Ken Calvert

Rep. Calvert Introduces the Fireworks for Freedom Act

Position: Rep. Calvert introduced legislation to waive certain state and federal environmental laws and regulations that restrict fireworks displays, while preserving local authority and federal safety standards, in response to permit denials for July 4th celebrations.

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Fireworks for Freedom Act, H.R. 8593, legislation that will ensure every community across America can celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with firework displays if they so choose. The bill is being introduced in response to radical state environmental agencies, like the California Coastal Commission, which recently denied a permit for a fireworks display in Long Beach, California, scheduled for July 4th. The bill would waive certain state and federal environmental laws and regulations that have been used to deny permits for fireworks displays while preserving local authority. The bill has received the support of the National Fireworks Association and American Pyrotechnics Association. “Americans celebrate Independence Day by eating hot dogs, apple pie, and watching fireworks – and I’m not going to let left-wing lunatics stop that,” said Rep. Calvert. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we should be planning bigger and better fireworks shows, not canceling them. The 4th of July is a day to celebrate our liberties and freedom. Once again, those liberties are under attack in California. I can’t think of a better way to renew our commitment to freedom than by having Congress pass the Fireworks for Freedom Act to ensure Americans can enjoy America 250 with a bang!” “The National Fireworks Association (NFA), representing more than 800 small businesses, supports Congressman Ken Calvert’s Fireworks for Freedom Act,” said National Fireworks Association President Stacy Schneitter Blake. “Fireworks have been part of our nation’s celebrations since 1777, and as America approaches its 250th anniversary, this bill helps ensure communities can safely take part in that tradition. It responsibly removes unnecessary barriers to hosting displays while preserving federal safety standards and local control. We appreciate Congressman Calvert’s leadership in supporting a safe and meaningful America250 celebration.” “Fireworks have been part of America’s Independence celebrations since 1777, and the Fireworks for Freedom Act will help ensure communities nationwide can fully take part in the 250th anniversary. By easing certain federal and state restrictions while preserving safety and local control, this bill strikes the right balance,” said Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. ###

Rep. Calvert Introduces Resolution Slamming California’s Energy Policies

Position: Rep. Calvert opposes California's restrictions on domestic oil production, arguing that these policies increase gasoline prices, harm economic competitiveness, and undermine national security and military readiness.

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert introduced a resolution condemning California and other states for enacting policies that restrict domestic oil production, increase gasoline prices, and undermine American energy security and national defense. The resolution calls out the California policies that restrict energy supplies and increase costs, which impact consumers – including the U.S. military. Last month, Rep. Calvert wrote an op-ed in the Orange County Register about the consequences of the restrictive energy policies enacted in Sacramento. “California’s radical anti-energy policies are having a devastating effect on our economy as well as our national security,” said Rep. Calvert. “The high taxes and burdensome red tape put in place by liberals in Sacramento have resulted in declining energy production as well as refining capacity. While California families are routinely hit with the highest gasoline prices in the country, the one thing worse than expensive energy is no energy. Recent global events have once again exposed the dangers of a heavy dependence on foreign sources of energy. The readiness of the military bases located throughout California is dependent on reliable energy sources. California must revisit these ill-advised policies for the sake of our economic and national security.”

Reps. Calvert, Obernolte, Correa, and Fine Introduce Bill to Protect Small Businesses from Shakedown Lawsuits

Today, Congressmen Ken Calvert (CA-41), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Randy Fine (FL-6) introduced the ACCESS Act, H.R. 8396, legislation designed to help small businesses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and protect them from serial litigants. The bill is supported by the American Booksellers Association, the Workplace Solutions Association, and the National Bicycle Dealers Association. “As a former small business owner, I know that our job creators on Main Street face tremendous challenges to keep the doors open,” said Rep. Calvert. “Congress should be protecting small businesses from serial litigants trying to exploit laws, like the ADA, for personal gain. We can protect the disabled, small businesses, and the jobs they create by passing the ACCESS Act and giving owners with a reasonable window of time to address any disabled access issues. I appreciate my colleagues, Rep. Correa, Rep. Obernolte, and Rep. Fine, joining me in this effort to help our small business owners.” “Too many small businesses are being targeted by predatory, drive-by lawsuits that do nothing to improve accessibility for the disabled,” said Rep. Obernolte. “This legislation restores common sense by giving business owners the chance to fix legitimate ADA issues before facing costly litigation. More lawsuits won’t solve this problem. Instead we need compliance, education, and real improvements that ensure accessibility for everyone.” “ADA requirements are crucial to making our communities accessible to neighbors with disabilities, and small businesses here in Orange County work hard to comply with these rules,” said Rep. Lou Correa. “Small business owners don’t always know when they are violating building codes, and they should be given time to fix it when they realize they don’t meet these requirements. This is how we can help keep Main Street businesses from being sued, save money, and create more accessible communities.” “On behalf of the American Booksellers Association, we want to thank Congressman Calvert for introducing the common-sense ACCESS Act,” said David Grogan, Director, ABFE, Advocacy & Public Policy, American Booksellers Association. “This legislation provides a crucial notice and cure period to end frivolous lawsuits targeting small businesses. The ACCESS Act is pro-small business and pro-strong ADA regulations; by providing a grace period for ADA fixes, it will stop meritless lawsuits while strengthening and clarifying ADA regulations for website owners — guaranteeing that any legitimate ADA violation is fixed in a timely fashion. For years, independent bookstores have been key targets of lawyers falsely claiming non-compliance to intimidate stores into agreeing to costly settlements. These law firms are not interested in ensuring that websites and physical spaces are ADA compliant. As a result, small business owners end up spending thousands of dollars. This jeopardizes both their ability to fix any real ADA issues and their ability to keep their doors open for business. We believe the ACCESS Act of 2025 solves this growing problem, ensuring true accessibility for all.” The ACCESS (ADA Compliance for Customer Entry to Stores and Services) Act would alleviate the financial burden small businesses are facing, while still fulfilling the purpose of the ADA. Any person aggrieved by a violation of the ADA would provide the owner or operator with a written notice of the violation, specific enough to allow such owner or operator to identify the barrier to their access. Within 60 days, the owner or operator would be required to provide the aggrieved person with a description outlining improvements that would be made to address the barrier. The owner or operator would then have 60 days to either fix the issue or make substantial progress towards fixing the issue. The failure to meet any of these conditions would allow the suit to go forward. The purpose of the ADA is to ensure appropriate remedial action for those who have suffered harm. Although there are times when litigation by harmed individuals is necessary, there are an increasing number of lawsuits brought under the ADA that are based upon a desire to achieve financial settlements rather than to achieve the appropriate modifications. ADA lawsuits are especially prevalent in California. According to one analysis, there were more ADA lawsuits in California than the 49 other states combined. ###

Calvert, Quigley Introduce Bill To Advance ALS Research and Keep Treatments Available

Position: Representatives Calvert and Quigley introduced legislation to reauthorize the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act for five additional years, expand access to experimental treatments, and advance research into neurodegenerative diseases.

This week, Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act (ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act) of 2026. The ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act will help people living with ALS continue to access promising treatments and further advance the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Today, the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act was noticed for a hearing at the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on April 15, 2026. “The ACT for ALS was a landmark law that gave hope to Americans impacted by ALS,” said Rep. Calvert. “It’s now critical that Congress builds upon that milestone by passing the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act to continue our progress in researching cures and treatments. The courageous and extraordinary ALS advocates who helped us pass the ACT for ALS are a source of inspiration and the reason we have reached this moment. I appreciate the leadership of my fellow ALS Caucus colleague Rep. Mike Quigley in sponsoring this bill and working together with me to advance these bipartisan solutions.” “Every dollar put towards ACT for ALS programs has improved our understanding of ALS and allowed people living with ALS to access promising treatments. We made great progress during the first five years of these programs, but ALS remains a 100% fatal disease. The federal government must continue supporting efforts to end this disease once and for all,” said Rep. Quigley. “The passage of ACT for ALS was one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. I am proud to work alongside Congressman Calvert, Senators Murkowski and Coons, and the incredible organizations fighting neurodegenerative diseases to ensure this work continues.” Quigley and Calvert’s legislation will reauthorize ACT for ALS programs for 5 years, codify the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of Expanded Access Program eligibility guidelines, require a new FDA 5-year Action Plan, and require a new GAO report on the implementation of ACT for ALS programs in 2030. In the Senate, the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act is led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Chris Coons (DE). “ALS is a disease that takes from us: it steals movement, communication, and tomorrows,” said Senator Coons. “ACT for ALS funds research to stop ALS from claiming more lives and futures, and to give hope and new treatments to those already fighting its cruelty. I am grateful to Senator Murkowski and Representatives Quigley and Calvert for their partnership on this bipartisan reauthorization bill.” “ALS is indiscriminate and devastating. It can strike any of us—and it will take all of us working together to support those affected and help end this terminal disease,” said Senator Murkowski. “As an ALS Caucus Co-Chair, I’m honored to introduce the ACT for ALS Reauthorization, which will break down treatment barriers and accelerate the research and development of therapies for those living with ALS.” This legislation has been endorsed by I AM ALS, the ALS Network, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the ALS Association. “This bill is urgent - because ALS doesn’t wait, and neither can we,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Since 2021, ACT for ALS has driven historic progress: unlocking critical funding, expanding access to promising therapies, and accelerating the path toward a cure. The ALS community united to pass this landmark legislation once, and together with partners and advocates nationwide, we will do it again. We are deeply grateful to the I AM ALS volunteer community and to Representatives Quigley and Calvert for their leadership in reintroducing the bill and their commitment to progress.” “Every day, we hear from individuals and families navigating the realities of ALS, where time is incredibly limited and options are few,” said Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of the ALS Network. “Families do not have the luxury of waiting. ACT for ALS has already helped lay the groundwork for a more coordinated and effective approach to ALS research and for expanded access to investigational therapies for those who cannot participate in clinical trials. Reauthorization is essential to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that people living with ALS have every possible opportunity for progress while the search for breakthroughs continues. We are grateful to Representatives Calvert and Quigley for their leadership in advancing this critical effort.” “The ACT for ALS has become a real-world test of whether our research and regulatory systems can move at the speed our community needs. Early results are very encouraging, but reauthorization is necessary to truly fulfill its promise to our community. The legislation introduced this week is a chance to not only further accelerate our rare neurodegenerative disease drug development approach, but also to provide a blueprint for how rare disease innovation should work going forward,” said Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, President and CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Association. "ACT for ALS has already changed what's possible for people living with ALS – and our volunteers and staff fought to make this reauthorization even stronger. More accountability. Fewer barriers. Faster pathways to get promising treatments to the people who need them. This bill reflects what our advocates demanded and what people living with ALS deserve: a commitment from the federal government that matches the urgency of this disease," said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of the ALS Association. ###

Chairman Calvert’s Statement on President Trump’s Landmark Defense Budget Request

Position: Chairman Calvert supports increased defense spending as outlined in President Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget request, citing the need for military modernization, troop pay increases, munitions production, shipbuilding, and critical mineral sourcing in response to evolving global security threats.

Today, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on the release of President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request: “President Trump’s landmark budget request makes the continued rebuilding of America’s military a top priority. As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I applaud the President’s leadership and steadfast commitment to our national security. The budget request includes several priorities that echo initiatives the Defense Subcommittee has advanced under my leadership, including historic pay raises for our junior enlisted servicemembers as well as all troops, investing in the production of munitions at scale, increased shipbuilding, and the domestic sourcing of critical minerals. As we have seen in Ukraine and throughout the Middle East, modern warfare is changing rapidly. It is essential to America’s national security that Congress provides the right resources, in terms of both quality and quantity, to confront the threats we face today and tomorrow. I look forward to our upcoming budget hearings with Department of War leaders and working with my colleagues to craft a Fiscal Year 2027 defense appropriations bill.” ###

House Passes Rep. Calvert’s Federal Working Animal Protection Act

Today, the House of Representatives passed (228 to 190) H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act. Congressman Ken Calvert introduced the bill to protect animals used by federal law enforcement agencies. The bill was introduced after Freddie, a Customs and Border Patrol agriculture detector dog, was assaulted last June by a non-citizen from Egypt. The Federal Working Animal Protection Act would make the assault of an animal used by federal law enforcement a deportable offense under Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It would also make applicants with such offenses on their record inadmissible to the U.S. under Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. “I appreciate my House colleagues passing the Federal Working Animal Protection Act and joining me in standing up for our law enforcement animals who help keep Americans safe,” said Rep. Calvert. “Coming to America is a privilege, not a right. Anyone who assaults a law enforcement animal, like Freddie, simply has no place in our country. Animals like Freddie work to keep us safe, so it’s only right for us to take steps to protect them.” ### Issues: Homeland Security and Illegal Immigration

House Passes Rep. Calvert Bill to Support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

Position: Rep. Calvert supports H.R. 831, which establishes an interest-bearing account at the Treasury to hold state contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, enabling accumulated funds to earn interest while supporting habitat restoration and water management in the Southwest.

Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 831, the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act. The bill was introduced by Rep. Calvert to support Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) activities. The bill would establish an interest-bearing account at the Department of the Treasury to hold the funds contributed by the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada for the LCR MSCP. “I’m grateful for my House colleagues' support in passing the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act,” said Rep. Calvert. “Providing additional resources for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program at no cost to taxpayers will support one of our most important natural resources in the Southwest,” said Rep. Calvert. “This bipartisan bill is a common-sense step that allows excess funds in the LCR MSCP to earn interest and maintain their effectiveness.” “Representative Calvert’s legislation supports collaboration among federal, state and local partners to conserve wildlife and sustain water reliability in the Colorado River basin,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AK-4). “I applaud his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to see this bill across the finish line.” Background: The Lower Colorado River provides critical water and power supplies across the Southwest. The LCR MSCP was authorized by Congress in 2009 and is supported by agencies within the federal government, as well as State, Tribal, and local water, power, and wildlife agencies. Within the geographic scope of the LCR MSCP from Lake Mead to the Mexican border, the program will establish over 8,000 acres of native riparian and aquatic habitat. It includes additional science-based research and management efforts focused on expanding knowledge of the local wildlife and the quality of the habitat restoration efforts. The program has already achieved success in stocking thousands of native fish and increasing the number of breeding migratory birds within 5,000 acres of new riparian habitat. The LCR MSCP has a budget of $626 million for its 50-year term. The funding is shared among the program participants on the basis of 50% Federal, 25% California, and 12.5% each from Arizona and Nevada. Through the LCR MSCP agreements, the Lower Basin States committed to make quarterly payments to cover the program costs based on the initial budget estimates established in 2005. For Fiscal Year 2024, the program budget calls for funding of $38.8 million, with the State participants paying $19.4 million. Over time, the pace of funding has exceeded the work expenditures, and Reclamation has accumulated over $60 million in contributed funds for future costs. However, the accounts in which the Bureau of Reclamation holds the contributed funds do not earn interest or any investment return. There are multiple examples of funds established by congressional action in the U.S. Treasury that are directed to be invested or to earn interest. This legislation simply allows the LCR MSCP to also earn interest. ### Issues: Water

Rep. Calvert Statement on Operation Epic Fury

Position: Rep. Calvert supports President Trump's Operation Epic Fury against Iran, characterizing it as necessary to protect America and allies by eliminating Iran's ability to conduct terrorism and pursue nuclear weapons, and expressing commitment to supporting Israel and regional allies.

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on Operation Epic Fury: “Ayatollah Khomeini and the Iranian regime is the head of the snake that is responsible for killing thousands of Americans and our allies in the Middle East. For decades, both Republican and Democratic Presidents alike, as well as our allies around the world, have told the Iranian regime that it must stop its pursuit of nuclear weapons, end the widespread support of its proxy terrorism network, and cease its tyrannical denial of fundamental liberties for the Iranian people. Despite the best diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration and our allies, the Iranian regime has failed to divert from its violent path. President Trump’s decision to launch Operation Epic Fury will protect America and our allies by eliminating the Iranian regime’s ability to wage terror and threaten its enemies. It will also provide the Iranian people with a historic opportunity to shape their own future free from oppression. As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Committee, I was notified after Operation Epic Fury began and I look forward to continued briefings from our military and civilian national security leaders. We will stand together with Israel and our allies in the region as they face retaliation by Iran, and help them shape a more peaceful future for the Middle East. I pray for the safety of our brave and incredibly capable servicemembers carrying out this mission.” ###

Rep. Calvert: The State of the Union is Strong and Getting Stronger

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address: “I agree with President Trump that the state of our union is strong and getting stronger. Over the past year inflation is lower, interest rates have come down, our border is more secure, federal income taxes are lower, and gas prices are down. These are undeniable facts that are a direct result of policies put in place by President Trump and Republicans in Congress. I look forward to working with President Trump to build off this tremendous progress to grow our economy, increase opportunities for American families, and keep our country safe and secure.” ###