Beyer, Don RSS Articles

New Dem Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer Slams Declaration to Withdraw from USMCA, Urge Strengthening of Trilateral Agreement through Joint Review

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, New Democrat Coalition Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement on the start of the joint review process of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) urging Trump Administration officials to maintain and build on the seminal trade agreement rather than withdraw and throw the U.S. and regional economy into chaos. The failure to renew the USMCA is estimated to result in a $300 tax increase per household in 2027 and the loss of 95,000 jobs.

“This past year has demonstrated the profound importance of free trade with America’s two closest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. As the President’s sweeping trade war erodes our trade relationships, raises costs, and destroys certainty in our economy, it is essential that the United States use this opportunity to strengthen – not retreat from – this crucial agreement.

“The Administration’s decision to start this review process by refusing to extend the USMCA is a grave mistake. Withdrawal from the agreement would devastate our markets, manufacturers, farmers, and consumers here at home. Our negotiators must engage in good-faith, trilateral discussions during this review to reinforce the agreement and ensure its continuation while addressing new challenges that have emerged in the six years since the USMCA took effect.

“Over the past year, New Dems convened meetings with the Canadian and Mexican ambassadors and roundtables with stakeholders and trade experts to ensure this process refines the Agreement without undermining its core framework. We are fully committed to delivering a revitalized USCMA through the joint review to deliver lower costs, stronger supply chains, more jobs, and certainty to our economy.”

New Democrat Coalition members penned a letter to Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, in November 2025 calling on negotiators to “update and expand on the existing framework without undermining the successes and essential components” that have benefitted all parties of the agreement.

Beyer, Raskin, Norton, Ivey Demand Trump Administration Remove Demolished East Wing’s Toxic Debris from East Potomac National Park

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) demanded the Trump Administration take immediate steps to safely remove over 35,000 cubic yards of toxic debris that the president recklessly deposited onto the East Potomac National Park. The poisonous pile-up contains the remains of the illegally demolished White House East Wing.

“For nearly eight months, golfers, cyclists, runners, fishermen and members of the public have been exposed to such debris, which contains dangerous levels of arsenic, lead and mercury,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Even more troubling is your failure to release reliable test results on the potential asbestos content that may be mixed in with the demolition materials of the East Wing.”

In October, President Trump illegally demolished the White House’s East Wing to make way for his $600 million ballroom, partially financed by taxpayers. Soon after, Secretary Burgum carelessly advised President Trump to deposit its over 35,000 cubic yards of toxic debris onto the public golf course on East Potomac National Park.

The East Potomac Golf Links is part of East Potomac Park, which lies on federal land in Washington, D.C. The park provides recreational space for thousands of people who live in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

The golf course is on a peninsula surrounded by the Potomac River, an important tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. The White House waited six months after dumping the toxic debris on the golf course to release test results showing the pile contained elevated levels of lead, arsenic and mercury.

“The White House... knew there would be a high likelihood of toxins in the East Wing debris and still chose to dump them in a public place, creating massive exposure for both adults and children,” the lawmakers continued.

The East Wing was constructed in 1902, when lead paint was a commonly used material. In addition, any building built or remodeled before 1980 likely contains asbestos, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

In their letter, the lawmakers demanded the administration develop a plan to immediately and safely remove the toxic debris and remediate the surrounding land on East Potomac Golf Links. They also called on the administration to warn the public about any health risks from toxic exposure and share documentation regarding how this irresponsible decision was made.

In addition to Beyer, Raskin, Norton, and Ivey, the letter was also signed by Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Wesley Bell (MO-01) and Seth Magaziner (RI-02).

Read the full text of the letter here and below:

The Honorable Doug Burgum

Secretary

U.S. Department of the Interior

1849 C Street NW

Washington, DC 20240

Dear Secretary Burgum:

We demand that you immediately and safely remove over 35,000 cubic yards of toxic debris left over from the demolition of the former East Wing of the White House that you deposited on the East Potomac Golf Course. For nearly eight months, golfers, cyclists, runners, fishermen and members of the public have been exposed to such debris, which contains dangerous levels of arsenic, lead and mercury. Even more troubling is your failure to release reliable test results on the potential asbestos content that may be mixed in with the demolition materials of the East Wing. These contaminants are embedded in debris piles just feet away from the banks of the Potomac River, an important tributary of the Chesapeake Bay where people fish and row.

In October 2025, President Trump’s illegal and unannounced demolition of the East Wing of the White House presented a novel and dangerous challenge. You proposed dumping the debris on East Potomac Golf Course; the plans were quickly approved and set in motion by the President. Days after President Trump started to demolish the East Wing of the White House on October 20, 2025, contractors hired by the National Park Service (NPS) began carting away the massive debris—including pipes, wires and rebar—to East Potomac National Park. All told, NPS transported over 35,000 cubic yards of debris.

More than six months later, NPS has finally released test results on the East Wing debris. The results show elevated levels of heavy metals including arsenic, lead, and mercury. One sample even contained twice the maximum acceptable exposure level in soil set by the EPA for children, though experts say no level of exposure is safe. Lead and mercury are severe neurotoxins that can disrupt brain development, damage nerve cells and impair cognitive function, while sustained arsenic exposure is strongly linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers. Results for asbestos content have been inconclusive due to limited and compromised sample vials. The contamination results are unsurprising, as the East Wing of the White House was first built in 1902, when lead paint was a ubiquitous paint material.

The East Wing was later significantly renovated in 1945. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), any building built or remodeled before 1980 likely contains asbestos. The White House therefore knew there would be a high likelihood of toxins in the East Wing debris and still chose to dump them in a public place, creating massive exposure for both adults and children. In fact, in sworn declarations before a Federal District Court, Director of White House Management and Administration Joshua Fisher attested that the demolished East Wing included “toxic substances spread throughout the structure, including asbestos and lead based paint.” Moreover, NPS leadership allegedly knew of the pollution as early as October 2025, but continued to freely dump anyway.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the effects of any proposed project on “the quality of the human environment” and produce an Environmental Impact Statement—or at the very least an Environmental Assessment—for a project of this significance. You have not complied with this law. Instead, you have attempted an end-run around NEPA by claiming that the debris meets the criteria for a “Categorical Exclusion,” a procedure that is only used for actions which “do not significantly affect the human environment.” In your Categorical Exclusion document, you attested that the East Wing debris would be “clean fill” to fulfill “existing maintenance” needs. As the test results demonstrate, these debris piles are anything but “clean fill” but rather more than likely pose a threat to human health and the environment.

To immediately address the threats to human health and the environment presented by the East Wing debris, we request written answers to the following questions by no later than July 10, 2026:

1. What is your Department’s plan to remove the debris, monitor and remediate the contamination on East Potomac National Park caused by the more than 35,000 cubic yards of toxic debris from the East Wing? When will your Department execute this plan? Has the Department warned the public in the meantime of the risks to public health?

2. Please share all documentation and communication between agency officials in connection with the transportation of East Wing debris to East Potomac Golf Course.

3. Why did the Department fail to test the East Wing debris dumped prior to October 28, 2025 on East Potomac Golf Course?

4. Why did the Department proceed with dumping the debris after knowing it was likely to be contaminated and without knowing the test results? Please share all documents related to this decision.

We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your prompt response.

Beyer, Ross, Hurd Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen AI Security and Vulnerability Reporting

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Jeff Hurd (CO-3) introduced the AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the security of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill would create a voluntary federal reporting program through which AI developers can disclose vulnerabilities in their models, enabling coordinated efforts to identify, manage, and responsibly disclose flaws before they can be exploited.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), an authoritative dataset that organizations across the world use to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would direct NIST to create similar processes for the reporting of AI flaws and vulnerabilities. It also directs NIST to engage with the private sector and assist with developing methods for detecting, monitoring, and remediating AI flaws.

The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would also direct NIST to bring together stakeholders to study AI flaws and vulnerabilities across sectors and assess the reporting and response infrastructure developed by the bill. NIST would then be required to submit its findings to Congress within three years.

“As AI technologies continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, AI systems face growing threats that can expose sensitive data, create new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and beyond,” said Congressman Beyer. “Congress cannot afford to fall behind in addressing these emerging risks and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. Our legislation would establish a centralized reporting mechanism for potential security and safety vulnerabilities in AI systems, allowing for timely and coordinated action to mitigate risks.”

“I’m proud to represent much of the Research Triangle Park, home to organizations and institutions that are driving innovation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” said Congresswoman Ross. “AI is already shaping how we work, communicate, and access information, and we must put appropriate safeguards in place to address the risks that come with this rapidly evolving technology. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act. This commonsense legislation will help us better identify and address vulnerabilities in AI systems while advancing the responsible development of this technology.”

“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, and that leadership starts with secure and reliable systems,” said Congressman Hurd. “This bipartisan bill creates a practical framework to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, helping strengthen trust in AI while supporting continued innovation. I’m proud to work across the aisle to ensure the United States remains the global leader in developing and deploying these technologies.”

Bill text is available here.

Beyer Statement on MOU Agreed to by US, Iran

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed to by the United States and Iran:

“The President should never have started this war. It was not smart, it was not legal, it was not morally justified, and it was not in our national interest.

“The American people never asked for this war, yet they have borne its costs from the very beginning. Thirteen American servicemembers have been killed and hundreds more have been injured. Countless civilians have lost their lives, including Iranian schoolgirls killed by U.S. military action – a tragedy carried out in our name that should shame us all. Americans have also felt the consequences here at home. Families are struggling to afford gas, energy bills, and groceries as this conflict continues to drive up costs and fuel inflation.

“While I welcome efforts to negotiate an end to this war, this MOU lays bare the utter failure of the President's strategy. Not only is it worse that what was on offer prior to the US-Israeli bombing campaign, it also fails to improve on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which the president so foolishly cast aside during his first term against the advice of his own national security advisors.

“This MOU is the natural result of an ill-conceived military campaign rooted in hubris and willful ignorance and marked by shifting war goals that could not be met even as they were continually scaled back. It will be one of the defining documents of President Trump’s thoughtless, ignorant, corrupt, and violent approach to government and his disgraced administration.

“I can only hope that the cheerleaders of this war find some humility now that the world can see the consequences of what they have wrought, and if they cannot, that their counsel is comprehensively rejected by our nation and its leaders in the months and years ahead.

“Diplomacy was always the best way to advance our national security interests with Iran, and it remains the only viable path forward.”

As Trump Requests $1.5 Trillion for Pentagon, Reps. Beyer, Garamendi and Sens. Markey, Merkley Press for Details on “Golden Dome” $1.2 Trillion Price Tag, Mission

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

As Congress considers President Trump’s $1.5 trillion request for Pentagon spending and SpaceX wins billions in Golden Dome contracts, Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08) and John Garamendi (CA-08) and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today led their colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, demanding further information on the Trump administration’s proposed Golden Dome missile interceptor system. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently estimated that Golden Dome could cost American taxpayers $1.2 trillion and deliver much less capability than advertised. Trump’s Department of Defense (DOD) rejected the accuracy of CBO’s estimate but has refused to share key information about Golden Dome with CBO, Congress, or the American people.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “This is unacceptable. Before you spend one more taxpayer dollar on Golden Dome, DOD must share its plans and goals for the system. There is no reasonable justification for keeping the mission and number of interceptors for Golden Dome secret. It is one thing to withhold design details or performance specifications of certain systems, but it is quite another to withhold the entire system architecture that you expect Congress to approve and fund. Congress and the American public have a right to know what they are paying for.”

The lawmakers continued, “Transparency is particularly important when it appears, as it does here, that the system’s ultimate capability will fall far short of the original promises. On May 20, 2025, President Trump said that, with Golden Dome, ‘we will truly be completing the job that President Reagan started 40 years ago, forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland.’ According to CBO’s calculations, even a system that would cost $3 trillion would not meet that ambitious goal, which would need to be able to engage hundreds of missiles. If the Administration has not scaled back its goals for the system, the current official price tag is woefully unrealistic.”

Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Bill Foster (IL-11) co-signed the letter.

The lawmakers requested answers by June 30, 2026, to questions including:

What is the intended purpose of Golden Dome? How many missiles (and of what types) is it being designed to intercept? What system architecture will be used?
How does the Administration plan to spend the proposed $185 billion on Golden Dome?
What is your 20-year estimated cost of Golden Dome?
Will the Administration propose a third missile defense interceptor site on the East Coast?
How does the Administration expect China and Russia to react to Golden Dome? How does the Administration plan to reconcile its arms control goals with these reactions?
What parts of your plans for Golden Dome do you expect to keep secret and what parts will you release to the public?

The full text of the letter is available here.

Beyer, Fitzpatrick, Houlahan Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Paid Family and Medical Leave for Federal Employees

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) today reintroduced the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, bipartisan legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. Under current law, federal employees are eligible for paid parental leave, but family and medical leave continues to be unpaid.

“I’m proud to represent a district with one of the largest numbers of federal employees in the country, so I am especially conscious of how beneficial it would be to provide comprehensive paid family and medical leave to our public servants,” said Representative Beyer. “We’ve already made meaningful progress by securing paid parental leave for federal employees and expanding paid leave for service members who transition to the federal workforce. The next step is expanding family and medical leave to all federal workers, because every American deserves the peace of mind that comes from being able to take time off to care for their health or a loved one without losing a paycheck.”

“Unpaid leave may protect a job on paper, but for too many working families, it is not leave they can actually afford to take. When a federal employee faces a serious illness or needs to care for a loved one, the choice should not be between earning a paycheck and being present for their family. Without paid leave, workers can be pushed out of careers they have spent years building, agencies lose experienced public servants, and taxpayers lose operational expertise that cannot be easily replaced. Paid family and medical leave is a matter of fairness for federal workers and their families—and smart policy for a government that relies on experienced public servants to deliver for the American people,” said Representative Fitzpatrick.

“I was proud to help lead the charge in securing paid parental leave for our federal employees in 2020. This important bipartisan bill builds on that effort and ensures that medical and caregiving leave are also accessible,” said Representative Houlahan. “Federal workers should no longer be forced to choose between making ends meet or recovering from an illness or caring for a sick loved one. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see this commonsense bill become law.”

Following the enactment of the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, federal employees now receive paid parental leave, but family and medical leave continues to be unpaid. Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Specifically, the bill guarantees 12 weeks of paid leave in the following cases:

Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee’s position; and
In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition;
In order to care for the employee or a family member who is a survivor of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or stalking;
Because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child, or parent of the employee is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is supported by the American Association of University Women (AAUW); American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); A Better Balance; Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action); Caring Across Generations; Coalition on Human Needs; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Equal Rights Advocates; Futures Without Violence; Jewish Women International; MomsRising; National Alliance for Caregiving; National Council of Jewish Women; National Domestic Violence Hotline; National Education Association (NEA); National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE); National Partnership for Women and Families; National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU); National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; Paid Leave for All; Reproductive Freedom for All; and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

“NTEU is proud to endorse the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. This much needed legislation will allow federal workers to take the leave they need, when they need it, without worrying about losing a paycheck,” said NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald. “We appreciate the work Reps. Beyer, Fitzpatrick, and Houlahan have done to craft this legislation in a way that it puts the needs of working people and their families first.”

“Our federal workforce has faced unprecedented challenges to their livelihood under this administration over the past year, yet they have continued to serve with dedication," said Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “Federal workers should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for themselves and their families. They deserve dignity and respect in their roles as employees, as family members, and as people. The ability to take paid time off to meet caregiving responsibilities or protect their health and safety should not be an additional burden federal workers have to face now or in the future. We stand in support of Reps. Beyer, Houlahan, and Fitzpatrick and call for the passage of the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act to build on the protections for federal workers who are new parents to cover other forms of caregiving, health and safety needs – a critical next step toward providing paid leave for all.”

Full text of the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is available here.

Egypt Human Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Beyer, DelBene Call for Immediate Release of Galal El-Bahairy

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Co-Chairs of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus, urged the Egyptian government to immediately release Galal El-Bahairy, who was been imprisoned since March 2018 on baseless charges related to his writing of lyrics critical of President El-Sisi.

“Following Ahmed Douma's sentencing, poet Galal El-Behairy, who has been held for 8 years for writing poetry, had two hearings over the past week that were postponed and are now set to occur over the next few months. Egypt continues to imprison writers for their words. The Egyptian government should release Galal immediately and end its systematic crackdown on free expression.”

As Inflation Surges, Republicans in Congress Are Looking the Other Way

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and as Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, today released the following statement after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)’ Consumer Price Index report showed inflation rising 4.2 percent over the past year and 0.5 percent in May alone, the highest annual inflation rate since 2023:

“Americans are paying more to drive to work, more to keep the lights on, more for rent, and more to feed their families. Today's inflation report is yet another painful reminder that American families are paying the price for President Trump’s disastrous policies while the Republican-controlled Congress continues to enable him.

“Any real wage gains have been swallowed up by higher prices. Families are working just as hard and finding that they can afford no more than they could months ago – and these higher prices are the direct result of President Trump’s choices. He imposed sweeping tariffs that economists repeatedly warned would raise costs for American consumers and forced our country into a reckless war in Iran that continues to drive up energy prices.

“And yet, my Republican colleagues in Congress seem far more interested in advancing the President's agenda than in lowering costs for the families they were elected to serve. Just yesterday, Congress approved another $70 billion for DHS while refusing to fund critical tax credits that would lower healthcare costs for American families. At the same time, Republicans remain unwilling to stop President Trump from restoring a nearly $2 billion slush fund or from pursuing tax immunity that shields himself, his family, and his businesses from being prosecuted for future financial crimes. Families watching their paychecks buy less every month have every right to ask why Congress has endless enthusiasm for funding the administration’s political priorities but cannot find the urgency to lower costs.

“Republicans in Congress should be ashamed of themselves. As working families struggle with rising costs and the President openly abuses the powers of his office for personal benefit, congressional Republicans have stood by in silence. Their abdication of responsibility is a stain on this institution, a betrayal of the American people, and a failure that will be remembered long after today's inflation report is forgotten.”

Rep. Beyer, Sen. Markey Reintroduce AI Environmental Impacts Act

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Don Beyer (VA-08), co-chair of the House Artificial Intelligence Caucus, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today reintroduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Environmental Impacts Act of 2026. The legislation would require artificial intelligence (AI) data centers to report on their environmental and energy-related impacts, with fines levied for those that fail to comply. In order to develop the framework for corporate reporting, the AI Environmental Impacts Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to convene a consortium of experts responsible for establishing measurement standards. The legislation would also require the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with other relevant federal agencies, to compile and publish a comprehensive study on the environmental and energy-related lifecycle impacts of AI and related infrastructure.

Communities around the country are currently experiencing effects from the build-out of AI-related infrastructure—including on energy costs, air quality, water quality, noise and light pollution, and land use—and those impacts are only projected to grow. However, there is no comprehensive federal study or reporting requirement to assess the full scope of these impacts. The AI Environmental Impacts Act will help close this information gap and empower policy makers to enact common sense protections for communities across the United States.

This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt), and Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44).

“As artificial intelligence advances at an extraordinary pace, and as the data centers and energy infrastructure that power it continue to expand, we have a responsibility to fully understand its environmental impacts,” said Congressman Beyer. “Our legislation would ensure that we have better data, coordination, and transparency to identify risks and develop solutions that ensure AI development does not compromise our environment and serves the American people as it brings us into a new age of technology.”

“Data centers are literally changing the landscape for families across the country—from the air they breathe to the electricity bills hitting their inboxes every month,” said Senator Markey. “Understanding the environmental and energy impacts of AI data centers and requiring transparency from the companies that operate them is the first step toward protecting communities and working to tackle this rapidly growing crisis.”

This legislation is endorsed by the Center for AI and Digital Policy, Public Citizen, Center for Biological Diversity, Union of Concerned Scientists, GreenLatinos, Food and Water Watch, Moms’ Clean Air Force, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“Compelling data centers to report to the environmental and energy impacts of their operations to the EPA provides essential public transparency,” said Tyson Slocum, Director of Public Citizen’s Energy Program. “Communities can't evaluate whether proposed data centers are appropriate when the developers lock all the detail behind non-disclosures. Requiring the federal government to collect and publish energy and environmental data of data center operations is an essential part of the ongoing public debate on the role of AI in our economy and society, and will enhance our ability to ensure that any data centers comply with the public interest.”

“GreenLatinos is wholeheartedly endorses Sen. Markey's Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act. Data centers powering AI are being built in our backyards, consuming shocking amounts of energy and water while driving up emissions in the communities that already bear the heaviest environmental burdens. In Latino communities, we cannot afford to have the AI boom accelerate unchecked. This legislation will create key tools for measuring AI's true environmental footprint and creating a public reporting framework, which are crucially needed to protect communities from further AI-related environmental harms,” said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, PhD., Sustainable Communities Policy Advisor at GreenLatinos.

“We know that the recent surge in buildout of data centers and associated infrastructure is already having enormous consequences for people, their pocketbooks, and the environment. However, the tech industry has repeatedly worked to hide the full magnitude of these harms from decisionmakers and the general public to duck accountability and maximize profits. This Act rightly confronts the issue head-on, demanding urgently needed transparency across a wide range of impacts to enable accountability and inform the development of rigorous industry requirements,” said Julie McNamara, Director at Federal Energy Policy, Union of Concerned Scientists.

“The Southern Environmental Law Center welcomes Senator Markey’s bill requiring the EPA and other agencies to take a closer look at the environmental impacts of AI data centers. It is past time to dig deeper. Every day we see communities terrified of what will happen to their clean water, clean air, local landscapes, and electric bills when data centers move in. These are often communities that have long grappled with the impacts of other polluting industries and bad siting and zoning decisions. Communities need and deserve the transparency that the Markey bill will provide,” said Amanda Garcia, Senior Attorney at Southern Environmental Law Center.

“We must build AI infrastructure with the public rules around it, with community input, and mitigating environmental impacts. The AI Environmental Impacts Act sets common sense transparency and accountability guardrails. It charts the path for incentivizing data and energy efficient AI models to ensure that a singular focus on scale doesn’t compromise American’s pocketbooks and well-being,” said Christabel Randolph, Associate Director at CAIDP.

“Data centers are polluting our air and water and driving up electricity costs, yet Big Tech continues to operate with zero accountability,” said Camden Weber, climate and energy policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This unchecked growth is causing real environmental harm. Sen. Markey’s bill is a critical first step in understanding the full scope of the damage so that Congress can take aggressive action to address it.”

Full text of the AI Environmental Impacts Act is available here.

Beyer Introduces Legislative Package to Modernize Rail Infrastructure

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (VA-08) introduced a three-bill legislative package to prepare America's rail system for the next generation of passenger and freight transportation by supporting the deployment of clean technologies, identifying electrification opportunities, and strengthening rail network planning.

“Rail remains one of the most efficient ways to move people and goods, and new technologies are creating opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability,” said Congressman Beyer. “We should be evaluating where it makes sense to implement these technologies, what barriers stand in the way, and how we can further support innovation to strengthen our transportation systems and improve operational flexibility. I am particularly invested in eliminating barriers between our Southeastern U.S. rail corridors and the Northeast Corridor to create a seamless connection, which my Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act and Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act would both address. This slate of bills will help provide the data and assessments needed to guide those decisions and to make smarter investments in our rail corridors across the country.”

The three-bill legislative package includes:

The American Electric Rail Mapping Act, co-led with Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), to direct the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to assess rail electrification opportunities across the U.S. The study would identify rail corridors where electrification may be feasible and evaluate opportunities to deploy clean rail technologies throughout our national rail network.

“Countries around the world are racing ahead with modern rail systems while America risks standing still,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “This bill takes a practical step by directing the Federal Railroad Administration to identify where rail electrification makes economic sense for passenger and freight service. If we want a more efficient, competitive, and reliable rail network, we need the data to make smart investments and bring our infrastructure into the 21st century.”

The Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act to establish a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) research and development pilot program to support the integration of multiple power sources into a locomotive, including clean rail technologies such as electrification, batteries, and hydrogen. The legislation would support research into interoperability challenges, evaluate the feasibility of integrating multiple power sources, and develop railcar designs that facilitate transitions between power sources. Flexible power source designs would enable railcars to seamlessly pass through corridors where they otherwise would be restricted by their power source and the track’s infrastructure, such as the passenger rail transfer between Virginia and the Northeast Corridor.

The Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act to direct the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to evaluate opportunities for rail electrification and other advanced rail technologies along the rail corridor connecting Florida and Washington, D.C. The study would identify suitable segments for deployment of new and clean rail technologies, assess implementation challenges, and recommend infrastructure improvements to enable adoption of cleaner rail technologies.

Full text of the American Electric Rail Mapping Act, Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act, and Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act is available at the links provided.

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.