NEWS FROM CONGRESSMAN

DARRELL ISSA

Issa Selected to Congressional AI Task Force

On February 20, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was selected by Speaker Mike Johnson to serve on a bipartisan task force for Artificial Intelligence (AI). The task force is charged with maintaining American leadership on AI while ensuring safe and fair usage of the technology as it emerges across numerous industries.

As Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, Rep. Issa is an established leader on the issue, its technological potential, and the proper role of government. He has convened several subcommittee hearings on the issue and recently held both a field hearing in Los Angeles and a comprehensive roundtable discussion with more than 20 industry leaders. He has stated that additional forums will be held throughout the year.

“The limitless possibility of AI is here, and with it, the next opportunity for incomparable American leadership in technology and innovation. These are the stakes, and rather than looking to regulate right away, now is the time for the government to listen, learn, and resolve to bring out the best AI has to offer so it can change our lives for the better,” said Rep. Issa. “I thank Speaker Johnson for naming this task force, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure Congress gets AI right.”

Full membership of the task force is as follows:

Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Chair      Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Co-Chair
Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48)                     Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-16)
Rep. French Hill (AR-02)                      Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09)
Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27)                 Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11)
Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02)                       Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06)                        Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06)
Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03)                 Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)
Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18)                  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)
Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45)                 Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07)                  Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51)
Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15)                       Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06)             Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)

Issa: Biden has surrendered our sovereignty at the border

On February 21, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) gave this statement following a visit he led to the southern border in Jacumba, CA:

“Biden’s border crisis is what happens when you change policies that are working and insist upon what has failed every time.

“Biden has surrendered our sovereignty and is letting foreign governments — many that are hostile to our national interest — decide who gets to cross our borders, break our laws, and remain in our country.

“It’s a disaster all the way down.”

Issa Requests Classified Briefing on Wave of Border Crossings from Illegal Migrants of Adversarial Nations

Following a visit on February 22, to the California-Mexico border region of his district, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, requested a classified briefing on the national security threats posed by the dramatic increase of illegal migrants from special interest nations entering the country through our open southern border.

“I traveled yesterday to a rural border region of my district and observed that the Biden-made crisis is far worse than publicly reported or realized. I can confirm that thousands of illegal migrants from adversarial nations, including China, Russia, and Syria, have crossed into our Jacumba Springs community – and more arrive every day. This is the consequence of Biden’s open-border policies and his open invitation to the world to violate U.S. law and allow these aliens to remain here indefinitely.

“The risks to our national security are real, and that’s why I am requesting a classified briefing from this administration to explain what it knows about this threat that benefits our adversaries, undermines our sovereignty, and endangers the American people.”

Watch Congressman Issa’s remarks from the border yesterday on Fox News here.

Issa has previously asked for classified information regarding the known and suspected terrorists identified at the border. Read more here.

Issa Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Opposing Government Patent Theft

Proposal would disincentivize life-saving medical innovation

On February 23, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, co-led a letter to President Biden opposing the administration’s plan to utilize march-in rights provisions of the Bayh-Dole Act to regulate drug prices.

The proposal, issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), would allow the government to “march in” and take intellectual property protections from innovators if certain price conditions are met. This proposal will undoubtedly harm California’s life sciences, threaten U.S. competitiveness, and curtail the pipeline of future patient health solutions.

An excerpt from the letter:

“That leaves only the serious unintended consequences of NIST’s draft framework, which would apply to all types of technologies and products, not just pharmaceuticals. Under the proposed framework, entrepreneurial startups and small companies across industries—from green technology and precision agriculture to advanced computing and semiconductors—would be subject to march-in petitions challenging their pricing decisions by rival businesses and even our foreign competitors and adversaries, who could use this tool to cast a cloud over the companies that drive our economy. The increased risk of losing control over critical patents also threatens to deter the private investment necessary to commercialize products incorporating federally funded research, preventing the public from benefiting from that research. The result would be to reverse the very advances the Bayh-Dole Act has achieved, and to disastrously disincentivize innovation.

“American innovation is the envy of the world thanks in large part to the Bayh-Dole Act. The proposed NIST guidance attempts to change this landmark legislation’s long-established meaning without the consent of Congress. Such an action undermines the separation of powers enshrined in our constitutional system—all without even accomplishing its intended purpose of lowering drug prices. The draft framework will hamstring U.S. innovation to the advantage of our competitors and adversaries, and thus, we urge you to reconsider the NIST proposal.”

Co-authors of the letter include Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).

California is home to approximately 1700 life science companies whose work could be impacted by this proposal.

The full letter can be found here.

ICYMI
Issa Demands Public Disclosure from Biden Administration, FBI on China Spy Balloon

On February 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) demanded answers from FBI Director Christopher Wray on the agency’s knowledge of and analysis performed on the Chinese spy balloon that traveled more than 4,000 miles across the United States in 2023.

Issa’s letter, highlighted in an exclusive report in the New York Post, was sent as a response to the Biden Administration’s refusal to disclose any findings from the Bureau’s examination of the balloon after it was shot down by the U.S. Air Force after traveling across most of the continental United States.

An excerpt from the letter:

Unfortunately, ever since the craft entered U.S. airspace and was then noticed by citizens on the ground, the Biden Administration has sought to obscure what it knew about the spy balloon and when, as well as virtually shield the PRC insofar as possible. President Biden assured the country it was “not a major breach” while the State Department offered a muted response. This is insufficient to meet our national security interests and the public’s right to know.

The PRC’s infringement of American airspace constitutes a significant violation of American sovereignty and a major intelligence failure. Given the gravity of the incident and the suspect nature of the Administration’s assertions, Congress must be briefed on the FBI and the interagency’s findings without further delay. Therefore, I ask that the FBI brief Members on the full contents of its analysis in a classified setting during the week of March 3, 2024.

Congressman Issa also published an op-ed on the administration’s secrecy on the spy balloon in Fox News.

The full letter can be found here.
Issa Visits Temecula Valley Wine Country, Introduces Resolution Recognizing Southern California Wine Industry

On February 27, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has introduced legislation to provide congressional recognition of the unique Southern California wine industry, the spectacular array of robust wineries, and the expert wine growers who have made countless contributions to our local and national economy.

Issa attended an event hosted by the Temecula Valley Wine Association and the Rancho California Water District where he introduced his resolution detailing the significant impact the wine industry has had on Southern California communities, including the generation of local revenue, creation of jobs, and a mecca for regional tourism.

“While Southern California wine country is world-renowned for its quality and picturesque landscapes, the industry is also a central component of the local economic landscape. In just a short time, the traditional vintages and new varietals of Southern California have met the palettes of millions – from first-time tasters to the most experienced wine enthusiasts – and these wines are here to stay,” said Rep Issa. “That is why I introduced this resolution – to ensure that Congress is aware of the resilience, achievement, and prosperity of the Southern California wine industry. I will always support this extraordinary industry and the remarkable people who bring it to life every day.”

The Southern California wine industry includes Riverside, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Congressman Issa represents portions of southwest Riverside County and North and East County San Diego, home to hundreds of vineyard and winery-based small businesses.

Notably, in Riverside County, wineries and wine-related businesses generate an average of more than 17,000 jobs and more than $956,000,000 every year, as well as $2,700,000,000 in annual economic activity in the State. These businesses also welcome approximately 3,200,000 visitors to its Temecula Valley wineries and generate $487,400,000 in annual tourism spending. Additionally, San Diego County is home to more than 100 wineries, has two recognized American Viticultural Areas, and has generated over $900,000,000 in 2022 tourism spending.

Congressman Ken Calvert of Riverside County is also an original co-sponsor.

The text of the resolution can be found here.

Issa Receives Riverside Sheriffs’ Association Elected Official of the Year Award

On February 27, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was named the 2024 Riverside Sheriffs’ Association Elected Official of the Year.

Each year, the RSA awards this recognition to an elected official who has provided exceptional commitment and service to the law enforcement mission and the community.

“It is one of my greatest honors to support our law enforcement throughout my work in Congress. I am humbled to receive this recognition, but it is those who put on the badge every day to protect our communities who truly deserve our commendation. I look forward to a continued friendship with the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association and local law enforcement for years to come,” said Rep Issa.

Riverside Sheriffs’ Association President Bill Young said:

“Congressman Darrell Issa has consistently supported legislation that supports law enforcement officers in our mission to serve and protect our communities. He has advocated for grants to establish and operate childcare programs specifically for law enforcement officers.

“Congressman Issa also co-sponsored a resolution paying tribute to our deputies killed in the line of duty. His dedication to recognizing and upholding the contributions of law enforcement personnel is evident in his co-sponsorship of H.Res 69, a resolution ‘expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the dedication and devotion of law enforcement personnel should be recognized and that calls to “defund,” “disband,” “dismantle,” or “abolish” the police should be condemned.’

“Congressman Darrell Issa deserves recognition for his outstanding work in support of the Law Enforcement Community.”

Issa is also the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Caucus, which recently held a Capitol briefing featuring Riverside law enforcement. In 2023, Issa introduced H.R. 6671, Alexandra’s Law, to increase penalties for drug dealers of lethal fentanyl.

Issa Introduces Legislation to Protect Gun Dealers from ATF Overreach

On February 28, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced legislation to protect gun store owners from new Biden Administration sanctions from the ATF that unfairly target these small businesses and the legal products they provide to customers.

Rep. Issa’s bill, the Fighting Irrational Regulatory Enforcement to Avert Retailers’ Misfortune (FIREARM) Act, provides a safe harbor for law-abiding Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders – granting them the ability to correct minor clerical mistakes and insulating them from ATF retribution.

Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Senate companion of the FIREARM Act.

“From the beginning, this Administration has sought to undermine the Second Amendment and weaponize federal agencies against law-abiding citizens and family-owned small businesses targeted for being a part of the lawful firearms industry. This has delivered a transparently unfair assault on the fundamental rights of our fellow Americans, and that’s why my friend Senator Ernst and I are introducing the FIREARM Act. It’s time to stop this abuse of power and prevent it from ever happening again,” said Rep. Issa.

“Biden’s ATF has had it out for gun owners since day one. For years, the Biden administration has cracked down on law-abiding gun dealers to advance its gun-grabbing agenda, even preventing small businesses from making a living. Rather than helping dealers comply with the law, Biden’s ATF has created more hurdles to legally sell guns, so it can turn around and revoke licenses for inconsequential, so-called ‘violations.’ While Joe Biden’s ATF has avoided critical oversight on its FFL abuse for over a year, I am proud to stand up for law-abiding Iowa gun dealers,” said Senator Ernst.

Specifically, the FIREARM Act

• Creates a safe harbor for self-reported violations and provides FFLs 30 days to correct violations that are not self-reported;
• Requires ATF to work collaboratively with FFLs to fix violations;
• Explicitly defines willful to mean a voluntary, intentional violation of a known legal duty achieved through specific intent or deliberate planning;
• Gives FFLs the option of district court judicial review in cases of revocations if they do not wish to appeal in a hearing before the Attorney General.

The bill text can be found here.

Issa to Administration: Why Continue Sharing R&D with China?

On February 29, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) submitted direct and specific questions for the record (QFR) to address troubling concerns with the widespread research collaboration between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Issa forwarded the queries following last week’s House Science, Space, and Technology Committee research security hearing entitled “Examining Federal Science Agency Actions to Secure the U.S. Science and Technology Enterprise.”

“Our longstanding, broad-based science and technology collaboration with the PRC has failed to further our national interests and has instead promoted the advantage of our top global competitor,” Rep Issa said. “The United States has no use for a partnership where technology shared means technology stolen, and that’s why we need answers before we continue this one-sided relationship, worsen national security risks, and exacerbate the negative consequences resulting from the exploitation of both our legal system and innovators.”

An excerpt of Congressman Issa’s QFR:

1. For decades, the United States has pursued broad-based research science and technology collaboration with the People’s Republic of China, especially between academic institutions in the United States with China’s universities.
   1. To what extent does the United States rely upon the PRC’s research and development apparatus for our scientific advancement?
   2. Do your agencies assess if this broad-based cooperation continues to be in the United States’ interest? If so, why?
   3. Are benefits derived from such broad-based cooperation reciprocal to both the United States and the PRC?
2. Fundamental research has long been exempt from export controls. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the Chinese Communist Party’s technological ambitions and strategy, this policy has yet to be revisited.
   1. Do you believe the time has come to reevaluate National Security Decision Directive 189?
   2. Do your agencies assess that fundamental research is necessary for the People’s Republic to achieve the goals of its China Made in China 2025 industrial policy?
   3. Do your agencies assess that basic research collaboration and knowledge transfer of fundamental research support People’s Liberation Army modernization?
   4. Can you describe the benefits that would result from stemming the flow of basic research to the PRC?
3. Since the China Initiative’s termination, have any of your agencies experienced a shift in the willingness or ability of the Justice Department to pursue criminal cases related to research security violations and intellectual property theft from China?

The full QFR document can be found here.

ICYMI
Issa to USAID: Come Clean About Funding Groups with Terror Ties

On March 4, the Washington Examiner broke disturbing findings that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) gave grants to terror-linked non-profit Helping Hand despite an ongoing investigation by the USAID Inspector General into links between the organization and Pakistan-based terrorist group, Falah-e-Insaniat.

“As a fundamental principle, federal agencies need to allow the IG’s to do their critical oversight work, be responsive to their legal recommendations, and honor the spirit of their investigations. In this case, it is troubling to learn that American foreign aid may have been directed to organizations with terror ties,” said Rep. Issa. “The American people are demanding that their hard-earned tax dollars serve American interests, and every misspent dollar makes American engagement abroad that much more difficult to sustain. This Congress knows we have an obligation to our fellow citizens to scrutinize how these resources are being spent now more than ever.”

As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Issa will continue to ensure that U.S. foreign aid serves U.S. interests.

The exclusive piece by the Washington Examiner can be found here.

Congressman Issa to Host Gold Star Mother for State of the Union
Coral Briseno, mother of Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, will attend as Issa’s guest

Washington – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) announced on March 6 that he has invited Coral Briseno to be his guest for the 2024 State of the Union Address. Ms. Briseno’s son, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, was one of 13 U.S. servicemembers killed on August 26, 2021, by a suicide bomber at the Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate during the Biden Administration’s disorganized and disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“Humberto Sanchez is a hero. And we will never forget this outstanding young man’s service to our country nor his ultimate sacrifice. Coral is not only a friend, she is an inspiration, and I’m proud to ensure she will attend as my guest and take her place at our side. President Biden has repeatedly refused to meet with these Gold Star families and rebuffed all of our attempts to bring them to the White House.  He has never made this right, his administration has never been held to account, and if he can’t face these families at the White House, he will have to face them tomorrow night in the People’s House,” said Rep. Issa.

In August of 2023, Ms. Briseno was a featured speaker at Congressman Issa’s Gold Star Family Public Forum – the first public event featuring these Gold Star families – as well as a House Foreign Affairs Gold Star Family roundtable.

Issa Proposal Would Allow Crime Victims to Sue Sanctuary Cities

On March 7, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has submitted an amendment to H.R.7511, the Laken Riley Act, that would allow crime victims or their families to sue immigration sanctuary communities.

If the Issa proposal becomes law, a sanctuary jurisdiction (i.e., sanctuary city, county, or state) could be held liable in court if an illegal immigrant from the sanctuary jurisdiction later commits a crime against another individual.

“Laken Riley was failed by so many levels of our government — from Joe Biden’s open borders and reckless catch-and-release policies to New York City’s lawless embrace of sanctuary city status. The legislation that carries her name will make a real difference, and I believe that my proposal will make it even stronger. My proposal will allow victims to hold California, and every sanctuary jurisdiction, accountable for their purposeful lawlessness,” said Rep. Issa.

A sanctuary jurisdiction is a city, county, state, or similar that in its policies and practices willfully refuses or prohibits compliance with federal immigration law.

Text of Issa’s amendment can be found here.

Issa on SOTU: I stand with the Gold Star families
Biden speech on par for president who refuses to take responsibility for failures

On March 8, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) gave the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address:

“Filled with pointing fingers and placing blame, President Biden’s SOTU address was a defensive and divisive speech typical of a White House unable to acknowledge their failures or accept any responsibility for the disasters on their watch.

“Last night did feature one poignant speaker — but it wasn’t the president. My friend and California Gold Star father Steve Nikoui’s direct call for accountability reminded the entire nation what the President wants everyone to forget — 13 U.S. servicemembers were lost at the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan in the chaotic and disastrous withdrawal for which Biden alone is responsible.

“The Gold Star families in attendance last night have every right to be angry with this president and his administration as it has worked far harder to cover up and turn the page on its failures in Afghanistan than to tell the truth and make this right with these families. The families continue their mission: accountability for the disastrous decisions that led to the loss of their loved ones and to ensure it never happens again.

“This isn’t over. I stand with these Gold Star families, I share their anger and frustration, and I will continue the work toward the accountability they deserve.”

Congressman Issa invited Coral Briseno, Gold Star mother to Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez, as his State of the Union guest. Ms. Briseno was one of several Gold Star families in attendance.

In August 2023, Congressman Issa hosted the first-ever congressional forum in Escondido, CA for the Gold Star families of the servicemembers lost in the Afghanistan withdrawal.

The names of the 13 fallen servicemembers in the Abbey Gate bombing on August 26, 2021 are as follows:

• Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo
• Sgt. Nicole L. Gee
• SSgt. Darin T. Hoover
• Cpl. Hunter Lopez
• Cpl. Daegan W. Page
• Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez
• LCpl. David L. Espinoza
• LCpl. Jared M. Schmitz
• LCpl. Rylee J. McCollum
• LCpl. Dylan R. Merola
• LCpl. Kareem M. Nikoui
• HM3 Maxton W. Soviak
• SSgt. Ryan C. Knauss

Statement by Congressman Issa and Gold Star Family Members

On March 8, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Gold Star family members Coral Briseno, Darin Hoover, Cheryl Jules, Alicia Lopez, Steve Nikoui, Mark Schmitz, and Christy Shamblin issued the following statement after last night’s State of the Union address.

“Last night was a lost opportunity – once again – for President Biden to finally speak in public about the 13 servicemembers lost in the bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Once again, he was silent.

“So a Gold Star family member spoke out instead. He made sure the President heard the words “Abbey Gate”, where his son and 12 other heroes fell in service to our country. He spoke for all of us. And he did nothing wrong. His frustration, anger, and disappointment follow more than two-and-a-half years of delay, denial, and silence.

“Since August 2021, the Gold Star families have not only endured the loss of loved ones but also the absence of any true accountability.

“Despite numerous requests to meet with President Biden at any time and any location of his choosing, he has ignored them all. He has refused to even reply. To this day, he has never once publicly spoken the names of the fallen.

“The families have been denied the personal possessions of their loved ones. They have been denied their rightful access to military bases as clearly allowed by law. And they’ve been denied any kind of complete accounting of the events of that day. Biden has never made this right.

“With the families in attendance, the President could have changed course, promised to deliver accountability as a Commander-in-Chief should, and pledged to work to ensure it never happens again.

“He said nothing. But we will never be silent. This isn’t over.”

Coral Briseno is the mother of Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez.
Darin Hoover is the father of Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover.
Cheryl Jules is the aunt of Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee.
Alicia Lopez is the mother of Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez.
Steve Nikoui is the father of Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui.
Mark Schmitz is the father of Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz.
Christy Shamblin is the mother-in-law of Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee.

Issa Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation Providing Critical New Resources to Federal Judiciary

On Friday, March 8, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, introduced “The Federal Judgeship Act of 2024” to provide necessary relief to the overburdened judicial system.

Issa’s bill, H.R. 7597, co-led by Ranking Member Hank Johnson (GA-04) adopts recommendations made by the Judicial Conference, the administrative body of the U.S. federal court system. The bill creates new federal district court judgeships, converts temporary judgeships into permanent judgeships, extends two temporary judgeships for five years, and adds two circuit court judgeships to alleviate overcrowded dockets and streamline vital court proceedings.

“Lack of federal district court judges and inflated caseloads have created a dense backlog in our nation’s judicial system. As a result, cases are being delayed – with justice right along with it,” said Rep. Issa. “This bill is a good-faith effort, giving no partisan advantage, to address the needs of and provide a sustainable future for our federal judicial system. My thanks to Ranking Member Johnson as we work toward a more effective and efficient judiciary.”

“Our federal courts, including in Georgia, are understaffed and overwhelmed,” said Ranking Member Johnson. “It’s causing massive backlogs and delays. This crisis is one that we can solve now – to have a functioning legal system, we must have an adequate number of judgeships. By adding federal judges through the Federal Judgeship Act of 2024, we hope to ensure Americans get their day in court and their matters adjudicated. Justice delayed is justice denied. I’m pleased to be working with Chairman Issa to solve this pressing problem.”

Congress last increased the number of federal district court judgeships over 20 years ago – the longest gap since the original establishment of federal district courts in 1789. As of March 31, 2023, there were 702,433 pending cases in federal district courts across the country, averaging 803 filings per judgeship. These cases include civil rights claims, criminal prosecutions, environmental and consumer protection litigation, discrimination claims, challenges to government power, and holding corporations accountable for misconduct.

The bill text can be found here.

Issa to CENTCOM: Keep Your Promise to the Gold Star Families

On March 12, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) sent a formal request to Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) General Michael Kurilla for a comprehensive briefing on the scope, status, and findings from the internal review of the Afghanistan Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of 13 servicemembers on August 26, 2021.

Issa noted that CENTCOM ordered the review last year following his Gold Star Family Public Forum in Escondido, CA – the first-ever public event featuring the Gold Star families – which focused on the total absence of accountability and answers from the Biden Administration. The specific correspondence is in response to CENTCOM’s denial of previous requests from Congressman Issa for updates on the investigation into the decisions made before and after the terrorist attack.

An excerpt from Issa’s letter to General Kurilla:

“My commitment to the families of the fallen is unwavering, and I am deeply invested in the progress and findings of Lt. General Frank’s review. The families deserve nothing less than a full accounting of the events that led to the loss of their loved ones, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.

“Therefore, I request that you provide me with a briefing including the scope, status, and findings of the internal review to date. You should know that my office’s previous requests for an update were not fulfilled, so I trust this communication will certify my continued interest and expectation that transparency for the families continues.”

The full letter can be found here.

Issa: CENTCOM Report Has Obligation to Provide Answers, Accountability on Biden’s Deadly Failure in Afghanistan

“I hope it’s not too little, too late”

On March 14, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) issued this statement following news reports that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has completed a supplemental report of the Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. servicemembers during President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“Since that terrible day, the Gold Star families of the fallen have been shut out by the Biden Administration and denied the full truth of what happened and any real accountability for the mistakes that were made.

“This report has an obligation to the families and the country to finally reveal what this administration knows about the deadly Abbey Gate terror attack. I hope that it is not too little, too late.”

Earlier this week, Issa sent a formal request to CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla for a comprehensive briefing on the scope, status, and findings of this report. This followed previous requests from Rep. Issa, as well as numerous communications urging both the completion of this report and its full public release.

“Since last August, our office has never stopped pressuring CENTCOM to finish its work and fulfill its obligation. Our role was in support of the Gold Star families. We have them to thank for this news today,” said Issa.

In August 2023, Congressman Issa also held a public forum in Escondido, CA featuring these Gold Star families. This was the first time the families publicly shared their stories – detailing the absence of accountability and answers they have received from the Biden Administration.

Issa, Buchanan, Donalds Lead Effort to Remove Sexually Violent Illegal Immigrants

On March 14, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) co-sponsored the Protecting Our Communities from Sexual Predators Act to deport and permanently ban illegal immigrants who commit sexually violent crimes. The bill was introduced by Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) and co-sponsored by Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19).

Specifically, this legislation:

1. Requires detainment of any illegal alien charged or convicted of sexual assault.
2. Ensures that any illegal alien convicted of sexual assault is immediately deported.
3. Permanently prohibits any illegal alien convicted of sexual assault from reentry into the country.

“Biden’s open borders have not only made a mockery of our laws but also tragic victims of so many innocent Americans. In every region of this country, illegal migrant criminals – including sexually violent predators – have inflicted unimaginable suffering and it’s time to fight back,” said Congressman Issa. “The Protecting our Communities from Sexual Predators Act is a real solution that will detain, remove, and prevent future entry of illegal migrants who commit sexual crimes. I’m proud to join my colleagues Rep. Buchanan and Rep. Donalds in authoring this bill, working towards its passage, and ensuring our people are never victimized again.”

“Illegal aliens who sexually assault and rape American citizens have absolutely no place in our society,” said Congressman Buchanan. “Shockingly, illegal immigrants who commit sexual assault are not immediately deportable, which is why we need to pass this commonsense legislation to keep these deranged and dangerous predators out of our country and help protect our communities.”

“Just days ago, a member of our Southwest Florida community was sexually assaulted by an illegal alien. Americans throughout all corners of our nation are bearing the perilous consequences of Joe Biden’s open border crime wave,” said Congressman Donalds. “I stand with Rep. Buchanan to ensure that all illegal aliens who have been convicted of sexual assault are deemed immediately deportable. These shocking and completely avoidable crimes must come to an end.”

The bill text can be found 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.