Issa Offers Motion to Prevent Public Financing of
New Alien Port of Entry Entitlement

On April 21, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50), senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, led the Republican Motion to Recommit to prevent taxpayer funding for a new alien port of entry entitlement created by H.R. 1573, the Access to Counsel Act of 2021.

This bill would require that aliens attempting to enter the U.S. through a port of entry be afforded a right to consult with a counsel or other interested party if the alien is referred to a secondary inspection. This will upend current practice and impose serious logistical and practical consequences to entry screening at increased taxpayer expense.

Issa stated:

“Our southern border is in chaos. Customs and Border officials are stretched to the breaking point. Rather than crafting solutions, the bill brought to the floor today by Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats would make the situation worse.”

“There is no question a secure border with proper entry screening makes for safer American communities.  But this bill undermines a secure and efficient screening process at ports of entry, and no doubt, the taxpayer will pay the consequences.”

“The entitlement created by this bill is costly, unworkable and unwise, and we cannot in good conscience ask the taxpayers to pay for it. That’s why my motion will block taxpayer funding for this new immigrant inspection entitlement.”

“My Democratic colleagues have repeatedly argued they have no intent to force taxpayers to fund this new entitlement. If that is true, there is no reason not to put that taxpayer protection commitment in writing.”

Issa, Calvert Call for Swift Pentagon Attention to Permit POW/MIA Remembrance Motorcycle Ride

On April 23, In a joint letter sent today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) expressed their support for the Rolling to Remember motorcycle ride held in Washington, DC each Memorial Day in remembrance of POW/MIA veterans. As the event date quickly approaches, Issa and Calvert called for a swift Pentagon review of the permit request that has thus far gone unanswered. Congressman Issa said:

“Last week, veterans and advocates asked for help in breaking through Washington red tape so this event can move forward honoring our fallen warriors. We call on the White House and the Pentagon to keep faith with our veterans and their advocates at AMVETS and simply allow for unused Pentagon parking space to serve as a coordination point, as has been done for many years for this ride. This should be an easy call for our government to make and a simple, timely, and worthy request deserving of prompt approval.

“Let’s clear the way for this special honor on behalf of those who gave their all for this nation. Let’s demonstrate that Washington can come together for the things that matter most. Let’s make way for Rolling to Remember.”

Congressman Calvert said:

“Time is ticking, and our veterans are counting on us. For more than three decades, veterans have honored our fallen and missing heroes with their Memorial Day motorcycle ride. There’s no reason for the delay in approving their request. The Pentagon needs to act now.”

AMVETS National Executive Director Joseph R. Chenelly added:

“The American military has long prided itself on leaving no man or woman behind. We are grateful that Congressman Issa and Congressman Calvert are keeping that in mind and working with us to ensure our fellow veterans, military families and Gold Star families have an ideal location for Rolling to Remember.”

Background

The event organizers, AMVETS, submitted permit requests and petitions for coordination to multiple federal agencies.  To date the Pentagon is the only entity to not meet with AMVETS about the event and has yet to issue a determination on the permit request.

Read the letter here.

Issa Advocates for California Roadway Improvements in 2021 Surface Transportation Package

On April 27 Today, Congressman Darrell Issa announced CA-50’s Member Designated Projects submissions to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) for deliberation in the 2021 surface transportation reauthorization legislation

Following the posting of these requests online Issa stated:

“Investing in safe, congestion-free roadways is essential to allowing residents and businesses to keep Southern California on the move. In submitting these requests, I am asking the Committee to prioritize funding for the I-15/SR-78 intersection in North County, lane expansion on SR-52 in Santee, and SR-11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. All of these are long-overdue priorities, positioned in critical regional transit corridors, and will make a clear difference in our region’s quality of life and economic future.”

Federal highway and public transportation programs are funded through multi-year surface transportation authorization acts, and the current program authorization expires September 30, 2021. The House T&I Committee issued guidance on Congressional project requests.

Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.

Congressmen Issa, Johnson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs, Unleash Medical Innovation

On April 30 Congressman Darrell Issa, the ranking Republican Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, announced yesterday with his Democratic counterpart, Subcommittee Chairman Hank Johnson (GA), the introduction of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Through Improvements to Patent Litigation Act, amending the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA).

Issa released the following statement:

“This legislation is a historic reform to our patent system that will reduce drug costs, unleash medical innovation and enhance patient access to the treatments they need and deserve. I look forward to working with Chairman Johnson and my Senate colleagues to advance this patient-centered proposal.”

A Senate companion bill containing this legislative text was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal (CT) and John Cornyn (TX).

In a statement released by his office, Chairman Johnson said the bill would “lower prescription drug prices by streamlining and making it more cost effective for generic drug makers to get their products to consumers” by “promoting the development of biosimilars—generic alternatives to brand-name biologics.”

Background

Some pharmaceutical manufacturers have utilized the patent system to extend patents beyond their original intent, which has served to block generic and biosimilar manufacturers from entering the market. By reforming the patent process in this manner, anti-competitive behaviors will be reined in and biosimilar drugs will be more readily available.

Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District, an entrepreneur, and a former patent holder.

Issa, Calvert Denounce Pentagon Decision to Deny POW/MIA Remembrance Motorcycle Ride Permit

On May 3, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) denounced the Pentagon’s permit denial for the annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle ride held in Washington, DC each Memorial Day in tribute of POW/MIA veterans.

Congressman Issa said:

“The Biden Administration is making a terrible mistake by blocking a veteran’s charity from the use of the Pentagon parking lot for the Rolling to Remember POW/MIA remembrance motorcycle ride. This last-minute rejection, a first of its kind in more than 30 years, leaves patriotic veterans without a safe alternative.”

“Leading up to the decision, the Pentagon refused to talk with event organizers. They refused to respond to Congress about this topic. And now they are claiming COVID as an excuse.”

“Just days ago, President Biden hosted a drive-in rally in Georgia. The Rolling to Remember event is no less safe. The only difference is the politics that are denying veterans the opportunity to honor their fallen comrades.”
“If patriotic veterans are not welcome at the Pentagon, are they truly welcome anywhere in the Biden Administration?”

Congressman Calvert said:

“I’m disappointed by the Pentagon’s denial of AMVET’s permit for the Rolling to Remember event. It’s also frustrating to hear that the Pentagon staff failed to even engage in meaningful discussions to see how this outdoor event could take place in a safe manner. At a time when President Biden can find a way to hold outdoor political events, it’s shocking his administration can’t find a way to help our veterans do the same.”

Background

The event organizers, AMVETS, submitted permit requests and petitions for the event coordination to multiple federal agencies. AMVETS received approval from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Interior, and multiple other state and local authorities. The Pentagon is the only permit entity to not meet with AMVETS about the event. The Pentagon approved the permit in March and then rescinded the decision without explanation.

The Rolling to Remember remembrance motorcycle ride traditionally uses the Pentagon parking lot as the pre-ride staging area, to safely line up for the solemn processional ride from the Department of Defense to the war memorials on the National Mall.

Congressman Issa and Calvert wrote to DOD about this request in April, read the letter here.

Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.

Congressman Issa Tours Temecula Auto Collision Small Business

Issa to Re-Introduce Legislation to Address Lack of Consumer Options in Car Repair

On May 4, Congressman Darrell Issa (R – CA 50) visited the Rancho California Auto Collision center in Temecula to meet with employees, discuss small business operations and the need for legislation to increase consumer options in car repair. Issa has previously sponsored legislation that would expand consumer choice for auto repair parts, cut costs paid by insurers and drivers, and enhance competition in the repair parts market.

“I want to thank Efren Terrazas of Rancho California Auto Collision, Professional Parts Group CEO Chris Northup, and all of the employees who met with me today in Temecula,” said Issa. “I appreciate their insights on the current small business climate and for emphasizing the need for policy changes that will encourage innovation and increase competition in the auto parts repair industry.  We can all agree consumers shouldn’t have to overpay for car repair.”

The PARTS Act, or The Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales Act, has been introduced by Issa in four previous Congresses. Issa intends to reintroduce the bill this session.

“With a new car shortage and used car prices on the rise, families need access to affordable repair part options.  My legislation will increase consumer choice and thereby lower the cost of auto repairs through changes to auto parts design patent protections.”

Issa to Introduce Legislation to Allow Veterans Memorial Day Event After Biden Denial

On May 6, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) released a statement following the Pentagon’s rejection of a permit request for the Rolling to Remember Memorial Day motorcycle ride in recognition of POW/MIA veterans.

Congressman Issa said:

“I call on President Biden to reverse the Pentagon’s insulting decision to block patriotic Americans from organizing in remembrance of POW/MIAs in Washington, D.C. this Memorial Day.

“Just days ago, President Biden hosted an outdoor drive-in political rally. The Rolling to Remember outdoor ride-in event is no less deserving of approval, yet was denied by the Administration.  If this decision stands, their priorities are backwards.

“Now is the time to do the right thing. Memorial Day is weeks away. Approve the event permit and welcome patriotic veterans with pride.

“If the Administration does not act, I am authoring legislation to ensure that it does not shut out these veterans.”

Background

Veterans participating in the “Rolling to Remember” event ride their motorcycles in solemn remembrance of the lost and missing brothers and sisters in service. There are 82,000 servicemembers still considered missing in action and every day 22 veterans die by suicide. The very meaning of Memorial Day is encapsulated in this annual ride, started over 30 years ago.

Traditionally, the Pentagon parking lot has been used as the pre-ride staging area, to safely line up for the solemn processional ride from the Department of Defense to the war memorials on the National Mall.

The event organizers, AMVETS, submitted permit requests and petitions for the event coordination to multiple federal agencies. AMVETS received approval from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Interior, and multiple other state and local authorities. The Pentagon is the only permit entity to not meet with AMVETS about the event.

The Pentagon approved the permit in March and then rescinded the decision without explanation. The Pentagon denied the permit on April 30, leaving event organizers scrambling for a safe alternative.

Congressman Issa and Calvert wrote to DOD about the permit request in April, read the letter here.

Congressman Issa Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance Accountability at Department of Justice

On May 7, Congressman Darrell Issa and Congresswoman Deborah Ross introduced the Inspector General Access Act to enhance key accountability throughout the Department of Justice by empowering its Office of Inspector General with new oversight over DOJ attorneys. Issa and Ross were also joined by Reps. Jamie Raskin, Carolyn Maloney, Gerry Connolly and Jody B. Hice as cosponsors.

“The mission of every Inspector General is to provide a critical check on government misconduct and essential transparency that backs up the people’s right to know. With this bipartisan reform, the Congress is appropriately empowering this unique tool of oversight and accountability,” said Issa.

Currently, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice has no authority to investigate professional misconduct by DOJ attorneys. This is the only IG with this oversight limit.

In January 2019, the House unanimously approved this bill, and the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Senate companion by a vote of 21-1.

Senators Dick Durbin (IL) and Mike Lee (UT) also introduced identical companion legislation, which is backed by 12 Senators, six from each party.

Read the full text of the House bill here.

Congressman Issa Introduces Bill to Protect TRICARE Select Military Retiree Healthcare

On May 11, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) introduced the TRICARE Retiree Protection Act to defend healthcare coverage for military retirees that may otherwise lose access due to policy changes that took effect January 1, 2021.

“When it comes to our veterans, promises made must be promises kept. The TRICARE Retiree Protection Act is common-sense reform to extend a transition period so military retirees don’t lose health care coverage for themselves and their families,” Issa said. “I am proud to work with Senators Daines and Manchin to ensure that this consensus solution goes forward and protects those who served our country.”

Background

Since January 1, 2021, certain TRICARE retirees (who entered the military before January 1, 2018) have 180 days to establish a payment plan for new enrollment fees. The Issa bill would extend the 180-day grace period to one year, to prevent these veterans from losing their health coverage. Retirees have earned this coverage and they have earned reasonable time to meet new requirements.

Senator Steve Daines (MT) and Senator Joe Manchin (WV) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate on February 2, 2021. The two texts differ slightly, with the House bill requiring a beneficiary statement of assertion upon reenrollment that they did not previously receive notice of their change in status.

Read the bill text here.

For information on the fee or to enroll, click here.

Issa Targets Job-Killing Government Licensing Requirements, Advances New Legislative Solutions

On May 12, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) reintroduced legislation to eliminate job-killing occupational licensing requirements with the Restoring Board Immunity Act and through sponsorship of the Freedom to Work Act.

Issa’s bill, the Restoring Board Immunity Act, gives states appropriate flexibility to cut government red tape by implementing occupational licensing reforms.

“As many as one in three American workers is now required to obtain some sort of government-issued occupational license, often demanding hundreds of dollars in fees, weeks of training and months of waiting for testing just to earn a living,” Issa said. “While some licenses ensure important safety standards, far too many create unnecessary burdens for jobs no more risky than braiding hair, pet-sitting or flower arranging.”

The bill is being cosponsored by Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-7), who stated: “When occupational licensing requirements become too complex and burdensome, it places unnecessary obstacles on workers trying to do their job and earn a living. This bill encourages reforms at the state-level that promote a smarter regulatory climate, reduce overly excessive requirements, and boost jobs and economic opportunity for all.”

The legislation would establish a limited antitrust exemption to incentivize states to reform occupational regulations that can create barriers to employment and add to consumer costs. States could establish a state office of supervision of occupational boards to oversee occupational boards’ activities, or instead use a cause of action under state law to trigger judicial review of licensing laws under an intermediate scrutiny standard.

In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court found in North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners v. Federal Trade Commission that antitrust laws could be applied to state occupational licensing boards.

“Government must never create barriers to competition, harm the consumer interest or interfere with anyone doing their job. This legislation is an overdue reform and will make a lasting difference in helping people across the country get back to work,” Issa said.

Read bill text here.

Issa also sponsored Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger’s Freedom to Work Act, which would require federal agencies to identify, review and recommend changes to federal policies that lead to additional state and local occupational licensing requirements.

Congressman Issa is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and successful entrepreneur and small business owner.

Congressman Darrell Issa Announces Recognition Program for Vietnam Veterans

On May 14, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) today announced an effort to thank and honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans through the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration program. Issa released the following statement:

“All of our veterans past and present deserve our gratitude.  As we approach the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, it is past time to uniquely recognize the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. If you – a family member, friend, or neighbor – served during Vietnam, I want to make sure the veteran’s commitment to this nation is honored.”

“I have had the opportunity to meet and highlight the service of several Vietnam veterans in the 50^th Congressional district this year and I look forward to continuing to do so.  No Vietnam veteran should ever go without the nation’s thanks.”

Constituents of the 50^th Congressional District who served in any branch of the military, regardless of the location in which they served, between November 1st, 1955 and May 15th, 1975 are eligible for recognition. Veterans, or their family members, friends, or neighbors, should complete this brief information form here. Or, please contact the Office of Congressman Issa at (760) 304-7575 for assistance.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense, and launched in 2012.

Darrell Issa is an Army veteran, representing California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line.

Issa Requests Records of Biden Administration’s Cancelation of Permit for Veterans’ Memorial Day Event

On May 14, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin requesting documents that would reveal the Pentagon’s denial of the AMVETS annual Memorial Day Rolling to Remember motorcycle ride that has occurred for more than three decades in the nation’s capital.

The Issa oversight letter requests all emails, records, communications and documents regarding the Administration’s approval, rescindment, and, ultimately, denial of the veterans’ plan to honor America’s warriors who have fallen in battle.

Issa said: “No one believes that a group politically aligned with this Administration would be getting denied like this. The plain fact is that this is one of the most anti-veteran acts by a White House in recent memory, and we intend to get to the bottom of it.”

In part, the letter reads:

It is troubling that the Department would approve and then deny a long-standing request without conversation or explanation.[1] This rescindment suggests interference in the standard consideration process.

The rejection letter issued on April 30, cited the high COVID transmission rate in the event area of Arlington, Virginia. The concern regarding COVID, however, is belied by the Administration’s very actions.

First, Pentagon parking lots are currently used daily for parking by hundreds of DOD employees and contractors. Second, the President staged his own drive-in rally on April 30 in Duluth, Georgia, where the COVID positivity rate was significantly higher than Arlington. In fact, the cases per 100,000 people were 2,530 greater and total COVID cases were 71,312 greater. Third, CDC guidance on large gatherings recommends attending drive-in events as an alternative to indoor events.[2]

On April 23, before the final Pentagon denial, Issa and Congressman Ken Calvert sent a joint letter to the Department of Defense urging their consideration of the permit request.

On May 6, Issa urged President Biden to overturn the Pentagon denial and announced that he would author legislation to authorize the permit for a year, as well as to protect this sacred Memorial Day tradition for years to come.

On May 13, Issa introduced the Let Veterans Remember the Fallen Act to permit Pentagon parking lot access for the event moving forward.