Vince Fong

Congressman Fong's Bipartisan Clergy Act Passes House

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 227, Congressman Vince Fong’s (CA-20) bipartisan Clergy Act 350-5, a major step forward in giving pastors and clergy members greater retirement security. Congressman Fong reintroduced this legislation last year alongside Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04). The Clergy Act establishes a one-time re-enrollment window for pastors and other clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security to voluntarily opt back in. Some pastors opted out decades ago, often due to inaccurate advice, only to later face significant financial hardship. Under current law, this opt-out is permanent. For clergy who have spent their lives serving their communities and congregations, this legislation restores the freedom to secure basic financial protection in retirement. “We know our faith leaders are the backbone of our communities, guiding moral and spiritual life across the Central Valley and our entire nation,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20). “The Clergy Act gives them the freedom to temporarily re-enroll in Social Security if they previously opted out, empowering them to take greater control of their financial future. I’m thrilled this bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation swiftly.” “Members of the clergy offer hope and guidance to Americans and their families every day – including no doubt many of the 70 million Americans who receive a monthly Social Security benefit,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. “By providing a one-time window of opportunity for clergy – who opted out of Social Security but wish to rejoin – to restore their participation in the system, the Clergy Act will help them achieve a more secure retirement. I appreciate Representative Fong’s hard work on behalf of the faith leaders in his state of California and across this country who support communities with their wise and compassionate counsel.” “Faith leaders play a critical role in supporting our communities — offering them the flexibility to opt in to Social Security as they plan for retirement just makes sense. I’m glad to co-lead this bipartisan effort with Rep. Fong and excited it passed the House today. I look forward to continuing our work to pass this into law,” said Rep. Thompson. “Across our nation, whether in big cities or rural America, faith leaders serve as pillars of their communities,” said Senator Katie Britt (R-AL). “The CLERGY Act supports our clergy members who have opted out of Social Security by giving them the opportunity to pay into these benefits and would help alleviate financial burdens for these individuals people who serve such important roles in countless lives. I’m thrilled to see it pass the House of Representatives, and I will continue working to get this passed in the Senate and to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.” The Clergy Act is supported by a broad coalition of faith-based and retirement security organizations, including the National Association of Evangelicals, Church Alliance, Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA), and GuideStone Financial Resources, Lancaster Baptist Church, AARP, and more. “The Church Alliance commends the passage of the Clergy Act—a bipartisan measure in support of our nation’s faith leaders,” said Chris Wells, Executive Director of the Church Alliance. “This bill offers a fair re-enrollment window, giving clergy who’ve faithfully served our communities an avenue to a complete retirement package. We applaud the bipartisan leadership behind this bill and its commitment to those who dedicate their lives to serving others.” “Having heard numerous stories of ministers who feel trapped by a decision they did not fully understand as they began their pastoral work, I know this bill will be a breath of fresh air for many faith leaders,” said ECFA President & CEO Michael Martin. “This bill is very reasonable and very welcome. I am grateful to Congressman Fong and Congressman Thompson for championing it in the House Ways and Means Committee and on the floor of the House.” We are thankful for Congressman Fong's leadership and persistence in advancing the Clergy Act and helping shepherd it to House approval,” said Dr. D. Hance Dilbeck, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of GuideStone Financial Resources. “Thanks to his efforts and the support of his co-sponsors, we are one step closer to giving ministers a meaningful opportunity to opt back into Social Security and better prepare for long-term financial security." “We are grateful to Congressman Vince Fong for his leadership in advancing the Clergy Act through the House. This legislation addresses a real need for pastors and faith leaders across our country and provides an important opportunity to better prepare for the future after years of faithful ministry to their churches and communities.” said Dr. Paul Chappell, Pastor, Lancaster Baptist Church. “AARP is pleased to endorse this bipartisan and common-sense legislation to allow clergy members to opt back into earning Social Security and Medicare benefits for retirement,” said Jennifer Jones, Vice President, Financial Security and Livable Communities, AARP. “Ministry, though an immense privilege, brings many challenges, including financial ones, to pastors and their families. The Clergy Act is a real opportunity to ensure pastors can prepare well as they approach retirement. The ERLC is thrilled the Clergy Act has passed the House and is grateful to Rep. Vince Fong for his work to remedy this issue. We now encourage the Senate to swiftly pass this bill and send it to the White House,” said Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, Interim President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Background on the Clergy Act The Clergy Act creates a two-year window – covering taxable years beginning January 1, 2029, and January 1, 2030 – for eligible clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security to revoke their exemption and begin contributing. Importantly, this legislation does not modify existing Social Security regulations. Eligible clergy must still meet the standard 10-year contribution requirement to earn full retired-worker benefits, receiving benefits proportional to their contributions. The bill also requires the Internal Revenue System (IRS) and Social Security Administration to submit a plan to Congress outlining their strategy to inform clergy members of their eligibility to re-enroll. Historically, Congress has approved limited re-enrollment windows, including in 1999 under the Ticket to Work Act. In the 118th Congress, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Clergy Act with overwhelming bipartisan support on a 41–0 vote. In the 119th Congress, it again advanced with bipartisan support by a unanimous vote of 40-0. Today, the House of Representatives passed the Clergy Act with continued bipartisan support. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration. Issues:Congress

Fong Bill Supporting Wildfire Victims in Honor of Doug LaMalfa Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act which included Rep. Vince Fong’s (CA-20) Doug LaMalfa Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act. Re-introduced in memorial to the late Rep. LaMalfa, this bill exempts wildfire relief payments made to victims from federal income tax. Congressman Fong was joined in this effort by Reps. Tom McClintock (CA-05), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “In California, we are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires,” said Congressman Fong. “After these disasters strike in our community, survivors shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will have to pay burdensome federal taxes as they work to recover and rebuild. Doug was a steadfast champion of rural California; it is an honor to continue his legacy and further this legislation in his memory so we can provide a lifeline to families as they navigate the most difficult of times. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law and urge the Senate to Act quickly to ensure wildfire survivors receive the help they need without facing additional financial barriers.” This bill allows for wildfire victims who receive disaster aid incurred from a qualified wildfire disaster to have that payment exempted from gross income filings. This excludes wildfire recovery payments - including compensation that covers living expenses, lost wages, personal injury, death, or emotional distress - from federal income taxation. Without this bill, victims of catastrophic wildfires would again have their wildfire relief payments subject to federal income tax obligations. Having been passed by the House of Representatives, this bill will now move to the Senate for consideration. “Californians are constantly under threat of wildfire,”said Congressman Tom McClintock. “This bill reauthorizes commonsense protections and ensures victims are supported when tragedy strikes.” “Californians are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires. In the wake of losing their homes and livelihoods, it is wrong to tax survivors on settlement money that is meant to help them rebuild their lives. Survivors can't afford to wait around for retroactive relief,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our late colleague Doug LaMalfa knew this well. I was proud to work with him to pass tax relief for fire victims in our communities in 2024, and I am proud we passed this bill now to honor his work and to extend our tax relief so more victims can be compensated.” “After a catastrophic fire destroys their homes and livelihoods, the last thing wildfire victims should worry about is whether they will have to pay taxes on the disaster aid they receive to rebuild and recover,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “I am thrilled to see the Doug LaMalfa Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act, aptly named after my friend and a champion for rural Americans, pass the House. This bill extends support for wildfire victims and ensures their recovery payments are exempt from federal taxes.” “The horrific wildfires in the West have cost families their property, homes, and in some cases, their jobs,” said Congressman Cliff Bentz. “Until late last year, the United States Tax Code added insult to injury by taxing settlement funds meant for recovery. People who lose their homes and wages due to wildfire should not be taxed on the funds they received as result of these disasters. By extending such protections through 2032, we are helping victims get at least a little closer to recovery from their losses.” “When wildfire survivors are trying to rebuild after a massive tragedy, the federal government shouldn’t be taking a cut of their relief,”said Congresswoman Bynum. “This bipartisan bill ensures that survivors aren’t taxed on the money meant to help them pick up the pieces. Now, we’re one step closer to doing right by wildfire survivors.” Issues:Congress

Rep. Fong, Homeland Security Chairman Garbarino Visit Ports, Meet with LA28 Organizing Committee for 2028 Olympic Games

LOS ANGELES, CA — Last week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) visited the San Pedro Bay Port Complex and the headquarters of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28), highlighting the critical importance of port security, supply chain resilience, and coordinated planning ahead of the 2028 Games. “Whether it is the daily operations of our ports or as we prepare for the World Cup and the Olympics, we must remain clear-eyed: securing our ports, supply chains, and infrastructure from cyber, drone threats, and foreign adversaries is nonnegotiable. Ensuring America’s security never stops.” Said Rep. Fong. “As America hosts a ‘mega-decade’ of international events on U.S. soil, coordination between all levels of law enforcement, government, and partners in the private sector is essential to ensure the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics are safe and secure for Americans and international visitors alike,” Chairman Garbarino said. “After hearing from LA28 in a roundtable in Washington last year, I appreciated the chance to join Congressman Fong at the LA28 headquarters to discuss our shared commitments to emergency preparedness and public safety. This insight will continue to guide the Committee’s work to identify any gaps in communication, collaboration, or information sharing that can be addressed in the year ahead. As threats from foreign terrorist organizations, drone warfare, and cyber intrusions evolve, our security posture must be prepared to meet the moment.” During a tour of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino received briefings from port officials on cargo operations, cybersecurity, and emerging threats. The visit underscored the strategic significance of the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, the largest seaport complex in the Western Hemisphere, and its role in supporting both the U.S. economy and national security. Port leaders highlighted ongoing challenges, including the need for sustained funding for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and infrastructure. Without adequate federal support, ports may be forced to shoulder additional burdens to maintain operations. “We thank Congressman Fong and Chairman Garbarino for their leadership and focus on port security and resilience,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The Port of Los Angeles continues to lead with investments like our Cyber Security Operations Center and Cyber Resilience Center, strengthening threat detection, information sharing, and coordination across our maritime community. Working alongside the U.S Department of Homeland Security and U.S Customs and Border Protection, we remain committed to protecting this critical gateway to the American economy.” “We appreciate Congressman Fong and Chairman Garbarino recognizing the importance of America’s major seaports, like the Port of Long Beach, to the national and economic security of the United States,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “As one of only 18 designated Commercial Strategic Seaports, the Port of Long Beach is proud to serve a critical role in aiding in national security, in addition to driving jobs and the economy though cargo movement. We were grateful for the opportunity to provide a tour of our Joint Command and Control Center, as well as to brief the members of congress on our nation-leading work to address cybersecurity, drone incursions, and cargo theft to ensure our supply chains remain resilient.” The group also received an overview of the Port of Los Angeles’ industry-leading cybersecurity efforts, including its Cyber Security Operations Center and Cyber Resilience Center, the first of its kind at a U.S. seaport, which enhances real-time threat detection and information sharing across port stakeholders. Following the port visit, Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino met with LA28 organizers to discuss preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are expected to bring more than 15 million spectators and thousands of athletes to Los Angeles. “The scale of the 2028 Games will require unprecedented coordination across federal, state, and local law enforcement and security partners,” said Rep. Fong. “As a designated National Special Security Event, it is critical that we strengthen cybersecurity and threat detection capabilities well in advance. With millions of people expected to visit our state for the World Cup and LA28, this is a no-fail mission.” The lawmakers discussed federal support provided through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for LA28, which includes $1 billion in supplemental funding for homeland security planning and operations, as well as $500 million to enhance capabilities to detect and mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems. The discussion also focused on the importance of robust intelligence sharing among federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector partners. As the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis works to improve coordination through fusion centers, lawmakers reiterated the need to strengthen field-level integration to support major events like LA28. Cybersecurity was also a key topic, as recent Olympic Games have faced increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. LA28 officials outlined efforts to collaborate with hundreds of stakeholders through its Cybersecurity Council and to build on lessons learned from prior international events. Issues:Congress

Rep. Fong, Homeland Security Chairman Garbarino Hold Local Cybersecurity Roundtable

RIDGECREST, CA – Last week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) hosted a cybersecurity roundtable with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), local military installations, local officials, and infrastructure sectors. The discussion focused on current, existing, and future cybersecurity challenges facing the Central Valley and California, developing a local workforce ready to combat cybersecurity threats, and protecting utility providers and local governments and their infrastructure from cyberattacks. “Cybersecurity is national security. As threats grow and evolve, we must constantly be at the ready,” said Rep. Fong. “That means bringing together leaders from every level of government and the private sector to strengthen our defenses and stay ahead of emerging risks. The Central Valley is home to vital infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, and military assets that must be protected. This roundtable will enhance our strategies, ensuring our region is prepared to respond to emerging threats while building a strong cybersecurity workforce for the future.” “The cyber threats facing critical infrastructure that Americans rely on have evolved dramatically in recent years, with our adversaries growing increasingly sophisticated. Attacks targeting sectors like telecommunications, energy, water, and transportation systems require a proactive, whole-of-society response,” Chairman Garbarino said. “I appreciate Congressman Fong bringing together such an extraordinary group of public and private sector leaders who are on the frontlines of protecting these systems and know the challenges we face firsthand. From bolstering the cyber workforce and information sharing, to ensuring our state and local partners have the tools and resources from CISA to defend our communities, today’s discussions were invaluable as we work together to strengthen our cybersecurity posture.” “As the Nation’s cyber defense agency, we are excited to engage with critical infrastructure entities where they are,” said Chris Butera, CISA Acting Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity. “By joining Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino’s roundtable, we are strengthening collaboration with critical infrastructure and communities to share insights, address emerging threats, and help them enhance their security and resilience.” The roundtable was hosted at Cerro Coso Community College, where Rep. Fong helped secure $1.1 million in federal funding for the expansion of their cybersecurity program. Participants discussed the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, as well as the need for improved information sharing and rapid response capabilities. Attendees also highlighted opportunities to expand education and training programs to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce in the region. The roundtable underscored the importance of continued investment in cybersecurity resilience and reinforced the commitment of federal and local partners to safeguard the Central Valley’s critical systems and communities. A list of attendees included: Bases NAWS China Lake Rear Admiral Keith Hash, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Edwards AFB Lt. Col. Matthew Frebert, 412 Test Wing Communications Squadron Commander Jason Schalow, Special Mission Flight Chief NAS Lemoore Captain Jeff “Lou” Findlay, Executive Officer Cerro Coso Community College Dr. Sean Hancock, President Nicole Griffin, Dean, Career Technical Education Paul Kuttig, Cybersecurity Program Director CISA Chris Butera, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity (Acting) Thomas Gonzalez, Deputy Regional Director, Region 9 Joseph (Joe) Oregon, Chief of Cybersecurity, Region 9 Ridgecrest Mayor Travis Endicott Travis Reed, City Manager Mario Ysit, Chief of Police Rebecca McCourt, Executive Director Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce April Moore, Sierra Sands Unified School District (NAWS China Lake) Lemoore Mayor Patricia Matthews Visalia John Lollis, Assistant City Manager Hanford Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston Tehachapi Patrick Wilson, Adventist Health Clare Scotti, Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mojave Air and Space Port Dr. David Smith, CEO Kern County Jay Schlosser, KernCOG Executive Director Kings County Abraham Valencia, Manager, Kings County Emergency Services Tulare County Servando Quintanilla, Tulare County Association of Governments Utilities PG&E: Nicole Villaruz SoCal Edison: Cal Rossi SoCal Gas: Rob Duchow Base Advocates Alexia Svejda, Griffiss Institute Stephen Farmer, China Lake Alliance Stu Witt, S.O. Witt & Associates Scott O’Neil, Indian Wells Valley Economic Development Corporation Issues:CongressEducation

Rep. Vince Fong Visits Sable Offshore Energy Facility, Praises Trump Action

Position: Rep. Fong supports the Trump Administration's restart of offshore oil production at the Sable facility under the Defense Production Act, arguing it strengthens domestic energy supply, reduces reliance on foreign oil, and enhances national security. He criticizes California state policies for increasing dependence on imported crude and reducing in-state production capacity.

BAKERSFIELD, CA — This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) along with other federal officials, including leadership from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), visited the Sable Offshore facility in Southern California, as the Trump Administration moves to restart oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit under the Defense Production Act. The Department of Energy has directed the restart of production at three offshore platforms, Harmony, Heritage, and Hondo, expected to produce approximately 50,000 barrels per day with the goal of higher production to strengthen domestic supply and limit our reliance on foreign nations for our critical energy supply. The visit included briefings on pipeline safety, production capabilities, and ongoing federal oversight as operations resume. Despite President Trump’s and Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s actions to re-open the facility and deliver affordable energy for Californians, Sacramento Democrats have gone as far as filing lawsuits to prevent Sable from re-opening. “President Trump is taking decisive action to restore American energy independence and strengthen our national security,” said Rep. Fong. “When we produce energy at home, we reduce reliance on foreign oil and provide our state and nation with energy security.” Fong contrasted the federal effort with California’s current energy policies, which have increased dependence on foreign crude and reduced in-state capacity. “Governor Newsom’s policies have disastrously pushed California into dangerous dependence on foreign oil,” Fong said. “In 1982, just 6 percent of our crude was imported. Today, it’s more than 60 percent—much of it from countries like Iraq and Brazil. At the same time, refinery closures and stalled infrastructure are shrinking in-state capacity, driving up costs, and weakening our energy security. Despite sitting on abundant resources, Californians pay the highest gas prices in the nation because of the lack of domestic and affordable production.” Fong also highlighted the national security risks, particularly along the West Coast. “Reliable, affordable fuel is essential for our military and our economy,” Fong added. “We should be producing energy here at home—not outsourcing it to foreign countries. The Trump Administration is right to act, and California must reverse course.”

Rep. Vince Fong Introduces OUTPACE in Space Act to Accelerate Innovation and Secure U.S. Leadership in the Space Race Against China

Position: Rep. Fong advocates for legislation to streamline federal space-industry regulations, reduce licensing delays, and accelerate commercial space launches to enhance U.S. competitiveness against China and strengthen national security.

BAKERSFIELD, CA – This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced the OUTPACE in Space Act to ensure the United States leads the next era of space exploration and innovation. Specifically, the OUTPACE in Space Act focuses on cutting outdated regulatory barriers, improving airspace access for commercial space launches, and preventing foreign adversaries like China from exploiting U.S. research and development. The legislation aims to accelerate launch timelines, increase testing capacity, and ensure American companies can compete—and win—the global space race. Recent analysis from the Commercial Space Federation underscores the urgency of action, warning that China’s rapidly expanding space enterprise is fundamentally reshaping the global competitive landscape and posing a direct threat to the U.S. Driven by massive state-backed investment and a coordinated strategy, China is positioning itself to dominate critical space infrastructure and outcompete American industry. The risks this poses are not theoretical. Space underpins U.S. national security, from missile warning systems to secure communications, to GPS and weather data, to our satellites. If China gains dominance in space, it will weaken U.S. military readiness, displace American jobs and innovation, and allow an authoritarian regime to shape the rules governing the future of space. “America is in a new space race, and we cannot afford to lose to China because of our own bureaucratic red tape,” said Congressman Fong. “Across our nation and especially in California, we have the best, most capable workers who possess the ingenuity and skills to lead the way. But outdated regulations and bureaucratic delays are holding back American innovation while China rapidly expands its capabilities. The OUTPACE in Space Act cuts unnecessary barriers, bolsters our national security, and ensures the United States remains the global leader in space. This legislation gives us the tools necessary to innovate and win the space race against China.” “The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) applauds the introduction of the OUTPACE in Space Act by Congressman Fong (R-CA),” said Commercial Space Federation President Dave Cavossa. “Licensing for space launch and reentry must keep pace with the cadence of today’s commercial space industry – especially as the U.S. pushes to build an American lunar base ahead of China. This legislation will give FAA tools to ensure that red tape doesn’t hold back U.S. innovation and economic growth.” “The Mojave Air and Spaceport is a strong advocate for the growth of access to space,” said Dr. David G. Smith, CEO, Mojave Air and Space Port. “A barrier to that growth are the cumbersome and outdated policies and governance demonstrated in the FAA 450 process. The costs for preparing a submission are prohibitive, and the time for review is excessive, often over 2 years. The OUTPACE in Space Act helps advance a more streamlined process that would facilitate entry into the market by new and innovative firms which would support commerce, drive down costs, and ultimately improve space access. This would in turn improve the strategic posture of the United States as the leader in space launch. Additionally, the military necessity of holding the space ‘high ground’ is essential to national defense. Mojave Air and Spaceport stands in favor of streamlining these regulations and improving the posture of the United States in space.” “Proper policy at the exact right time,” said Stu Witt, Ridgecrest resident and owner of S.O. Witt and Associates Specifically, the OUTPACE in Space Act: Cuts red tape on launch and reentry by modernizing outdated FAA regulations and removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that slow innovation. Expands access to U.S. airspace to better support more frequent commercial space launches and hypersonic testing while maintaining aviation safety. Enables safe overland reentry operations to increase testing capacity and operational flexibility for American companies. Increases launch cadence by improving coordination across federal agencies and shifting toward performance-based regulatory frameworks. Strengthens the FAA workforce by providing expedited hiring authority to keep pace with the rapidly growing commercial space sector. Requires a clear national strategy from the FAA and Department of Transportation to integrate commercial space operations into the national airspace system. Protects U.S. innovation and national security by prohibiting federal agencies from partnering on space-related R&D with adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Issues:Congress

Roadway Safety Bill Inspired by Bakersfield Family Clears Committee

Position: Congressman Fong supports legislation to strengthen Commercial Driver's License requirements, including English-language proficiency standards, enhanced training verification, and state enforcement mechanisms to prevent unqualified and undocumented immigrants from obtaining CDLs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Dalilah’s Law, a measure led in-part by Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) to strengthen Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, ensure commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are properly trained and meet safety standards, require CMV drivers to be able to read and understand the English language, and prevent unqualified and illegal immigrants that could pose a significant safety hazard from obtaining a CDL through lax enforcement by states. This legislation was inspired by Dalilah Coleman, a five-year-old girl from Bakersfield who suffered life-altering injuries in June 2024 when an illegal immigrant driving an eighteen-wheel tractor-trailer caused a six-car pileup. She endured a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, a broken femur, and weeks in a coma. Today, she lives with permanent neurological damage and requires lifelong care due to an entirely preventable tragedy. This is only one example of recent incidents caused by drivers who were not qualified to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and should not have been given CDLs. “It's simple, those who cannot read the signs on our highways or understand the rules of the road have no business getting behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle. Ensuring each truck driver is qualified and legally operating should be commonsense,” said Congressman Fong. “I've had the privilege of getting to know Dalilah and her family; through unimaginable hardship, the Colemans have remained grounded in faith and determined to turn their pain into purpose. I am committed to protecting Americans and increasing roadway safety so no other family endures what they have.” During the Committee’s markup of the bill, Congressman Fong introduced Dalilah and her family, and gave brief remarks on the importance of this issue. You can watch those remarks here. Specifically, Dalilah’s Law would improve safety and CDL policies by: Ensuring all CDL holders understand English, roads signs, and law enforcement officers; Placing drivers who fail to meet the Law’s requirements and safety standards out-of-service; Requiring states to verify that they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants; Significantly increasing penalties for states failing to comply with the Law, by withholding of Federal funds; Banning shady foreign dispatch services and brokers, who have fueled a surge in freight fraud and cargo theft; and Cracking down on “CDL mills” to ensure drivers entering the industry are receiving adequate training. Statements of support from numerous groups representing truckers, trucking companies, and supply chain groups in the United States are available here. After getting to know Dalilah and her father following the State of the Union, Congressman Fong joined his colleagues in introducing legislation to increase roadway safety standards and ensuring those operating commercial trucks on America’s roads are qualified to do so. Much of their bill was adopted into this version of Dalilah’s Law. You can learn more about that bill here. Issues:Congress