April McClain Delaney

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve been fighting alongside Team Maryland to protect the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Despite this administration’s stonewalling, we have continued pushing back against USDA’s reorganization and the proposed closure of BARC. Now, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the reorganization. This ruling is a victory for Maryland, American farmers, BARC’s world-class researchers, and our nation’s food security. Our work to protect BARC is far from over. https://t.co/xTqdulY7Lt

Yesterday, I was honored to celebrate former Maryland State Senator and Frederick Mayor Ronald Young at the unveiling of his sculpture, created by nationally renowned sculptor Toby Mendez. As the sculpture says, Ron is a visionary. In 1976, when the Frederick community faced widespread flooding, then-Mayor Young developed a plan to help protect the community: Carroll Creek Linear Park. Fifty years later, the park stands not only as a safeguard against flooding but also as a cornerstone of Downtown Frederick, contributing to the beauty, vitality, and character of our community. Thank you, Ron, for your vision, leadership, and lasting impact on Frederick!

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) member Maxine Dexter (OR-03), DWC member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41) led a letter to the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Education. The letter urges the Acting Inspector General to open an investigation into the Department’s gutting of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Title IX rollbacks and its impact on the Department’s ability to enforce Title IX protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment. 99 House Democrats joined the effort. The call for the investigation comes after Jane Doe’s story from Cornell University and Kendall Francis’ story from Louisiana State University (LSU) sparked a national outcry about the high rate of sexual violence on college campuses. Additionally the survivors’ stories have renewed scrutiny of how colleges and universities respond, and how the Department of Education enforces Title IX protections for survivors. One in four undergraduate women experience sexual assault or rape while in college. Sexual violence against women on college campuses is a public health crisis, yet significant barriers remain that block accountability and protections for students. Changes in staffing, resources, case-processing, and enforcement priorities under the Trump administration have only made that worse and have undermined the Department’s ability to properly investigate complaints and enforce Title IX protections. As of January 2025, OCR reportedly faced a backlog of nearly 12,000 civil rights cases, while the administration reduced OCR’s workforce by nearly half. The Department has closed zero college sexual harassment or sexual violence cases. The Department also formalized weaker protections and processes for student survivors: narrowing the definition of sexual harassment, reducing school liability, and implementing intimidating investigative and hearing procedures that are retraumatizing to survivors. Without proper federal enforcement and institutional accountability, Title IX protections become just words on a page. The Department of Education is failing student survivors. Protections for survivors are not partisan and should always be a priority, however the Department’s rollback of vital protections creates additional barriers for survivors and is leaving them to fend for themselves in their most vulnerable moments. In their letter, the members explained how the Department’s changes will leave student survivors vulnerable and why an investigation is necessary: “We urge the Office of Inspector General to immediately open an investigation into the Department’s failure to adequately enforce Title IX protections for survivors of sexual harassment and assault, including whether changes in staffing, resources, case-processing, and enforcement priorities have undermined the Department’s ability to protect students, investigate complaints in a timely manner, and hold institutions accountable.” The members outlined the Department’s policies that have weakened protections for student survivors: “At the same time that OCR’s staff and regional capacity were substantially reduced, the Department announced and pursued Title IX enforcement priorities concerning transgender students’ participation in athletics and access to sex-separated facilities, and also dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These reprioritizations do nothing to address the backlog of sexual violence cases.” The letter also explains how reprioritizations and restructuring by the Department have decreased OCR’s capacity to investigate cases of sexual violence on campus: “This restructuring threatens to further delay investigations, erode OCR’s institutional expertise, and create additional barriers for survivors seeking accountability. These reprioritizations, staff reductions, and the interagency agreement raise significant questions about whether OCR has sufficient capacity to investigate Title IX complaints, communicate with complainants, and fulfill its civil rights enforcement responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.” The members also outlined what they are urging the Inspector General to investigate: Examining whether the Department has fulfilled its legal and administrative responsibilities to investigate and resolve Title IX complaints in a timely and effective manner. The causes and consequences of the absence of resolution agreements involving college sexual harassment and assault complaints since January 2025. Whether reductions in OCR staffing, the closure of regional offices, or changes in enforcement priorities have contributed to delays, backlogs, or failures to resolve these complaints. Examining whether OCR has sufficient staffing, resources, policies, and procedures to effectively enforce Title IX and protect students from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and violence. Identifying how survivors have been harmed by these changes. Lastly, the members asked the Inspector General to answer the following questions: How many Title IX sexual harassment and sexual violence complaints are currently pending before OCR, and how long have they been pending? How have processing times, case closures, investigations, and resolution agreements changed since January 2025? Have staffing reductions or office closures affected OCR’s ability to investigate complaints or communicate with survivors? Have Department officials directed, formally or informally, OCR personnel to deprioritize certain categories of Title IX complaints? What safeguards are currently in place to ensure Title IX complaints involving sexual violence receive timely and appropriate review? What corrective actions are necessary to ensure the Department is meeting its obligations to protect students under Title IX? Read the full letter here. The letter was signed by: Amo, Gabe; Ansari, Yassamin; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Beatty, Joyce; Beyer, Donald; Bonamici, Suzanne; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Bynum, Janelle; Carter, Troy; Castor, Kathy; Chu, Judy; Clarke, Yvette; Craig, Angie; Crockett, Jasmine; Davids, Sharice; Dean, Madeleine; DeGette, Diana; DeSaulnier, Mark; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Elfreth, Sarah; Escobar, Veronica; Espaillat, Adriano; Evans, Dwight; Fletcher, Lizzie; Foster, Bill; Foushee, Valerie; Frankel, Lois; Frost, Maxwell; Garamendi, John; Garcia, Sylvia; Goldman, Daniel; Goodlander, Maggie; Grijalva, Adelita; Houlahan, Chrissy; Hoyle, Val; Ivey, Glenn; Jackson, Jonathan; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Julie; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Kelly, Robin; Kennedy, Timothy; Khanna, Ro; Landsman, Greg; Latimer, George; Lee, Summer; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Lynch, Stephen; Magaziner, Seth; Matsui, Doris; McBride, Sarah; McClain Delaney, April; McClellan, Jennifer; McIver, LaMonica; Mejia, Analilia; Menefee, Christian; Meng, Grace; Mfume, Kweisi; Morelle, Joseph; Mullin, Kevin; Nadler, Jerrold; Norton, Eleanor; Omar, Ilhan; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Quigley, Mike; Ramirez, Delia; Randall, Emily; Raskin, Jamie; Ross, Deborah; Salinas, Andrea; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schakowsky, Janice; Scholten, Hillary; Sewell, Terri; Simon, Lateefah; Stansbury, Melanie; Stanton, Greg; Stevens, Haley; Strickland, Marilyn; Subramanyam, Suhas; Sykes, Emilia; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Bennie; Thompson, Mike; Titus, Dina; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Trahan, Lori; Velázquez, Nydia; Walkinshaw, James; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Williams, Nikema; Wilson, Frederica.

A wonderful evening with the BAPS community for the blessing and groundbreaking of its sacred grounds. The ceremony reflected the importance of preserving cultural traditions, serving others, and building connections across our communities. Thank you to the BAPS community, Archana and Dipak Thakker, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk for making this gathering so meaningful. I’m looking forward to serving the BAPS community, and continuing to celebrate, listen to, and uplift you and all of your contributions to our district.

Elon Musk’s companies rake in billions from taxpayer-funded government deals, and legitimize pay offs to Trump and his allies in the form of campaign donations. Now Musk is pouring $276 million into keeping Republicans in power and corruptly stopping all safety guardrails on AI and Big Tech. It’s not about US competitiveness or the American economy but rather the creation of a digital oligarchy that seeks to stop the ability of all Americans to democratize AI and build middle class prosperity. American families deserve a fair, transparent government which works for them and NOT one controlled by a self dealing trillionaire! https://t.co/5DmlyLlSem

Truly a blessing to join BAPS for its blessing and groundbreaking of sacred grounds and its long commitment to service, cultural traditional and bringing people together. Thanks to Archana and Dipak Thakker, the BAPS community, @LtGovMiller, Speaker @PenaMelnykforMD and the performing groups for making this day so special. So proud to represent MD-06 and to ensure your community and its voices are heard and supported. Thank you for all you do!

#TeamDelaney spent last night with Maryland Democratic leaders, including House Majority Leader David Moon, Chairs Marc Korman and Heather Bagnall, Vice Chair Bonnie Cullison, Delegates Joe Vogel, Jared Solomon, Lily Qi, Linda Foley, Ryan Spiegel and Nominee Matt Post in support of the District 4 Democratic Nominees: Lara Westdorp for Senate and Jerry Donald, Andrew Duck, and Alleria Stanley for Delegate! Early vote is right around the corner, LET’S DO THIS!🗳️🇺🇸

#TeamDelaney had the best time at the Autumn Glory Parade today in Garrett County! Thank you to the Garrett County Dems for having us! @GarrettDems 🍂❤️ https://t.co/cLhF563EKp

Reports that AI industry leaders are preparing for the possibility of a catastrophic event within the next six to twelve months are deeply concerning. This is not a prediction set in stone—but it is a warning we cannot afford to ignore. If AI-enabled cyberattacks could disrupt our banks, internet, power, or water, then we must prepare before—not after—our critical systems are put at risk. I have spent my career protecting people from cyber threats, fraud, data breaches, and other online harms. The promise of AI is enormous, but innovation cannot come at the expense of public safety. Congress must work with experts, industry, and federal agencies to test these systems, protect critical infrastructure, and hold developers accountable. We can lead in AI without leaving Americans behind. The standard is simple: build boldly, but build responsibly—and always put people first.

Remember: Trump did this. His illegal tariffs are keeping prices high, and Republicans let it happen. Every time Maryland families check out, they’re paying Trump’s Tariff Tax. I’m fighting to bring costs down. https://t.co/68KtoSpoop

Pictures from the Montgomery County DCC Gala last night! #TeamDelaney was thrilled to support this year’s awardees and hear from incredible guest speakers, including Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Jamie Raskin, and Councilmember Will Jawando. The energy in the room was amazing, and we were proud to share our table with the Young Dems and Democracy Summer interns: the next generation of leaders making a difference. Thank you to the Montgomery County DCC for hosting a fantastic evening and bringing our community together!

Stop three is coming up! 🎓 On October 14, I’m heading to Montgomery College’s Germantown campus to hear directly from students, faculty, and campus leaders about college costs, jobs, and the issues shaping their futures. See you soon, Montgomery College! https://t.co/BE88RENWEj

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) is leading a congressional letter with co-leads Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Don Beyer, Kweisi Mfume, Suhas Subramanyam, and Sarah Elfreth urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pause use of its new artificial intelligence-enabled air traffic management tool until the agency answers questions about safety testing, implementation, and oversight. The letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford raises concerns about the September 21 deployment of the Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART) tool at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. “When Maryland families board a plane, they deserve to know that every system guiding their flight has been thoroughly tested and that the people keeping them safe have the training they need,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “After the devastating crash over DCA that took 67 lives, the FAA owes this region answers. I support modernizing our aviation systems, but passenger safety must come first. I’m calling on the FAA to pause this rollout, show us the safety testing, and explain who is accountable when something goes wrong.” “Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration surprisingly launched an AI tool to help control air traffic over three major National Capital Region Airports, with plans to expand nationwide in the following 90 days. They did so without publishing a safety evaluation or sufficiently consulting air traffic controllers and safety experts. We are urging Transportation Secretary Duffy and FAA Administrator Bedford to stop the rollout until we have answers. This administration may treat Big Tech companies with impunity, but air traffic control leaves zero margin for error,” said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The FAA’s rush to deploy a system that could affect the lives of millions of Americans is especially concerning for residents of this region, who are still grappling with questions about air safety following last year’s fatal crash at DCA. Before deploying its AI-enabled SMART air traffic control tool, the FAA must demonstrate, through air traffic controller feedback and independently verified testing, that this technology is safe and reliable, and it must clearly communicate those findings to the public,” Congressman Don Beyer. "Families across Baltimore count on BWI to get them where they’re going safely. Yet the Trump Administration recklessly rolled out an untested AI air traffic tool there without publishing a safety evaluation or adequately consulting the air traffic controllers who keep us safe. There is no room for error in our skies. I am proud to co-lead this letter calling for public transparency and answers from Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford on how this system was tested, who was consulted, and how it will be evaluated. Until they provide answers that ensure that this technology is safe, the FAA must pause its use," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The airspace in the DC region is incredibly complicated and demands the highest standard of safety and reliability from Air Traffic Control. We need to be extremely cautious about implementing AI tools into the systems responsible for the safety of our skies. I urge the FAA to prove that the system does not pose a risk to the public before allowing its use," said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “Every day, our airports and their staff ensure tens of thousands of worldwide travelers are safe and secure – including here at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland’s Third District. While we fully recognize the need to modernize our air traffic control systems, we cannot pursue modernization at the expense of public safety, especially when it comes to implementing new technologies like AI,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “As AI safety concerns are top of mind for our neighbors, this is another instance where we cannot afford to miss the moment on regulating this technology. I also am determined to continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our hardworking air traffic controllers have every resource they need to do their jobs and ensure the safety of our passengers.” At a time when AI safety concerns are sky high, the lawmakers warn that the FAA has not provided sufficient transparency around its decision-making process prior to deployment, nor the functioning of SMART’s underlying AI systems. Congress, and the public, deserve to know how AI systems were tested and how they will influence decisions before being deployed in safety critical systems. The letter also raises concerns about reports that frontline aviation safety workers received only days of notice, or no notice at all, before deployment. With air traffic controllers already facing staffing pressures, the lawmakers stress that new technology must be introduced with adequate training and clear procedures for human oversight. The lawmakers request answers in three areas: Safety testing: What evaluations were completed before deployment, how the system performs during severe weather or outages, and whether any safety review requirements were waived during the contracting process. Consultation and training: What input the FAA sought from airport authorities, air safety workers, and airlines; what training personnel received; and how the tool should influence decision-making. Evaluation and accountability: How the FAA will measure performance during the initial 90-day evaluation, what standards must be met before nationwide expansion, and who is responsible if a recommendation contributes to a safety incident.

As a mom of four daughters and longtime advocate for women and children, I have forcefully pushed back against discrimination and ignoring attacks on women. From the nationwide protests of Cornell’s handling of the Jane Doe case, to the recent report of a Congressional candidate’s rape, our country has reached a tipping point for accountability. We cannot and should not stand by while our country and this Administration fail women. Ripping away their safety, their healthcare, and their families cannot be tolerated. We must keep fighting.

When AI can be used to develop bioweapons, Congress cannot afford to sit back. I’m pushing for clear standards, early detection, and strong guardrails. We need to invest in our scientists and make safety a priority. Our health and national security depend on it.

Check out some of the many reasons why #TeamDelaney votes blue! What’s your why? Drop your answers in the comments below! https://t.co/BSuGOlzHAI

Check out some of the many reasons that #TeamDelaney votes blue! What’s your why? Drop your answers in the comments below! https://t.co/n6g1U7l5UH

Your next chapter could start with serving our country. 🇺🇸 Interested in attending a U.S. military service academy? Submit your nomination application to my office by October 15. Visit our website at https://t.co/AlPIaClZqa to apply! https://t.co/xV31SPcE7g

Wise words from former Capitol Police Officer and leading force for democracy, Harry Dunn, at last Friday’s rally❤️ Thank you for the kind words and support. Your dedication to public service is inspiring and is propelling us to run through the finish line. I look forward to working with you to make our community better.

Small business stop - Curtis’ Coney Island Hotdogs. Anytime I visit Cumberland, I make sure to see my friend Geno and get a delicious hotdog. https://t.co/5aGVyrSBTN

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. One of my top priorities is accessible and equitable healthcare for all. On Saturday, I was thrilled to host the Community Wellness & Resource Fair in Frederick. Many organizations and healthcare professionals came together to provide us with free flu shots, lab work, vision tests, and more. Thank you to Nina Rollins, the Asbury Methodist Church, and Mayur Mody from the American Diversity Group. Together, we can put the care in healthcare🩻❤️

Small business stop - Curtis’ Coney Island Hotdogs. Anytime I visit Cumberland, I make sure to see my friend Curtis and get a delicious hotdog. https://t.co/pVp2h2wj9W

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Sarah Elfreth, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, and Johnny Olszewski were joined by Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) in requesting $11 million for U.S. Cyber Command as Congress works to complete the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Defense appropriations. In the letter to Appropriations Committee leadership, the lawmakers stressed the importance of the health and wellbeing of the service members and civilian employees of U.S. Cyber Command, as well as the importance of their work to our national security. The $11 million program increase would fund U.S. Cyber Command’s high-performance team training, an operation aimed at improving care for service members, including helping commanders establish sustainable training, recovery, care, and resilience practices. The lawmakers begin, “We respectfully urge you to retain the $11 million program increase for U.S. Cyber Command high-performance team training under Budget Activity 12D, Cyberspace Operations, as Congress completes the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, U.S. Cyber Command is central to Maryland’s national security community and relies on service members, civilian employees, and families throughout our state to conduct some of the Nation’s most demanding and persistent military operations missions.” “As the Congressional Delegation of Maryland, we are troubled by recent public reporting describing several deaths by suicide among personnel in cyber operations and the Fort Meade community over a short period. These deaths have a severe impact on the family, friends, and wider community. The concentration of these tragedies within a small, highly specialized workforce demands sustained attention and an institutional response proportionate to the operational strain these personnel bear,” they continue. On the need for funding for High Performance Team Training at Cyber Command, the lawmakers note, “The requested $11 million would help U.S. Cyber Command close this gap by funding the FY26 NDAA provision. Embedded support would improve access to care for service members inside secure facilities, give providers a better understanding of the mission and its operational tempo, identify concerns earlier, and help commanders establish sustainable training, recovery, and resilience practices. Models used in other high-demand military communities, including special operations and remotely piloted aircraft units, and dedicated intelligence commands demonstrate the value of treating psychological health and human performance as readiness requirements. Cyber Command noted that without this funding, burnout and force degradation will increase.” “Preserving this funding would demonstrate Congress’s commitment to the health and readiness of the cyber workforce at Fort Meade, Maryland, and across the Nation. It would also help ensure that the Department establishes an enduring system of prevention, care, and operational resilience rather than relying solely on short-term interventions following a tragedy. One loss of life is one too many. We must do everything we can to make sure our servicemembers and everyone at the Fort has the full mental health support and resources they need, so that a tragedy like this does not occur again. We appreciate your continued leadership and support of Maryland’s servicemembers, federal employees, and families,” the lawmakers conclude. The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, Chair Collins, and Vice Chair Murray: We respectfully urge you to retain the $11 million program increase for U.S. Cyber Command high-performance team training under Budget Activity 12D, Cyberspace Operations, as Congress completes the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, U.S. Cyber Command is central to Maryland’s national security community and relies on service members, civilian employees, and families throughout our state to conduct some of the Nation’s most demanding and persistent missions. As the Congressional Delegation of Maryland, we are troubled by recent public reporting describing several deaths by suicide among personnel in cyber operations and the Fort Meade community over a short period. These deaths have a severe impact on the family, friends, and wider community. The concentration of these tragedies within a small, highly specialized workforce demands sustained attention and an institutional response proportionate to the operational strain these personnel bear. Cyber personnel operate in a uniquely stressful environment. Many are effectively “deployed in place” for two- or three-year assignments, conducting real-world operations against capable adversaries without the clear start and end points, protected recovery periods, or unit-level reconstitution cycles associated with conventional deployments. Because much of their work is classified, they may be unable to discuss the sources of their stress with family members or medical professionals who lack the clearances or access to secure facilities necessary for a complete conversation. These conditions can isolate personnel, delay appropriate care, and ultimately weaken readiness, retention, and operational effectiveness. These challenges are particularly relevant at Fort Meade, where U.S. Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, military cyber components, and other national security organizations operate within a highly secure and interconnected environment. Although Maryland has a significant network of military, federal, and civilian health resources, traditional centralized-care models do not always give cyber personnel timely access to appropriately cleared professionals in the facilities where they work. Congress and the Department have already recognized this gap. Congress previously directed a review of the psychological and occupational demands placed on cyber operators, and the Department subsequently acknowledged that existing resources did not fully meet the needs of the U.S. Cyber Command. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) also expanded mental health services intended to address the U.S. Cyber Command’s unique requirements by integrating behavioral health professionals with security clearances within cyber units. Nevertheless, dedicated support teams and embedded care have not been implemented consistently across the force. The requested $11 million would help U.S. Cyber Command close this gap by funding the FY26 NDAA provision. Embedded support would improve access to care for service members inside secure facilities, give providers a better understanding of the mission and its operational tempo, identify concerns earlier, and help commanders establish sustainable training, recovery, and resilience practices. Models used in other high-demand military communities, including special operations and remotely piloted aircraft units, and dedicated intelligence commands demonstrate the value of treating psychological health and human performance as readiness requirements. Cyber Command noted that without this funding, burnout and force degradation will increase. This represents a modest investment compared with U.S. Cyber Command’s broader annual budget and the strategic value of its highly trained workforce. Recruiting, clearing, and developing cyber operators takes years. Losing experienced personnel harms Maryland families, disrupts operational teams, increases replacement and training costs, and reduces the Nation’s ability to defend critical systems and conduct cyber missions. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the final Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Defense Appropriations Act retain the following program increase: 12D CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS High Performance Team Training ........................................ $11,000,000 Preserving this funding would demonstrate Congress’s commitment to the health and readiness of the cyber workforce at Fort Meade, Maryland, and across the Nation. It would also help ensure that the Department establishes an enduring system of prevention, care, and operational resilience rather than relying solely on short-term interventions following a tragedy. One loss of life is one too many. We must do everything we can to make sure our servicemembers and everyone at the Fort has the full mental health support and resources they need, so that a tragedy like this does not occur again. We appreciate your continued leadership and support of Maryland’s servicemembers, federal employees, and families.

Trump stood at a rally, named two American cities, and told Iran to take them out. Called it "a small price to pay." Those are families, schools, hospitals. If he'll say it about San Diego, he'll say it about Western Maryland. He swore an oath to protect Americans, not to pick which ones he can spare. https://t.co/VSP17Tmhdp

Los Angeles and San Diego are not "a small price to pay." Neither is Frederick, or Hagerstown, or any American city. The President stood at a rally and offered up millions of Americans as an acceptable loss. His first duty is to protect them. Every member of Congress, in both parties, should say so out loud.