Congressman Issa and District Staff Provide More Than 7,000 Bottles of Water to San Diego Community Without Safe Drinking Water

On September 21, after convening a community meeting with constituents in the San Diego County community of Butterfield Ranch, Congressman Darrell Issa and his senior California-based staff also provided a significant supply of more than 7,000 bottles of water for the residents, who have endured a “boil water” order since May of this year.

“For months, the people of this rural community have waited for the full access to water that they need and deserve – and they have waited too long,” said Rep. Issa. “Butterfield Ranch must not be forgotten, and we are determined to make sure they know we will never leave them behind.”

Congressman Issa coordinated through his staff the delivery of four full pallets of 500ml bottles – totaling some 7,860 bottles in total for the approximately 200 residents of the community. The Office also worked with leaders from Backcountry Communities Thriving, a service organization based in nearby Julian, that has taken the lead in securing donations to Butterfield Ranch residents.

Since May of 2022, residents of Butterfield Ranch have been under a “boil water” order from the County of San Diego until the community’s prior drinking water system is phased out and a new system is installed.

House Unanimously passes Issa-Sponsored Legislation to Prevent Human Trafficking; Bipartisan Bill Significantly Expands Display of National Hotline

On September 21, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan Human Trafficking Prevention Act, introduced by Congressman Issa along with Reps. Mace, Jeffries, and Bass. The legislation will require display of National Human Trafficking Hotline information in restrooms of all U.S. ports of entry, airplanes, airports, trains, train stations, busses, and bus stations so that victims or anyone who notices a potential victim of human trafficking can reach out to for help.

“The scourge of human trafficking has reached every corner of this country and grows worse every day. That’s why we need creative, bipartisan consensus and national solutions to fight back and help rescue these victims,” said Rep. Issa. “This new reform can make a major difference, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do even more.”

“A phone call or text can save a life and stop an individual from being trafficked. But, to make that contact, you need to know who to reach out to. The National Human Trafficking Hotline does lifesaving work to stop such crimes and provide support to victims, and we must spread their information as far and wide as possible,” said Rep. Jeffries. “I thank the tremendous leadership Reps. Issa, Bass and Mace and all my colleagues in the House who supported this lifesaving legislation to post the contact information of the hotline across our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a toll-free service connecting victims and survivors of trafficking to critical support and resources. The Hotline provides both a toll-free phone line and SMS text lines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in English, Spanish, and more than 200 additional languages through an on-call interpreter.

Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at: 1-888-373-7888, TTY: 711, Text: 233733

Issa Announces Formation of Bipartisan Congressional Rodeo Caucus to Protect and Promote the American Heritage of Rodeo

On September 22, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) announced the formation of the Congressional Rodeo Caucus, which he will chair alongside his bipartisan colleagues Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16).

“We formed this caucus to recognize the historic place that rodeos hold not only in Western and Southwestern culture, but throughout the American experience,” said Rep. Issa. “These events are enduring symbols of our deeply rooted traditions, and we are proud to ensure that the future of these great celebrations remains bright.”

“It is wonderful that Congressmen Issa, Crawford, and Costa are partnering to establish and co-chair the Rodeo Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Tom Glause, CEO of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the nation’s largest rodeo organization that sanctions hundreds of rodeos that draw more than 30 million fans every year. “The PRCA represents the top cowboys and animal athletes in the world as they compete and entertain millions of fans at the best rodeos across the USA and greatly appreciates Congress’ recognition of America’s greatest sport.”

Issa Introduces Resolution to Designate November as National XR Month

On September 29, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) introduced a resolution to designate November 2022 as National XR Month. He was joined by Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33) in introducing the resolution.

“XR” refers to emergent immersive technologies – including virtual reality – that allow the user to engage with digital content utilizing the most innovative audio and visual technologies. It is estimated that 23 million jobs will use XR by 2030, and the market for this technology may reach more than $450 billion.

“This technology warrants public recognition, and it’s time for Congress to raise awareness of XR because of its capacity to impact and improve all sectors of our society,” said Rep Issa. “Essential human services – including medical and mental – can be provided more efficiently, as surgeons, firefighters, police officers, and others train more safely and effectively by using high-detail, virtual scenarios. XR can also facilitate swift and accurate processes in manufacturing and logistics, and the students of tomorrow can benefit from multisensory learning that is not yet available in contemporary classrooms.”

“Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technology can improve how we teach our kids, train our workforce, deliver safer medical care, and so much more. As a Co-Chair of the Reality Caucus, I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating these opportunities and expand our thinking of how this technology can improve our lives during National XR Month,” said DelBene.

“The possibilities for mixed and virtual reality are endless and I want the United States to remain on the front lines of innovation,” Rep Lieu said. “A fourth industrial revolution is under way, and breakthroughs in emerging technology can potentially shift the future balance of economic and military power. It is in our economic and national security interest to lead the way in terms of emerging technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. There are so many potential applications for this technology including the delivery of health care and workforce training and development. I am pleased to join Rep. Issa and my colleagues in introducing a resolution to designate November as National XR Month.”

“The vast potential of virtual and augmented reality has already reached countless industries and displayed promise in untold fields. As we delve further into the 21st Century, Congress has an obligation to ensure these enterprising technologies are encouraged, rather than hindered.” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “That is precisely why I am proud to stand with my colleagues on this essential resolution. The next generation of America’s mixed reality workforce is waiting on the horizon, and I promise to provide these pioneers with my unwavering support and advocacy long into tomorrow.”

“National XR Month creates a special opportunity to raise awareness about immersive technologies and the important role they play in everything from education, healthcare, and entertainment, to manufacturing and retail. Countless numbers of innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs are helping to build this next major computing platform, making XR critical to our future,” said Elizabeth Hyman, the CEO of the XR Association. “We thank Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Suzan DelBene for their continuing leadership in the emerging technology space. They are helping to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global innovation for decades to come.”

Issa Calls Out DOJ’s Illegal Retaliation Against FBI Whistleblowers

Joins Judiciary Committee Members Jordan and Johnson Demanding FBI Testimony

On September 30, Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50), along with Ranking Member Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04) and Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04), has asked the FBI to preserve documents and provide testimony detailing reported retaliation against whistleblowers that have detailed to Congress extensive wrongdoing at the Department of Justice.

“The Biden Administration’s Department of Justice and the FBI have engaged in partisan conduct that has repeatedly crossed the line,” said Rep. Issa. “The reports of illegal retaliation against whistleblowers are especially serious, because they call into question the very credibility of the Department and the Bureau.”

The letter calls for FBI testimony and the preservation of any existing and future relevant documents.

Issa Reveals Bombshell Investigation by his Congressional Office: Biden Administration is Manipulating Dismal Military Recruitment Statistics

On October 11, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) detailed an investigation by his Congressional office that determined the Department of Defense is manipulating military recruitment goals and is covering up a crisis in morale within the Armed Forces.

“I cannot and will not stand by while soldiers who trust me come forward with the truth about what’s happening to our military,” said Rep. Issa. “President Biden – like President Carter before him – is the leader our service members and recruits don’t want to follow.”

The exclusive report from Fox News specifically found that “The Army brought in 45,000 new soldiers during the 2022 fiscal year, coming up 25% short of the 60,000 goal. While it was the only branch not to meet its goal for the year, the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy all suffered recruiting struggles that forced them to dig into their pool of delayed entry program recruits, which put them behind on their ability to meet 2023 recruiting objectives.”

The Issa office investigation also included recruitment data that shows a steep decline beginning in August 2021 – concurrent with President Biden’s catastrophic and deadly withdraw from Afghanistan as well as the early reveal of the Biden military vaccine mandate, which has driven thousands of service members from the military.

“My office was determined to get the truth, so we tracked the numbers showing the DOD reduced the overall number of military personnel, lowered recruiting goals, and then announced it was on track to meet them. That’s not true,” said Issa. “The bottom line is we can’t ignore is that as Commander in Chief, President Biden has damaged military morale, unit cohesion, and the special camaraderie that service members share. We can’t just let this go.”

Congressman Issa Announces Application Deadline for U.S. Service Academy Nominations

On October 11, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) announced that October 21, 2022 at 4:00pm PT is the deadline for students in the 50th Congressional District of California to apply for a Congressional nomination to U.S. military academies.

“It is a great honor to nominate esteemed young men and women to attend the U.S. military service academies,” said Rep Issa. “These students will be the leaders of tomorrow who answer the call of their country and volunteer to stand in service to America.”

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a Congressional nomination for appointment.

Click here for more information on the military academy application and nomination process.

To request a nomination application, please email Academy_CA50@mail.house.gov.

Issa Hosts Parents and Educators Summit; Pledges 2023 Will be Year of Returning Power to Parents

On October 12, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) has completed a Parents and Educators Roundtable with constituents from throughout East County to address growing concerns about crime and public safety, as well as inappropriate material presented to children in school without their parents’ knowledge or consent.

“No one can dispute that parents have lost ground. Their voices have been ignored and their children are less safe than ever in their communities,” said Rep. Issa. “To make matters worse, we know that too many kids aren’t learning the basics in school but are instead being forced to participate in woke activities that are not appropriate – and that their parents know nothing about. That stops now.”

Current and retired educators participated in the discussion and shared their concerns about inappropriate content mandated by schools. A local teacher said she and her colleagues felt uncomfortable with topics that were required by school officials to discuss with young students – but that they were fearful of confronting school management and being fired.

In 2021, Congressman Issa authored the Parents Bill of Rights resolution to support the special role of parents and specifically reaffirm their vital voice in the most important education, health care, and other decisions that impact the lives of their children.

“Congressman Issa gave us a platform to speak and deliver honest feedback,” said Jennifer Thorpe, founder of the East County Parent Alliance, a local community organization. “He took the time to hear our concerns on issues that matter, and we were so encouraged by his Parents’ Bill of Rights, which aligned exactly with what we want to see happen in our local districts.”

“We need 2023 to be the year of parental empowerment. It’s time to turn the tide in their favor and put parents back in the center of their children’s lives,” said Issa.

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.