Sheila Jackson Lee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) kicked off debate on the Senate floor Tuesday night for his SAVE America Act. The overwhelmingly popular legislation would secure American elections and protect citizens’ votes by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, and the use of Voter ID nationwide. “The Senate often considers complex, divisive issues. Protecting the votes of American citizens is not one of them,” said Senator Mike Lee. “It is a simple task, and the American people are united: Pass the SAVE America Act.” Watch Senator Lee speak on the Senate Floor for his SAVE America Act The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote by: Under the Biden-Harris administration, at least 10 million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in Federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. While only U.S. citizens can legally vote in Federal elections, Federal law has generally preempted and undermined state laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in such elections. Read the full bill text here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to protect Americans’ constitutional rights and data privacy. The Government Surveillance Reform Act reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) with necessary Fourth Amendment protections to block the federal government from buying Americans’ private data from shady sources. Cosponsors include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) introduced the House version of this bill. “It is imperative that Congress enact real reforms to protect our civil liberties, including warrant requirements and statutory penalties for privacy violations, in exchange for reauthorizing Section 702,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Our bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act stops illegal government spying and restores the Constitutional rights of all Americans.” “Advances in technology, from AI to the explosion of Americans’ data available for purchase, have far outpaced the laws protecting Americans’ privacy and civil liberties,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill as a leader of the Ben Franklin caucus, which stands for the proposition that liberty and security aren’t mutually exclusive.” “If we are serious about protecting our constitutional freedoms against government overreach, a judicially-approved warrant should be required for all section 702 searches,” said Senator Cynthia Lummis. “This legislation goes a long way to restoring our Fourth Amendment rights and curbing the inexcusable intelligence agency excesses of the last two decades.” “FISA Section 702 has been stretched far beyond its original purpose and now enables unconstitutional warrantless searches of American citizens and their private communications,” said Congressman Warren Davidson. “The bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act counters these abuses by requiring a warrant to search Americans’ data and by closing the data broker loophole that allows the federal government to spy on citizens by purchasing private data that would otherwise require a warrant or subpoena.” “Now more than ever, unchecked government access to Americans’ personal information threatens their privacy, their civil liberties, and our democracy,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. “Congress should not reauthorize broad domestic surveillance authorities without putting meaningful safeguards in place. The bipartisan, bicameral Government Surveillance Reform Act offers a comprehensive and balanced solution that would prevent abuse of Americans' personal information while preserving essential national security tools that keep our country safe.” Background The Government Surveillance Reform Act represents the most comprehensive reform of surveillance laws in nearly half a century. The bill reauthorizes Section 702 for four years with necessary privacy reforms and constitutional safeguards, including: Read the full text of the bill here. Read a section-by-section summary of the bill here. — The Government Surveillance Reform Act is endorsed by privacy and civil liberty advocates across the political spectrum: Americans for Prosperity, Restore the Fourth, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, Center for Democracy & Technology, Consumer Choice Center, Demand Progress, Due Process Institute, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Fight for the Future, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability (PPSA). “The Government Surveillance Reform Act contains critical reforms to protect U. S. persons from unreasonable and warrantless government surveillance. It would rein in AI-driven misuse of NSA classified databases to spy on U. S. persons without probable cause or a warrant; it would make much less likely that Americans would be harassed or prosecuted on the basis of poor-quality data held on them by data brokers; and it would make it easier for people unfairly surveilled to get redress from the courts. We warmly encourage the Judiciary Committees in the House and the Senate to mark up a bill that takes the best parts of this bill, Senator Lee's and Senator Durbin's SAFE Act and Rep. Biggs' Protect Liberty Act, before the sunset of these authorities in April.” – Alex Marthews, National Chair, Restore the Fourth “For years, the U.S. intelligence community has repeatedly misused its authorities under FISA, including Section 702, as well as other surveillance powers, undermining public trust and raising concerns across the political spectrum. Protecting constitutional rights and protecting national security are not opposing goals. We applaud the reintroduction of the Government Surveillance Reform Act, a bipartisan path forward that brings back a comprehensive package of reforms. This package responsibly reins in warrantless surveillance while preserving the tools needed to keep Americans safe. We commend Senators Wyden and Lee, along with Representatives Davidson and Lofgren, for once again leading this cross party effort to advance essential, rights protecting reforms.” – James Czerniawski, Head of Emerging Technology Policy, Consumer Choice Center “The Government Surveillance Reform Act is an important step toward restoring the balance between national security and the civil liberties the Constitution was designed to protect. For too long, federal surveillance authorities have created opportunities for the warrantless collection and misuse of Americans’ communications. Few would argue that surveillance authorities are required to protect the United States from foreign threats, but we have to recognize that Americans expect that their fundamental civil liberties will be protected. Congress has routinely failed to do so, including the most recent reauthorization, which actually expanded surveillance. The reforms included in GSRA are responsible and necessary to ensure that intelligence tools aimed at foreign threats are not used to sidestep the Fourth Amendment rights of Americans.” – Jason Pye, Vice President, Due Process Institute “The federal government should not have the ability to bypass courts and obtain the private emails, texts and calls of Americans, especially when they are purchased from shady data brokers who sell our private information to anyone willing to pay. The Government Surveillance Reform Act protects Americans’ privacy by finally closing the backdoor search loophole and closing the door on data brokers. Protecting Americans’ privacy and civil liberties from these threats cannot wait, Congress must implement these reforms ahead of the April 20 expiration date. We thank Sens. Wyden and Lee, and Reps. Davidson and Lofgren for their steadfast leadership and we urge all members of Congress to enact critically needed privacy protections before renewing the government’s spying authority.” – Hajar Hammado, Senior Policy Advisor, Demand Progress “PPSA commends Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Warren Davidson, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren for reintroducing the Government Surveillance Reform Act (GSRA) – a comprehensive surveillance reform bill that balances national security with Americans’ constitutional and privacy rights. This balanced and comprehensive bill enjoys bipartisan and bicameral support because Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are alarmed by the abusive and pervasive surveillance of the American people by their own government. This well-crafted legislation should be included in the reauthorization of FISA Section 702 in April.” – Bob Goodlatte, former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Senior Policy Advisor, Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability “The Government Surveillance Reform Act includes critical protections for our privacy and our data in an increasingly vulnerable digital world. As technology advances, so too must our laws to ensure that we secure the values enshrined in our Constitution. Our spy agencies should not turn warrantless surveillance systems inward to invade Americans’ communications, and they shouldn’t sidestep the Fourth Amendment by purchasing our sensitive information from data brokers. Our values and our Constitution demand our privacy and civil liberties be protected and EPIC is proud to support a bill that does just that.” – Jeramie D. Scott, Senior Counsel and Director, EPIC Surveillance Oversight Program ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today led a coalition of congressional colleagues in the House and Senate urging the U.S. Department of Justice to continue its probe of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) in light of uncovered fraud and corruption. Joining Senator Lee in this effort are U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07) and U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). The letter reads as follows: Dear Attorney General Bondi: Thank you for the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) work to expose the egregious corruption at the United States African Development Foundation (USADF). Despite years of severe misconduct by senior leaders of the agency, the previous administration not only failed to detect blatant corruption but refused to act on credible allegations brought to light. Under your leadership, the DOJ’s successful investigation into Mathieu Zahui, a senior USADF official pleading guilty to accepting gratuities, exposed the rogue agency and was a critical first step in serving justice. We write to support further investigation into USADF. While the Zahui case is an important win, the institutional corruption runs far deeper than one official. Other senior officials, contractors, and grantees have been exposed by credible whistleblower testimonies and evidence, and it is unclear how much of the hundreds of millions of dollars managed by USADF fed the scheme. In a most telling sign, in March 2025, USADF officials refused to grant DOGE staffers access to the building and to its books, requiring intervention from U.S. Marshals. Democrat leaders and media applauded the “bravery” of USADF officials at the time, but now we know USADF was protecting itself from public accountability. Zahui’s plea only scratches the surface. Bribery, kickbacks, misuse of funds, steering contracts to African organizations in which senior officials have a financial stake, illicit bookkeeping, pass-throughs from African organizations to DC staff, gross mismanagement, destruction of documents, lack of transparency and oversight, and whistleblower retaliation all converge in one agency: USADF. We urge you to leave no stone unturned as you uncover more waste, fraud, and abuse. We cannot make peace with such reckless and deep corruption. On behalf of the American people, we thank you for your tireless efforts to bring forth justice, and we stand ready to support the DOJ’s investigation in any way we can. Access the full text of the letter here. See the timeline of uncovered fraud at USADF here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored three pieces of legislation securing improved care for America’s veterans. Details on the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, the TAP Promotion Act, and the Written Informed Consent Act are outlined below. “The patriots who have put their lives on the line to serve our country deserve competent care, not bureaucratic red tape and systems that ignore their unique needs,” said Senator Mike Lee. “I’m proud to cosponsor legislation to improve efficiency in VA systems so that our veterans are heard and helped in the ways they need. These bills will prioritize veterans’ voices, help with burdensome paperwork, and ensure patients are well informed about potential medication side effects. These changes will get our veterans the competent, efficient care they’ve earned.” The Veterans’ ACCESS Act The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act would establish existing community care access standards as the baseline standard of care for veterans seeking care in the community, increase access to life-saving treatment programs for veterans with mental health conditions or addiction, and expand the list of criteria VA is required to take into account when determining whether it is in a veteran’s best medical interest to refer a veteran to the community to include veteran preference and continuity of care. Access the full bill text here. Read more about the Veterans’ ACCESS Act here. The TAP Promotion Act Service members leaving the military are often told to prepare for civilian life long before their final day in uniform. But when it comes to filing for the benefits they earned, they must navigate a complicated system, which too often leads to delayed compensation and health care. For transitioning service members, timing matters. Delays in filing can mean months without disability payments, postponed medical appointments and access to mental health professionals, and added financial stress during an already significant life transition. Under existing law, instructors in the military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life, are not permitted to help participants fill out benefits paperwork. As a result, troops nearing separation often receive information about their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them. The TAP Promotion Act allows accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and similar entities to participate in TAP classes, help service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and complete medical evaluations before leaving service. Access the full bill text here. The Written Informed Consent Act The average veteran utilizing VA healthcare receives nearly 30 prescriptions per year, and more than 64% of veterans using VA healthcare receive at least one duplicative prescription. Many of these drugs, specifically antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics, can carry the side effect of suicidal ideation when added to a “combat cocktail.” Veteran suicide rates have increased by more than 49% since 2001. During the first Trump Administration, VA Secretary David Shulkin mandated that written informed consent (WIC) be applied to “long-term opioids.” By 2023, the number of veterans prescribed opioids was 67% lower than in 2012. WIC is an effective tool in ensuring that veterans are cognizant of the risks associated with certain drugs and curbing their overprescription. The Written Informed Consent Act amends VHA Directive 1005 to apply to the following types of medication: antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. When VHA prescribes one of these types of medications to a veteran, they first need a signed consent form from the veteran stating that they have been informed of all known side effects. Access the full bill text here. Read more about the Written Informed Consent Act here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission requesting a review of antitrust exemptions for the National Football League’s (NFL) dealings with streaming platforms. Senator Lee called on the agencies to examine whether the NFL’s modern distribution practices – which require fans to pay exorbitant prices for streaming packages – are aligned with the Sports Broadcasting Act. The letter reads as follows: I write to seek your assistance in addressing a new trend in televised sports that may harm American sports fans. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for addressing affordability for American consumers. To watch every NFL game during this past season, football fans spent almost $1,000 on cable and streaming subscriptions. In practice, this requires subscribing to multiple streaming services and maintaining high-speed internet in addition to a traditional cable or satellite bundle. The resulting fragmentation has produced consumer confusion and increasing costs for viewers attempting to watch their teams. In 1961, Congress enacted the Sports Broadcasting Act, granting limited antitrust immunity to allow professional football teams to collectively license the “sponsored telecasts” of their games to national broadcast networks. Courts have recognized that “sponsored telecasting” refers to broadcasts financed through advertising and made available free to the public. Shaw v. Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Ltd., 172 F.3d 299, 301 (3d Cir. 1999). The modern distribution environment differs substantially from the conditions that precipitated this exemption. Instead of a small number of free broadcast networks, the NFL now licenses games simultaneously to subscription streaming platforms, premium cable networks, and technology companies operating under different business models. To the extent collectively licensed game packages are placed behind subscription paywalls, these arrangements may no longer align with the statutory concept of sponsored telecasting or the consumer-access rationale underlying the antitrust exemption. Accordingly, I request that your antitrust enforcement agencies examine the Sports Broadcasting Act and its applicability to current media landscape. The Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights welcomes your expertise as we evaluate whether the statute continues to serve consumers or should be revised to reflect modern market conditions. Access the full text of the letter here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee cosponsored the Government Surveillance Transparency Act to require public reporting and notice of the hundreds of thousands of criminal surveillance orders issued by courts each year. These orders are typically sealed indefinitely, keeping government surveillance hidden for years, even when the targets are never charged with any crime. “This bill strikes an appropriate balance between protecting criminal investigations and notifying individuals when their private electronic communications are surveilled by the government,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Americans have a right against unreasonable searches, and that includes in their digital communications and data. I am proud to cosponsor The Government Surveillance Transparency Act.” The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Steve Daines (R-MT). The House version of the bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Ted Lieu (D-CA). “Law-abiding Americans deserve to know when and how their government tries to spy on them,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “This bill establishes a clear process to ensure the government can’t conduct surveillance operations in the dark by misusing sealing orders, with commonsense protections to make sure that active investigations aren’t compromised.” “The government should not be able to read your emails, access your personal data, or surveil your digital life in secret,” said Senator Cory Booker. “But right now, the law lets them do exactly that. Congress has a responsibility to fix it, and it’s long overdue. Every American, every New Jerseyan, has a constitutional right to know when the government has searched their personal information. This bill makes that a reality and restores the transparency every American deserves.” “Montanans and Americans have the Constitutional right to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures,” said Senator Steve Daines. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on the Government Surveillance Transparency Act to increase transparency and maintain integrity of investigations.” “Americans should not be subjected to secret government surveillance that stays sealed forever, with no notice and no accountability,” said Congressman Warren Davidson. “This bipartisan bill restores constitutional balance by requiring eventual notice and ensuring transparency without compromising legitimate law enforcement needs.” “Americans deserve transparency when the government obtains their data, but current rules allow law enforcement agencies to keep these activities hidden indefinitely,” said Congressman Ted Lieu. “The Government Surveillance Transparency Act prevents the government from keeping the public in the dark forever. By adopting common-sense transparency measures, our bill ensures Americans are eventually notified about subpoenas and court-ordered surveillance of their electronic data. I’m pleased to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate on this important, bipartisan legislation.” The Government Surveillance Transparency Act would: Access the full text of the bill here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) thanked the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) for its dedicated service to Utahns affected by cancer in a letter published today. Joining Senator Lee in recognizing HCI’s contributions to cancer research and care is Utah’s entire congressional delegation: Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Burgess Owens (R-UT-04), Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), and Mike Kennedy (R-UT-03). The letter reads as follows: Dear Dr. Ulrich, We the Utah Congressional Delegation would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah. HCI is Utah’s only National Cancer Institute and the only such center serving the Mountain West. HCI alleviates the burden of cancer diagnoses for individuals and families across our state and region. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Utah. This year alone, more than 15,000 Utahns will receive a cancer diagnosis, and nearly 4,000 will die of the disease. HCI has distinguished itself as a national leader by making discoveries that translate directly into lifesaving clinical advancement. Pioneering work in genetics, precision oncology, population sciences, immunotherapy, and cancer prevention research has improved the lives of countless individuals and families in the region. By identifying cancer causing genes and deploying targeted strategies for early detection and treatment, the institute elevates Utah’s longstanding leadership in genetics and cancer research. These efforts are complemented by ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Huntsman Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in Vineyard, Utah and an expansion of the region’s only center for proton therapy. HCI serves an important role as a national leader in advancing research and care innovations that seek to improve access to cancer patients in rural communities. In response to the need for healthcare professionals in Utah, HCI trains the next generation and develops Utah’s healthcare workforce. Through strong academic partnerships and exceptional training programs, the institute prepares researchers, clinicians, nurses, and allied health professionals who will meet the future challenges of cancer prevention, treatment, and research. In many cases, the nation looks to these people as the foremost experts in their respective fields.We are proud of and grateful for the Institute’s commitment to excellence and innovation, and we recognize its indispensable role in improving outcomes for patients and families across Utah and the Mountain West. Access the full text of the letter here. ###

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump called on members of Congress to pass Senator Mike Lee’s signature legislation, the SAVE America Act, during the State of the Union address Tuesday night. “Perhaps most importantly, I’m asking you to approve the SAVE America Act to stop illegal aliens and others who are unpermitted persons from voting in our sacred American elections,” said President Donald Trump. “The cheating is rampant in our elections – it’s rampant. It’s very simple: all voters must show Voter ID; all voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote. And no more crooked mail-in ballots except for illness, disability, military, or travel – none. And this should be an easy one, by the way, it’s polling at 89% including Democrats!” “President Trump is right – Americans demand the SAVE America Act to protect their elections from illegal voters,” said Senator Mike Lee. “If Senate Democrats want to get in the way, we can make them stand up, filibuster, and fail. Republicans should pass the SAVE America Act to secure our elections and deliver on our promises to the American people!” The SAVE America Act is widely endorsed by everyday Americans and received a flood of support during Tuesday night’s address. The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote by: Under the Biden-Harris administration, at least 10 million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in Federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. While only U.S. citizens can legally vote in Federal elections, Federal law has generally preempted and undermined state laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in such elections. Watch President Trump’s call to action here. Read the full bill text of the SAVE America Act here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced bipartisan legislation with cosponsor Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) protecting Americans from warrantless government surveillance and foreign threats. The Security and Freedom Enhancement (SAFE) Act advances national security by reauthorizing Section 702 of FISA and protects Americans’ privacy and civil liberties by establishing safeguards against warrantless surveillance by the federal government. “The many documented abuses under FISA should provoke outrage from anyone who values the Fourth Amendment,” said Senator Mike Lee. “From warrantless searches targeting journalists, political commentators, and campaign donors to monitoring sitting members of Congress, these infringements reveal a blatant disregard for individual liberties. Our bipartisan reforms to FISA Section 702 are common sense and imperative to restoring trust in our government’s commitment to the Constitution.” “Section 702 is a valuable tool to help keep our nation safe,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “However, it’s being used to conduct thousands of warrantless searches of Americans’ private communications. That’s unacceptable. Our bipartisan SAFE Act is a commonsense solution to continue protecting our country from foreign threats—while safeguarding Americans’ civil liberties and privacy.” The SAFE Act reauthorizes Section 702 for two years and includes the following key safeguards: Read the full bill text here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Count the Crimes to Cut Act aimed at addressing the bloated federal criminal code. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Peter Welch (D-VT). “Our federal criminal code is massively over-inflated, with thousands of crimes making it impossible for anyone to fully understand the criminal liability they face,” said Senator Mike Lee. “We cannot fix what we refuse to measure, and this bill ensures Congress and the public have the facts necessary to make smarter, safer policy decisions.” “We need to reexamine the sprawling system of federal crimes and penalties tucked into new laws and inserted into old ones that Congress has created over decades,” said Senator Chris Coons. “This bipartisan, commonsense bill will create a database of all federal crimes, so lawmakers can determine the reforms needed to make the law fairer, saner, and more effective.” "Criminal laws are opaque and scattered across thousands of pages of statutes and regulations, preventing Americans from understanding when they might be crossing into criminal conduct,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “Congress has a responsibility to make the criminal code knowable and accessible to enhance transparency, accountability, and clarity in federal criminal law. I’m proud to join Senators Lee and Coons in introducing this bipartisan bill.” “Meaningful criminal justice reform requires more than good intentions—it takes a serious examination of what’s already on the books,” said Senator Peter Welch. “Congress has a responsibility to understand the full scope of the federal criminal code to promote public safety. This bipartisan legislation will increase transparency, reduce overcriminalization, and ensure due process in our criminal justice system.” Background Currently, the full scope of criminal liability remains unknown to citizens, businesses, and even lawmakers, as there is no complete, accessible list of all federal crimes. The federal code includes thousands of offenses. This bipartisan bill, which already passed the House of Representatives by voice vote as H.R. 2159, restores transparency and accountability to the federal criminal code. Under the Count the Crimes to Cut Act: The Count the Crimes to Cut Act will help create a modern federal criminal code that better respects constitutional principles of federalism and ensures that federal resources are used in that way that best supports public safety. The bill has been endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Federal Defenders, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the Due Process Institute, the R Street Institute, and Right on Crime. Read the full text of bill here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored the Payment Integrity Act led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to address massive childcare fraud cases. The bill requires states to base funding for childcare providers on actual attendance rather than on reported enrollment, and allows states to grant payments retroactively rather than in advance. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) also cosponsored the legislation. “Support for childcare should go to real kids, not empty rooms,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Fake childcare operations are stealing funding from the ones who are actually taking care of America’s children in need. Our bill will address this massive fraud by granting funding based on actual attendance rather than reported enrollment, and allowing states to pay retroactively instead of in advance. This is the due diligence that should have been implemented all along.” “Programs in Minnesota for welfare and childcare were designed to channel resources into protecting vulnerable children, but were treated like an open ATM by criminals,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “The mass fraud in Minnesota shows that American taxpayers can no longer rely on local and state politicians to prevent abuses, because those politicians often have electoral and partisan incentives to look the other way. My legislation reduces the risk of the waste and fraud we’ve seen, and ensures that resources are provided to children and families who need it.” “I’m proud to join Senator Ted Cruz in cosponsoring the Payment Integrity Act to restore common sense and accountability to our child care system after we’ve seen astounding reports of fraud and abuse,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Hardworking American taxpayer dollars should only go toward services that are actually provided, not thrown carelessly without checking. This bill ensures the federal government is held accountable as stewards of tax dollars and reduces fraud and waste, so we can safeguard the critical resources for the families who truly depend on this support.” Background In Minnesota, 118,831 children ages five and under are eligible for CCDBG assistance, yet only 11,718 of those children — roughly 10% — received this support in 2025. As a result, the individuals exposed in Minnesota who stole upwards of $9 billion from American taxpayers did not merely commit financial fraud — they also diverted limited child care assistance away from families who genuinely need it. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently proposed this rule to rescind a Biden-era rule that reduced oversight and heightened the likelihood of waste, fraud, and abuse in federally funded child care. The Payment Integrity Act would codify the proposed language to restore attendance-based billing and would no longer require that providers be paid in advance. Read exclusive coverage by Fox News here. Read the full bill text here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today led an amicus curiae brief urging the Supreme Court of the United States to secure our elections and respect the founders’ original intent by excluding late ballots from being counted if received after the federally established Election Day. Senator Lee serves as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights. “Congress, exercising its constitutional authority to set the times, places, and manner of federal elections, designated one federal Election Day,” said Senator Mike Lee. “States counting ballots received after Election Day clearly violate the certainty, finality, and trust Congress intended to establish by having nationwide elections take place on one set date. I look forward to the Supreme Court recognizing that States are not permitted to conduct interminable rolling elections with late-arriving ballot surprises that invite fraud and undermine trust in American elections.” Joining Senator Lee as cosigners of the amicus curiae brief are U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), James Lankford (R-OK), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Jim Justice (R-WV), as well as U.S. Representatives Eric Burlison (R-MO), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Mike Collins (R-GA), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Randy Fine (R-FL), Andy Harris (R-MD), Mark Harris, (R-NC), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Mary Miller (R-IL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Scott Perry (R-PA), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), and Keith Self (R-TX). Read exclusive coverage by Blaze News here. Read the full text of the amicus curiae brief here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today submitted a letter to the U.S. Sentencing Commission proposing bipartisan sentencing guidelines that will incentivize early rehabilitation to reduce repeat offenses and increase public safety. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tilliis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), along with U.S. Representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) co-authored the letter. “Under federal law, courts should consider the history and characteristics of a defendant when imposing sentence. However, the Sentencing Guidelines currently treat an unrepentant offender the same as one who sincerely seeks rehabilitation after committing a crime,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Ignoring this distinction wastes time and money and gives criminals no incentive to change. The amendment under consideration will better effectuate the federal statute and allow law enforcement to focus resources on keeping the most dangerous criminals off our streets. I applaud the U.S. Sentencing Commission for its ongoing work to improve the Sentencing Guidelines and urge continued efforts to improve public safety by accounting for significant differences between defendants.” “Committing a federal crime forever changes the life of the victim, the lives of their family, and the lives of the perpetrator,” said Senator Chris Coons. “We recognize that and punish it appropriately, but when that same individual makes the choice to rehabilitate, to give back to their communities, to try to make amends with their victims, even before they go to prison — we don’t afford them the same recognition. Our justice system should encourage rehabilitation by changing sentencing guidelines to take pre-sentencing rehabilitation into account.” “Guidelines already account for various kinds of post-offense misconduct through its calculation of criminal history, relevant conduct, and other adjustments; it is time that it account for post- offense rehabilitation as well,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. Read exclusive coverage by the Washington Reporter here. Access the full text of the letter here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation to rein in runaway spending and balance bloated transportation budgets that have grown past their original purpose. The Balance the Highway Trust Fund Act ensures that federal highway and transit spending does not exceed estimated revenues flowing into the Highway Trust Fund. “Runaway highway spending has turned a ‘temporary tax’ into a money pit for federal dollars,” said Senator Mike Lee. “The Highway Trust Fund was created to support our nation’s crucial roadways, but is consistently rerouted to unnecessary and inefficient programs. This bill will eliminate the highway deficit to keep our roads functioning within their budget and without the waste.” The Balance the Highway Trust Fund Act: Read the full bill text here.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the SAVE America Act with Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) — an expanded version of their widely supported SAVE Act. The SAVE America Act requires Voter ID to vote in federal elections in addition to the original bill’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration. “The SAVE America Act makes our original SAVE Act better. President Trump rightly believes we should include Voter ID in this bill as we make a renewed push to secure our elections and protect the rights of American voters,” said Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Chip Roy. “By requiring Voter ID and proof-of-citizenship, the SAVE America Act will ensure that our federal elections are decided by U.S. citizens—and U.S. citizens alone.” The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote by: Under the Biden-Harris administration, at least 10 million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in Federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. While only U.S. citizens can legally vote in Federal elections, Federal law has generally preempted and undermined state laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in such elections. Read the full bill text here.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) today urged further scrutiny of possible fraud by a Somali-led, taxpayer funded nonprofit organization in Minnesota. Their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi details suspicious actions by Generation Hope MN, an organization rife with red flags positioned to receive over $1 million in federal funding. “Americans are rightly outraged at widespread fraud in Minnesota and across the country, some of which has enriched terrorists overseas,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Even in the wake of these revelations, Congress planned to send $1 million to yet another Somali aid organization, Generation Hope MN. Stopping these funds is not enough: we should pursue every red flag, uncover every wrongdoing, and suspend federal eligibility for taxpayer dollars.” “It is almost too insane to believe: Congress trying to send $1 million to an ‘East African’ addiction center operated above a Somali Restaurant and run by three people who live in the same house, with a relative who tried to join ISIS,” said Senator Joni Ernst. In the letter, Senators Lee and Ernst outline how Generation Hope’s suspicious business practices and possible connections to terrorist groups mirror known patterns of Somali fraud with a dubious building address, financial reports that suggest minimal services and potential handouts to friends, and insufficient infrastructure or working hours to provide advertised addiction recovery support. Further, the brother of the organization’s founder led a group attempting to join ISIS in Syria and was charged with providing material support to terrorists in both Syria and Iraq. The founder blamed the U.S. judicial system and defended his brother, who received an unusually short sentence despite the judge believing he was likely still a jihadist. Access the full text of the letter here. Read exclusive coverage by The Federalist here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a resolution today condemning the European Union’s recent decision to sanction the social media platform X for its refusal to censor American users’ online speech. The massive $140 million fine is the latest in a string of radical free speech infringement by European governments, including prison sentences for writers and even viewers of social media posts deemed “misinformation” or “hate speech.” U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) cosponsored the resolution. The resolution reads as follows: “Expressing that any attempt by foreign entities to censor or penalize constitutionally protected speech of United States persons shall be opposed. “Whereas freedom of speech is a fundamental, constitutional right of every United States person; “Whereas freedom of speech is a hallmark of American exceptionalism; "Whereas freedom of speech is necessary to ensure that truth can always be spoken, lies can always be exposed, and important questions can always be asked, and that the strong can always be challenged and the vulnerable can always be heard; “Whereas no person is fit to govern the thoughts or beliefs of another; “Whereas public forums, including social media platforms, give people the opportunity to exercise their right to free speech; “Whereas undue foreign influence threatens the constitutionally protected right to freedom of speech; “Whereas the Digital Services Act of the European Union requires large platforms to remove certain speech based on the incorrect assertion that politicians are entitled to govern the thoughts and beliefs of other persons; “Whereas the European Union is attempting to force United States entities to use products and technology to censor and undermine free speech occurring in the United States; “Whereas the European Union is threatening steep penalties under the Digital Services Act if United States entities do not implement the censorship regime required under the Act; “Whereas, on August 12, 2024, the European Union threatened Elon Musk with penalties under the Digital Services Act for conducting an interview with President Trump on X, insinuating that the conversation between United States citizens on United States soil would produce ‘‘harmful content’’ that would ‘‘spillover’’ from the United States; “Whereas, on December 5, 2025, the European Union announced a $140,000,000 fine against X under the Digital Services Act; “Whereas the European Union is actively investigating and discouraging the use of Community Notes-style policies employed by social media companies to avoid censorship and institutional bias, instead pushing for aggressive content censorship models; “Whereas the Digital Services Act authorizes fines of up to 6 percent of a company’s global revenue for not complying with efforts to target speech by United States persons; “Whereas the actions of the European Union under the Digital Services Act conflict with the sovereign duty of the United States Government to protect the constitutional rights of United States persons; and Whereas such actions by the European Union, if left unchecked, may cause a chilling effect on free speech in the United States: Now, therefore, be it “Resolved, That the Senate— “(1) reaffirms its commitment to protecting the commercial interests and free speech rights of United States persons; “(2) recognizes that the Digital Services Act is incompatible with the free speech tradition of the United States and the commitments that technology companies have made to hosting a diversity of opinions; “(3) disapproves of any attempt by a foreign entity to export censorship or limit the exercise of free speech by United States persons; “(4) disapproves of any attempt by a foreign entity to levy fines or other penalties against United States persons participating in constitutionally protected activities; “(5) disapproves of the attempts by the European Union to force United States entities to develop or use products and technology in ways that undermine free speech or foster censorship; “(6) commits to oppose any implementation of disapproved activities; and “(7) urges the Trump administration to ensure swift and firm rejoinders to any implementation of disapproved activities.” Access the full text of the resolution here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation today with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to reign in government spending within the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to reduce waste on ineffective projects and prevent big agriculture producers from monopolizing funding pools to ensure that small farmers have access to their fair share. “Big Ag is hogging taxpayer dollars for their bloated, ineffective projects,” said Senator Mike Lee. “The EQIP program is meant to benefit small farmers too, but when bigger players monopolize grant pools, fewer farms get their fair share and taxpayers end up funding pointless projects. The EQIP Improvement Act will lower the payment cap for single projects to reduce runaway spending on money pits, give states flexibility to prioritize their critical farming initiatives, and slash spending on ineffective waste. Both farmers and taxpayers will be better off with these changes in place.” “To make the EQIP Program more effective, this bill would re-focus support towards farmers that need it most by targeting funding to more producers and prioritizing conservation practices with significantly greater environmental benefits,” said Senator Cory Booker. “With this bill, we will see more federal funding go toward providing vital financial support to our small family farmers and ranchers.” Background The EQIP Improvement Act will reduce the overall payment cap on EQIP contracts, reduce federal cost-sharing for practices that provide little or no environmental benefits, and eliminate a requirement that 50% of EQIP funding flow to livestock operators. To make the Environmental Quality Incentive Program more effective, this bill would re-focus support towards farmers and ranchers who need it the most by targeting funding to more producers and prioritizing conservation practices with significantly greater environmental and water quality benefits. This bill will eliminate wasteful spending and give states more control over conservation efforts. Currently, over $1.2 billion of EQIP funds are spent on infrastructure practices that often support the largest operations and produce relatively little environmental benefit. Adjusting the cost-share for those practices would have allowed USDA to reinvest $583 million into other practices between 2018 and 2024, or $97 million per year. USDA currently turns away over half of the farmers seeking conservation assistance. The savings from this bill will ensure that more farmers and ranchers have access to the most beneficial practices covered by EQIP. Analysis of EQIP contracts shows that between 2018 and 2021, just 23% of all EQIP funding went towards conservation practices with the most significant environmental benefits. Read full text of the bill here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) led a letter today with colleagues from the Senate calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support President Trump’s American energy dominance agenda by preventing unfair reallocation of compliance costs onto oil refineries in Utah and across the country. U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) signed their support. The letter reads as follows: “Thank you for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) work to clear the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) backlog. The SRE program is essential to advancing President Trump’s energy dominance agenda by ensuring that refiners are protected from burdensome regulations and that American families do not face government-driven price hikes. “We write to express our strong opposition to the proposal to reallocate exempted renewable volume obligations (RVO). Reallocating exempted volumes, whether at 100% or at 50%, poses a serious threat for smaller market and independent refiners that are ineligible for SREs but not large enough to absorb the dramatic increase in costs posed by the updated RVO and newly proposed reallocation costs. Reallocation costs would likely impose tens of millions of dollars of additional Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance burdens on each refiner. This proposal is an existential threat to many refiners and will certainly result in price hikes for American families. “Furthermore, Congress has not authorized the reallocation of exempted volumes. As the EPA itself conceded, “the statute does not specifically require EPA to redistribute exempted volumes,” instead relying solely on its “authority under Chevron” due to alleged ambiguity. As you know, the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision expressly overturned Chevron deference in 2024, completely removing the statutory justification for the proposal. “Even so, Congress was unambiguous on several matters. First, the RVO “shall…be expressed in terms of a volume percentage of transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States.” The reallocation proposal manipulates the calculation by changing the denominator required by statute to artificially increase nonexempt refiner obligations. Second, Congress stipulated in the Clean Air Act that adjustments to the percentage must be made “to prevent the imposition of redundant obligations.” Nonexempt refiners are already subject to obligations. The proposal subjects nonexempt refiners to redundant obligations that the nonexempt refiners themselves did not incur. “The reallocation proposal is a relic of the Biden- and Chevron-era. It is contrary to President Trump’s energy dominance and regulatory agenda, including his Executive Order “Directing the Repeal of Unlawful Regulations.” Any regulation that relies on Chevron must be repealed or not implemented. We respectfully request that EPA not move forward with any proposal to reallocate exempted volumes. “Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your work to advance President Trump’s agenda. We eagerly await your response.” Background Senator Lee introduced legislation earlier this year to block the EPA from forcing refineries to shoulder forgiven fines from other refineries that do not meet the EPA’s environmental standards. U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), James Risch (R-ID) have cosponsored the legislation, which received endorsements from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the American Energy Alliance. Currently, the EPA requires refineries in the U.S. to include a minimum volume of renewable fuel (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel, etc.) in all fuel sold, or pay to make up for any level of noncompliance. Small refineries may be granted exemptions if complying would cause “disproportionate economic hardship.” The EPA is currently considering whether to reallocate forgiven payments over to non-exempt refineries, forcing compliant producers to shoulder even more costs despite no authorization from the Clean Air Act to do so. This is an antiquated Bush-era program that originated in a time when there were fears about an “addiction to foreign oil” and a looming cliff for domestic oil production, seeking to turn the industry toward biofuels. Despite those fears proving unfounded, the program escalates its requirements each period, with the most recent Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) being the highest ever proposed. By the EPA’s own calculation, the proposed rule would impose compliance costs of approximately $6.7 billion per year, while returning benefits of only $200 million per year. The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) estimates that compliance costs are closer to $70 billion. This is simply a handout for the biofuel and agriculture industries at the expense of American refineries and consumers, who will see prices at the pump increase if the EPA moves forward with its proposed rule and reallocation of exempted payments. Senator Lee’s proposal would protect Americans from artificially high gas prices by blocking the EPA from forcing refineries to shoulder unfair fines. Access the full text of the letter here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) led a bicameral letter today with Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and a large coalition from both the House and Senate urging the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to stop administering taxpayer-funded health care plans that include elective abortion coverage for members of Congress and their staff. Legislation passed in 1984 makes subsidizing elective abortions with federal funds illegal. In violation of this law, nearly every health plan offered for Congressional employees includes coverage for elective abortions. The letter demands that health care options for Congress are brought into alignment with the law. The letter reads as follows: “We urge you to stop the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from administering government contributions for Members of Congress and Congressional staff in connection with health insurance plans that cover elective abortion, in violation of the longstanding Smith (NJ) Amendment. “Since 1984, the Smith Amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill has prohibited the use of appropriated funds "to pay for an abortion, or the administrative expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefits program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions," except in cases "where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest" (Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, Pub. L. 117-328, Div. D, Title VI, sec. 613, 614, December 29, 2022). This longstanding provision of law restricts OPM from administering government contributions in connection with any health plan for federal employees that covers elective abortion. “However, OPM is currently subsidizing plans that cover elective abortion in clear violation of the Smith Amendment. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) limits Members of Congress and designated Congressional staff to purchasing health plans offered through an Exchange, under a current Obama-era rule in effect since plan year 2014 (5 CFR § 890.501(h), 78 FR 60653, October 2, 2013), OPM administers government contributions under 5 U.S. Code § 8906 for Members of Congress and Congressional staff enrolled in any Gold level health insurance plan offered through the District of Columbia's Health Exchange Small Business Health Options Program (DC SHOP)—also known as DC Health Link—including plans that cover elective abortion. “In its regulatory preamble (78 FR 60654, October 2, 2013) and on its Frequently Asked Questions webpage, OPM claims that these abortion subsidies are allowed by attributing the segregated costs of the elective abortion coverage and associated administrative expenses to the individual's contribution, rather than the taxpayers' contribution. OPM's use of this accounting gimmick to grant abortion subsidies to Congress is not provided for under Section 1303 of the ACA and is blatantly illegal under the Smith Amendment's strict requirement for a complete exclusion of elective abortion coverage for federal employees. By flouting the Smith Amendment, such subsidies also violate the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits the authorization of expenditures or obligations without an appropriation by law. “Taxpayers, who contribute 72 to 75 percent of these health benefit premiums, do not want their hard-earned tax dollars to pay for abortions. The Smith Amendment does not allow Members of Congress and Congressional staff to operate under a different set of rules than other federal employees when it comes to taxpayer funding of abortion. For 2026, there are only two health plans offered through DC Health Link that do not cover abortion, CareFirst’s BluePreferred PPO Gold and United Healthcare’s Choice Plus Gold. “Therefore, we request swift action by OPM to ensure that any health insurance subsidies for members of Congress or Congressional staff are in full compliance with the clear terms of the Smith Amendment. Any DC SHOP plan that covers elective abortion should not be eligible for a government contribution. “Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure the health and safety of the American people.” Other signers of the letter include U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and U.S. Representatives Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Ben Cline (R-VA), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Michael Guest (R-MS), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Mary Miller (R-IL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Keith Self (R-TX), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), and Daniel Webster (R-FL). Access the full text of the letter here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the UNtaxed Act to block the United Nations (UN) from imposing taxes on American citizens or businesses. President Trump successfully postponed a vote on the UN’s proposed global carbon tax scheme earlier this fall, and the UNtaxed Act will support the President’s agenda in Congress to ensure Americans are never subject to taxes imposed by international bureaucrats. Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the House version of this bill. “The United Nations has come up with yet another way to take American tax dollars for their woke climate guilt,” said Senator Mike Lee. “President Trump stood up to the UN to block their global carbon tax, and it’s time for Congress to back him up and put America first. Americans are already the UN’s biggest cash cow – we shouldn’t be forced to pay for anything we don’t agree with, period.” "The International Maritime Organization buckled under pressure from President Trump and Republicans who unapologetically stood up for American interests. However, this fight isn't over," said RSC Chairman August Pfluger. "This legislation would kill their global carbon tax scheme permanently by depriving all US funding to any UN agency that attempts to impose a tax on the American people and ensuring Congress has a say in all taxes, fees, and penalties on American citizens or companies. America is the largest contributor to the UN, and we should not bankroll an organization that seeks to tax our people and undermine our economy. Unelected international bureaucrats will not dictate to the American people." Background A subsection of the United Nations has been attempting to force a global carbon tax for the past several years. Earlier this fall, President Trump persuaded the UN to postpone their vote on this burdensome violation of American sovereignty. The UNtaxed Act supports President Trump’s America first agenda with legislative force to keep foreign bureaucrats away from American tax dollars. The UNtaxed Act would: Read the full bill text here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today announced the endorsement by Pinterest for his App Store Accountability Act. The social media giant voiced support for Lee’s protections for children online, including age verification requirements in app stores and tools for parents to protect their children from harmful content online. “I’m glad that Pinterest is stepping up to protect kids and put parents in charge by supporting the App Store Accountability Act,” said Senator Mike Lee. “App stores need reliable age verification, parental controls, and safeguards against exploitation demanded by concerned parents across America. With the help of Pinterest, we’re one step closer to protecting children online.” “Pinterest is proud to endorse the App Store Accountability Act. Parents need a single, privacy-preserving solution to verify their child’s age and know they’re safe online. Making the app store a one-stop shop for age verification ensures children are protected from the moment they start using a device. We urge Congress to pass this important law.” – Bill Ready, CEO, Pinterest Representative John James (R-MI) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives. Pinterest joins Meta, Instagram, and Snapchat in calling for stronger protections for children’s online safety. The App Store Accountability Act empowers parents as decision-makers for their children’s online safety and holds app stores responsible for providing safeguards. The legislation requires app stores and developers to require parental approval for app downloads and provide accurate age ratings for apps. The bill also prohibits any selling or sharing of sensitive data or any act that would restrict freedom of speech. Support for increased parental empowerment online is widespread and bipartisan. Recent polling shows 88% of parents support requiring app stores to obtain parental approval for minors to download apps, and 68% agree that granting approval through app stores would be the easiest way to provide their consent. 101 advocate organizations for children’s online safety endorsed the App Store Accountability Act in a letter of support led by the Digital Childhood Alliance. The letter can be read here. The App Store Accountability Act empowers parents to protect their children online by: Read exclusive coverage by The Verge here.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has earned the top score from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) in its latest NTU Rates Congress report, placing Senator Lee among the top 20 lawmakers in Congress working to protect taxpayers and reduce wasteful government spending. As a result of his “A” grade, Senator Lee was given the NTU’s Taxpayers’ Friend Award. “Cutting wasteful government spending and lowering their tax burden is both a priority and personal responsibility I have to the Utahns who sent me to Congress to fight for them,” said Senator Mike Lee. “I thank the National Taxpayers Union for their great work, and for recognizing our victories for hardworking American families.” “If we had a hundred more members like Senator Mike Lee in Congress, the nation would be on much more prosperous and solid financial footing,” said Brandon Arnold, National Taxpayers Union Executive Vice President. “We’re grateful to Senator Lee for always putting taxpayers first when voting.” The NTU Rates Congress scorecard is the nation’s most comprehensive nonpartisan analysis of federal tax and spending votes. In this report, NTU evaluated 39 Senate votes and 130 House votes, assigning greater weight to those with the largest long-term effects on federal taxes, spending, debt, and regulation. According to NTU, members who earn an “A” rating consistently vote to: The full report is available here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Flight Risk Reduction Act today to prevent non-U.S. citizen criminal defendants from fleeing and failing to appear for trial. The announcement follows the arrest of a non-citizen rideshare driver who announced plans to flee to Peru following the alleged sexual assault of a university student in Salt Lake City this week. “Our communities are unsafe when non-US citizens exploit loopholes to escape our justice system and continually break our laws,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Just this week in Salt Lake, a suspected rapist told our police he plans to return to Peru after his assault of a local university student. Under President Biden, more than 150,000 illegal aliens skipped their criminal hearings in 2023. That is eight times the rate from before he took office. The Flight Risk Reduction Act ensures courts have the necessary power to detain non-citizen criminals before trial, unless they can prove they are not a flight risk.” The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). “The Flight Reduction Act is commonsense: Illegal alien and non-resident criminals are a flight risk, and they must be detained until trial,” said Senator Jim Banks. “Releasing them only puts our communities in danger. This bill is about protecting Americans and enforcing the law.” “It should be common sense that an illegal alien facing federal charges poses a flight risk and a danger to the community and should never be released on bail,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn. “The Flight Risk Reduction Act would prohibit judges from releasing illegal aliens on bail when pending trial and protect the safety of the American people.” “When individuals commit certain crimes in the United States, there are guardrails in place in our justice system to determine if they need to remain in pre-trial detention in order to ensure the safety of the American public,” said Senator Katie Britt. “The Flight Risk Reduction Act takes an important step in amending current law to ensure illegal aliens who have perpetrated serious crimes are detained so that we can continue protecting American citizens and ensure justice is served. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill and look forward to its consideration by the Senate.” “This legislation would alter current law to help ensure criminal defendants who are not U.S. citizens are held pending trial rather than being granted bail and potentially skipping bail or fleeing the country before facing justice for their crimes, and I’m glad to support it,” said Senator John Cornyn. “We need to put the safety of Americans first,” said Senator Josh Hawley. “It’s time to close the loopholes illegal aliens use to exploit our judicial system and get back on the street, which endangers Americans.” “We need to ensure that Pennsylvania communities are safe and that our justice system functions effectively,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “I’m proud to cosponsor the Flight Risk Reduction Act because it requires proof that illegal immigrant defendants do not pose a flight risk or threat to the community to qualify for bail. This is common-sense legislation designed to protect public safety.” “Securing our border and keeping our nation safe requires clear, commonsense standards, and this legislation ensures that individuals who enter our country illegally can’t evade the law by exploiting gaps in the system,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “Strengthening pre-trial detention rules is a responsible step that upholds the rule of law and protects our communities.” Background Currently, detention hearings are automatically triggered for certain cases to assess whether a criminal defendant might flee. This bill would add non-U.S. citizenship as an automatic trigger for such hearings. The Flight Risk Reduction Act Read the full bill text here. ###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) announced today that he is leading an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn a century-old precedent that has long shielded professional baseball from the nation’s antitrust laws. Senator Lee serves as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights and is joined on the amicus brief by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), the subcommittee’s Ranking Member. “For too long, Major League Baseball has enjoyed an exemption from the competition laws that apply to every other professional sport and business in America,” said Senator Mike Lee. “As I’ve said before, baseball understands best of all the benefits of competition. Sadly, our Supreme Court has historically balked at the opportunity to overturn a wrongly decided case, and subject professional baseball to the same competition laws as every other professional sport. It is time for America’s pastime to be revitalized by the laws governing all American businesses.” “For over a century, professional baseball has enjoyed a free pass to break the rules of fair competition because of a flawed Supreme Court ruling—one that the Court itself has acknowledged was a mistake,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The one-of-a-kind antitrust exemption gives leagues the power to artificially control salaries, ticket prices, team relocations, and more, harming players and baseball fans alike. It’s time the Court fix this error and ensure that baseball, like every other sport, plays by the same rules of fair competition.” Background In 1922, the Supreme Court ruled that professional baseball was exempt from federal antitrust laws — a decision that has since been widely criticized as incorrectly decided. Although the Court has repeatedly acknowledged the ruling’s flaws over the years, it has declined to take responsibility for reversing it, leaving Congress or future Courts to act. This exemption has allowed Major League Baseball to suppress player wages, divide markets, and restrict competition in ways that other leagues such as the NFL and NBA are prohibited from doing. The persistence of this outdated judicial carveout continues to distort the free market and disadvantage players, teams, and fans alike. Senator Lee’s bipartisan amicus brief calls upon the Supreme Court to end this anomaly and by applying America’s antitrust laws uniformly across the professional sports industry. The brief argues that the Court has both the authority and the obligation to correct its past error and bring baseball into alignment with modern competition law. Read the full text of the amicus brief here. ###