Christopher R. Deluzio

NO FUNDS FOR IRAN WAR: Deluzio, Democratic Veterans, House Colleagues Introduce Iran War Funding Prohibition

Position: Congressman Deluzio and colleagues oppose the ongoing military action against Iran without Congressional authorization and introduce legislation to prohibit federal funding for such military operations absent an AUMF or declaration of war.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined with seventeen of his colleagues in Congress to introduce a funding prohibition on military action against Iran.  The No Funds for Iran War Act is supported by fourteen Democratic veterans along with the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees. Congressman Deluzio is an original co-sponsor. For nine weeks, the Trump Administration has waged war in Iran without Congressional approval, which has cost tens of billions of dollars, killed 13 brave U.S. servicemembers and wounded hundreds more, and caused prices to skyrocket at home. The introduction also follows the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in funding for FY27 – not including a reported Iran War supplemental funding request of $200 billion. The bill, the No Funds for Iran War Act, would prohibit the use of additional public money for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or declaration of war from Congress.  “We are a nation of laws, and the Constitution gives the American People and the Congress—not the president—the power to spend public money,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Americans at home are struggling to pay bills and afford their lives. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s Iran War is wasting American lives and billions on a war we didn’t have to fight. Too many in Congress will not grow a spine to assert our War Powers; yet another reason why we need to pass the No Funds for Iran War Act. Let’s stop funneling billions into this reckless war and bring our troops home.” Congressman Deluzio opposes this reckless Iran War and has consistently voted in favor of War Powers Resolutions under both President Biden and President Trump. Last week, Deluzio questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the Iranian drone strike on U.S. troops on March 1st, which killed six soldiers and wounded 30 others. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 61 percent of Americans believe using military force against Iran was a mistake, making Trump’s war as unpopular among Americans as the Iraq War during the peak of violence in 2006 and the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. “The American people have been clear from the beginning: they want lower costs and no more forever wars. The Trump administration has spent nine weeks conducting an illegal war in Iran that has done the exact opposite – and every American is paying the price,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Their recklessness has killed 13 brave servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, cost at least $25 billion in taxpayer money, and sent gas prices skyrocketing here at home. Since Day 1, there has been no strategy or endgame. Not a single dollar more on this ill-conceived war.” “Trump’s war of choice has achieved none of the administration’s stated objectives and has surpassed the president’s initial stated timeline of the conflict, which was supposed to last only a few weeks. Now that the president is moving the goal posts and twisting the 60-day requirements of the War Powers Act, Congress must take action. It is time for it to exercise its constitutional power of the purse,” said Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Trump’s Iran war was never authorized by Congress, and no funds appropriated by Congress should be spent on this illegal conflict,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “The American people don’t want this administration spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a new forever war in the Middle East that is already driving up the costs of everything from gas to groceries. I thank Rep. Ryan for his leadership introducing this bill.” “Donald Trump believes he can continue to wage an unconstitutional war at the expense of American taxpayers, but at the end of the day Congress still holds the purse strings and will be the final authority on our long-term military action overseas,” said Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “I know that my Republican colleagues are hearing, as I am, from their constituents who are seeing their gas and grocery prices rise by the week, and I hope that they will join us in limiting this illegal spending, restoring Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war and refocusing on delivering lower prices for the American people.” “Congress should not fund an illegal war. The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to authorize war, and Congress never approved the use of military force against Iran,” said Congressman Ted Lieu. “This bill makes unmistakably clear that we will not support an illegal war by providing taxpayer funding for it. Doing so would undermine one of the Founders’ core principles: that Congress, and by extension the American people, must decide when our nation goes to war.” “Trump started his illegal war in Iran without rhyme or reason, and the results have been nothing short of disastrous,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “His war has cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars while driving up the cost of essentials like groceries and gas. I’m supporting Congressman Ryan’s No Funds for Iran War Act because Americans should not be forced to foot the bill for an endless, unauthorized conflict.” “We do not write blank checks for unauthorized wars in the United States of America,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Our commonsense bill will restore the basic accountability and sanity that the American people need and deserve from our government.” “Over sixty days into the Trump Administration’s reckless war of choice in Iran, thirteen American soldiers have lost their lives, and our children will be saddled with the global consequences and a multi-billion-dollar debt. Instead of bringing Iran closer to a free and democratic future, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have destroyed the lives and livelihoods of thousands of civilians in their failure to act with transparency, measured diplomacy, and thoughtful justification. The Trump Administration's impulsive, unilateral military actions, without the consent of the American people, are further destabilizing an already volatile region. I stand firmly with my fellow Democratic Veterans in Congress to demand a halt in funds for this reckless war and reassert Congressional authority over war-making powers. I will not accept another forever war,” said Representative Derek Tran (CA-45). “I won’t vote for a dime to continue this illegal war with Iran. It’s clear that President Trump has no endgame and no strategy,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “Republicans must stop enabling this illegal war that has already killed 13 American servicemembers, cost us tens of billions in taxpayer dollars, and raised gas prices at home.” The legislation is co-sponsored by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT), and Ryan’s fellow Democratic Veteran Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Jason Crow (D-CO),  Seth Moulton (D-MA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Derek Tran (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), and Bobby Scott (D-VA). Congressman Deluzio is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Navy and Iraq War veteran, and deployed overseas three times during his military service. Amid recent attacks on veterans’ earned benefits, national security concerns, and rising threats around the globe, Congressman Deluzio leads his fellow veterans in Congress as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Veterans Caucus. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee. ###

Congressman Deluzio Announces $184,000 Federal Grant to Build Housing, Lower Housing Costs in Western PA

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that $184,000 in Flexible Impact Grants will be awarded to NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania. This money will go towards lowering the cost of housing and creating jobs in Western Pennsylvania. "Too many people work hard but still struggle to pay for a decent home," said Congressman Deluzio. "This grant is about getting more solid housing options for folks in Western Pennsylvania–I am excited to see the good work it will do for our region." “Congressman Deluzio and his staff, whether in the 17th district or in Washington, DC, have been tremendously responsive and supportive of NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania and our mission to promote stable, vibrant communities by providing our neighbors with comprehensive financial empowerment and homeownership services. The Flexible Impact Grant award will directly support our homebuyer group education and one-on-one HUD-certified housing counseling services in communities throughout the 17th district and across western Pennsylvania.” - Colin Kelley, Chief Executive Officer, NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania. The funding is awarded by NeighborWorks America, a Congressionally-established nonprofit organization that supports first-time homeowners through the process of purchasing and sustaining affordable homes. In 2025, NeighborWorks America provided 432,000 housing and counseling services to help families and communities build stronger and more stable financial futures. The 2026 grant will be awarded through NeighborWorks's Flexible Impact Grants Program to their nonprofit based in Western Pennsylvania working to tackle the housing crisis. The Trump Administration's efforts to pause grants and freeze public money from going out have caused uncertainty for community projects receiving federal funding. The courts have paused many of these freezes, and Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor the situation and fight to ensure Western Pennsylvania gets the money it is owed by the federal government. If you experience challenges accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please contact Congressman Deluzio's office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov. ###

Deluzio Statement on House FISA Reauthorization Vote

Position: Congressman Deluzio opposes FISA reauthorization because he believes it fails to adequately protect Americans from warrantless government surveillance and violates Fourth Amendment protections.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the vote in the United States House of Representatives to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement. “Our Constitution and the Fourth Amendment are not polite suggestions. “They demand that our government respect our liberty and right to be free from government surveillance and spying on our communications without a warrant. “Just as I did when Joe Biden was President, I opposed a bill extending FISA for a simple reason: it would not put an end to violations of Americans’ liberty.” ###

Deluzio, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Earned Railroad Retirement Benefits

Position: The release advocates for eliminating a federal provision that reduces railroad retirement benefits for retirees and spouses who continue working for their last prior non-railroad employer after retirement, arguing the current rule unfairly penalizes workers who wish to remain employed.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressmen Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Troy Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced the Railroad Retirement Fairness Act that would eliminate an outdated provision in federal law which unfairly reduces railroad retirement payments for certain retirees and spouses who continue working in non-railroad jobs after retirement. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE.) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Under current law, railroad retirees and their spouses face a reduction in their retirement benefits if they continue working for their last prior non-railroad employer before retirement. That current rule can force retirees and spouses to leave jobs they want to keep or switch employers, simply to avoid losing benefits they earned. “People shouldn’t be locked out of their earned benefits if they want or need to keep working after retirement,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Unfortunately, that is what is happening now to thousands of American railroad workers. The Railroad Retirement Fairness Act is a bipartisan effort to level the playing field and make it so railroad retirees and their spouses can work non-railroad jobs without sacrificing their earned retirement benefits.” “Retired railroad employees shouldn’t be penalized for continuing to work after their retirement to supplement their income or to stay active in their communities,” said Congressman Nehls. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to eliminate the current provision that punishes hardworking railroad workers for continuing to work after their retirement, and ensure these men and women keep their rightfully earned retirement benefits.” “When I heard from Delawareans that their retirement benefits were being reduced simply because they or their spouses continued working after retiring from a long railroad career, I knew we had to do something in Washington,” said Senator Coons. “Too often our outdated systems are stacked against workers, that’s why I’m fighting for Delaware’s workers every day to make our economy fairer through bills like this one.” “Railroad workers are losing out on their hard-earned retirement benefits due to outdated laws that penalize work,” said Senator Hawley. “Congress must act now to protect retirees and ensure they receive the pensions they were promised for their service to our nation’s rail system.” The railroad retirement system provides benefits to rail employees through a two-tier structure. Tier I benefits are similar to Social Security, while Tier II benefits function like a private pension. Current law reduces some Tier II benefits based solely on whether a retiree or spouse continues working for the same non-railroad employer they had before retirement, even though a retiree who takes a different job after retiring would not face the same penalty. The Railroad Retirement Fairness Act would: Eliminate the arbitrary “last prior employer” deduction; Allow railroad retirees and their spouses to continue working in non-railroad jobs without losing earned retirement benefits; and Ensure more equal treatment for retirees regardless of where they choose to work in retirement. The bill is endorsed by the Transportation Communications Union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), and the Teamsters Rail Conference. “For far too long, outdated LPE rules have unfairly penalized railroad retirees who simply want to remain active, support their families, or contribute to their communities,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The common-sense, bipartisan Railroad Retirement Fairness Act is about restoring dignity, fairness, and economic opportunity for retired railroad workers who have already earned their benefits.” “LPE work restrictions punish railroad retirees for working, caring for family, or staying productive long after they’ve earned their benefits,” said IAM Rail Division member Dave Tackett. “The policy is outdated, inconsistent, and unfair, and it treats railroad workers worse than every other American retiree. It’s time to remove it. I want to thank our bipartisan, bicameral group of officials for championing the removal of this unfair deduction.” “We are grateful to Senators Coons and Hawley as well as Congressmen Deluzio and Nehls for introducing the Railroad Retirement Fairness Act to address this outdated policy,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “Their work brings long overdue attention to an issue that affects retired railroad workers and their families. Their bipartisan effort represents an important step toward restoring fairness and modernizing the Railroad Retirement system.” “Railroad retirees should not be discouraged from working or supporting their families after a lifetime of service,” said Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) National President Matt Hollis. “Fixing the LPE rule is a long-overdue and commonsense step toward fairness and ensures these workers are treated with the same respect as every other American retiree.” The full text of the bill is available here. ###

Deluzio Highlights Childcare Crisis Following Aliquippa Head Start Visit

Position: Congressman Deluzio supports increased federal investment in childcare and Head Start programs to address rising childcare costs for families, and opposes cuts to Head Start funding.

ALIQUIPPA, PA – This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio visited a Head Start classroom at Aliquippa Elementary School to read with students and meet with teachers and other leaders. Head Start is a federal program that provides no-cost childcare and early learning for young children up to age 5 whose families live below the federal poverty line. These programs have a goal of helping these kids reach the developmental milestones they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. “Visiting with Head Start kids in Aliquippa this week was a powerful reminder of our region’s bright future and how important Head Start and high-quality childcare is for our kids. I fought the Trump Administration’s attempts to freeze Head Start funding last year—and we’ve got to go even further to tackle America’s childcare crisis,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Instead of starting another war in the Middle East, our government should be investing a heck of a lot more in kids and families right here at home.” Childcare is a massive expense for hardworking families across Pennsylvania. The average cost of childcare for an infant and four-year-old in Pennsylvania is north of $27,000. In the face of childcare costs rising across the country, the Trump Administration tried and failed to freeze Head Start funding in the summer of 2025. A dad to four young kids and member of the Dads Caucus, Congressman Deluzio fights hard for parents and kids in Congress. Congressman Deluzio is a co-sponsor of the Childcare Stabilization Act and has brought home federal funding for early learning and childcare programs like Head Start in his district. Photos and video of visit available here. ###

Deluzio Public Hearing on the Rising Cost of Youth Sports: “Kids are Getting Priced Out”

GREEN TREE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) hosted a public field hearing called “Let Kids Play” on the rising cost of youth sports. Held at the Green Tree SportsPlex on an indoor field, he and a panel of experts shared their experiences and heard powerful public testimony from parents, coaches, local business owners, and interested community members. In the past, non-profits like Little League Baseball ran kids’ sports leagues, sponsored by local businesses, social clubs, volunteer fire departments, and churches. Today, it’s often private equity and other big investors that are behind the leagues. More often than not—they are focused on profit more than community. At today’s event, Western Pennsylvanians shared their experiences around the skyrocketing cost of kids’ sports and the impact it is having on young people, families, and the wider community. “The rising cost of kids’ sports may seem like a small issue to talk about: but I think it says something bigger about America today,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In our country, sports are supposed to be a great equalizer—a place where any kid could show up, work hard, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Now we’re drifting away from that. Kids are getting priced out. Today, a family’s bank account too often decides whether that kid gets that shot, turning youth sports into a luxury item. That must end. That’s why I held this hearing today: to hear peoples’ experiences, and to hear what needs to change to keep this part of the American Dream alive for the next generation of kids.” “Private equity has turned youth sports from a cherished past time into a profit extraction machine,” said Katherine Van Dyck, senior legal fellow with the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP) and panelist at the hearing. “There is an urgent need to listen to families, take on these firms, and stop their anti-competitive and predatory behavior. The field hearing held by Congressman Deluzio and the Monopoly Busters Caucus is an important step in that direction.” “I’m honored to be a part of this conversation because the rising costs of youth sports was something that I lived every day for many years as a single mom doing everything I could to support my child’s passion and future as a competitive soccer player,” said panelist and parent Dr. Shannon Conner. “Once he moved into competitive club level soccer, the costs added up quickly. Club dues alone were significant, and monthly payment plans were the only way we were able to participate at all. And the dues were just the beginning. None of these expenses were optional if you wanted your child to stay competitive. Youth sports are supposed to promote health, teamwork, confidence, and opportunity. But when costs rise and access narrows, those benefits become reserved for families who can afford them—or who are willing to shoulder unsustainable financial strain. We must prioritize affordability, transparency, and access. No parent should have to choose between financial stability and giving their child the chance to play the sport they love.” “I can tell you from firsthand experience that the cost of participating in youth sports, especially basketball, is rising at a pace that is unsustainable for many families,” said panelist Gino Palmosina, head basketball coach at Moon Area High School and owner of Win Today Basketball. “What used to be a local or regional experience has turned into a national business model. The reality is that families are already being squeezed. I’ve had conversations with parents who have multiple kids and cannot simply afford for all of them to participate anymore. That’s a major concern because youth sports should be about access, development, and community. The grassroots organizations that built youth sports in these communities are now competing against larger, well-funded entities that can absorb costs, control facilities, and dominate the tournament landscape. And the end of the day, kids just want to play. They want to learn, compete, and be part of a team. But if the costs continue to rise the way they have been, we’re going to lose a lot of those kids, and that’s something that—as a community—we cannot afford.” Congressman Deluzio hosted this event as a field hearing for the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a caucus that he co-chairs in the Congress that looks into the way that consolidated corporate power is ripping off the American people. This is the caucus’ second field hearing, following one in Seattle, WA that focused on monopolies’ role in driving up the cost of groceries. Photos and media from the event are available to the press here. An informational flyer from AELP is available here. ###

Deluzio Announces “Let Kids Play” Public Hearing on Cost of Youth Sports

CARNEGIE, PA – Today, dad to four Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that next week he is holding a public hearing about the cost of youth sports. Kids’ sports used to be run by non-profits, often sponsored by local businesses and churches. Today, travel team fees can cost thousands, expensive gear and uniforms are mandatory, and it’s hard for hardworking families to keep up with the rising costs of having kids play sports. Too often, private equity and other big investors are behind the leagues and are focused on profit more than community. To dig into this issue more, Congressman Deluzio is holding a public hearing in Allegheny County on April 7th at 2pm. He invites coaches, athletes, parents, and interested members of the community to attend and share their experiences about the cost of youth sports. Congressman Deluzio is hosting this “Lets Kids Play” event as a field hearing for the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a caucus that he co-chairs in the Congress. Attendees are asked to use this form to sign up to attend Congressman Deluzio's public hearing. The specific location within Allegheny County will be provided following RSVP. Please note that time constraints may limit the amount of public testimony at the event. If that occurs, there will be an option to submit testimony in writing. Constituents should call Congressman Deluzio's office with questions: (412) 344-5583. This event is open to the media. Members of the press who want to attend should RSVP by email or text to Congressman Chris Deluzio’s Communications Director. ###