Christopher R. Deluzio

Thirty Armed Services Democrats, Veterans, Raise Alarm Over March Attack on NSA Bahrain, Pentagon’s Poor Treatment of Evacuated Military Families

Position: Members of Congress are demanding that the Department of Defense extend safe haven entitlements and reimburse out-of-pocket costs for families evacuated from NSA Bahrain, and are requesting answers on the base damage and its impact on U.S. operations in the region.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, 30 members of Congress signed on to a letter demanding action and answers from the Pentagon about the poor treatment of military servicemembers and their families who were evacuated from Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain) in March 2026. This letter comes after MS NOW reported on the details of a hasty and traumatic evacuation from NSA Bahrain in March, noting that many military family members have been living out of hotels and short-term rentals and are being required to pay out of pocket to cover these expenses. The letter demands that the Department of Defense right this wrong and support these evacuated military families. The members of Congress also asked the Secretary how much it would cost to repair the severe damage to NSA Bahrain and how the incapacitation of the base has impacted U.S. operations in the Iran War and the wider Middle East. The letter is co-led by Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT). The letter signatories are members of the House Armed Services Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee, or are members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus. The letter reads, “President Trump launched the Iran War on February 28th before evacuating the roughly 8,300 military personnel, DoD civilians, and their families stationed at NSA Bahrain. Families were authorized to evacuate only after the war started, subjecting them to the Iranian retaliatory strikes that heavily damaged the base. Since March, these evacuees have been under constant emotional, financial, and psychological stress... While the Department of Defense has provided safe haven entitlements to offset the cost of living for evacuees, this funding is scheduled to be terminated in November or after the 180th day of receiving the entitlement, before many have found permanent housing and transportation.” The members continue, “Because NSA Bahrain was a critical logistics hub for U.S. Central Command, we require a better understanding of how the severe damage to the base has impacted U.S. operations… We have significant concerns about the morale and welfare of the troops deployed to the region, especially in light of the reporting on the conditions onboard the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, which both served record breaking deployments.” Specifically, the members requested answers by November 13, 2026 to the following questions: Why was the Navy’s request to extend the safe haven entitlements for evacuees denied? Who made this decision? Why are safe haven entitlements for evacuees being terminated before the arrival of household goods? What will the Department of Defense do to ensure that evacuees from NSA Bahrain are not paying out of pocket for living expenses incurred by the evacuation? What processes, if any, are in place for evacuees to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred, and how many reimbursement cases are pending? Given the damage to NSA Bahrain, which logistic hub (or hubs) has the Department of Defense been using amidst the Iran War? What has been the operational impact of the loss of NSA Bahrain? Does the Department of Defense intend to repair and rebuild NSA Bahrain? If so, how much is the expected cost for such work? What is the financial cost of the damage to NSA Bahrain? The House signatories of the letter are: Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17, co-lead), Pat Ryan (NY-18, co-lead), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Bill Keating (MA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Derek Tran (CA-45), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and George Whitesides (CA-27). The Senate signatories of the letter are: Sens. Richard Blumenthal (CT, co-lead), Tammy Duckworth (IL), Kirstin Gillibrand (NY), Mazie Hirono (HI), Jacky Rosen (NV), Elizabeth Warren (MA). The full text of the letter is below and is linked here. The Honorable Pete Hegseth Secretary of Defense U.S. Department of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Secretary Hegseth: We write to raise concern over reporting that servicemembers and their families are continuing to face significant hardship following their evacuation from Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain) in March this year. Additionally, we seek to better understand how the incapacitation of NSA Bahrain has impacted U.S. operations in the Iran War and the broader Middle East. In an August town hall, Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle, said that the Navy would not be using NSA Bahrain for the foreseeable future. This is significant not only for the thousands of servicemembers and their families personally involved, but also because NSA Bahrain is a critical logistics hub that has served as the headquarters for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet since 1995. Servicemembers and Their Families are Not Receiving Adequate Support As you know, President Trump launched the Iran War on February 28th before evacuating the roughly 8,300 military personnel, DoD civilians, and their families stationed at NSA Bahrain. Families were authorized to evacuate only after the war started, subjecting them to the Iranian retaliatory strikes that heavily damaged the base. Since March, these evacuees have been under constant emotional, financial, and psychological stress. Some have had to move across continents, stay in temporary lodging for months, enroll their children in a new school mid-year, pay out of pocket for significant costs associated with a move and more, all often without access to belongings they were forced to leave behind. While the Department of Defense has provided safe haven entitlements to offset the cost of living for evacuees, this funding is scheduled to be terminated in November or after the 180th day of receiving the entitlement, before many have found permanent housing and transportation. In a recent town hall, Navy officials relayed that your Department of Defense leadership had denied a request to extend the safe haven entitlements, and that each evacuee had to seek individual approval from the Acting Secretary of the Navy. This is unacceptable. To make matters worse, the signing of a lease is being used as a triggering event for termination of the safe haven entitlement. This is bad policy. Although a family may have signed a lease for a permanent residence, they may still have to use a rental vehicle or stay in temporary lodging while they wait for their household goods to arrive from overseas. Requiring servicemembers to pay out of pocket for expenses that were forced upon them by your mismanagement of the Iran War is wrong. You must fix this. Loss of NSA Bahrain and U.S. Presence in the Middle East As the Iran War reaches the ninth month, our constituents have expressed increasing concern about the cost of the conflict and the lack of transparency surrounding U.S. operations and strategic goals in the region. Because NSA Bahrain was a critical logistics hub for U.S. Central Command, we require a better understanding of how the severe damage to the base has impacted U.S. operations. In August, the New York Times reported that the U.S Navy is now resupplying from Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean 2,200 miles away from the Persian Gulf. We have significant concerns about the morale and welfare of the troops deployed to the region, especially in light of the reporting on the conditions onboard the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, which both served record breaking deployments. In executing the Congress’s oversight authority under Article I of the Constitution, we request answers to the following questions by November 13, 2026. Why was the Navy’s request to extend the safe haven entitlements for evacuees denied? Who made this decision? Why are safe haven entitlements for evacuees being terminated before the arrival of household goods? What will the Department of Defense do to ensure that evacuees from NSA Bahrain are not paying out of pocket for living expenses incurred by the evacuation? What processes, if any, are in place for evacuees to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred, and how many reimbursement cases are pending? Given the damage to NSA Bahrain, which logistic hub (or hubs) has the Department of Defense been using amidst the Iran War? What has been the operational impact of the loss of NSA Bahrain? Does the Department of Defense intend to repair and rebuild NSA Bahrain? If so, how much is the expected cost for such work? What is the financial cost of the damage to NSA Bahrain? ###

Deluzio, Jayapal, Dingell, Ryan Introduce Bill to Lower Medicare Eligibility Age

Position: The release supports the Improving Medicare Coverage Act, which would lower the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 50 and expand coverage improvements, including the Medicare Savings Program and drug affordability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced the Improving Medicare Coverage Act, legislation that would lower the Medicare eligibility age to 50 from 65 and make major coverage improvements. “Especially after Trump’s healthcare cuts, expanding Medicare to Americans age 50 and up will save lives and get so many Americans the healthcare they need,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am proud to support Rep. Jayapal’s Improving Medicare Coverage Act—this is an important steppingstone on the way to bigger healthcare reform where every American has good and decent healthcare.” “Lowering the Medicare eligibility age will be life-saving for the millions of Americans who are waiting an additional 15 years to be able to afford to see a doctor,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “Expanding Medicare is not only popular, it is also morally the right thing to do. Millions leave the workforce before 65, and with Trump’s cuts to healthcare, many are now left without any options as they wait, sometimes years, for Medicare enrollment. Expanding this program is a commonsense step towards ensuring that all Americans have the care they deserve.” “For millions of Americans who cannot afford to go to the doctor, it is too late to receive preventive care by the time they reach age 65,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The U.S. is the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee access to health care for all its citizens, and this needs to change now. I am proud to introduce this legislation to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 50, improve the Medicare Savings Program, and make lifesaving drugs more affordable.” “While Trump and Republicans cut your healthcare and raise your costs, we’re fighting back and putting your care first. But we’re not just reversing the harm – we’re building something better in its place, where millions more Americans will be able to access and afford the care they deserve right when they need it,” said Congressman Ryan. “This legislation expands healthcare coverage to millions of Americans, takes decisive action to lower costs, and makes sure that everyone who needs it has access to quality healthcare, and won’t have to wait to get the cancer screenings, preventative care, and prescriptions they need. This is a commonsense bill, and I look forward to passing it through the Democratically-controlled House next year.” Adults in late middle age who don’t have health insurance are more likely to die or experience a preventable decline in their overall health. The risks for several chronic conditions and cancers naturally increase at age 50. The median ages for many cancer diagnoses fall below 65 years of age: for instance, 61 is the average age for a breast cancer diagnosis. Lowering the Medicare healthcare eligibility age would improve the chances of more people getting early diagnoses and surviving treatable diseases. As of 2024, adults aged 55-64 made up 11.5 percent of the entire uninsured population in the U.S. The cuts to healthcare in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act are anticipated to kick 15 million Americans off their healthcare coverage, including more than 12,500 people who count on Medicaid in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. Around 22 million Americans are paying more than $1,000 more for their healthcare than they were before the Affordable Care Act tax credits expired. To take on these cuts and the increased costs to plan holders, lowering the Medicare eligibility age is an important step towards ensuring all Americans have health coverage. The legislation would also substantially reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in insurance coverage and healthcare. In addition to lowering costs for older adults and improving patient outcomes, it is estimated that lowering the Medicare age could reduce costs for employers by up to 43 percent. Specifically, the Improving Medicare Coverage Act would: Lower the Medicare eligibility age to 50; Establish a Medicare Cost Assistance Program to replace the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and the Qualifying Individual (QI) programs with one program covering specified Part A premiums and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for individuals with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Enhance prescription drug affordability by: Expanding access to assistance with out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities; Combining the existing Extra Help and Low-Income Subsidy programs into one program; Raising the eligibility from 135% FPL to 200% FPL; Removing the asset test; Ensuring that any individual making under 400% FPL who is not eligible for the Medicare Savings Program maintains the same eligibility for marketplace premium tax credits. The Improving Medicare Coverage Act is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Everton Blair (GA-13), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jason Crow (CO-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sarah Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05). This legislation is endorsed by Center for Health and Democracy, Labor Campaign for Single Payer, MoveOn, People’s Action Institute, Physicians for a National Health Program, Public Citizen, SEIU, United Auto Workers. The full text of the legislation is available here. ###

Deluzio Continues October Town Hall Tour in Carnegie, PA

Position: The release states constituents want an end to the Iran War, which it says is raising costs and reducing safety, and references criticism of corruption in the federal government.

CARNEGIE, PA – Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) continued his October Town Hall Tour across Pennsylvania’s 17th District in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The event was open to the public and the press. The Carnegie Town Hall covered a wide range of topics, including the Iran War, data centers, healthcare cuts, and more. Constituents had an opportunity to speak directly with their elected representative in Congress, share their opinions, and ask questions. Congressman Deluzio also provided updates from his work down in Washington. “It was great to hear from more than 85 folks in Carnegie last night on the second stop of my October Town Hall Tour,” said Congressman Deluzio. “It's clear that the good people of Western Pennsylvania are sick of the corruption at the top of our federal government and want an end to the Iran War that’s jacking up costs and making us all less safe. I look forward to continuing the conversation with one last stop in Beaver Falls this Saturday!” Congressman Deluzio has attended more than twenty similar town hall-style, open Q&A events so far this Congress (2025-2026). Photos from Carnegie are available here. The final stop in Beaver Falls is on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00pm and will also be open to the public and the press. The public RSVP link for the Beaver Falls Town Hall is here and members of the press should RSVP directly to Congressman Deluzio’s Communications Director, Zoe Bluffstone. ###

Deluzio Kicks Off October Town Hall Tour in Penn Hills, PA

Position: The release describes a town hall event covering corruption, AI, and cost of living, and quotes the Congressman stating that Congress should address the cost-of-living crisis and end the President's war in Iran.

PENN HILLS, PA – Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) kicked off his October Town Hall Tour with an event open to the public and the press in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. A large group of Western Pennsylvanians joined him for the first stop of the Town Hall Tour in Pennsylvania’s 17th District. The event covered a wide range of topics, including corruption, AI, and the cost of living. Constituents had an opportunity to speak directly with their elected representative in Congress, share their opinions, and ask questions. Congressman Deluzio also provided updates from his work down in Washington. “A lot has happened down in Washington this year, and it is good to be home to hear from the people that Congress’s work impacts the most,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Folks in Penn Hills want to know how we can fight the cost-of-living crisis, end the President’s reckless war in Iran, and restore the American Dream right here in Western Pennsylvania. I’m excited to keep the conversation going and hear from the good people of Carnegie and Beaver Falls next." Congressman Deluzio has attended more than twenty similar open Q&A events during the 119th Congress (2025-2026). Deluzio’s Town Hall Tour will stop next in Carnegie on Tuesday, October 13th at 5:30pm and in Beaver Falls on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00pm. Photos are available here. ###

Deluzio, Lee Announce $11 Million More in Federal Funding for Safety Upgrades at Pittsburgh Airport

Position: The release announces $11 million in federal FAA funding for runway lighting and pavement upgrades at Pittsburgh International Airport and expresses support for federal investment in airport infrastructure.

CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) announced $11,023,181 in federal funding to upgrade thousands of feet of lighting and pavement on Runway 10L/28R at the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), further modernizing Western Pennsylvanians’ go-to airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation awards this money through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The multi-phase funding will help extend the service life of the runway, minimize Foreign Object Debris (FOD), improve aircrafts’ ride quality, and make the airfield safer at Pittsburgh International Airport. “We in Western Pennsylvanians should be able to rely on the safety and reliability of our infrastructure,” said Congressman Deluzio. “That’s why I am excited to announce another round of federal funding that will help make the Pittsburgh Airport one of the safest and most modern airports in the world.” “Pittsburgh International Airport is one of the gateways to Western Pennsylvania, and the infrastructure behind it has to be safe, reliable, and ready for the people and workers who depend on it every single day,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This more than $11 million federal investment is exactly what public dollars should be doing: coming back home, strengthening the things our communities rely on, supporting good jobs, and making sure a major piece of our regional economy is built to last. I’m glad to see this funding headed home to Pittsburgh International Airport, and I’ll keep fighting to bring federal investment back to Western Pennsylvania.” “Airports across the country are part of national critical infrastructure and federal support is key in helping to keep the national airspace moving. Pittsburgh International Airport is an important economic driver for our region and this grant helps to fund airfield improvements at PIT including runway paving and upgrading lighting infrastructure. Thank you to Congressman Deluzio and our entire federal delegation for their continued support,” said Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis. ###

Deluzio, Padilla, Ruiz Launch Effort to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places, Protect Voters and Election Workers

Position: The release supports legislation that would update Voting Rights Act anti-intimidation provisions to limit visible firearms at polling places and ballot drop sites, citing threats to voters and election workers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With midterm elections just around the corner and threats to our elections at an all-time high, U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Congressman Raúl Ruiz (D-CA-25) introduced bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. “The right to vote is foundational to America's democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,” said Congressman Deluzio. “With the rising risk of political violence and ongoing threats to our democratic system, we need to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help protect the rights of America’s voters and election workers so that they can vote and perform their official duties free from violent threats and intimidation. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill today alongside Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Ruiz.” “No voter should have to walk past a gauntlet of firearms to exercise their right to vote, and no election worker should have to risk armed threats just to do their job,” said Senator Padilla. “Intimidation and violence have no place at our polls. These threats disenfranchise voters, undermine the fairness of our elections, and prevent nonpartisan election workers from doing their jobs. Our bill will keep visible firearms and other forms of violence away from polling places, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right safely, freely, and without intimidation.” "With the midterms just weeks away, every American should be able to cast their ballot, and every election worker should be able to do their job without fear for their personal safety,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “That is why I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio and Senator Padilla introducing the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. This legislation aims to help keep our polling places safe and more secure and protect the voters and election workers who make our democracy possible." The right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32 percent of local election workers have reported experience threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to patrol polling places in recent elections. While intimidation is illegal under existing law, this new legislation is important to provide a clearer standard and further ensure safe polling locations. Specifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would: Amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation; Provide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and Recognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center, Defend the Vote Action Fund, and the Fair Elections Center. "Congress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting." — Sean Morales-Doyle, Senior Director of the voting rights program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.  "Our ability to hold elected leaders accountable to the people depends on ensuring every voter can access the ballot free from intimidation or harassment, and that election workers can run those elections without interference. Defend The Vote Action Fund applauds Rep. Deluzio and Sen. Padilla for their leadership on this critical bill that protects voters' rights to cast their ballots free from interference, while ensuring that poll workers and election officials can safely oversee and administer our elections." — Brian Lemek, Executive Director of Defend the Vote Action Fund. "To fully realize our civil rights, we need stronger protections against intimidation to make sure that election officials can do their jobs without fear, and that no American is stopped from exercising their right to vote. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is one way we can defend our voting rights in the face of those who want to take power away from the people." — Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center. This bill was first introduced in 2024. Full text of the 2026 bill is available HERE. ###

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. ###