Herbert C. Conaway

Congressman Conaway Introduces Bill to Protect Access to Veterans Benefits

Position: Introduces the Protecting our Forces' Benefits Act to ensure service members separated solely for pseudofolliculitis barbae receive honorable discharges and eligibility for veterans benefits, and opposes the grooming standard's effect on Black service members.

Washington D.C. — Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD (NJ-03) and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01), led seven of their Democratic colleagues in introducing the Protecting our Forces’ Benefits Act, which would ensure service members separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis that the member has pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) receive an honorable discharge and are eligible for veterans benefits. PFB is a painful inflammatory skin condition caused by regular shaving which disproportionately affects Black service members. In August 2025, Secretary Hegseth set a grooming standard for facial hair in which all personnel were to be clean-shaven while in uniform or on duty. Although service members with PFB can request a medical shaving waiver, the waiver is limited to 12 months, after which they may face administrative separation from the military if their medical condition persists. Due to the time-in-service requirements in place, some of these service members will not be eligible for VA benefits such as healthcare or GI Bill benefits. “Our service members who have put their lives on the line defending our country deserve access to all of the benefits they are entitled to,” said Congressman Conaway, MD. “This legislation ensures that the grooming standards set by Secretary Hegseth that disproportionately affect Black service members will not prevent them from getting the benefits our country owes them for their service and sacrifice.” “Our service members represent the best among us, and they should be able to defend our nation with class,” said Congressman Bell. “Secretary Hegseth has set grooming standards that unfairly target Black service members suffering from PFB. This bill aims to address this unfair treatment and protect the benefits our military personnel have earned through their selfless service to our nation.” Cosponsors supporting this legislation include Representatives Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). ### Issues: Veterans

Conaway Leads 36 Members in Letter to FDA Official on Regulation of Nicotine Products

Position: The release urges the FDA to rescind enforcement discretion guidance that allows some unauthorized nicotine pouch products to remain on the market, and to pursue enforcement against unauthorized products. It also requests more information on the agency's nicotine pouch pilot program.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Herb Conaway, MD led a group of 36 members in writing a letter to Acting Director of the Center for Tobacco Products at the FDA, Dr. Bret Koplow. The letter aims to “seek greater information regarding FDA’s nicotine pouch pilot program and to raise concerns regarding the agency’s recent enforcement guidance that will allow some unauthorized nicotine pouch products to enter or remain illegally on the market without FDA authorization.” In 2025, the FDA launched a pilot program to more efficiently review certain premarket tobacco product applications for nicotine pouch products. By May 2026, the agency had authorized six products, including flavored varieties, and announced that it would apply “lessons learned” from the pilot program to future reviews without disclosing what those lessons are or whether the program maintained the scientific rigor required by law. Additionally, the FDA’s recent enforcement discretion guidance allows certain nicotine pouch products to enter or remain on the market without authorization, which violates the Tobacco Control Act’s requirement that products receive authorization before entering the market. “Nicotine pouches are one of the most popular tobacco products among youth today,” said Congressman Herb Conaway, MD. “The proper and lawful regulation of these products is vital for public safety and youth safety. That’s why I am urging the FDA to rescind this guidance and pursue enforcement against unauthorized products.” This letter was signed by Representatives: Beatty, Carson, Chu, Cleaver, Cohen, DeLauro, DelBene, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Figures, Chuy García, Gottheimer, Grijalva, Hayes, Ivey, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Levin, McBride, McIver, Neguse, Holmes Norton, Plaskett, Quigley, Raskin, Schrier, Sorensen, Suozzi, Thanedar, Tlaib, Tokuda, Underwood, Vindman, Wasserman Schultz, and Watson Coleman. This Letter is endorsed by the following organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Truth Initiative, and The American Heart Association. ### Issues: Health

Conaway and Murphy Introduce Bill to Protect Patients from AI-Assisted Insurance Denials

Position: Introduces a bipartisan bill requiring a qualified physician to review and approve any AI-assisted denial in Medicare Advantage prior authorization decisions, with physician attestation of independent judgment and HHS authority to audit AI use in these decisions.

Washington D.C. — Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD and Congressman Gregory Murphy, MD introduced the Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act. This bipartisan bill would establish safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence in Medicare Advantage prior authorization decisions. Under the bill, any AI-assisted denial must be reviewed and approved by a qualified physician under the supervision of the plan’s medical director. It also requires physicians to attest that they exercised independent medical judgement and that the denial was not generated or dictated by AI. Additionally, the bill grants the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to audit and inspect AI use in prior authorization decisions, including reviewing denial data, internal policies, algorithms, employee practices, and overturn rates. “Artificial intelligence is dramatically changing the technology and healthcare industries, but we need to ensure that patients aren’t being left behind,” said Congressman Conaway, MD. “This legislation establishes necessary physician oversight and will increase transparency with the federal audit requirements to make sure patient claims aren’t being wrongfully denied.” “Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare at the speed of light, but we must protect the physician-in-the-loop," said Congressman Greg Murphy, MD. "While advancements in diagnostics, research, and administrative work will advance medicine in incredible ways, the value of a trained physician and sentient influence cannot be eroded. This is especially important for prior authorization decisions - patients are not merely numbers on a spreadsheet. We cannot allow greedy health insurers to utilize AI to deny healthcare to those in need. I am proud to lead on this issue by establishing sensible guardrails that ensure the proliferation of AI in the field of medicine does no harm.” “Artificial intelligence is no substitute for a highly trained physician. Medicare Advantage plans should not be permitted to empower AI to make prior authorization decisions, especially denials of medically necessary treatment. We strongly support the provision requiring that physicians oversee any initial prior authorization denial that stems from the use of artificial intelligence. Our patients are being denied care by AI that doesn’t know them, their circumstances, or the nuances of their treatment – and doesn’t care! We applaud Reps. Herb Conaway, MD (D-NJ) and Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC) for introducing the Protecting Patients From Automated Denials Act, and our patients will be grateful and healthier when it becomes law.” AMA President Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH For a copy of the Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act, click here.

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on Visiting Delaney Hall Protests

Position: Calls for state investigators to be granted full access to conduct a comprehensive review of Delaney Hall, states that the facility should be shut down pending an independent investigation, and opposes additional ICE and DHS funding until those agencies address concerns about due process and humane treatment.

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., M.D., released the following statement regarding his visit to the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in New Jersey amid reports of inhumane conditions. Congressman Conaway joined Congressman Donald Norcross on the tour. “I was horrified and outraged by reports of the inhumane living conditions that detainees at Delaney Hall are allegedly being subjected to. The reported lack of due process, limited access to medical care, and concerns about water quality are extremely alarming, and I felt it was my duty to personally conduct oversight of the facility. “Congressman Norcross and I toured the kitchen and medical facilities and spoke with 20 women inside Delaney Hall. While I did not observe any major concerns during my visit, I remain cautious about concluding that the previously reported issues regarding detainee well-being do not exist. We provided 48 hours’ notice before our visit, and significant efforts could have been made during that time to make conditions appear more presentable than those described in news reports. “ICE and DHS must now allow state investigators to enter Delaney Hall and conduct a comprehensive review of the entire facility, rather than limiting oversight to specific areas. If the reports of inhumane treatment are inaccurate, I would expect DHS and ICE to welcome independent investigators and the opportunity to address these concerns. “Until a full and independent investigation is completed, this facility should be shut down. I will continue to call for increased oversight and thorough investigations into Delaney Hall and ICE as a whole. I will also continue to oppose additional ICE and DHS funding until they rein in their agents and recommit to our nation’s longstanding principles of due process and humane treatment.”

Conaway, Van Drew, Kim, Booker Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Conserve New Jersey’s Mullica River

Position: The release supports federal legislation directing the National Park Service to study the Mullica River watershed in New Jersey for potential designation as a wild and scenic river, to increase conservation efforts.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD led Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker in introducing the Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026. This bipartisan bill would designate the Mullica River in New Jersey for study for potential designation as a wild and scenic river, allowing for increased conservation efforts. The Mullica River—stretching over 55 miles through Camden, Atlantic, Ocean, and Burlington Counties—is widely considered one of the most pristine river systems in the region. Home to incredible biodiversity, it serves as a critical habitat for various wildlife, including bald eagles. “The Mullica River has a very special place in my heart, because it’s where my father and I would spend our weekends fishing growing up,” said Congressman Conaway. “Being able to protect this important natural resource in our state is extremely important to me. Its conservation would not only save the wildlife that call it home, but it would also ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy clean water, healthy ecosystems, and outdoor recreation.” “The Mullica River is one of the most beautiful and important natural resources in our region, supporting wildlife, outdoor recreation, tourism, and local communities,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This river is a treasure, and we have a responsibility to make sure it is protected for future generations. This bill begins the process of studying the river for potential Wild and Scenic designation so we can ensure it remains healthy and protected for years to come. I am proud to be part of this effort to help preserve the Garden State’s natural beauty.” “The Mullica River was right down the road from me growing up in South Jersey – playing a part in so many New Jerseyans’ memories who go to enjoy the water and the scenery,” said Senator Kim. “It’s our responsibility to do all we can to protect the natural resources that give our state so much. I’m grateful to this bipartisan group for coming together to do just that.” “The Mullica River is one of New Jersey’s most valuable natural resources, providing clean drinking water, supporting fisheries and wildlife habitat, and sustaining some of the most important ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation is critical to strengthening protections for the Mullica River and preserving the environmental and economic benefits it provides to communities across our state.” Congress originally created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1968 to preserve our nation’s most valuable free-flowing rivers. This bill would not immediately designate the river; instead, it would direct the National Park Service to formally study the watershed, a process that involves research, public engagement, and scientific evaluation before any future designation decisions are made. For bill text, click here.

Conaway, Luttrell Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Provide Mental Health Services to Incarcerated Veterans

Position: The release introduces bipartisan legislation to create a pilot program allowing the VA to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, particularly those with service-connected disabilities for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma, and to encourage dedicated veteran housing units in prisons.

Washington D.C. – U.S. Representatives Herb Conaway, MD (D-NJ) and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to support mental health services for incarcerated veterans. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment (BACK HOME) Act would create a pilot program to allow the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority given to providing services to veterans with a service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST). Currently, the VA is prohibited from providing hospital or inpatient to veterans who are patients or inmates in an institution of another government agency with a duty to provide care or services, such as prisons. Additionally, veterans who are convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 60 days have their disability compensation payments reduced during their imprisonment. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act would create a pilot program that allows the VA to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority to those with a service-connected disability for PTSD, TBI, or MST. The bill also encourages prison facilities to establish dedicated veteran housing units, where possible, to provide an environment more conducive to the discipline, structure, and order familiar to veterans and facilitate more effective treatment, peer support, and rehabilitative efforts. “Service to our country does not end at incarceration, and neither should our commitment to care,” said Congressman Conaway. “As a physician, I’ve seen how untreated conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma can shape the course of a veteran’s life. The Get Justice Involved Vets BACK HOME Act is about closing a dangerous gap in care by ensuring that justice-involved veterans can still access the mental health services they need to heal, rebuild, and successfully reenter their communities. If we are serious about honoring their service, we must also be serious about meeting them with dignity, treatment, and a real pathway forward.” "Every veteran makes a sacred commitment to this nation, and we have a duty to stand by them, no matter where life takes them after their service,” said Congressman Luttrell. "PTSD, TBI, and the invisible wounds of war don't disappear in difficult circumstances, and neither should our commitment to those who've worn the uniform. That means confronting these challenges head-on and making sure these men and women have a real shot to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into the communities they once swore to defend." “Too many of our veterans carry invisible wounds from their service, and far too often those wounds go untreated—especially for those who become incarcerated,” said Senator King. “The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act meets veterans where they are and ensures they receive the care they’ve earned. Expanding mental health services to incarcerated veterans helps give individuals a better path toward stability and rehabilitation.” “Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Senator Ricketts. “We owe them real support. That means confronting PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse head-on before those invisible wounds lead to bigger challenges. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act supports incarcerated veterans by providing sustainable access to mental health services and a guarantee of resumption of benefits upon their release. Our veterans fought for us. I will keep fighting for them.” As of 2023, there were an estimated 15.8 million veterans in the United States, with about 200,000 additional servicemembers transitioning to civilian life each year. In 2016, it was estimated that 107,400 veterans were serving time in state or federal prison. Combat exposure and associated mental and physical health problems, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mood disorders, and substances use disorders, are associated with a greater likelihood of involvement with the criminal justice system amongst veterans. Some studies have suggested that veterans with PTSD are 61% more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system than those without PTSD, and 59% more likely to be arrested for violent offenses.

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on the Joint Military Strikes in Iran

Position: Congressman Conaway opposes the joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes against Iran as unauthorized and reckless, arguing that the President lacks constitutional authority to conduct military action without congressional approval and that such strikes endanger American servicemembers and risk regional escalation.

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD released the following statement regarding the joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes against targets in Iran: “There is much we do not know about the decision to conduct strikes against Iran taken by the President this morning. These actions have directly endangered the lives of American servicemembers and embassy personnel throughout the region. Without a clear strategy, without a full understanding of the risks to our servicemembers, and without assessing the danger of regional escalation, these strikes are reckless and risk yet another endless war in the Middle East. I, like other Members of Congress and the American people, heard the Administration’s claims that the Iranian nuclear program had been destroyed. However, as a new member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am disappointed that this Administration has not been transparent about their actions in the region, especially the developments from today. The Iranian regime has proven to be brutal. It has repeatedly repressed its own people and killed thousands of protestors. Their malign activities continue to destabilize the region. However, as a veteran, especially as someone who served in the Medical Corps, I understand how serious the implications of any decision to take military action are on our men and women in uniform. Congress alone has the power to declare war. This military action against Iran without congressional authorization is illegal. As soon as Congress reconvenes next week, we will vote on the bipartisan Khanna–Massie War Powers Resolution. This resolution simply reaffirms the Constitution: if a President wants to take this nation to war with Iran, they must first come to Congress and make the case to the American people.”

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on the Gateway Development Lawsuit

Position: The congressman supports expedited court resolution of the Gateway Development Commission lawsuit to enable release of federal funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project, which he characterizes as essential infrastructure for regional and national economic strength.

“The Hudson Tunnel Project is one of the most important infrastructure investments in the nation, essential to the safety, reliability, and economic strength of the Northeast Corridor. I urge the court to rule promptly in the case brought by the Gateway Development Commission so that obligated federal grant and loan funds can be released without further delay. Prolonged uncertainty threatens a project that millions of commuters, workers, and businesses rely on every day. A timely decision will allow this critical work to move forward and ensure continued progress on infrastructure that is vital to our region and the country.”

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on DHS Funding Bill

Position: The congressman opposes increased DHS funding unless the department implements strict oversight and accountability measures for ICE agents, citing incidents of excessive force and constitutional violations.

“For over a year now, ICE agents, operating under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have spread fear in communities across the country. From pepper-spraying children in cars as they drove by and harassing American citizens at their homes through unconstitutional searches, to most recently when an ICE agent shot and killed an American citizen in Minneapolis. DHS has done absolutely nothing to rein in their reckless and poorly trained ICE agents. Rather than making our communities safer, they have made them more dangerous. “DHS doesn’t need more funding—DHS doesn’t deserve more funding. I voted no because I will not give more money to a department that allows dangerous ICE agents to terrorize American citizens. I firmly believe that if DHS wants more funding, it must take serious and significant steps to rein in ICE agents and allow Congress to conduct the oversight that the Constitution grants us.”

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on January 6th

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD released the following statement marking the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection: “Today marks five years since the January 6th insurrection. On this solemn anniversary, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders and law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol and protected our democracy under unimaginable circumstances. “However, we must not forget why January 6th happened. After losing the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many Republicans in Congress spent months lying to the American people by falsely claiming the election was stolen. When Trump’s numerous lawsuits failed in court, he attempted to overturn the election through illegal means—pressuring election officials and coordinating a fake elector scheme. Thankfully, these efforts failed, and democracy prevailed. “As we remember the events of January 6th, we must also remember those who stood up against this attack on our democratic system. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to the Capitol Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies who were placed in grave danger yet fought relentlessly to protect those inside the Capitol and the very foundation of our democracy. We remember those who lost their lives defending the Capitol, and I will continue to keep their family members and loved ones in my thoughts. “Unfortunately, the attempt to subvert our democracy by inciting a violent mob to stop the certification of a free and fair election has gone mostly unpunished, and some of those who participated in the attack have instead been rewarded with presidential pardons. This reality makes it all the more important that we remain vigilant, committed to the truth, and determined to defend our democratic institutions from any future attempts to undermine them.”