Joyce Beatty

Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on Today’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act Vote

Position: Congresswoman Beatty opposed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, citing $187 billion in SNAP cuts affecting 40 million Americans, weakened public health protections for farmworkers, reduced support for minority farmers, and corporate liability shields. She supported the inclusion of the HARVEST Act within the bill to address Black farmland loss.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty released the following statement regarding today’s vote on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the “Farm bill.” “Today, I voted against H.R. 7567 — the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” “Since the start of Trump’s trade war, families are paying $310 more for groceries, farm income is down $25 billion, and farm bankruptcies have increased 46%. The evidence is clear: Americans are facing an aggressive affordability crisis, because of Republican policies. Instead of working with Democrats to make life more affordable, Republicans have prioritized cutting food assistance, protecting corporate profits over health, and stripping funding to underserved communities.” “This harmful legislation codifies the devastating $187 billion cut to SNAP from the One Big Ugly Bill that passed last summer. It makes this Republican-driven attack on working families permanent, and takes away food assistance for 40 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 1.2 million veterans, and 4 million people with disabilities. Many states may even be forced to stop providing SNAP entirely. At its core, this is cruel, merciless policy that will have dire consequences. I refuse to support a bill that attacks the most vulnerable among us —it's unforgivable.” “This legislation would also weaken public health protections, jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of farmworkers and everyday Americans. It prioritizes big pesticide companies by shielding the largest manufacturers from liability if their products cause users serious health problems – even cancer. It also weakens environmental safety reviews meant to protect the health of working people. No company should be free from accountability for causing harm to its users.” “This bill is yet another example of Republicans abandoning marginalized communities as it makes harmful changes to the 2501 Program – the only USDA program specifically focused on supporting minority farmers by ensuring they have access to all USDA services.” “Despite my opposition to the broader Farm Bill, I am pleased that the Heirs' Agricultural Resources, Viability, Education, and Succession Transfer (HARVEST) Act — legislation I led with Congressman Shomari Figures — was included in the final package.” “The HARVEST Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study how historically Black land-grant universities can better educate and assist the next generation of farmers on inheriting and transferring agricultural land and assets. Over the last century, Black Americans have lost approximately 90 percent of their farmland — dropping from roughly 19 million to 3 million acres. The USDA has called heirs property ‘the leading cause of Black involuntary land loss,’ and without clear title, families cannot qualify for federal aid programs, compounding the disadvantages Black farmers already face.” “Though, broadly, this Farm bill package causes irreparable harm to Americans, I am proud to have led the HARVEST Act, which pushes Congress to finally address the root causes of heirs property, bringing us one step closer to mending the systemic gap barring Black farmers and agriculturalists from the success they deserve.” “I will continue to advocate for Black farmers and marginalized communities to advance food and agricultural equity.” ### Issues:HealthcareJobs and the EconomyLocal IssuesOther/MiscellaneousTrade and ManufacturingWorking Families and Children

Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on Today’s Supreme Court Decision to Strike Down Louisiana’s Voting Map; Gutting the Voting Rights Act

Position: Congresswoman Beatty opposes the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which she argues weakens Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and strips Black voters of meaningful representation and protection against voter suppression.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty; Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued the following statement on the United States Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais, gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA): “Today’s devastating decision from the Supreme Court weakens the hard-fought Voting Rights Act of 1965—a law born to protect Black voters and ensure meaningful participation in our democracy. The truth is undeniable: this ruling eviscerates a critical civil rights protection, wholly stripping Black voters of their representation, emboldening voter suppression and undoing decades of progress.” “Voting rights are the very foundation of our democracy. And yet, despite that legacy, conservative voices on the Court have made it painfully clear that Black Americans are being denied their right to representation.” “Make no mistake: we come from a legacy of resistance, resilience, and relentless pursuit of justice. That legacy will continue, with more fervor than ever before. We will stand up against voter suppression.” “I remain unwaveringly committed to the fight for voting rights and equitable representation for Black voters.” ### Issues:Civil Rights

Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on the Department of Justice’s Attack on the Southern Poverty Law Center

Position: Congresswoman Beatty opposes the Department of Justice's decision to charge the Southern Poverty Law Center, characterizing it as an attack on civil rights protections and part of a broader effort to roll back civil rights safeguards for marginalized communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) attack on the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): “I am deeply disturbed by the Department of Justice’s decision to charge the Southern Poverty Law Center – a historic non-profit civil rights organization. Founded in 1971 in Montgomery, Alabama, this critical organization has been at the forefront of holding extremist hate groups accountable for their abuses against African Americans and played a significant role in confronting the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).” “This abhorrent attack on the SPLC is part of Trump’s systemic attempts to roll back hard-fought civil rights protections, in addition to the 150+ Executive Orders he has issued, that are explicitly weaponized against marginalized communities.” “Let me be clear – we will not be intimidated or silenced by this latest attack, and we will continue to fight against this Administration’s repeated attempts to dismantle, gut, and suffocate civil rights protections for hardworking Americans. No one – not even the President of the United States – can erase the impact of the civil rights giants that came before us, and the advocates that continue to hold the line and fight for democracy, today.” ### Issues:Civil Rights

Beatty Joins Ranking Members Waters, Huffman, and Leger Fernández to Urge Treasury to Review Resolution Copper Land Transfer Over National Security Risks and China Ties

Position: The lawmakers urge the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review the transfer of Arizona forest land to Resolution Copper Mining due to national security concerns related to foreign ownership ties to China, proximity to Luke Air Force Base, and control over critical mineral extraction.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Yesterday, Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, Jared Huffman (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to immediately review the transfer of thousands of acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land in central Arizona to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, a foreign-owned mining venture with significant financial ties to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The land, called Oak Flat or Chi’chil Biłdagoteel in Apache, is also sacred land connecting the Western Apache to their religion, history, culture, and environment, transferred over objections of the tribe. In the letter, the lawmakers raise concerns about the possible national security implications posed by the transfer to a company owned by international mining conglomerates, BHP and Rio Tinto. The Members note that the two foreign companies have significant ties to the PRC, either through ownership or the sales of their mining products. The Members also highlight the proximity of the project to Luke Air Force Base, a major U.S. military operational and training facility, which is one of the sensitive installations on the CFIUS “List of Military Installations and Other U.S. Government Sites.” Given that the transaction raises potential national security risks given the strategic importance of critical minerals like copper and the site’s location, the Members believe that a review by CFIUS is merited. “In the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress directed USFS to transfer 2,422 acres of the Tonto National Forest to Resolution Copper, which it defined as ‘a Delaware limited liability company, including any successor, assign, affiliate member, or joint venturer.’ The statutory language explicitly failed to acknowledge that Resolution Copper is owned by BHP and Rio Tinto, two of the largest foreign mining corporations in the world,” wrote the lawmakers. “Taken together, the facts outlined in this letter present a potential major national security concern: the transfer of one of America’s largest undeveloped critical mineral deposits to a foreign-owned entity with substantial financial ties to the PRC, in close proximity to sensitive U.S. military installations and emerging advanced weapons infrastructure." In closing, the lawmakers urge CFIUS to conduct a comprehensive review of the transaction and assess the risks associated with foreign influence over the extraction, processing, and disposition of critical minerals from U.S. public lands, as well as the implications of long-term industrial operations near sensitive military and defense infrastructure. Read the full letter here. ### Issues:Financial Services and Consumer Protection

Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on Today’s Kennedy Center Court Hearing

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), issued the following statement regarding today’s Kennedy Center court hearing: “We appreciate the court hearing the motion today and acknowledging the urgency of the situation. All we are asking the court is to ensure the information on the Trump administration’s proposed plans to close and demolish the Kennedy Center be shared and that I will have the opportunity to take my seat at next week’s meeting,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “The Kennedy Center is a national cultural institution created by Congress and supported by the American public – using MILLIONS of taxpayer dollars. No president has the authority to shut Congress out of the governance of the Kennedy Center, much less unilaterally rename or demolish it.” “We will not stand by while another important part of our national heritage is erased. There must be transparency and the role of Congress in these decisions must not be trampled.” ### Issues:Civil RightsEducationLocal IssuesOther/Miscellaneous

Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on Yesterday’s DHS Funding Vote

Position: Congresswoman Beatty voted against DHS funding and opposes continued funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement without substantial reforms. She argues that ICE operations have resulted in wrongful detentions, racial targeting, and harm to vulnerable populations including U.S. citizens and legal immigrants.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s vote to advance funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): “I emphatically voted NO to funding for the Department of Homeland Security.” “My stance and the position of House Democrats has been clear: we will not vote to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement as it continues to terrorize our communities. Any funding should come with substantial reforms. I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues have chosen to support this legislation, without committing to these changes.” “While the bill did pass the House, the fight is not over. The events over the past couple of months have made it abundantly clear: there are critical, comprehensive reforms that must take place in the agency. The devastating deaths of two Minnesotans earlier this year, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, shocked our nation; revealing the brokenness of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an entity that claims to keep our communities safe.” “In my home district of Columbus, ‘Operation Buckeye’ racially targeted innocent individuals – many of whom had never been arrested or charged with a crime. One report even found that on December 17, 2025, ICE agents allegedly detained two U.S. citizens and a Mexican immigrant with a valid work permit, including a woman with an 8-month old child, and all three of these individuals did not have a criminal record.” “Across the nation, DHS has detained children, the disabled, the elderly, and countless innocent people. These racially motivated attacks don’t make our communities safer – they create fear and hostility.” “I remain committed to our immigrant communities in Columbus, and I will continue to push for much-needed reform within ICE, to protect our communities and keep hardworking Americans safe.” ### Issues:BudgetImmigrationLocal IssuesWorking Families and Children

Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on War Powers Resolution Vote To Address Trump Administration’s Iranian Strikes

Position: Congresswoman Beatty voted for a War Powers Resolution to restrain the Trump administration's military actions in Iran, arguing that the President bypassed proper Congressional approval and that the military strikes lack clear strategic justification and endanger American service members.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement regarding her vote on the War Powers Resolution that would restrain Trump’s power in the Middle East and Iran: “Yesterday, I voted YES to the War Powers Resolution, to reign in Trump’s unfettered action in Iran. While the resolution did not pass the House, I am committed to reigning in President Trump’s foreign policy overreach. Our Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to declare war.” “Iran has employed authoritarian, anti-democratic practices that have severely oppressed the Iranian people. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a regime that consistently oppressed the Iranian people, wrongfully targeted voices of dissent within their population, and violently restricted the rights of women and girls, leading to an overall degradation of human rights. In January, alone, there was abundant reporting of the Iranian state, under Khamenei’s leadership, murdering as many as 36,000 protesters. His human rights violations and abuses are undeniable and required action.” “Khamenei’s death is a victory to countless Iranians that have been fighting for the freedom, justice and democracy we all deserve.” “However, President Trump’s rash actions in the region bypassed proper Congressional approval, launching us into a war with one of the most powerful and dangerous forces in the Middle East, without a clear cause or a specific goal.” “War has a cost. Going to war with Iran will not make Americans safer – in fact, it has put more of our loved ones at risk. Trump’s actions have already severely endangered the lives of our brave American service members, now leading to a death toll of six, with the number of injuries still rising. These are daughters, sons, dear friends, neighbors, and more – all of whom deserved proper protection from Iranian retaliation.” “Yet, the Trump administration has blatantly disregarded this reality, and has provided little reasoning and strategy regarding the intended outcomes of the war or their plan to minimize casualties in their military operations. Despite repeated questions from Members of Congress, the Trump administration has continuously shifted their rationale for the Iranian strikes, exposing their complete lack of planning and preparation for a conflict of this magnitude.” “Yet, many Republicans have decided to blindly endorse Trump’s war. This reckless foreign policy puts innocent Americans and Iranians in grave danger. Americans deserve more, especially as they scramble to make ends meet.” “As families across the country struggle to put food on the table and navigate a rising cost of living, Trump is hurling us into an outrageously expensive war that could cost hardworking Americans billions. It’s unforgivable. Last year, the Trump administration claimed that extending ACA tax credits was too expensive, yet a war with Iran could cost the United States $1 billion a day.” “How is there money available for a war, but none for hardworking families struggling to get by? When questioned about how a war with Iran could worsen gas prices, he dismissed the concern, saying, ‘If they rise, they rise,’ claiming that war was “more important.” When will Republicans finally put the American people first?” “Americans deserve transparency. The Iranian people deserve leadership that upholds the tenets of a proper democracy. For this to be done effectively, President Trump must abide by proper Congressional channels to ensure American troops are kept out of harm’s way and to facilitate the transition of democratic Iranian leadership.” ### Issues:Foreign Affairs and Immigration