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Prediction track record
How often we called Tom Barrett'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.
No paired statements and votes yet for Tom Barrett
We haven't yet found statement/vote pairs on the same topic for Tom Barrett. This usually means either the rep hasn't taken public positions on bills that have come to a passage vote, or those bills haven't been tagged yet. The checker runs as new press releases and votes come in.
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Get an AI-narrated read on Tom Barrett's full voting record against your stated values — aligned themes, conflicts, notable votes, and what to watch for.
Positions Tom Barrett took during their campaign, scored against their subsequent record — public statements cross-checked with related votes. “Kept” means 80%+ of those statement-vs-vote pairs aligned; “Broken” means 30% or fewer.
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Tom Barrett has 7 tracked positions but no scored statement-vs-vote pairs touching them yet. Verdicts will appear here as related statements and votes accumulate.
No action yetSupports
The federal government should send more money to local police departments.
“I have consistently supported the men and women in public safety...will oppose all efforts to defund our police and prosecutors.”
The U.S. should do more to enforce immigration laws and secure the border.
“I will work hard to make sure our border security agencies...have the tools they need to prevent people from entering the country illegally. I will also work to complete the border wall.”
A national law should protect access to abortion in every state.
“While Senator Barrett has been a consistent pro-life state legislator, Elissa Slotkin supports some of the most extreme abortion policies of anyone in Congress.”
Parents should be able to use public funds — through vouchers — to send their kids to private or charter schools.
“Reports of school districts monitoring parents' social media...are leading more and more families out of public schools...Our schools should spend less time on progressive and woke indoctrination”
Education policy should be set by states, not the federal Department of Education.
“Decisions that should be made by parents are increasingly being claimed by the education bureaucracy...we have to push back and make our children the priority”
Passage votes where Tom Barrett broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
5
Cross-aisle votes
119-hconres-93·Sep 16, 2026·96% of R voted NO
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Barrett, Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Elder Fraud
Position: Introduces a bipartisan bill establishing a 24/7 federal hotline and website, operated by the FTC and DOJ, for reporting elder fraud and scams and connecting victims with law enforcement and resources.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the One Front Door for Elder Fraud Act to establish a 24/7 hotline and website to serve as a one-stop shop for reporting scams and fraud targeting seniors. The platform would help law enforcement catch and prosecute criminals while offering seniors resources to protect themselves from potential scams.
Fraud costs American seniors billions of dollars every year. The latest reporting by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that adults aged 60 and older lost about $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024 alone.
“Fraudsters are constantly targeting seniors to cheat them out of their hard-earned retirement,” Barrett said. “These sophisticated scammers pose as federal agencies, banks, and even loved ones, while artificial intelligence is making impersonation easier than ever. Families need resources to recognize and quickly report suspected fraud. By establishing a 24/7, one-stop shop for addressing elder fraud, this bipartisan bill will protect vulnerable seniors and empower law enforcement to crack down on these criminals.”
“People who steal from seniors and retirees are the lowest of the low. No one should have to navigate impenetrable government websites or spend hours stuck on hold trying to report these scams,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “My bill makes it simple, you call one number or go to one site and your report goes directly to the investigator you need. When we give law enforcement the tools to fight back, they can respond immediately and take on these predatory scammers.”
Currently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) operates an elder fraud hotline, but it is only available during business hours, and finding relevant information from different federal agencies can be difficult.
Under the One Front Door for Elder Fraud Act, the FTC and DOJ would be responsible for operating a 24/7 elder fraud hotline and website, which would enable a senior or loved one to file a complaint about any fraud or scam, submit a message allegedly from the federal government to verify whether it is legitimate, and request a connection with the appropriate federal, state, and local authorities.
The website would also provide resources for combating the most common types of elder fraud and scams — including resources at relevant federal agencies.
CLICK HERE to read the One Front Door for Elder Fraud Act of 2026.
Barrett Introduces Legislation to Address Growing Threats from Artificial Intelligence, Other Emerging Technology
Position: Introduces legislation to create a Cabinet-level Office of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Threats within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal AI policy, monitor AI risks, and advise the president, citing AI's effects on jobs, national security, and human dignity.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) formally introduced the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Emerging Threats Act (H.R. 10768) to address AI threats and increase accountability in light of warnings from AI researchers about the risks associated with this rapidly developing technology that companies are further advancing by the day.
Specifically, the legislation would create the U.S. Office of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Threats, which would be led by a representative presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed to serve in the president’s Cabinet. The mission of the office would be to spearhead development and implementation of federal policy on AI and other technological risks.
“The United States government has a fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens from all threats, including those we might not see coming. The rapid development of AI technology, which has potential to improve our society, has exposed the serious dangers that can come with it,” said Barrett. “We are already seeing it replace American jobs, threaten our national security, and degrade human dignity. These risks cannot be ignored, so it’s time to create a seat at the table for someone to monitor AI technology, ensure strong guardrails are in place, and prepare us for this new era of technological innovation and beyond.”
The representative in charge of the Office of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Threats would serve as the principal adviser to the president on AI and emerging technological threats; coordinate among federal departments to ensure a cohesive federal approach to AI; and monitor risks and opportunities related to AI and other technologies. The representative would also be required to testify regularly before Congress on AI developments and threats.
The Office of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Threats would be housed within the Executive Office of the President. In addition to the representative, the office would have five Senate-confirmed deputy representatives to spearhead specific responsibilities:
Deputy representative for intergovernmental coordination;
Deputy representative for international engagement;
Deputy representative for private sector engagement;
Deputy representative for national security and emerging technology threats; and
Deputy representative for economic and workforce impacts.
The Office of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Threats is patterned after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which coordinates among federal intelligence agencies and also traditionally has a seat in the president’s Cabinet.
Background
Barrett has been a leader on increasing accountability and transparency for artificial intelligence and data centers. Last week, he wrote a letter calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz to work with other nations to negotiate a treaty setting international guardrails on AI. In addition to his call for international collaboration, Barrett has introduced or co-sponsored the following bills in Congress:
The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.
The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.
The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.
The Doctors Not AI Act (H.R. 10210), introduced by Barrett and Landsman, to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment.
The VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) to require VA employees — not AI — to make the final decisions for approval of disability claims or benefits. The bill also strengthens oversight and accountability for the VA’s digital benefits system.
The VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) to require the VA to disclose to every veteran any use of AI by the VA, including in claims processing and customer service chats.
The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers.
The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) to prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume.
The No Secrets for Data Centers Act (H.R. 10570) to prohibit and invalidate NDAs signed by federal, state, and local government officials to conceal details of data center projects. The bill would also prohibit data center operators from receiving government incentives if the conditions include entering an agreement to keep information about the project confidential.
CLICK HERE to read the bill.
Barrett Continues Support for Workers, Small Businesses in Mid-Michigan
Position: The release states that the congressman and administration officials support lowering taxes and that the 'no tax on overtime' and 'no tax on tips' measures have provided tax relief, with more to be done. It also expresses support for federal contracting opportunities and domestic manufacturing for small businesses.
Howell, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Kelly Loeffler and Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration Ed Forst to Howell to highlight their efforts to support small businesses and workers.
Barrett, Loeffler, and Forst met with leadership and staff at Highland Engineering, a family-owned business that designs and builds critical equipment for the U.S. military. The visit showcased the important partnership between small businesses and the federal government, and the officials also discussed their work to lower taxes and foster an economy where workers and small businesses can succeed.
“At Highland Engineering and small businesses across mid-Michigan, people work hard to do their jobs and provide for their families,” said Barrett. “I’ve been leading the charge to build an economy where everyone can succeed, and that starts with lowering costs for families. We delivered no tax on overtime, no tax on tips, and other tax relief that has put more money back in people’s pockets — and there is a lot more to be done. Thank you to Administrator Loeffler and Administrator Forst for coming to Howell to see the good work happening here in our communities.”
“Michigan has long been at the heart of America’s industrial strength, and in visiting Highland Engineering today we saw that legacy in action,” said Loeffler. “New orders are fueling growth and more opportunities for its employees — a powerful example of what the America First economic agenda means for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Thanks to President Trump’s commitment to American industry and its workers, and with leadership from congressional leaders like Congressman Barrett, we are bringing vital industries home and restoring the jobs that sustain families and communities across the state.”
“Small businesses like Highland Engineering are the backbone of our economy and critical partners in strengthening our nation's industrial and defense capabilities,” said Forst. “In line with President Trump’s commitment to American manufacturing, GSA is opening doors for domestic innovators like Highland to win the federal contracts and secure opportunities necessary to put the American people and products first.”
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Barrett Urges Secretary Rubio, UN Ambassador Waltz to Work on International AI Agreement
Position: Congressman Barrett urges the Secretary of State and the U.S. UN Ambassador to pursue a multilateral international agreement on artificial intelligence, including an AI treaty, incident reporting, risk management, and human control over offensive and nuclear weapons.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, encouraging them to collaborate with other nations to develop an international agreement to set guardrails on artificial intelligence (AI).
Barrett’s letter comes the day after the United Nations concluded its High-level Week at the beginning of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. Barrett asked the foreign policy officials to tackle risks from AI in light of warnings from AI researchers earlier this month.
“It is my strong belief, as the General Assembly begins its intensive working period, that conversations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) should include robust efforts for plans and collaboration towards an international agreement,” Barrett wrote. “While there has been productive dialogue between industry and world leaders about the future of AI, it is imperative for the United States to chart the path forward.”
He continued, “The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly is uniquely positioned to begin these conversations with other countries. This should not only happen with our allies, but our adversaries as well. While we may have disagreements, we should all work towards the common goal of ensuring this technology is properly regulated for the common good and safety of all countries. These exchanges should include ideas for an international AI treaty, incident report sharing, risk management techniques, and human control over offensive and nuclear weapons. Beginning these discussions will ensure we are all prepared.
“This next frontier in emerging technology has the ability to propel this world into a golden age or send us into collapse. I respectfully request that you both work to create regular and consistent multilateral dialogue on AI moving forward. It is critical that we begin these talks before it is too late.”
Background
Barrett has been a leader on increasing accountability and transparency for artificial intelligence and data centers. In addition to his call for international collaboration, Barrett has introduced or co-sponsored the following bills in Congress:
The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.
The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.
The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.
The Doctors Not AI Act (H.R. 10210), introduced by Barrett and Landsman, to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment.
The VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) to require VA employees — not AI — to make the final decisions for approval of disability claims or benefits. The bill also strengthens oversight and accountability for the VA’s digital benefits system.
The VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) to require the VA to disclose to every veteran any use of AI by the VA, including in claims processing and customer service chats.
The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers.
The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) to prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume.
The No Secrets for Data Centers Act (H.R. 10570) to prohibit and invalidate NDAs signed by federal, state, and local government officials to conceal details of data center projects. The bill would also prohibit data center operators from receiving government incentives if the conditions include entering an agreement to keep information about the project confidential.
CLICK HERE to read the full letter.
Barrett Joins Midwest Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation
Position: The release describes bipartisan legislation, the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, that would designate the Great Lakes Commission as an official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within NOAA's Regional Ocean Partnerships Program to increase federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. The sponsors state support for the bill and its goal of ensuring the region receives a fair share of federal program funding.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program.
This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts.
“Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region,” said Barrett. “This bipartisan legislation will help bring federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come.”
“As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Walberg. “The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.”
“As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets,” said Scholten. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation.”
“As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the federal government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority,” said Huizenga. “The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource.”
“The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States,” said Dingell. “As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures.”
“Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem,” said Stevens. “I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come.”
“As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region,” said Kaptur. “The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic well-being, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region.”
“The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them,” said Joyce. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come.”
“The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes,” said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region.”
Background
The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes Basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding.
Companion legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
Click here to read the full bill.
Position: The release states support for pausing diesel exports to reduce transportation and shipping costs, and advocates expanding domestic energy production, refinery capacity, and pipeline infrastructure.
Stockbridge, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to mid-Michigan to highlight efforts to unleash reliable energy production and promote critical research to help protect the environment from harmful chemicals.
The officials visited Enbridge’s Stockbridge Terminal and met with local energy leaders before heading to Michigan State University to see how researchers are studying the potential lasting effects and possible mitigation of PFAS chemicals. While at Enbridge, Barrett announced his support for pausing diesel exports to help rein in prices for transporting goods across the country.
“Hard-working families deserve to have confidence that they’ll be able to reliably heat their homes in the winter. Secure pipelines are the safest, most efficient, and most dependable way to transport fuel throughout our state,” said Barrett. “Prices at the pump and on utility bills are too expensive right now, and that’s why I’m continuing my work in Congress to unleash American energy production, expand refinery capacity, and protect the infrastructure that safely, cost-effectively transports fuel to and from those refineries. It’s also why I support pausing diesel exports to rein in prices that make shipping groceries and other products more expensive. Thank you to Administrator Zeldin for coming to mid-Michigan to see the work so many in our region are doing to fuel our communities and to protect people and our natural resources.”
“Energy fuels every part of our lives, but for years, Washington bureaucrats abused power to restrict critical energy infrastructure,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin. “At the Trump EPA, we are following the law, applying common sense, and helping to unleash U.S. energy dominance. As a result, good-paying energy jobs are being protected and created, and trillions of dollars in regulatory costs are being cut, while simultaneously fulfilling our statutory obligations and protecting our environment. It is great to be working alongside Representative Barrett to deliver for the American public.”
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Barrett Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency, Ban Data Centers NDAs
Position: Introduces the No Secrets for Data Centers Act, which would prohibit and invalidate non-disclosure agreements signed by federal, state, and local government officials to conceal details of data center projects from the public, and would bar data center operators from receiving government incentives conditioned on keeping project information confidential.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced the No Secrets for Data Centers Act to prohibit non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by government officials to conceal details of data center projects from the public.
The bipartisan bill, which applies to federal, state, and local officials, builds on the No Data Center NDAs Act Barrett introduced last month to prohibit members of Congress from signing NDAs to hide data center details. The legislation comes as government officials are increasingly signing NDAs with data center developers, keeping local residents in the dark about how the projects could affect natural resources and electric rates.
“Local residents must have the final say about data centers in their communities, and that means they need to know all the facts so they can make an informed decision,” Barrett said. “The recent surge in NDAs is keeping people in the dark about how a data center might affect their land, their water, and their electric bills — until it’s too late. Blocking these confidentiality agreements is an important step in our fight to increase transparency and protect citizens’ right to decide what is best for their community.”
“Big Tech needs to be transparent about these deals, not force local officials to sign NDAs and keep secrets from their communities,” said Landsman. “That means no more NDAs. Transparency can’t just be a promise – it needs to be law.”
“The American people have a right to know how data centers being built in their communities will affect local utilities, the local environment, and the local economy, and who will be responsible if and when things go wrong,” said Raskin. “Yet throughout the country, local officials are blocked from discussing these projects with their constituents because of the Non-Disclosure Agreements Big Tech companies are imposing to cloak these projects in secrecy. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Landsman to ban these corporate gag orders and make sure no public official is stifled in their most fundamental duty: answering to the people they represent and protecting their interests.”
The new bill also comes the week after Barrett and the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Ratepayer Protection Act to require large-load energy customers, such as data centers, to cover the full costs of increased grid capacity.
Background
The No Secrets for Data Centers Act would prohibit and invalidate NDAs signed by government officials to conceal details of data center projects. NDAs have gained attention in Michigan in recent years, with many federal, state, and local officials signing secrecy deals about a variety of proposed corporate projects.
The bill would also prohibit data center operators from receiving government incentives if the conditions include entering an agreement to keep information about the project confidential. Michigan currently prevents disclosure of details about data centers receiving targeted tax incentives, and other states have adopted similar confidentiality provisions.
Barrett has been a leader on reining in government overreach and increasing transparency and accountability for artificial intelligence and data centers. He voted against Michigan’s corporate welfare for data centers when he was a state lawmaker, and he’s introduced or co-sponsored the following bills in Congress:
The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers.
The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) would prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume.
The Doctors Not AI Act (H.R. 10210), introduced by Barrett and Landsman, to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment.
The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.
The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.
The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.
The VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) to require VA employees — not AI — to make the final decisions for approval of disability claims or benefits. The bill also strengthens oversight and accountability for the VA’s digital benefits system.
The VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) to require the VA to disclose to every veteran any use of AI by the VA, including in claims processing and customer service chats.
CLICK HERE to read the No Secrets for Data Centers Act.
Barrett Introduces Two Bills to Ensure Transparency, Accountability for AI Use at the VA
Position: Congressman Barrett introduced two bills requiring that VA employees make final decisions on disability claims with human review of each claimed condition, and that the VA disclose any use of artificial intelligence to veterans, including in claims processing and customer service chats.
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) this week introduced the VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) and the VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) to ensure veterans get efficient, transparent, quality service and human review for benefit claims when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses artificial intelligence.
“Technology is supposed to be a tool to provide better, faster service. It should never get in the way of the care and benefits veterans earned,” Barrett said. “The bills I’m introducing will always put veterans first at the VA by requiring transparency about any AI use and making sure a real person — not just an AI system — reviews every veteran’s claim.”
Barrett, who chairs the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, has been leading efforts in Congress to oversee technological upgrades at the VA to ensure new systems are truly helping VA staff meet veterans’ needs. At a recent hearing, he discussed with senior VA officials the need for transparency and human accountability for AI use at the department.
Background
The VA provides a variety of benefits and services to veterans based on disabilities resulting from their military service. The VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) would:
Ensure VA employees make all final decisions for approval of disability claims and benefits, including human review of each individual disability condition claimed;
Require the VA to maintain and continue improving its digital disability claims processing system to make sure it is accurately and efficiently getting veterans the benefits they earned; and
Strengthen oversight and accountability from Congress and the independent comptroller general.
The VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) would require the VA to disclose to every veteran any use of AI by the VA, including in claims processing and customer service chats.
Barrett has been a leader in reining in government overreach and increasing transparency and accountability for artificial intelligence technology and data center facilities. He has introduced or co-sponsored the following bills in Congress:
The Doctors Not AI Act (H.R. 10210) to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment.
The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.
The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.
The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.
The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers.
The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) to prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume.
CLICK HERE to read the VA Claims AI Accountability Act.
CLICK HERE to read the VA AI Transparency Act.
Barrett Joins Harrigan, Davis to Increase Rural Access to Quality Health Care
Position: The release describes Congressman Barrett's support for the bipartisan REACH Act, which would provide a tax credit of up to $10,000 for health professionals who work at least 900 hours per year in rural areas, to address rural health workforce shortages.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined Congressmen Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Don Davis (NC-01) in introducing the Resources for Essential Access to Community Health (REACH) Act. This bipartisan legislation would incentivize health care professionals to serve rural areas and address critical workforce shortages.
“Too many of our rural communities don’t have enough doctors and nurses to provide essential care for the local residents who need it,” said Barrett. “Where you live should never be a barrier to accessing quality care. By providing an incentive to attract these professionals to our communities, our bipartisan REACH Act will make health care more affordable and accessible for families in rural mid-Michigan.”
Background
Specifically, the REACH Act (H.R. 10440) would provide a tax credit of up to $10,000 for primary care physicians (including OB-GYNs), mental health professionals, nurses, and medical residents who work at least 900 hours per year in a rural area. The tax credit would decrease for individuals making more than $170,000.
Rural communities face especially severe shortages of medical professionals. Approximately 61% of federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas are in rural communities, including Eaton and Shiawassee counties.
The legislation builds on the historic Rural Health Transformation Program, which Barrett and his colleagues passed into law last year to lower costs and expand access to health care in rural communities. Michigan will be receiving $173 million through the program, including $25 million announced this month to improve technology and internet infrastructure to help rural residents access quality health care.
CLICK HERE to read the REACH Act.
Barrett Introduces AUMF To Limit, Wind Down Conflict in Iran and Restore Congressional War Powers Authority
Position: Congressman Barrett introduced legislation to authorize continued military action against Iran's nuclear weapons program for 90 days with specific limitations, including prohibitions on ground troops and nation-building, and a firm sunset deadline to prevent open-ended conflict.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to provide a clear and defined mission objective, limit the scope of approved military action, and establish a firm deadline for the conflict in Iran. Specifically, the AUMF would give President Donald Trump 90 days of the congressional authority required to successfully demolish, degrade, or defeat the nuclear weapons program of Iran and its proxies without putting American boots on the ground or engaging in nation-building.
“Two things have been clear from the very beginning: Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the United States of America cannot be dragged into another endless war,” said Barrett. “The Commander in Chief has the sole authority to lead our troops in wartime, but I’ve lost too many friends on the battlefield to allow that to happen without Congress exercising its constitutional role to clearly define the mission with safeguards and a deadline. If we don’t learn from our foreign policy failures of the past, we are bound to repeat them.”
On February 28, 2026, President Trump initiated military action against Iran. He subsequently notified Congress on March 2, 2026, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973. According to the War Powers Resolution (Sec. 5b), the president must terminate any use of force after 60 days of the report being submitted, which expired on May 1, 2026.
On May 1, the Trump administration issued a report to Congress detailing that the use of military force had concluded. However, U.S. military operations are ongoing. In the absence of Congress declaring war or providing specific statutory authorization for this use of military force, Barrett introduced a formal AUMF reclaiming Congress’s authority under Article 1 of the Constitution and giving President Trump clear legal authority to stop Iran from procuring a nuclear weapon with clear safeguards and limitations.
The 2026 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iran includes:
Clear Mission Objectives:
Demolish, degrade, or defeat Iran’s nuclear weapons program and associated delivery systems;
Address imminent threats to our Armed Forces or U.S. facilities by Iran or Iranian proxies;
Enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while ensuring safe passage for U.S. and allied vessels.
Authorization Prohibitions To Limit Escalation:
No boots on the ground, except for rescue missions and intelligence collection;
No nation-building or establishing long-term governance of Iran;
No occupying or seizing territory within Iran.
Deadlines To Prevent An Endless War:
A sunset expiration of July 30, 2026 — 90 days after the initial report of concluded military action was submitted to Congress on May 1;
A limited wind-down period of 30 days to end the deployment or engagement of the Armed Forces.
Reporting Requirements To Congress:
Every 30 days, the president must provide Congress with a description of military operations taken pursuant to the AUMF or conducted in reliance on other authorities;
An explanation of the legal authority and policy justification for each action and operation taken;
An assessment of civilian and military casualties.
CLICK HERE to read the full Authorization for Use of Military Force.
BACKGROUND:
Barrett joined the United States Army after high school where he served for 22 years in multiple key locations around the world, including Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and the Korean DMZ. Throughout his military career, he logged over 1,000 hours flying advanced helicopters, earning numerous awards and distinctions along the way.
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Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
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.OSHKOSH CORPORATION EMPLOYEES PAC (OCEPAC)Defense2 contributionsDefense contractor employee PAC — Oshkosh Corporation manufactures military vehicles, tactical trucks, and defense systems; the PAC backs candidates supporting defense spending and procurement.AI$10,000
9.SEAL PACOther3 contributionsPAC with unclear affiliation — name does not clearly signal industry, ideology, or leadership focus.AI · low$10,000
10.TULIP PAC3 contributions$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$188,046
2.OWNER$30,048
3.STARKEY HEARING$14,000
4.FLEXIBL PLAN INVESTMENTS, LTD$14,000
5.WINKLEVOSS CAPITAL$14,000
6.FOUNDERS FUND$14,000
7.OWOSSO SPEEDWAY$14,000
8.EXECUTIVE$14,000
9.PUROLITE$14,000
10.VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS$10,500
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.
