IN MILLIONS

During the Biden presidency, Democrats willfully refused to follow federal immigration law and opened American borders to millions – including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers – from nearly every country on earth.

  • From FY21 through FY24, CBP reported 10.8 million border encounters – a more than 3.5x increase from 2017-2020.
  • During that same period, CBP reported approximately 2 million known “gotaways,” or individuals who crossed through American borders and weren’t detained.
  • In 2023 alone, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to enter the country, and more than 390 were apprehended during Biden’s term.

BOTTOM LINE

The Democrat DHS shutdown is as foolish as it is dangerous. Democrats continue to prove – as they did at the State of the Union address – that their first duty is to criminal illegal aliens, not American citizens. And the consequences of this prolonged obstruction could be both costly and deadly.  

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Norton Releases Markup Statement Ahead of Third Markup This Congress of Bills to Repeal Local D.C. Traffic Laws

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

Today’s markup is the third this Congress to repeal D.C.’s use of automated traffic enforcement measures and its law limiting right turn on red.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks ahead of today’s Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (COGR) markup of a bill, introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), that would repeal two D.C. laws that authorize automated traffic enforcement and limit turning right on red. 

“Yet again, Republicans are wasting time they should be using to solve significant problems facing the American people to instead address their pet peeves, and while doing so, undemocratically repeal the duly enacted laws of the District of Columbia,” Norton said. “Today’s markup is the third this Congress of a bill that would interfere with these same two local D.C. laws, meaning today’s markup is redundant. Republicans are wasting our time for the third time this Congress to accomplish the same purpose. 

“Rep. Perry has spent the last five years trying to end D.C.’s use of the same automated traffic enforcement measures his own home state of Pennsylvania employs, to the benefit of his own constituents. Perhaps he should focus on banning his own state’s use of the technology that has sparked such sustained animus before attacking the use of it in D.C., a district he does not represent. 

“Regardless of the implications of this Committee’s actions, 700,000 D.C. residents, a majority of whom are Black and Brown, are worthy and capable of governing themselves without input from members of Congress who do not represent D.C.”

Norton’s markup statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Markup of the Stop DC CAMERA Act (H.R. 5525)

March 18, 2026

I strongly oppose this undemocratic and paternalistic bill, which would repeal two traffic laws enacted by the District of Columbia. Today’s markup is the third markup this Congress of a bill that would interfere with these two laws.  Last year, this committee passed a bill that would, among other things, repeal these two laws, and the House Committee on Appropriations passed a bill that would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out these two laws. 

Over the last five years, the sponsor of this bill has tried repeatedly to repeal or block these two laws, as well as another D.C. traffic law.  But he is not the first Republican to try to repeal D.C.’s automated traffic enforcement law.  Republicans have been trying to repeal that law since 2014.

The 700,000 D.C. residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, are capable and worthy of governing themselves.  If residents do not like how the members of the D.C. Council vote, residents can vote them out of office.  That is democracy.  If D.C. residents do not like how the members of Congress vote on local D.C. matters, residents cannot vote them out of office.  That is the antithesis of democracy.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record statements opposing this bill from the D.C. Mayor and twelve members of the D.C. Council.

The substance of this bill should be irrelevant, since there is never justification for Congress to legislate on local D.C. matters, but I will discuss it.

D.C. is not unique in either using automated traffic enforcement or prohibiting turning right on a red light.  For example, automated traffic enforcement is used by hundreds of jurisdictions in about half the states—both red and blue—including in the home states of both the chairman and the sponsor of this bill. According to an automated enforcement program checklist issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Triple A and the National Safety Council, “Automated enforcement is an effective tool to make roads safer.” 

D.C. residents have all the obligations of American citizenship, including paying federal taxes, serving on juries and registering with the Selective Service, yet Congress denies them full local self-government and voting representation in Congress.  The only solution to this undemocratic treatment is to grant D.C. statehood. 

Congress has the authority to admit D.C. as a state. The D.C. statehood bill, H.R. 51, would reduce the size of the federal district from 68 square miles to two square miles, consisting of the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court and the National Mall.  The residential and commercial areas of D.C. would be a new state. 

I urge members to vote NO on H.R. 5525.  Free D.C.

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Congressman Stauber and Secretary Duffy Deliver Over $1.05 Billion to Rebuild Blatnik Bridge

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Department is delivering over $1.05 billion to replace the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535 connecting Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay. 

“Today marks a tremendous milestone for our Northland communities. With the official disbursement of Blatnik funds, we will soon see ground break on this critical replacement project,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “For decades, the Blatnik Bridge has carried 33,000 vehicles daily, serving as a vital lifeline for commerce and commuting between the Twin Ports and the broader region. Yet, time has taken its toll, which is why I have made it a priority in my tenure to secure this investment for its replacement. Soon, we will see the launch of a project that will create union jobs, ensure stronger supply chains for industries, and guarantee smoother and safer commutes for workers and tourists. I’m proud to have helped bring this project across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bridge arise anew and unlock lasting economic benefits for the Twin Ports for generations to come.”

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are delivering critical dollars to rural America. This Department inherited an unprecedented Biden-Buttigieg backlog of 3,200 grants that were announced to much fanfare but never actually delivered,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “As a son of Wisconsin, I know just how vital this bridge is to the future of Superior and Duluth. After months of hard work, our team is ready to get this money out the door and shovels in the dirt. I want to thank Congressman Stauber for his tireless advocacy for this project on behalf of his constituents and Wisconsin neighbors to the south.”

Congressman Stauber has been a strong advocate for delivering these funds to Minnesota and Wisconsin. After Biden-Buttigieg passed over Minnesota DOT’s application for funding, Congressman Stauber led a bipartisan effort to get funds allocated.

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Pressley Calls for Autonomy over Consumers’ Personal Financial Data, Urges Support for CFPB Open Banking Rule to Limit Big Bank Abuse

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“It’s the people’s data. It’s the people’s money. And we can’t innovate financial privacy laws without our communities being at the center of those decisions.”

WASHINGTON – Today, at a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) emphasized the need for consumers’ autonomy over their financial information and history and protection from big banks and FinTech companies sharing such data without explicit consent. Rep. Pressley urged support for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Open Banking rule, which would allow consumers to not only share financial information with financial platforms but also have autonomy over their financial data to share with other financial institutions of their choosing.

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Calls for Autonomy over Consumers’ Personal Financial Data, Urges Support for CFPB Open Banking Rule to Limit Big Bank Abuse
House Financial Services Committee
March 17, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

I want to put this hearing in perspective for the American public watching this hearing just to demonstrate why it is time to move to open banking.

So imagine Mark, a 30-year-old renter in my district, the Massachusetts 7TH.

Now, Mark splits bills with his roommate and uses a property management website like GreyStar or Peabody Properties to pay the rent directly with a credit card, and uses an app to send money to his roommate for the water and electricity bills that they share. 

Now Mark likely has no clue exactly what happens when he clicks the send button. 

He, like millions of Americans, is likely completely unaware financial information is being shared with marketing platforms and credit reporting agencies and even data brokers without his explicit permission. 

But what he does know is that when he checks his mailbox, there’s random junk mail with his name and address for new credit cards, and when he checks his emails, there is spam about opening a bank account.

That doesn’t happen by chance. It is by design.

Our financial system enables big banks and FinTech companies to abuse our financial data for their own profit. 

Meanwhile, Mark and the rest of us are limited and told what we can and cannot do with our own data. 

Now, here’s the thing, we can actually do something about this. 

We have the opportunity to change that with the open banking rule—to really empower consumers to decide how their financial data is used and shared. 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s open banking rule would allow consumers to not only share financial information with platforms to pay your rent or bills, like many already do. It would also allow consumers to take their financial history with them to other banks and have the choice to make decisions that work best for them. 

It would empower consumers. Ms. McCleary, what should the everyday person understand about the move toward open banking and how it would benefit them when they want to purchase a home, retire, or start a business, for example?

MS. MACCLEERY: Thank you so much for the question. It’s a really important one. Data portability and data rights, in terms of how you negotiate your rights with systems, are key to building consumer understanding of this.

And you might say that the current regime under GLBA, which is the opt-out regime, does nothing to advance consumer understanding of this, because it’s essentially a passive mechanism. 

If you get one of these form letters in the mail, that’s just a sort of notice on paper, and you’re expected to be the one to act. The default is that you’re in the data, whether you want unless you’ve chosen otherwise. 

That is not deepening people’s sense that they have a right to their data and that they are a good custodian of their data. So I would say one of the reasons why opt-ins are the preferred mechanism by different consumer groups and across the data privacy world, and in the California law is because it helps build that sense of ownership among the public. 

Someone can say, “Wait a second, I didn’t sign up for that.” When you’ve just gotten a paper letter that is part of your junk mail stack in the mail, you’re not going to have that same sense of ownership or sense that you might be able to stick up for yourself in terms of the company’s rights. So that’s – it’s moving the default that would matter the most.

REP. PRESSLEY: Yeah. I mean, look, it’s the people’s data. It’s the people’s money. 

And we can’t innovate financial privacy laws without our communities being at the center of those decisions. 

Given all the benefits of open banking, could you just speak to why exactly are people opposed? Why would they work so actively to obstruct this progress and this empowering of the consumer?

MS. MACCLEERY: Why do large corporations that benefit from people being locked into their services oppose the ability of people to walk away in response to market forces? I think that’s the question sort of answers itself, unfortunately. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Fair enough.

Finally, you know – having read your written, the testimony you submitted – you spoke about some of the ways in which we could improve accessibility, acknowledging limitations for those for whom English is not their first language, impacts of you know, AI. 

So, what should Congress be keeping in mind to make it more accessible for people to know their financial rights? 

MS. MACCLEERY: Yeah, if a financial transaction was negotiated in a particular language, all of the related documents – legal documents, disclosures and everything else – should be in that language. 

It shouldn’t be that you’re marketing to someone in their language, but then you turn around and hand them a stack of papers they can’t read. So that’s a pretty simple rule of thumb, and I think that belongs in any kind of disclosure regime. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Alright. Thank you. I yield back.

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McCaul Discusses Need to Revitalize DIB Amidst Global Threats

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

WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) discussed the importance of revitalizing our nation’s defense industrial base at a committee hearing titled, “Reforming America’s Defense Sales.”

Click to watch

Full Exchange:

Rep. McCaul: Mr. Chairman, appreciate you having this important hearing. When I was chairman, signing off on weapon sales I thought was one of the most important duties and responsibilities of this committee. This is the committee of war and peace, and it could not be more relevant than it is today with the actions in Iran, which I fully support. Since 1979, a dark veil of terror has reigned over the Middle East, and thanks to President Trump, that shroud is being lifted. These weapons have never been more important than they are right now at this moment.

Mr. Secretary Duffey, I totally agree with you: America First doesn’t mean America alone. We do have allies. We help them with NATO, but they need to help us as well. And the Strait of Hormuz is a good example of that. The president has called upon our allies to help open up the straits for the global supply of energy. Unfortunately, the news today is they have denied that assistance, and it’s to their own detriment.

But when it comes to the sales, I set up the arms sales task force headed up by now-UN Ambassador Mike Waltz. That was a precursor to the chairman’s TIGER Task Force. I want to congratulate you, sir, on the work of that task force, and Commander Zinke, for his great work on that. Because the way I look at the arms sales is, it’s a great not only from a military defense tool, but also from a diplomacy standpoint. This can be used to gain allies, say in the Middle East, like Saudi, against our adversaries like China. Weapons were withheld in the prior administration to Israel, to my great consternation. I passed [AUKUS Pillar II] to get around some of these international restrictions.

So, there are a lot of problems that need to be fixed. One is the political bureaucracy of Congress that I think the chairman has tackled head-on. The other one is the needs that we have throughout the world. We have several conflict zones or hot zones, I call them. It started with the implosion of Afghanistan, the Russian invasion into Ukraine, Chairman Xi’s unholy alliance with Putin, threatening Taiwan, and the Ayatollah raising his ugly head in the Middle East on October the 7th, which was supposed to be Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, and troops in Syria together to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.

So my question is to Mr. Secretary Duffey: As we move the THAAD system, by the way, from South Korea to the Middle East, we are being stretched very thin. And given the myriad of threats that we have, and I know some of this gets outside of your domain, sir, but what do we need to do to backfill the stockpiles? But more importantly, as we look at Ukraine as a laboratory for modern warfare systems like the drones — and I applaud Ukraine for assisting the United States in the Iran conflict to counter these dangerous Shahed drones that were made by Iran and sold to Russia, used to kill Ukrainians, now to kill Americans — what can we do not only to backfill the stockpile, which we’ll be passing a supplemental bill to pay for that, but how can we move towards modernization of weapon systems like what we’re seeing in the theater of the Ukraine-Russian conflict?

Secretary Duffey: Congressman, thank you for your question, and thank you to you and the committee for your leadership on this issue. I think it’s imperative for us to be able to make the change that we need, for us to have such universal commitment to the need for change. I’d like to talk about the fact that we have agreement for change on both sides of the aisle, both sides of the river, both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, and that really creates the conditions for us to be able to make change.

I think the ability to reform the FMS process is inextricably linked with our need to reform the acquisition process, because as you look at what are the constraints in the FMS system, I do believe our industrial base capacity is a key constraint that really inhibits our ability to fulfill the pipeline of FMS orders that we have. And we’ve been working on that at least since I first arrived in the administration, and certainly following my confirmation last June. Secretary Hegseth rolled out the acquisition transformation strategy on August 7th, and I can get into that detail throughout the hearing today.

But I think most importantly, what’s emerged from that reform effort are deals that precede these hostilities with some of our key industrial partners, Raytheon and Lockheed, to triple or quadruple the production capacity of key munitions like Patriots, THAAD interceptors, Tomahawks, Standard Missiles — the kinds of weapons that we rely on for the defense of our nation and our allies.

Rep. McCaul: With my time limited, if the chairman will allow me one quick question. So it’s asymmetric warfare now in the Strait of Hormuz. We spend millions of dollars on interceptors to take down a drone that’s worth maybe [$20,000]. That is what I’m talking about the modern warfare that is happening — and Ukraine is a laboratory. What are we doing to advance that cause? Because we’re not going to win, certainly in terms of pricing as well, when we’re paying millions of dollars to take down a [$20,000] drone.

Secretary Duffey: Yes, sir. So we do have a partnership with Ukraine and some of their counter-UAS capabilities that are effectively low-cost, that are effective in combating the Shahed drone. We also have developed with partners the FALCO system, APKWS, which is a low-cost rocket that has a high probability of kill for counter-UAS. So I do think we have emerging technologies, and then we’re always working — I think we’re not quite there yet, but we’re putting a lot of effort into directed energy, which is a very low-cost option for counter-drone.

Rep. McCaul: Excellent. Thank you. I yield back.

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McCaul on "Fox News Sunday": President Trump's Strikes on Kharg Island are like "Checkmate" on Iranian Supreme Leader

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees — joined Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday” to discuss the latest on Operation Epic Fury, Democrats’ DHS shutdown, and more.

Click to watch

Excerpts from the interview:

On the success of Operation Epic Fury:

“Well, look, this whole thing started in 1979. It began with weak leadership by President Carter, and it’s going to end with strong leadership by President Trump. The military objective here is being accomplished. In fact, they’re ahead of schedule. They’re [destroying] the Navy, the Air Force, they’re getting rid of the sea mines in the straits. The drones are probably one of the top issues right now, and they’re dealing with that to clear the straits out, to have free access to energy going through that sector. The attack on Kharg Island, which is a crown jewel — 90% of the [crude oil] exports out of Iran come from there — is like a ‘checkmate’ on the Supreme Leader. It was absolutely brilliant military strategy. So the military objective is very clear, and it’s going very well. …

“Think about this: A world without Iran, without this regime of terror, a free Iran where normalization under the Abraham Accords can now take place, where you have the Gulf states now aligned against Iran … was unheard of a year ago. The guts and the courage of this president to take this on for future generations, even though [there is] short-term pain for long-term gain, is quite extraordinary.”

On what comes next for Iran:

“Once the military objective is completed, then the people of Iran can rise up. They need leadership, they need weapons, they need communications. I know Mossad and Israel, they know where the IRGC targets are. We have decapitated the Ayatollah, his executive cabinet, but there [is more] to do. When you get into that phase, it does get more complicated, and I do think that may not be the role of the United States completely. It probably shouldn’t be. And I think Israel has a role to play, you know, on that one. But at the end of the day, free and fair elections in Iran is going to [result in] a far better Middle East. And that’s a tricky part of this, but I do think it’s achievable.”

On Russia’s collusion with Iran:

“I do think Russia has provided military intelligence to Iran to hit our military targets, to kill Americans. I don’t think they should be rewarded by lifting sanctions. Having said that, the president is doing certain things to bring down the price of gas, [including releases from] the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and that’s done internationally, you know, as well. But this will have far-reaching geopolitical ramifications. When you think about Venezuela being freed and liberated to Iran, [that has an impact] on Russia and China as you point out earlier. You know, all the energy coming to China from Kharg Island is going to be cut off. That has far-reaching implications. But I do think Mr. Putin has not been sincere, and I think he has not made any concessions. I don’t like to see him rewarded, but I know this is a short-term lifting of sanctions.”

On the Democrats’ continued DHS shutdown:

“I remember the Boston bombing when I became chairman [of the House Homeland Security Committee], and I investigated that. You know, we saw this bombing scenario in New York [as] very reminiscent; it could have been a bigger attack than the Boston bombing. And since that time, [we’ve seen attacks in] Austin, Texas, in my hometown, to Virginia, you know, a veteran being shot down and killed — not overseas but in a classroom — and then the synagogue … and you’re going to see more. The idea of shutting down the Department of Homeland Security at such a high terror threat level is unconscionable. I think it’s political malpractice, it is criminal, and if they continue this, Shannon, they will have blood on their hands.”

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