See how Donald S. Beyer actually votes — against your values.
DeepSyte scores Donald S. Beyer's record on the issues you care about — not party, not press releases. Take the 2-minute values quiz to see your personal alignment.
Sign in and take the values quiz to see how Donald S. Beyer's votes line up with your views.
Prediction track record
How often we called Donald S. Beyer's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Based on 6 data points across public statements and recorded votes · AI analysis of public records
119-hr-845·Notable gap
Pet and Livestock Protection Act
15/100
What they said
Apr 30, 2026
The statement opposes the Republican Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), arguing it fails to address farmers' challenges from rising input costs and extreme weather, cuts conservation and renewable energy support, and provides giveaways to chemical corporations instead of protecting environmental standards and affordability.
The statement opposes cutting environmental protections and defends bedrock environmental standards against corporate giveaways. The bill removes Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves, directly weakening environmental safeguards. The rep voted yes on this procedural motion, which advanced wolf delisting—the opposite direction from the stated position opposing cuts to environmental protections. The procedural nature of the vote introduces some ambiguity about intent, but the vote's effect aligns with the outcome the statement explicitly opposes.
The statement opposes the Republican Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), arguing it fails to address farmers' challenges from rising input costs and extreme weather, cuts conservation and renewable energy support, and provides giveaways to chemical corporations instead of protecting environmental standards and affordability.
The statement opposes the Republican Farm Bill for cutting environmental protections and conservation support, and criticizes giveaways to corporate interests at the expense of public health and wildlife. The Pet and Livestock Protection Act removes endangered species protections for gray wolves, which aligns with the statement's concern about Republicans undermining 'bedrock environmental protections that safeguard our health and America's wildlife.' The no vote on wolf delisting is consistent with the stated opposition to weakening environmental standards.
The representatives support legislation that would strengthen Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to ban companies from energy markets for price manipulation or false market information, framed as protecting consumers from market abuse and reducing energy costs.
The statement advocates for strengthening FERC authority to ban companies from energy markets for price manipulation and false information, directly addressing consumer protection in electricity and natural gas markets. The bill voted on concerns foreign direct investment competitiveness and requires a Commerce Department review of attracting foreign investment—a distinct policy area unrelated to energy market manipulation enforcement. The representative's yes vote on this investment bill does not align with or support the stated position on energy market regulation.
The representatives support legislation that would strengthen Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to ban companies from energy markets for price manipulation or false market information, framed as protecting consumers from market abuse and reducing energy costs.
The statement supports strengthening FERC authority to ban companies for energy market manipulation and protecting consumers from price abuse. The bill (Lower Energy Costs Act) focuses on increasing energy production, protecting hydraulic fracturing from federal moratoriums, and expanding petrochemical infrastructure—provisions oriented toward expanding fossil fuel supply rather than regulating market manipulation. The representatives' stated position on consumer protection from market abuse is substantively opposed to the bill's deregulatory and production-expansion focus. The procedural vote nature adds uncertainty about intent.
The representatives support legislation that would strengthen Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to ban companies from energy markets for price manipulation or false market information, framed as protecting consumers from market abuse and reducing energy costs.
The statement supports strengthening FERC authority to ban companies from energy markets for price manipulation and false information, framed as protecting consumers and reducing energy costs. The Lower Energy Costs Act focuses on increasing domestic energy production, protecting hydraulic fracturing from federal moratoriums, and expanding petrochemical refinery capacity—provisions oriented toward expanding fossil fuel supply and production rather than regulating market manipulation or protecting consumers from price manipulation. The rep voted no on a bill that prioritizes fossil fuel production expansion, which aligns with the statement's implicit criticism of policies that 'protect fossil fuel companies at the expense of consumers,' but the bill does not address the specific regulatory mechanism (FERC market manipulation authority) the statement proposes. The vote reflects opposition to the bill's substantive direction on energy policy, though the specific question of market manipulation enforcement is not directly addressed by the bill.
Rep. Beyer opposes the Trump administration's war with Iran, arguing it is driving inflation and price increases that harm American families. He criticizes Republican congressional support for continuing the war and calls for Congress to exercise constitutional authority to end it.
Rep. Beyer's statement opposes the Trump administration's war with Iran and calls for Congress to end it, characterizing it as economically harmful and a 'foolish war.' The bill he voted for includes provisions imposing sanctions on Iranian petroleum exports, missile programs, and leaders—measures that escalate economic pressure on Iran and support continued confrontation rather than ending the conflict. His yes vote on a bill that strengthens sanctions against Iran directly contradicts his stated opposition to the war and his call for Congress to rein in the conflict.
Pairs with ambiguous language and high uncertainty are withheld until more data is available. Procedural, cloture, and amendment votes are excluded — they don't cleanly signal substantive support or opposition.
Pro analysis
AI rep analysis — Pro
Get an AI-narrated read on Donald S. Beyer's full voting record against your stated values — aligned themes, conflicts, notable votes, and what to watch for.
We haven't extracted campaign positions for Donald S. Beyer yet. Once their campaign website or position pages are processed, this card will track what they said vs how they voted.
Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Donald S. Beyer broke ranks with ≥75% of Democrats. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
Beyer Presses Administration On Regional Traffic Impacts Of Trump’s Proposed Arch
Position: Rep. Beyer expresses concern about traffic impacts from the proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery and requests that the Trump Administration provide transparency through traffic studies and documentation of transportation impact plans before construction proceeds.
Rep. Beyer, who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes Arlington National Cemetery, today urged Trump Administration officials to provide greater transparency to the public about potential traffic impacts of President Trump’s proposed “triumphal arch.” Trump appointees on the Commission of Fine Arts recently voted to approve designs for the proposed 250-foot structure, which the President is seeking to build on a traffic circle between Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Beyer asked Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Acting Director of the National Park Service Jessica Bowron to share “copies of traffic studies and any other documentation available regarding plans that the Department of the Interior and National Park Service have undertaken with respect to transportation impacts from President Trump’s arch proposal.”
“On May 21, the Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve designs for a 250-foot arch to be built near Arlington National Cemetery, in the circle on Lady Bird Johnson Park. I write to express my grave concerns about the impacts on traffic that this project will have on my Northern Virginia constituents, and to request copies of your plans and studies for coping with the transportation disruption generated by the proposed construction.
“With the size of the project and the site’s location between Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery, the proposed construction would have significant traffic impacts on my Northern Virginia constituents.
“I write, therefore, to request copies of traffic studies and any other documentation available regarding plans that the Department of the Interior and National Park Service have undertaken with respect to transportation impacts from President Trump’s arch proposal. If no such studies or documentation exist, I urge you in the strongest possible terms to immediately address potential traffic impacts arising from this project.
“I request that you respond with the information requested and any relevant details before any further work on this project proceeds. Failure to produce plans for traffic impacts from this arch could, I fear, be widely interpreted as a sign of apathy or disorganization on the part of the Administration regarding the outsized local impacts of its decision-making. The public deserves transparency in this matter from their government.”
Text of Beyer’s letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.
Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Bowron:
On May 21, the Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve designs for a 250-foot arch to be built near Arlington National Cemetery, in the circle on Lady Bird Johnson Park. I write to express my grave concerns about the impacts on traffic that this project will have on my Northern Virginia constituents, and to request copies of your plans and studies for coping with the transportation disruption generated by the proposed construction.
With the size of the project and the site’s location between Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery, the proposed construction would have significant traffic impacts on my Northern Virginia constituents. Major thoroughfares impacted include the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Washington Boulevard, Arlington Boulevard, as well as traffic to Arlington National Cemetery along Memorial Avenue and traffic on Arlington Memorial Bridge. Nearly 70,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, most of which are from Virginia, and many more pass through the environs on their way through Northern Virginia.[1] These areas also have major pedestrian and bike pathways, including Mount Vernon Trail, one of the most heavily used multi-use trails in the country, in addition to vehicular traffic.[2]
Previous construction projects in this area, including the Arlington Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation from 2018-2020, caused significant traffic disruptions. One key difference between that renovation work and the proposed arch is that the former was undertaken by your agencies to protect the public from potentially fatal accidents or deterioration of this heavily used bridge, whereas the proposed arch is being built, according to President Trump, for himself personally.[3] My constituents and the residents and visitors who would be impacted by this project deserve consideration in this matter, and they deserve answers about how the actions of your departments would affect their lives.
I write, therefore, to request copies of traffic studies and any other documentation available regarding plans that the Department of the Interior and National Park Service have undertaken with respect to transportation impacts from President Trump’s arch proposal. If no such studies or documentation exist, I urge you in the strongest possible terms to immediately address potential traffic impacts arising from this project.
I request that you respond with the information requested and any relevant details before any further work on this project proceeds. Failure to produce plans for traffic impacts from this arch could, I fear, be widely interpreted as a sign of apathy or disorganization on the part of the Administration regarding the outsized local impacts of its decision-making. The public deserves transparency in this matter from their government.
Beyer, Titus, To Lead Introduction Of Bill To Block Trump’s Proposed Arch
Position: Representatives Beyer and Titus are introducing legislation to explicitly prohibit and defund construction of President Trump's proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing it violates the Commemorative Works Act, lacks congressional authorization, and misuses federal funds.
U.S. Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Dina Titus (D-NV) today announced that they will introduce the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act this week to explicitly prohibit construction of President Trump’s proposed “triumphal arch” outside Arlington National Cemetery. Their bill comes in the wake of a vote by Trump appointees on the Commission of Fine Arts to approve designs for the project.
Trump’s arch proposal relies on illegal manipulations of funding without congressional authorization and violates the Commemorative Works Act. As the Trump Administration makes spurious, absurd arguments to support proceeding with construction, this legislation would explicitly prohibit and defund this and any similar projects.
Rep. Beyer who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), and whose parents, grandparents, and sister are buried at ANC, said:
“Arlington National Cemetery is sacred ground, the resting place for some of our nation’s greatest heroes. It is unthinkable that we would desecrate this hallowed space to build a monument to Donald Trump’s ego.
“Trump’s vanity project would waste taxpayer money, brazenly violate existing law, and become yet another vehicle for his corruption. The Administration has also given no consideration to potential harmful effects on the region including impacts on air safety and traffic on major roadways.
“Worst of all, Trump is not trying to build this arch to commemorate national heroes, servicemembers who lie in Arlington National Cemetery, or to celebrate freedom. He did not dedicate it to the American people or our country’s greatness. Asked who this arch is for, Trump said, simply: ‘me.’ Congress must draw the line at dishonoring our fallen with such naked displays of narcissism, and I therefore call on all members of both parties to join our efforts to block this arch.”
Rep. Dina Titus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Humanities Caucus, who previously led challenges to the Trump Administration’s illegal schemes to fund the arch using the National Endowment for the Humanities budget, said:
“As President Trump strips away the necessary safety nets from Americans who are struggling to afford their basic needs like groceries and healthcare, he builds his unauthorized, grandiose Triumphal Arch. While destroying historical monuments and artifacts important to our American identity, he is erecting monuments to honor himself.
“I am fighting this abuse of taxpayer dollars with Congressman Beyer by introducing legislation that would clearly prohibit President Trump from using federal funds for pet projects like this one. The American people deserve a leader who is responsibly using federal funding for critical government services, not for self-promotion.”
Trump’s proposed arch is plainly illegal under the Commemorative Works Act, which requires congressional approval for memorials on federal land in or near D.C. Underlining that the Arch is not approved by Congress as required by law, the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act would:
In addition to Beyer and Titus, the bill will be cosponsored by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) and U.S. Representatives Robert Garcia (CA), Suhas Subramanyam (VA), Bobby Scott (VA), Dan Goldman (NY), Pramila Jayapal (WA), Steve Cohen (TN), Jasmine Crockett (TX), Danny Davis (IL), Dianna DeGette (CO), Lois Frankel (FL), John Larson (CT), Stephen Lynch (MA), Betty McCollum (MN), Morgan McGarvey (KY), Kevin Mullin (CA), Mike Quigley (IL), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA), Mark Takano (CA), Jill Tokuda (HI), Paul Tonko (NY), Rashida Tlaib (MI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ).
The bill will be introduced during this Friday’s pro forma session of the House; draft text is available here.
Beyer Introduces Legislation to Protect Streams and Lands Impacted by Mining
Position: Rep. Beyer introduced legislation to strengthen environmental protections for streams and lands affected by mining, building on the Department of Interior's Stream Protection Rule for surface coal mining.
| U.S. Representative Don Beyer
Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display
Skip to Content
-->
Congressman
Don Beyer
Proudly Serving Virginia's 8th District
facebook-page
twitter-page
instagram-page
bluesky-page
youtube-page
threads-page
Open search form
Search
Search form
Submit
Hit enter to search or ESC to close
Menuicon
Close Navigation Menuicon
-->
Congressman
Don Beyer
Proudly Serving Virginia's 8th District
Home
-->
About
About Don
Our Congressional District
Committee Assignments
Interactive District Map
Services
Help with a Federal Agency
COVID-19 Small Business Loan Letter Of Support
Appropriations Requests
Member-Designated Transportation Projects
Congressional Art Competition
Congressional App Challenge
Congressional Commendation
Flag Request
Grants
Paid Internships
Service Academy Nominations
Tour Washington, DC
Issues
COVID-19 Pandemic Updates
-->
Climate Change and the Environment
Defense
Veterans
Economy
Education
Equality
Federal Employees
Gun Violence
Health Care
Immigration
Oversight
Transportation, Infrastructure, And Housing
Women's Economic Empowerment
Science and Innovation
Legislation
Sponsored and Co-Sponsored Legislation
Voting Record
Committee Assignments
Newsroom
Press Releases
In the News
Opinion Pieces
Photos
Video
Press Kit
Contact
Meeting Request
Event Request
Send Don an Email
E-Newsletter Sign-up
Office Locations
Open search form
Search Site
Submit
facebook-page
twitter-page
instagram-page
bluesky-page
youtube-page
threads-page
Press Releases
Beyer Introduces Legislation to Protect Streams and Lands Impacted by Mining
Share on Facebook
Share on X
Print this Page
Share by Email
Washington,
May 26, 2026
Tags:
Climate Change and the Environment
,
Oversight
Congressman Don Beyer today introduced the CLEAN UP Mines Act to strengthen key environmental protections for streams and lands impacted by mining. The bill is inspired by the Department of Interior’s Stream Protection Rule that established clear requirements for responsible surface coal mining while meeting the nation’s energy needs.
“Reducing water pollution and other detrimental effects of toxic mining disposal is commonsense,” said Rep. Beyer. “The provisions included in my bill to safeguard our waters and lands from toxic waste are necessary to protect our critical and fragile ecosystems, as well as the health and livelihood of nearby citizens and communities who depend on clean water.”
“Congress acted in 1977 to eliminate the scourge of abandoned mines from coal communities. Now, nearly 50 years later, Congress needs to respond to the coal industry’s pattern of avoiding its reclamation responsibilities,” said Appalachian Voices Government Affairs Specialist Kevin Zedack. “Introducing these three bills is an important step to protect the health, safety and economies of coal communities across the country as the Trump administration attempts to artificially increase demand for coal.”
The CLEAN UP Mines Act would require timely reclamation by setting enforceable deadlines for reclamation milestones and improve inspections and monitoring protocols for surface water and ground water during mining and reclamation.
The CLEAN UP Mines Act is being introduced as a part of a larger package, including Congressman Chris DeLuzio’s Bond Improvement and Reclamation Assurance Act and Congresswoman Summer Lee’s Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act, to reclaim abandoned coal mines throughout the Appalachian region.
Text of the CLEAN UP Mines Act is available here.
Related News
ICYMI: Beyer Targets Trump’s “Triumphal” Arch
May 29, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases
Beyer Presses Administration On Regional Traffic Impacts Of Trump’s Proposed Arch
May 27, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases
Beyer, Titus, To Lead Introduction Of Bill To Block Trump’s Proposed Arch
May 27, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases
Beyer Introduces Legislation to Reverse Unprecedented Attack on Endangered Species in the Gulf
May 21, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases
JOIN MY EMAIL LIST
SUBSCRIBE
Beyer Introduces Legislation to Reverse Unprecedented Attack on Endangered Species in the Gulf
Position: Rep. Beyer opposes the Endangered Species Committee's March 31 exemption of oil and gas operations in the Gulf from Endangered Species Act protections and introduced legislation to nullify that decision, arguing it bypassed required procedures and threatens vulnerable marine species.
Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the Protect Gulf Life Act to nullify the March 31 decision by the Endangered Species Committee – also known colloquially as the “God Squad” or the “Extinction Committee” – to broadly exempt all oil and gas operations across the Gulf from complying with Endangered Species Act protections.
“Congress did not establish the Endangered Species Committee to give out sweeping exemptions to special interests, and this abuse of power is another corrupt handout to benefit industry at the expense of threatened species,” said Rep. Beyer. “If Trump wants to address the energy crisis and outrageous price spikes he caused, he should simply end his illegal war against Iran. This unprecedented decision bypassed legally-required procedures, blocked my attendance at a public meeting, and put some of the Gulf’s most vulnerable wildlife at even greater risk of extinction. This is a particular threat to the Rice’s whale, the only whale species found exclusively in U.S. waters, of which only about 50 remain. The consequences of weakening these protections extend far beyond a single species, and my Protect Gulf Life Act would restore these protections to ensure a healthy Gulf ecosystem that supports thriving fisheries, tourism, recreation, and coastal economies across the region.”
The Endangered Species Committee was created by Congress to address extraordinarily rare situations in which a proposed federal project conflicts with endangered species protections and no reasonable alternatives exist. This was only the fourth time the Endangered Species Committee met since its creation in 1978 and the first time it has been convened on national security rather than economic grounds. Unlike prior Endangered Species Committee decisions, which focused on narrowly defined projects affecting a specific threatened or endangered species, the March 31 exemption applies broadly to all oil and gas operations across more than 600,000 square miles of the Gulf and affects 20 threatened and endangered species. The Endangered Species Committee also failed to comply with multiple procedural requirements established under the Endangered Species Act, including public notice and transparency requirements.
Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Darren Soto (D-FL) are original co-sponsors of the Protect Gulf Life Act.
This legislation is also supported by organizations including the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice Action, the Endangered Species Coalition, Oceana, Save the Manatee Club, Sea Turtle Conservancy, Sierra Club, and the Turtle Island Restoration Network.
“We commend Congressman Beyer for standing up to the God Squad and speaking out at a time when our nation's endangered wildlife are at greatest risk from an antagonistic administration. This important legislation to rescind the God Squad's illegal and unprecedented action is as critical as protecting the last remaining 50 Rice's whales. Without this legislative action, our cherished marine wildlife, from the Rice’s whale to manatees and sea turtles, will suffer from this brazen abuse of the God Squad process,” said Andrew Bowman, President and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife.
“The Trump Administration’s so-called God Squad’s vote to let the oil-and-gas industry wipe endangered species off the face of the planet is not only illegal, but also the opposite of what Gulf communities want,” said Earthjustice Action Legislative Representative Kristin Butler. “This egregious free-pass to kill Gulf wildlife won't lower gas prices, which are skyrocketing due to a self-made crisis by the White House. But it will erase beloved species like manatees, sea turtles, and whales. The proposed “Protect Gulf Life Act," which would reverse the widely unpopular God Squad decision, could be the difference between thriving Gulf wildlife and the ecosystems they support, and permanent extinction.”
“The Protect Gulf Life Act is the kind of courage our most endangered species need right now,” said Oceana Campaign Manager Julia Singer. “This bill would put a stop to the reckless move by the Trump administration to put short-term profits over entire species' survival. When a species is gone, it's gone. The Endangered Species Act is the safeguard against that calamitous and entirely avoidable outcome. With this act, we can ensure species like the Rice's whale live to see another day. We commend Representatives Beyer for his leadership on this issue and urge Congress to join in the overwhelming public support for these protections by passing this bill.”
Full text of the legislation is available here, with a one-pager available here.
SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Slams Trump Administration Decision to Gut America’s Conservation Legacy
Position: The representatives oppose the Trump Administration's decision to strike down the Bureau of Land Management's Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, arguing that the rule provided balanced management of public lands by valuing conservation equally with energy extraction and mining.
The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Reps. Doris Matsui (CA), Don Beyer (VA), and Maxine Dexter (OR) released a statement following the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) decision to formally strike down the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, or “Public Lands Rule”.
“The Department of the Interior struck down much-needed guidance for our nation’s largest land agency that laid out a balanced approach when it comes to managing 245 million acres of America’s public lands,” said the Task Force Co-Chairs. “This is a devastating attack on our public lands and the freedom for our children and future generations to explore the great outdoors. The Bureau of Land Management's Public Lands Rule reiterated the simple and straightforward concept that conservation should be equally valued alongside energy extraction and mining uses of our public lands. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to go against the wishes of the American people and tilt the scales in favor of corrupt polluters. SEEC’s Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force will continue to fight alongside the overwhelming American majority who support the responsible management and conservation of our nation’s special places.”
Position: Rep. Beyer opposes the Trump administration's war with Iran, arguing it is driving inflation and price increases that harm American families. He criticizes Republican congressional support for continuing the war and calls for Congress to exercise constitutional authority to end it.
Inflation data released by the Trump Administration today via the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed prices surging, as inflation reached the highest levels in three years. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report found that prices rose at an annual rate of 3.8 percent in April. The increase was driven by skyrocketing fuel and gas prices amid President Trump’s unpopular war with Iran, but other items including groceries, electricity, and travel expenses also saw steep increases.
Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, said:
“As the American people suffer the ill effects of higher prices inflicted on them through a foolish war they largely oppose, Republicans in Washington – who keep voting to continue that war – are preparing to spend a billion dollars in taxpayer money on a fancy golden ballroom for Donald Trump.
“This is not the leadership of American statesmen, it is the behavior of deliriously out-of-touch Ancien Régime aristocrats. And no one is more out of touch than Trump himself, who keeps insisting that the affordability crisis is a ‘hoax’ while he does all he can to make life less affordable for American families. Prices are rising at a catastrophic rate thanks to this disastrous war of choice, and Trump is alternating between bloviating to his lackeys about his ballroom and yelling at clouds in manic late night social media tantrums.
“The Constitution empowers Congress to make our country better and stronger, reflect the popular will, and rein in Executive Branch excesses. This Republican-led rubber stamp Congress is among the weakest in our history, and their surrender of power amid economic calamity and blatant presidential corruption is a national embarrassment that will be long remembered. The American people deserve better.”
SEEC Slams Republican Farm Bill’s Failure to Help America’s Farmers
Position: The statement opposes the Republican Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), arguing it fails to address farmers' challenges from rising input costs and extreme weather, cuts conservation and renewable energy support, and provides giveaways to chemical corporations instead of protecting environmental standards and affordability.
The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement in response to the House passage of the Republican-led Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) that undermines American agriculture, affordability, and public health.
“Republicans’ Farm Bill fails to confront the crisis that America’s farmers and families find themselves in. While Americans are facing rising costs at the gas pump and grocery store, our nation’s farmers are struggling under rising input costs, market instability, costly extreme weather, a gutted U.S. Department of Agriculture, and an expensive Trump War abroad. While this Farm Bill included important provisions, Republicans included a number of poison pills that would make it even harder for millions of Americans to put food on the table and lead healthy lives.
“Electricity prices are rising faster than inflation; diesel costs are up by 45%; fertilizer costs are up by 20 to 40%; grocery prices are up 3.6% this year; and farm bankruptcies have skyrocketed by 46% in the past year alone. But instead of tackling skyrocketing inflation, House Republicans put forth a Farm Bill that exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis by cutting support for cost-saving conservation practices and on-farm solar production. Instead of protecting Americans against deadly toxins, they continued their crusade on behalf of Trump’s polluters by handing out giveaways to chemical corporations and going after our bedrock environmental protections that safeguard our health and America’s wildlife.
“The Farm Bill should be an opportunity to invest in a robust and resilient American food supply chain. We at SEEC will continue to fight for a Farm Bill that delivers food to the table and provides stability and growth for America’s farmers.”
Beyer, Obernolte Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Transition to Unleaded Aviation Fuel
Position: Representatives Beyer and Obernolte support legislation directing the FAA to establish an education program to help pilots and aviation professionals transition from leaded to unleaded aviation gasoline, addressing general aviation as the largest source of lead emissions in the United States.
U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) today introduced the Undoing National Lead Exposure through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT (UNLEADED) Act, bipartisan legislation to support the transition from leaded to unleaded aviation gasoline (Avgas) in general aviation.
While leaded gasoline has been banned in motor vehicles for more than 25 years, the use of leaded Avgas remains widespread across the general aviation sector, which includes roughly 220,000 aircraft operating at more than 20,000 airports nationwide. As a result, general aviation aircraft are now the largest source of lead emissions in the United States. The UNLEADED Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a comprehensive education program to support the safe and effective adoption of unleaded Avgas.
“General aviation is critically important to our national economy and to emergency services like medical transport and disaster response, but it remains the largest source of lead emissions in the United States,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Although new unleaded aviation fuel alternatives are being developed and certified, many pilots and operators lack clear information about their availability, safety, and compatibility. Our bipartisan UNLEADED Act will help bridge the information gap by ensuring pilots, instructors, and aviation professionals have the tools they need to safely transition to unleaded fuels as they become available, which will protect public health while supporting a strong general aviation sector.”
“As the general aviation community continues to grow, we must ensure that our pilots and others in the industry are informed about the latest developments in aviation technology, particularly the future of unleaded gasoline for general aviation aircraft,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte. “The UNLEADED Act will ensure that the general aviation community is familiar with the current state of certified unleaded fuel alternatives by directing the FAA to establish an educational program on unleaded aviation gasoline. Initiatives such as this one are critical as we move towards the goal of a lead-free general aviation fleet.”
Representatives Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) are original co-sponsors of the UNLEADED Act.
This legislation is also supported by organizations including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Vertical Aviation International (VAI).
“Business aviation is committed to achieving a safe and sustainable transition to a lead-free future, and meaningful progress is already well underway,” said National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen. “But reaching this goal safely and at scale requires clear, consistent education for pilots, aircraft owners and fuel providers. The bipartisan UNLEADED Act will help accelerate the adoption of safe, approved unleaded fuels by ensuring the entire aviation community has the information needed to move forward with confidence. We thank Reps. Beyer and Obernolte for their leadership in advancing a practical solution that protects public health while preserving the safety and reliability of our National Airspace System.”
Specifically, the Undoing National Lead Exposure through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT (UNLEADED) Act, would:
Text of the UNLEADED Act is available here.
SEEC Decries Republican Attacks on Bedrock Environmental and Wildlife Laws
Position: The SEEC leadership opposes Republican efforts to weaken the Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, and National Environmental Policy Act through legislative amendments and exemptions that reduce environmental protections and transparency.
The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement in response to the House passage of the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4690), Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act (H.R. 5587), and Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act (H.R. 6387), along with the failed attempt to pass the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act (H.R. 1897).
“House Republicans chose to celebrate the week of Earth Day by continuing their crusade against the bedrock environmental and wildlife protection laws that have served and benefitted the American people for more than 50 years. We wish this was just a cruel joke, but unfortunately, the Republican assault on our fundamental right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment is deadly serious.
“The Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, and National Environmental Policy Act are our nation’s foundational environmental protection laws. These essential laws were passed by a bipartisan Congress and a Republican president more than half a century ago, but gone are the days when Republicans would stand up for democracy, fight corruption, and work across the aisle to secure a clean and healthy environment for our communities to live in. The Endangered Species Act – which has long been overwhelmingly popular with the American people – is a critically important tool to protect our nation’s imperiled wildlife and plants. It’s why our nation’s iconic bald eagle, American peregrine falcon, and Florida manatee are still with us today. Yet, Republican leadership decided this would be the week to try to gut critical protections for America’s most endangered wildlife.
“This Earth Day, the American people reiterated loud and clear that we will stand up for America’s iconic wildlife, leading to Republicans cancelling the vote on the ESA Amendments Act at the last moment. But even if there were enough Republicans who were willing to say no to gutting the ESA, they were still gleeful to pass other bills that would mask the true severity of air pollution and eliminate transparency for major projects. By providing exemption after exemption from our environmental protection laws, it will be Trump’s billionaire donors who benefit while the Trump Administration turns a blind eye as Americans get sicker and sicker.”
Position: Rep. Beyer celebrates Virginia's enactment of a paid family and medical leave law and expresses support for federal legislation establishing paid leave for all workers nationwide.
Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), today hailed the enactment of a new paid family and medical leave law in Virginia, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday.
“I am overjoyed that Virginia has joined the ranks of states guaranteeing paid leave. This is a historic step forward by Governor Spanberger and the General Assembly for affordability, for families, for businesses and workers, and for a better and stronger Commonwealth,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Study after study shows that paid leave policies are good for workers and businesses, and the law enacted by the General Assembly will allow time to fund and adjust for the program. I applaud the Governor, Del. Sewell, Sen. Boysko, and all who fought for this landmark law. Every worker deserves guaranteed paid family and medical leave, and I will continue seeking passage of federal legislation so workers across the country can receive the benefits that Virginians will soon enjoy.”
The paid leave law enacted by Virginia’s General Assembly and signed yesterday by Governor Spanberger was introduced by Del. Briana Sewell and Sen. Jennifer Boysko. Per the Governor’s office, it “creates a portable insurance program — funded by both workers and employers, similar to unemployment insurance — that allows Virginians to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave to address serious health needs for themselves or a family member, including parental leave,” which would “significantly expand access to Virginia’s workers and smaller employers who otherwise would not be able to offer such a benefit.”
Analysis of the law from the Center For American Progress is available here.
Since taking office, Beyer has championed policies to guarantee universal paid family and medical leave to all workers. He previously helped secure paid leave for federal employees and veterans in the federal workforce, and used his position as Chair of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee to bring attention to the need for federal paid leave policies.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEAgriculture5 contributionsAgricultural processing PAC for American Crystal Sugar — backs candidates supporting farm subsidies, sugar price supports, and agricultural trade policies.AI$25,000
2.AUTOMOTIVE FREE INTERNATIONAL TRADE PACTransport5 contributionsAutomotive-industry PAC — supports candidates and policies favoring free-trade agreements and reduced tariffs on vehicle imports and parts.AI$25,000
3.DEALERS ELECTION ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS ASSOCIATIONTransport4 contributionsTrade association PAC for new-car dealers — backs candidates supporting dealer franchise protections, vehicle sales regulations, and automotive retail interests.AI$20,000
4.NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION PACLeadership3 contributionsMember-of-Congress leadership PAC affiliated with the New Democrat Coalition caucus — directs contributions to allied Democrats, typically those focused on fiscal responsibility and pro-business policies.AI$15,000
5.THE HOME DEPOT INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEBusiness3 contributionsRetail corporation PAC — supports candidates aligned with business-friendly policies on tax, labor, and regulatory matters.AI$15,000
6.REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (REALPAC)Real Estate3 contributionsReal estate industry PAC — backs candidates supporting property-development incentives, commercial real estate investment, and favorable tax treatment of real property.AI$15,000
7.AMERICAN STAFFING ASSOCIATION STAFFING PACBusiness2 contributionsStaffing-industry trade association PAC — backs candidates supporting flexible labor markets, reduced regulatory burden on temporary staffing firms, and workforce development policies.AI$10,000
8.INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERSLabor2 contributionsTrade union PAC for machinists and aerospace workers — backs candidates supporting union organizing, prevailing wages, and aerospace manufacturing jobs.AI$10,000
9.INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SHEET METAL, AIR, RAIL AND TRANSPORTATION WORKERS PACLabor2 contributionsTrade-union PAC for sheet metal, air, rail, and transportation workers — backs prevailing-wage protections, infrastructure investment, and worker organizing rights.AI$10,000
10.AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICELawyers2 contributionsTrial lawyers' advocacy PAC — supports candidates backing litigation rights, tort reform opposition, and consumer protection through the civil justice system.AI$10,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.SELF$21,885
2.ANTHROPIC$21,000
3.WEINSTEIN PROPERTIES$10,000
4.MACHINE INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH INSTITUT$8,500
5.FRIED COMPANIES, INC.$7,000
6.MIT$7,000
7.CAPITAL$7,000
8.HUESTON HENNIGAN LLP$7,000
9.WHITE & CASE LLP$7,000
10.ZETTA VENTURE PARTNERS$7,000
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
