Beyer, Don RSS Articles

Beyer Hails Passage Of Major Housing Legislation

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee and as a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, today hailed the U.S. House’s passage of landmark housing legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the House with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 396-13. The bill, which now returns to the Senate, would improve federal housing programs, remove unnecessary barriers to development, and expand financing options to spur home construction and make housing more affordable.

“This bill is a big win for everyone who wants to make housing more affordable,” said Rep. Beyer, a leader on housing policy in the House Ways and Means Committee. “Amid the national affordability crisis, Congress should be doing everything possible to lower prices and address kitchen table issues for American families. Housing costs in particular are high on the list of the most important challenges affecting my Northern Virginia constituents, and I’m thrilled to see this bill advance. The strong bipartisan vote should help ensure that this version of the bill passes in the Senate and gets signed into law.”

Beyer is a major proponent of policies to make housing more affordable on the House Ways and Means Committee, as a long time lead cosponsor of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, portions of which were enacted last year. He previously secured federal funding for significant local affordable housing projects in Northern Virginia.

Virginia Democrats Request NPS Restore Historically Accurate Arlington House Educational Materials

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (VA-08) today led the Democratic Virginia Congressional delegation including Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11), to request that the National Park Service (NPS) immediately return a Junior Ranger Program activity booklet to circulation in its original form ahead of America 250 events, which are expected to bring millions of visitors to Virginia and the National Capital Region.

According to an NPS database, the Junior Ranger activity booklet was flagged and removed pursuant to the June 2025 National Park Service directive ordering the review of public-facing historical materials for including the following line: “In 1829, Robert E. Lee promised to serve in the Army and protect the United States. In 1861, he broke his promise and fought for slavery.” In requesting that the booklet be immediately returned to circulation in its original form, the lawmakers emphasized that the booklet’s language regarding General Robert E. Lee is factually accurate and necessary to telling the complete story of Arlington House and the American Civil War.

The lawmakers also requested a full accounting of any interpretive materials, exhibits, signage, or educational resources that have been removed or altered at Virginia national park sites pursuant to the June 2025 memorandum.

In a letter to Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron, the lawmakers wrote:

Dear Acting Director Bowron:

As Members of Congress representing the Commonwealth of Virginia, we write to ask that you return to circulation a Junior Ranger Program activity book that has been reportedly taken out of circulation at Arlington House. As we approach America 250 celebrations that will center around our nation’s capital, it is essential that all families and other visitors who choose to make Arlington House part of their commemoration of this important milestone have full access to educational materials created to tell the story of this important Virginia site.

Pursuant to a memo that you issued in June 2025, every NPS unit was directed to review all public signage, language, and historical resources to remove or change any that are subjectively negative about either past or living Americans. According to an NPS database, the Junior Ranger booklet was flagged for including the following line: “In 1829, Robert E. Lee promised to serve in the Army and protect the United States. In 1861, he broke his promise and fought for slavery.”

That phrase, along with the rest of the booklet, is not only historically accurate, but also important to understanding the context of the site. Robert E. Lee graduated from West Point in 1829. Upon commissioning into the United States Army, he took an oath that required him to “bear true allegiance to the United States of America” among other commitments to public service. Contrary to that oath, he resigned from the U.S. Army in 1861, and proceeded to take up arms in a war intended to break the United States and preserve the institution of slavery. Lee not only resigned his commission, but betrayed his oath by participating in armed rebellion against the United States government. Explaining that decision by Lee is essential to telling the story of Arlington House, which was acquired by the federal government soon after he resigned his commission and left Arlington to fight against the United States.

Given the upcoming America 250 events, we ask that you immediately return the Junior Ranger Program activity book to circulation, including all content prior to removal. Doing so will ensure that Arlington House is equipped to serve the many visitors who choose to make it part of their once-in-a lifetime historical and educational events this summer, and ensure access to age-appropriate educational content.

Additionally, we request that NPS provide our offices with a full accounting of any interpretive materials, including exhibits, signage, and Junior Ranger resources, that have been removed or altered at Virginia national park units pursuant to the June 2025 memorandum, and that NPS commit to notifying our offices prior to any future such changes. Ahead of America 250, Virginia’s national parks, which serve millions of visitors each year, are an invaluable resource for visitors to the Commonwealth. Any removal or significant alteration of educational materials at those sites risks undermining those sites and the complete, accurate, and historical resources they provide.

We request a commitment to meet those requests, as well as clarity on the Junior Ranger Program activity book, by June 2, 2026.

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

Beyer, Dingell, Buchanan Recognize Endangered Species Day

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 15 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution celebrates the strong role that the ESA has played in protecting America’s imperiled species and the need for greater conservation efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction – including the bald eagle, our national symbol – have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America’s wildlife," said Congressman Beyer.

“The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction, ” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA.”

“Florida’s endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life. I’m proud to lead this resolution to designate today as ‘Endangered Species Day’ and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures," said Congressman Buchanan.

In the United States and around the world, more than 2,300 species are recognized as at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future, and many more are experiencing declines in populations and future viability. Many scientists categorize our planet’s current biodiversity crisis as the sixth mass extinction event, with plant and wildlife species across the globe facing heightened risk of extinction that is largely driven by human activity.

View the full text of the resolution here. Learn more about the ESA Caucus here.

Beyer, Subramanyam Request Supplemental GAO Review into Army’s Systemic Conditions and Practices Leading to Tragic DCA Collision

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) yesterday led 45 House Democrats in requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the systemic conditions and operational practices that preceded the January 29, 2025 midair collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near National Airport (DCA), which claimed the lives of 67 passengers and crew.

The lawmakers urged GAO to examine broader systemic issues related to Army aviation safety and training practices beyond the scope of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation, including staffing, training, safety culture, mission risk management, civil-military coordination, aviation technology, and oversight practices. Citing reports of near misses between military and commercial aircraft in DCA airspace, the lawmakers also emphasized that the review should pay particular attention to units operating regularly in complex civilian airspace, including those based in the National Capital Region.

In a letter to Acting Comptroller General Orice W. Brown, the lawmakers wrote:

We write with concern about the effectiveness of the Army’s aviation safety culture and in particular, its practices in civilian airspace in the aftermath of the January 29, 2025 collision of an Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter with American Eagle Flight 5342, which claimed the lives of 67 passengers and crew. Other reports of near misses between military and commercial aircraft call into question broader patterns across military aviation in ensuring safety.

Given the collision and instances of near-misses, as well as the gaps identified in Army safety culture and processes in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s investigation of this collision, we respectfully request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review or series of reviews evaluating the Army’s aviation safety and training practices, including its policies and procedures for interfacing with civilian aircraft. While we understand GAO will not re-investigate the January 29 collision, the circumstances surrounding it should clearly inform and frame this review as a reference point for assessing systemic coordination and safety practices.

We request that particular attention be given to units that regularly operate in complex civilian airspace, such as those based in the National Capital Region, to assess how Army aviation training, risk management, and coordination practices are applied in practice. We request that GAO assess and examine the following in its review:

Staffing & Qualifications

Assess Army pilot assignment criteria for Class B/C/D operations (such as local and overall experience, recency, proficiency, flying hours, supervisory ratios, and fatigue management procedures).
Assess Army training standards and assignment procedures for pilots and other airspace management personnel for complex operating environments.
Assess trends in Army aviator experience, flight hours, and standards for the previous ten years and factors, such as retention and attrition trends, that could adversely affect safety.

Training & Standards

Assess processes to align Army aviation doctrines, manuals, local standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training programs with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and local air traffic control (ATC) procedures, including reasons for any differences.
Assess Army training programs for night vision goggle operations, visual separation, altimetry use, and spatial-disorientation, and traffic-awareness tools (e.g., ForeFlight, TIS-B, ADS-B and other similar systems), including how units measure training effectiveness and standardization, and whether evaluations are consistently conducted independently and graded with appropriate rigor.
Assess Army training and standards for verbal communication with local ATC, including the consistency of compliance with such standards and any retraining or evaluations of compliance with standards throughout pilots’ careers.

Safety Culture & Decision Authority

Assess the operational safety culture for Army aviation units and factors, such as operational priorities in congested airspace and flight safety, that crews and leadership consider when responding to safety concerns, including whether aviators have appropriate avenues and encouragement to raise concerns or decline missions.
Assess the roles and responsibilities of Army governance structures and accountability mechanisms, including coordination with FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) oversight offices, in identifying and addressing safety issues, including the root causes of underlying safety risks and associated mitigations.

Risk Management & Technology

Assess the adequacy and rigor of mission risk assessments in accounting for real-world traffic flows and hazards, including pre-flight tools and briefings to identify congested or conflicted airspace and to mitigate military-commercial overlaps in planning.
Assess the safety implications of ADS-B Out exemptions and other sensor limitations, including FAA/Army processes for granting, tracking, and mitigating such waivers; decision-making authority at the unit, Army, and DoD levels; and Army oversight of its policies for exemptions.
Examine the certification process for military-designed aircraft used in civilian airspace and any modernization or equipage upgrades intended to improve safety.
Assess whether ground-based surveillance and communication systems used by FAA and DoD, including radar, multilateration, and coordination equipment, provide sufficient coverage and reliability to support joint airspace operations, and whether deficiencies or funding gaps have been prioritized for correction.

Civilian Airspace Risk Integration

Assess the Army’s risk management procedures to identify and mitigate collision risks to non-participating civilian aircraft.
Assess processes and procedures to account for recurring military activity in classes of airspace in the National Airspace System (NAS).
Assess whether the risks and mitigation gaps observed in the National Capital Region also exist in other complex civilian airspace hotspots nationwide.
Assess whether FAA–DoD coordination mechanisms and communication systems, including airspace handoffs, equipment interoperability, staffing levels in high-density environments, and post-incident coordination and response, adequately ensure situational awareness and safety, and whether known deficiencies have been addressed.
Assess whether Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Letters of Agreement (LOAs) governing Army–FAA operations are consistently reviewed and updated to reflect changing airspace conditions, and whether procedural safeguards exist to ensure continuity of coordination independent of individual relationships or command changes.

Civil–Military Coordination

Assess Army processes to coordinate with FAA, airport operators, local airspace users, and joint safety forums.
Assess Army information-sharing agreements with these entities for collision alerts and hazard mitigations.
Assess Army procedures to respond to concerns or recommendations raised through these mechanisms, including whether FAA-identified concerns and irregularities are reliably escalated to Army leadership, addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, and whether agreements such as LOAs are consistently implemented and enforced.

Accountability, Data Integrity & Post-Incident Response

Assess the completeness and reliability of Army aviation accident and hazard reporting and data retention practices, including alignment with reports from FAA/ATC and other airspace users.
Assess whether Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) / Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)-style programs (including flight-data capture, transmission, targeted monitoring of high-risk platforms, analysis, and integration with FAA systems) are used to identify systemic issues and to support coaching that corrects recurring deficiencies.
Assess how ongoing records and post-incident responses are preserved and whether decision makers, including the FAA and Congress, receive timely, accurate, and complete information necessary for effective oversight of safety in shared airspace.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The letter is signed by Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Wesley Bell (D-MO), André Carson (D-IN), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Jesús García (D-IL), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Bill Keating (D-MA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Sarah McBride (D-DE), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Mike Thompson (D-VA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

Beyer, Kelly, Cramer, Coons Introduce Charity Parity Act

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), Senator Cramer (R-ND), and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer sponsored retirement plans.

Currently, retirement savers can exclude up to $111,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.

The Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.

“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.”

“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”

“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Senator Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”

“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Senator Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”

Original cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), both of whom serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Professionals; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; United Way Worldwide; Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.; Association of Art Museum Directors.

“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the American Heart Association.

"Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities," stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. "Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors."

“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, President & CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.”

“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”

"The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.

“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.

“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“With art museums typically depending on gifts for a third of their revenue, donations are what enable free and reduced admission, educational programs, and a host of community services." said Christine Anagnos, Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Directors. "AAMD offers its thanks to Reps. Beyer and Kelly and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on the Charity Parity Act."

Beyer, Bacon, Salinas Welcome Rep. Mike Kelly as New Mental Health Caucus Co-Chair

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) today welcomed Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.

“As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing and supporting mental health, Congress must continue to address these critical issues as well. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Don Beyer, Don Bacon, and Andrea Salinas as Mental Health Caucus co-chair. Mental health isn’t a partisan issue,” said Rep. Kelly.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Mike has been a strong bipartisan partner on efforts to support youth mental health and expand investment in mental health research,” said Rep. Beyer. “His leadership will strengthen our work, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to advance meaningful legislation to build a stronger, more accessible system of care to tackle the mental health crisis.”

“We know our country faces a mental health crisis, and that means we must keep working together toward solutions,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Kelly as a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus as we continue advancing bipartisan efforts to improve care.”

“I am excited to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as a fellow co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Congressman Kelly has worked across the aisle to ensure Americans can access the treatment they need,” said Rep. Salinas. “I look forward to working alongside him to strengthen bipartisan legislation to ensure every person can access high-quality, affordable mental healthcare.”

Kelly has worked on bipartisan efforts focused on youth mental health and mental health research. Together with Congressman Beyer, he co-leads the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, which would help schools establish student-led peer support programs to identify and respond to youth mental health challenges. Kelly also leads the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act to encourage public-private partnerships and expand investment in mental health and neurological research.

Beyer is a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus’ Suicide Prevention Task Force and author of the bipartisan Barriers to Suicide Act, which would require the Department of Transportation to establish grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. Beyer also leads an annual appropriations letter on bipartisan suicide prevention programs, which supports funding for 988, and suicide prevention programs at the CDC and SAMHSA.

Bacon leads mental health initiatives focused on crisis response and veterans’ mental health, including the STOP Suicide Act to expand federal support for services for individuals in crisis and recovery. He also introduced the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would improve coordination of mental health programs for veterans and transitioning servicemembers.

Salinas has introduced several bills to improve access to mental health care, including the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, which would provide three free behavioral health visits per year for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, as well as the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, which would expand access to telehealth services for rural Americans who continue to face barriers to in-person mental health care. She is also a co-founder of the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus that seeks to address health care gaps in rural communities, especially related to mental health care.

Trump’s War Drives Painful Price Spikes

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

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

SEEC Slams Republican Farm Bill’s Failure to Help America’s Farmers

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement in response to the House passage of the Republican-led Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) that undermines American agriculture, affordability, and public health.

“Republicans’ Farm Bill fails to confront the crisis that America’s farmers and families find themselves in. While Americans are facing rising costs at the gas pump and grocery store, our nation’s farmers are struggling under rising input costs, market instability, costly extreme weather, a gutted U.S. Department of Agriculture, and an expensive Trump War abroad. While this Farm Bill included important provisions, Republicans included a number of poison pills that would make it even harder for millions of Americans to put food on the table and lead healthy lives.

“Electricity prices are rising faster than inflation; diesel costs are up by 45%; fertilizer costs are up by 20 to 40%; grocery prices are up 3.6% this year; and farm bankruptcies have skyrocketed by 46% in the past year alone. But instead of tackling skyrocketing inflation, House Republicans put forth a Farm Bill that exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis by cutting support for cost-saving conservation practices and on-farm solar production. Instead of protecting Americans against deadly toxins, they continued their crusade on behalf of Trump’s polluters by handing out giveaways to chemical corporations and going after our bedrock environmental protections that safeguard our health and America’s wildlife.

“The Farm Bill should be an opportunity to invest in a robust and resilient American food supply chain. We at SEEC will continue to fight for a Farm Bill that delivers food to the table and provides stability and growth for America’s farmers.”

Beyer, Obernolte Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Transition to Unleaded Aviation Fuel

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) today introduced the Undoing National Lead Exposure through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT (UNLEADED) Act, bipartisan legislation to support the transition from leaded to unleaded aviation gasoline (Avgas) in general aviation.

While leaded gasoline has been banned in motor vehicles for more than 25 years, the use of leaded Avgas remains widespread across the general aviation sector, which includes roughly 220,000 aircraft operating at more than 20,000 airports nationwide. As a result, general aviation aircraft are now the largest source of lead emissions in the United States. The UNLEADED Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a comprehensive education program to support the safe and effective adoption of unleaded Avgas.

“General aviation is critically important to our national economy and to emergency services like medical transport and disaster response, but it remains the largest source of lead emissions in the United States,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Although new unleaded aviation fuel alternatives are being developed and certified, many pilots and operators lack clear information about their availability, safety, and compatibility. Our bipartisan UNLEADED Act will help bridge the information gap by ensuring pilots, instructors, and aviation professionals have the tools they need to safely transition to unleaded fuels as they become available, which will protect public health while supporting a strong general aviation sector.”

“As the general aviation community continues to grow, we must ensure that our pilots and others in the industry are informed about the latest developments in aviation technology, particularly the future of unleaded gasoline for general aviation aircraft,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte. “The UNLEADED Act will ensure that the general aviation community is familiar with the current state of certified unleaded fuel alternatives by directing the FAA to establish an educational program on unleaded aviation gasoline. Initiatives such as this one are critical as we move towards the goal of a lead-free general aviation fleet.”

Representatives Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) are original co-sponsors of the UNLEADED Act.

This legislation is also supported by organizations including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

“Business aviation is committed to achieving a safe and sustainable transition to a lead-free future, and meaningful progress is already well underway,” said National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen. “But reaching this goal safely and at scale requires clear, consistent education for pilots, aircraft owners and fuel providers. The bipartisan UNLEADED Act will help accelerate the adoption of safe, approved unleaded fuels by ensuring the entire aviation community has the information needed to move forward with confidence. We thank Reps. Beyer and Obernolte for their leadership in advancing a practical solution that protects public health while preserving the safety and reliability of our National Airspace System.”

Specifically, the Undoing National Lead Exposure through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT (UNLEADED) Act, would:

Direct the FAA to establish an education program about new unleaded aviation gasoline authorized for use by the Administrator,
Require the education program to include information related to the compatibility of certified unleaded Avgas fuels with GA aircraft engines, in addition to the availability of certified unleaded Avgas fuels for purchase, and relevant certifications needed to utilize the fuels,
Publicize the status of all variations of unleaded aviation gasoline undergoing authorization by the FAA,
Ensure the newly established education program is made available to flight instructors and pilot schools, and
Facilitate annual education and training for Fixed-Base Operators leadership and staff that transport and handle unleaded aviation gasoline.

Text of the UNLEADED Act is available here.

Rep. Beyer Hosts Global Entry Enrollment Event

Sat, 17 May 2025 14:30:00 GMT

I’m hosting a Global Entry Enrollment Event for applicants who have been conditionally approved to complete the interview portion on Saturday, May 17 at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in Alexandria. The event will run from 10:30 AM until 3:40 PM.

All conditionally approved Global Entry applicants can schedule this event from their Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account, using the location “Alexandria (IAD GE/Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library)”.

Ninth Annual Women's Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:30:00 GMT

After postponing my Annual Women’s Conference due to the government shutdown in October, I’m pleased to share that we have confirmed a new date and look forward to gathering with you.

Please join me as I host my Ninth Annual Women's Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience on Thursday, January 15 at George Mason University’s new Fuse building at Mason Square. This event is free to the public but capacity is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register online here.

This year's event will bring together women leaders to share stories of perseverance, strength, and resilience in the face of the challenges confronting our country and community in these unprecedented times.

The discussion will feature Brooke Sydnor Curran, founder of Move2Learn; Lisa Jacobs, Executive Director of the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium; and Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, Executive Director of Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR). The discussion will be moderated by Nyree Wright, Executive Vice President of Crisis & Risk Communications at Edelman. I will also present this year's Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award.

Congressman Beyer Hosts Constituent Services Event For Former And Current Federal Workers And Contractors

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Please join me for a constituent services event for former and current federal workers and contractors on Saturday, September 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Paragon Theaters in Falls Church.

This event, held in partnership with City of Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi and the wellfed Team (former federal employees), will provide practical financial guidance alongside community and wellness support. Experts will lead a Financial Triage Workshop, sharing clear strategies for budgeting, expense tracking, and planning at every career stage, with time for Q&A.

There will also be space for connection and mental well-being, recognizing that resilience is built through both financial clarity and a supportive community. Refreshments and lunch will also be provided.

Please click here to RSVP.

POSTPONED: Ninth Annual Women's Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Please join me as I host my Ninth Annual Women's Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience on Monday, October 6 at George Mason University’s new Fuse building at Mason Square. This event is free to the public but capacity is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register online here.

Alexandria Town Hall with NAACP

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 18:00:00 GMT

The NAACP Virginia District 8 proudly announces an engaging Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 606 S Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. This vital community conversation will feature distinguished guest speakers including Congressman Don Beyer, Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman, Arlington County Board Member Julius "JD" Spain, Jr., and Virginia Delegate Marcus B. Simon.

October No Kings Rally

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:30:00 GMT

No Kings rally in Market Square, Alexandria, featuring Mayor Gaskins, Olivia Troye, and other local leaders.

No Kings: Alexandria

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

No Kings rally at Market Square in Old Town, Saturday, June 14th.

Rep. Beyer's Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:00:00 GMT

I'm hosting my next telephone town hall tomorrow night, Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the latest in Congress, the federal government, and Northern Virginia. To participate, sign up here: https://beyer.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=89

Rep. Beyer Holds Telephone Town Hall As Shutdown Looms

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:30:00 GMT

I'm holding a telephone town hall on Monday 9/29 at 5:30pm. I will discuss the impending lapse in federal appropriations and possibility of a shutdown, and take questions on the latest in Congress, Northern Virginia and more.

To participate, you can sign up here: https://beyer.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=90

Protect Our Medicaid Panel

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:30:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Virginia House of Delegates Majority Leader Charniele Herring, Chair of the Virginia House of Delegates’ Health and Human Services Committee Mark Sickles, and state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), join a coalition of Virginia home care workers, doctors, and reproductive freedom advocates for a panel discussion to raise the alarm about how threatened Medicaid cuts would impact Northern Virginians.