Posts

Posted on

Rep. McCollum Opposes Donald Trump’s Tax Scam

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After beginning debate at 2:45am on Thursday morning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Republicans’ massive budget reconciliation bill, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on a vote of 215-214. All Democrats opposed the legislation. Following the vote, Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement:

“The ugly truth of Donald Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is that it strips away healthcare from 20,000 Minnesotans with disabilities, seniors, children, and working parents in Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District – that’s the equivalent of every resident of Stillwater losing their healthcare overnight. The ugly truth is that 45,000 Minnesotans will go hungry without the SNAP food assistance they rely on – the equivalent of every resident of Maplewood going to bed hungry and waking up hungry. The ugly truth is that Donald Trump and his Republican Congressional followers are cutting healthcare and food access for the most vulnerable Minnesotans to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk and corporations who currently don’t pay their fair share. In fact, some large corporations pay $0 in taxes. In short, the ugly truth about the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is that it’s just another Trump GOP Tax Scam.

“Under this legislation, the average family earning less than $50,000 would get under $300 in tax cuts in 2027, less than $1 a day, while a wealthy tax filer earning $1,000,000 or more a year would receive about $90,000 in tax breaks. The more the American people learn about this ugly legislation, the more they dislike it, which is why the House Republican majority advanced it through key committees during dead-of-the-night hearings and rushed the floor vote through while most Americans were sleeping.

“It was easy to vote no on this bill. Leading with my Minnesota values and representing the voice of my community, I will oppose any Republican efforts to cut Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans’ benefits, and nutrition assistance for Minnesota families, especially when they’re made in service to millionaires and billionaires.”

 

Posted on

Rep. McCollum to Host Town Hall: Medicaid Matters to Minnesota Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum will host a Medicaid Town Hall on Saturday, May 31st at 11am. She will be joined by a panel of special guests to discuss the importance of Medicaid for Minnesota seniors, children, and working parents. 

WHAT: Medicaid Matters to Minnesota Families Town Hall 

WHEN: Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at 11am

WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation; John Connolly, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deputy Commissioner, State Medicaid Director; Barbara Joers, President and CEO Gillette Children’s Hospital; Ryan Hilmoe, Minnesota Nurses Association; Kate Weeks, Assistant Commissioner, Economic Opportunity and Youth Services, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Sumukha Terakanambi, Disability and Healthcare Advocate, Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities; Jessica Francis, Executive Director, Open Cupboard.

WHERE: Stillwater; Credentialed media will receive location upon RSVP. Editors and Reporters may RSVP by emailing mccollumpress@mail.house.gov with the subject line “Town Hall.”

RSVP: Residents of Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District can RSVP here.

Posted on

LEADER JEFFRIES: “OUR REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES CONTINUE TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN RUBBER STAMPS FOR TRUMP’S RECKLESS AND EXTREME AGENDA”

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash where he emphasized the unity of House and Senate Democrats in opposing the reckless Republican One Big Ugly Bill and serving as a check and balance on the out-of-control Trump White House.

DANA BASH: Here with me now is the House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Thank you so much for being here this morning, sir. I want to start with that bill. You have vowed to keep the pressure on and stop it from becoming law. Obviously, you’re in the minority, same goes with Democrats in the Senate. How will you do that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill narrowly escaped the House of Representatives, and we’re going to continue to press our case across the country, partner with Senate Democrats in making clear to the American people the type of damage that this bill would do if it ever became law. This bill actually hurts everyday Americans in order to reward billionaires. It would strip away healthcare from approximately 14 million Americans. Premiums, copays and deductibles for tens of millions more will go up. Actually, if it ever were to be implemented into law, hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and people will literally die. At the same time, this bill represents the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history. It takes food out of the mouths of children, seniors and veterans, and all of this is being done in order to enact massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors like Elon Musk. And then they want to stick the American people with the bill, increase the debt by more than $5 trillion. So I expect that you’ll see strong Democratic opposition in the Senate, just like there was strong Democratic opposition in the House. And the bill just narrowly escaped the House of Representatives.

DANA BASH: You made these arguments before it passed the House. Democrats are going to make that argument in the Senate, but again, you don’t have the votes, so what makes you think that what you’re saying will prevail and change the outcome?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The bill is deeply unpopular. If you go back to where we were in 2017, where Republicans, after several failed attempts, finally got their effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act out of the House of Representatives, but it limped out of House and then failed in the Senate. I think the One Big Ugly Bill is setting up for a similar fate, but we can’t let our foot off the gas pedal.

DANA BASH: I want to ask you about something that happened in your home state of New York. In the past couple of days, Congressman Jerry Nadler said that DHS agents entered his congressional office on Wednesday without a warrant and handcuffed a member of his staff. This, of course, comes after the Trump Justice Department charged Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver with obstructing ICE agents after an altercation at a facility in Newark, New Jersey. Now, I know you previously warned that the administration charging Members of Congress was a, quote, red line. What are you doing now that the red line you talked about has apparently been crossed?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let me make clear that the House is a separate and co-equal branch of government, the Congress. We don’t work for Donald Trump, we don’t work for the administration, we don’t work for Elon Musk, we work for the American people. And we have a responsibility to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. That’s the constitutional blueprint that was given to us by the framers of the United States democracy that we have inherited over the last few centuries. And so, we’re going to continue to undertake our congressional responsibility, notwithstanding efforts by the Trump administration to try to intimidate Democrats. It’s unfortunate that our Republican colleagues continue to be nothing more than rubber stamps for Trump’s reckless and extreme agenda, and the American people, I think, will ultimately reject that next year when we will take back control of the House of Representatives. In the meantime, in terms of how we will respond to what Trump and the administration have endeavored to do, we will make that decision in a time, place and manner of our choosing, but the response will be continuous and it will meet the moment that is required.

DANA BASH: What exactly does that mean? Have you not decided how to respond?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We’ve publicly responded in a variety of different ways. We haven’t let our foot off the gas pedal in terms of additional things that may take place with respect to our congressional oversight authority and capacity. We will respond in a time, place and manner of our choosing if this continues to happen.

DANA BASH: You believe, as Jerry Nadler said, that the administration is trying to intimidate Democrats?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think the administration is clearly trying to intimidate Democrats, in the same way that they’re trying to intimidate the country. This whole shock and awe strategy, this flood the zone with outrageous behavior that they’ve tried to unleash on the American people during the first few months of the Trump administration is all designed to create the appearance of inevitability. But Donald Trump has learned an important lesson, the American people are not interested in bending the knee to a wannabe king. It’s the reason why Donald Trump actually is the most unpopular president at this point of a presidency in American history. The American people have rejected this approach, and we as Congressional Democrats will continue to reject this approach.

DANA BASH: Mr. Leader, you brought up polls, so let me tell you about a new one that just came out here at CNN this morning. It shows that only 19% of Americans say that your party can get things done. 36% say the same about Republicans. And just 16% say your party has strong leaders. It’s pretty rough, and you are one of those leaders. How do you turn that around?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, we don’t have the presidency right now, so that’s always going to be challenging a few months after a presidential election. But we have to continue to make the case, one, that Democrats, of course, are the party that is determined to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, for hardworking American taxpayers, that we believe that we need to lower the high cost of living, which for decades has been going up while the size of the middle class has been going down. So, understandably, there’s real frustration amongst the American people. They should be frustrated. Housing costs are too high, childcare costs—

DANA BASH: But they’re frustrated with you as well, with Democrats as well.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Of course, they’re frustrated with the system. But what is interesting, Dana, I think you’re aware of this, every single public poll that has come out since the Trump presidency has had congressional Democrats winning the generic ballot against congressional Republicans. And in fact, we know this is not simply speculative, in every single high-profile special election, Iowa in January, New York in February, Pennsylvania in March, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race in April and most recently in Omaha, the mayor’s race in May, Democrats have won. So the American people are actually being very clear and decisive in saying who they trust more to govern.

DANA BASH: We’re gonna have to leave it there. Hakeem Jeffries, the Leader of the House Democrats. Appreciate you being here this morning.

Full remarks can be watched here.

###

Posted on

Rep. Mike Levin Honors Rohen Vargo as May 2025 Constituent of the Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

May 31, 2025

San Clemente, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced Rohen Vargo as his May 2025 Constituent of the Month for launching “Health in Your Hands,” a public health initiative that provides free blood pressure clinics in low-income neighborhoods in South Orange County.

Rohen Vargo

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Rohen Vargo in the Congressional Record:

“M. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Rohen Vargo as my May 2025 Constituent of the Month.

“As Rohen grew up, he often took the blood pressure of his grandfather, who has Parkinson’s Disease. After learning about healthcare disparities in Orange County, Rohen felt called to action and launched ‘Health in Your Hands,’ a student-run blood pressure screening clinic that operates in low-income neighborhoods in South Orange County.

“Health in Your Hands screens for hypertension and distributes free blood pressure cuffs and educational pamphlets. To date, they have screened over 90 adults and distributed over 400 free blood pressure cuffs.

“Rohen’s dedication to helping others has made the community a healthier place, and I am proud to honor him as my Constituent of the Month.”

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:

Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s April 2025 Constituent of the Month was Amanda Reuther, an advocate for children with disabilities, and his March 2025 Constituent of the Month was Michelle Gonzalez, President and CEO of TrueCare.

###

Posted on

Rep. Scott Peters’ Statement on South Park ICE Enforcement Action

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

San Diego, CA – “How does scaring restaurant patrons and arresting people bussing tables and washing dishes make us safer?

It doesn’t. It wastes our limited law enforcement resources. It proves that the promise to deport only dangerous criminals was a fraud. And it abuses hardworking people and the neighbors they work among – there’s your waste, fraud and abuse.

My office will be investigating the incident to ensure law enforcement is using its resources on public safety threats and meeting the highest standards.”

###

Posted on

Jayapal, Randall, Dexter Conduct Unannounced Oversight Visit at Northwest Detention Center 

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

TACOMA, WA — Today, Congresswomen Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) conducted an unannounced Congressional oversight visit at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). 

Officials at the detention center allowed the Members to tour the facility one hour after they arrived. Despite repeated attempts, the Members were only permitted to meet with two detained individuals, which raises concerns over the medical care and legal counsel available in this detention center.

This visit follows a troubling pattern: recent ICE raids targeting labor leaders, multiple reports over the past few years citing poor compliance with medical and sanitary standards at the facility, and actions by the Trump Administration that undermine Congressional oversight authority.

Following the visit, the Members and Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director of OneAmerica, addressed members of the press to share their experience. 

“Today was a stark reminder of the pain, chaos, and confusion caused at the hands of Donald Trump — and what happens when policy is developed from a source of hate, instead of fact,” said Congresswoman Randall, a member of the House Oversight Committee. “The American people are being told one thing, but my eyes saw another: the people inside this facility are our neighbors, people who we would see in the community, parents, and siblings. We spoke with a legal permanent resident who is being detained on a 20 year old crime for which he served his time. This is an injustice, it’s unconstitutional, and it’s being funded on the backs of taxpayers. We must continue to show up — unannounced — and demand answers.” 

“Today I visited the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma for an unannounced inspection. While I am disappointed that the facility staff would not allow me to speak with more detained individuals, I was able to speak with two detained persons,” said Congresswoman Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. “One woman has been in this country for 20 years and was detained less than a week before she was to be married to a U.S. citizen. Another man has been here 31 years as a legal permanent resident, is a proud member of the Machinists Union, and is married to a U.S. citizen with three U.S. citizen children. These individuals could not understand why they were in detention, why this country they live is treating them this way, and they fear terribly for their families. I remain incredibly concerned about the entire immigration detention system, which is supposed to be a civil system but is instead functioning as a massive for-profit prison that utilizes billions of taxpayer dollars to jail people who should not be there. It is being weaponized by the Trump administration to carry out mass disappearances and deportations of people of all statuses like the lawful permanent residents held in this facility and undocumented immigrants who are married to US citizens — many of whom are not ‘the worst of the worst’ like Trump said he would go after, but instead are people who were contributing members of our community. I will continue to conduct this oversight and work to build a humane and fair immigration system that benefits Americans while protecting the rights of all  immigrants.”

“Donald Trump is lying to the American people. He is dehumanizing immigrants who came here for a better life—only to face cruelty and injustice—funded by your tax dollars. Inside the Northwest Detention Center, we were not allowed to speak with or see most individuals detained here, and that should concern every one of us. What are they hiding?” said Congresswoman Dexter (OR-03), a critical care and lung physician. “Trump is detaining our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones without guaranteed due process and no accountability. That’s not American; that’s authoritarianism.” 

“No matter where we come from, the color of our skin, or our immigration status we all deserve to live in a country where our families are together, where we feel safe, and where our rights are upheld. Unfortunately, we are witnessing attacks on immigrants and working people across the country that are violating these core values,” said Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director of OneAmerica. “This Administration has pushed the limits of their executive power, snatching, and disappearing our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones – detaining them in centers like this one. At times, with no due process and no accountability. We want to ensure our community members who are detained are treated humanely. They need access to legal counsel and, at a minimum, to understand the immigration process while detained. Our legal system requires fairness and respect for due process, with increased transparency and accountability of for-profit detention centers like this one.”

###

Posted on

Stauber to Attend President Trump’s Rally in Pittsburgh Celebrating U.S. Steel-Nippon Partnership

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) will join President Donald Trump, Members of Congress from the Pennsylvania delegation, and local steelworkers at the U.S. Steel Irvin Works Plant in Pittsburgh to celebrate the new and historic partnership between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel.

Of this partnership, Congressman Stauber stated, “The partnership between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel will revive America’s steel industry, and the benefits will be felt right here in Northern Minnesota. This deal will inject $14 billion in new, capital investments, including an estimated $800 million for U.S. Steel’s Iron Range taconite mining operations. This significant investment will create jobs and strengthen our region’s proud iron mining legacy for generations to come. I thank the President for his decisive leadership on the matter, and for making American Steel Great Again.”

BACKGROUND: 

Without this partnership, U.S. Steel faced an uncertain future. This iconic American company was in jeopardy of being split up, thousands of jobs would have been lost, and China would have been enabled to attempt its dominance in global steelmaking.

Instead, this historic partnership will save jobs and strengthen American steel production, improving the domestic steel supply chain for vital products such as cars, appliances, ships, pipelines, and more. Northern Minnesota will greatly benefit from the partnership, as the iron ore and taconite mined on the Iron Range is used to make approximately 80% of the country’s domestically produced steel.

Under this partnership, U.S. Steel will remain headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under American control: 

  • U.S. Steel will maintain its production locations and capacity in the United States. American jobs are protected and cannot be offshored.
  • A majority of U.S. Steel’s Board of Directors must be American citizens.
  • U.S. Steel’s key management team, including the CEO, will all be American citizens.
  • U.S. Steel’s trade actions will continue to be determined solely by American citizens, with oversight from the U.S. government.
  • U.S. Steel will honor existing labor commitments with the United Steelworkers (USW).  

###

Posted on

Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Spur Plant Biostimulant Research and Development

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jim Baird (IN-04) reintroduced the Plant Biostimulant Act.  This legislation would create a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants, establish a consistent regulatory pathway to market, and promote additional research into the benefits of biostimulant products on soil health and crop production.  Currently, there is no clear or consistent federal framework to govern the use and approval of plant biostimulants, which creates uncertainty for producers and limits the adoption of these innovative tools.  The updated legislation would address this gap through federal guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS).

Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soils to enhance natural processes, improve nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to environmental stress, and boost overall plant health and crop yield.  These products also show promise for improving sustainability through practices like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement.

“The lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes it harder for producers to access this sustainable and effective technology,” said Rep. Panetta.  “By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we’re pushing for the clarity and federal coordination needed to encourage the adoption of biostimulants.  Increasing access to these products helps our farmers improve crop yields, protect our environment, and maintain U.S. leadership in sustainable agriculture.”

“Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market, especially as new technologies become available for famers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Rep. Baird.  “Biostimulants have the significant potential benefits for producers and their sustainability footprint.  Defining these products and creating a consistent process is an important step in giving farmers better access to plant biostimulants and other new technologies to ensure our agriculture sector can thrive.”

“California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country,” said Senator Padilla.  “As we make our agriculture sector more sustainable, our evolving practices must be properly implemented to ensure their efficacy and safety.  Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants, which could replace or reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology.”

“Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture. By creating pathways to approve new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants, our nation’s farmers are able to produce more food with less crop protection tools and fertilizers,” said Senator Marshall.  “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Padilla and Representatives Baird and Panetta to help make the world cleaner, safer, and healthier than we found it.” 

The Plant Biostimulant Act would:

  • Amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define plant biostimulants;
  • Direct the EPA to revise the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the new definition;
  • Require the USDA to study the contributions of plant biostimulants to soil health and sustainability.

The Plant Biostimulant Act is endorsed by; Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), The Fertilizer Institute Biostimulant Council, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Humic Products Trade Association (HPTA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA), and Western Growers.

“Reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act is a vital step forward, and we applaud Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Jim Baird for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA).  “This bipartisan bill is critically important to the future of the biostimulant industry, as it will codify a federal definition for plant biostimulants and clarify the path to market for these innovative products.  By establishing a clear regulatory framework, the legislation will drive investment in U.S.-led agricultural innovation and enhance American competitiveness in the global biological marketplace.  BPIA looks forward to working with Congress to see this bill signed into law.”

“The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) strongly supports the reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulants Act, and we thank Reps. Panetta and Baird for their continued bipartisan leadership on this important issue.  This crucial legislation will provide a clear regulatory pathway for innovative agricultural technologies, enhancing efficiency and productivity in American agriculture and ensuring food security for our nation.  By promoting plant biostimulants, we can improve soil health, water quality, and crop resilience, while also reducing farmers’ reliance on costly pesticides and fertilizers.  BIO is committed to advancing cutting-edge bio-based solutions for our farmers and plant producers, securing a productive yet sustainable future for our agricultural community and our planet,” said Sylvia Wulf, Interim Head of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Ag & Environment Center of Excellence

“The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) thanks Reps. Panetta and Baird for reintroducing this important legislation. This bill provides a critical definition for plant biostimulants which will help states establish a clear path to market for these important products and technologies, critical to a variety of growers,” said Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute.

“CropLife America (CLA) appreciates Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Jim Baird (R-IN) for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act.  By establishing a federal definition for plant biostimulants and clarifying their pathway to market, this legislation will facilitate farmers’ access to these innovative products and drive further research and development. CLA looks forward to working with Congress on this important legislation,” said Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CLA.  

“I’d like to thank Congressmen Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the “Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Megan Provost, President of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). “Plant biostimulants help homeowners, landscape professionals and golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit us all. This legislation will help to clarify how they are defined and ensure access to these valuable products.”

“The Humic Products Trade Association sincerely thanks Representatives Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Russell Taylor, President, Humic Products Trade Association.  “This legislation updates FIFRA to match today’s reality: farmers need crop inputs that help build soil resilience, optimize nutrient use, and safeguard water. By defining plant biostimulants outside the pesticide framework, Congress will give states—and innovators—the regulatory clarity needed to foster this growing product category. HPTA supports this bill because it equips growers with modern, science-backed tools, which ultimately help deliver safe, sustainable food to consumers.”

“I’d like to thank Congressmen Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the “Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Courses Superintendents Association of America.  “Plant biostimulants help golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit everyone.  This legislation will help ensure golf’s access to this valuable product.”

###

Posted on

Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Abuse of “Gas Station Heroin” Following FDA Warnings

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) to crack down on the unregulated sale and abuse of tianeptine, a dangerous substance often referred to as “gas station heroin.”  The Scheduling Tianeptine and Analogues Now to Defend Against Emerging Opioids Act (STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act) would classify tianeptine and its analogues as Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to sell them without a prescription.

Tianeptine is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use in the United States. It produces opioid-like effects by acting on mu-opioid receptors, leading to euphoria, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and potentially fatal overdoses. Despite this, it remains widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online under brand names like Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red.

In response to a growing number of adverse events, including reports of agitation, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and death, the FDA has renewed its warnings about the dangers of tianeptine.  A recent outbreak of illnesses in New Jersey linked to Neptune’s Fix , a product found to contain both tianeptine and synthetic cannabinoids,  underscores the urgent need for federal action.

“Tianeptine is a dangerous, addictive substance being sold on store shelves right next to energy drinks and snacks.  The FDA has been clear about the health risks, but the reality is that tianeptine remains widely accessible and largely unregulated,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would give federal law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the illicit sale of tianeptine, help prevent its abuse, and protect our communities.  This is exactly the kind of proactive step we need to stay ahead of evolving public health threats.”

“The growing availability of tianeptine—a dangerous, opioid-like drug—is deeply concerning and putting lives at risk,” said Rep. Pfluger.   “I am proud to join Congressman Jimmy Panetta on bipartisan legislation to move tianeptine to Schedule III, a necessary step to limit its access and curb misuse.  By backing state-level efforts and putting public health first, we’re taking concrete action to confront the opioid epidemic and ensure safer communities.”

The STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would:

  • Schedule tianeptine and its analogues as Schedule III substances under federal law.
  • Maintain FDA’s authority to approve legitimate medical uses in the future.
  • Help close regulatory loopholes and prevent widespread abuse of unapproved and dangerous substances.

###

Posted on

Rep. Jimmy Panetta Announces Six Local Nominees to the U. S. Service Academies

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

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced his 2025 nominations of six outstanding high school students to the United States Service Academies.  These students have been selected to attend the nation’s prestigious military academies this fall, where they will begin their journey to become officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The nominees and their families and friends were recognized at a special reception on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey.

“These students are stepping forward and stepping up to lead at a time when we need young men and women at the forefront of our defense of democracy,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Few choices are as selfless and courageous as choosing to serve our nation, and these exceptional young people have each raised their hands to do so on behalf of our community and country.  It is one of my highest honors to nominate these leaders who fully comprehend our obligation to our democracy and embody the values and strength of California’s 19th Congressional District, knowing they will help defend and strengthen our country.”

Students seeking appointment to a U.S. service academy must receive a formal nomination from a Member of Congress, a U.S. Senator, or the Vice President.  Applicants undergo a rigorous process including submission of academic records, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a formal interview with a panel of community leaders and veterans.  The nomination panel provides recommendations for Rep. Panetta to make his final selections.

Rep. Panetta’s office nominates students to the United States Naval Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  High school seniors in California’s 19th Congressional District interested in a 2026 nomination are encouraged to apply online and contact Rep. Panetta’s district office at 831-424-2229 with any questions.

Rep. Panetta’s 2025 nominees are:

United States Naval Academy

  • Christina Doan, Evergreen Valley High School

United States Military Academy, West Point

  • Jacob Yu, Leland High School
  • James Kim, Santa Teresa High School

United States Air Force Academy

  • Gabriel Dobson, Pacific Collegiate School
  • Spencer Sanders, Templeton High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

  • Cyrus Wong, Lynbrook High School

###