Diana DeGette

DeGette Leads Over 250 Congressional Democrats on Amicus Brief to Supreme Court in Louisiana v. FDA

Position: Rep. DeGette and over 250 Congressional Democrats argue that the FDA's authority to regulate medication abortion should be upheld, that mifepristone has been proven safe and effective, and that courts should not override FDA determinations on drug safety and efficacy.

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), co-chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, is leading more than 250 Congressional Democrats in filing an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in State of Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a case that could have sweeping implications for access to medication abortion nationwide. “This case is about whether science and evidence still guide our nation’s health decisions, as Congress codified in law, or whether state politicians and courts can override them,” said Rep. DeGette. “Mifepristone has been proven safe and effective for more than 25 years. Reinstating medically unnecessary restrictions will only make it harder for Americans to access care, especially those in rural and underserved communities. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in standing up for patients, for science, and for the FDA’s authority.” Louisiana v. FDA stems from ongoing legal challenges by anti-abortion politicians and advocates seeking to restrict access to medication abortion. On May 1, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted Louisiana’s request for a nationwide judgment requiring patients to fill mifepristone prescriptions in person at a health center, effectively ending access via telehealth, mail order, and pharmacy. On May 4, the Supreme Court granted an administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA. This restores access to mifepristone via telehealth, mail order, and pharmacies for one week while the case proceeds on emergency docket. Medication abortion care accounts for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S., and more than one in four abortion patients in the United States receive their safe, effective care via telehealth. The Fifth Circuit’s ruling would significantly restrict access—even in states where abortion remains legal—by imposing barriers that medical experts say are medically unnecessary and unduly burdensome. Mifepristone, part of the gold standard medication abortion regimen, was approved by the FDA more than 25 years ago and has since been used safely by over 7.5 million patients. The FDA’s decision to remove the in-person dispensing requirement was based on extensive scientific evidence demonstrating the medication’s safety and efficacy. Congressional Democrats argue in their amicus brief that allowing courts to override FDA determinations undermines the agency’s authority as established by Congress and threatens the integrity of the nation’s drug approval process. ### Issues:Restoring Reproductive Rights

DeGette Slams SNAP Cuts Taking Effect Under Trump’s Big Bad Bill

Position: DeGette opposes SNAP benefit cuts enacted under the Big Bad Bill, arguing they harm food-insecure families, seniors, children, and rural economies. She also opposes immigration-status-based restrictions that will cause approximately 8,000 Coloradans, including refugees, to lose SNAP eligibility.

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement as approximately 8,000 Coloradans will lose SNAP benefits due to new restrictions from the Big Bad Bill beginning May 1: “At a time when families in Denver are struggling to keep up with the cost of groceries, Republicans are ripping food assistance away from children, seniors, and working families to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires,” said DeGette. “SNAP is not a bloated program—it’s about $2 per person per day, and it keeps food on the table for families who need it most. While Republicans are supporting illegal wars and putting their billionaire friends over hard working Americans, I will keep fighting to reverse Trump’s cuts and protect Colorado families.” "Current and pending cuts to SNAP benefits do more than just harm those who are food insecure. SNAP benefits provide critical and consistent income to healthy food retailers. Farms, farmers markets and grocery retailers - especially small and rural ones - already operate on razor thin profit margins, and any disruption to SNAP benefits disrupts their profits too. With the termination of the nation's largest public nutrition education program, SNAP-Ed, we also not only eliminated the most effective program at helping households do more with less, but also a program designed to support SNAP recipients shop at small retail and direct market operations," said Wendy Peters Moschetti, Executive Director, Nourish Colorado. “SNAP remains the most effective tool we have to reduce hunger in this country, and harmful changes from H.R.1 are coming at exactly the wrong time. Families across Colorado are already struggling with persistently high grocery prices, and we’re seeing participation decline even among people who qualify due to growing confusion, increased administrative barriers, and reduced benefits. Colorado deserves the same flexibility afforded to other states with higher error rates, including additional time to make improvements without jeopardizing access to food assistance. SNAP is a lifeline for families, seniors, and children across our state,” said Anya Rose, Director of Public Policy at Hunger Free Colorado. Impact on Colorado As of February 2026, 583,013 Coloradans rely on SNAP, including nearly half who are children, 10% seniors, and 15% people with disabilities. Beginning May 1, approximately 8,000 Coloradans will lose SNAP benefits due to new restrictions tied to immigration status, including refugees and other individuals granted humanitarian protection. Between passage of H.R. 1 in July 2025 and December 2025, SNAP participation in Colorado dropped by 4.5% which is a loss of nearly 27,000 participants statewide, including a 4.3% decline in Denver County. SNAP is also a critical economic driver in Colorado, supporting: Nearly 21,500 grocery stores; 10,100 jobs; $486 million in wages; Nearly $70 million in state tax revenue. Despite persistent claims otherwise, SNAP fraud remains extremely low. Less than 1% of benefits are issued improperly due to intentional violations. Background on H.R. 1 SNAP Cuts H.R. 1 includes $187 billion in cuts to nutrition assistance—the largest in U.S. history. Key provisions include: Shifting massive costs to states and counties, increasing administrative cost-sharing from 50% to 75% and requiring states like Colorado to pay up to an additional $195 million annually in benefit costs. Capping updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which will erode the value of SNAP benefits as food prices rise. Expanding work requirements to new populations, including caregivers of older children and older adults aged 55–64. Eliminating SNAP-Ed, which helps families stretch their food budgets and access healthy options. Reducing benefits for roughly 200,000 Coloradans by disconnecting SNAP from energy assistance programs. These provisions are being implemented gradually, with many participants losing benefits at recertification—meaning the full impact will continue to unfold over time. The Farm Bill and Future SNAP Cuts The Farm Bill, passed by the House yesterday, is now the primary legislative vehicle to address—or further entrench—these cuts. Current provisions would: Lock in the SNAP cuts enacted under H.R. 1; Eliminate fruit and vegetable incentive programs that promote healthy eating; Allow private contractors to administer SNAP, increasing costs and risking delays or wrongful denials of benefits; Politicize federal nutrition guidance by inserting Members of Congress into the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; Redefine SNAP’s mission, setting unrealistic and harmful benchmarks that undermine the program’s effectiveness. ###

DeGette Statement on Colorado “Conversion Therapy” Case

Position: DeGette opposes the Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar and advocates for federal legislation to ban conversion therapy, which she characterizes as harmful pseudoscience rather than protected speech.

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar: “The Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar will lead to traumatic experiences for vulnerable children. So-called “conversion therapy” is not protected speech, it is abuse. That's exactly why Colorado did the right thing by banning it. “There is no debate among serious health care providers that “conversion therapy” is a pseudoscientific practice that harms children and drives them to take their own lives. That’s why I signed an amicus brief in this case and cosponsored legislation to ban this cruel practice nationwide. After today, those legislative efforts are now more vital than ever. “The fact that this Court announced its decision on Trans Day of Visibility is particularly disturbing. Our kids deserve to know they are safe and loved for who they are.”

DeGette Champions 10 Projects, Totaling Nearly $25 Million in Federal Investment for Denver

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) announced her selection of 10 local projects she will champion through the federal appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2027 — projects that could collectively bring nearly $25 million in direct federal investment to Denver communities. The projects span some of Denver's most urgent priorities: expanding affordable housing, training workers for the jobs of tomorrow, protecting vulnerable children, strengthening safety-net health clinics, and investing in the research and innovation driving Colorado's economy forward. “Community Project Funding is democracy at its best — and I can't think of a better example of how the legislation we pass in Congress directly touches the communities we serve,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “From putting families into safe, affordable homes, to helping people experiencing homelessness find meaningful, dignified work, to building community centers for children in need, the projects I have championed are exactly what Congress should be laser focused on. Today's announcement is just the beginning. My job now is to fight to make every single one of these projects law.” Building on a Strong Record Today's announcement builds on Congresswoman DeGette's proven track record of delivering for Denver. Last year, she submitted 13 projects for inclusion in the FY2026 appropriations bills — 12 of which were ultimately signed into law, totaling more than $16 million in direct investment for Denver residents. Since 2022, she has returned more than $62.9 million in taxpayer funds back to the community through Community Project Funding. About Community Project Funding The projects were submitted by local organizations and municipalities for competitive Community Project Funding (CPF) grants — a program that allows Members of Congress to direct federal dollars to specific, community-identified needs. Selection at this stage does not guarantee funding; each project must still survive a competitive Congressional appropriations process. About the 10 Projects Affordable Housing Mulroy Apartments and Opportunity Center Redevelopment(Denver Housing Authority | $4,295,338) — Would replace 56 obsolete public housing units — built nearly 70 years ago — with 133 modern, energy-efficient affordable apartments in the West Colfax neighborhood, more than doubling the number of homes available to low- and moderate-income residents. Townview Apartments (City and County of Denver, Department of Housing Stability | $5,000,000) — Would construct 160 family units in a six-story building with seven two-story townhomes, directly addressing Denver's acute affordable housing shortage. Workforce Development Doubling Capacity for Workforce Training for Individuals Transitioning from Homelessness to Employment(City and County of Denver, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity | $2,000,000) — Would fund the acquisition of a workforce training facility and expand job training and certification programs that help Denver residents transition out of homelessness and into stable employment. Child Safety Denver Child Abuse Prevention and Community Training Center(City and County of Denver | $4,500,000) — Would convert a former credit union building into a dedicated child abuse prevention and community training center, expanding capacity to prevent crimes against children and support the professionals working to keep Denver's most vulnerable families safe. Health Care FQHC Refrigeration Power Supply Equipment (Denver Health Community Health Services | $1,900,000) — Would purchase 79 battery back-up power units to protect drug and vaccine refrigeration across 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers and 19 School-Based Health Centers, preventing the loss of critical medications and disruption to patient care. STRIDE FQHC Health Care Equipment Upgrade(STRIDE Community Health Center | $813,500) — Would upgrade the Oneida Clinic's pharmaceutical equipment — including a prescription-filling robot and enhanced dental care tools — strengthening a safety-net clinic that serves all First District residents regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Research & Innovation AI and Robotics Engineering Training Lab Equipment (University of Colorado Denver | $2,003,650) — Would equip CU Denver's engineering program with advanced robotics, autonomy, and AI infrastructure, preparing workers for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health care, and other sectors driving Denver's economy. Dreamscape Virtual Reality Learning Lab(Community College of Denver | $1,551,390) — Would establish an immersive virtual reality learning lab at Community College of Denver, integrating cutting-edge technology into STEM and health care courses to help more students — particularly those facing systemic barriers — complete programs in fields critical to Colorado's future. Mass Spectrometry–Driven Direct-to-Biology Platform for Accelerated Drug Discovery (University of Denver | $1,800,000) — Would establish a mass spectrometry-centered research platform at the University of Denver, accelerating the discovery of treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and other serious diseases. iHouse Criminal Justice Platform(University of Denver | $934,470) — Would expand an existing NIH-funded simulation model to equip Colorado state and local agencies with a real-time tool for smarter criminal justice policy decisions, with the goal of reducing incarceration among people with histories of homelessness. More information about the projects, relevant financial disclosures, and a list of previously requested projects can be found on Congresswoman DeGette's website.

DeGette Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

Position: DeGette opposes military action in Iran without Congressional authorization, arguing that the President lacks constitutional authority to launch a war of choice absent an imminent threat, and contends that war spending diverts resources from domestic priorities like healthcare and housing.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after the House considered resolutions regarding military action in Iran: “Iran has been the largest state sponsor of terrorism globally and a significant destabilizing force in the Middle East for decades. However, that does not give Donald Trump the authority to launch a war of choice. The Constitution mandates that the president must receive Congressional authorization before engaging in acts of war, except in very limited circumstances. To date, I have seen no evidence that there was an imminent threat against our country. That is why I voted for the war powers resolution today which would have stopped Trump’s illegal war. “Republicans killed the resolution, greenlighting the war and putting American servicemembers in harm’s way. Meanwhile, this war is costing at least $1 billion every day. That is billions of dollars that could go towards affordable health care and housing. I refuse to support this war.”

DeGette Statement on Republicans’ So-Called Investigation into Fraud

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after Republicans on the Energy & Commerce Committee sent partisan Medicaid fraud investigation letters to Democratic-led states, including Colorado. “It’s so good to see that the blatant partisanship has seeped down to the Energy & Commerce Committee where Republicans are now seeking Medicaid information from nine blue states (and Nebraska). I am looking forward to what I am sure will be the imminent letters to Republican-led states, like Mississippi, because we should investigate alleged wrongdoing regardless of how a state voted. “But this effort from the Majority is not about fraud, it’s about punishing Democratic states. Maybe the Republicans would be better off investigating why the Trump administration fired the federal prosecutors and inspectors general responsible for going after fraud.” The letter to Colorado can be found here.

DeGette Statement on Trump’s Unjustified Strikes Against Iran

Position: DeGette opposes Trump's military strikes against Iran without Congressional authorization and supports passage of the Massie-Khanna War Powers Resolution to require Congressional approval for military action.

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after Donald Trump announced overnight that the United States commenced a massive military operation against Iran. “This morning, Donald Trump illegally began a massive military operation against Iran without consulting Congress. During his State of the Union address earlier this week, President Trump made no attempt to explain why he felt military action was necessary at this time. “This is why Congressional authorization is urgently needed. I have cosponsored H.Con.Res. 38, the Massie-Khanna War Powers Resolution, on which Leader Jeffries has said he will force a vote this coming week. Congress must immediately return to Washington and reclaim its Constitutional authority. “While the Iranian regime is a brutal autocracy that has oppressed the Iranian people, that alone does not give Trump the justification needed to launch a military operation of this magnitude without Congressional approval. I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in stopping Trump’s unjustified march to war.”