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Rep. Calvert Supports Funding for our Veterans and Military Construction

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority of the House of Representatives to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill provides annual funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as military infrastructure. 

“The FY27 MilCon/VA Appropriations bill approved by the House today upholds our commitments to our veterans as well as our active duty servicemembers,” said Rep. Calvert. “By fully funding the healthcare and benefits programs our veterans rely on, we can ensure they get the resources they need. The bill also includes robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Click HERE for a summary of the bill. 

The following provisions were included in the bill at Rep. Calvert’s request:

  • VA CALL WAIT TIMES – The bill voices concern about the VA’s lack of consistent data on call wait times and call response times across the network, notably crisis and suicide lines, as well as standard customer service lines. Inconsistent tracking of call metrics may prevent the Department from identifying delays or barriers to care. Therefore, the bill requires the VA to compile a report evaluating the Department’s ability to measure and report call wait times and response performance across VA facilities, and provide recommendations to improve response times and ensure consistent tracking of call performance metrics.
  • LIMB LOSS MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH – The VA has a comprehensive approach to care for veterans living with limb loss and those at risk of amputation, including partnerships connecting veterans to peer visitors, support networks, and evidence-based educational resources that play a vital role in recovery, mental health, and long-term quality of life. The bill encourages the VA to expand its efforts to reach all veteran amputees nationwide and to strengthen its current program by providing enhanced care coordination services. The bill requires the VA to compile a report on efforts to enhance care coordination, increase veteran participation in peer support programs, and address gaps in access to limb loss resources across the continuum of care.

 

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Crow’s Bipartisan Amendment to Combat Veteran Suicide Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan amendment to combat veteran suicide led by Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Crow’s effort, based on his bipartisan Veterans’ Sentinel Act, aims to address suicides on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) campuses by improving the collection and analysis of data regarding veteran on-campus suicides and attempted suicides.

“Our veterans deserve nothing but the best when they return home. But right now, high suicide death rates among veterans make it clear we are failing to live up to our promises as a country,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m glad to see Congress act in a bipartisan fashion to help veterans in need.”

Veterans make up approximately six percent of the population, yet in 2022 represented a disproportionate 13.4% of all suicide deaths among adults annually. In 2019, The Washington Post and Military Times reported on the troubling increase in veterans taking their own lives on VA campuses. Many did so to protest against problems with access to VA care; others did so because they knew their families would be taken care of. This amendment establishes a working group focused on accurately collecting and analyzing data, following an investigation that revealed serious mistakes in the VA’s reporting of on-campus suicides. 

Crow previously introduced the Veterans’ Sentinel Act along with Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX). Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) joined Crow in offering the amendment. All three are military veterans, with Crow having served in combat as a paratrooper and Army Ranger.

Ensuring America’s veterans and their families get the care and resources they deserve is a top priority for Congressman Crow. Along with the Veterans’ Sentinel Act, Crow is leading a larger slate of bills aimed at improving veterans’ services and strengthening veteran benefits, along with the Preventing and Identifying Lasting Operational TBI (PILOT) Act and Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act to improve care related to traumatic brain injury (TBI). He also secured a number of wins in last year’s annual defense bill to improve the lives of servicemembers and their families. In the 117th Congress, Crow helped pass the PACT Act, which expands care to millions of servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals.

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ICYMI: Dingell Spearheads Effort Blocking Chinese Companies from Disrupting American Manufacturing and Workers

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

ICYMI: Dingell Spearheads Effort Blocking Chinese Companies from Disrupting American Manufacturing and Workers

Washington, May 15, 2026

This week, as President Trump was in China for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) called on the president to keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. or let Chinese car companies disrupt the American auto industry. 

Congresswoman Dingell helped spearhead a bipartisan legislative effort alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China. The duo introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.

ICYMI, media coverage of their bipartisan efforts can be found below:

CNBC: Auto-state lawmakers seek to keep certain Chinese vehicles out of U.S. as Trump heads to Beijing

  • Bipartisan lawmakers from Michigan on Tuesday announced legislation that would ban Chinese-made “connected vehicles,” software and hardware from the U.S. market, ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
  • Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., rolled out the “Connected Vehicle Security Act,” […] that would codify Biden-era connected vehicle restrictions over national security and data collection concerns. Connected vehicles have internet access and wireless connectivity with other cars or trucks, technology that supporters say can enhance roadway safety.
  • “We are not competing on a level playing field when China subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency [and] it uses slave labor. That’s not a level playing field,” Dingell said in a press conference Tuesday announcing the bill. “What [China is] trying to do is to get inside our country and fight us from within.”

Detroit News: Amid Trump trip, Michigan duo latest to float Chinese car ban

  • A bipartisan duo of Michigan lawmakers is backing a push to ban Chinese vehicles from the United States, adding yet more force behind a widespread effort to keep President Donald Trump from opening the American marketplace to a major competitive threat.
  • Trump has repeatedly signaled openness to allowing Chinese automakers to manufacture in the United States, on the campaign trail in 2024 and notably during an appearance at the Detroit Economic Club earlier this year.
  • Dingell led a group of Democratic U.S. House members in writing a letter to Trump. Moolenaar, who chairs the U.S. House Select Committee on China, joined Republican members on their own letter.

Washington Post: Are cars the next TikTok?

  • President Donald Trump arrives in China today for a long-anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders have much to discuss — the bitter trade war, the actual war in Iran, the future of Taiwanese sovereignty. One issue is top of mind for a bipartisan cohort of lawmakers: cars.
  • “President Trump is President Trump, and you never quite know what he’s going to do until he does it,” Dingell said.
  • Dingell said she was sympathetic toward buyers who want a cheap alternative to cars already in the U.S., particularly with constituents grappling with inflation and high fuel costs. But she warned China could jack up prices once it has cornered the market.
  • “China has a pattern of coming in, subsidizing the cost, to keep the price lower, destroying industry, and then jack up the price,” Dingell told us. “This is about America’s future. This is about the American worker’s future. We know their pattern, and we’re not going to let them do it.”

CBS News Detroit: Michigan Reps. Dingell, Moolenaar introduce bill pushing to keep Chinese vehicles out of U.S.

  • The Connected Vehicle Security Act stems from the fear that Chinese cars pose a threat to our auto industry and national security. 
  • “When the Chinese subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency, it uses slave labor. That’s not a level playing field and what they’re trying to do is fight us from within,” Dingell said.
  • Paul Eisenstein, the editor of Headlight.News tells CBS Detroit that the high-tech but far less expensive Chinese vehicles could tear down the auto brands based in Metro Detroit that employ hundreds of thousands of Michiganders. 
  • Lawmakers say national security is another key aspect of this new proposed legislation.

Reuters: House lawmakers introducing bill to toughen US ban on Chinese vehicles

  • Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday will introduce legislation to toughen a U.S. government ban on Chinese automakers from ‌entering the American market just before President Donald Trump heads to China for talks.
  • In ‌March, ⁠auto trade groups representing nearly all major car companies — including the Detroit Three, Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), opens new tab, Hyundai (005380.KS), opens new tab and Toyota (7203.T), opens new tab , parts manufacturers, auto dealers and others urged the U.S. government to keep out Chinese carmakers, citing “serious concerns about China’s ongoing efforts to dominate global automotive manufacturing and to ⁠gain access to the U.S. market.”
  • They added China poses “a direct threat to America’s global competitiveness, national security, and automotive industrial base.”
  • Chinese autos also face high tariffs, but U.S. consumers have become ⁠more interested in the vehicles, recent surveys show.
  • In January, Trump said he was open to Chinese automakers building vehicles in the United States.

WEMU: Rep. Dingell co-sponsors bill to ban Chinese vehicles in U.S.

  • Ann Arbor Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has introduced bipartisan legislation with Caledonia Republican John Moolenaar to ban Chinese vehicles in the U.S.
  • Called the Connected Vehicle Securities Act, the legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture and sale of vehicles, software and hardware linked to China.
  • Dingell says the timing is important with this week’s upcoming China-U.S. summit.
  • China has been accused of using technology to collect and transmit sensitive information from vehicles it produces.

Michigan Advance: Michigan members of Congress push ban on connected Chinese vehicles in America

  • U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and John Moolenaar (R-Caledonia) introduced legislation into the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday to prohibit the importation, manufacture and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.
  • The legislation, known as the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, would also apply to vehicles or related software and hardware from Russia, North Korea or Iran. 
  • Dingell joined Democratic members of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, which Moolenaar chairs, on a tour of a General Motors plant and a United Auto Workers chapter in metro Detroit on Saturday, to similarly discuss the impact of Chinese manufacturing and supporting 
  • “We are not competing on a level playing field, when China subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency, it uses slave labor,” Dingell said in the press conference with Moolenaar. “That’s not a level playing field. And what they’re trying to do is to get inside our country and fight us from within.”
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Meeks and Velázquez Reintroduce Legislation to Lower Housing Costs for Homeowners and Renters

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) reintroduced the Habitable Housing Conversion Pilot Program of 2026 or the “Basement Bill.” The measure would establish a 5-year pilot program to provide grants for homeowners to transform their basements into safe apartment units. Converting underused basement space allows homeowner to offset rising costs through rental income while expanding much-needed housing options for low-to-moderate income earners.

Through consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the program will prioritize homes in areas most vulnerable to natural disasters and provide them with much-needed financial security in the face of increasing climate threats.

“This legislation will help protect renters from the devastating impacts of natural disasters while also creating new opportunities for homeowners to earn additional income,” said Congressman Meeks. “Many seniors and retired homeowners use the funding received from renting basement apartments to help cover rising costs and provide financial relief. This bill creates a pathway for homeowners to access financing to bring these spaces up to code, improve safety, and expand safe and affordable housing options in our communities. This bill is a practical solution to rising costs and will help improve affordability for both homeowners and renters in New York.”

“Safe, affordable housing should be a right for every New Yorker, not a luxury reserved for a few,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This bill helps homeowners convert their basement apartments into livable, code-compliant units, creating safer spaces for renters while giving more families a way to earn extra income. The Habitable Housing Conversion Pilot Program of 2026 is a step toward easing our housing crunch, and it does so while putting safety and resilience against natural disasters front and center.”

“Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation is proud to support the Habitable Housing Conversion Pilot Program Act,” said Michael G. Johnson, Executive Director, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. “After years of inaction, New York City and New York State have begun taking important steps to address the reality that basement apartments are a critical part of our housing stock, providing affordable homes for many low-income tenants while also helping stabilize homeownership for low- and moderate-income families. In working-class immigrant communities and communities of color, these homes have long existed in the shadows without the financing and support needed to make them safe and legal. This legislation recognizes that the federal government also has a role to play in addressing our housing crisis by helping homeowners access the resources needed to bring these units up to code while expanding safe, affordable housing options in communities like ours.” 

More specifically, the legislation would expand the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)’s 203 (k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program to finance improvements necessary to convert space in the basements of owner-occupied properties, into safe and habitable dwelling units that are to be made available for rental. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would carry out the pilot program for a duration of five years and will insure up to 150,000 mortgages. 

To read the full bill text visit, here.  

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Velázquez, Democratic Lawmakers Urge FOMB to Stop University of Puerto Rico’s Dismantling

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

In letter to the Financial Oversight and Management Board, lawmakers call for increased public investment, pension protections, and capped tuition costs amid growing student protests

Washington, D.C. – With the Financial Oversight and Management Board set to certify a revised Fiscal Plan for the University of Puerto Rico , Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez and Democratic colleagues today urged the Board to reject any plan that continues nearly a decade of austerity and instead restore stable public investment, protect pensions, halt tuition increases, and address the demands driving ongoing student strikes.“For more than a decade, the University of Puerto Rico has faced a fiscal crisis worsened by austerity measures that limit its development and accessibility for students,” wrote the lawmakers. “This crisis not only affects the student body but also impacts the entire territory. Weakening public education limits social mobility, reduces research, and affects the services that the institution provides to communities, putting the future of Puerto Rico at risk.”

The University of Puerto Rico’s 11 campuses, along with the Conservatory of Music and the School of Visual Arts and Design, are the island’s only public higher education system, serving nearly 43,000 students, about 27% of Puerto Rico’s university population. Beyond the classroom, UPR operates research centers, a hospital, agricultural extension programs, and free community clinics, while leading Puerto Rico in academic research and producing 90% of the island’s NSF, NIH, and NASA-funded research projects.

UPR’s President has acknowledged that the revised Fiscal Plan introduces no significant new revenue, spending reductions, or pension reforms. Since March, students have protested in opposition to the plan and demanded increased funding, underscoring the administration’s failure to address the university’s growing budget crisis. 

In the letter the lawmakers urge FOMB to support the following provisions:

  1. Support a phased increase of the state allocation to the University’s budget.
  2. Cap tuition costs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
  3. Encourage the hiring and retaining of teaching and non-teaching personnel.
  4. Ensure adequate funding for the UPR Retirement System.

  5. Include academic reforms that are driven by quality education and have the support of the student body and faculty.

“The need for a stable UPR, with commensurate public funding, has never been more crucial,” wrote the lawmakers. “As Congressional Members who represent the island or large Puerto Rican diasporas, we remain concerned that the revised Fiscal Plan submitted by the UPR Governing Board, to remain in effect through the 2027 Fiscal Year, does not take into consideration the current needs of the University.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Delia C. Ramirez, Jesús ‘Chuy’ García, Dan Goldman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nellie Pou, Adriano Espaillar, Pablo José Hernández, and Darren Soto. 

The letter was endorsed by the Faculty Union at the UPR (APPU), the Asociación de Profesores y Profesoras del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (APRUM), and Students’ General Council of the UPR at Río Piedras. 

Find the quotes of endorsement here.

Find the full letter here.

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Velázquez y legisladores demócratas instan a la Junta de Supervisión Fiscal a detener el desmantelamiento de la Universidad de Puerto Rico

En una carta dirigida a la Junta de Control Fiscal, los legisladores reclaman un aumento de la inversión pública, medidas de protección de las pensiones y un límite máximo para las tasas de matrícula, en un contexto de crecientes protestas estudiantiles

Washington, D.C. – Ante la inminente certificación por parte de la Junta de Supervisión y Administración Financiera de un Plan Fiscal revisado para la Universidad de Puerto Rico, la Congresista Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) y sus colegas demócratas han instado hoy a la Junta a rechazar cualquier plan que prolongue casi una década de austeridad y, en su lugar, restablezca una inversión pública estable, proteja las pensiones, frene el aumento de las matrículas y atienda las reivindicaciones que motivan las huelgas estudiantiles en curso. “Durante más de una década, la Universidad de Puerto Rico se ha enfrentado a una crisis fiscal agravada por medidas de austeridad que limitan su desarrollo y la accesibilidad de los estudiantes,” escribieron los legisladores. “Esta crisis no solo afecta al estudiantado, sino que también repercute en todo el territorio. El debilitamiento de la educación pública limita la movilidad social, reduce la investigación y afecta a los servicios que la institución presta a las comunidades, poniendo en riesgo el futuro de Puerto Rico.”

Los 11 recintos de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, junto con el Conservatorio de Música y la Escuela de Artes Visuales y Diseño, conforman el único sistema público de educación superior de la isla, al que acuden cerca de 43 000 estudiantes, lo que representa aproximadamente el 27 % de la población universitaria de Puerto Rico. Más allá de las aulas, la UPR gestiona centros de investigación, un hospital, programas de extensión agrícola y clínicas comunitarias gratuitas, al tiempo que lidera la investigación académica en Puerto Rico y produce el 90 % de los proyectos de investigación de la isla financiados por la NSF, los NIH y la NASA.

El presidente de la UPR ha reconocido que el Plan Fiscal revisado no presenta nuevas fuentes de ingresos significativas, recortes en el gasto ni reformas en el sistema de pensiones. Desde marzo, los estudiantes se han manifestado en contra del plan y han exigido un aumento de la financiación, poniendo de manifiesto la incapacidad de la administración para hacer frente a la creciente crisis presupuestaria de la universidad.

En la carta, los legisladores instan a la JSF a respaldar las siguientes disposiciones:

  1. Apoyar un aumento gradual de la asignación estatal al presupuesto de la Universidad.
  2. Limitar los costes de matrícula tanto en los estudios de grado como de posgrado.
  3. Fomentar la contratación y la retención de personal docente y no docente.
  4. Garantizar una financiación adecuada para el Sistema de Jubilación de la UPR.

  5. Incluir reformas académicas impulsadas por una educación de calidad y que cuenten con el apoyo del alumnado y del profesorado

“La necesidad de una UPR estable, con una financiación pública acorde, nunca ha sido tan crucial,” escribieron los legisladores. “Como miembros del Congreso que representamos a la isla o a las grandes diásporas puertorriqueñas, nos sigue preocupando que el Plan Fiscal revisado presentado por el Consejo de Gobierno de la UPR, que permanecerá en vigor hasta el año fiscal 2027, no tenga en cuenta las necesidades actuales de la Universidad.”

La carta fue firmada por los Congresistas Delia C. Ramírez, Jesús “Chuy” García, Dan Goldman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nellie Pou, Adriano Espaillat, Pablo José Hernández y Darren Soto.

La carta fue respaldada por la Asociación Puertorriqueña de Profesores Universitarios (APPU), la Asociacion de Porfesores y Profesoras del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (APRUM), y el Consejo General de Estudiantes de la UPR Recinto de Rio Piedras.

Encuentre las citas de endoso here.

Encuentre la carta here.

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Congressman Allen Backs Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

This week, during National Police Week, House Republicans passed several bills aimed at supporting law enforcement officers nationwide, ending soft-on-crime policies, and keeping violent criminals out of America’s communities. After supporting each bill on the House floor, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

“We cannot have freedom without safety, and we cannot have safety without the men and women willing to defend it. Every shift, every call, every sacrifice matters. Georgia’s 12th District felt this ultimate sacrifice firsthand when one of our own—Deputy Brandon Sikes of Columbia County—lost his life in the line of duty last April. We will never forget Deputy Sikes’ extraordinary service.

“During this National Police Week and always, I am proud to stand with the upstanding men and women of our nation’s law enforcement, not just in the 12th District, but across the country. These heroes put the safety of others before their own, and for that, we must always honor their courage. To those who answer the call and keep our communities safe: we salute you.”


Legislation passed with Congressman Allen’s support:

  • H. Con. Res. 96: Expresses congressional support for the brave men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives to uphold our rule of law and keep Americans safe, recognizes their extraordinary sacrifice, and acknowledges their many contributions to our communities.
  • H.R. 6260, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act: Amends the federal criminal statute dealing with insurance-related crimes to include corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail for defendants, subjecting charitable bail funds to federal insurance fraud laws and state licensing requirements, and requiring their employees to pass criminal background checks.
  • H.R. 5625, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act:Requires the Attorney General to publish a list of state and local governments that implement reckless bail “reform” policies allowing people who have been accused of certain violent crimes to be released pending trial on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond.
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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN STEVE COHEN

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement after Congressman Steve Cohen announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

Congressman Steve Cohen’s life has been defined by the work he has done on a local, state and national level on behalf of the people he has been privileged to represent for decades. After contracting polio at just five years old, Steve developed a unique persistence and determination that would accompany him throughout his career in public service. A proud son of Memphis, Steve served on the Shelby County Commission and later in the State Senate for 24 years. 

Over nearly two decades in the House of Representatives, Steve has consistently stood up for the health, safety and economic well-being of children and families, fighting to lower costs, improve the quality and affordability of higher education, strengthen our transportation infrastructure and increase access to healthcare. The first Jewish person elected to represent Tennessee in the Congress, Steve has been a powerful champion for civil rights, leading passage of a resolution issuing the first formal apology for slavery in the U.S. As the Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Steve led hearings on the Voting Rights Act, police reform and racial justice, reaffirming his commitment to making true America’s promise of equality and justice for all.

The City of Memphis, the Congress and the nation are better because of Steve’s commitment to making a difference. He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus family in the next Congress, and we all wish him the very best in this next chapter.

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Pappas Follows Successful Call for House to Investigate Prediction Markets with Call for DOJ to Prosecute Suspected Insider Trading

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congressmen Ted W. Lieu (CA-36) and Sean Casten (IL-06) and 53 House Democrats to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms more aggressively.

Online prediction markets allow individuals to gamble on the outcomes of a wide variety of real-life events, including sports games, election outcomes, daily stock and commodity price changes, whether certain legislation being considered by Congress will be signed into law, and even geopolitical events such as the likelihood of the United States taking military action against another country or the outcome of diplomatic negotiations. 

The lawmakers cautioned that: “Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets.”

They closed by urging DOJ action: “We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.”

The text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche:

We write to express serious concerns about potential insider trading on prediction market platforms. Federal anti-fraud and market manipulation laws apply to these platforms, just as they do to traditional financial markets. We urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to further prioritize criminal investigations and civil actions targeting abuses in prediction markets to protect U.S. financial markets, investors, and the public from fraudulent conduct.

Recent suspected violations implicate significant geopolitical, sporting, and cultural events and risk creating perverse incentives for persons with access to confidential or classified information. For example, one anonymous trader has made nearly $1 million from dozens of suspiciously timed and accurate bets on military actions the U.S. has taken against Iran. Another trader with the username “Magamyman” made more than $550,000 from placing bets that Iran’s Supreme Leader would be removed, just before his assassination. In addition, ahead of the Super Bowl LX halftime show, unusually large trades were placed on Polymarket and Kalshi predicting that Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin would perform before there was any public confirmation. One social media user estimated that these suspected insiders made up to $3 million across multiple platforms. Lastly, the Nobel Institute is investigating a bet placed by a newly-created account on Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize hours before the announcement, resulting in a profit of more than $50,000.

Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets.

The DOJ has pursued several insider trading cases, including in coordination with U.S. financial market regulators, and criminally prosecuted individuals under federal wire fraud statutes. These cases include charging a Coinbase employee for tipping off others with insider information in order to trade cryptocurrencies, prosecuting Biotech’s CEO for misleading investors and engaging in insider trading in connection with Covid-19 and HIV drugs, and bringing charges against individuals who participated in an alleged insider trading scheme involving cancer treatment companies. The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed.  

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton has stated that just “because it’s a prediction market, [it] doesn’t insulate you from fraud.” We appreciate that the DOJ recently took action against a U.S. soldier for allegedly using classified information to make profitable prediction market bets related to the U.S. mission that captured Venezuela’s leader.

At the same time, reports that the DOJ dropped its criminal investigation into Polymarket in July 2025, regarding whether the platform had been illegally serving U.S. customers, raise concerns about consistency in enforcement. Polymarket had previously been banned from the U.S. for operating as an unregistered platform and paid a $1.4 million civil penalty under a 2022 settlement agreement. Taken together, these developments risk undermining confidence in the DOJ’s commitment to also holding companies accountable for breaking the law.

We understand that this Administration is increasingly focused on gains in the U.S. stock market. That performance depends on integrity and accountability. We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.

Sincerely,

Background:

Pappas supports thePublic Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026, which bans members of Congress and government employees from trading on political prediction markets when they have or could easily get inside information through their jobs, and has led the fight to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks and to strengthen ethical standards across all branches of government since entering Congress.
Pappas has repeatedly broken with his own party in support of a stock trading ban. Following his advocacy in 2022, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi reversed course and announced legislation to ban stock trading by members of Congress would be considered by the House. Pappas has also fought to change House rules to include a ban on members of Congress trading stocks.

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Bipartisan U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act Advances Out of Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This week the bipartisan U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, introduced by Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, advanced out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee with strong, bipartisan support. This legislation would reauthorize International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece for five years.

“Greece is an essential partner to the United States in ensuring regional security and prosperity. IMET assistance is a critical component of our bilateral relationship that strengthenscooperation, training, and interoperability between our Armed Forces,” said Congressman Pappas.“I’m glad my bipartisan legislation to reauthorize IMET for another five years advanced out of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I will continue to push for its passage to strengthen cooperation with our ally, Greece, and to protect America’s security interests.”

“The United States and Greece share a strong and enduring partnership rooted in our shared commitment to democracy, security, and regional stability,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “As co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I am proud to support and applaud the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act passing out of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill would strengthen joint military cooperation and reinforce our alliance. Greece remains a reliable NATO ally and a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, and this legislation reaffirms our commitment to peace, security, and stability in the region.”

“The diplomatic relationship and defense partnership between the United States and Greece are too important to be overlooked. I am proud to join my Hellenic colleagues in supporting the US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act to ensure regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. I look forward to voting for this legislation when it comes to the House floor,” said Congresswoman Titus. 

“As Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I am proud to see the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act advance out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This important step reaffirms our strong and enduring partnership with Greece, a critical partner in advancing security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Strengthening the U.S.-Greece defense cooperation is more important now than ever before. This legislation will help bolster Greece’s security capabilities, support regional deterrence, and advance our shared commitment to peace, security, and democratic values.”

This legislation is endorsed by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

Background: 

Congress has recognized the significance of expanding U.S. cooperation with Greece through the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, which was signed into law as part of the FY2022 NDAA. The USGDIP recognized that Greece, a key NATO ally, is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the United States should remain committed to supporting the region’s security and prosperity through cooperation with Greece.

IMET appropriations for Greece help meet the increased need for education and training of the Greek Armed Forces. The funds facilitate the establishment of contacts between American and Greek officers, optimizing cooperation and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The strategic importance of Greece at NATO’s Eastern and Southern flanks has been more reflected in recent years, including the war in Ukraine, between Israel and Hamas following the October 7th attacks, and U.S. military operations in Iran.

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MAIL THEFT: Harder’s Amendment to Prosecute More Mail Theft Passes Out of Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Harder’s amendment creates new joint-agency task force led by DOJ focused solely on mail theft

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that his amendment to prosecute more mail theft passed the U.S. House Appropriations Committee last night after Harder pushed to include the provision during budget negotiations. Harder’s amendment, which received unanimous support in committee and now advances to the House floor, creates a new joint-agency task force led by the Department of Justice focused solely on combating mail theft.

Stockton is at the center of a national mail theft epidemic:

  • Nationwide, reports of mail theft have increased 139% since the pandemic, with check fraud stemming from mail theft causing over $20 billion in losses in 2023.
  • Mail theft is hitting Stockton the hardest – hundreds of mailboxes have been broken into and destroyed, dozens of master keys have been stolen, and thousands of dollars in stolen mail and packages have been swiped.
  • Mail theft is more than just an inconvenience – this crime just feet from families’ front doors leads to identity fraud, destroyed credit, and repeated victimization especially after master keys are stolen.

“Mail theft in Stockton is out of control, and our families deserve justice through tougher penalties and stronger enforcement,” said Rep. Harder. “That’s why I pushed to pass my amendment to bring the full weight of the federal government down on these criminals. No one in our community should have to be afraid to check for their mail, and I’m going to continue fighting to end this crisis in our neighborhoods.”

Harder is leading efforts to crack down on rising mail theft:

  • More Prosecution – Harder’s amendment creates a Mail Theft and Fraud Task Force led by the Department of Justice focused solely on combating mail theft and putting more criminals behind bars.
  • Postal Oversight – Harder is demanding stronger oversight of postal services by calling for an independent audit through the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. 

In December, Harder’s calls for action from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) led to multiple arrests in the Valley and the recovery of hundreds of pieces of stolen mail. Harder has also been calling for the USPIS anti-mail theft initiative, Project Safe Delivery, to be expanded to Stockton, especially new high-tech electronic locks on cluster mailboxes.

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