Mike Collins

Representative Mike Collins Introduces Medical Protections for Veterans

Position: Rep. Collins introduced the VORTEX Act to require the VA and community care providers to share veterans' complete opioid prescription histories to prevent overprescribing and improve coordinated care.

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10) introduced the Veterans Opioid Records Transmission and Exchange (VORTEX) Act, legislation to protect America’s veterans from dangerous opioid overprescribing. Rep. Mike Collins is joined by house cosponsors Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36), Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), Rep. Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), Rep Hal Rogers (KY-05), and Rep. Clay Fuller (GA-14). “Our Veterans put their lives on the line, and many carry heavy burdens from their service. They protected our lives and our freedoms during their time in service, it's our turn to protect them as their minds and bodies heal,” said Congressman Collins. “That is why I have introduced the VORTEX Act, this commonsense legislation requires VA and community care providers to communicate to one another and share the full opioid prescription history of a patient, so no one falls through the cracks of the medical system or is overprescribed dangerous medication. We cannot allow our Veterans to face their pain alone, we are with them every step of the way.” "The Community Care Network has been an integral resource for veterans seeking out the care they need. Eliminating gaps in the VA system is necessary to provide better service-connected treatment," said Congressman Luttrell. "Medical providers must have access to a veteran's full prescription history to make informed decisions for the men and women who served. I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation and grateful to Rep. Collins for his leadership in closing this critical gap in veteran care." “Our veterans deserve safe, coordinated, and accountable care no matter where they seek treatment. That’s why I am proud to support Rep. Collins’s VORTEX Act to ensure providers in VA Community Care have access to a veteran’s complete opioid prescription history by improving information sharing across the VA and its third-party administrators. This commonsense legislation will protect our veterans from the dangers of overprescribed opioids and hold the system to a higher standard of accountability. Our veterans answered the call to serve, and they deserve nothing short of gold-standard care in return." said Congressman Pfluger. "Our veterans deserve world class healthcare, and they deserve to have their healthcare services transmitted promptly and accurately," said Congressman Fuller. "This bill will make sure that our Veterans safety is fully considered at every step, no matter where they receive care." “The VORTEX Act will help protect our Veterans, ensuring they receive the best comprehensive care possible with readily available prescription information for their medical providers. Missing prescription information can lead to dangerous situations of overprescribing or negative drug interactions. We need to streamline medical records for Veterans and that includes powerful opioid prescriptions. I’m proud to join Congressman Collins to champion this important legislation for our American heroes.” said Congressman Rogers. Issues: Congress Health Veterans

Rep. Mike Collins Introduces the 250 Years of Military Honor Package

Washington, D.C. -- In honor of 250 years of American Independence, secured by the sacrifices of generations of American military members, Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) introduced the 250 Years of Military Honor Package today. This bipartisan legislative package recognizes those who have worn the uniform by establishing a Veterans Appreciation Month, the America 250 Military Appreciation Discount, and Veterans Tax Relief Weekends. Rep. Mike Collins has built strong bipartisan support for his 250 Years of Military Honor Package, joined by House cosponsors Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Rep. Clay Fuller (GA-14), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21), Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36), Rep. Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Rep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38), and Rep. Jake Ellzey (TX-06), all of whom support the full package. The nation’s largest war veterans service organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), also supports the full resolution package. Provisions of the 250 Years of Military Honor Packages are supported by House cosponsors Rep. John McGuire, III (VA-05), Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), and Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS). “The United States of America did not reach 250 years by accident, our way of life and our freedoms have been defended by courageous and selfless service members every step of the way,” said Congressman Collins. “We have a responsibility to recognize those who have worn the uniform, they’ve made the past 250 years possible and are ensuring the next 250 years of freedom. This package is going to give them the recognition they deserve by establishing a Veterans Appreciation Month, an America 250 Military Discount, and Veterans Tax Relief Weekends. This is a small token of our appreciation for their service.” “As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I am glad to join Congressman Mike Collins and my other colleagues in introducing these bipartisan resolutions recognizing the crucial role our nation’s veterans played in securing and defending the freedoms enjoyed in this great country. This is how we can say thank you for their service and sacrifice, while we celebrate 250 years of America.” said Congressman Bishop. “As a proud Northwest Georgian and Air Force veteran, I am honored to sign onto such important measures. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Nation, we should keep in mind this special time is only possible because of our brave military members, veterans, and their families. They defend our Nation daily and we should honor them at every opportunity.” said Congressman Fuller. “While we can never say thank you enough to the men and women who protected us, this package of resolutions is a meaningful step. From tax relief, to financial appreciation, and establishing recognition, our veterans deserve this and so much more.” said Chairman Mast. “For 250 years, veterans have stood on the front lines defending this nation. They’ve carried the weight of this country in every generation and every fight,” said Congressman Luttrell. “That kind of sacrifice deserves more than words, it deserves action. I’m proud to stand alongside Congressman Collins to recognize these efforts and honor the men and women who’ve served and protected our freedoms.” “I’m proud to co-sponsor Representative Collins’ resolutions recognizing Veterans Appreciation Month, as well as the America 250 Military Appreciation Discount and Veterans Tax Relief Weekend initiatives." said Congressman Hunt. "As a veteran who served, I had the honor of fighting alongside my fellow West Point classmates and my brothers in arms to defend and secure freedom around the world. I know firsthand what these resolutions mean, not just to those who served, but to the families who stood behind them every step of the way. We owe our veterans more than words. We owe them action, our respect, and our unwavering commitment to never forget their service.” "As a Navy SEAL Veteran, I know about service and sacrifice," said Congressman McGuire. "We are the home of the free because of the brave. We would not have a country without our men and women in our military. They risk and, in some cases, give their lives for us. Every day we are grateful for their sacrifice. Whether it’s a month in their honor or providing tax relief, these heroes deserve anything we can offer to show our appreciation. I am proud to join my friend Rep. Collins and support our nation’s veterans in this way.” As a Vietnam combat veteran, I know the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day in defense of our country,” said Congressman Baird. “Establishing a Veterans Appreciation Month ensures that we dedicate time to recognize the courage, selflessness, resilience, and service of our veterans. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, we must renew our commitment to supporting those who have answered the call to serve and defended our precious freedoms from the Battles of Lexington and Concord through today. I thank Congressman Collins for introducing this important bill to honor our heroic veterans.” Issues: Veterans

Representative Mike Collins Introduces the Diesel Truck Liberation Act

Position: The release advocates for legislation to prevent the EPA from enforcing federal diesel emission standards on trucks and farm equipment, characterizing current regulations as burdensome mandates that increase costs without environmental benefit.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) introduced the Diesel Truck Liberation Act, legislation that will stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from criminalizing family farmers and truckers through federal emission mandates that do little to help the environment while driving up costs for Americans. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Cynthia Lummis R-Wyo. Rep. Mike Collins is joined by House cosponsors Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01), Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Mike Ezell (MS-04), and Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08). “American truckers and farmers are the backbone of this nation, but the EPA has treated them like criminals for maintaining their own equipment,” said Rep. Mike Collins. “The Diesel Truck Liberation Act codifies the work of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to free farmers and truckers from the radical federal emissions mandates of past Administrations and end the bureaucrats’ war on the working class. I am proud that we have an administration focused on delivering for the working class and putting common sense first.” “No bureaucrat in Washington should have the power to make you a criminal without Congress ever casting a vote. That is not how this country works. Democrats weaponized the EPA to squeeze rural America, and the costs have been staggering,” said Senator Lummis, Senate lead for the Diesel Truck Liberation Act. “The Obama and Biden DEF mandates drove up diesel expenses, hurt fuel efficiency, and piled crushing compliance costs onto farmers, truckers, and small business owners who had no say in the matter. I’m pleased to be working with Rep. Collins on this important issue.” “Since 2007, increasingly burdensome EPA regulations have ratcheted up, making heavy-duty diesel engines more expensive to repair and less fuel-efficient. These regulations have led to system failures in trucks and forced unplanned, out-of-service periods, often creating dangerous and costly situations for operators, owners, and other motorists.” said Rep. Dave Taylor. “These ridiculous government mandates, created by Democratic Administrations, were designed to force the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles and should have never been enacted in the first place. I am proud to join Rep. Collins to free small business owners, manufacturers, and mechanics from out-of-touch regulations and protect the safety of everyone who depends on these vehicles to keep America moving forward.” “Farmers, truckers, and equipment operators are still dealing with frustrating Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures, which can slow or even shut down vehicles and equipment,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman. “Far-left regulations on diesel operators are leaving rural residents stranded. No one should find themselves stranded in 100-degree heat because of bad decisions made in Washington, D.C.” “I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to rein in federal overreach and protect the rights of hardworking Americans." said Rep. Mike Ezell. "Washington shouldn’t be punishing people for improving their vehicles or standing in the way of innovation. This legislation restores common sense, supports small businesses, and puts freedom and opportunity first.” “The Biden Administration spent years strangling hardworking Americans with burdensome regulations that drive up costs and limit choice, all while doing little to meaningfully improve everyday life,” said Rep. Barry Moore. “Rep. Mike Collins’ Diesel Truck Liberation Act puts power back where it belongs - in the hands of the American people, not unelected bureaucrats at the EPA. Folks in Alabama and across this country rely on their trucks to make a living, and they shouldn’t be treated like criminals for maintaining or improving their own equipment. I’m proud to support this bill to roll back federal overreach, restore common sense, and stand up for the men and women who keep America moving.” Background Federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have piled emission mandates onto diesel trucks and equipment in the name of environmental stewardship. However, these mandates have done little to improve the environment while saddling American workers with ridiculous costs to repair and update vehicles. Truckers and farmers who cannot afford such updates are forced to sideline their vehicles, leave the business altogether, face penalties, or even go to jail. The Diesel Truck Liberation Act is common sense legislation that looks out for the American worker by: Stopping federal agencies from requiring manufacturers to install or maintain emissions control devices or onboard diagnostic systems. Removes the EPA’s authority to enforce Clean Air Act requirements related to vehicle emission controls. Protects individuals sued or prosecuted under federal law for tampering or improving emissions equipment. Codifies the work of Representative Mike Collins and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to ensure that no matter who is in the White House, truckers’ and farmers’ livelihoods are protected.

Representative Mike Collins Announces Sheriff Frank Reynolds as State of the Union Guest

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10) announced Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds will be his honored guest at President Trump’s State of the Union address. Representative Collins issued the following statement: “Sheriff Frank Reynolds has witnessed firsthand the devastating toll Biden’s policies had on the safety and well-being of the American people. Despite the setbacks from the previous Administration, Sheriff Reynolds has always led with courage and dedication. That is exactly why I am proud to invite him to this year’s State of the Union address. This past year under President Donald Trump, Americans have seen respect for law enforcement flourish, and crime rates plummet to 100-year lows. Police officers are no longer taxed on overtime, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money. I’m honored to have Sheriff Reynolds by my side as we celebrate America’s Golden Age: safer streets, strong borders, a thriving economy, and Leadership that puts Americans first.”

Rep. Mike Collins Celebrates the House Passage of the SAVE America Act

Position: Rep. Collins supports the SAVE America Act, which he characterizes as election security legislation designed to prevent voter fraud and illegal voting.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) released the following statement celebrating the United States House of Representatives for passing the SAVE America Act. “There is no reason why the greatest country on Earth should not have the most secure elections on Earth. I am proud to have cosponsored and passed the SAVE America Act to restore Americans’ faith in democracy and ensure that no American vote is canceled by fraud or illegal aliens. The Senate should follow the example of the House and vote to send the SAVE America Act to President Trump’s desk immediately.”

House of Representatives Passes Rep. Collins' Permitting Reform Package

Washington, D.C. – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed Rep. Collins' (R-GA) H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, to cut red tape, streamline review processes, and make permitting under the Clean Water Act (CWA) more efficient and transparent. This bill will have an immediate impact on energy producers, the agriculture industry, home and road builders, water utilities, and everyday Americans regulated under the CWA by allowing critical infrastructure projects to be built more quickly and efficiently. These reforms are designed to reduce burdensome regulatory requirements, protect against frivolous lawsuits, and increase transparency, while ensuring clean water protections. Rep. Collins released the following statement after the bill's passage: “As we enter a new era with a renewed focus on domestic energy production and growth, this legislation delivers the tools that our country needs to build faster, smarter, and safer,” said Subcommittee Chairman Collins. “When I was appointed as Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I put myself on a mission to make our government more efficient and productive for the American people. I am proud to say that we are doing just that with the PERMIT Act.” The legislation is supported by over 100 national manufacturing, small business, agricultural, and energy groups, as well as the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Ports Authority, Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Power, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, and the Georgia Forestry Association. Georgia Farm Bureau: "We are proud to support the PERMIT Act (HR 3898). This bill ends EPA overreach, cuts red tape and keeping family farms competitive with less regulated competitors. HR 3898 aligns with Sackett, ends unnecessary permits on ditches & prior converted cropland, and saves Georgia farmers millions in compliance costs. We urge swift passage to protect family farms." Oglethorpe Power: "During this time of unprecedented growth and planning, it is imperative that federal permitting programs, including those under the CWA, are implemented as intended by Congress and do not unnecessarily delay or hinder critical energy projects, or burden the homes, businesses and farms our member EMCs serve with unreasonable costs." Jackson Electric Membership Corporation: "The PERMIT Act would reduce overly burdensome regulatory requirements, protect against frivolous lawsuits, and increase certainty, transparency and efficiency in the CWA permitting process while maintaining important environmental protections." Background The PERMIT Act: Cuts the red tape that drives up utility and service costs, letting communities build faster and keep prices down. Helps speed up building approvals that hold housing hostage, lowering construction costs, and getting homes built sooner. Moves to end permitting gridlock that stalls road and bridge projects, saving money and delivering safer, faster travel. Provides needed clarity and certainty to assist with dredging and construction to facilitate ports moving goods cheaply and efficiently, strengthening supply chains and lowering costs. Clears out delays that block upgrades to failing water systems, protecting communities, and keeping clean water reliable. Solidifies long-standing Clean Water Act practices, providing predictability and consistency to farmers and protection from frivolous lawsuits. This is the third bill that Rep. Collins has passed through the House of Representatives in his two terms in Congress, with the previous being the Laken Riley Act to deport illegal criminal aliens and the TRANQ Act to remove deadly synthetic drugs from our streets, which were both signed into law. ###

Rep. Collins Applauds Trump Administration's Action to Provide Clarity on Waters of the United States

Position: Rep. Collins supports the Trump administration's proposed rule narrowing the definition of Waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act, arguing it reduces federal regulatory overreach and protects property rights of farmers, ranchers, and landowners.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) released the following statement commending the Trump administration's proposed rule to Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act that brings regulatory clarity to farmers, landowners, and states that have been subjected to overreaching federal interference by the Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency. “The definition of a ‘water of the United States’ has been weaponized by federal agencies to infringe on the property rights of farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and landowners for far too long. The announcement by President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will end the abuse of power by Washington bureaucrats and restore freedom to landowners across the country," said House Transportation and Infrastructure Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins. "The era of overregulation is over, and we are lucky to have a president that prioritizes freedom, growth, and prosperity instead of government control.” ###

Collins Urges EPA to Rescind Biden's Lame-Duck Attack on American Boat Manufacturers

Position: Representative Collins opposes the EPA's December 2024 decision to prioritize styrene for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act, arguing the action constitutes regulatory overreach that threatens the American boatbuilding industry and domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging him to reverse an action taken in the final days of the Biden administration that threatens the American recreational boatbuilding industry. In December 2024, Biden's EPA moved to make styrene a priority for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), putting the substance in review for possible new risk standards, restrictions, or a complete ban on its use. Collins believes this action was regulatory overreach, unnecessary, harmful to U.S. manufacturing, and a direct threat to American jobs. "Styrene is an organic compound used in the formulation of polyester resins for fiberglass-reinforced plastics and has been used safely in boatbuilding for 75 years,"wrote Collins. "Manufacturers use fiberglass to produce durable, high-quality boat hulls, which was more difficult to achieve using wood or metal." Collins urged Administrator Zeldin to act quickly, stressing that rescinding the decision is essential to “keep domestic manufacturers competitive and small businesses vibrant.” He further warned that “time is of the essence” with "China and other foreign interests continuously seeking to gain access to supply chains and increase market share in boatbuilding.” Read the Complete Letter Here Background 95% of boats sold in the United States are made in America. The recreational boating industry contributes more than $230 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of thousands of small businesses. Styrene is an organic compound used in the formulation of unsaturated polyester resins for fiberglass-reinforced plastics and a key component of modern boat hulls. U.S. recreational boat manufacturers have used styrene safely and effectively for 75 years. ###

Rep. Collins Introduces Tort Reform Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Mike Collins (GA-10), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL) introduced the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2025 to reform tort law and end the rampant abuse of our legal system. "This commonsense legislation will help restore accountability in our courts, protect job creators from frivolous legal attacks, and deliver real reform to a civil justice system that too often favors abuse over fairness," said Rep. Mike Collins. "We’re sending a clear message: the courtroom should be a place for justice, not a playground for abuse." "Safe harbor protects litigants with deep pockets to file frivolous lawsuits which clog our courts and burden honest Americans. By reinstating sanctions, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act restores long-overdue accountability by ensuring that those who weaponize the courts for political or personal gain face real consequences," said Rep. Harriet Hageman. "I am proud to cosponsor this commonsense reform which restores integrity to our judiciary and reinforces the rule of law." “Time and time again we have seen lawyers abuse our legal system by filing meritless lawsuits with no consequences. The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act puts accountability back in the courtroom by making sure those who file frivolous suits pay the price while also protecting innocent small businesses who can’t afford to fight these claims in court," said Rep. Tom Tiffany. "The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act reinstates reforms that protect honest Americans from being victimized twice—once by the lawsuit itself, and again by the crushing costs of defense. I believe it’s time to restore fairness, accountability, and integrity to our legal system, which is why I’m proud to cosponsor this great bill by my friend Rep. Collins," said Rep. Brandon Gill. Background The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act would: Make sanctions for frivolous lawsuits mandatory rather than discretionary. Eliminate the 21-day period that prevents a sanctions motion from being filed if the challenged pleading is withdrawn or corrected—allowing immediate filing of a motion for sanctions. Mandate payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, to parties harmed by the frivolous filing. Allow additional sanctions, including striking pleadings, dismissing cases, or imposing financial penalties to deter future violations. The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act is supported by: American Tort Reform Association American Trucking Associations Americans for Tax Reform National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies National Federation of Independent Business Uber U.S. Chamber of Commerce The full bill text can be viewed here. ###

Rep. Mike Collins Leads Letter Calling for the Department of Justice to Establish a Task Force on Staged Accident Fraud

Position: Rep. Collins and colleagues call on the Department of Justice to establish a specialized task force to investigate and prosecute staged accident fraud schemes, citing impacts on truckers, insurance costs, and public safety.

Washington, DC – Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) led a letter today to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting the establishment of a specialized task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting staged accident fraud. “Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers, in the courtroom and on our roads. Staged accidents take advantage of truckers’ high insurance coverage and make them prime targets for criminals looking for a quick payday, saddling truckers with millions of dollars in inflated damages, increasing insurance premiums for all Americans, and driving up the costs for every transported good,” said Rep. Mike Collins. “These fraudsters and their co-conspirators need to be held accountable for their actions and put in jail for making every one of us less safe on the roads.” Rep. Patronis said, “Staged accidents and insurance fraud are not victimless crimes, and they drive up premiums for every hardworking Floridian. My office stands ready to work hand-in-hand with Attorney General Pam Bondi, fraud investigators, and congressional colleagues to protect consumers by rooting out these fraudsters and holding them accountable. We must send a clear message – if you commit insurance fraud, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted.” "Staged accident fraud raises insurance rates and jeopardizes the safety of motorists. The criminal networks behind these fraud schemes must be pursued, dismantled, and prosecuted to protect our communities and curb rising insurance costs," said Rep. Gooden. “Fraudulent insurance claims from staged vehicle accidents are rapidly increasing, negatively impacting public safety, driving up consumer costs, and raising insurance premiums. I am glad to join my colleagues in requesting that Attorney General Pam Bondi create a task force to put an end to these organized fraudsters’ schemes. No one in this country should be able to profit off breaking the law and the time to end it is now," said Rep. Tony Wied. "Enhanced public awareness campaigns, increased enforcement, and stricter penalties for offenders are essential to deter these scams. Holding these criminal enterprises accountable for their actions will send a signal that the Administration is serious about restoring law and order," said Rep. Tom Barrett. “Staged vehicle accidents enable scammers to endanger lives, drive up insurance premiums, and diminish public trust in the safety of our roads,” said Rep. Grothman. “Staging a crash is not an opportunity to make a quick cash grab; it’s a federal crime with serious consequences. I’m proud to join Representative Mike Collins in urging the DOJ to create a task force to crack down on these fraudulent scammers, ensure our roads are safe, and minimize costs for hardworking Americans.” "We commend Rep. Collins and his colleagues for their leadership on this effort. This task force will bring much-needed coordination and oversight to address a growing problem of insurance fraud. These schemes put the driving public at risk and contribute to higher costs for American consumers. We are pleased to see Congressional focus on this important matter,” said Uber Head of Federal Affairs Javi Correoso. “When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk. These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and inflating insurance premiums,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “ATA strongly encourages Attorney General Bondi to crack down on this dangerous lawlessness by establishing a specialized task force dedicated to holding these criminals accountable, and we thank Congressman Collins for spearheading this effort to protect America's hardworking truckers.” “Staged accidents are not victimless crimes. These are calculated, premeditated assaults that endanger lives, destroy livelihoods, and compromise highway safety. To add insult to injury, criminals abuse the legal system for profit through false accusations and lawsuits, which contribute to skyrocketing insurance premiums for small trucking businesses,” said Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “OOIDA and our 150,000 members support Representative Collins’ efforts to protect law-abiding truckers from sophisticated criminal fraud schemes that exploit the hardworking men and women behind the wheel.” Background There has been a rise of con-artists defrauding the insurance industry by intentionally colliding with commercial vehicles in order to win damages from lawsuits. This form of insurance fraud poses a threat to public safety, drives up consumer costs, and strains the insurance system. States such as Louisiana, Florida, New York, and Georgia have uncovered elaborate conspiracies to defraud insurance companies that involve plaintiff attorneys, medical providers, and recruiters, many of whom are tied to organized crime and human trafficking. With decades of experience in the Georgia trucking industry, Rep. Mike Collins brings firsthand knowledge of this rising problem to Congress. This follows Collins’ introduction of the Staged Accident Prevention Act, which makes staging a vehicular accident a federal crime. ###