MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Says “Don’t tell me, John Roberts, that the Supreme Court of the United States is not political. It is an arm of the Trump White House.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) testified to the Rules Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of his legislation, H.R. 8365, the Monitor Accountability Act, which is scheduled to be considered on the floor later this week.

This bill will end the grift exemplified by the federal court monitor in Maricopa County, which has far outlived its original purpose and cost county taxpayers $350 million.

Congressman Biggs’ prepared remarks are as follows:

“As you may know, monitors oversee compliance with consent decrees and settlements. When the federal government enters into a consent decree or other settlement with a state or local government, a monitor is appointed by the court to implement and monitor compliance with the terms of the consent decree or court order. Courts appoint monitors on a case-by-case basis under individual consent decrees and enforcement agreements, resulting in a variable number of active monitors at any given time.

“H.R. 8365 would place conditions on a district court’s appointment of a monitor of a state or unit of local government. These conditions include a cap on fees, a term limit on the monitors and judges overseeing monitor cases, public comment on the selection of the monitor, and providing a public accounting of the activities of the monitor. In several cases, monitorships have remained in place for a decade or longer. The tenure of some monitors has prompted debate over whether this oversight remains narrowly focused on ensuring compliance with the consent decree or if it expands into sustained managerial control of agency operations.

“The tenure of longer-serving monitors has also raised concerns regarding costs, duration, and accountability of monitors. Some court monitors have amassed a great deal of wealth at the taxpayers’ expense and have no incentive to conclude their monitorships. For example, in Maricopa County, Arizona, the monitorship of the County sheriff office has cost the taxpayers almost $350 million since 2013. Since it began, about $32 million has been paid directly to the monitor’s firm. The same monitor has been accused of charging exorbitant fees without producing results in similar monitoring duties in New York, California, Michigan, and Louisiana. 

“To be clear, this bill does not end monitors. It only requires that a fresh set of eyes is placed on jurisdictions subject to a monitor.

“And let me give credit where credit is due. While I agreed very little with the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration, this bill codifies reforms based on five core principles first proposed by the Biden-Harris Administration. In 2021, the Department of Justice reviewed monitor practices and proposed reforms. Those reforms included applying a series of principles that included limiting costs and conflicts of interest, ensuring monitors’ accountability, compliance assessment, community engagement, and efficient reform.

“This is what the Monitor Accountability Act does.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Workforce Protections Subcommittee Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at today’s subcommittee hearing entitled, “Building a Safer Future: Private-Sector Strategies for Emerging Safety Issues.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today.

“All workers deserve to come home at the end of the day healthy, whole, and paid fairly for their labor.  Thanks to agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workers benefit from standards based on sound science that have pushed companies to modernize and improve their workplaces.

“Today’s hearing revolves around how the private sector has implemented certain programs to track and address workplace health and safety through the use of what they call ‘leading indicators.’  These leading indicators focus on whether an employer is taking proactive measures to prevent injury and illness on the job and identify weak spots where additional action may be needed to prevent worker harm.

“We all want to prevent workplace injuries before they happen, and leading indicators could potentially help with that.  But we must be realistic. Effectively tracking and responding to leading indicators will require a lot of investment and personnel, that small businesses are unlikely to have.  Additionally, some leading indicators, when used improperly, could lead bad employers to blame their workers if an injury occurs, instead of taking the proper steps to correct a hazard in the first place.

“We lack sufficient research and information to determine whether leading indicators can meaningfully improve workplace safety.  Much of the research has been limited to private consultants, putting it out of reach for smaller employers. While I’m relieved that the National Safety Council has attempted to fill that gap with useful case studies, we still need comprehensive, open-sourced scientific research to evaluate these indicators. And this kind of public research would be best conducted by a well-funded and well-staffed NIOSH.

“Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has made sweeping cuts to NIOSH’s staffing.  While those cuts have been reversed, there is still significant concern that NIOSH has lost many valuable experts to attrition, and we do not know whether the agency is being allowed to replace them.  This is yet another example of how the Trump Administration’s recklessness has come at the direct expense of protecting and prioritizing working Americans.

“OSHA and NIOSH are our best, longstanding tools to stop workplace harm. It is vital that we fully fund and staff these agencies to identify and correct unsafe working conditions, because voluntary compliance programs or leading indicators alone will not be enough.

“Finally, Mr. Chairman, I am grateful that we have made emerging safety and health issues an additional theme for this hearing.  As we look ahead to the transition from spring to summer, I worry that the Trump Administration’s weakened OSHA enforcement program on heat stress will leave workers vulnerable. And in turn, the workers who are able to seek medical care for heat stress will be entrusted to our nation’s hardworking health care workers, who still face serious risks of workplace violence, another danger that the Trump Administration has chosen to ignore.

“Our nation’s miners also deserve the same protections from deadly silica dust that other workers enjoy. That is why the Biden Administration published an [Mine Safety and Health Administration] standard, but the Trump Administration has refused to enforce it and instead seems ready to weaken the rule.  And this is now happening at a time when [silicosis] is re-emerging outside of mining as a health crisis, particularly for workers who manufacture or install artificial stone countertops. And yet, Congressional Republicans are actively trying to pass legislation shutting down those workers’ ability to hold irresponsible companies accountable in court. These are sick workers and their families who are just trying to get compensation for lung transplants, cancer treatments, and funeral expenses.

“Every worker deserves to come home safe; it should be one of the most basic obligations that we owe to all of our constituents. But this Congress and this Administration are failing to meet that.

“Thank you, and I yield back.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Top Energy and Commerce Committee Democrat Questions 25 Major Corporations About Whether They Use Customers’ Personal Data to Charge Them Different Prices

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Beatty’s bill, H.R. 3709 the ‘Advancing the Mentor Protégé Program for Small Financial Institutions’ Act unanimously passed the House of Representatives and now awaits Senate passage. This legislation was included in the House-passed bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, which aims to increase housing supply, prioritize affordability, and advance housing equity.

This critical legislation will codify the Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program at the U.S. Department of the Treasury; a program that pairs up small and rural financial institutions with large banks and credit unions, providing resources, training, and technical assistance to help them better serve their communities and become Financial Agents to Treasury.

Small financial institutions, including Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), play a critical role in their communities, yet there are only 151 MDI banks left in the United States, and the number of minority-owned banks has dropped more than 30% since its peak in 2008. Although their numbers have largely stabilized in recent years, MDIs generally have much higher expenses and are often forced to merge with other minority-owned banks to survive.

“Small financial institutions serve as the backbone of local economies nationwide, delivering essential resources like mortgage credit, small business capital, and trusted banking services that help neighborhoods thrive,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.“These institutions know the people they serve best and they are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to local financial needs. Formally establishing the Department of Treasury’s Mentor-Protégé Program will strengthen economic opportunity in communities across the country and move us closer to a more equitable and inclusive financial system for all Americans.”

The Advancing the Mentor Protégé Program for Small Financial Institutions Act has garnered support from multiple banking organizations, including the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), American Bankers Association (ABA), America’s Credit Unions (ACU), and National Bankers Association (NBA). 

The full bill text can be found HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, today, Congressman Cline (R-VA) introduced the Servicemember Payment Data Privacy and Security Act to ensure federal facilities are not using any Chinese hardware in point-of-sale technology, limiting the exposure and infiltration by foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.

Bloomberg Government

By: Rachel Schilke

The Defense Department would be barred from using point-of-sale technology owned and operated by companies connected to “foreign adversaries” under a bill Rep. Ben Cline is introducing Wednesday.

Allowing Chinese-owned and operated point-of-sale technology in Defense Department facilities increases the “risk of exposing sensitive data to our foreign adversaries,” Cline (R-Va.), who serves on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement.

“I introduced the Servicemember Payment Data Privacy and Security Act to protect important information from CCP operatives who aim to exploit, undermine, and harm our Nation,” Cline said.

Cline’s office discovered last year PAX-made devices were in use in the House Rayburn and Longworth office building cafeterias. The devices are similar to tap-to-pay kiosks. While current law prohibits the existence of PAX devices, the kiosks in Rayburn and Longworth were able to evade scrutiny because the primary contractor was for a separate service, according to Cline’s office.

After Cline raised concerns with the House Administration Committee, the devices were removed from the cafeterias on March 30.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Tuesday urging him to publicly support prohibiting federal officials from participating in prediction markets or providing information to associates for use in prediction markets ahead of this week’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi warned that sensitive nonpublic information tied to U.S.-China negotiations, tariffs, export controls, and geopolitical developments could create opportunities for insider trading and abuse of prediction markets.

“Given the enormous market sensitivity surrounding U.S.-China relations, trade negotiations, tariffs, export controls, and geopolitical developments, any nonpublic information concerning the summit could create substantial opportunities for improper financial gain, particularly in predictive markets,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Krishnamoorthi also urged Trump to ensure officials, employees, advisors, contractors, and associates involved in the summit understand federal prohibitions on trading using material nonpublic information and the penalties for violating those laws.

The letter cites recent reporting regarding billions of dollars in unusually timed oil market wagers placed shortly before major U.S. policy announcements related to Iran, raising concerns about the misuse of privileged government information.

“I further urge you to publicly support prohibiting federal officials from participating in prediction markets or providing information to associates to participate in prediction markets,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Krishnamoorthi also noted that the U.S. Senate recently unanimously passed a rule barring senators and Senate staff from trading on prediction markets.

“Senators unanimously agreed that the executive branch should establish similar restrictions,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

“The American people must have confidence that U.S. foreign policy is being conducted in the national interest — not used as an opportunity for private financial gain,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

The letter is available here.

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.”