André Carson

Select Committee Democrats Outline Priorities Ahead of Trump–Xi Meeting in Beijing

Position: Congressional Democrats urge the Trump Administration to prioritize U.S. worker interests and national security in upcoming China negotiations, including addressing unfair trade practices, human rights abuses, and maintaining commitment to Taiwan's security without using it as a bargaining chip.

WASHINGTON – President Trump is set to meet with General Secretary Xi Jinping in Beijing May 14-15. The Trump Administration has conducted no formal public consultation on a potential U.S.-People’s Republic of China (PRC) deal, nor has it consulted with Congress. The Administration has made no public statements on what they’re seeking from the PRC or what President Trump is willing to give up during these talks. Congressman Ro Khanna, Ranking Member of the Select Committee, joined fellow Democratic members in reaffirming Congress’s oversight role and urging the Administration to pursue a strategy that protects U.S. national security, puts American’s workers first, and advocates for human rights and democratic values. Ranking Member Ro Khanna (CA-17) When President Trump meets Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, he must put America's workers and families first. His failed China policy has yet to confront China’s illegal dumping of goods into the U.S. market and other unfair nonmarket practices that are killing U.S. manufacturing jobs,” said Ranking Member Khanna. “Last week, I heard directly from American workers, farmers, manufacturers in America’s heartland who are facing higher costs of doing business, an uneven playing field, and an uncertain future due to the Administration’s inability to stand up to China. We need a new economic patriotism agenda that includes an industrial development bank, 1,000 trade schools, new tech institutes, investment in care jobs, and workers sharing in profits,” he emphasized. “Trump must also address China’s genocide against the Uyghurs and other human rights abuses, demand the release of Americans unjustly detained and blocked from leaving China, and stop the flow of fentanyl and fentanyl precursors to the U.S. Finally, the security and will of Taiwan’s people must under no circumstance be used as a bargaining chip. Any suggestion that America’s commitment to cross-Strait peace and stability could be traded away welcomes aggression and risks conflict that Americans resoundingly want to prevent. Americans deserve concrete results – not another ‘art of the squeal,’ empty bargain that sacrifices our working families, values, and global friends,” he added. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08): Amid the ongoing unauthorized war in Iran, Mr. Krishnamoorthi believes there is considerable risk surrounding President Trump’s upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping unless President Trump is able to clearly articulate U.S. interests and red lines. Walking into this second meeting with Xi, President Trump must continue to bear in mind: the PRC is an economic adversary and will do anything to win the strategic competition with the United States. Mr. Krishnamoorthi believes President Trump should seek to level the playing field for U.S. industry and workers by pushing Xi to commit to concrete steps to crack down on dumping, circumvention, state subsidies, forced labor, and intellectual property theft. President Trump should also address critical minerals and push the PRC to restore fair market access for American agricultural exports, including Illinois soybeans and corn. Mr. Krishnamoorthi believes that the U.S. should make no changes to our policy regarding Taiwan, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances. In addition, President Trump must not trade away export controls designed to safeguard U.S. national security by slowing the People’s Liberation Army’s military modernization, preventing human rights abuses, and helping ensure America wins the AI competition. Mr. Krishnamoorthi also believes that we should be wary of any negotiations that personally enrich President Trump or his family. President Trump should be calling for the release of political prisoners, detained Americans, and family members of Americans — not pursuing corrupt deals that further line his own pockets. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14): Congresswoman Castor believes the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping is a critical moment and urges the President to advance U.S. interests without further undermining U.S. economic security, human rights, or Indo-Pacific security. Castor urges the President to learn more about China’s significant investments in clean energy technologies, both for domestic deployment and export, which are accelerating amid a historic oil supply shock and can lower electric bills during surging demand. The President should work to secure sustainable access to rare earths and rare earth magnets essential to the U.S. defense industrial base, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, while continuing to derisk from Chinese supply chains. She also calls on the President to press China to adopt more ambitious emissions reductions and address its role as a leading source of global climate pollution. Finally, the President should make clear that the United States will not overlook China’s human rights abuses, particularly against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, while continuing to welcome Chinese students pursuing legitimate study in the United States. “President Trump has an opportunity here to advance U.S. interests in our strategic competition with China,” the Congresswoman said. “We need to get back on track, focusing on policies that put America ahead, clean up our environment, and restabilize the American economy.” Rep. André Carson (IN-07) Ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping, Congressman André Carson (D-IN) is urging the Administration to focus on protecting American jobs, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring the United States leads the future of artificial intelligence responsibly and transparently. Congressman Carson believes America must reduce its dependence on foreign supply chains subject to PRC disruption and coercion that leave our economy and national security vulnerable. That means investing in American manufacturing, strengthening global partnerships, and supporting innovation here at home. As the Congressman highlighted in a recent Select Committee hearing, the Administration must protect our competitive edge in AI technology and rebuild leadership in advanced semiconductor production. We must ensure the future of AI is built on America’s values, rather than those of a dystopian CCP vision of surveillance and censorship. The Congressman importantly highlights that we also have a responsibility to ensure new technologies are developed responsibly, communities have a voice, and economic growth benefits working people. “AUKUS and the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network are two of our strongest partnerships and are essential to confronting any threat posed by the CCP,” said Congressman Carson, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee. “I encourage President Trump to reaffirm these networks ahead of the Sumit and continue to strengthen the Indo-Pacific alliances that help keep our country safe.” Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11) In the upcoming summit with Xi Jinping, Congresswoman Brown (D-OH) stresses the Administration must prioritize American workers, confront China’s unfair trade practices, and ensure U.S. producers and manufacturers can compete on a level playing field. “As President Trump prepares to travel to Beijing to meet with General Secretary Xi Jinping, the President must make clear that American workers, farmers, and families come first. Since the leaders last met in October, we have seen how quickly global markets shift when U.S. producers lack reliable access to key markets. American farmers, especially producers across Ohio and the Midwest, continue to face uncertainty as competitors like Brazil and Argentina capture market share in China,” stressed Congresswoman Brown. “At the same time, China’s unfair trade practices continue to threaten the heart of America’s manufacturing base such as steel and auto to the broader industrial backbone of Northeast Ohio that has been hollowed out by China’s unfair trade practices. This meeting must focus on securing fair market access for U.S. agriculture, protecting American labor, and ensuring China cannot undercut our industries through subsidies, dumping, or forced labor. Engagement must deliver real results that strengthen American farmers, support American workers, and provide stability for families while ensuring that tariffs and trade policies are used strategically to defend U.S. producers, not leave them bearing the cost of unfair competition,” she added. Rep. Hailey Stevens (MI-11) As President Trump travels to Beijing for his second in-person meeting with Xi Jinping, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) urges the Administration to enforce our trade laws, fight for Michigan manufacturing, and end our reliance on Chinese supply chains. For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has weaponized unfair trade practices and restricted market access for American manufacturers, denying Michigan workers and manufacturers a level playing field to compete. Until those problems are addressed, tariff rollbacks and similar economic incentives for Beijing must remain off the table. Rep. Stevens likewise urges the Administration to support her Unearth America’s Future Act, landmark legislation to champion domestic critical minerals production, and her No Chinese Cars Act, which would block Chinese state-subsidized electric vehicles from entering our markets and undercutting American automakers. The United States must secure our economic strength, lower costs, and ensure that the next generation of innovation is made in America. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) Ahead of President Trump’s latest meeting with Xi Jinping, Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (D-HI) urges the President to remain clear-eyed about the challenge from China and work with allies and trusted partners to counter dependence on China for critical goods and protect America’s economic security. “Understanding the challenge China poses can be difficult. Its leaders often think in centuries, while our politics move in election cycles. But once you understand that reality, the right actions become clear,” said Congresswoman Tokuda. “As President Trump prepares for trade talks with Xi Jinping, the United States must draw firm lines and enforce them. America cannot remain dependent on China for critical goods, from rare earths to pharmaceuticals. Strategic competition means building resilient supply chains at home and with trusted partners. America must also draw a clear red line: we cannot give away our chips or bargain away our leadership in advanced semiconductor technology. These talks must be about more than tariffs or market access. They are about protecting America’s economic security and standing with allies who face the same pressure and coercion from Beijing. The President must remember who our allies are—and that the real strategic threat we face is China,” she emphasized. ###

Carson Statement on House Extending Haiti Temporary Protected Status

Position: Congressman Carson supports extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, citing humanitarian conditions in Haiti and the contributions of Haitian immigrants to U.S. communities.

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) voted in favor of H.R. 1689 to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. Congressman Carson signed a discharge petition to force the bill to a vote – a process that moves a bill to the floor when Republican leadership refuses to act. H.R. 1689 passed the House floor today 224-204. TPS is a temporary immigration status provided to nationals of countries that have experienced natural disasters, political or governmental instability, or dangerous conditions. Haiti is currently facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting armed gangs controlling large swathes of territory, driving violence and food insecurity. The country also faces extreme weather events. “Haitian immigrants have found a home in Indianapolis and communities across the country – and they deserve to stay here,” said Congressman Carson. “I worked to fast-track this vote so families don’t have to live in fear and uncertainty. While this bill still needs to pass the Senate and be signed into law, it’s encouraging that even amidst Trump’s cruel anti-immigrant policies, we can pass bipartisan legislation to protect our neighbors, including the estimated 50,000 Haitian immigrants residing in Indiana. To the advocates, activists, and concerned citizens who have been pushing for change: your voices matter and are making a difference.” ###

Transcript of Representative André Carson’s Opening Statement from Hearing on China’s Campaign to Steal America’s AI Edge

Position: Representative Carson argues that the United States must maintain its AI leadership against Chinese competition by protecting immigrant talent, funding AI research, and ensuring American AI models incorporate worker protections and civil rights safeguards. He opposes the Trump Administration's immigration restrictions and budget cuts to AI development as counterproductive to U.S. competitiveness.

WASHINGTON – The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party held a hearing titled China’s Campaign to Steal America’s AI Edge. The following witnesses provided testimony: Dr. Kyle Chan, Fellow, Brookings Institution Mr. Dmitri Alperovitch, Chairman, Silverado Policy Accelerator Mr. Yusuf Mahmood, Director of AI and Emerging Technology, America First Policy Institute Below is a transcript of the opening statement from Representative André Carson (IN-07), who led the start of today’s hearing alongside Chairman John Moolenaar (MI-02). Footage of Representative Carson’s opening statement can be found here. Thank you Mr. Chairman. You’re appreciated very dearly, thank you. And thank you to the witnesses for appearing before the Committee today. Last year, the Select Committee held a very important hearing on “Why American AI Must Lead.” It was very clear from that hearing that the stakes of the AI competition with China could not be higher. If Chinese AI models win, we face a future filled with censorship and surveillance. Not to mention, in the key industries of the future – including sectors like manufacturing and biotechnology that drive Indiana’s economy – we will fall behind. But if American AI models keeps its lead, the American people will get to decide on the rules of the road. We can enact protections for workers against displacement, ensure communities do not face hikes to their utility bills, and ensure civil rights and human rights are designed into the algorithms. China understands these stakes very well. That’s why the CCP will stop at no lengths to win this competition. Just last week, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google all came together to form the Frontier Model Forum – a joint effort to stop China’s campaign to reverse engineer their AI models. And just last month, the Department of Justice indicted individuals for trying to smuggle restricted chips to China. We should all be deeply concerned by how far Chinese companies are wiling to go to gain an edge, even if it means breaking the law. But we should also remember why China wants to get our technologies in the first place. It’s because American technologies – built by talented engineers from around the world, often with the support of federal funding – are simply better. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s immigration policies, budgetary cuts, and attacks on leading AI labs are putting us on a path where we can’t take advantage of anything, nor can we take anything for granted. Nearly two-thirds of the top AI companies in America were founded or co-founded by immigrants. That’s what’s great about our country. 38 percent of the top AI researchers in America are originally from China. Anyone who hears those statistics and uses common sense knows we need those immigrants. We should welcome them and reject wholeheartedly any form of xenophobia. But instead, unfortunately, this Administration is banning immigration from dozens of countries, putting a $100,000 fee on the H1-B visas that AI researchers frequently use, and scaring away students with ICE raids. The scorecard on federal research funding – the foundation on which so much American innovation depends – is a similar story. We’re slashing federal grants to universities – including colleges like IU Indy and Purdue – as China increases overall scientific research spending by nearly 10% annually. Meanwhile, the Defense Department is trying to put one of our leading AI labs out of business because of a contract dispute. Killing Claude doesn’t help us beat China. That sounds to me like benching one of our top scorers in a championship game. If we keep down this path, I fear that ten years from now we may not have as many technologies that China wants to take. That means we need a two-pronged approach. Firstly, I agree wholeheartedly we need to enforce our laws and protect our advantages. Chinese companies like DeepSeek cannot and should not get away with stealing our most innovative tech. The Commerce Department should go after those who break laws and break the rules with everything they’ve got. And it shouldn’t just be us holding China accountable. We need a global coalition. We should work with our friends in the Netherlands and Japan to protect sensitive IP in areas like lithography. Now, we’re all in this competition together. But secondly, we also need to make sure our technology remains the best. We need to attract top talent, train the next generation of workers, and keep America’s innovation engines running. The easiest way for China to win is if we shoot ourselves in the foot. The future of AI must be built on American values – and not the CCP’s dystopian vision of censorship and surveillance. I believe we can keep our edge and win the future if we get to work. Thank you. Issues:Foreign Affairs

Congressman Carson’s Office, Partners Assist Over 219 Hoosiers at Utility Resource Fair

INDIANAPOLIS—Today, the Office of Congressman André Carson – along with community partners, Citizens Energy Group, AES Indiana, and the Indy Energy Assistance Program – served over 219 Indianapolis residents at a utility resource fair. These individuals received one-on-one assistance from utility providers, help applying for federal utility assistance, and connections to local resources. Organizations present included the Center Township Trustee’s Office, Edna Martin Christian Center, Indiana 2-1-1, United Way of Central Indiana, and the Salvation Army of Central Indiana. “Too many Hoosiers are struggling with their utility bills,” said Congressman Carson. “Families continue to pay the price of the Trump administration’s policies, especially tariffs. But I’m working to connect Indianapolis residents to services they need to take care of their utility bills—from direct financial assistance through the Indy Energy Assistance Program to local community resources.” Prior to today’s event, Congressman Carson assisted 635 households struggling with utility bills in 2026. These individuals received financial assistance from community partners, got on installment plans to avoid disconnect, or took other next steps. Those currently in disconnect are advised to contact their utility provider for payment options. Families are also encouraged to apply for federal energy assistance at IndyEAP.org by April 20. ### Issues:EnergyEconomy

Congressman Carson Demands End to ICE Detention at Miami Correctional Facility

Position: Congressman Carson calls for the closure of the ICE detention facility at Miami Correctional, citing two deaths in custody, inadequate medical care, poor conditions, and arguing that detaining individuals without criminal convictions wastes taxpayer resources and does not enhance public safety.

BUNKER HILL, IN—Today, following an oversight visit, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) called for an end to ICE detention at Miami Correctional Facility and for full investigations into two recent deaths in custody. Lorth Sim, 59, died in ICE custody at Miami Correctional on February 16, 2026. Tuan Van Bui, 55, died at Miami Correctional on April 1 — two deaths in ICE custody in less than two months. “Nationwide, 70 percent of ICE detainees do not have criminal convictions,” said Congressman Carson. “Detaining individuals who are not a threat to society is not the best use of taxpayer dollars. I want to thank the staff at Miami Correctional for giving me a tour of the facility, and the hardworking Hoosier public servants. But the staff is already stretched thin, and there clearly are not enough resources to meet basic detention standards. ICE detainment endangers lives, separates families, and does not make our communities safer. A record number of ICE detainees died in 2025, and two individuals have died at Miami Correctional this year alone. This administration is dehumanizing immigrants, terrorizing communities, and denying due process. After two deaths and numerous reports of poor conditions, I’m demanding the closure of the ICE detention center at Miami Correctional. I want to thank the two brave individuals who spoke with me today about their experience. I was deeply moved by their pleas to simply be recognized as human beings. I will keep fighting to end ICE’s reign of terror – in their honor, and in honor of the more than 70,000 people and 6,200 children who have been detained by ICE since the start of Trump’s second term.” Congressman Carson is raising the following concerns that have led to his calls to end ICE detention at Miami Correctional, based in part on the congressman’s conversation with two detainees as well as additional reports from local legal providers and community organizations: · Inadequate medical care. Two detainees reported they did not receive medication in a timely manner, with one reporting it took two weeks to receive Tylenol for a fever. Another reported not receiving heartburn medication for several weeks. In addition, the deaths of Lorth Sim and Tuan Van Bui raise serious concerns about the lack of access to medication and medical care. · Detainees stressed the importance of maintaining a functional and monitored intercom system to report health emergencies. One detainee reported that screams for help are often ignored and treated as a joke by staff. · Religious dietary needs ignored. Detainees reported they are not receiving food that accommodates their religious observances. Another concern is the lack of accommodations to observe religious practices, such as prayer mats. · Barriers to legal services, in addition to delayed mail. One detainee missed a legal deadline because of delayed mail. · Lack of adequate access to basic hygiene items and services. Both detainees reported not receiving enough underwear, socks, or clothing. They reported receiving only two sets of each, and additionally say they could not access working washers or dryers on a regular basis. One detainee reported only receiving one pair of Crocs as shoes through the winter, when Indiana experienced record-breaking snowfall. They also reported having to share nail clippers. · Both detainees reported frequent lockdowns that last six to seven days, where they are required to stay in their cells. · One detainee told Congressman Carson, “When someone does something wrong they just punish all of us.” · One detainee reported he knew of another individual who was put in solitary confinement for seven days without clothing. The detainee reported the cell had a broken window, exposing the individual to the elements in the winter, and that there was feces on the cell walls. · Both detainees described feeling dehumanized and forgotten. One said he felt he was being discriminated against because of his accent and spoken to like a child by staff. · Both detainees wanted to share a message with the public: “See our humanity.” One said, “We are humans too. Ours is one voice, but we speak for many others.” ### Issues:ImmigrationHomeland Security

Ranking Members Larsen and Carson Statement on Trump Administration Sending ICE to Airports Instead of Ending Shutdown

Position: The ranking members oppose the Trump administration's deployment of ICE officers to airports during a government shutdown, arguing that TSA agents should be funded and paid instead, and questioning whether ICE is performing work that should be done by TSA.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation André Carson released the following statement regarding reports that the Trump administration sent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to airports across the country. “Fund TSA. Pay TSA agents. That’s what Democrats and Republicans both want. Unfortunately, the Trump administration refuses to, instead deploying ICE agents to airports,” the Ranking Members said. "This development raises important operational, legal and reputational questions for airports and the administration. Which airports are affected, and what baseline determined them? Is ICE doing work that should be done by TSA? Hardworking TSA agents are working without pay and travelers are waiting in lines for hours because the Trump administration prefers shutting down DHS over implementing common-sense ICE reforms.” --30--

Congressman Carson Presses Trump Administration on Iran War Following Death of Hoosier Service Member

Position: Congressman Carson opposes the Trump administration's Iran war, arguing that the administration has not provided credible intelligence justifying the conflict as a response to an imminent threat, and calls for transparency regarding the intelligence analysis that preceded the military action.

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07), who serves as a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, pressed Trump administration officials at the committee’s annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Congressman Carson questioned Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, and others on the administration’s justification for the Iran war, following the death of Hoosier service member Captain Seth Koval. He also questioned the administration on foreign election interference threats. View the congressman’s full line of questioning here. An excerpt from Congressman Carson’s line of questioning is below: “The Trump administration has justified this war with Iran as necessary to stop an imminent threat. But the administration has not provided this committee with any intelligence indicating Iran was preparing a nuclear weapon, planning a preemptive attack on the United States, or possessed any immediate capability to strike the U.S. homeland. For me, that raises serious questions about what analysis the Intelligence Community provided before the decision to go to war was made. When the lives of our brave service members are at risk, we deserve answers. Directors Gabbard and Ratcliffe, was there any evidence Iran intended to conduct a preemptive attack on the United States? And I ask this becauseatleast 13 servicemembers have been killed from Trump’s war – including Captain Seth Koval, a husband and father from my home state of Indiana. And my constituents want answers.Is there any evidence Iran intended to conduct a preemptive attack on the United States prior to the beginning of this war? Yes or No?” ###

Ranking Members Larsen, Thompson and Carson Statement After DOD Reportedly Shot Down CBP Drone

Washington, D.C.—Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation André Carson (D-IN) and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement following reports that the Department of Defense shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone. "Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system," the Members wrote. "We said MONTHS ago that the White House's decision to sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA was a short-sighted idea. Now, we're seeing the result of its incompetence." Issues:Transportation

Congressman Carson Statement on Potential New ICE Facility in Indianapolis

Position: Congressman Carson opposes the establishment of a new ICE detention facility in Indianapolis and argues that federal funding should prioritize housing, food assistance, and infrastructure rather than immigration enforcement operations.

ICE is considering Indianapolis for a new detention facility. Here's my message to ICE: you're not welcome. I've repeatedly voted against ICE funding under Trump's cruel regime. Government funding should be used for housing, food deserts, and improving our roads — not to detain children and murder U.S. citizens.