Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Push For Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC  Today, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus  Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Joe Wilson and (SC-02) introduced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia and any nation or actor complicit in sustaining its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), and a group of 48 bipartisan Senators.

As a consequence of Putin’s continued, unbridled aggression against Ukraine, this legislation implements expansive sanctions on the Russian Federation’s government officials, as well as individuals, financial institutions, and other entities affiliated with or owned by the Putin regime. These sanctions shall be put in place if the Russian Federation continues to refuse to engage in good-faith negotiations for a just and lasting peace, or if it launches any further military operations that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty. Additionally, it enacts a bold 500 percent tariff on all imports to the United States from the Russian Federation, as well as from any countries that continue to fund Putin’s war machine by purchasing Russian-origin oil, uranium, or petroleum products.

The sanctions package is designed to apply maximum pressure on the Kremlin and any enablers of its imperialist ambitions — underscoring that peace cannot be achieved while the Russian Federation continues to bomb Ukraine’s civilian population or while consenting countries continue to bankroll Putin’s regime.

In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs said:

“Democracy is strongest when we stand together to defend it. This legislation reflects a unified commitment — Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate — aligned in purpose to defend democracy, uphold national sovereignty, and confront the forces of tyranny that seek to destroy both.

“Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine is not just a threat to one country’s borders — it is a direct challenge to the values we hold dear: freedom, self-determination, and the rule of law over the rule of force. Should Russia reject diplomacy and pursue further violence, the consequences will be swift and severe. And to those nations still financing Putin’s war by importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other commodities — this legislation makes clear: complicity comes at a cost.

“These sanctions are not symbolic — they are a demonstration of principles in action. They send a clear message that when democracies are under siege, the United States will respond — not with hesitation, but with purpose.

“We support not a pause, but an end to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and a path toward a lasting, just peace. A peace rooted in Ukraine’s sovereignty, that honors the sacrifices of its people and affirms their right to shape their own future.

“We have been here before. In 1994, Ukraine gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world in exchange for security guarantees that were ultimately broken. In 2014 and 2015, peace accords were signed — and shattered. Each time, the price was paid by the innocent.

“We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The world is watching how we respond — and this time, our response must be unmistakable.

“Peace through strength is not just a guiding principle — it is a responsibility. And we stand ready to uphold it.”

You can find the full text of the legislation by clicking here. 

# # #

Beatty & Brown Lead Ohio Dems in Demanding HUD Reverse Ohio Field Office Cuts

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Shontel Brown (OH-11) led Ohio’s Democratic delegation – Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) – in a letter urging U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to reverse the Trump Administration’s disastrous efforts to cut staff and close HUD’s Regional and Field Offices in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio.

HUD Field Offices help enforce fair housing policies, respond to local housing crises, and promote access to affordable and safe housing for hard working Americans. In addition to underwriting mortgage loans, addressing fair housing claims, and providing guidance to landlords, tenants, and municipalities, the Cleveland and Columbus Field Offices manage and distribute the millions of dollars in federal funds that HUD sends to Ohio annually. More than 422,000 Ohioans – 71% of whom are seniors, children, or people with disabilities – rely on federal rental assistance to afford housing. The planned local staff reductions and office closures would significantly weaken the effective administration of these housing assistance programs on the ground, leaving only a handful of civil servants to carry out a slate of essential services that keep Ohio workers and families housed.

“At a time when the cost of housing continues to rise, homelessness has reached historic levels, and communities face increasing economic uncertainty, HUD must remain a fully staffed and functioning agency,” Brown and Beatty wrote in the letter. “According to the latest gap report, Ohio is facing a shortage of 264,083 rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low income households. The closure of field offices and mass staff reductions will create service gaps that disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.”

The letter urges Secretary Turner to reconsider harmful reductions to HUD Field Offices, particularly in Ohio, and demands full transparency regarding the decision-making process for these closures.

 

“HUD staff carry out the bipartisan laws that Congress enacted to fight homelessness, housing discrimination, and make the American Dream a reality for more Americans,” said Amy Riegel, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO). “Without enough personnel to implement these laws, they become broken promises, and more people will lose their housing and wind up homeless. HUD has opportunities for improvement, but recklessly gutting the agency harms a lot of people who are just trying to keep a roof over their heads.”

“Habitat for Humanity of Ohio applauds the steadfast leadership of Representatives Beatty and Brown amidst the growing housing crisis here in Ohio and across the nation,” said Ryan Miller, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Ohio. “They continue to emphasize the need for housing solutions, not barriers. Now is certainly not the time to shutter HUD’s programs and remove critical public servants responsible for providing life-saving services to the most vulnerable among us. HUD field staff ensure basic housing services are attainable and serve as a core component of Ohio’s communities.”

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development is an essential partner for Ohio’s community development nonprofits, providing vital resources that strengthen neighborhoods and create homeownership opportunities across our state,” said Torey Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the Ohio Community Development Corporation Association. “Cutting HUD staff and field offices puts these crucial resources at risk, and we appreciate members of the Ohio delegation urging the administration to ensure continuity of HUD’s important services in our state.” 

“HUD’s regional and field offices and the staff that work there are essential to keeping everyday Ohioans housed and stable,” said Ayonna Blue Donald, Vice President of the Ohio Market at Enterprise Community Partners. “Abrupt reductions and closures will cause real harm—not just to programs on paper, but to hardworking families increasingly burdened by rising housing costs. Enterprise is committed to working with the Administration and Congress to improve efficiency and accountability and identify commonsense solutions that meet the needs of our local communities.”

Ohio’s Democratic delegation remains committed to ensuring Ohio families have access to safe, affordable housing. The Members will continue to monitor HUD’s actions and hold the administration accountable so Ohio communities can access the resources and services they deserve.

Read the full letter here.

 

###

 

Beatty Backs Booker’s Historic Stand Against Musk-MAGA Power Grab & Abuse

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued a statement supporting Senator Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) marathon speech opposing President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to dismantle the federal workforce, slash essential programs, and undermine American democracy.

“What Senator Booker has done tonight is a tremendous act of courage, conviction, and resilience,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “His record-breaking floor speech shows the deep commitment he—and so many Congressional Democrats—have to resisting Trump’s relentless assault on the services and benefits that millions of Americans have earned and rely on.”

“Throughout these difficult hours, Booker has shared the stories of thousands of Americans and their loved ones who are now at risk due to President Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless and damaging actions. Health care and food assistance are on the chopping block. Timely Social Security payments for seniors are threatened. Jobs for our nation’s veterans are caught in Musk’s crosshairs. Education funding that supports students’ futures is being slashed. And today medical research, disease tracking, and food safety are all under siege.”

“The impact of Trump’s policies is felt in every corner of the country—from Newark to Columbus and beyond. The late John Lewis taught us to make ‘good trouble’ in the pursuit of justice. For the past several hours, Senator Booker has done just that—sounding the alarm on the widespread harm caused by the Musk-MAGA takeover of our government.”

“As Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, I’m especially proud of what my friend and colleague has done tonight to stand up for the well-being of all Americans.”

###

Rep. Adams Statement on Voting Against Continuing Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC— Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD (NC-12), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, released a statement following her vote against the continuing resolution.

“At a time when my constituents are struggling to make ends meet, the House Republican budget bill looks to slash everything from healthcare and food assistance to veterans benefits and housing support,” said Congresswoman Adams. “This bill will harm our working families, small businesses, seniors, students, and underserved communities in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. I stand against this reckless bill so I can stand with the people of my district.”

The continuing resolution targets programs and subsidies Charlotteans use every day:

  • $700 million in cuts to rent subsidies for low-income households and working Americans. Meanwhile, lack of affordable housing and eviction rates continue to rise in Mecklenburg County. 
  • $116 million in cuts to the Small Business Administration which will eliminate programs for Charlotte’s more than 40,000 small businesses.
  • $2 billion in cuts to airport, roadway, and port safety projects. This comes after the tragic DC plane crash in January that departed from Charlotte.
  • Underfunds homeless services by $168 million. Mecklenburg County’s homeless rate grew by 3% over the last year.
  • Fails to fully fund The Emergency Food Assistance Program by $20 million. Nearly 12% of Mecklenburg County households are food insecure.
  • Fails to renew $293 million in bipartisan emergency preparedness and disaster mitigation projects as Western North Carolina still works to recover from Hurricane Helene.
  • Fails to provide valuable community project funding to local organizations and municipalities that offer services like healthcare, housing assistance, food security, and other critical community needs.

The continuing resolution also fails to direct how most of the funds will be used, giving President Trump even greater authority to freeze or reappropriate the federal dollars included in the continuing resolution.

“This bill is House Republicans’ attempt to give President Trump a blank check to enact his unpopular, harmful agenda,” said Congresswoman Adams. “We have already seen this administration wage wars on education, food assistance, housing, healthcare, and this will only seek to embolden them. I urge North Carolinians to call their member of congress and senators and make their voices heard during this critical time for our country.”

Moore, Booker, Adams, and Underwood Introduce Resolution Commemorating National Black Midwives Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

Today, Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04), along with Representatives Alma Adams, PhD (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), both co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced a resolution designating March 14, 2025, as “Black Midwives Day.” This House resolution, and its Senate companion led by Senator Cory Booker (NJ), celebrates Black midwives’ legacy of culturally congruent care and strives to rectify racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

“Black midwives practice time-honored techniques that have flourished for years,” said Representative Gwen Moore. “This resolution not only honors and uplifts Black midwives’ work toward reproductive justice, but it also invites federal, state, and local governments to embrace Black midwifery as a model of patient-centered, culturally sensitive care that beats systemic barriers and improves health outcomes for mothers and their babies,” Moore added.

“There is a growing maternal health crisis that affects all moms in our country. On top of that, the harsh reality is that Black people in the United States suffer from life threatening pregnancy complications twice as often as White people,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The Midwifery Model of Care is a proven method that improves pregnancy outcomes across the board.  Recognizing Black Midwives Day and all of the work midwives do to provide comprehensive and affordable health care reaffirms our commitment in Congress to ensuring equitable pregnancy outcomes for all.” 

“Black midwifery is a deep-rooted practice that speaks to Black history, tradition, culture, and maternal health,” said Representative Alma Adams. “For centuries, Black midwives were the main source of perinatal care for Black communities, safeguarding our health in the face of medical discrimination and barriers to care. As we look to address the Black maternal health crisis in our country today, let’s celebrate the legacy of Black midwives by committing to overcome racial discrimination in healthcare and keeping our mothers safe.” 

“For centuries, Black midwives have played an invaluable role in making sure moms and babies receive culturally competent care and lifesaving support,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m so proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to uplift the contributions of Black midwives, both past and present, and the critical work that they do to end disparities. Their commitment to making sure that childbirth is a time filled with joy for every family should be celebrated and remembered.”

“The National Black Midwives Alliance strongly supports and endorses the resolution for Black Midwives Day. Black midwives have long been at the forefront of maternal and infant care, addressing disparities and ensuring culturally centered, holistic birth experiences for Black families. Recognizing Black Midwives Day affirms the invaluable contributions of Black midwives, past and present, and promotes continued investment in their work to improve maternal health outcomes nationwide,” said Jamarah Amani of the National Black Midwives Alliance.

“BMMA (Black Mamas Matter Alliance) proudly endorses the resolution recognizing March 14 as Black Midwives Day, a critical step in honoring the invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. For centuries, Black midwives have been the cornerstone of their communities, providing culturally centered, life-affirming care that improves birth outcomes and saves lives.

Amidst the ongoing maternal health care crisis and deepening maternity care deserts, the expansion and full integration of Black midwifery into the U.S. healthcare system is not just necessary—it is urgent. BMMA calls on policymakers, healthcare institutions, and communities to invest in Black midwives by expanding training pathways, eliminating structural barriers, and ensuring equitable reimbursement for midwifery-led care. This resolution affirms the power of Black midwifery as a key strategy for advancing maternal health equity, reducing racial disparities, and supporting the reproductive autonomy of Black birthing people. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Black midwives and the National Black Midwives Alliance in the fight to protect, uplift, and expand Black midwifery for generations to come,” said Angela D. Aina, Executive Director, BMMA.

“Black midwives are the backbone of maternal health,” said Haven Midwifery Collective.

“We commend Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Cory Booker for introducing the National Black Midwives Day Resolution in recognition of the essential contributions of Black midwives to reproductive health. Their leadership underscores the importance of acknowledging and elevating the vital role Black midwives play in providing compassionate, culturally centered care, advancing health equity, and challenging systemic disparities. To truly honor this work, U.S. Government must continue to support and invest in pathways to midwifery and strive toward a health care system that provides the highest quality care and ensures that all birthing experiences are met with dignity, respect, and compassion,” said Breana N. Lipscomb, MPH, Senior Advisor, Maternal Health & Rights at Center for Reproductive Rights.

“Birth centers are a public health solution,” said Trinisha Williams, LM, CM, MPH, President, American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).

Access to Black Midwives is a critical solution to address the maternal mortality crisis in the US. Black Midwives Day is an opportunity to highlight the need for and uplift the work of Black Midwives,” said Jessica Brumley CNM, PhD, FACNM, President of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

2.2 million women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts lacking access to hospitals and birth centers.[1] This maternal health gap is especially acute for Black birthing people, who suffer maternal morbidity two times as often as white child bearers.[2] Responding to this crisis and recognizing the need for community-driven interventions, the resolution directs stakeholders to develop and enact policy solutions that promote a diverse perinatal workforce, strengthen training pathways for Black midwives, and fully incorporate midwifery into the maternity care system.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

Rep. Adams Stands Against President Trump’s Attempt to Close Down the Education Department

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workplace Safety and a former teacher of 40 years, released a statement on President Trump’s executive order attempting to dismantle the Department of Education (ED).

Nationally, this executive order threatens 26 million students across the country, taking billions away from their educational futures.

“Executive orders are not laws and only Congress has the ability to abolish a federal department,” said Congresswoman Adams. “President Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education is blatantly unconstitutional and is yet another effort to sidestep the authority of Congress. This will be challenged in court and, make no mistake, we will win. The Department of Education was established through an act of Congress and only an act of Congress can abolish it.

“It is cruel just for the sake of it and targets our most vulnerable children. Students with disabilities rely on the ED for special programming and funding. Hungry kids use ED funds for free school lunches, oftentimes their only reliable meal throughout the day. Low-income students use their schooling to build a better life for themselves.

“I have always been a champion for education and I invite my Republican colleagues to be the same. Let’s put partisanship aside, work together, and stand against this unconstitutional action so we can stand for our children’s futures.” 

President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education is a war on the country’s students and children. In North Carolina:

  • The Department of Education funds 10.9% of funding for North Carolina’s public schools at $1.1 billion.
  • The salaries of 14,000 NC public school educators and staff are paid through federal education funding.
  • The economic impact would be overwhelming. Public schools are the largest employer in 44 NC counties and a top five employer in every county in the state.
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have 17,000 students with disabilities, 40,000 students on the free student lunch program, and 105 Title I schools. All will be harmed by this decision.

Rep. Adams Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD (NC-12), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, released a statement following the passage of the continuing resolution.

“The continuing resolution fight was about more than just keeping the government open,” said Congresswoman Adams. “It was about refusing to turn over even more power to President Trump, Elon Musk, and standing against these devastating cuts.”

The continuing resolution includes deep cuts to critical programs and funding for Charlotteans:

  • $700 million in cuts to rent subsidies for low-income households and working Americans. Meanwhile, lack of affordable housing and eviction rates continue to rise in Mecklenburg County. 
  • $116 million in cuts to the Small Business Administration which will eliminate programs for Charlotte’s more than 40,000 small businesses.
  • $2 billion in cuts to airport, roadway, and port safety projects. This comes after the tragic DC plane crash in January that departed from Charlotte.
  • Underfunds homeless services by $168 million. Mecklenburg County’s homeless rate grew by 3% over the last year.
  • Fails to fully fund The Emergency Food Assistance Program by $20 million. Nearly 12% of Mecklenburg County households are food insecure.
  • Fails to renew $293 million in bipartisan emergency preparedness and disaster mitigation projects as Western North Carolina still works to recover from Hurricane Helene.
  • Fails to provide valuable community project funding to local organizations and municipalities that offer services like healthcare, housing assistance, food security, and other critical community needs.

“I have never celebrated a government shutdown, but I cannot understate the harm that will come from this bill,” Adams continued. “As this administration continues to wage their wars on education, healthcare, social security and federal employees, Congress has given them a blank check. It’s a disservice to all our constituencies.”

Rather than giving line-item budget allocations, the continuing resolution allocates agency funds in large pots of money without directing where they specifically go. This gives President Trump a “blank check” as he is able to reallocate or cut these funds as he sees fit, with few limitations.

“As we navigate the impacts of this disastrous bill, my priority remains taking care of my constituents,” said Congresswoman Adams. “If anyone in my district is suffering from the fallout of the continuing resolution, I encourage them to reach out to my offices and we will assist you however we can.”

To contact Congresswoman Adams’s Charlotte office, call (704) 344-9950. To contact her Washington, DC office, call (202) 225-1510. For information and resources, you can also visit our website at adams.house.gov.

As Nationwide Labor Movement Grows, Adams, Casar, Fetterman Introduce Bill to Provide SNAP Benefits for Striking Workers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), along with Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and Senator John Fetterman (PA), introduced the Bicameral Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 which allows striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The introduction comes as multiple high-profile strikes take place across the country with 2024 seeing 271,500 workers striking.

Currently, striking workers and their households are excluded from SNAP eligibility and cannot receive SNAP benefits unless they were previously eligible before the strike. While unions can sometimes reduce the financial stress of a strike, workers still face serious financial insecurity when striking due to loss of income. Many striking workers are also not union members, meaning they have an even smaller safety net, if any at all. The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 would repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP.

“Labor unions were essential in building strong safety nets and worker protections in this country. It’s time we return the favor to our striking workers,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “By allowing strikers to access SNAP, we help ensure they don’t need to choose between feeding their families or fighting for fair working conditions. Striking takes courage and supporting the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 is an important way we can show our solidarity to everyone on the picket line.” 

“If a worker goes on strike, the government shouldn’t punish them by taking away things like food stamps,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “People shouldn’t have to choose between their right to strike and going hungry. Let’s get rid of this anti-union law.”

The Food Secure Strikers Act is also endorsed by numerous unions and anti-hunger organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.

“When workers take the brave step to stand together for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, they understand the financial sacrifice they are making,” United Food and Commercial Workers International President Marc Perrone said. “While union strike funds and community support help ease that burden, they are not always enough. This bill would allow striking workers and their families to access SNAP, a critical service that helps put food on the table for millions of Americans in need.

The Food Secure Strikers Act would:

  • Repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP and affirmatively protect the eligibility of striking workers to receive SNAP;
  • Protect public sector workers who are fired for striking from being “considered to have voluntarily quit” for eligibility purposes; and;
  • Clarify that any income-eligible household can receive SNAP benefits regardless of if a member of that household is involved in a strike.

Hudson Leads Colleagues in Urging the FCC to Reform Outdated Ownership Rules Crippling Broadcasters

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), who serves as the Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led over 50 of his colleagues in a bipartisan letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on the need for major reforms to outdated ownership rules that hurt broadcasters across the country. 

The lawmakers wrote,“While the FCC has made incremental adjustments over the decades, the fundamental ownership restrictions have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, imposing undue constraints on broadcasters’ ability to innovate and invest in local content.”

“Today, any one of the largest Big Tech platforms dwarfs the entire broadcast industry – yet they are held to no similar limitations on their reach,”  the lawmakers continued. “This imbalance places broadcasters at a severe disadvantage in competing for advertising dollars and audience engagement.”

“Reforming outdated ownership rules is essential to ensuring that broadcasters remain viable, competitive, and capable of fulfilling their essential role in American democracy. By modernizing these regulations, the FCC can empower broadcasters to better serve their communities, promote local journalism, and compete in the modern media marketplace,”  the lawmakers concluded.

Read the full letter here and an exclusive story in Politico here.

-###-

Hudson, Issa, Risch Lead Bill to Stop Unfair State Taxes on Firearms

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Darrell Issa (R-CA), alongside Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act to prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control programs.

“Gun grabbing liberals will stop at nothing to undermine the Second Amendment,” said Congressman Hudson. “Their latest scheme is an unconstitutional tax that seeks to price you out of your right to keep and bear arms, and this legislation will put a stop to it.”

“For too many years, extreme state policies — including from my home state — have targeted our fundamental Second Amendment rights and the American citizens who exercise them,” said Congressman Issa. “The latest attack is California’s imposition of a ‘sin tax’ on firearms and ammunition. This outrageous and unfair burden on law-abiding citizens is why Sen. Risch, Rep. Hudson, and I are working to stop this and other attempts to penalize our people and put the price of self-defense out of reach of any American.”

“Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment,” said Senator Risch“The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.”

As of July 1, 2024, California implemented a new 10-11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition to discourage the purchase of firearms and fund gun control programs. These added fees now double the tax on gun and ammunition purchases. Colorado, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York have proposed similar taxes. 

Hudson, Issa, and Risch are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) in introducing the legislation.

The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act has received support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Read the full text of the bill here.



-###-