Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Raúl Grijalva

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva:

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Chairman Raúl Grijalva.  Throughout his lifetime of service, Chairman Grijalva was a fighter for the unseen — first as a community organizer and local official, and later as a champion of his beloved Arizona for more than two decades in the Congress.

“A pioneer for bilingual education, immigrants and Dreamers, local reinvestment and accessibility in new housing, Chairman Grijalva served as the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee for many years where he worked to protect our public lands, advocated for indigenous people and fought for clean air and water for all.

“Chairman Grijalva was a deeply respected Member of the Democratic Caucus and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.  May it be a comfort to his wife, Ramona, his daughters, Adelita, Raquel and Marisa, his grandchildren and the entire Grijalva family that so many in the Congress, across Arizona, and all over America mourn with them at this sad time.”

Pelosi Statement on Fourth Anniversary of American Rescue Plan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement marking four years since the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law:

“Four years ago, President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, which pulled our nation from the depths of the pandemic and ignited the strongest economic recovery in the world.  Democrats’ Rescue Plan got life-saving vaccines into arms, stimulus checks into pockets, children safely back in schools and people back to work.  At the same time, it slashed child poverty in half with our expanded Biden Child Tax Credit, drove historic job growth and expanded access to health care coverage for millions of Americans. 

“With our first budget, Democrats prioritized the needs of America’s working families.  But as we mark the fourth anniversary of the American Rescue Plan, Republicans are plotting to betray hardworking American taxpayers with a budget that rips away Medicaid from millions of everyday Americans to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors.  While Republicans choose to protect the wealthy and well-connected, Democrats are united in our commitment to fight for working families and stop the House Republican budget betrayal.”

Pelosi Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Trump delivered his address to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Just like the last time he addressed the Congress, President Trump’s speech tonight was another manifesto of mistruths.

“President Trump promised to reduce inflation.  He didn’t.  President Trump promised to lower the cost of living.  He didn’t.  Instead, President Trump’s budget plan raises costs for millions of Americans by making huge cuts to Medicaid — while giving tax breaks to billionaires.  Curiously, the President did not mention his cuts to Medicaid or repeat the charges from him and Elon Musk that Social Security is a ‘scam’ and a ‘Ponzi scheme.’

“All across America, people are feeling the pain of President Trump’s policies at their kitchen tables.  It is clear that President Trump does not care about the pain of the American people – but he should fear their power. 

“As Americans show up and speak out about how the President’s policies are wreaking havoc on their lives, Democrats will continue to lead the fight against President Trump’s bait-and-switch assault on America — while Republicans stand and applaud it.”

Pelosi Announces Medicaid Advocate Elena Hung as Guest for Joint Address

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced today that Elena Hung will be her guest for tonight’s address to a joint session of Congress.  Ms. Hung is the co-founder and Executive Director of Little Lobbyists, a family-led organization that advocates for children with complex medical needs and disabilities.

“Elena Hung’s courageous daughter, Xiomara, was born with a number of serious medical conditions and is thriving today as a result of access to quality health care — including Medicaid,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “As the co-founder and executive director of Little Lobbyists, Elena has shined a bright light on what having access to Medicaid means to Xiomara and millions of other families across the country.”

Speaker Emerita Pelosi continued: “Elena Hung has been a relentless advocate for ensuring disabled children have the health care, education and community inclusion they need to survive and thrive.  At a time when Medicaid is under assault by those who seek to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations, I am honored that Xiomara’s story will be told through Elena’s attendance as my guest to this year’s address to a joint session of Congress.”

“I am honored to be invited by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to be her guest at the Joint Session of Congress, and I appreciate the opportunity to help highlight the life-saving role that Medicaid plays for families like mine — families who experience the joys and challenges of caring for a child with complex medical needs and disabilities,” Elena Hung said.  “Thanks to Medicaid, my daughter Xiomara is thriving beyond expectations.  Medicaid is crucial health care; Americans do not want to steal from disabled children to give tax breaks to giant corporations and billionaires.”

Elena Hung, her daughter Xiomara, and families like them visit Capitol Hill and offices across the country to share their stories and speak with lawmakers and their staffers about what is possible with access to affordable, quality health care, including Medicaid, and what is at stake without it.

Sherman Reintroduces Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act to Sanction Gaza’s Popular Resistance Committees

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN),House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) reintroduced legislation to finally sanction the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC). The bill was also introduced for the first time in the Senate by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), demonstrating the growing momentum to finally sanction the Popular Resistance Committees.

The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) are the third-largest terror group in Gaza and, since their founding in 2000 during the Second Intifada, have carried out terror attacks against Israelis, Americans, and Palestinians. The two largest terrorist groups in Gaza are Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which have long been sanctioned. It is past time that the PRC, whose ranks include former operatives from Hamas and PIJ, join their ranks on the U.S.’s list of designated terrorist groups.

The Popular Resistance Committees participated in Hamas’s horrific October 7th massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, Americans, and others, as well as widespread torture and sexual violence as well as the abduction of some 250 hostages. The PRC proudly boasted about their involvement on their social media channels, issuing a statement on October 7th claiming joint responsibility for the massacre. The PRC’s posts showed that the group killed and took hostage a number of innocent people on October 7th. 

“Every day that we fail to sanction the terrorist Popular Resistance Committees – which have murdered Americans and Israelis for decades, and participated in the barbaric October 7th massacre including by taking hostages – is another day that we fail to secure justice for their victims. It is long overdue that the Popular Resistance Committees are designated as a terrorist organization and sanctioned, alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad,” said Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA). “I’m proud to reintroduce my legislation to finally hold these monsters accountable for the terror they have wreaked on innocents in the region.”

“The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) is the third-largest terrorist organization in Gaza and another puppet of Iran,” said Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE). “Despite decades of attacks against Americans and Israelis, including on October 7th, the PRC has yet to be properly sanctioned for its barbarism. This bill will help hold accountable every terrorist that participated in the October 7th attacks.”

“For years, the Popular Resistance Committees have carried out terrorist attacks against Israelis, Americans, and Palestinians. They were willing and cruel participants with Hamas during the horrific October 7th massacre, killing innocent Israelis and taking and holding hostages after that terrible attack. Any organization engaging in this level of violence should be sanctioned under U.S. law and officially designated as a terrorist group. The United States stands with Israel, and this is an important step to holding those responsible for October 7th accountable,” said Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA).

“The terrorists responsible for the barbaric October 7th attack on Israel must be held accountable for their abhorrent actions against innocent men, women, and children,” saidCongressman David Kustoff (R-TN). “For years now, the Popular Resistance Committees, the third largest terror group in the Gaza strip, have terrorized Israelis and Americans in the region. Enough is enough. I am pleased to join Rep. Sherman to introduce this crucial legislation that will sanction the PRC.”

“The horrific attacks of October 7 were a brutal assault on innocent civilians, and all perpetrators must be held accountable. The Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7 Act ensures the U.S. stands firmly against all groups involved – including Hamas. We will continue to support Israel and pursue justice for the victims of these barbaric acts,” said Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX).

“For far too long, the Popular Resistance Committees have evaded the consequences of their terrorist attacks against Israelis, Americans, and Palestinians. Their involvement in the barbaric October 7th massacre makes it even more urgent that the United States impose long-overdue sanctions on this terrorist organization. With this legislation, we are taking a critical step toward ensuring that the PRC is held accountable and cut off from the global financial system, just like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad,” said Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL).

“The Popular Resistance Committees have long been a dangerous and violent force in Gaza, committing heinous acts of terrorism and destabilizing the region. It is long overdue that we take decisive action to hold them accountable. The passage of this bill through the House Foreign Affairs Committee last Congress was a critical first step, and I am committed to ensuring that the PRC faces the sanctions they have long deserved in the 119th Congress,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY).

The Popular Resistance Committees have committed heinous acts of terror against Israelis and Palestinians for decades but have evaded any accountability. Their role in the October 7th massacre, the murder of American citizens, and their ongoing role in the hostage crisis demands immediate action. I am proud to join Rep. Brad Sherman in leading this bipartisan, bicameral effort to finally sanction this brutal terror group and cut off its access to our financial networks. We must remain unwavering in our commitment to holding all perpetrators of terrorism accountable,” said Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE). 

The Popular Resistance Committees have a long history of carrying out terror attacks across Israel and the Palestinian territories. In 2003, the PRC bombed a United States diplomatic convoy which injured a U.S. diplomat and killed 3 American security guards. In 2004, PRC terrorists murdered pregnant Israeli woman Tali Hatuel and her 4 daughters, 11-year-old Hila, 9-year-old Hadar, 7-year-old Roni, and baby Meirav who was only 2 years old. The PRC has even targeted Palestinians in terror attacks, including the 2005 assassination of Palestinian Security Services chief Moussa Arafat.

Despite multiple State Department reports identifying terror attacks committed by the Popular Resistance Committees, the group has never faced U.S. sanctions. This legislation would finally hold the PRC accountable for its long history of heinous terror attacks by applying long-overdue sanctions on the group. This commonsense bill picked up significant momentum in the 118th Congress, including a unanimous passage through the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a demonstration of widespread support for this long overdue measure.

Under the Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act, the PRC would be designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization. This designation would create criminal and civil penalties for anyone willfully providing support to the PRC, including up to 20 years in prison, civil fines, and property forfeitures. In addition, the legislation would subject the Popular Resistance Committees and their members to financial asset-blocking sanctions in any financial institution connected to the U.S. financial system as well as visa-blocking sanctions. 

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Sherman, Huizenga, Garbarino, and Bynum Re-Introduce the Bipartisan Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act

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

Washington, DC Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) along with Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR) re-introduced the bipartisan Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act, which makes a narrow technical correction to a federal securities rule that has had major unintended consequences over the last two decades.

In 1980, Congress created Business Development Companies (BDCs) to facilitate capital formation into small and medium sized businesses. BDCs provide investment and management assistance to growing businesses across the country and are required to invest at least 70 percent of their assets in small businesses.

Business development companies have stepped up to provide capital for smaller businesses. Yet an SEC rule drafted in 2006 has prevented business development companies from securing additional capital to invest in American businesses. The SEC rule requires funds who invest in business development companies to disclose management fees and other expenses of a BDC as well as “acquired fund fees and expenses.” This requirement led to a miscalculation. BDCs typically have higher operating expenses than passive investment funds, like index funds, because they devote substantial resources to sourcing, evaluating, and managing investments in American small businesses. However, these expenses are already reflected in a BDC’s management fees, expenses and market price. When the SEC required funds investing in BDCs to disclose BDC expenses again, it resulted in double counting, overstating the BDC’s expenses and giving investors a misleading view of the actual costs they bear. This miscalculation led funds to stop investing in BDCs thereby reducing the capital available for BDCs to invest in small businesses.

The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act corrects this unintended consequence while maintaining existing disclosures by making a minor correction allowing funds to omit a BDC’s “acquired fund fees and expenses” while still continuing to disclose the BDCs management fees and other expenses. This will give investors an accurate picture of a BDC’s expenses and allow BDCs to compete for capital to then invest in small businesses. 

“The most important thing that our financial institutions and capital markets do is provide capital for businesses, particularly small, medium-sized, and growing businesses,” said Congressman Sherman. “Business development companies play a vital role in supporting small businesses, and I’m proud to work with a bipartisan group of Members to remove an unnecessary barrier that limits their ability to deliver more capital to American small businesses.”

“Business Development Companies (BDCs) provide critical capital to small and mid-sized businesses, allowing them to thrive and grow. Fixing the acquired fund fees and expenses rule will result in more loans and increased lending volume,” said Rep. Bill Huizenga. “Too often Americans are negatively impacted by the unintended consequences from bureaucrats in Washington. By making this long overdue technical correction to a federal securities rule, we can resolve one of these consequences. I am happy to co-lead this bipartisan effort and look forward to seeing it ultimately signed into law.”

Rep. Garbarino said: “Business Development Companies have long played a critical role in providing capital to small and mid-sized businesses, but a burdensome change in regulation has limited their ability to invest in American entrepreneurs. The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act removes an unnecessary hurdle, ensuring small businesses have the access to capital they need to expand, create jobs, and drive innovation.”

“I’ve said over and over that I’ll work with anyone to lower costs, create jobs, and make life better for Oregonians,” said Rep. Bynum. “By removing an unnecessary obstacle for small businesses, this bipartisan bill does all three.”

To view this bill, Click Here.

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Congressman Sherman on GOP Spending Bill: "Devastating betrayal of hardworking American veterans, seniors and families"

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement on the partisan Republican spending bill passed by House Republicans:

“Elon Musk has made it clear: He’s targeting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for devastating cuts. And House Republicans voted today to give him a blank check to do just that. 

While I’m ready and willing to support bipartisan government funding, today’s House Republican funding bill represents nothing more than a devastating betrayal of hardworking American veterans, seniors and families.”

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FEMA Extends Deadline to Apply for Wildfire Disaster Assistance

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

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Los Angeles wildfire victims to apply for federal aid to March 31, 2015.

“While I have fought for a later deadline, this three-week extension provides immediate relief to those who have not registered yet,” said Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) in reaction to the announcement. “I will continue to advocate for a longer application period, however the new deadline is March 31, and a further extension is unlikely.” 

“Even if you do not know if you are eligible, apply now on both the FEMA and SBA websites,” urged Congressman Sherman.

For FEMA Assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov

For SBA Assistance: SBA.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires

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Sherman & Labor Caucus Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Workers’ Right to Organize

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

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), along with a bipartisan group of House and Senate Members, reintroduced H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a comprehensive proposal to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces.

I am proud to once again help introduce the Protecting the Right to Organize Act with Congressman Bobby Scott and my House Labor Caucus colleagues,” said Congressman Sherman. “We must pass the PRO Act – and my Nationwide Right to Unionize Act – to strengthen labor rights across the country and afford every worker the opportunity to join a good-paying union job.”

The House bill was introduced by the Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). The Senate companion was introduced by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

The PRO Act protects the basic right to join a union by:

-Holds employers accountable for violating workers’ rights by authorizing meaningful penalties, facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements, and closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors.

-Empowers workers to exercise their right to organize by strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights, protecting workers’ right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring workers’ unions can collect “fair share” fees, and authorizing a private right of action for violation of workers’ rights.

-Secures free, fair, and safe union elections by preventing employers from interfering in union elections, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and requiring employers to be transparent with their workers.

For the bill text of the PRO Act, click here.

For a fact sheet on the PRO Act, click here.

For a section-by-section summary of the PRO Act, click here.

In the House of Representatives, the PRO Act is supported by 210 Representatives, including: Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S Beyer (VA-08), Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle S. Bynum (OR-05), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Ed Case (HI-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Ray Cisneros Jr. (CA-31), Katherine M. Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway Jr. (NJ-03), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Donald G. Davis (NC-01), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Jared Golden (ME-02), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adam Gray (CA-13), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY-08), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Bill Keating (MA-09), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John B. Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Summer Lee (PA-12), Susie Lee (NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John W. Mannion (NY-22) , Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski Jr. (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-At Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bradley Scott  Schneider (IL-10), Hillary J. Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), David Scott (GA-13), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Chris H. Smith (NJ-04), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Marc A. Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Simon Vindman (VA-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). 

The PRO Act is supported by:AFL-CIO, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department of Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), National Nurses United (NNU), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (TWU), United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and United Steelworkers (USW). 

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Wasserman Schultz, Sánchez, Goldman Lead Democrats in Demanding IRS Stop Illegal Abuse of Taxpayers’ Data

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

If immigrants fear that filing taxes could expose them to deportation, many will choose not to file, reducing Federal revenues that contribute to funding public schools, health care, and disaster relief for Americans while shifting resources to the informal economy.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) was joined by Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), a member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, to demand that Acting IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem cease their illegal efforts to abuse taxpayers’ private data to target immigrant families who are not suspected of crimes.

The firing of Treasury officials who resisted DOGE attempts to access sensitive payment systems – and subsequent DHS requests for taxpayers addresses and other information – suggest a dangerous and alarming politicization of the IRS and a blatant violation of legal protections. Wasserman Schultz, Goldman, and Sanchez were joined by 62 Democratic Members of Congress in denouncing these efforts to exploit taxpayer information to facilitate the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate anti-immigrant crackdown, which has swept up U.S. citizens, veterans, and children.

“The IRS has long maintained that tax compliance must be encouraged through confidentiality protections.  Any deviation from this guiding principle risks eroding public trust and discouraging taxpayers from fulfilling their obligations,” the Members said in the letter, “If immigrants fear that filing taxes could expose them to deportation, many will choose not to file, reducing Federal revenues that contribute to funding public schools, health care, and disaster relief for Americans while shifting resources to the informal economy.”

In addition to Wasserman Schultz, Sánchez, and Goldman, signers include Reps. Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Donald Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Luis Correa, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, Jasmine Crockett, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Maxine Dexter, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, John Garamendi, Jesús “Chuy” García, Sylvia Garcia, Jimmy Gomez, Jared Huffman, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Ro Khanna, John Larson, Sam Liccardo, Betty McCollum, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jimmy Panetta, Chellie Pingree, Delia Ramirez, Janice Schakowsky, Bradley Schneider, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Greg Stanton, Eric Swalwell, Shri Thanedar, Bennie Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Norma Torres, Juan Vargas, and Frederica Wilson.

Read the signed letter here, or below:

Dear Ms. Krause and Secretary Noem,

We write to express our grave concern regarding reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considering disclosing taxpayer information, including Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and address information, to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement purposes. Such actions would undermine taxpayer confidentiality, erode trust in our nation’s tax system, and have a chilling effect on compliance, particularly among immigrant communities who contribute billions in tax revenue annually.

Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code establishes strong protections for taxpayer information, ensuring that personal data remains confidential except under strictly defined circumstances. While Section 6103(i) provides narrow exceptions for sharing tax information with federal law enforcement agencies investigating certain non-tax crimes, it does not grant authority for using tax records to facilitate civil immigration enforcement. For decades, the IRS has resisted calls to weaponize taxpayer data for immigration crackdowns, recognizing that doing so would jeopardize the integrity of our voluntary tax compliance system.

The IRS itself has previously stated that “[a]ny sharing of confidential taxpayer information, directly or indirectly, with immigration authorities would have a chilling effect on efforts to bring ITIN holders, and potential ITIN holders, into the U.S. tax system.”[1] The National Taxpayer Advocate has similarly warned that any disruption to the balance between tax law and immigration enforcement “will undermine voluntary compliance.”[2]

The IRS has long maintained that tax compliance must be encouraged through confidentiality protections.[3] Any deviation from this guiding principle risks eroding public trust and discouraging taxpayers from fulfilling their obligations. If immigrants fear that filing taxes could expose them to deportation, many will choose not to file, reducing Federal revenues that contribute to funding public schools, health care, and disaster relief for Americans while shifting resources to the informal economy. This would increase deficits and shift a higher proportion of the tax burden onto American citizens.

The Office of Chief Counsel at the IRS has also affirmed the limits on disclosing taxpayer information. A 2010 IRS memorandum clarified that while the agency may disclose tax information for certain criminal violations, Section 6103 generally prohibits employees of the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service from sharing taxpayer return information, including ITIN-related data, with immigration enforcement agencies.[4] This legal framework reinforces that any attempt to repurpose tax data for immigration enforcement would be a clear violation of the Internal Revenue Code.

Recent reports indicate that DHS has requested taxpayer data from the IRS to facilitate large-scale immigration enforcement operations.[5] This request follows concerning reports regarding the removal of Treasury officials who resisted attempts by DOGE to access sensitive payment systems, including the acting IRS Chief Counsel.[6],[7] These actions suggest an alarming politicization of taxpayer information and a potential violation of legal protections afforded to all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

A complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colombia last week accurately underscores the legal and ethical ramifications of these actions.[8] The plaintiffs rightfully argue that any IRS cooperation with DHS in using taxpayer data for civil immigration enforcement would contravene federal law, including Section 6103, which strictly limits the disclosure of tax information.

Legal precedent supports the principle of strict tax confidentiality. In Church of Scientology of Cal. v. IRS, 484 U.S. 9 (1987), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that Section 6103 strictly limits the disclosure of tax return information.[9]

We urge the IRS and DHS to categorically reject any effort to misuse tax data for immigration enforcement. We request a formal clarification of your agencies’ policies on this matter, including any communications regarding DHS requests for taxpayer information. Furthermore, we call upon the IRS to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to taxpayer privacy and to take all necessary steps to prevent any erosion of these critical protections.

We look forward to your prompt response and stand ready to work with your agencies to uphold the integrity of our tax system and the privacy rights of all taxpayers.

Sincerely,

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