Darrell Issa

Chairman Issa Introduces American Copyright Protection Act to Combat Online Piracy

Position: Introduces H.R. 10364, the American Copyright Protection Act, which would let copyright owners seek federal court determinations that foreign websites engage in piracy and obtain orders requiring U.S. internet service providers to take commercially reasonable steps to block access to those sites, with safeguards for due process and affected parties.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, introduced H.R. 10364, the American Copyright Protection Act, to combat foreign online piracy and protect American creators from websites distributing stolen content. “Every day, Americans produce unique and original work that are enjoyed around the world, and just as often, foreign piracy steals their content and profits from it – all beyond reach of current our law,” said Congressman Issa. “The American Copyright Protection Act establishes the tools to fight back, ensure due process, and safeguard legitimate online services.” Specifically, the American Copyright Protection Act will allow copyright owners to seek a federal court determination that a foreign website is engaged in copyright piracy. Once that determination is made, a copyright owner may petition the court to require internet service providers to take commercially reasonable steps to prevent access to the site in the United States. The legislation also includes safeguards to protect legitimate websites, internet users, and service providers, including an opportunity for affected parties to contest or modify blocking orders and requirements that courts consider technical feasibility, potential unintended harm, and the public interest. “The Motion Picture Association thanks Congressman Issa for introducing the American Copyright Protection Act (ACPA) of 2026, which would establish a long overdue judicial site blocking framework to combat digital piracy in the United States,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association. “For more than a decade, site blocking has been widely and effectively deployed around the world in countries that uphold free speech, democratic values, and a well-functioning internet. The ACPA’s introduction is an important step towards the U.S. joining its democratic peers in employing this vital tool — and joins a growing bipartisan, bicameral effort to protect creators and consumers from the threat of piracy. We look forward to working with Rep. Issa and his colleagues in the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle to enact this important policy into law.” Issues:Constitution and Judiciary

Congressman Issa Introduces Digital Asset Inventory and Audit Act to Find and Protect Digital Assets in Federal Custody

Position: Introduces the Digital Asset Inventory and Audit Act of 2026, which would require federal agencies to identify, secure, and account for digital assets found in electronic evidence, directs DOJ and NIST to set government-wide handling standards, and calls for regular audits, while creating no new search or seizure authority.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) recently introduced the Digital Asset Inventory and Audit Act of 2026, legislation to ensure the federal government identifies, secures, and accounts for cryptocurrency and other digital assets that come into its custody. As federal law enforcement agencies routinely seize computers, phones, and other electronic evidence during investigations, those devices can contain private keys, seed phrases, digital wallets, and other cryptographic information that provide access to digital assets that may be related to criminal activity. What’s missing is a uniform government-wide requirement to identify and account for those assets. “The federal government cannot protect, recover, or account for assets it does not know it possesses,” said Congressman Issa. “When law enforcement seizes an electronic device, it may also be taking custody of the keys to digital assets that should also be seized. It’s time to recognize and remedy that reality.” Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-5), an original co-sponsor of H.R. 10317, added “As criminals increasingly use digital assets to move and conceal illicit funds, our law enforcement agencies must keep pace. This bill ensures federal agencies have the tools, standards, and accountability necessary to properly identify and safeguard digital assets in government custody.” Specifically, the legislation requires federal agencies to identify, secure, and account for digital assets discovered in electronic evidence. It also directs DOJ and NIST to establish government-wide standards for handling those assets and requires regular audits and oversight. The legislation creates no new search or seizure authorities and preserves existing legal and privacy protections. “The Digital Chamber applauds Reps. Lance Gooden and Darrell Issa for introducing the Digital Asset Inventory and Audit Act of 2026. As digital assets play a growing role in law enforcement investigations and federal asset management, agencies need modern, consistent standards for identifying, securing, and accounting for them. This legislation is an important step toward that goal, and we look forward to working with these Co-Sponsors and Congress to advance it.” The full bill text can be found here. ### Issues:Foreign AffairsOversight and Accountability

Representatives Issa, Calvert, and Senator Padilla Introduce Pechanga Water Settlement Amendment Bill

Position: Supports technical amendments to the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act to add trust lands within the Santa Margarita River Watershed to the reservation and expand the Tribe's authority to address water quality issues, including PFAS contamination, in the Wolf Valley Basin.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), alongside Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), and Senator Alex Padilla (CA) introduced bipartisan legislation that will make technical amendments to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act. “The Pechanga Band of Mission Indians is a critically important civic and cultural institution to our Southern California community, and I know they will carry out its rightful stewardship with precision and care to preserve and protect the tribal lands,” said Rep. Issa. “We worked diligently to introduce this legislation that will allow Pechanga to address important community concerns, and my thanks go to Senator Padilla for his partnership and support of our tribal communities across California.” “For generations, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians has been a dedicated steward of land and water resources within the Santa Margarita River Watershed,” said Senator Padilla. “This legislation makes long-overdue updates to the Pechanga Band Water Rights Settlement to reflect current trust lands and confront modern water quality challenges like PFAS contamination. Tribal water rights are fundamental to sovereignty, public health, and long-term sustainability, and this bill ensures the Tribe has the tools and flexibility to continue protecting its water resources for future generations.” “The Pechanga Water Settlement Amendments legislation builds upon the original settlement act that I was proud to sponsor. This bill provides important technical amendments that the Pechanga Band of Indians and all stakeholders support. I appreciate my colleague, Rep. Issa, sponsoring this legislation,” said Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41). The amendments will allow the Tribe to add additional land placed into trust and located within the Santa Margarita River Watershed to be included in the reservation. Pechanga will also be given expanded capabilities to address water quality issues in the Wolf Valley Basin. The full bill text can be found here. ###

Issa notes Trump USPTO achievements, urges utilization of PTAB to achieve Administration’s vision and policy goals

Position: Congressman Issa endorses the Trump Administration's USPTO reforms, including AI integration in patent examination and personnel policies, and strongly supports the Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB) as an effective mechanism for patent dispute resolution.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, presided today over that subcommittee’s hearing entitled “Oversight of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office” featuring Commerce Under Secretary and Director of the USPTO John Squires. Issa noted the significant reforms and improvements of this Administration’s USPTO, specifically efforts to “advance President Trump’s Artificial Intelligence agenda through clear guidelines that support the use of AI as a tool for innovation and accelerate the agency’s use of AI to improve patent examination.” Issa further stated that Director Squires had “effectively implemented the President’s Executive Orders on federal personnel policies while admirably finding, hiring and maintaining the USPTO’s vital workforce.” Issa also presented in detail his strong endorsement of the office’s Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB), which he described as “an important check that enables the targets of abusive patent litigation to get faster, cheaper adjudication of patent validity utilizing judges with a track record of doing their jobs accurately and efficiently.” Issa urged Director Squires to “fully consider the clear and undeniably positive difference that PTABhas made, and as a signature element of the America Invents Act, it should not be ignored or cast aside.” The full hearing can be seen here. The testimony of Director Squires can be found here. ###

ICYMI: Issa Cosponsors Tribal Warrant Fairness Act to Assist Law Enforcement Searches for Missing Children

Position: Congressman Issa supports the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act, which would grant the U.S. Marshal Service authority to execute arrest warrants on behalf of Tribal law enforcement and assist in searching for missing children on Tribal lands.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, announced he has cosponsored H.R. 7490 — the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act — to grant the U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) the authority to both execute arrest warrants on behalf of Tribal law enforcement and assist in searching for missing children. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) authored the legislation, with Rep. Issa and Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-2), and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03) joining as cosponsors. After introducing the legislation, the Representatives released the following statements: “I’m proud to join my colleagues as we introduce the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act and reaffirm our shared commitment to the rule of law across all jurisdictions. This much-needed legislation will specifically strengthen public safety in these communities by improving coordination between Tribal and federal authorities and ensuring law enforcement is empowered to act swiftly in urgent cases, especially involving missing children,” said Rep. Issa. “For far too long, predators have preyed on vulnerable children in Indian Country at alarming rates. Yet Tribal law enforcement still faces obstacles and limitations when it comes to holding these predators accountable,” said Chairman Cole. “By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between USMS and Tribal law enforcement, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act will make Native American communities safer and ultimately bring more criminals to justice. I would like to thank Representatives Issa, Larsen, and Leger Fernandez for their coordination on this legislation, as it is critical that Tribal governments have the resources they need to protect their children.” Background In 2023, the Not Invisible Act Commission found that federal law has set limitations on Tribal law enforcement, one of which is the inability and lack of authority for the United States Marshal Service (USMS) to assist Tribal law enforcement with warrants for arrest and searching for missing children, as the USMS would normally do with state, federal, and local agencies. Ultimately, this limits the USMS’ ability to execute Tribal arrest warrants. The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would grant the USMS the authority to execute arrest warrants on behalf of Tribal law enforcement and allow the USMS to assist Tribal law enforcement in searching for missing children. Additionally, this legislation would allow for a more rapid apprehension of violent suspects, grant the authority to the USMS to act on an individual who has a violent felony arrest warrant from Tribal courts and poses a threat to public safety outside of Tribal lands, and allow the participation of Tribal law enforcement in the Fugitive Apprehension Task Forces. Overall, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act will improve public safety, enhance interagency cooperation, and close jurisdictional gaps that often hinder law enforcement efforts on Tribal lands. H.R. 7490 is a bicameral, bipartisan bill, as it was also introduced by Senators Markwayne Mullin (OK) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV) in the U.S. Senate. The legislation has also been endorsed by the U.S. Marshal Service (USMS), the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), the National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA), and the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT). ###

Representatives Issa, Hudson Reintroduce HERO Act for Service Member Victims of Medical Malpractice

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would grant active-duty service members the right to pursue medical malpractice claims in federal District Court rather than being limited to an in-house DOD panel process.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) today was joined by House colleague Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09) to reintroduce H.R. 6730, The "HERO Act" (Health Equality and Rights for Our Heroes Act), which will grant service members who are victims of medical malpractice in a DOD medical treatment facility the right to take their claim to District Court. “The HERO Act is about more than opening an avenue to the courts. It’s about recognizing that service members who are victimized by medical malpractice in a DOD facility are deserving of the opportunities to pursue the kind of justice that is currently denied to them,” said Rep. Issa. “Congress has previously worked to correct this obvious wrong within our system, but it isn’t fixed yet. This time, we’re going to set this right.” “The law that gave hope to my friend Rich Stayskal and so many military families has been tied up and watered down by bureaucracy,” said Rep. Hudson. “If preventable medical harm at a military hospital costs a service-member their health or their life, they should have the same right as any other American to take their case to court. The HERO Act makes that clear in federal law so our heroes and their families can finally seek full and fair compensation.” "As Americans, we have the right to seek justice if you're a victim of medical malpractice, a right that is currently not extended to active duty servicemembers who are victims of medical malpractice at DoD facilities," said Rep. Panetta. "The HERO Act ensures no servicemember falls between the cracks and cuts through bureaucratic red tape to give our active-duty servicemembers a fair shot at justice if they ever fall victim to medical malpractice. This bill allows us to continue our vigilance in providing proper care and service for the military men and women who serve us." Currently, if an active-duty service member experiences medical malpractice at a DOD medical treatment facility, the available opportunities to seek justice are extremely limited. Service members may file a petition with an in-house DOD panel, but that process has a success rate of less than two percent in favor of the claimant. Right now, spouses of active-duty service members, along with any other person who incurred medical malpractice within a DOD medical treatment facility, may address their injuries before a court, but not those who are actively serving and sacrificing for the nation. The HERO Act will grant service members who are victims of medical malpractice in a DOD medical treatment facility the right and opportunity to take their claim to District Court—the same legal process as military spouses, DOD civilians, and American citizens. It will finally reform the current failing system and replace it with one that gives our military the fair shot at justice they deserve. Issues:Veterans and the Military

Issa Secures Congressional Medal of Honor Language for San Diegan Captain Royce Williams

Position: Rep. Issa secured inclusion of legislation in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to remove the five-year statute of limitations for Medal of Honor consideration for retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, enabling him to receive the honor for his Cold War aerial combat heroism.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) today announced the just-finalized 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes his legislation to permit Escondido Navy Captain E. Royce Williams (Ret.) to be eligible to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. The NDAA is expected to be approved by the House and Senate later this week, before heading to the White House for President Trump’s signature. “Escondido’s Royce Williams is 100 years young, a Top Gun pilot like no other, and an American hero for all time,” said Rep. Issa. “The heroism and valor he demonstrated for more than 35 harrowing minutes almost 70 years ago in the skies over the North Pacific and the coast of North Korea saved the lives of his fellow pilots, shipmates, and crew. His story is one for the ages and it now has its rightful chapter as Royce receives the Medal of Honor.” On November 18, 1952, Capt. Williams piloted his F9F-5 Panther and alone faced seven Soviet MiG-15s – impossible odds by any conventional measure. Royce shot down four and survived a 37-millimeter round to his fuselage, where six inches to the right or left would have meant certain death. Despite the immense damage to his jet, he made a near-perfect landing on the deck of his aircraft carrier, the USS Oriskany. Royce was instructed to keep the incident a secret, and he remained silent for more than 50 years. In addition, Soviet records released in 1992 detailed how Williams shot down the four MiGs. Williams was awarded a Silver Star — which was elevated to the Navy Cross in 2023 after a determined campaign to share the full-facts led by Rep. Issa and others. Subtitle J, Sec. 597, of the NDAA, includes Issa’s legislation to remove the five-year statute of limitations for Medal of Honor consideration for Williams. “What Royce did is — still to this day — the most unique U.S.-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War, and one in which Royce Williams demonstrated indomitable courage of the highest skill under incalculable duress. It is my honor to have fought all these years for Royce to gain a recognition that he has not sought, but so richly deserves,” said Rep. Issa. More about Captain Williams’ story and Operation Just Reward: Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams shares declassified heroic story | Fox News 'Operation Just Reward': A tale for the ages - Washington Times ABC NEWS: Leaders, loved ones band together in attempt to award hero Medal of Honor KUSI NEWS: Congressman Darrell Issa talks about MOH for Capt. Royce Williams ### Issues:Captain E. Royce Williams - Congressional Medal of Honor

Issa Reintroduces Landmark Legislation to Finally Acknowledge Women’s Service in Combat

Position: Rep. Issa supports legislation to amend military records and provide service credit and benefits recognition for women who served in Cultural Support Teams alongside Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2010 and 2021, ensuring they receive proper rank, benefits, and healthcare services.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has reintroduced The Jax Act, which will amend the military records of women veterans deployed – but never recognized – for their service alongside Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This oversight has led to widespread denial of rank, benefits, and critical health care services for these women. “The Jax Act isn’t just about amending personnel files. It’s about telling the truth, recognizing courage under fire, and fighting for those who fought for all of us,” said Rep. Issa. “While this reform bill is named for Jaclyn ‘Jax’ Scott, literally hundreds of other brave women service members were asked to volunteer for the most dangerous missions, did so without hesitation, and now need us to set this right.” The legislation specifically provides service credit for members of the military that served in female Cultural Support Teams (CST) in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2010 and 2021. CSTs were comprised of female service members who supported Joint Special Operations forces in combat with a primary task of engaging female populations in an area when it was deemed culturally inappropriate and deleterious to the mission if performed by male counterparts. The lessons learned by our military from dangerous combat missions concluded this was the best and often only way to communicate with local civilians caught in a war zone as well as protect the lives of U.S. troops in harm’s way. Rep. Issa was joined by House colleagues Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Jason Crow (CO-06) in reintroducing The Jax Act. “As a 24-year Army veteran, I know how difficult it can be for veterans to navigate the VA, and that challenge is even greater when their missions were classified. The women who served in Cultural Support Teams stepped onto the front lines, often in the toughest environments, to protect our nation and support our warfighters. They carried out critical missions that the public will never fully see, but their service was real, and their sacrifices were significant. The JAX Act ensures these veterans finally receive a fair, accurate review of their claims. I’m proud to support this effort and to stand with the women who stood for America,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Every member of our military deserves the best care available. That’s why I’m working with my colleagues to make sure servicemembers receive quality care and treatment for service-related injuries,” said Rep. Crow. “Long before women were formally allowed to serve in combat roles, they were already performing vital missions in combat zones. Many of these brave servicewomen were wounded in action and too often had to fight again, this time for the care and recognition they earned. The JAX Act seeks to right that wrong by ensuring these women receive the honor and benefits they deserve,” said Rep. Houlihan. “The Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) and Congressman Issa have been the driving force behind the Jax Act from day one. As a founding board member, I’ve witnessed firsthand the organization’s relentless dedication to ensuring that those who served in silence are finally seen and supported. The Jax Act represents every Cultural Support Team member who stood shoulder to shoulder with our nation’s most elite forces, carrying out missions that changed history yet often went unrecognized. SOAA’s advocacy has given voice to these women, transforming years of quiet sacrifice into meaningful change. This bill is not just legislation, it’s a promise kept to the warriors who gave everything for this country,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, board member, Special Operations Association of America. “The Jax Act is about ensuring that the quiet professionals who served in the shadows receive the recognition and support they deserve. Congressman Issa led the effort to draft a bill that represents every Cultural Support Team member who answered the call to serve alongside our nation’s most elite forces, often without acknowledgment or adequate care afterward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Issa and his team for reintroducing this important legislation. The Jax Act is more than a namesake; it’s a long-overdue commitment to the women who gave everything for this country,” said the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA). ### Issues:Veterans and the Military

Statement by Congressman Darrell Issa on California Redistricting

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) issued the following statement: “California is my home. And it’s worth fighting for. I know how many of my friends and constituents feel about tonight’s election results and the unprecedented purely partisan campaign that pitted neighbor against neighbor and divided the state as never before. It was difficult to watch as Gavin Newsom and Sacramento’s special interests set about shredding the state constitution, disenfranchising millions of Californians solely because of how they vote, and delivering what they know is an undeserved advantage to Democrats. “But here’s something Newsom and his cronies don’t know: It won’t work. The worst gerrymander in history has a fatal flaw. Voters get to pick their representatives. Not the other way around. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to represent the people of California — regardless of their party or where they live. “I’m not quitting on California. And neither should anyone else.” ### Issues:Oversight and Accountability

Statement by Congressman Darrell Issa on San Diego Highway Closure

Position: Congressman Issa opposes Governor Newsom's closure of a major San Diego highway during the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary celebration, characterizing it as an abuse of power and a publicity stunt that disregards military leadership.

SAN DIEGO, CA - Congressman Darrell Issa recently issued the following statement in response to California Governor Gavin Newsom's closure of a major California highway during the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary celebration: “Gavin Newsom - who never served a day in the military - is overruling the best-trained and most experienced leaders of our Marine Corps and shutting down the main interstate highway in the San Diego region for no other reason that a spiteful publicity stunt. “It’s a disgusting abuse of power. But not at all surprising. “Governor, stick to podcasting. Let our military, service members, and the men and women who have volunteered to defend our nation do their jobs.” ### Issues:Oversight and AccountabilityVeterans and the Military