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70+ House Democrats Demand NPS Address Multimillion-Dollar Grant Backlog Delaying Trail Maintenance, Wildfire Prevention, and Critical Projects

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) led 70 House Democrats in demanding that the National Park Service (NPS) immediately address its reported backlog of 1,400 grant approvals, which has delayed more than $360 million in funding for critical projects that keep national parks safe and accessible to the American public.

In a letter addressed to NPS Acting Director Jessica Bowron, the lawmakers warned that the grant approval bottleneck is delaying routine but essential work, including trail maintenance, wildfire mitigation, and other projects during peak visitation and wildfire risk season.

The Members pointed to a new grant process that requires two political appointees to manually review every grant and agreement over $50,000. Members stressed this review process has resulted in more than $360 million in delayed NPS funding. The Members also noted this process bears similarities to review processes that were rolled back at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after findings they violated federal court orders.

“These delays are unacceptable. Nonprofit programs to clear trails have been delayed at the critical start of peak visitation season, while prescribed burns and other wildfire control programs are at risk of the same fate during peak wildfire risk season,” wrote the Members. “Choosing to make such grants contingent on review by unqualified political appointees puts the safety of the American people at risk, whether they choose to visit our national parks or simply live near them.”

The letter is signed by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ed Case (D-HI), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Pablo Hernández (D-PR), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Dave Min (D-CA), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), George Whitesides (D-CA).

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

***

Dear Acting Director Bowron:

We write to request that National Park Service (NPS) immediately adjust its grant review process to address a reported 1,400 active grant approval backlog. According to public reports, NPS currently requires all grants and cooperative agreements valued at $50,000 or above to be manually reviewed by two political appointees. Those appointees serve at the department level and are not solely tasked with ensuring timely review of NPS grants and agreements, creating a severe bottleneck that has left more than $360 million in NPS funding behind schedule.

These delays are unacceptable. Nonprofit programs to clear trails have been delayed at the critical start of peak visitation season, while prescribed burns and other wildfire control programs are at risk of the same fate during peak wildfire risk season. Ensuring that those and similarly routine programs are funded during critical times of the year should be part of the regular operation of the National Park System. Choosing to make such grants contingent on review by unqualified political appointees puts the safety of the American people at risk, whether they choose to visit our national parks or simply live near them.

During the first Trump administration, the Government Accountability Office investigated DOI’s grants review process that was also run through through a political appointee who centralized grants review for all bureaus at DOI. He “closely scrutinized applications focused on certain topics, such as endangered species and climate change, rather than considering the merit of individual grant applications or program policy factors, such as leveraging resources between similar programs.” When he rejected grants, he kept his decisions off the books, hiding the truth from the American people and suggesting willful malfeasance.

The NPS decision bears striking similarities to other manual review processes that have been rolled back at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Last year, DHS instituted a manual grant review process that – similar to the reported NPS process – required additional review above a value threshold. That process delayed more than 1,000 FEMA contracts, grants, and disaster assistance awards. The delays came amid historic flooding in Texas and in the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season. After repeated findings that the process violated federal court orders, the DHS approval system was rolled back earlier this year.

We urge you to do the same at NPS, while also providing a full accounting of the current NPS grant and cooperative agreement backlog. It is a core responsibility of NPS to ensure that routine, lifesaving programs are funded on time and in full, while offering full transparency on the status of any delayed approvals. We request an update on NPS’ plans for its grant review process, as well as a full list of all grants and cooperative agreements in the approval backlog, no later than July 28, 2026.

After Dangerous Air Quality Blankets D.C. Region, Walkinshaw, Beyer, Fitzpatrick, Tonko, & Norton Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Air in Federal Buildings

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Following a weekend of dangerously poor air quality across the Washington region, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), joined by Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) introduced the bipartisan Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act to identify and address air quality and ventilation problems across federal buildings.

Recently, wildfire smoke pushed the region into Code Purple conditions, meaning the air was considered very unhealthy for everyone.

“Last week’s dangerous air quality was a stark reminder that clean indoor air is essential to protecting public health,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Federal employees should never have to risk their health by showing up to work, yet the General Services Administration’s own watchdog has identified persistent ventilation problems in federal buildings. Our bipartisan bill will uncover these deficiencies and require agencies to develop concrete plans to fix them.”

“Too many of our federal buildings have aging ventilation and systems that may no longer meet modern standards. We know that indoor air quality impacts the health and productivity of our workforce and as outside threats like wildfire smoke and other climate-driven impacts become more common and further threaten indoor air quality, we have a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of the public servants who keep our government running,” said Congressman Beyer. “Our bill would provide the comprehensive information needed to identify deficiencies in air quality and ventilation standards, guide necessary improvements, and help ensure our federal workforce can breathe clean, healthy air in the workplace.”

“The federal government should lead by example when it comes to protecting the health and safety of its workforce,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The men and women who serve the American people should never be placed at risk by preventable failures in the buildings where they work. This bipartisan bill will identify those failures, demand corrective action, and ensure our federal facilities meet the standard our public servants deserve.”

“In recent weeks, communities across the Northeast have experienced the public health harms that stem from unsafe air quality,” said Congressman Tonko. “We know that poor air quality can lead to negative health impacts in both the short and long term. But for too many Americans, poor ventilation and filtration in our buildings mean that even spending time indoors does not offer adequate protection. Our government must do more to address indoor air quality, and we can start by improving ventilation and filtration in federal facilities across the nation. That’s why I’m proud to support the Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act, a bipartisan bill that will help our government lead by example and ensure that our hardworking federal employees have a safe, healthy environment in which to work on behalf of the American people.”

“Federal employees should never have to wonder whether the air in their own workplace is safe to breathe,” Congresswoman Norton said. “I'm proud to join Congressman Walkinshaw and this bipartisan coalition in cosponsoring the Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act. GAO's review will finally give us the data we need to hold GSA and federal agencies accountable for the ventilation problems their own watchdog has already flagged. This is a commonsense, bipartisan step, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.”

“We are proud to endorse the bipartisan Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act, innovative and long overdue legislation introduced by Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) and three longtime champions for safe and healthy indoor air quality, Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Don Beyer (D-VA). While many public officials are speaking out now due to the hazardous smoke covering many states in our nation, these four Members of Congress have advocated for assessing HVAC deficiencies and remediating indoor air quality dangers for many years at the local, state and federal levels, especially in schools, military facilities and all types of public buildings. Our firms are the leaders in the installation of IAQ mechanical systems in existing buildings and facilities and in new public facility construction projects. These highly skilled construction corporations and their skilled workforce know well that countless thousands of public employees and the millions of our citizens who visit public buildings nationwide will benefit from such a valuable federal effort. The Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act is a vital legislative effort to assess the federal building portfolio and then move quickly to better protect the health and well-being of America’s public employees,” said Stan Kolbe, Executive Director for Government and Political Affairs, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA).

“Over the last couple weeks, as hazardous air covered huge parts of the country, Americans have been reminded just how critical it is to make sure our buildings have clean, healthy air indoors,” said the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART). “That’s why it’s so important for Congress to get behind the Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act. This bill would implement a comprehensive review of indoor air quality conditions across all federal buildings, protecting the safety of millions of people and putting SMART members to work ensuring indoor air quality in those buildings. This legislation just makes sense — for SMART sheet metal workers, government employees and Americans nationwide. We thank Rep. Walkinshaw for introducing this act, and we urge every pro-worker member of Congress to add their support.”

“Federal employees deserve workplaces that are safe, healthy, and equipped to support their well-being. Too many federal workers spend their days in buildings with aging infrastructure and ventilation systems that may not provide the indoor air quality they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Everett Kelly, National President, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). “We commend Representative Walkinshaw for introducing this important legislation directing the Government Accountability Office to evaluate indoor air quality across federal buildings. This commonsense step will help identify where improvements are needed, strengthen workplace health and safety, and ensure the federal government is making informed investments in the facilities where public servants work every day. AFGE is proud to support this effort to protect the health of the federal workforce.”

“Ensuring that federal buildings provide healthy indoor environments is essential to protecting occupant health and supporting productivity," said Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP BD+C, President, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). "A comprehensive review of indoor air quality across the federal building portfolio will provide valuable information about how these facilities perform against nationally recognized indoor air quality standards and where improvements may be needed. This legislation demonstrates a commitment to improving the spaces where millions of federal employees and visitors live, work, and conduct business.”

The legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of indoor air quality, ventilation, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system performance across federal buildings and facilities. The review would examine:

Whether federal buildings meet applicable air quality, ventilation, and HVAC standards;
How agencies monitor, test, and document indoor air quality;
The frequency and causes of air quality deficiencies;
Whether agencies effectively identify and correct indoor air hazards; and
The qualifications and certifications of workers performing HVAC installation, maintenance, and remediation.

GAO would report its findings and recommendations to Congress within 12 months. Agencies found to have material indoor air quality deficiencies would then have six months to submit corrective action plans.

The bill is endorsed by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Read the full bill text here.

Beyer, Barrett, Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Requiring Human Control Over Autonomous Weapons

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA) introduced the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop. The bill would establish a clear legal requirement that commanders and operators retain appropriate levels of human judgment in decisions involving the use of lethal force.

“No machine should ever be given the power to decide to kill a human being on its own. Allowing AI systems to independently select and engage targets carries serious risks; machines cannot understand morality or the value of human life, nor can they be held accountable for mistakes, war crimes, or catastrophic escalation,” said Rep. Beyer. “These life and death decisions must remain in human hands. As AI becomes more powerful and more integrated into military systems, Congress has a responsibility to establish clear guardrails and responsible standards for the military use of AI. Our legislation would ensure that a human decision-maker always remains in the loop and integral to the chain of command when lethal force is involved.”

“Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in strengthening our national defense, but it should never be the one making life-or-death decisions,” Rep. Barrett said. “We must establish safeguards now to ensure these technologies are used ethically and transparently. This bipartisan bill sets clear limits to make sure people stay in control whenever lethal force is involved while allowing our military to continue leading the world in technological innovation.”

“AI mistakes on the battlefield have the potential to be catastrophic: civilian casualties, friendly fire, unintended escalation, and calculations made on faulty data,” said Rep. Jacobs. “These aren’t risks worth taking – not when they can result in unnecessary lives lost or war. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Beyer and Congressman Barrett in introducing legislation to ensure that humans are meaningfully involved before autonomous or AI-enabled weapon systems are used for lethal force. This is a common-sense step to help our military keep pace with emerging technologies while upholding our commitments to international humanitarian law and ethics.”

This legislation is also supported by organizations including Council for a Livable World, Common Defense, and Win Without War.

“Council for a Livable World is pleased to support the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act as it would mark a clear step forward toward ethical oversight of emerging military technologies, which thus far have been outpacing guardrails and regulations," said Council for a Livable World Executive Director and Former Congressman John Tierney. “This bill identifies and proposes a remedy to the dangers of unmitigated autonomy of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction. Every lawmaker should understand the importance of keeping Americans safe by ensuring a human is always involved in decisions affecting human life. Unlike humans, machines can't apply judgments based on values and morals, and all available evidence shows machines have an alarming propensity for error. Americans should not have to face the consequences of automated weapons technology running amok. It's essential that policy makers debate and resolve how to address this critical security issue, and we applaud Rep. Beyer's focus on such a serious and urgent matter.”

“Common Defense strongly endorses the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act,” said Common Defense Political Director Naveed Shah. “As an Army veteran who served in Iraq, I know the moral responsibility that comes with taking human life in combat, decisions that must never be handed over to machines. This bill ensures meaningful human control over lethal autonomous systems, restores accountability to war-making, and prevents machines from deciding the rules of engagement.”

“Decisions impacting human life and safety should never be handed off to algorithms,” said Win Without War Government Relations Associate Sofia Guerra. “When these systems fail, whether through bad data or rubber-stamp approvals, the costs are incalculable. This bill is a critical step to ensure that humans, accountable to both international law and the consequences of their actions, are making the most serious decisions regarding the use of force.”

Full text of the Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act is available here.

New Dems Oppose Effort to Greenlight Trump’s Illegal Tariffs

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) and New Dem Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement in opposition to the Sanctioning Russia Act, which would grant the President power to enact more sweeping tariffs without Congressional approval.

“The American people do not want and cannot afford more of President Trump’s illegal, cost-raising tariffs. Unfortunately, the Sanctioning Russia Act is nothing more than a backdoor attempt to greenlight tariffs of up to 100 percent on our major trading partners while surreptitiously handcuffing Congress’ ability to stop Trump from further escalating his global trade war.

“New Dems wholly support leveraging strict sanctions to punish those who fuel, drive, and profit from Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine. There are many commonsense proposals in Congress to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend its freedom and sovereignty – this legislation is most definitely not one of them. Instead, it undermines U.S. support for Ukraine when they need us most.

“We urge our colleagues to block this effort to hand over more tariff power to a President who is hellbent on spreading chaos and corruption, raising costs on American families, and destroying our most vital trade relationships.”

Beyer, Meeks, Walkinshaw, Titus Introduce Legislation to Expedite Return of Career Diplomats Wrongfully Forced Out of State Department

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), and Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) today introduced the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act to help rebuild America’s diplomatic corps by eliminating unnecessary and unprecedented barriers for experienced Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated during the Trump Administration's mass reductions in force (RIF) beginning in January 2025. The legislation would allow eligible officers to return to service without having to retake the same written and oral entry exams they already passed before their service.

Normally, Foreign Service Officers reappointed within five years of leaving the Service are not required to retake the Foreign Service Officer Test or its written and oral examination components to rejoin the Service after separation. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would authorize the Secretary of State to waive those entry examinations when reappointing eligible career Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated through RIFs between January 20, 2025, and January 31, 2030. The legislation applies only to career Foreign Service Officers who were serving in good standing at the time of their dismissal.

“President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s reckless purge of the State Department inflicted lasting damage on America’s diplomatic capacity by driving out some of our nation's most experienced public servants,” said Rep. Beyer. “Our Foreign Service Officers have dedicated their lives to advancing America's interests, protecting our national security, supporting American citizens overseas, and strengthening our alliances abroad. After years of distinguished service, they shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to return to jobs they never should have lost in the first place.”

“The Trump purge of seasoned experts from the State Department have jeopardized the State Department, U.S. National Security and led to the greatest brain drain from our diplomatic corps in modern history,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “This legislation takes a positive step towards making it easier to reemploy those who were baselessly fired from their posts, and re-infuse our diplomatic corps with the expertise needed to address today’s many modern challenges."

“Those who dutifully served as Foreign Service officers before the Trump Administration wrongfully terminated their service included some of our most talented and skilled international affairs experts in the United States government,” said Rep. Titus. “Our national security cannot afford to lose this institutional knowledge. The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would remove a barrier of reentry for these officers and ensure that they can continue to serve their country and foster a critical aspect of the nation’s soft power.”

“The Trump Administration’s cuts to the State Department have cost our country experienced diplomatic talent critical to protecting our national security and advancing America’s interests abroad,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “I’m proud to support Congressman Don Beyer’s Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act, which ensures career Foreign Service Officers forced out through no fault of their own do not have to retake a test for jobs they are already qualified to hold. This commonsense legislation will help strengthen America’s diplomatic corps and make our nation safer.”

Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) are original co-sponsors of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act.

This legislation is also supported by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

“The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act would quickly bring back experienced professionals who were involuntarily separated through no fault of their own, while protecting them from future policies requiring them to retake any part of the entrance exam,” said AFSA President John Dinkelman. “With critical staffing gaps, we cannot afford to sideline proven talent and years of institutional knowledge when they are ready to return and fill essential roles for our country.”

Full text of the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act is available here.

Beyer Backs Amendment To Eliminate Security Assistance to Israel

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement announcing his intent to vote for an amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to H.R. 8595, the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would cut U.S. assistance to Israel, primarily through reducing Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Israel by $3.3 billion:

“It is past time for our nation to fundamentally reevaluate its security relationship with the state of Israel.

“A military response to the heinous October 7th attacks was justifiable, but Israel’s ongoing campaigns across the region have cost the lives of tens of thousands of innocents and isolated Israel on the world stage. The wanton disregard for the human rights of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon shown by the Israeli government and security forces, along with their contempt for international and U.S. law and implacable commitment to an ever-expanding campaign of settlement and occupation have made a dramatic course correction in the U.S.-Israeli partnership long overdue.

“The disastrous Iran War has further demonstrated the strategic costs of our alliance which has grown closer even as it makes less sense for the United States. No foreign government is entitled to American taxpayer dollars or assistance, particularly those that have acted against U.S. interests and values, as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has done increasingly in recent years.

“While imperfectly written, this amendment serves as a powerful message to the Israeli government that it cannot take U.S. security assistance for granted any longer. The enormous numbers of civilians killed in recent Israel Defense Force operations and the government’s tacit approval for the ongoing violence carried out by settlers in the West Bank has cost Israel the broad support among Americans it once enjoyed. It will likely take years to repair the ties between our two nations and for Israel’s government to regain the trust of the American people.”

Beyer, Schrier, Van Drew, Van Hollen, Luján Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Reduce Medical Misdiagnosis

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash), and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) announced their reintroduction of the Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address the alarming rate of medical diagnostic error in our country. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The lawmakers’ legislation aims to prevent and mitigate the devastating impacts these errors can have, including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, permanent disability, and death. Recent research published in March 2025 estimates that across health care settings, over 900,000 Americans a year suffer permanent disability or death because of diagnostic error. These findings build on a 2015 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that concluded most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, and it’s estimated that 80% of all harm caused by diagnostic error is preventable.

This legislation would create an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, as well as a new grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence – such as the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins – that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and health care value.

“Diagnostic delays affect millions of Americans, drive up health care costs, and contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Our bill invests in better data collection, stronger research, and sharing of best practices to improve diagnostic accuracy, deliver better outcomes for patients, and reduce health disparities. It also establishes Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence to advance research, helps bring proven methods for preventing misdiagnosis into everyday clinical practice, and gives patients pathways to report delays and contribute to a growing body of data to inform policymaking. I thank Senators Van Hollen and Luján and Representatives Schrier and Van Drew for their leadership on this legislation, and will continue to work with colleagues to build support for it in the House,” said Representative Beyer.

“Getting the right diagnosis at the right time can make the difference between life and death,” said Representative Van Drew. “Too many patients are suffering because of preventable mistakes that should never happen. This bipartisan bill focuses on improving the way we diagnose illnesses, giving doctors better tools and helping patients get the care they need sooner.”

“Far too many Americans have experienced the loss, pain, and hardship that come with a misdiagnosed medical condition – and for many, these errors cause permanent disability or death. Medical diagnostic errors not only impact patients’ lives – they also cost patients and our nation billions of dollars each year. This legislation will invest in efforts to prevent and reduce diagnostic errors, giving medical experts, patients, and their families the research and resources they need to better treat patients and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the consequences of diagnostic errors, costing lives and burdening patients and our health care system with billions of dollars in avoidable costs. Every patient deserves an accurate diagnosis delivered in time to make a difference,” said Senator Luján. “That's why I'm joining my colleagues in reintroducing the Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act to advance research and improve diagnostic quality and safety. No one should lose their life to a mistake we have the power to prevent.”

Diagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including failure to provide an accurate or timely diagnosis; inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; a lack of information for patients on navigating the diagnostic process; and a system that discourages transparency and disclosure of diagnostic errors, which impedes attempts to learn from these events and improve diagnosis. The National Academies study concluded that: “Despite the pervasiveness of diagnostic errors and the risk for serious patient harm, diagnostic errors have been largely unappreciated within the quality and patient safety movements in health care.”

The Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act would:

Authorize a federal grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and value in health care
Require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop a strategic plan to modernize federal approaches and mechanisms to enable patients and their families to voluntarily report experiences of diagnostic error
Establish an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care to:

Enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care;
Identify and eliminate systemic barriers to supporting research in improving diagnosis in health care; and
Identify knowledge gaps, research and data needs, and policies to strengthen the clinical and translational research pipeline to improve diagnostic safety and quality

The text of the bill is available here.

This legislation is endorsed by Patients for Patient Safety US, the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, and Physician-Parent Caregivers.

"Diagnostic errors are the most common, the most costly, and the most catastrophic of serious medical errors. Diagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; the absence of metrics to gauge performance, limited feedback to clinicians, and system failures, like lost test-results which happened in my family", said Sue Sheridan, President and CEO of Patients For Patient Safety US. "Much of the research to date has focused on defining the magnitude of the problem. This legislation moves us toward identifying solutions to equip clinicians, patients and their families with the tools needed to arrive at the right diagnosis timely. It will save lives. PFPS US commends Senators Van Hollen and Lujan, and Representatives Beyer, Schrier, and Van Drew for their leadership and willingness to take on difficult healthcare issues that others often overlook. We look forward to this bill moving through the legislative process and into law”.

“Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Beyer, Dr. Schrier, and Van Drew should be warmly applauded by patients and clinicians everywhere for taking up the call", said David Newman-Toker, MD, Ph.D, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins. "Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for quality healthcare —put simply, it’s hard to apply the right treatment if you start out with the wrong diagnosis. Furthermore, failure to accurately diagnose is a major driver of excess healthcare costs. But diagnosis is also one of the most complex tasks in modern medicine; until we have a larger body of research that supports data-driven, reliable improvement strategies that are ‘shovel ready,’ our clinicians and healthcare system will be left struggling. There is much work yet to be done by all healthcare stakeholders to move this life-saving research forward.”

“As a physician mother in public health, I have witnessed diagnostic errors firsthand — in two of my own children, and in countless young people through the Invisible Wave Movement. Diagnostic errors can cause morbidity and mortality in children and young adults, and the personal and financial costs compound over a lifetime. Voluntary reporting is an essential mechanism for capturing and preventing this harm — finally giving young people and parents a place to go, and giving medicine the opportunity to learn about young adult health. This legislation ensures that young people will no longer be overlooked and have the right to an accurate, timely diagnosis, the critical first step for the right care and treatment. This will prevent lost days and years during growth and development and allow millions of young people the opportunity to learn, work, grow and participate in society with their peers. We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen for his commitment to protecting the health of young people,” said Santi KM Bhagat, MD MPH, Founder and President, Physician-Parent Caregivers and The Invisible Wave.

Beyer Introduces Bill To Help Modernize American Air Travel

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the Modernizing Aeronautical Standards Act to study our current aeronautical standards to ensure aircraft are designed to meet present day operating conditions.

“The United States Standard Atmosphere is a foundational tool across American aviation, informing everything from aircraft design to runway performance and flight operations,” said Congressman Beyer. “However, this standard has not been comprehensively reevaluated in nearly 50 years. It is past overdue to reevaluate whether we need to update this standard to ensure that our aircraft are built for today’s airspace conditions.”

The Modernizing Aeronautical Standards Act would direct NASA and related agencies to conduct a study to:

Assess our current airspace conditions, those from 50 years ago when the U.S. Standard Atmosphere was last modified, and predictions for conditions in the next 50 years;
Assess any impacts on aircraft and airport operations, infrastructure, cost, or performance that resulted from any changes in atmospheric conditions; and
Propose any recommendations for modifications to aircraft design or the standards used to inform aircraft design as a result of any changes in atmospheric conditions, and recommendations for the criteria under which such standards should be updated in the future.

This study would determine whether the standards for aircraft designs are up to date with modern airspace conditions and would recommend any ensuing modifications to ensure our aircrafts are best suited to today’s airspace.

Text of the Modernizing Aeronautical Standards Act is available here.

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.

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.