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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 to create a newborn tax credit, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC), to help new families cover the significant costs associated with welcoming a child. In the United States, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care alone can cost families thousands of dollars, and expenses during a child’s first year of life can exceed $17,000—especially in California. This legislation would provide immediate, targeted relief to help ease the financial burden on parents during one of the most important and expensive times in their lives. Original co-leads of the bill include Reps. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06).

“One of the most exciting moments for any expecting family is preparing to welcome a new child, but unexpected expenses can quickly add up and leave new parents facing costs far beyond what they planned,” said Congressman Valadao. “As a father of three, I know how quickly costs can pile up—from diapers and clothing to strollers, childcare, and other essentials during a baby’s first year. While the existing Child Tax Credit has provided important relief for many working families, parents often need support long before tax season arrives. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide up to $2,000 per newborn as an advance payment to help families cover the immediate costs that come with welcoming a child into the world. This commonsense bill gives working parents greater financial flexibility and peace of mind so they can focus on growing their family instead of worrying about how to make ends meet.”

“Welcoming a new baby into the world should be one of the happiest moments in a family’s life, not one filled with fear about how to pay the bills,” said Congressman Suozzi. “At a time when so many Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, this bipartisan bill will support young families and provide immediate, practical relief to working parents as they handle those critical first expenses.”

“As a father of four, I know how quickly expenses add up when a new child arrives: diapers, car seats, strollers, clothing, formula, and the unexpected costs that come during the first year,” said Congressman Moore. “I’m excited to introduce the Supporting Newborn Parents Act to build on policies in the Working Families Tax Cuts, like the increased Child Tax Credit, by creating an additional tax credit for working parents of up to $2,000 per newborn child. This credit will help new and growing families by creating a financial cushion to meet their baby’s needs when they need it most.”

“Bringing home a newborn should be a moment of pure love and wonder, not financial stress,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This legislation puts tax dollars back into the wallets of working families when they need it most, helping to cover everything from diapers to doctor’s visits. I am proud to support this effort, because every family deserves peace of mind in those first precious moments.”

The Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 would:

• Create a standalone tax credit of up to $2,000 for families welcoming a newborn child, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC).
• Ensure low- and middle-income working parents can qualify for the credit, with benefits increasing alongside earned income.
• Allow families to receive the credit either as part of their annual tax refund or as an advance payment shortly after a child is born.
• Give parents flexibility to calculate eligibility using either their current-year or prior-year income.
• Align eligibility rules and income thresholds with the Child Tax Credit to simplify administration and avoid sudden benefit cutoffs.
• Adjust the credit amount over time to account for inflation.

Supporting organizations include the Niskanen Center, Save the Children, Third Way, American Principles Project, Bread for the World, Searchlight Institute, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), First 5 Kern, and Adventist Health.

“A newborn credit helps parents weather the turbulence of their baby’s first year. This bill gives families the flexibility to make choices that work best for them at a critical moment. We thank Representatives Valadao, Suozzi, Blake Moore, and Dingell for their leadership in supporting their commitment to supporting working families,” said Leah Sargeant, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center.

“Save the Children is proud to support the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026. This legislation recognizes the importance of supporting families during the earliest days of a child’s life, as well as the economic stress that can come with it. It’s a commonsense policy that supports hardworking families, including those in rural communities, and helps ensure every child has a strong start from day one,” said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy, Save the Children.

“The last thing new parents should have to worry about is how to pay for a hospital bill or a car seat. As costs rise, families need real support at one of the most important moments in a child’s life. That’s why we’re proud to endorse the Supporting Newborn Parents Act and grateful to Representatives Valadao, Suozzi, Dingell, and Moore for their leadership in easing the financial burden on new parents,” said Curran McSwigan, Deputy Director of the Economic Program, Third Way.

“American Principles Project is proud to endorse the Supporting Newborn Parents Act. This bipartisan bill delivers real help to working parents exactly when the affordability crisis hits hardest — right after welcoming a new child. This $2,000 newborn tax credit will help alleviate the pain of hospital bills, diapers, and lost wages without punishing work or marriage, while offering flexible payments and a simple process. The vast majority of Americans agree: we need more babies and stronger families. This smart, pro-family proposal would deliver relief today and invest in our future. Congress should pass it,” said Jon Schweppe, Senior Advisor, American Principles Project.

“Bread for the World applauds the introduction of the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which will be a critical tool in addressing food insecurity for families. This will be a beacon of hope for families in a financially vulnerable season of life: when they are welcoming new children into their lives. Congress’s continued support for and expansion of tax credits for families is critical for sustaining positive outcomes, reducing child poverty, and ending hunger,” said Eugene Cho, CEO, Bread for the World.

“Parents should be able to focus on bonding with their baby in the first months after birth. Too often, though, this period of life is marked by financial insecurity as new expenses hit the pocket book. A newborn credit—providing up to $2,000 on top of the typical Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the first year of life—is a smart way to support those American families. The Searchlight Institute applauds this bipartisan effort,” said Will Raderman, Policy Director, Searchlight Institute.

“The Bakersfield Pregnancy Center is grateful for the Bi-partisan bill “Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026”. As a Kern County Primary Care Clinic-Free, with services specific to Pregnancy and Sexual health, we see first-hand the challenges our clients face in welcoming a new baby into their life.  This tax credit will help build nation committed to supporting moms and dads, equipping them with needed financial resources so that choosing to have a child is natural, expected and celebrated,” said Erin Rogers, Executive Director, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center.

“Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) supports the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 for its focus on strengthening families at a critical time. By easing financial strain for new parents, this legislation will allow our agency to better serve the community and enhance the effectiveness of our existing programs by helping move people out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency,” said Jeremy Tobias, Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK).

“The Supporting Newborn Parents Act provides an important lifeline for families navigating the early stages of parenthood. A child’s earliest months and years are critical to healthy development, and we must continue creating meaningful support systems for parents and caregivers. As the costs of childbirth, postpartum care, and child care continue to rise, this legislation reflects an important investment in Central Valley families. Thank you to Congressman Valadao for his leadership on this issue,” said Amy Travis, Executive Director, First 5 Kern.

“Adventist Health strongly supports the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $2,000 per newborn to help ease the significant financial strain experienced by many of the rural, low-income, and working families we serve. By delivering timely, flexible support during a critical period, this legislation will help strengthen family stability and promote healthier starts for newborns across our communities,” said Julia Drefke, MPA, Public Affairs Executive, Adventist Health.

“In an era of declining family formation, we need action to support new parents during a vulnerable and volatile time of their life. This bill would support parents of newborns in a direct, visible way, helping make America a meaningfully more welcoming place to have a child. If it passes, it would become the most high-impact piece of pro-family legislation in a generation,” said Patrick T. Brown, Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center.

“Babies come with new expenses and disruptions to work. What they don’t come with is a check to pay for all of that. This bill is a long-overdue opportunity to fix that mismatch, and help American families start their lives as parents on a strong footing,” said Lyman Stone, Senior Fellow and Director of the Pronatalism Initiative, Institute for Family Studies.

“Working families are the backbone of this country, and federal policy should reflect that. BPC Action is excited to see Reps Valadao, Suozzi, Moore and Dingell focusing on this critical issue. Investing in families is essential and Congress must continue bipartisan engagement on these issues to meet the needs of families in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action.

Background:

Working families across the United States rely on a range of family benefit programs, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Yet despite this support, a critical gap remains in the months immediately following a child’s birth—a period when families face significant new expenses while household income declines by an average of 10 percent. The Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 would address this gap by establishing a newborn tax credit to complement existing family benefits. This credit would provide timely financial support to help parents cover hospital bills, purchase essential supplies, and manage the financial strain that often accompanies the arrival of a new child.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced the‘Countering Russia’s Forced Recruitment and Kidnapping in Africa Act.’ 

This legislation imposes sanctions on foreign persons and foreign governments participating in or facilitating the recruitment of foreign nationals from African countries for the purpose of fighting war criminal Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“War criminal Putin and his state-run “mercenary” outfits have generated chaos and misery everywhere they’ve gone, now extending into kidnapping and conscription to fuel their illegal invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s recruitment schemes, human trafficking, and the forced fighting of vulnerable populations in Africa should not be financed by his illegal aggressions,” said Rep. Wilson.

“Russia’s recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable men across multiple nations in Africa is not partnership – it is predation disguised as opportunity,” said Rep. Jackson. “This is a violation of human dignity and international law, and the world must not look away. That is why I joined Rep. Wilson in introducing this necessary legislation to condemn Russia’s human trafficking to the frontlines of their illegal war in Ukraine, and sanction those responsible for these heinous crimes.”

Background

Russian-backed entities are working to recruit civilian and military personnel across Africa to participate in Putin’s illegal and murderous war against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has reported that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, including many under false pretenses. 

The full text of the bill is available here.  

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), Senator Cramer (R-ND), and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer sponsored retirement plans.

Currently, retirement savers can exclude up to $110,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.

The Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.

“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.”

“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”

“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Senator Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”

“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Senator Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”

Original cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), both of whom serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Principles; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; United Way Worldwide; Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.; Association of Art Museum Directors. 

“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the American Heart Association.

“Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities,” stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. “Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors.”

“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, President & CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.” 

“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”

“The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.

“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.

“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Principles.

“With art museums typically depending on gifts for a third of their revenue, donations are what enable free and reduced admission, educational programs, and a host of community services.” said Christine Anagnos, Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Directors. “AAMD offers its thanks to Reps. Beyer and Kelly and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on the Charity Parity Act.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, DC – This month, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) led a letter with her colleagues in the Lowering Costs Caucus urging President Trump to immediately address the energy affordability crisis straining household budgets across the country. The members highlighted how the Trump administration’s policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) and chaotic tariffs, are driving these skyrocketing costs.

“More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade,” the Representatives wrote in part.

“Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet,” the Representatives continued. “Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.” 

Rep. Stevens was joined by Reps. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01). 

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear President Trump,

We write as members of the Lowering Cost Caucus to urge your Administration to take immediate action to provide American consumers with relief from skyrocketing energy prices. Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet.

American families have been saddled with an energy affordability crisis. More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade.

In 2026, gas prices have soared more than 30 percent. The national average sits at $4 per gallon, up over a dollar since February. This is the most significant jump in gas prices in six decades. This reality–in conjunction with tariffs raising the cost of imported goods by nearly seven percent, and domestic goods by almost five percent–is untenable and places a significant strain on communities throughout the nation. In addition to rising prices at the pump, global market oil shortages have jacked up the price of jet fuel by over 14 percent compared to this time last year. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in fewer flight options, increased fares, and other fees for Americans. This will inevitably limit our constituents from traveling for work or leisure, as well as being there for their loved ones during significant life events such as weddings or funerals. Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.

We share the goal of lowering costs for all Americans, and that includes taking swift action to lower gas and energy prices. The Lowering Cost Caucus stands ready to work with our colleagues in Congress to bring immediate relief to families across the nation, and we encourage your Administration to support these efforts. Thank you for your time and attention to this pressing matter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) introduced the Iran War Oil Crisis Windfall Profits Tax Act, which will impose a windfall profits tax on U.S. oil companies until (1) the President declares that all hostilities with Iran have ceased, (2) the Strait of Hormuz is fully re-opened, and (3) the price of oil per barrel drops below $75 per the West Texas Intermediate and will return revenues generated by this tax directly to American taxpayers to alleviate the burden of the Iran war on the American people.

“The President recently posted on social media that ‘when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.’ The only ones profiting from higher oil prices are U.S. oil companies,” said Congressman Sherman. “For American families, rising oil prices mean higher costs and greater financial strain. My bill will ensure oil companies don’t profit from the hardship facing working families and will help offset the rising costs that Trump’s war has imposed on the American people.”

The war with Iran has driven global oil prices sharply higher, with U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude recently trading in the mid-$90s per barrel and, at times, even exceeding $100. These price increases are generating extraordinary profits for large oil producers and imposing significant strain on American families and businesses. There is no reason oil companies should benefit from the Iran War.

The Iran War Oil Crisis Windfall Profits Tax Actwould impose a 100 percent windfall profits tax on revenues derived from the sale of oil at prices above $75 per barrel (as measured by West Texas Intermediate) during the course of the Iran War. The $75 threshold reflects a reasonable baseline consistent with pre-crisis price expectations. This tax would remain in effect only until hostilities with Iran cease, the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, and the price drops below $75 per barrel.

To ensure that American families directly benefit from this policy, the legislation establishes a mechanism to return revenues generated by the windfall profits tax to American taxpayers. Funds collected will be rebated back to households to offset increased energy and transportation costs from Trump’s war. 

To view bill text, click here. 

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson addressed Republicans’ reconciliation bill to fund border security and immigration enforcement and discussed Democrats’ failed scheme to gerrymander along racial lines. Speaker Johnson also highlighted House Republicans’ honoring fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week.

“Look at the California Governor’s race. Nearly all those Democrats, including a former House Democrat and a Biden Cabinet Secretary, proudly said ‘yes’ when they were asked if they supported providing healthcare to illegal aliens. We’re supposed to believe this is a serious political party?” Speaker Johnson asked. “Democrats are chomping at the bit to regain power, reopen our borders, and allow violent, criminal illegal aliens to continue to roam our streets. And we’re not going to let them. So, we’re eager to quickly finish this reconciliation process and get this bill to President Trump’s desk.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.

On Republicans’ reconciliation bill to fund ICE/CBP:

Before Republicans returned to work in our districts last week, we ended the majority of the shameful record-long Democrat Department of Homeland Security shutdown. And I’m happy to report that we are right on schedule to finish the process and get our reconciliation bill to the President’s desk by the June 1 deadline. We will fully fund both border security and immigration enforcement for the balance of President Trump’s term, and we’re going to do this for two reasons. Number one, obviously maintaining border security and deporting dangerous criminal legal aliens is the baseline that the American people demand and deserve. They told us that in the last election cycle, and they say it all the time, every day since. We do not have a country, if we do not have borders, that’s just the bottom line. I’m grateful every day that America once again has a President who understands that.

The second reason is it’s very sad and shocking fact. And, it’s almost unbelievable to say this, but there’s not a single Democrat in Congress, House or Senate, who believes that border security and immigration enforcement should exist. They do not believe that we should fund those at the federal level. It’s a stunning statement, but it is true. And it’s proven time and time again by their word and by their votes, they prove to you what they’re about. I think everybody needs to keep that in mind.

Look at the California’s Governor’s race. I mean, what a spectacle. Nearly all the Democrats, including a former House Democrat and a Biden Cabinet Secretary proudly said ‘yes’ when they were asked the simple question if they support providing healthcare to illegal aliens. We’re supposed to believe this is a serious political party right now? I mean, Democrats are chomping at the bit to regain power and reopen our borders and allow violent, criminal illegal aliens to continue to roam our streets. These are facts. This is not political talking points. This is what they are and what they’re about. And we’re not going to let them do that. So we’re eager to quickly finish this reconciliation process and get this bill to the President’s desk.

On National Police Week:

Americans are honoring the courage and the dedication and the sacrifice of law enforcement officers, and they well deserve that sadly. We mourn the men and women who have lost their lives in a line of duty for the safety and protection of our neighbors. And we owe our law enforcement officers everything because they sacrifice everything to stand guard against evil and protect in all these communities around our great country. When law enforcement officers put on their uniform and they lace up their boots every morning, they just don’t have a guarantee that they’re going to return after that last shift.

As I mentioned, we had 111 [fallen officers] for this year alone, and it’s something that we have to keep in mind all the time. One law enforcement death is too many, but we’ve received welcome news this year. This is one bright spot: the amount of law enforcement deaths in the line of duty dropped 25% from 2024 to 2025. And that’s the lowest number of law enforcement line of duty deaths since 1943. So we’re very thankful for that. And it matters who’s in charge. Elections have consequences, and if you have elected officials, legislatures, and a Congress that supports those in law enforcement, then it assists with these statistics. That’s an objective fact and it’s a direct correlation to public policy. Republicans are going continue to pursue legislation that makes officers safer and will also continue to advance transformational policies like No Tax on Overtime, as you heard, which tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and their families have already benefited from and they’re telling us about it when we go home.

On the Democrats’ failed scheme to gerrymander along racial lines:

In the Callais case at the US Supreme Court, the court restored a simple but profound truth. Yes, the Constitution protects every American equally. And that’s a very important concept for us to maintain. This is another fact. Democrats spent decades trying to engineer electoral maps that divided Americans. And this decision from the Supreme Court hopefully ends that terrible practice once and for all. We find it amusing that Democrats are suddenly concerned about fair Congressional representation, they say. And I challenge those Democrats to raise those concerns with the Republican Congressmen from Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island. They’ll have a hard time doing that, of course, because Democrats have gerrymandered Republicans completely out of those states.

And in Virginia last week, the Virginia Supreme Court, of course, affirmed what Republicans believed from the very beginning. We fought hard to win that ballot initiative and we invested there. But ultimately, we knew that was a hastily drawn gerrymandered that was unconstitutional. It’s a power grab. And thankfully the courts restoring and upholding the rule of law, did the right thing there. Democrats, by the way, put all their chips in the middle on that one. You saw it. And they burned through countless goodwill with the people of the state of Virginia and elsewhere. Democrats nationwide, they spent more than $65 million and they even had Barack Obama cutting ads and robocall, and it wasn’t enough because it was such a crazy overreach. And it was all in pursuit of an unconstitutional scheme to dilute the power of Republicans of Virginia. And fortunately, the plan failed spectacularly. They got a lot to answer for. Their press conference this week ought to be interesting. Look, this decision doesn’t change our posture for one minute. Republicans are laser focused. We don’t look to the right or the left, we charge straight forward.

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

Earlier this week, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) called on Congressman James Comer (KY-01), the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight, to formally open an investigation into corruption and insider trading occurring in online prediction markets by subpoenaing internal records from these markets. On Wednesday morning, during an appearance on Mornings with Maria, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo pressed Comer on the issue and asked what Comer expects to do next.

Maria Bartiromo: “Seven House Democrats sent you a letter requesting subpoenas for an investigation into suspicious prediction market trades times tied to the Iran conflict. What can you tell us about this?”

Chairman Comer: “Well, this is a problem. We’ve all seen those big trades go through hours before something big happens in Iran. We saw the same thing happen in Venezuela. I think that someone’s been identified in the military as being part of the trade with respect to Venezuela. At the end of the day, it’s suspicious. So it’s something that we’re concerned about. I know there are other committees of the House and Senate that are looking into that as well, so it’s something that I would like to know the answer. And if someone’s using their knowledge and influence as a government employee or part of our military or part of the administration to profit from that in a prediction market, and then they should be held accountable. I don’t know what the law is, but if we need to make a law and change a law with respect to that, we will certainly do it. But at the end of the day, it’s very unethical, and it doesn’t need to happen.”

Maria Bartiromo: “Yeah. I mean, I don’t know how that’s possible, really. I mean, somebody in our military who may very well have access to sensitive information about whether or not we’re going to go into Venezuela, go into Iran, makes a bet on it, on prediction markets, and makes hundreds of 1000s of dollars on it. How is that? How does that happen? I mean, so I’d like you to get more information on it. Where are you in that investigation?”

Chairman Comer: “Well, we’re starting to request information. That’s the process. That’s how it begins. We’ll request information, and if we have trouble getting it, then a subpoena will follow. My subpoenas hold up in court, so if someone gets a letter from me requesting information or a document, they turn it over 99% of the time, because if they don’t, we’ll subpoena them and win in court and eventually get the document and make it even harder on them as we move forward with the investigation. These prediction markets are new, Maria, so we’re in uncharted territory. No one would have thought about this two years ago, someone having knowledge about an upcoming invasion of a country and making an enormous bet on a prediction market.”

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. 

In his letter, Pappas highlighted how recent wagers on political and international topics have raised suspicion of insider trading, writing: “As you know there have been a number of suspicious trades made in connection with U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran… a single trader made nearly $1 million with a 93 percent success rate on wagers predicting unannounced U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, placing bets hours before strikes in October 2024, June 2025, and February 2026. A separate group of 38 accounts netted more than $2 million on the February 28 strikes alone, after being preloaded with funds the preceding week. At least 50 newly created accounts placed coordinated bets on a U.S.-Iran ceasefire on April 7, some opened minutes before the announcement.”

He went on to highlight the vested interest of the American people in knowing whether government officials are using these markets in violation of the law and their oaths of office: “The American public has a legitimate interest in knowing whether individuals entrusted with classified national security information have used that access for personal financial gain. A committee investigation, enforced with subpoenas, will include internal records, which are the only means by which the individuals who conducted these trades can be identified and the question of whether these platforms are upholding their responsibilities can be answered. Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to determine whether existing ethics, classification, and financial disclosure laws have been violated, and whether legislative action is necessary to prevent recurrence.”

Pappas concluded by re-emphasizing the importance of House Oversight’s subpoena power, noting: “We cannot fulfill that responsibility without knowing who placed these trades.”

Background:

Pappas supports the Public 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 leads legislation to codify the Office of Congressional Ethics, now called the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), the only independent internal watchdog that probes ethical breaches in 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.

Over the course of the 119th Congress, Pappas has helped introduce the TRUST in Congress Act and the No Getting Rich in Congress Act and supports the bipartisan effort to force a vote on the Restore Trust in Congress Act. He is also a cosponsor of the Fighting Foreign Influence Act. 

Read Pappas’s letter from earlier this week here and below:

Dear Chairman Comer: 

We write to request that the Committee issue subpoenas and open an investigation into apparent corruption and insider trading occurring in online prediction markets. As you know there have been a number of suspicious trades made in connection with U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.

We are deeply concerned that individuals with access to sensitive government information have used that access for personal financial gain. For example, a single trader made nearly $1 million with a 93 percent success rate on wagers predicting unannounced U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, placing bets hours before strikes in October 2024, June 2025, and February 2026.¹ 

A separate group of 38 accounts netted more than $2 million on the February 28 strikes alone, after being preloaded with funds the preceding week.² At least 50 newly created accounts placed coordinated bets on a U.S.-Iran ceasefire on April 7, some opened minutes before the announcement.³ Israeli authorities have separately indicted two individuals, including a military reservist, for placing Iran-related bets on Polymarket using classified information.⁴

Some of the suspicious trades were reportedly placed on Polymarket Global, the platform’s offshore site, which U.S. persons are barred from accessing under the terms of Polymarket’s 2022 settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.⁵ The platform’s failure to implement meaningful identity verification or enforce restrictions on U.S. persons raises serious questions about its broader compliance with federal law. A recent case illustrates the seriousness of the issue. In that case a U.S. Army special forces soldier was charged with using classified information to bet on the raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to win $400,000 on the platform, Polymarket identified him and referred the matter to federal authorities, leading to his arrest and criminal charges. 

The American public has a legitimate interest in knowing whether individuals entrusted with classified national security information have used that access for personal financial gain. A committee investigation, enforced with subpoenas, will include internal records, which are the only means by which the individuals who conducted these trades can be identified and the question of whether these platforms are upholding their responsibilities can be answered. Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to determine whether existing ethics, classification, and financial disclosure laws have been violated, and whether legislative action is necessary to prevent recurrence. We cannot fulfill that responsibility without knowing who placed these trades.

Given the important national security implications and possible corruption occurring in these markets, we respectfully request a response to this letter outlining the Committee’s planned approach to this issue no later than May 22, 2026. 

Sincerely, 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

During National Police Week, Bacon and Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act” to Protect Law Enforcement Officers and their Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO – Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced that the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District is Mariana Ramirez, a student at J.S. Morton West High School and resident of the Village of Lyons, Illinois. Mariana’s piece, titled “Just Following Orders,” depicts the cruelty of ICE enforcement in Chicago and the impact it has had on all community members. This art piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning students’ artwork from across the country. The piece has already drawn widespread local praise for its powerful portrayal of identity, and the lived experiences of immigrant communities across the Chicago area.

“I wanted to bring awareness to this current issue and express the two sides using an anaglyph technique,” said Mariana. “I also used words and images to symbolize the hate and discrimination of working-class immigrants who make America what it is today. Additionally, I added a mural on the wall that represents immigrants in America with monarch butterflies, which are natural migrants and symbolize the process of migration that is ever-present in nature and necessary for their survival. The plants growing symbolize the economy and society, depicting the abundance and contribution immigrants make to our growing economy. The other side of the wall in my piece shows dying plants wilting away, expressing how, without immigrants, America would be nothing.”

“Art has always served as a reflection of the times we live in, and this is clear when we look at Mariana Ramirez’s piece. ‘Just Following Orders’ depicts some of the worst of the violent immigration operations that took place in Chicagoland last year,” said Congressman García. “Her artwork is an example of the emotional impact these attacks have had on all our residents. It’s a piece that everyone needs to see, and I’ll be very proud it will represent our district in the U.S. Capitol.” 

You can view a picture of Mariana Ramirez’s winning piece of art on this link. 

 

About the Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in congressional districts nationwide. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Winners are honored locally and at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Their artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Congressman Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04) led a coalition of 30+ Members of Congress in urging the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make a strong federal investments in public transportation in the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization process.  

Current federal surface transportation law expires in September 2026, and Congress will soon consider new, multi-year legislation to plan and execute on surface transportation infrastructure projects. Strong public transportation infrastructure funding will ensure that millions of Americans can continue to rely on safe, reliable, and efficient transit systems.

“Public transportation is critical for our communities by helping Bay Area residents get to work, access health care, and visit family, all while reducing traffic congestion,” said Rep. Garamendi. “It is imperative that Congress protects and enhances core investment programs, such as the Section 5337 State of Good Repair program, which helps ensure our transit systems are safe, reliable, and efficient.”

In the letter, the members write:  

“Federal transit programs form the backbone of communities of all sizes, connecting people to jobs, education, and opportunity. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, transit keeps highways clear for interstate commerce and freight movement. As Congress considers the next surface transportation reauthorization, we urge you to preserve and strengthen the dedicated resources that keep these systems in a state of good repair. A critical component of this investment is the Section 5337-State of Good Repair program, which enables safe, reliable transit travel by funding rehabilitation and replacement of aging rail and bus infrastructure.”

You can read the full letter HERE.  

This effort is also supported by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.  

“My Commission colleagues and I thank Representatives Simon, García and Garamendi for their leadership in preserving the cornerstone of the federal transportation program,” said Metropolitan Transportation Commission Chair and Pleasant Hill City Councilmember Sue Noack. “Federal transit formula dollars drive the engines of prosperity for metro areas all around the country. Here in the Bay Area, we use federal formula money to help keep our transit infrastructure in good condition, which is key to safety and reliability for the million riders our systems carry each day. Thanks to this support, millions more have a viable alternative to driving. Just 3% to 5% fewer vehicles on the road can cut traffic delays by up to 70%. Without our transit formula funding in place, congestion could overwhelm highways from the Bay Area to the Beltway.”

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