NEWS FROM CONGRESSMAN DARRELL ISSA
Congressman Issa, Senator Blackburn Introduce Bill to Safeguard U.S. Intellectual Property, Block Presidential Seizing of Patents
On April 27, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50), Ranking Member for the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet and Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN), member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the No Free TRIPS Act. The bill would require any presidential administration to receive congressional approval to waive targeted portions of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for all members of the World Trade Organization.
The timeliness of the legislation relates specifically to current efforts by the Biden Administration to waive the IP rights of inventors to pursue what it insists – without evidence – is the only path to increased global vaccination.
“Intellectual property and the patents that protect it are more than pieces of paper. They are the magic of the mind and the flourishing of the creative spirit. The medical innovation and scientific rigor that developed the COVID-19 vaccines, for example, are no less an invention, and it is unacceptable for this President – or any other – to seize control of hard-earned IP without due process or concern,” said Congressman Issa. “The legislation that Sen. Blackburn and I have crafted will preserve creativity, promote modernization, and safeguard the national interest.”
“President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed proved the life-saving capabilities of the private sector, but for some reason the Democrats are on a mission to stop this innovation in its tracks,” said Senator Blackburn. “I am leading the charge to stop Joe Biden’s plan to waive the intellectual property rights of vaccine manufacturers. Without the power of free market innovation, we will lose any chance we have at successfully managing another global public health crisis.”
A copy of the full bill text can be found HERE.
House Passes Issa Legislation to Establish Unprecedented Transparency Measures for Federal Judges
On April 27, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50), Ranking Member for the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet issued the below statement following the unanimous passage of the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act.
“The credibility and confidence in our courts is derived from the fair and unbiased work of our judges, and this makes an impartial and evenhanded judiciary essential to our nation,” said Rep. Issa. “With this legislation, we achieve accountability of the judicial branch that is in line with that of elected officials. It is long overdue.”
The legislation requires that federal judges’ financial disclosure reports be made publicly available online and mandates that federal judges submit periodic reports of securities transactions under the STOCK Act. The bill also amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to:
- Require the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to create a searchable online database of judicial financial disclosure forms and post those forms within 90 days of being filed, and
- Subject federal judges to the STOCK Act’s requirement of filing periodic transaction reports within 45 days of securities transactions over $1,000.
The Act also preserves the existing ability of judges to request redactions of personal information on financial disclosure reports due to a security concern.
The Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act is cosponsored by Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21), and Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4). Companion legislation, S. 3059, was introduced by Senator John Cornyn (TX) and Senator Chris Coons (DE).
Congressman Issa Issues Statement on Leaked SCOTUS Draft Opinion
On May 3, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued the following statement regarding the recent leak of the SCOTUS draft opinion of Dobbs v. Mississippi Department of Health.
“The Supreme Court of the United States embodies more than just America’s highest judicial power. It holds a sacred trust that is bound up in our nation’s highest ideals. After yesterday’s media leak of a draft opinion, however, that confidence is deeply shaken.
“Today marks the most significant threat to the Court since Marbury vs Madison. And it is essential that the Court repair both its image and standing in the eyes of the nation. Chief Justice Roberts has taken a solid first step in announcing a comprehensive investigation.
“The truth is, obstructing a judicial proceeding is a crime, as is the willful intimidation of the Justices. If that is the objective of this leak, it must not succeed. That’s why a full internal review by the Court is absolutely necessary.
“I will always stand for life and defend the unborn. But no matter one’s personal views on this issue, we are all Americans and we all share an equal stake in the integrity of the Supreme Court.”
Issa Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Extend Police Protection to the Families of Supreme Court Justices
On May 10, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued the following statement after introducing the Supreme Court Police Parity Act¸ a bill which would allow the Supreme Court of the United States Police to provide the families of Supreme Court Justices with around-the-clock security protection. Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) is co-authoring the bill in the House, while the Senate version of the bill was introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).
“What we are witnessing is the most significant threat in our history to the sanctity of the Supreme Court and the safety of its Justices,” said Rep. Issa. “By acting now, we send an unmistakable message to the mob: Your campaign of harassment and intimidation will not stand.”
“The events of the past week have intensified the focus on Supreme Court Justices’ families, who are unfortunately facing threats to their safety in today’s increasingly polarized political climate,” said Sen. Cornyn. “We must act to ensure Justices and their families are protected from those who wish to cause them harm by extending Supreme Court police security to family members.”
“The future of our democracy, three branches of government, separation of powers, depends on an independent judicial branch,” said Rep. Correa. “Our Supreme Court justices should be safeguarded from political persecution and intimidation. We must allow judges to carry out their tasks without fearing for their safety. Supreme Court justices and their staff must be protected. The right to free speech is guaranteed by our constitution – violence and threats are not. The third branch of our government, the Supreme Court, must be independent, on the job and at home.”
Congressman Issa Issues Statement on Infant Formula Crisis
“President Biden and his team haven’t done a damn thing”
On May 11 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued the following statement today regarding the current infant formula supply shortage.
“Of the Biden Administration’s many failures, none is more in need of attention today than the nation’s current and life-threatening shortage of infant formula.
“Each day, this crisis grows worse. And more mothers grow fearful of how they will provide the next meal to their children.
“I call on this White House to immediately convene an Infant Formula Emergency Meeting with all relevant federal regulators, state leaders, formula manufacturers, and supply chain stakeholders to develop immediate solutions and eliminate a formula shortfall that threatens the most vulnerable in our society.
“This will require immediate steps to increase domestic formula production and, if needed, speed approved shipments from overseas. Federal officials must be convened with their state and local counterparts. And they must remove any barrier or bottleneck that slows or delays shipments to parents and their children.
“If we require escorts of delivery trucks from plants to stores, let it be done. If the FDA requires a 24-hour work schedule to clear regulatory hurdles to restarting production, let it be done as well.
“Our families cannot wait any longer.”
Issa Slams Biden Administration’s Continued Infant Formula Failures
“A man-made disaster of a White House that refuses accountability”
On May 16, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing infant formula supply shortage.
“The full spectrum of America’s unprecedented infant formula shortage is a man-made disaster courtesy of the Biden Administration that it actually blames mothers of infants for making worse. When Joe Biden took office, the average infant formula out of stock rate was five percent. Last week, it was 43 percent.
“The truth is, this Administration’s supply chain crisis is the true originating culprit of the baby formula shortfall, which was made worse by the FDA’s shutdown of an Abbott Labs manufacturing plant in Michigan in February – but which the FDA only today has guided to reopening.
“But there is more known this week than last. The White House now admits it was informed of this crisis last year but refused to disclose key information to the public. This has now inspired a nationwide panic that this White House has identified a party to blame for making it worse: New and expecting mothers who are purchasing the formula they need to feed their children.
“This isn’t close to resolved with some predicting shortages through the end of 2022. The White House hesitated when it should have acted, and blamed others when it should have put aside its partisan political concerns.”
Nationwide baby formula shortage reaches 43% according to the data for the week ending May 8.
Congressman Issa Issues Statement on Death of Border Patrol Agent
On May 17, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued the following statement.
“Last week, we lost a brave member of our San Diego Border Patrol region when Agent Daniel Salazar was killed in the line of duty. This is a devastating loss for our community and a terrible tragedy.
“Agent Salazar is survived by his wife, his son, his parents, and his siblings.
“On behalf of my colleagues in Congress and my staff in Washington and California’s the 50th District, we extend our deepest sympathies and everlasting appreciation to Agent Salazar for his service to our nation and his courage that protected all of us.”
Issa Leads Letter to Pelosi Calling for an Urgent Vote on Bill to Protect Supreme Court Justices and Their Families
On May 18, Congressman Darrell Issa led dozens of his GOP colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to bring his bipartisan, bicameral legislation The Supreme Court Police Parity Act of 2022, to the House Floor for an immediate vote. Congressman Issa was joined by House Judiciary Ranking Member Jim Jordan, Congressman Ken Calvert and 42 additional colleagues.
“The last month has brought forward the most sweeping attacks on the standing of the Supreme Court since at least the Civil War, but what followed made it worse: Widespread protests to intimidate conservative Justices, target their personal homes, and even threaten their children and families,” said Rep. Issa. “Enough is enough. Our legislation will provide security and protection that is clearly needed and that enjoys bipartisan, bicameral support – if only Speaker Pelosi will allow a true vote.”
“The threats to Supreme Court Justices and their families are unacceptable and clearly an attempt to intimidate Justices,” said Rep. Calvert. “It is disappointing but not surprising that President Biden and House Democrats have not unequivocally condemned these protests. However, it is incumbent upon us to provide security to the Justices, some of whom have small children. I was pleased that the Senate unanimously passed S.1460 over a week ago, but Speaker Pelosi has blocked its consideration in the House. Rather than kowtowing to the radical, progressive wing of her party, Speaker Pelosi should show leadership as the Senate Majority Leader did and bring the Supreme Court Police Parity Act of 2022 to the floor.”
The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
Issa-Authored Local Projects Advanced in Water Resources Package
On May 19, Congressman Issa announced that three local water projects he proposed/requested have advanced in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
“These projects are critical for our community needs, provide needed tools to protect and manage runoff and groundwater, and will help our region become more water independent,” said Rep. Issa. “I’m ready to make the continued case for these projects to remain part of the WRDA legislation as it moves through the legislative process.”
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a multi-year authorization bill that supports drinking water, wastewater, recycling, treatment, flood control and other programs nationwide.
Congressman Issa’s submitted projects:
East County Advanced Water Purification Program
Padre Dam Municipal Water District has requested $70,000,000 to provide East San Diego County a new local and sustainable drought-proof drinking water supply, eliminate 15 million gallons per day of treated wastewater discharge, reduce dependence on imported water, and provide up to 30 percent of the region’s drinking water demand.
Escondido Creek Runoff, Cleanup, and Flood Control Project
The City of Escondido has requested $34,000,000 for design and construction services for a project to manage stormwater, expand groundwater infiltration, and benefit more than 450 homes along the watershed by building storm drains to remove these homes from the floodplain.
Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians Water Infrastructure and Sewer System Improvements
The Rincon Band occupies a 5,000-acre reservation in San Diego County and requested $38,000,000 to construct approximately one mile of eight-inch water distribution lines and an equal length of ten-inch potable water distribution pipeline. This will help meet federal standards for fire protection in a fire-prone region and include 5,000 feet of reclaimed water pipeline as part of a sewer system overhaul.
Issa Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner
On May 23, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) announced the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition.
“Every year, we are so impressed by the talent and creativity showcased in the Congressional Art Competition – and 2022 was no exception,” said Rep. Issa. “My congratulations to Ane Villegas and Audrey Norton of Ramona High School for winning 1st and 2nd place this year, and my thanks to every contestant who submitted their creative artwork in the 2022 competition.”
Ane’s 1st place piece, titled “State of Mind”, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.
Audrey’s 2nd place piece, titled “Enduring Life”, will be displayed in Congressman Issa’s Washington D.C. office.
House Passes Issa-Authored Local Water Resources Projects
On June 7, Congressman Darrell Issa announced that three local water projects he submitted in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) were passed by the full House of Representatives.
“These projects are critical for our community, provide creative tools to manage runoff, safeguard groundwater, and will help our region become more water independent,” said Rep. Issa. “I look forward to all of them advancing in the full Senate.”
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a multi-year authorization bill that supports drinking water, wastewater, recycling, treatment, flood control and other programs nationwide.
Congressman Issa’s submitted projects:
East County Advanced Water Purification Program
Padre Dam Municipal Water District has requested $70,000,000 to provide East San Diego County a new local and sustainable drought-proof drinking water supply, eliminate 15 million gallons per day of treated wastewater discharge, reduce dependence on imported water, and provide up to 30 percent of the region’s drinking water demand.
Escondido Creek Runoff, Cleanup, and Flood Control Project
The City of Escondido has requested $34,000,000 for design and construction services for a project to manage stormwater, expand groundwater infiltration, and benefit more than 450 homes along the watershed by building storm drains to remove these homes from the floodplain.
Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians Water Infrastructure and Sewer System Improvements
The Rincon Band occupies a 5,000-acre reservation in San Diego County and requested $38,000,000 to construct approximately one mile of eight-inch water distribution lines and an equal length of ten-inch potable water distribution pipeline. This will help meet federal standards for fire protection in a fire-prone region and include 5,000 feet of reclaimed water pipeline as part of a sewer system overhaul.
Issa: Democrats Must End the Hate, Condemn the Danger They Brought to Supreme Court Justices and Families
On June 8, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued the following statement:
“The arrest of a man who made violent threats against Justice Kavanagh and was arrested outside his home with a gun and other deadly weapons is a stark reminder of how the reckless rhetoric of this Administration and Democrat partisans can incite others to violence. Recall that President Biden encouraged illegal protests outside the homes of justices and that Sen. Schumer said he was comfortable with repeated incidents of harassment of justices and their families. Now we know what they have wrought.
“Speaker Pelosi also continues to block my legislation – which already overwhelmingly passed the Senate — to provide new security for justices and their families. She should at once let the House vote its conscience.
“It’s time for Democrats to finally condemn the hate they have brought to the front doors of justices and their families and provide them the protection they so obviously need.”
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.
