Issa: “The United States and India must stand together”

On June 23, Congressman Darrell Issa, a Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following statement after yesterday’s address to a joint session of Congress by India Prime Minister Modi:

“The fate of the world is materially impacted by the Indo-Pacific, and that’s why it is imperative that the United States and India advance our mutual interests strategically, economically, and diplomatically. Prime Minister Modi’s speech underscored this natural partnership between our two great democracies and the critical importance of deepening our relationship. I share his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and firmly agree this can be the greatest stage of the America-India relationship. At a time when the Chinese Communist Party’s ambitions continue to threaten and destabilize the Indo-Pacific, the United States and India must stand together to ensure peace and stability throughout the region.”

Chairman Issa, Judiciary Subcommittee to Hold Field Hearing in Nashville

On June 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet announced a field hearing on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. CT in Nashville, Tennessee to examine the impact of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), five years after it was signed into law in 2018.

“Congress has both the opportunity and the obligation to safeguard the protection of intellectual property and reaffirm a vital principle: ownership of one’s artistic creations is sacred and has inherent value,” said Rep. Issa. “Tomorrow’s field hearing represents a milestone for evaluating perspectives on what is working, what is not, and what we can do to make it better for the long run. We can’t wait to get started.”

The hearing – entitled “Five Years Later – The Music Modernization Act” – will examine the system created by the MMA to administer blanket mechanical licenses and collect and distribute mechanical licensing royalties, as well as explore whether the legislation is operating as intended by Congress and consider reforms.

Chairman Issa Holds Nashville Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence

On June 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, hosted an industry-wide roundtable discussion on the potential impact and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) on America’s creative enterprises.

Chairman Issa convened today’s roundtable to speak with members representing all facets of the creative industries to discuss protections for individual creators while fairly and efficiently incorporating emerging AI technology.

Following the discussion, Rep. Issa said:

“As AI technology continues to emerge, expand, and take hold, we must at the same time protect the ownership rights of artists and safeguard the creative process. We gained significant insight from a full range of experts and artists, and I believe we can craft durable solutions. There’s plenty of work to be done, but it has begun in earnest.”

Chairman Issa Holds Nashville Field Hearing on Music Modernization Act

On June 28, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, held a field hearing in Nashville, TN entitled “Five Years Later — The Music Modernization Act.”

The hearing brought together bipartisan members of the House subcommittee as well as creators and key stakeholders of the music industry to discuss the effectiveness of the Music Licensing Collective—established by the MMA—and to further the need for policies to protect the rights of creators.

Following the hearing, Chairman Issa stated:

“Today’s hearing was a critical step in determining whether our licensing and royalty system implemented by the MMA is operating fairly and efficiently.

I am proud of the tangible impact this legislation has had over the last five years in protecting the rights and works of our creative minds; however, our work in Congress must continue. I look forward to continuing working alongside our creators and licensing regulators alike. This is just the beginning.”

ICYMI – Rep. Issa Op-Ed – The Music Modernization Act Transformed Licensing, but There’s More Work to Do

On June 28, ICYMI – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, published an op-ed in Variety entitled: The Music Modernization Act Transformed Licensing, but There’s More Work to Do.

A long-time leader in Congress working to establish just compensation for artists across artistic platforms, Issa wrote: “Protecting one’s intellectual property is the signature right of every American who dares to invent or create. Every artist who first picked up a drumstick, sang to their mirror, or wrote lyrics from the heart did so because they had a dream and wanted to share it with the world. We need to honor and protect their rights as well as their creations.”

Issa also addressed the current work Congress is exploring, as well as the comprehensive challenge of Artificial Intelligence:

“For Congress, we’re now looking at old challenges with new dangers, including the ever-present threat of piracy as well as artificial intelligence, which pose still unknown questions for intellectual property protection efforts even as they open doors to a new world of technological capability that is, at present, limitless.

To expand on that: If we don’t get AI right, it could very well render not only the Music Modernization Act obsolete – but also the policy choices we make next. The stakes could hardly be higher.”

Read the full article published in Variety.

Issa: The Supreme Court Has Done the Constitution Proud

On June 30, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, issued the following statement on this week’s opinions handed by the Supreme Court of the United States:

“The Court performed a special and specific service this week by upholding its first principles and highest ideals: To interpret the Constitution as written and follow the law as written.

“We saw a clear majority deliver an explicit and overdue decision defending the uniquely American concept of equality—that those applying to college should be judged by their merit and academic record, not their skin color. The Court also upheld our First Amendment, defending every American’s right to think and speak for themselves – one of our most cherished liberties. Finally, the Court bolstered the unambiguous authority of Congress to appropriate funding – while striking down President Biden’s purely unsupported student loan bailout.

“This day is especially meaningful to me. As the first Chairman of the California Civil Rights Initiative, the Golden State in 1996 led the nation by insisting that individual equality—not compulsory quotas by color—would be the legal bedrock of our state. It has not only stood the test of time but was also ratified by voters of California a quarter-century later.

“While the future is always unknown, there is reason to be optimistic that the High Court has found its way back to our Founder’s intent and Constitutional clarity.”

Representatives Issa, Hudson, Waltz, and Panetta Introduce Legislation for Service Member Victims of Medical Malpractice

“The HERO Act will ensure these men and women in uniform have access to justice”

On July 13, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was joined by House colleagues Richard Hudson (NC-09), Michael Waltz (FL-06), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) to introduce H.R. 4334 – “The HERO Act” – which will grant service members who are victims of medical malpractice in a DOD medical treatment facility the right to take their claim to District Court.

“The HERO Act” is about more than opening an avenue to the courts. It’s about recognizing that service members who are victimized by medical malpractice in a DOD facility are deserving of the opportunities to pursue the kind of justice that is currently denied to them,” said Rep. Issa. “Congress has previously worked to correct this obvious wrong within our system, but it isn’t fixed yet. This time, we’re going to set this right.”

Currently, if an active-duty service member experiences medical malpractice at a DOD medical treatment facility, the available opportunities to seek justice are extremely limited. Service members may file a petition with an in-house DOD panel, but that process has a success rate of less than two percent in favor of the claimant. Right now, spouses of active-duty service members, along with any other person who incurred medical malpractice within a DOD medical treatment facility, may address their injuries before a court, but not those who are actively serving and sacrificing for the nation.

The HERO Act will grant service members who are victims of medical malpractice in a DOD medical treatment facility the right and opportunity to take their claim to District Court—the same legal process as military spouses, DOD civilians, and anyone else. It will finally reform the current failing system and replace it with one that gives our military the fair shot at justice they deserve.

“The law that gave hope to Rich Stayskal and hundreds of military families who have been harmed by medical negligence has been outright ignored by the DOD,” said Rep Hudson. “Service members, such as Rich, kept their promise to us, they served honorably, and they deserve the best we have to offer them and that’s not what they’re getting. I am proud to introduce the HERO Act with my colleagues so our nation’s veterans who are victims of malpractice from a DOD medical treatment facility can receive the compensation they deserve.”

“Our nation’s servicemembers sacrifice so much to protect our country and freedom,” said Rep. Waltz. “It is unacceptable for them to slip through the cracks when it comes to the medical care they deserve, especially by the Department of Defense. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in support of the HERO Act to improve the process for medical malpractice claims by servicemembers to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.”

“Although the SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act improved the process for medical malpractice claims by servicemembers, it can still leave some victims with limited options for compensation,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The HERO Act would allow those servicemembers who suffered medical malpractice at a Department of Defense facility to file the appropriate claims and ensure that they are efficiently assessed by the DOD.  Such an expansion and enhancement to the claims process is necessary for our servicemembers and deserved for their service.”

American Legion Endorses Issa’s Jax Act

On July 13, the American Legion announced its endorsement of the Jax Act (H.R. 1753), sponsored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), 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. leading to the denial of rank, benefits, and critical health care services.

The American Legion’s Executive Director Chanin Nunvatong said: “The overlooked role of women who served on Cultural Support Teams alongside Special Operations units is a significant concern. Their contributions to combat missions have not been adequately recognized, denying them the status and benefits they’ve rightly earned. The moral injury and the denial of combat-related treatment and disability benefits cannot continue. Therefore, The American Legion stands strongly behind the Jax Act, a critical measure to reclassify these brave women as combat veterans. We applaud Congressman Issa’s leadership in championing this pivotal legislation, advocating for the rightful recognition and treatment of our nation’s heroes.”

“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.”

Congressman Issa was joined by House colleagues Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Jason Crow (CO-06) to introduce the Jax Act back in March.

The bill text can be found here.

Issa to Newsom: Stop Bullying Temecula

On July 21, following California Governor Gavin Newsom’s constant attacks and social media frenzy against the Temecula School Board, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) issued the following statement:

“I stand with the parents of Temecula. The School Board is doing right by listening to concerned parents and educators and trying to work together to appropriately curate the studies that will be presented to the youngest of students.

This has displeased Governor Newsom, who has taken to social media to mock Temecula, threaten its school district, and misrepresent the facts.  His publicity stunts and campaign of misinformation are unworthy of the high office he holds.

Unhappy that Temecula is choosing to work with a new and growing coalition of parents and stakeholders—rather than rubber-stamp what he wants them to do—Governor Newsom has resorted to bullying and intimidation, even going so far as to threaten a multimillion-dollar bill to Temecula for what he falsely terms a “fine.”

California parents have had enough.  After endless school closures, mask mandates, and FBI watch lists, parents are taking charge of their children’s future by trying to build a better one. Temecula will not be bullied, intimidated, or forced into bankruptcy. This community will continue to work together and do what is right for all students.

Governor, your bullying won’t work here.

Issa Bill to Streamline Firefighter Hiring Gains Unanimous Support in Congress

“Direct Hire to Fight Fire will ensure no position is unfilled due to bureaucratic red tape”

On July 26, the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously approved legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to streamline and accelerate the hiring of critically needed federal firefighter personnel.

The legislation – H.R. 3499, Direct Hire to Fight Fires – grants permanent “direct hire” authority to federal firefighting agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service.

“An indispensable strategy in taking on the severe fires we know are on the way is to deploy the necessary personnel to stop these blazes wherever they occur,” said Issa. “With this new hiring authority, our federal agencies can bring together the teams of firefighters we need to hold the line, halt the destruction, and save lives and property that are too often lost forever.”

Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) added, “The Direct Hire to Fight Fires Act is a commonsense solution that will aid our race against the clock to fight catastrophic wildfires. Our committee has taken on the challenge of developing innovative ways of fighting this national emergency, including reforming firefighter hiring practices with this bill. I am grateful for Congressman Issa’s work on this important issue and hope to see it passed through the House soon.”

The bill text can be found here.

Issa Bill Preserving Pala Tribe Land Becomes Law

On August 1, Legislation sponsored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to place more than 700 acres of sacred land into tribal trust is now law after being signed by the President.

The Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023 (H.R. 423) incorporates 720 acres of ancestral land in San Diego County into the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ reservation, protecting the land from development and preserving historic sites for years to come.

“With the enactment of the Pala Act, historic lands belonging to the Pala Tribe will now be preserved in perpetuity. I am proud to partner with the Pala Tribe on this important step to protect their lands and safeguard their culture for future generations.”

The property includes the remaining portion of San Diego County’s Gregory Mountain that is not on the existing Pala reservation. In a 2019 testimony before the House of Representatives, Pala Band Chairman Robert Smith stated that the land was historically occupied by Native peoples and is a site of an ancestral village, rock art paintings, artifacts, and more culturally meaningful components.

The bill passed the House and Senate with wide bipartisan support.

The full bill text can be found here.

Issa to Hold First-Ever Congressional Forum for Gold Star Families of the 13 Servicemembers lost in Afghanistan Withdrawal

“These families have waited long enough for answers and accountability.”

On August 2, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is convening a public hearing on August 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. PT in Escondido, CA to receive testimony from the Gold Star Families of the 13 U.S. servicemembers killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

For the first time, these family members testify in public as they still search for the truth and closure for the disastrous withdrawal that cost these men and women their lives.

“For almost two years, the Gold Star Families of the fallen in Afghanistan have waited for answers and accountability for the loss of their loved ones – and they have waited long enough,” said Rep. Issa. “At every turn, they’ve been shut out and ignored by the Biden Administration that prefers to turn the page on its disaster. That stops now.

It’s time that the public hears the stories of these heroes and learns of negligence and breakdown of leadership that led to the loss of life that day two years ago.”

The majority of the servicemembers killed in the August 2021 Kabul airport attack were from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment assigned to Camp Pendleton.

Marines who were killed were Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas; Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Roseville, north of Sacramento; Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah, who was living in Aliso Viejo; Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio; Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming; Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga; Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco; Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska; Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana; and Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri.

Also, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.

Issa and Congressional Colleagues Call for Sanctions After Continued Obstruction of Presidential Election Process in Lebanon

“As Lebanon marks the third anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion, the Secretary of State can help deliver needed action and accountability.”

On August 5, Senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) joined Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Congressman Max Miller (OH-7) in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for sanctions on individuals who have repeatedly obstructed Lebanon’s presidential election process.

The Members wrote to Secretary Blinken: “As we have said before, if Parliamentary leaders and other political elites are unable to follow through on Lebanon’s constitution, preserve a quorum, and allow for the multiple rounds of balloting necessary for the selection of a president, the United States should consider more serious measures. We therefore ask for you to strongly consider moving forward to impose targeted sanctions, including freezing any dollar-denominated assets, on those who have demonstrated a pattern of obstructing the presidential election process, including Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri, among others.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

Issa Holds First-Ever Congressional Forum for Gold Star Families of the 13 Servicemembers lost in Afghanistan Withdrawal

“The Biden Administration has not stopped lying to these families”

On August 8, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) held a public forum Monday to receive testimony from the Gold Star families of the 13 servicemembers killed in the final days of President Biden’s catastrophic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

For the first time, these families shared with the public the stories of their fallen heroes while testifying to the myriad ways the Biden Administration has ignored them for almost two years.

“The Biden Administration lied to every one of these Gold Star families, and that’s why we brought them forward. These are the words the White House didn’t want the country to hear,” said Rep. Issa. “No longer will President Biden be able to turn the page on these families and continue to call the Afghanistan withdrawal a ‘success’ while hiding the truth from the American people.”

Family members testifying at the forum included:

• Kelly Barnett, mother of SSgt Darin T. Hoover

• Darin Hoover, father of SSgt Darin T. Hoover

• Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Sgt Nicole Gee

• Cheryl Rex, mother of LCpl Dylan Merola

• Steve Nikoui, father of LCpl Kareem Nikoui

• Coral Briseno, mother of Cpl Humberto Sanchez

• Alicia Lopez, mother of Cpl Hunter Lopez

A recording of the forum can be viewed here.
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.