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RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Introduces Bill to Close Tax-Avoidance Loophole Used by the Ultra-Rich
Position: Rep. Laura Friedman introduced the Pay Your TAB Act to impose a 23.8% excise tax on large asset-backed loans above $1 million, with exemptions for primary-residence mortgages up to $3 million, qualified student loans, business loans (other than those funding distributions), and qualified margin loans, in order to close the "buy, borrow, die" tax-avoidance strategy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, October 20, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) introduced the Pay Your Taxes Avoided by Borrowing (TAB) Act, legislation to close the “buy, borrow, die” loophole that lets the wealthiest Americans turn stock and other assets into spendable cash without ever paying tax on their gains.
A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text is available here.
The ultra-wealthy avoid paying taxes on their fortunes with a strategy known as “buy, borrow, die.” Under current law, gains on stock, real estate, and other assets are taxed only when the asset is sold. So instead of selling, the ultra-wealthy buy assets that grow in value, borrow against them, and live on the loan proceeds, which are not counted as income. When they die, those assets pass to their heirs with a stepped-up basis that erases the untaxed gain, so the gain is never taxed.
The Pay Your TAB Act taxes large asset-backed loans at 23.8%, the top long-term capital gains rate plus the Net Investment Income Tax, so borrowing against a fortune is taxed the same way as selling it.
“The Pay Your TAB Act closes a loophole the ultra-wealthy use to avoid paying taxes on fortunes 99% of Americans can’t imagine. They don’t sell the stock, they borrow against it, and a loan isn’t counted as income,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “My bill taxes those loans at 23.8%, the exact rate they’d owe by selling, while protecting mortgages, business loans, car loans, and student loans that hardworking families actually carry. It’s simple, it’s fair, it’s constitutionally sound, and it can be enforced the day it’s signed.”
WHAT THE PAY YOUR TAB ACT DOES:
Imposes a 23.8% excise tax, paid by the borrower, on covered loans issued after December 31, 2026.
Applies only to the portion of a borrower’s total covered loans above $1 million, with related parties counted together so the threshold can’t be split.
Prevents double taxation by giving the borrower an offsetting long-term capital loss, equal to the taxed loan amount, when they later sell the asset that secured the loan.
Requires lenders to report covered loans above the threshold to the IRS and to borrowers, and directs Treasury to issue anti-avoidance rules.
WHAT IS EXEMPT:
Mortgages on a primary residence up to $3 million.
Qualified student loans.
Business loans, other than loans used to fund distributions.
Qualified margin loans used for trading securities.
Because the Pay Your TAB Act is an excise tax on the issuance of a loan, it rests on the same constitutional authority Congress has used to levy excise taxes since the nation’s founding. It applies only when a loan is issued, so it doesn’t require taxing unrealized gains on assets that have never been sold. The bill is also simple to enforce because the tax is based on the amount of the loan rather than on calculating the changing value of an asset.
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RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Leads Los Angeles Delegation and Entertainment Unions in Push for National Film Tax Credit
Position: Supports enacting the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which would create a national federal film tax credit of up to 30% on qualified American labor and post-production expenses to bring film and television production jobs back to the United States.
Levels international playing field against 65 countries that offer incentives America does not match
Above: Friedman and entertainment union members rally for the national film tax credit.
GLENDALE, CA – Today, October 6, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) led Members of the Los Angeles congressional delegation, and the major unions representing film and television workers at the Alex Theatre in a new push for the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. This bipartisan legislation creates a national film tax credit on qualified labor expenses to bring production jobs back home.
A recording of the rally can be found here and here.
For decades, the United States has offered no national filming incentive, leaving American crews to compete against roughly 65 countries that do. The result has been hundreds of thousands of lost jobs for the drivers, grips, electricians, carpenters, caterers, and crew members.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
A 20% credit on American labor expenses. Feature films, television pilots, and television seasons that cost more than $1 million qualify if at least 75% of their principal photography days happen in the United States.
Bonus credits that reward hiring where it is needed most. Productions can earn an additional 5% each, up to a 30% total credit, for shooting at least 30% of their days in a rural opportunity zone or a federally declared disaster area, for independent productions, for spending at least $10 million in qualified wages across 10 or more states, and for increasing domestic production relative to what a company shoots abroad.
Includes post-production and visual effects work. Domestic post-production and VFX qualify as long as at least 75% of those costs are incurred in the United States, with the same 5% bonuses available.
Usable by independent producers, not just major studios. The credit is transferable, meaning a producer who doesn't owe enough in federal taxes to use it can sell it to a company that does and get the cash up front.
Takes effect quickly. The credit applies to productions that begin in taxable years starting after December 31, 2026.
A one-pager with more details can be found here.
“When a production leaves this country, the stars still work. The crew is who gets left behind,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “65 countries offer incentives we don’t match, and no single state can outbid a foreign government on its own. Our bipartisan bill is built on labor costs, which means it only pays off when American workers get hired. These are good paying union jobs with benefits and pensions, and I won’t stop fighting until they come home.”
“You won’t see the carpenters, electricians and camera crews on screen, but they are the backbone of the film industry,” said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38). “Many live in my district and have watched their jobs move overseas as other countries use incentives to lure production away. Our bipartisan bill will level the playing field to bring good-paying union jobs back to Southern California and keep them here.”
"Southern California has been the heart of America’s film and television industry, but today, too many productions are leaving the United States for countries offering better incentives," said Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28). "That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which would provide a long-overdue federal tax credit to incentivize production here in the United States. Our creative workforce is the backbone of this industry. It's time we must invest in them and bring American film and television production back home.”
“Movie magic is central to the California story, and we need to keep it that way,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “Our state is losing good-paying, union jobs because filming in this country has become far too expensive. The bipartisan Motion Picture, Television and Entertainment Revitalization Act will bring jobs back to America, boost wages for workers and keep productions at home.”
“California is the heart of film and television production, in large part because of the workers and technicians who bring the magic to life,” said Representative Tran (CA-45). “Yet the U.S. is rapidly losing jobs in this industry to competitors overseas. When productions relocate outside the U.S., it’s the American-based crews that suffer the most. California’s workforce deserves better. This bill incentivizes American-based productions, strengthens California’s production workforce, and brings jobs back to the U.S.—where they belong.”
“Southern California is the birthplace of the modern film and television industry. From the movies and television shows that have entertained audiences around the world to the hardworking people behind them, this industry is a vital part of our community and economy,” said Congressman Lieu (CA-36). “We can’t let the United States’ film industry lose ground to foreign competitors. I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. It’s time to strengthen our domestic film industry and protect American jobs.”
“American performers and entertainment workers should not have to leave the country to find work in an industry that was built here. Film and television are more than entertainment — they are a major American industry that supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying union jobs and generates significant economic activity in communities across the country. For decades, foreign governments have recognized the economic value of production and successfully used incentives to attract these jobs overseas. States across the country have shown what targeted incentives can do to attract and retain production, and a federal incentive would build on those efforts and give the United States a stronger tool to compete. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act is an investment in American workers, American industry and American communities. SAG-AFTRA is proud to stand with Congresswoman Friedman and our labor partners in support of this important legislation,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
“The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will benefit entertainment industry workers, as well as the supporting businesses and local economies that rely on a robust domestic entertainment industry. Lawmakers have an opportunity to invest in an important American industry and preserve middle-class jobs, by passing the first-ever federal film and television tax incentive program,” said WGAW Secretary-Treasurer Peter Murrieta.
"Let’s not overthink this. The world is a complicated place, but this legislation is a no-brainer. It's going to get people back to work, and everyone just wants an opportunity to work in the industry they love in this country. Everyone will benefit from this – Republicans, Democrats, workers, audiences -- because our industry touches everyone," said Mike Farah, an Emmy-winning producer and a President of the Producers Guild of America.
“I’ve worked aggressively with labor and entertainment industry leaders, and together we've already expanded state-level tax incentives and reduced filming fees locally. A federal tax credit is critical so our local incentives remain competitive with countries that offer larger benefits and have drawn productions out of the United States,” said Mayor Bass. “I want to thank the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Laura Friedman, Brian Jack, Linda Sánchez, and Nathaniel Moran and Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Scott for understanding the importance of investing in an industry that is so critical to Los Angeles and the country. As a former Member of Congress, I'll continue leveraging my relationships in Washington to ensure this bill is passed into law.”
U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) was joined by Senator Adam Schiff (CA), U.S. Representatives Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Judy Chu (CA-28), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ted Lieu (CA-36), David Min (CA-47), and Derek Tran (CA-45), Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, IATSE International Vice President and Director of the Motion Picture and Television Department Mike Miller, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, WGAW Secretary-Treasurer Peter Murrieta, DGA Associate National Executive Director and Western Executive Director Rebecca Rhine, Teamsters At-Large Vice President and Motion Picture Division Director Lindsay Dougherty, LiUNA Business Manager Alex Aguilar, Jr., and producer and three-time Emmy winner Mike Farah.
Below: Friedman and entertainment union members rally for the national film tax credit.
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RELEASE: Rep. Friedman, Bipartisan & Bicameral Coalition Announce Legislation to Create a National Film Tax Credit
Position: The release announces bipartisan, bicameral legislation creating a 20% federal tax credit on American labor expenses for qualifying film and television productions, with bonus credits up to 30%, and states the sponsor's view that the bill will bring production jobs back to the United States.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, September 24, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced the bipartisan, bicameral Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, legislation to create a national film tax credit and bring hundreds of thousands of good-paying production jobs back to the United States.
A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text is available here.
The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will create 143,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually across the country by establishing a 20% tax credit on labor expenses for American workers on qualifying film and television productions, with bonus credits worth up to 30% for productions that hire in rural or federal disaster areas, work across multiple states, or bring work home from overseas. The bill is led by Representatives Laura Friedman, Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Linda Sánchez (CA-38) (CA-30), Brian Jack (GA-03), David Kustoff (TN-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), Mike Carey (OH-15), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) in the House. In the Senate, the bill is led by Senators Tim Scott (SC) and Adam Schiff (CA).
“For over a year, I’ve worked to build a coalition of unions, studios, Republicans & Democrats, and the White House, because we knew that a national film tax credit would bring hundreds of thousands of jobs back to our country,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “This bill is a result of that coalition. It tells every country that has been outbidding us for American work that we are done losing”
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
A 20% credit on American labor expenses. Feature films, television pilots, and television seasons that cost more than $1 million qualify if at least 75% of their principal photography days happen in the United States.
Bonus credits that reward hiring where it is needed most. Productions can earn an additional 5% each, up to a 30% total credit, for shooting at least 30% of their days in a rural opportunity zone or a federally declared disaster area, for independent productions, for spending at least $10 million in qualified wages across 10 or more states, and for increasing domestic production relative to what a company shoots abroad.
Includes post-production and visual effects work. Domestic post-production and VFX qualify as long as at least 75% of those costs are incurred in the United States, with the same 5% bonuses available.
Usable by independent producers, not just major studios. The credit is transferable, meaning a producer who doesn't owe enough in federal taxes to use it can sell it to a company that does and get the cash up front.
Takes effect quickly. The credit applies to productions that begin in taxable years starting after December 31, 2026.
A one-pager with more details can be found here
FRIEDMAN’S WORK TO GET AMERICA A NATIONAL FILM TAX CREDIT:
Spent more than a year building the coalition behind this bill, sitting down with Rep. Brian Jack, Jon Voight, industry unions, studios, producers, and more to make the case for a national film tax credit before the issue had political momentum, as Variety reported in May 2025.
Co-founded the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus with Rep. Brian Jack (GA-03), Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), building the bipartisan bloc that will help carry this bill, as reported by Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.
Helped stand up the U.S. Film & TV Production Coalition with the Motion Picture Association, Jon Voight, IATSE, the DGA, and the industry’s unions, appearing at the September 2026 press conference where MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin released the study behind these numbers, as covered by TheWrap.
“Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to serve as the backdrop for both of these iconic American stories,” said Senator Tim Scott (SC). “We cannot stand by as more and more American film production moves overseas, taking jobs, investment, and an important source of American cultural influence with it. This legislation will create jobs in communities across America, support local economies, and help ensure that the next generation of iconic American films is made right here in America.”
“For years, I’ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of tv and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it’s time we get this passed,” said Senator Adam Schiff (CA).
“When a production comes to a community—from rural East Texas to urban New York—that money doesn't just benefit the production company. It helps the local caterer, the hardware store, the hoteliers, and every tradesman in between who makes film and television production possible. Those jobs are going overseas right now simply because other countries are offering bigger handouts. If we want to keep American storytelling in America, we have to level the playing field, and that's exactly what this bill does. This isn't about subsidizing Hollywood—it's about supporting the American worker, one story and one production at a time. I'm proud to work with Senator Scott and our bipartisan group in both chambers to get this done, and I'm grateful to Ambassador Jon Voight and Sean Astin for the work they've put into pushing this forward,” said Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01).
“My Congressional District is home to Trilith Studios, and I proudly represent the craftsmen, electricians, and carpenters who work hard to create movies that inspire generations of Americans. Study after study has demonstrated that American film production delivers substantial economic benefits to communities across our country by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating millions of dollars in local economic activity. I applaud President Trump's leadership in calling for a legislative solution to bring film production back to the United States, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to advance our legislation and achieve this important goal,” said Rep. Brian Jack (GA-03).
“The United States is losing good-paying union jobs because it’s become too expensive to film here. This isn’t about the actors who star in films and can travel for a shoot. It’s about the production crews and set builders, the backbone of the film industry. Our bill would create incentives to bring those jobs back home and boost local economies, not just in California, but across the country,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38).
“For generations, Southern California has been the heart of America's film and television industry, supporting thousands of workers and small businesses in the San Gabriel Valley and across our region. But today, too many productions are leaving for other countries, taking good-paying jobs and economic opportunity with them. We cannot stand by while communities across the United States lose these productions and the jobs they support. That's why I am so proud to co-lead the bipartisan, bicameral Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which will create a new federal tax credit to incentivize film and television production here in America. This bill will help bring productions and jobs back home, support our creative workforce, and keep Southern California the entertainment capital of the world,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28).
“Ohio has a rich history in film production, from ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to ‘The Avengers’ and ‘A Christmas Story.’ Many of these filming locations have become tourist attractions and are economic drivers to this day. The film industry provides high-paying jobs for artists, small businesses, and union workers. As other countries implement beneficial tax incentives to draw production away from the United States, Congress must work to ensure the United States stays competitive. I would like to commend Representative Moran for introducing this important legislation. As Chairman of the Humanities Caucus and a member of the tax-writing committee, I am confident this bill will help the United States maintain its global influence, as well as the high-paying jobs, associated with film production,” said Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15).
“The film and TV industry is an economic engine in New York. It supports thousands of good jobs at good wages,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “America is the entertainment leader of the world and this bill incentivizes filmmakers and studios to hire American workers. I'm proud to help lead this commonsense, bipartisan effort.”
“I want to thank President Trump for bringing national attention to the urgent need for a federal film and television production tax credit and for calling on Congress to act,” said Hollywood Ambassador Jon Voight. “I also want to thank Senators Tim Scott and Adam Schiff, along with Representatives Nathaniel Moran, Linda Sánchez, Brian Jack, Laura Friedman, Mike Carey, Judy Chu, David Kustoff, Tom Suozzi, and the growing list of supporters, for their work on this bipartisan effort to bring productions and jobs back to the United States. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will restore the American film and television industry, put crews back to work, support productions at all levels, and create economic opportunities in communities nationwide. All Americans want to bring our iconic film industry home, and we can do it by working together to get this important legislation passed quickly.”
Endorsed by: American Federation of Musicians, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), Coalition for American Production (CAP), CreativeFuture, Directors Guild of America (DGA), FilmUSA, Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Motion Picture Association (MPA), Paramount, Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Teamsters, Television Academy, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW).
Statements of support from endorsing organizations can be found here.
The American film and television industry supports more than two million jobs, pays $202 billion in wages, and is made up of more than 162,000 businesses in all 50 states, the vast majority of them small businesses. But more than 100,000 production jobs have disappeared since the industry’s peak in October 2022, a decline of roughly 36% through February 2026.
While U.S. high-budget production spending fell 20% in 2025, the United Kingdom grew 15%, and Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic grew a combined 78%. Sixty-five countries now offer production incentives, and no single state can outbid a foreign government.
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ICYMI: Rep. Friedman’s Multi-Year Push to Create a National Film Tax Credit
Position: The release describes Rep. Friedman's support for a national film tax credit to bring film and television production jobs back to the United States and compete with foreign incentive programs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, September 23, 2026, as momentum builds in Congress behind a national film tax credit, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) released a record of her work to create a national film tax credit and bring film and television production jobs back to the United States.
“I started working on this as soon as I got to Congress. Now, because of the effort we’ve put in alongside incredible Members of Congress like Rep. Brian Jack and Senator Adam Schiff, we’re closer than ever to getting it done,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Sixty-five other countries decided to compete for these jobs, and no single state can outbid a foreign government. These are carpenters, electricians, drivers, and camera operators in all 50 states, and I won't stop until we bring their work home.”
FRIEDMAN’S WORK TO CREATE A NATIONAL FILM TAX CREDIT:
Built the coalition behind this effort starting in 2025: Variety reported in May 2025 that Friedman was drafting the House bill and recruiting Republicans to build a bipartisan coalition behind it. Since then, she has worked with Rep. Brian Jack, Senator Adam Schiff, Jon Voight, industry unions, studios, producers, and more to make the case for a national film tax credit before the issue had political momentum.
Co-founded the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus in September 2026 with Reps. Brian Jack (GA-03), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03), giving the effort a bipartisan home in the House. Release here.
Convened a roundtable with the Directors Guild of America Leadership Council in August 2025 on bringing production back to the United States, building on an earlier roundtable with local businesses and community leaders and a rally of entertainment labor unions. Release here.
Brought the job losses on the record in the district, joining Sen. Adam Schiff’s March 2026 Spotlight Hearing in Burbank, “Lights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production.”
FRIEDMAN MAKING THE CASE IN THE PRESS:
Making the Case Early in 2025:
Los Angeles Times, May 2025 – Named Friedman and Sen. Adam Schiff among the lawmakers who had been advocating a national program to put the United States on equal footing with countries offering more generous incentives. Read here.
Variety, May 2025 – Friedman said she wanted to refocus the conversation around a national film tax credit, and was drafting the House bill while recruiting Republicans to build a bipartisan coalition behind it. Read here.
Spectrum News 1, May 2025 – Friedman said she was already negotiating with colleagues on a national film tax credit to help every state with film production, and welcomed conversations with the administration. Read here.
The Hollywood Reporter, September 2025 – Friedman, a former film producer, redirected the tariff conversation to a national film tax credit, arguing it works in California and will work across the country. Read here.
Building the Coalition 2026:
NPR, September 2026 – Friedman told Weekend Edition that the country is losing an industry employing people across a wide range of crafts and occupations, and that she wants the United States to lead the world in entertainment and content. Listen here.
Los Angeles Times, September 2026 – Friedman said she would put American crews and talent against any in the world, and that productions will come back if they have a level playing field to shoot on. Read here.
Variety, September 2026 – Reported that Friedman and Sen. Schiff were among the first to call for federal action to supplement state tax credits. Read here.
The Hollywood Reporter, September 2026 – On the caucus launch, Friedman made the case that bringing production back to the United States is not a partisan fight. Read here.
Deadline, September 2026 – Confirmed Friedman as one of the members spearheading the effort in the House. Read here.
The Washington Times, September 2026 – Friedman called it a major mistake that the United States has nothing to compete with at the federal level. Read here.
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Issues:
Economy
RELEASE: Bipartisan Members of Congress Found Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus
Position: The release announces the founding of a bipartisan congressional caucus to promote U.S. film and television production, and states support for a federal production incentive to compete with foreign subsidies.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, September 16, 2026, U.S. Representatives Brian Jack (GA-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) founded the bipartisan Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus.
The bipartisan Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus will work to revitalize, strengthen, and expand film production across the United States.
For nearly a century, the United States was the undisputed global leader in film and television production, creating stories that inspired generations of Americans, from Rocky to Top Gun.
However, our nation has lost more than 100,000 film and television production jobs since the industry's 2022 peak, more than a third of the workforce. Last year alone, U.S. production spending fell 20 percent while the U.K. grew 15 percent and Eastern Europe grew 78 percent.
In recent years, individual state incentives have been outpaced by subsidies offered by foreign countries, leading to an exodus of film production overseas out of the country. No single state can outbid a foreign government on its own. America should be competing for this work at the national level, and American crews, small businesses, and local economies should be the ones who benefit.
Last month, President Donald J. Trump voiced his support for a bipartisan legislative approach to revitalizing the American film industry, posting on Truth Social, “Republicans and Democrats [should] get together, and immediately craft Legislation to save the Movie, Television, and Entertainment Business in America. Congress should approve, immediately, a Federal Production Incentive to create Entertainment Jobs in America.”
The Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus is eager to partner with President Trump and his Administration to educate Members of Congress on the economic and cultural importance of American filmmaking and to propose legislative solutions to address the loss of domestic film production.
Caucus Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Congressman Brian Jack (GA-03)said, “I am honored to co-found and co-chair the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus. My Congressional District is home to Trilith Studios, and I proudly represent the craftsmen, electricians, and carpenters who work hard to create movies that inspire generations of Americans. I commend President Trump’s leadership in calling for a legislative solution to bring film production back to the United States, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to achieve this important goal.”
Caucus Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) said, “We're launching this caucus to show that bringing film and television production back to the United States isn't a partisan fight. Film and television work is leaving this country because 65 other nations decided to compete for these hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. A national film tax credit is how we bring that work home, and this caucus is a key step to build support for it.”
Caucus Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) said, "For too long, we've watched jobs in the film and television industry move overseas to the detriment of local communities across America who were the backbone of American storytelling. The American Film & TV Production Caucus is committed to bringing that production back home—back to our sound stages, our small businesses, our caterers, carpenters, electricians, and camera crews who make this industry run in all of our 50 states. Every production that sets up here ripples out, supporting the businesses around it and pumping money into local communities. We need to keep that going and keep American storytelling in America."
Caucus Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) said, “The film and television industry doesn’t just make the shows and movies we all love. It’s an economic engine that employs 2 million American jobs throughout the United States. I’m proud to help launch this bipartisan caucus to support the workers and small businesses who make this industry run, and to find new ways to maintain those jobs and bring more of them back home.”
Caucus Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) said, “I am proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus and work on a bipartisan basis to strengthen film and television production here at home. Productions like Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, Ray Donovan, Gotham, and Fallout have supported jobs and economic activity in my district, and we must ensure those opportunities remain in the United States. This caucus will focus on supporting American workers, strengthening domestic production, and keeping America the global leader in film and television.”
Caucus Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) said, “The film industry is an economic engine in New York, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the state’s economy every year. I'm proud to help launch the Congressional American Film and TV Production Caucus to promote film production in the United States and continue advocating for an industry that supports thousands of jobs and enriches the cultural fabric of my district.”
Congressman Nathaniel Moran, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Congressman Tom Suozzi are members of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the chief tax-writing committee in Congress.
Congressman Brian Jack serves on the House Committee on Rules, which controls the flow of legislation.
And, Congresswoman Laura Friedman is one of the only credited film producers ever elected to Congress.
Congressional Caucuses, officially known as Congressional Member Organizations, are administered through the House Committee on Administration.
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Position: The release opposes ICE immigration enforcement tactics, including masked agents and the lack of accountability for constitutional violations, and supports legislation restricting enforcement (facial coverings, sensitive locations, use of force), rescinding ICE funding, limiting presidential immigration restrictions, and creating pathways to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants.
Above: Friedman speaks with members of her Immigration Advisory Committee.
BURBANK, CA — U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) convened a meeting with her Immigration Advisory Committee. The committee, which is made up of local legal aid clinics and immigrant rights groups, discussed ongoing issues around immigration enforcement under the Trump Administration.
“President Trump promised law and order, but ICE’s immigration raids have made our communities less safe by sending masked, armed, and unaccountable agents into our communities. He’s doing all of this to distract from the fact that his administration has only succeeded in making life more expensive for hardworking Americans,” said U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30). “I’ll continue to stand up to Trump’s cruel immigration policies and fight for accountability whenever Trump and ICE trample over our constitutional rights.”
FRIEDMAN IS STANDING UP TO TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION POLICIES BY:
Helping lead the No Masks for ICE Act, which prohibits ICE agents conducting immigration enforcement operations from wearing facial coverings.
Helping lead the Bivens Act, which ends ICE agents' immunity from being sued, giving Americans recourse for constitutional violations committed against them by federal officials.
Helping lead the Drain ICE Act, rescinding and repealing the $75 billion in funding for ICE that was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Helping lead the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which limits immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, and courthouses.
Helping lead the Born in the USA Act, which prohibits the use of Federal funds to carry out Trump’s Executive Order repealing birthright citizenship.
Helping lead the No BAN Act, imposing limitations on the President’s authority to suspend or restrict immigrants from entering the US.
Helping lead the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, setting use-of-force standards for federal immigration enforcement personnel.
Joining her California Congressional colleagues in demanding better conditions at the California City ICE Processing Center.
Helping lead the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, providing a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries.
Helping lead the Ukrainian Adjustment Act, which would permit Ukrainian nationals who have been paroled into the United States after February 20, 2014, to apply for and receive lawful permanent resident status.
Rep. Friedman was joined by International Rescue Committee Site Director Daniel Feeney Belin and Resettlement Supervisor Yvette Khani, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights LA (CHIRLA) Executive Director Angelica Salas, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service Supervisor of Legal Services Arevik Sargsyan, and Neighborhood Legal Services of LA County President and CEO Yvonne Mariajimenez.
Below: Friedman with members of her Immigration Advisory Committee.
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RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Welcomes Trump's Call for a Bipartisan Federal Film Tax Credit
Position: Supports enacting a bipartisan federal film and television tax credit to bring production jobs back to the United States from abroad.
Calls on Congress to move immediately with legislation that brings jobs and production back to the United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, August 31, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) released the following statement after President Trump's Truth Social post calling on Republicans and Democrats to immediately draft bipartisan legislation creating a national film tax credit:
“I agree that our tax incentive legislation needs to pass - and to pass quickly,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “For more than a year I've been sitting down with Jon Voight, Congressional colleagues, the unions, studios, and producers to build the case for a national film and television tax credit. There's no reason Canada, the UK, or Australia should be taking our jobs. We still have the best crews on the planet. It's time we made it possible for them to stay where they belong: in America."
FRIEDMAN’S WORK FOR A NATIONAL FILM TAX CREDIT:
Has been meeting with Voight, Congressional Colleagues, the Motion Pictures Association, Labor groups representing industry workers, and more in D.C. to build support for a national film tax credit.
Building bipartisan support in Congress, working with Sen. Adam Schiff and Republican and Democratic offices to find a path to passage.
Led a letter to the Motion Picture Association highlighting the value of bringing film and television productions back to Los Angeles.
Friedman represents Hollywood in Congress. That includes the Warner Bros, Paramount, Disney, Netflix, and nearly every major studio and production company in the country, along with the tens of thousands of writers, actors, crew, and craftspeople who make the industry run.
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RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Celebrates Official Phase-Out of Paraquat After Leading the Fight to Ban It
Position: The release celebrates California's phase-out of paraquat, a pesticide, and states that the chemical is highly toxic and should be eliminated to protect residents' health. It also references the author's prior legislation and her support for federal legislation banning PFAS in cosmetic products.
BURBANK, CA — Today, August 31, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) celebrated the official phase out of paraquat in California after every manufacturer of products containing the toxic ingredient voluntarily agreed to pull them from the market. The phase-out is the direct result of legislation Friedman authored in the California Assembly which forced state regulators to fast-track a scientific review the pesticide industry had fought for years to delay.
“Today, California reasserts itself as a leader in protecting the health of its residents by eliminating the highly toxic chemical paraquat,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “I will continue to do everything I can to protect Americans from harmful chemicals, especially in our air, water, and soil.”
HOW FRIEDMAN'S BILL FORCED THE PHASE-OUT:
AB 1963, signed into law in September 2024, required the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to complete a formal scientific reevaluation of paraquat by January 1, 2029 — dramatically faster than the department's typical pace, with some reviews dragging on for more than two decades.
DPR opened the reevaluation in November 2024 and released two preliminary scientific assessments that identified harms to the thyroid system, links to birth defects, and significant risks to wildlife.
Because of AB 1963, DPR’s reevaluation gave it the authority to require manufacturers to submit new studies. They set a deadline of June 5, 2026 for pesticide manufacturers(?) to fill newly-identified gaps in the agency’s human health toxicology database.
Instead of submitting the data, manufacturers began cancelling their California registrations in April 2026. The last registrant cancelled on August 6, 2026 — triggering the statewide phase-out of DPR announced on August 10.
Paraquat is one of the most widely-used herbicides in the United States and is applied to almonds, pistachios, grapes, pomegranates, cotton, and other crops. It is so dangerous that only licensed applicators may use it. Scientific research has linked paraquat exposure to Parkinson's disease, childhood leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid disease, and birth defects.
Friedman has a track record of protecting Californians from exposure to harmful chemicals. In the California Assembly, she authored legislation to ban PFAS (known as “Forever Chemicals”) in cosmetic, personal care, and juvenile products like cribs and car seats sold in California. In Congress, Friedman is a co-lead of the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act with Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-6) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). The legislation bans the use of PFAS in cosmetic products sold nationwide.
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RELEASE: After World Cup, Reps. Friedman, Chu, Lieu, & Kamlager-Dove Convene LA’s Transportation Leaders on Olympic Readiness
Position: Representatives convened regional transportation officials to examine Los Angeles County's readiness to move visitors during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to urge federal funding for the Games. The release calls for bringing federal tax dollars to the region for transit and related preparations.
Above: Rep. Friedman, Waters, Chu, Lieu, and Kamlager-Dove on the dais at today’s panel.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – Today, August 26, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) convened a panel of the region’s top transportation officials alongside U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43), Judy Chu (CA-28), Ted Lieu (CA-36), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) to examine what the 2026 FIFA World Cup revealed about Los Angeles County’s readiness to move millions of people during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The panel came just weeks before Congress decides how much federal funding Los Angeles gets for the Games.
The panel brought together the agencies that run public transit across the region:
LA Metro Chief Customer Experience Officer Jennifer Vides, who spoke to what the agency needs to move visitors across dozens of venues over sixteen days, including the buses, operators, and storage capacity a Games-scale operation requires and the capital projects Metro is working to finish before 2028.
Los Angeles Department of Transportation General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo, who runs the second largest municipal transportation department in the country and is delivering street and transit improvements before 2028, including an additional zero-emissions bus maintenance facility.
City of Santa Monica Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta, who oversees the Big Blue Bus and a department of more than 470 employees in a city that will host no Olympic venues but will be the site of at least a dozen nation houses.
LA Metro Chief of Police and Emergency Management Bill Scott, who led Metro's security coordination during the World Cup and is standing up the agency's new in-house Transit Community Public Safety Department while preparing for the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Games.
“The World Cup proved that Los Angeles can deliver, but eight matches at one stadium over five weeks is not the same as sixteen days of events at dozens of venues across the region,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The agencies responsible for moving those visitors have never had to work at that scale together. So, we brought them into one room to tell Congress what they need to pull this off, and when they need it because the window for that closes in weeks, not years. I am going to keep fighting to bring our tax dollars home, and to make sure what this region builds for 2028 is still serving Angelenos long after the Games leave town.”
“In less than two years, the world will arrive in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This summer's World Cup was a valuable test run as we prepare to move millions of people safely across dozens of sites throughout our region, for weeks at a time,” said Congressmember Judy Chu (CA-28). “Pasadena, home to the Rose Bowl, and Arcadia, home to Santa Anita Park, are proud to host the world in 2028. But we can't do it alone. Our success will depend on making sure that our local communities have a real voice in this planning process, and ensuring that the federal government provides our region with the resources and funding it needs. I'm committed to making sure the San Gabriel Valley receives the transit investment these Games demand. Done right, this isn't just about hosting a successful Games, it's about leaving our communities with stronger transit infrastructure for decades to come."
"The American Decade of Sports is an opportunity for Los Angeles to shine bright on the world stage while leaving our region better than fans found it," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). “Hosting successful games and delivering lasting benefits for our community starts with investing in our transportation infrastructure. The 2026 World Cup was the ultimate test run for the 2028 Olympics, and convenings like today help us learn from the past so we can build a safer, more accessible, and better-connected LA long after the Olympic flame is extinguished."
WHAT THE WORLD CUP SHOWED:
More than 212,000 rides were taken on Metro’s enhanced bus service to and from SoFi Stadium at $1.75 each way.
Enhanced service included direct shuttles connecting the stadium to 15 transit hubs across Southern California.
June system ridership was 2 million riders higher than last June, with Metro recording its highest single-day ridership of the month on June 18.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins has said there were zero major security incidents during the tournament.
WHAT THE 2028 GAMES REQUIRE:
Metro has requested approximately $2 billion for its Games mobility plan. Congress approved only $94.3 million earlier this year.
The House Appropriations Committee approved $875 million for the request in its FY27 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill. This has not been signed into law and falls short of what Los Angeles will need to make the games safe and secure.
The President’s FY27 budget request did not include funding.
Metro needs approximately 1,700 additional buses against a current fleet of roughly 2,100, and has secured roughly half of that total to date.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act expires September 30, 2026.
Metro has publicly stated that without the full request, the complete scope of the Games Enhanced Transit System would not be feasible.
In February 2026, Rep. Kamlager-Dove led 36 members of the California delegation, including Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, in a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the Administration to include Metro’s request in the President’s FY27 budget request. The letter warned that FY27 was likely the region’s final opportunity to get the investments in place in time for the Games.
Friedman serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Friedman was joined today by Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman, LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Seleta Reynolds, Los Angeles Department of Transportation General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo, City of Santa Monica Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta, and LA Metro Chief of Police and Emergency Management Bill Scott.
Below: Members of Congress and panelists at today’s event answer and asking questions.
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RELEASE: Friedman Raises the Roof at Association of Women in Architecture Panel
Position: Rep. Friedman states that housing is a crisis and that cutting red tape around building housing and urban infill projects is needed to lower prices and increase housing production, and she highlights her role in the bipartisan Build HUBS Act and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
Above: Rep. Friedman speaks to a crowd of architects.
LOS ANGELES, CA — U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) sat down for a conversation with members of the Association for Women in Architecture + Design (AWA+D) on the topics of the Congresswoman’s housing policy and work in the Assembly on housing and land use reform. The conversation was moderated by Staci Nesbitt and Renee Dake Wilson.
“I appreciate the Association for Women in Architecture + Design’s work to bring us all together for a night of productive conversations about the future we see to house more Angelenos,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Housing is the crisis of our time, and everybody can play an important part in finding solutions for this issue, including our local architects. In Congress, I’m proud to co-lead House Democrat’s Housing Affordability Working Group, where we’re building towards a future where Americans can afford to put a roof over their heads.”
Prior to Congress, Friedman began her career in public service, which started in housing policy on the City of Glendale’s Design Review Board, where she served as a commissioner and as chairperson.
Friedman has spent much of her first term laser focused on cutting the red tape around building housing and lowering prices for families. She was recently selected to lead the House Democrats' Housing Affordability Working Group by Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Language from her Cut Red Tape for Housing Act to eliminate costly red tape around urban infill projects was included in the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that became law in July 2026. She is also helping lead the bipartisan and bicameral Build HUBS Act, which will unlock federal investment programs for housing production that have long been mired by government red tape.
Below: Rep. Friedman with attendees.
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Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.ALLIED PILOTS ASSOCIATION PAC2 contributions$10,000
2.UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ACTIVE BALLOT CLUBLabor2 contributionsTrade-union PAC for the United Food and Commercial Workers — backs candidates supporting union organizing, collective bargaining, worker protections, and labor-friendly workplace standards.AI$10,000
3.AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEAgriculture2 contributionsAgricultural processing PAC for American Crystal Sugar — backs candidates supporting farm subsidies, sugar price supports, and agricultural trade policies.AI$10,000
4.SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PILOTS ASSOCIATION PAC4 contributions$10,000
5.AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY & MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES P E O P L E4 contributions$10,000
6.AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION - COPELabor4 contributionsTrade-union PAC for transit workers — backs candidates supporting public transportation funding, worker protections, and collective bargaining rights.AI$10,000
7.NATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ASSOCIATION PAC3 contributions$7,500
8.AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PAC3 contributions$7,500
9.AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC)3 contributions$7,500
10.ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT ATTENDANTS (APFA) POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE8 contributions$7,500
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.QUINN EMANUEL$10,500
2.ADEPT$7,000
3.GDML$7,000
4.LINKEDIN$7,000
5.MCS BURBANK LLC$7,000
6.DAKE WILSON ARCHITECTS$7,000
7.DE SHAW$7,000
8.CEDARS-SINAI$6,250
9.FORD MOTOR COMPANY$5,500
10.WBPA$4,000
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
