MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene held a press conference to highlight Democrats’ continued commitment to fighting for an affordable America and pushing back against the extremism of Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, and thank you, Vice Chair Lieu, for your leadership and for bringing us together at the 2026 Issues Conference. We gather, of course, in the immediate aftermath of the so-called State of the Union address that took place last night. That was a disgraceful performance. Donald Trump hit a new low. He didn’t communicate anything meaningful to the American people. There was no substance in that speech, but a lot of snake oil. No vision for the future of the country, but a lot of vitriol. There were no policy prescriptions designed to make life better for everyday Americans, but it was full of partisanship. That State of the Union speech by Donald Trump was a disgrace. And now that we’re on the other side of it, it’s going to be a sprint to November 3rd. House Democrats are on the verge of a takeover. The break’s over for these MAGA extremists. It’s over. Because the American people know that Donald Trump and House Republicans have failed the American people. They failed on the economy. They failed on healthcare. They failed on immigration enforcement. They failed to make life better for everyday Americans, breaking every single promise that they made, including, most significantly, that they were gonna lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, as Vice Chair Lieu explained, costs have gone up. Out of control. Far too many people struggling here in America to live paycheck to paycheck, cannot thrive and can barely survive.

And so we’re here at this issues conference to talk amongst each other and with outside stakeholders and experts about a bold, meaningful, transformational path forward to address the Republican affordability crisis here in America and make life better for working-class Americans, for middle-class Americans and for everyday Americans who we’re committed to fighting for each and every day to drive down the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system and to deliver an immigration enforcement approach that is fair, just and meaningful, that doesn’t target—violently—American citizens or law-abiding immigrant families, but targets violent felons who are here unlawfully. We believe that the best is yet to come in this country, but it won’t be delivered by Donald Trump and Republican sycophants in the House and in the Senate. It will come when Democrats take back control of the House, laying a foundation to end this national nightmare in the United States of America and continue our country’s march toward a more perfect union.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03) and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH-10), introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley, an Ohioan who became the first Black officer in the U.S. Army’s Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The resolution encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of Adams-Earley, who led the “Six Triple Eight,” also known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — the only all-Black WAC battalion deployed overseas during the Second World War. 

“It is a privilege to present this resolution honoring my lifelong friend and mentor, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley, a trailblazer who became the first Black woman officer in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), later known as the Women’s Army Corps (WAC),” said Congresswoman Beatty. “As the highest-ranking Black woman officer at the time, Lieutenant Colonel Adams-Earley helped lay the foundation for a more integrated U.S. military, opening doors for generations of Black women to serve. Her unwavering patriotism and dedication to our nation, and to young Ohioans, make her profoundly worthy of this recognition.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley broke barriers with quiet strength and unmistakable excellence—becoming the first Black officer in the Women’s Army Corps and leading the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion overseas to deliver results under extraordinary pressure,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “Upon retiring from the military, Lieutenant Charity Adams-Earley moved to Dayton and became an important voice in the Miami Valley, creating the Black Leadership Development Program in 1982, which seeks to educate and train African Americans to be community leaders. A commemorative stamp would be a fitting, lasting tribute to her service and leadership, and a simple reminder—passed hand to hand—of what courage and competence look like in the service of our country and community.”

Lieutenant Colonel Adams-Earley is also remembered for her activism throughout Ohio, devoting her life to education and youth mentoring after being discharged from the Army. She has been recognized by the National Postal Museum, National Women’s History Museum, Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, the Smithsonian Institution, the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame, and many others, for her pioneering military service and work expanding opportunities for Black Americans. In the 117th Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to members of the ‘Six Triple Eight’ – the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – including, posthumously, their commander, Adams-Earley. In 2024, the Dayton VA Medical Center renamed its women’s clinic the “Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley Women’s Clinic.” 

The resolution text is available here. 

 

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, joined Senate and House colleagues in demanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins immediately rescind the Trump administration’s new interim final rule that would change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated. This rule would lower disability ratings and compensation awards for disabled veterans who rely on medications to manage their health conditions by not taking into account the true severity of their disabilities. 

“We write to request the immediate rescission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) interim final rule entitled ‘Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication’ (RIN: 2900-AS49),” wrote lawmakers in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Though halting enforcement of the rule was a necessary acknowledgment of the widespread concern about its implications, the change made by the interim final rule is current law and remains in the Code of Federal Regulations. Without a complete and permanent rescission, veterans across the country will have to confront the unnecessary dilemma of continuing life-improving treatment for their conditions even though it could lead to a reduction in the benefits they have earned and desperately need.”

While VA Secretary Collins temporarily halted implementation of the rule last week following backlash from veterans and Veterans Service Organizations, he has not outright rescinded the rule—leaving veterans’ benefits at risk of being lowered. More than 18,000 public comments have been submitted opposing the rule, which was issued without advance notice to or consultation with veterans or Congress. Congressman Pappas and his colleagues stressed the harm the rule could cause by forcing veterans to make an “impossible choice” of following their prescribed treatment plan or risk losing their benefits.

The lawmakers continued raising alarm over this rule and the Administration’s secret process of publishing it: “This rule is a short-sighted and ill-timed reaction to the Ingram v. Collins decision. The appeal of that case is still ongoing, and VA’s attempt to circumvent the judicial process by publishing this rule is troubling…We agree with the court’s precedential holding in Ingram and believe VA must discount the beneficial impact of medication when rating disability compensation claims. Veterans and Veteran Service Organizations have also made it clear that veterans should not be penalized for complying with treatment. Veteran Service Organizations have made their voices heard in the wake of this rule, but have repeatedly not been included in the conversations leading up to VA policy changes. This is a troubling trend, as it signals a desire to cut veteran voices out of the system designed to provide for them.”

The lawmakers demanded urgent answers, including a description of the steps VA has taken to suspend implementation of the rule; a timeline for the rule’s rescission or replacement; action VA is planning regarding its appeal of the Ingram v. Collins decision; and information regarding what conditions and diagnoses are meant to be targeted by this rule and the estimated number of veterans who will be impacted. They also formally requested VA and the National Archives and Records Administration preserve all stored communication regarding matters related to the development and issuance of this rule.

Last week VA published an interim final rule to change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated without an appropriate public comment period. This new rule reverses the previous standard established in 2025 by the Ingram v. Collins court case, which required VA to discount the impact of medication when evaluating the severity of claims for certain disabilities. Instead, the rule directs examiners to rate veterans’ disabilities as they present and to disregard the impact of medication. This would require VA to issue lower disability ratings despite evidence showing veterans meet the requirements for higher ratings.

The full text of the letter is available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY) sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche calling for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Attorney General Pam Bondi for allegedly committing perjury during her February 11, 2026 testimony before the House Committee on the Judiciary when she said, “there is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime.” Following the hearing, NPR reported that the Justice Department has withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump from the public database.

In the letter, the Members write:

Dear Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche,

As former prosecutors, we watched – along with millions of Americans – Attorney General Pam Bondi lie under oathbefore Congress. Testifying before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on February 11, 2026, Attorney GeneralBondi emphatically stated, “There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime.” Yet a number of thedocuments from the Epstein files released to date by the Department of Justice directly contradict her statement.When confronted with her lie, she did not retract her statement, she doubled down. She stated, “Don’t you ever accuse me of committing a crime.”

 Attorney General Bondi committed the crime of making false statements under oath, under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. We request that you immediately appoint a special counsel to investigate Attorney General Bondi for committing perjury. America cannot have a liar and a criminal as our top law enforcement officer.

Donald Trump is all over the Epstein files released to date – which is only half of the total number of documents in your possession – referenced over 38,000 times. Below are just a few examples of the evidence released by the Department of Justice alleging that Trump committed crimes:

                        o  “[REDACTED] stated Epstein introduced her to Trump who subsequently forced her head down to hisexposed penis which she subsequently bit. In response, Trump punched her in the head and kicked herout. (Date range 1983-1985, [REDACTED] would have been 13-15).”

                             o  “[REDACTED] remember Epstein introduced her to Trump saying “this is a good one, huh” and Trumpresponded “Yes”. (Date range roughly 1984, [REDACTED] would have been 14).”

• A separate FBI record reflects that an individual contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Centerreporting that, as a limo driver, he overheard Trump “continuously stated the name ‘Jeffrey’ while on the phone, and made references to “abusing some girl.” The individual also said he met a girl who said she was raped by Trump and Epstein.

•  In July 2019, FBI interview transcripts released by the DOJ indicate that a witness expressed fear of retaliation when discussing individuals who were “well known” including “current United States President Donald Trump.”

These examples contradict her claim that there is “no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime.” Whenconfronted with one of these pieces of evidence, Attorney General Bondi doubled down instead of retracting her false statement. She also inappropriately and creepily spied on Members of Congress who were searching through the Epstein Files, so we know that she would have seen the documents that incriminated Trump. 

Further, it appears that the DOJ removed a document indicating that the underage accuser referenced above in the21-page internal slideshow was interviewed not once, but “at least four times” by the FBI.⁶ The removal of that document is not only suspicious, it raises obvious concerns about a coverup.

Moreover, both you and AG Bondi have stated that all of the survivors who have reached out to the Department have been able to provide testimony and evidence. As the country saw during

last week’s hearing, that is demonstrably false. Every survivor who attended that hearing indicated that they hadtried to meet with the Department and were rebuffed but would still be willing to provide evidence and testimony. Unless the Department is overtly covering up for President Trump or other child predators, we expect that theDepartment will meet with those survivors immediately.

Attorney General Bondi’s conduct meets all the elements of the crime of making false statements under oath. Sinceshe obviously isn’t going to prosecute herself, a clear conflict of interest exists.

Therefore, under 28 C.F.R. § 600.1, we request that you immediately appoint a special counsel to investigate Attorney General Pam Bondi for making false statements under oath during her February 11, 2026, testimony before the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair of the HIV/AIDS Caucus, introduced the HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day resolution, which recognizes nationwide February 28 as “HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day.” This is a call to action to end the criminalization of people living with HIV and to promote science-based public health policy. 

“In 2026, it should not be a crime to live with HIV, but in nearly 3/4ths of the states, there are still HIV-specific exposure or transmission laws, and more than half of the states impose enhanced criminal penalties based solely on a person’s HIV status. That is wrong. It’s long past time to remove the stigma of HIV/AIDS. This resolution will encourage the repeal of outdated laws, promote medically accurate HIV education, and support increased funding for prevention, treatment, and care. Having a disease should not be a crime. Plain and simple.” 

Co-sponsors include: Mark Pocan (WI-02), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)

Endorsing organizations include: Advocates for Youth, AIDS United, ANEA Coalition, Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, Equality Federation, Health Not Prisons Collective, HIV Medicine Association, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, National Working Positive Coalition, National Working Positive Coalition, PWN-NYS, Ribbon-A Center of Excellence, SAGE, Save HIV Funding Campaign, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Strategies for High Impact, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus, ALINT Consulting, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Florida National Organization for Women, Miss Trans Star National, NASTAD, NHAAN, NMAC, Positive Women’s Network-USA, PrEP4All, Pwn-Pa, RiseUpToHIV,  SisterReach, The 6:52 Project Foundation, The Center for HIV Law and Policy, The Sero Project, The Well Project, Treatment Action Group, Women’s Health & Evolutionary Wellness, AIDS Foundation Chicago, Colorado Organizations and Individuals Responding to HIV/AIDS (CORA), Health Not Handcuffs Alliance – SC, HIV Modernization Movement-Indiana, Louisiana Coalition on Criminalization and Health, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Positive Iowans Taking Charge, TENT, Vivent Health, Vivent Health, We the Positive Network/My Brother’s Keeper, Equality California, Silver State Equality, AIDS Foundation Chicago, Arianna’s Place, Five Horizons Health Services, ACT UP Cleveland, CareSouth Carolina (Care Innovations), Posada Strategy Consulting

Text of the resolution can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta convened a roundtable of local business leaders to discuss the potential economic impacts of the Administration’s offshore oil drilling leasing proposal, which includes two sites off the central coast of California, and urge them to submit comments during the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) industry comment period, which ends February 26^th.

Given the rushed timeline, Rep. Panetta joined his colleagues in calling on the BOEM to extend their deadline for industry comment. This comment period is different from the previous 60-day public comment period, because it is specifically a call for industry to identify specific lease blocks and submit information on environmental conditions, archaeological resources, use conflicts, and socioeconomic impacts.

“Preventing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration is not just about protecting our coast, it’s also about preserving our coastal economy,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our hospitality, recreation, commercial fishing, agricultural, even real estate industries, and more generate billions annually and support tens of thousands of local jobs, which all could be threatened by the negative impacts of this Administration’s plan. That is why we will continue to come together to protect our beauty and bounty and perpetuate our thriving economy.”

Rep. Panetta continues to advocate in Congress to protect the Central Coast from offshore drilling. Following the leak of the Administration’s draft proposal in October 2025, he joined several of his colleagues in calling on the Administration to halt their plans to drill along the California coastline. He also convened local community and environmental leaders in opposition to the leaked plan. Rep. Panetta has also mobilized the constituents of the 19^th Congressional District and hosted a telephone townhall last month during BOEM’s first public comment period to instruct constituents on how to submit their own comments in opposition to the Administration’s leasing plan.

Rep. Panetta also continues to carefully monitor the Administration involvement in oil drilling off of California’s coast. In 2019 after the Trump Administration’s first attempt to open up oil drilling on the Central Coast, he introduced the Central Coast of California Conservation Act to prevent new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in the Central California Planning Area, spanning the entire coastline of California’s 19th Congressional District. He also led his colleagues in a multi-state effort to ban offshore drilling along thousands of miles of U.S. coastline, citing the negative impacts of oil-related disasters and accidents on climate change and natural ecosystems.

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

Yesterday evening, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) attended the first State of the Union address of President Donald Trump’s second term. The President’s powerful speech outlined the significant progress his Administration has made over the past year and reaffirmed his commitment to policies and priorities that put American citizens first. Congressman Biggs has been a leading voice in advancing legislation that aligns with and reinforces the President’s priorities. 

During his address, the President shared the tragic story of Dalilah Coleman, who was only five when she suffered life changing injuries caused by an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler. President Trump called for Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law, legislation that would prohibit states from handing out commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) to illegal aliens. Congressman Biggs’s VERIFY CDL Act would accomplish that priority by requiring states to verify an individual’s employment authorization through E-Verify before issuing or renewing a CDL.

“President Trump’s address made clear that strong leadership delivers results,” said Congressman Biggs. “In just one year, we have seen meaningful progress in restoring border security and the rule of law, economic stability, and American sovereignty at home and abroad. Now it is Congress’s responsibility to lock these wins into law. 

“I have introduced legislation to advance the President’s priorities, and I will continue fighting to ensure the American people see lasting, structural change—not only temporary executive action. As we approach the halfway point of the President’s term, I urge House Leadership to quickly move my bills that align with his priorities. The time to act is now.”

President Trump is committed to restoring order at our southern border. Congressman Biggs has been a leader on this issue throughout his time in Congress and currently serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Border Security Caucus. He has introduced the following legislation supporting this priority:

• H.R. 57, Ending Catch and Release Act of 2025 – Prohibits DHS from paroling or releasing illegal aliens into the country while the alien’s immigration claim is pending
• H.R. 64, Grant’s Law – Prohibits DHS from releasing illegal aliens who have been arrested for deportable crimes. This bill was named for a Fifth District constituent, Grant Ronnebeck, tragically killed by an illegal alien released from custody despite having a final order or removal
• H.R. 76,Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act– Establishes funding for the United States-Mexico border wall by taxing foreign remittance transfers, rightsizing immigration fees, and reducing foreign aid from countries whose nationals enter the U.S. illegally
• H.R. 116,Stopping Border Surges Act– Closes loopholes in immigration law that serve as a magnet for illegal entry into the country and promotes increased integrity in the asylum system
• H.R. 5795,Deportation Disclosure Act – Requires DHS to make public the name, photograph, aliases, and last known state of residence for all illegal aliens with final removal orders from the United States
• H.R. 7200,VERIFY CDL Act– Requires States to verify an applicant’s authorization to work in the United States through E-Verify before issuing or renewing a commercial driver’s license
• H.Res. 303 – Designating members of Tren de Aragua as alien enemies invading the United States.

President Trump underscored the need to restore public safety and uphold the rule of law. Congressman Biggs, Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, has introduced legislation to strengthen accountability and protect American communities:

President Trump emphasized restoring affordability and accountability in healthcare. Congressman Biggs has introduced legislation to support these efforts:

• H.R. 72, TBI and PTSD Treatment Act – Directs the VA to furnish Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD
• H.R. 74,Freedom for Families Act – Expands HSAs and family coverage choices
• H.R. 79,Freedom from Mandates Act – Repeals federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates and prohibits the federal government from imposing similar mandates in the future
• H.R. 89,Prescription Freedom Act – Eliminates unnecessary federal prescribing restrictions
• H.R. 111– Permits an above-the-line deduction for health insurance premiums.
• H.R. 6512,Putting Patients First Healthcare Freedom Act– Lowers premiums, restores competition, increases price transparency, codifies patient-choice, and defunds abortion and transgender procedures, among other conservative healthcare priorities
• H.Res. 7 – Recognizing the importance of access to comprehensive, high-quality, life-affirming medical care for women of all ages

President Trump underscored the importance of economic growth, regulatory reform, and fiscal responsibility. Congressman Biggs has introduced the following legislation advancing these priorities:

President Trump emphasized the importance of election integrity and trust in the electoral system. Congressman Biggs has introduced legislation to advance that priority:

• H.R. 58,Voter Integrity Protection Act – Designates voting in a federal election by an alien who is unlawfully in the United States an aggravated felony and a deportable offense
• H.R. 55 – Restores States’ rights to conduct elections and allow them to enforce state laws that eliminate voter fraud opportunities
• H.Res. 8– Reaffirming the House of Representatives’ commitment to ensuring secure elections nationwide and reiterating the importance of requiring photo identification at the ballot box

President Trump highlighted housing affordability as a key priority. Congressman Biggs has introduced legislation to support market-based solutions and remove unnecessary federal obstacles:

• H.R. 75,HOUSE Act of 2025 – Repeals or blocks federal regulations and mandates that increase construction and development costs
• H.R. 53,Responsible Borrower Protection Act– Prohibits federal agencies from using government-backed mortgage programs to subsidize higher-risk borrowers at the expense of responsible homeowners
• H.R. 50,KAMALA Act– Prohibits federal funds from being used to provide housing or shelter assistance to illegal aliens

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, introduced legislation today to help farmers fight through trade barriers and sell more fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops in foreign markets. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., are leading the House companion legislation.

The Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act) responds to continued high tariffs, burdensome labeling requirements, and other trade barriers that restrict U.S. products from accessing foreign markets, threatening rural communities and agricultural producers who depend on customers overseas. 

“The world is hungry for grown-in-the-U.S. blueberries, potatoes, wine and other produce. But all too often our farmers and producers are stymied by unreasonable blockades in foreign markets,” Wyden said. “Our bipartisan bill will help rural Americans by identifying unfair foreign trade barriers and creating specific plans to cut through that red tape.”  

“Specialty crop production is central to Idaho’s economy and our identity as a state,” Crapo said. “Idaho farmers can outgrow the world, but high tariffs and burdensome labeling requirements imposed by foreign nations threaten our rural communities and keep agricultural producers from accessing global markets.   Detailed and up-to-date information from USDA and USTR will help specialty crop growers navigate foreign markets and inform congressional and presidential efforts to address trade barriers and expand export opportunities.”  

The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.

“The specialty crops are a vital part of Oregon’s economy,” Bonamici said. “Unfortunately tariffs, market uncertainty, and other global factors have hit specialty crop growers hard. I’m pleased to introduce the Specialty CROP Act to improve the USDA’s existing specialty crops trade report to better improve the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops exports.”

“Specialty crops are a cornerstone of California agriculture—especially in the Central Valley—but while our state is a top exporter, our growers have unfortunately faced many challenges over the last few years,” Valadao said. “Many of our California-grown specialty crops rely on customers overseas, but due to unfair trade practices, burdensome labeling standards, and blockades in foreign markets, it makes it difficult to stay competitive. Our specialty crop producers deserve to compete on a level playing field in the global marketplace, and this bipartisan bill would take necessary steps to identify and combat unreasonable trade barriers more effectively.”

The legislation will help farmers by making key improvements to the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report, in order to more effectively identify and combat unreasonable trade barriers. It would: 

• Improve the annual report with important updates to:
  • Explicitly require participation and engagement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR);
  • Highlight specific trade barriers that limit the export competitiveness of specialty crops in specific markets, including tariff and non-tariff barriers;
  • Include an assessment of whether each trade barrier is subject to a U.S. FTA or international agreement;
  • Include specific information with respect to actions taken, or expected to be taken, by the U.S. government to address or resolve each trade barrier; and
  • Require a request for comment from both the public and the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.
• Require the report to be made public, while allowing for a classified annex in order to protect U.S. national security and economic strategy.
• Continue to define “specialty crop” as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” 

Statements of Support

“The North American Blueberry Council applauds Senators Wyden and Crapo for their continued leadership in advancing the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion (Specialty CROP) Act. As global demand for blueberries grows, persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers put U.S. producers at a competitive disadvantage. This legislation increases transparency around those barriers and identifies actionable opportunities to expand market access and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of American blueberry exports,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the North American Blueberry Council.

“Apple, pear and cherry growers in the Pacific Northwest frequently face tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that limit exports in crucial markets. We appreciate Senators Crapo and Wyden introducing this legislation to understand these trade barriers and identify needed solutions so our growers can compete and expand their export opportunities,” said Mark Powers, president of the Northwest Horticultural Council.

“The National Potato Council thanks Senators Crapo and Wyden for their leadership in advancing the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act. The U.S. potato industry is heavily dependent on competitive export markets. Minimizing or eliminating both tariff and non-tariff barriers is essential to the continued economic health of our industry. We sincerely appreciate the foresight of Senators Crapo and Wyden in moving this legislation forward,” said Kam Quarles, chief executive officer of the National Potato Council.

Read the text of the legislation here.

Read a one-page summary of the bill here.

A web version of the release is here.

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