Congressman Issa Joined By Reps. Calvert, Neguse and Dean to Launch Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus

Legislative leaders announce creation of caucus to combat nationwide spike in fentanyl-related overdoses

On March 13, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) announced that he was joined by Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-41), Joe Neguse (CO-2), and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) to form the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus. The co-chairs will coordinate with members from both sides of the aisle to combat the nationwide spike in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings, as well as work with federal and state law enforcement. Members will also work to bring key information to the public to better combat the ongoing threat of fentanyl in communities across America.

“Fentanyl is not a new danger. But the deadly threat it poses has now reached every corner of our country and no community is being spared. We’ve lost so many lives to this scourge. So many families will never be the same,” said Congressman Issa. “The stakes could not be more clear: If we don’t win the fentanyl fight, we’re not going to just lose my community or my neighbor’s. Or any one of my colleagues. We’re going to lose this country. This caucus is needed now as we tell the truth, develop solutions, and save lives.”

“Fentanyl is devastating communities throughout America—in every state, and in every region. Policymakers cannot ignore this deadly crisis, and must work together to develop solutions,” said Congressman Neguse. “It is in the interest of every American to put an end to fentanyl poisonings. Through the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus, my colleagues and I are joining together to find and implement solutions, and ultimately save lives.”
“Fentanyl is devastating the lives of Americans in every corner of our country. With fentanyl-related deaths climbing every year, we need new solutions to stop this alarming trend. This is not a partisan issue – it’s a national crisis. I’m hopeful that by working in a bipartisan manner, the Fentanyl Prevention Caucus can help educate Americans on the dangers of fentanyl and provide real solutions that will stop the destruction of this deadly drug,” said Congressman Calvert.

“Fentanyl has led to a devastating spike in the already alarming rate of overdoses ravaging every corner of our nation — it is crucial that we commit ourselves to a bipartisan effort to combat fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisoning,” said Congresswoman Dean. “Every day we lose more than a jetliner of loved ones — Congress must do more. And, so, I’m grateful to help lead this caucus to promote education and legislation that will help save lives.”

The caucus includes the following Members of Congress: Robert Aderholt, Don Bacon, Andy Biggs, Nikki Budzinski, Andre Carson, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Ruben Gallego, Lance Gooden, Raúl Grijalva, Chrissy Houlahan, Sheila Jackson Lee, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Doug Lamborn, Bob Latta, Jake LaTurner, Barry Moore, Ralph Norman, Chris Pappas, Chris Smith, Melanie Stansbury, Claudia Tenney, David Valadeo, and Marc Veasey.

Congressman Issa, Ross Introduce Legislation to Protect Pubic Access to Federal Rules

On March 18, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was joined by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and introduced the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (Pro Codes Act), which would protect public access to important federal rules and regulations.

“Standards in federal rules and regulations matter, and never more so than when they are at the crossroads of streamlining public access or blocking it,” said Rep. Issa. “The Pro Codes Act will ensure our standards remain transparent, accessible, and available.”

“The Pro Codes Act is important legislation that will bolster public access to information,” said Rep. Ross. “Ensuring the public can access the standards and rules they are expected to follow while also fairly compensating those who invest in code development is critical. I thank Congressman Issa for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to pass this essential legislation.”
Rigorous safety standards protect lives and property and help foster economic growth. The Pro Codes Act protects the ability of organizations like ours to keep developing these critical standards through a proven, independent, consensus-based process at no cost to taxpayers. We’re extremely grateful for Chairman Issa and Representative Ross’ leadership on this issue and encourage others in Congress to join their efforts,” said Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association.

As more codes get incorporated by reference into legal standards by courts, the Pro Codes Act will protect a code or standard’s incorporation by ensuring the copyright doesn’t extinguish. The bill ensures that the public retains free access to the information. Just as some online services have a free version of their product with limited functionality and a paid premium version with greater functionality, under this bill, those that invest in code development will still be able to sell the materials in certain formats so long as they are simultaneously providing access to the information for free.

Issa Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Car Repair Costs

On March 22,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet in the House Judiciary Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce the expense of automotive repairs and the cost of car insurance. Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3) joined Congressman Issa as original cosponsors to this legislation.

The Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act, will expand consumer choice for automobile collision repair parts, decrease costs to both drivers and insurers, and enhance competition in the automobile repair parts market.

“According to AAA, a third of American drivers can’t afford the costs of an unexpected car repair bill without going into debt,” said Rep. Issa. “As repair costs continue to rise, consumers deserve access to as many auto part repair options as possible. The SMART Act will increase consumer choice, encourage competition, and foster innovation to drive down the cost of expensive repairs.”

The SMART Act is supported by: Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety Coalition, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), CARE, Retiresafe, CFA, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), Autocare, LKQ, Autozone, and AARP.

b“Legislative reform is critical to lowering auto repair costs, restoring consumer choice in the car repair market, and encouraging industry competition,” said Justin Rzepka, Executive Director of the CAR Coalition. “The ipartisan SMART Act will put the power of choice back in the hands of consumers and local businesses, providing much-needed relief in the face of rising prices and supply chain breakdowns.”

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) added: “The SMART Act will help maintain competition in the marketplace for repair parts and prevent auto repair costs from going higher than they already are. NAMIC is proud to work alongside Congressman Issa to support the SMART act and grateful for his leadership on this issue.”

Specifically, The SMART Act narrowly amends U.S. design patent law to reduce from 14 years to 2.5 years the time car manufacturers can enforce design patents on collision repair parts (fenders, quarter panels, doors, etc.) against alternative parts suppliers. The current patent term prevents aftermarket manufacturers from making or selling external collision repair parts, which drives up repair costs by limiting consumer choice, crowding out competition, and leading to higher insurance rates and fees.

The Act would not alter the 14-year period that car companies can enforce design patents against other car companies. It would impact only aftermarket repair parts.

Representatives Issa, Kiggans, Houlahan, and Crow Introduce Legislation for Women Soldiers Who Assisted Special Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq

“The Jax Act will ensure these women and their remarkable service are a secret no longer.”

On March 23, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was joined by House colleagues Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Jason Crow (CO-06) to introduce The Jax Act, which will amend the military records of women veterans deployed alongside Special Forces soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq – but were never recognized for their service. This has led to the denial of rank, benefits, and critical health care services.

“The Jax Act isn’t just about amending a personnel file. It’s about telling the truth, recognizing courage under fire, and fighting for those who fought for all of us,” said Rep. Issa. “While the bill is named for ‘Jax’ Scott, literally hundreds of brave women soldiers were asked to volunteer for the most dangerous missions, did so without hesitation, and now need us to set this right.”

The legislation provides service credit for members of the military that served in female Cultural Support Teams (CST) in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2010 and 2021. CSTs were comprised of female soldiers who supported Army Special Operations combat forces with a primary task of engaging the female population in an area when it was deemed culturally inappropriate if performed by male counterparts. The lessons learned from dangerous combat missions concluded this was the best and sometimes only way to communicate with innocent civilians caught in a war zone and protect the lives of U.S. troops in harm’s way.

“Before women in the military were able to serve in combat roles, they served in critical roles in dangerous combat zones. Many sustained injuries. Too often, these servicewomen have had to fight to receive both the medical care and professional recognition they deserve. The JAX Act changes that. By putting our laws and money where our mouth is, we are telling these women who served literally side-by-side with their male counterparts, that they do matter and that we care and value them,” said Rep. Houlahan. “We have the responsibility to do that not just with our words, by thanking people for their service, but also by our actions and our deeds.”

“When I took off my uniform, I struggled to get the services I earned. When I finally received my benefits, I dedicated myself to helping my fellow veterans do the same. The JAX Act continues that work,” said Rep. Crow. “The JAX Act will help our female veterans who are part of our Cultural Support Teams get the services they need. I’m glad to join forces with my fellow colleagues and veterans in Congress to address these gaps and give our female veterans the high-quality care they deserve.”

“Being told you hadn’t served in the way you know you had, is not only demoralizing, but detrimental to the mental health of myself and other female special operators — The Jax Act will correct the record and is the first step in ensuring that female special operators get the care and recognition we deserve. Grateful for the support and leadership of Reps Issa, Kiggans, Crow and Houlahan,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, board member, Special Operations Association of America.

Congressman Issa Announces Mobile Office Hours in Poway, Pine Valley, and Fallbrook

On March 30, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) announced upcoming staff Mobile Office Hours taking place in Poway, Pine Valley, and Fallbrook. Mobile Office Hours is an outreach event available to all constituents of California’s 48th Congressional District, which will make federal agency assistance increasingly accessible.

“Our district office mobilization team continues to serve constituents at the highest level”, said Rep. Issa. “I invite all constituents of our district who may have questions or need assistance with federal agencies to take full advantage of these staff mobile office hours and let us help you.”

Mobile Office Hours services are entirely walk-up, and no appointment is necessary. For more information about casework or Congressman Issa’s Mobile Office Hours, please contact our district office at (760) 304-7575.

If you are unsure of your Congressional District, you can find out HERE.

Issa: Weaponization Committee Exposes Unprecedented Censorship by White House and Biden Administration

“The American people had their First Amendment rights taken from them”

On March 30, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) issued the following statement following the third hearing of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government:

“The third hearing of this select committee not only further detailed that the federal government targeted the free speech rights of the American people through its censorship campaigns, but that it was also carried out by high officials of this White House and involving hundreds or thousands of federal employees across the entire Biden Administration – all at taxpayer expense. Congress can’t ignore this abuse of power.

“Sworn testimony today revealed that this White House and Administration directly and repeatedly demanded that social media companies – including Facebook and Twitter – remove disfavored speech even if true.

My questions today were designed to illuminate the realities of what we have learned only from the discovery stage of Missouri vs Biden, namely that federal agencies verified as participating in the censorship of Americans’ free speech include: The FBI, State Department, CDC, NIAID, Surgeon General, and even the White House.

My Democrat colleagues still have a choice: They can join us in working to reveal the truth and understand the true scope and depth of how this all went so wrong. Or they can continue to delay and obstruct this Committee’s work on behalf of all America’s constitutionally protected rights.”

Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 48th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, 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.