Congressman Cohen and the Cannabis Unity Coalition to Address Federal Marijuana Policy

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a longtime advocate of reasonable federal law and policy about marijuana, will join representatives of the roughly 40 groups collectively known as the Cannabis Unity Coalition at a press conference on Wednesday, May 13.

The groups include the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), and the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), among others

What: The Cannabis Unity Coalition Day of Action Press Conference

Who: Congressman Cohen, representatives of the Cannabis Unity Coalition and others will speak

When: Wednesday, May 13, at 10 a.m.

Where: The House Press Triangle outside the U.S. Capitol

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

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Rep. Stevens Blasts Trump on Inflation: “Michigan Workers Are Being Left Behind”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to the highest inflation numbers in nearly three years, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Instead, Michigan families are still getting squeezed: from rising grocery bills to higher prices at the gas pump to the soaring cost of housing. At the same time, his administration is spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a reckless war with Iran that is driving prices even higher.

“Michiganders are tired of the chaos, the broken promises, and political stunts. While Trump jets off to China this week with his billionaire friends in tow, Michigan families are being left behind.

“I’ll keep fighting every single day to make sure Michigan has a seat at the table in Congress and that Michigan workers come first.”

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Casten, Lieu Urge DOJ to Prosecute Insider Trading on Prediction Market Platforms

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

May 12, 2026

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Ted Lieu (CA-36) led 54 House Democrats in an effort to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms more aggressively.

“Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets,” the lawmakers wrote. “…We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.”

Prediction markets have grown rapidly in scope and visibility, allowing users to wager on outcomes ranging from elections and sporting events to military actions, geopolitical developments, and major cultural events. As these markets become more prevalent, so too does the risk that individuals with access to confidential government, corporate, or event-related information may use that information for personal profit.

Recent events have underscored the need for stronger enforcement. There have been several high-profile incidents of suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms, including on both Polymarket and Kalshi. These incidents include suspiciously timed trades predicting U.S. military actions against Iran, the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, performances at major cultural events, the outcomes of congressional elections, and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed,” the lawmakers continued.

On April 23, 2026, the DOJ charged a U.S. servicemember with wire fraud for allegedly using classified information to make $400,000 from bets on Polymarket related to the U.S. military operation to remove Venezuela’s leader. This case highlights the significant national security, market integrity, and public trust risks posed when individuals allegedly exploit nonpublic information to trade on real-world events.

In addition to Reps. Casten and Lieu, the letter was signed by Reps. Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Janelle Bynum, Greg Casar, Ed Case, Maxine Dexter, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Adelita Grijalva, Josh Harder, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Levin, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Robert Menendez, Grace Meng, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Pappas, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Andrea Salinas, Hillary Scholten, Brad Sherman, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Bonnie Watson Coleman, George Whitesides, and Nikema Williams.

Text of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

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Trump’s War Drives Painful Price Spikes

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

Inflation data released by the Trump Administration today via the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed prices surging, as inflation reached the highest levels in three years. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report found that prices rose at an annual rate of 3.8 percent in April. The increase was driven by skyrocketing fuel and gas prices amid President Trump’s unpopular war with Iran, but other items including groceries, electricity, and travel expenses also saw steep increases.

Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, said:

“As the American people suffer the ill effects of higher prices inflicted on them through a foolish war they largely oppose, Republicans in Washington – who keep voting to continue that war – are preparing to spend a billion dollars in taxpayer money on a fancy golden ballroom for Donald Trump.

“This is not the leadership of American statesmen, it is the behavior of deliriously out-of-touch Ancien Régime aristocrats. And no one is more out of touch than Trump himself, who keeps insisting that the affordability crisis is a ‘hoax’ while he does all he can to make life less affordable for American families. Prices are rising at a catastrophic rate thanks to this disastrous war of choice, and Trump is alternating between bloviating to his lackeys about his ballroom and yelling at clouds in manic late night social media tantrums.

“The Constitution empowers Congress to make our country better and stronger, reflect the popular will, and rein in Executive Branch excesses. This Republican-led rubber stamp Congress is among the weakest in our history, and their surrender of power amid economic calamity and blatant presidential corruption is a national embarrassment that will be long remembered. The American people deserve better.”

SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Slams Trump Administration Decision to Gut America’s Conservation Legacy

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

The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Reps. Doris Matsui (CA), Don Beyer (VA), and Maxine Dexter (OR) released a statement following the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) decision to formally strike down the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, or “Public Lands Rule”.

“The Department of the Interior struck down much-needed guidance for our nation’s largest land agency that laid out a balanced approach when it comes to managing 245 million acres of America’s public lands,” said the Task Force Co-Chairs. “This is a devastating attack on our public lands and the freedom for our children and future generations to explore the great outdoors. The Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule reiterated the simple and straightforward concept that conservation should be equally valued alongside energy extraction and mining uses of our public lands. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to go against the wishes of the American people and tilt the scales in favor of corrupt polluters. SEEC’s Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force will continue to fight alongside the overwhelming American majority who support the responsible management and conservation of our nation’s special places.”

NE Delegation Urges Major Disaster Declaration for Wildfires in Letter to Trump

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Donald Trump supporting Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration following wildfires across the state.

Read the letter below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed wildfires that have broken out and forced evacuations, for the Nebraska counties of Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill Counties over periods during March and April of 2026. 

The Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby, and Minor Fires collectively burned over 800,000 acres across Nebraska, with the Morrill Fire alone burning over 640,000 acres, a Nebraska record. Extreme drought combined with high winds and low humidity led to unpredictable behavior and mass destruction. 

We know our Nebraskan communities will prove their resilience as they continue to recover from this hardship, as they have exhibited many times in previous years. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in their ongoing efforts to contain these wildfires and provide assistance where it is needed. 

We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.

Click here to view a copy of the transmitted letter. 

Dingell Reintroduces Arthritis Awareness Month Resolution

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

Dingell Reintroduces Arthritis Awareness Month Resolution

Washington, May 11, 2026

Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) reintroduced a resolution marking May as Arthritis Awareness Month to spur continued conversation and support of the 60 million Americans who are affected by arthritis. 

“Arthritis impacts 60 million Americans, including children, workers, and seniors who live every day with chronic pain and mobility challenges,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “During Arthritis Awareness Month, we recognize the resilience of those living with arthritis and recommit ourselves to expanding access to affordable health care, advancing research, and supporting treatments that improve quality of life.” “An arthritis diagnosis, whether osteoarthritis or an inflammatory type like gout, changes the trajectory of a person’s life,” said Steve Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “From mobility limitations to chronic pain to the sometimes-difficult journey to find the right treatment, arthritis can present a number of challenges to patients and their families. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the information, tools and support they need to manage arthritis and improve their quality of life. Arthritis Awareness Month is a great opportunity to bring more visibility to arthritis and to the resources that can help improve the lives of people impacted by the disease.”

Arthritis Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative led by the Arthritis Foundation to educate the public on the impact of this condition, which affects nearly 60 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability. It focuses on raising funds for research, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging low-impact physical activity to manage symptoms. Arthritis affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S., including working-age adults and over 300,000 children.

A copy of the resolution can be found HERE.

Dingell, Landsman Lead Bill to Improve Access to Early Breast Cancer Detection

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

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced a bill to ensure low-income women can access comprehensive breast examinations at no cost. The No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act will help women – regardless of their income – get timely access to comprehensive breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs.

“This legislation lowers health care costs for women on Medicaid to better ensure that no one is forced to delay or forgo care because they cannot afford it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is critical. But too many patients still face financial barriers to follow-up exams like MRIs and ultrasounds. By removing these costs, we can make sure that every woman has access to timely, lifesaving care,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“No woman should have to delay or go without a necessary breast exam because it’s too expensive. Our bill will make a huge difference with early detection, so women can get the care they need faster,” said Congressman Landsman.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women enrolled in Medicaid, many screening mammograms are covered, but they can still face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic exams and supplemental imaging.

To ensure there are no financial barriers to breast cancer detection and care, Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman Landsman introduced the No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act – legislation that requires diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, are covered under Medicaid.

Read the bill text HERE.

Dingell, Moolenaar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Chinese Vehicles from U.S., Protect American Auto Industry and Workers

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

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.

“This bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies, unfair trade practices, and slave labor. I am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself out. America can compete with anyone in the world when there’s a level playing field because there is nobody better than the American worker. Auto workers are facing uncertainty, but I am certain about one thing: the future of the American auto industry must be built by American workers,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

Modern vehicles integrate advanced communications technology capable of collecting and transmitting vast amounts of sensitive data, including location, operational data, and personal information. In some cases, the vehicles can also be remotely accessed and controlled. China now exports nearly 8 million vehicles annually, approximately twice the volume of any other country. The country’s automotive companies operate under Chinese law that forces them to cooperate with China’ s state security and intelligence services upon demand.

“The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base. China cheats in every industry, and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components, and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of business. In some cases, Chinese companies, including CATL and BYD, use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans. These companies should not be allowed to do business in America, and their products shouldn’t be in our cars or threatening our infrastructure,” said Congressman Moolenaar.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act builds on the work of two administrations. In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency with respect to foreign threats to America’s information and communications technology supply chain, establishing the legal authority for the federal government to act. The Biden Administration used that authority to finalize regulations in January 2025 prohibiting connected vehicle software and hardware linked to China and Russia. The Connected Vehicle Security Act expands those protections in statute. 

The Connected Vehicle Security Act would:

  • Prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into U.S. commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by a covered foreign adversary country, effective January 1, 2027;

  • Prohibit connected vehicle software and hardware linked to covered foreign adversaries, with software prohibitions effective January 1, 2027 and hardware prohibitions effective January 1, 2030;

  • Cover China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran;

  • Direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a declaration of conformity process, authorization and waiver procedures, and a binding ruling and advisory opinion mechanism for industry compliance;

  • Establish civil penalties of at least $1.5 million for each violation of the law.

Read the full bill text HERE. A companion version of the bill was introduced in the Senate.

Dingell, Moolenaar to Introduce Legislation Banning Chinese Vehicles, Protecting American Economy and National Security

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

Dingell, Moolenaar to Introduce Legislation Banning Chinese Vehicles, Protecting American Economy and National Security

Washington, May 8, 2026

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, announced they plan to introduce bipartisan legislation to ban Chinese vehicles from U.S. roads to protect the American auto industry and its workers, as well as America’s national security. 

“Every vehicle on American roads is a rolling data collection device, capturing information on location, movement, people, and infrastructure in real time, and we cannot allow Chinese vehicles or components to be a part of that system,” said the lawmakers. “The legislation we introduce will show bipartisan support for doing what must be done to protect the manufacturing sector, jobs, and the American people from China’s predatory trade practices and manipulative attacks on American industry.”

The legislation will be introduced later this month. A Senate version of the legislation was introduced late last month. The announcement follows Congresswoman Dingell’s effort leading 73 of her House colleagues in urging President Trump to block Chinese automakers from accessing the United States market over concerns with threats to American workers and business, manufacturing, and national security.