Ted Lieu

REPS LIEU AND OBERNOLTE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ADVANCE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN AI

Position: The release introduces bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. AI leadership through improved standards, expanded research infrastructure, modernized federal AI adoption, worker and small-business support, crime prevention, and AI education and workforce development.

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA), former heads of the Bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force, introduced The American Leadership in AI Act, which brings together over 20 bipartisan legislative proposals that seek to act on many of the recommendations from the report issued last Congress by the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. This legislation will strengthen U.S. leadership in AI by improving AI standards and evaluation, expanding research infrastructure and R&D, modernizing federal AI adoption and risk management, supporting workers and small businesses, addressing AI-enabled crimes, and expanding AI education and workforce opportunities. “Last Congress, the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence brought together 24 Members of Congress from across 20 House committees to examine a wide range of policy challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence,” Reps. Lieu and Obernolte said. “The Task Force conducted numerous stakeholder discussions and roundtables, engaging with more than 100 experts from industry, academia, government, and civil society to develop a broad set of recommendations. As the Task Force’s Republican and Democratic leaders, we are pleased to introduce a legislative package grounded in that work. The American Leadership in AI Act builds on the strong bipartisan foundation already laid by our colleagues, incorporating and advancing bipartisan legislation previously introduced by Members across the House. By unifying these efforts, this package reflects the thoughtful, consensus-driven work already underway and translates it into a cohesive strategy to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI. At a time of deep political division, this package demonstrates that serious, forward-looking policymaking is still possible. We look forward to continuing to work with our former Task Force colleagues and others to advance these bipartisan solutions.” READ THE FULL TEXT HERE Background on The American Leadership in AI Act The American Leadership in AI Act brings together more than 20 bipartisan proposals to implement key recommendations from the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence report issued last Congress. The bill is designed to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI while promoting responsible innovation and safeguarding the public. Key Objectives Strengthen our capacity to measure and evaluate AI Advances voluntary standards, testing frameworks, and evaluation tools Increases U.S. leadership in international standards-setting to help shape global AI standards and specifications Directs the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) to identify and promote best practices for transparency, safety, security, and performance Build research infrastructure and drive innovation Expands access to shared research resources Supports collaboration across academia, industry, and government Promotes ambitious, mission-driven research through competitive initiatives across critical sectors Modernize federal AI governance, procurement, and security Enhances government’s ability to track and respond to AI-related vulnerabilities Updates how federal agencies govern and deploy AI Promotes consistent adoption of risk-management frameworks Expand AI education and protect the workforce Invests in education and training programs to develop AI talent Supports ongoing research on AI’s impact on the labor market Strengthens the talent pipeline and promotes key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and cybersecurity Safeguard Americans and deter harmful deepfakes Strengthens safeguards to deter AI-enabled crime Enhances legal remedies to deepfake victims and increases penalties for AI-enabled fraud and impersonation Supports whistleblowers who expose AI-related risks and misconduct More on the 118th Congress's AI Task Force In February 2024, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries established a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats. Membership: Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Co-Chair Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-16) Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11) Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06) Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04) Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Chair Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48) Rep. French Hill (AR-02) Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02) Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03) Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45) Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15) Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06) Issues: Artificial Intelligence

REP LIEU STATEMENT ON TRUMP'S RACIST POST AGAINST INDIAN AND CHINESE IMMIGRANTS

Position: Rep. Lieu opposes President Trump's statements characterizing Indian and Chinese immigrants as disloyal and lacking assimilation capacity. He argues that immigrants strengthen the country and rejects the framing that certain ethnic groups pose a threat to American society.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) condemned President trump's racist post against Indian and Chinese immigrants. “During WWII, over 100,000 Americans were torn from their homes and forcibly incarcerated in U.S. internment camps because they were deemed disloyal. The message was clear: Japanese Americans could never truly belong. Their very presence was a threat. That logic didn’t begin or end there. For much of U.S. history, Asian Americans have been cast as forever foreigners – regardless of whether they were born here or have spent decades building their lives in this country. Now, as trump attempts to strip citizenship away from thousands of naturalized Americans, he posts a racist rant on social media – claiming there is “no loyalty” among today’s immigrants, singling out Indian and Chinese communities specifically. Meanwhile, the rant claims European immigrants are the only example of successful assimilation. Also, trump uses racial stereotypes to describe a Chinese American attorney as “very smart, very evil, and very devious.” I came to this country with my family at three years old. With the support of hard-working parents and a country that provided limitless opportunity, we went from going to flea markets to having a successful small business. I served my country on active duty for four years before joining the Air Force Reserves for 21 years. I have dedicated my career to serving my neighbors and my country. Immigrants make our country great. Nothing trump says will change that. trump is also the worst President ever. He dodged the draft, called our veterans suckers and losers, increased inflation with his unconstitutional tariffs and unconstitutional war, constantly seeks to divide Americans, and falls asleep at public events. He should resign in shame.” Issues: Civil Rights and Social Justice

REPS LIEU AND DEXTER INTRODUCE BILL TO STOP FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERREACH

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would restrict federal law enforcement deployment to protest sites without state/local approval, prohibit certain federal agencies from operating outside their statutory authority, and require coordination between federal and local law enforcement.

WASHINGTON – Thursday, April 23, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR) introduced the Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act, to address federal law enforcement overreach, reinforce local authority, and uphold Americans’ First Amendment right to peacefully protest. “Nobody should be intimidated by law enforcement while exercising their right to peacefully protest," said Rep. Lieu. “The Trump administration unnecessarily deployed federal agents to peaceful protests in cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Portland, and Los Angeles – often without coordination with local officials and in ways that escalated tensions rather than protected public safety. Local communities should have a say in how policing is carried out in their jurisdictions. We must ensure all Americans can safely exercise their right to protest without fear of those sworn to protect them.” “The First Amendment’s protection of peaceful protest is foundational to the health of our democracy. Oregonians exemplified this last fall when Trump tried to federalize the National Guard over a manufactured crisis. Our communities visually matched the absurdity of federal government actions with their creative protests—and the National Guard was not deployed. This is exactly the kind of free speech we must protect with everything we have. Without it, we risk losing our republic. I’m proud to support the right to speak out, organize, and hold those in power accountable,” said Rep. Dexter. Background: The Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act would: 1) Prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using any officers or agents to protect federal property where a protest is occurring, excluding the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Protective Service, unless a chief executive of the state requests it. 2) Prohibit the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) from deputizing local, state, or other federal law enforcement without approval from the relevant state or local jurisdiction. 3) Prohibit the use of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers to enforce non-drug related laws. READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE BILL HERE ###

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC VETERANS STATEMENT ON TRUMP THREAT THAT 'WHOLE CIVILIZATION WILL DIE TONIGHT'

Position: The House Democratic Veterans Caucus opposes what they characterize as President Trump's threat to annihilate an entire civilization, arguing it constitutes a war crime and calling for immediate congressional action to halt what they describe as an illegal war.

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), an Air Force veteran, along with fellow members of the House Democratic Veterans Caucus issued the following statement. "Words matter in times of peace, but especially in times of war. We served our country and are no strangers to war. What Trump threatened this morning — that ‘a whole civilization will die tonight’ — cannot be ignored, rationalized, or dismissed. It is not ‘strategic posturing’ to threaten to annihilate an entire people. It threatens a war crime so grave that no person should condone it. "There is no strategic justification for threatening to destroy an entire civilization, and anyone who says otherwise is unfit for office. Any elected official cheering on this rhetoric, rationalizing it as tough talk, and failing to acknowledge the gravity of what the president is threatening is simply unfit. "We need to immediately return to DC and stop this illegal war. We took oaths to the Constitution and the American people, not a political party nor a leader. The time to do something is now, and we must act." ### Issues: National Security and Foreign Affairs Veterans

House Democratic Leadership Statement on Donald Trump's Threat to Kill a Whole Civilization

Position: House Democratic leaders call for an immediate end to U.S. military operations in the Middle East, characterizing the current military engagement as a reckless war of choice that has resulted in casualties and is driving up costs for American families.

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene released the following statement: Donald Trump is completely unhinged. His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response. The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III. For years, Republicans have enabled and excused Donald Trump’s deeply dangerous and extreme behavior. Enough is enough. Our brave men and women in uniform have been put into harm’s way in the Middle East. Over a dozen have already been killed and hundreds injured. Gas prices are skyrocketing, the cost of living in America is out of control and billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on a reckless war of choice. It’s time for House Republicans to put patriotic duty over party loyalty and join Democrats in stopping this madness. ###

Lieu Review: Standing Up for You

Position: The release criticizes Trump administration economic policies, including tariffs and cuts to ACA tax credits and Medicaid funding, arguing these decisions have harmed consumers through inflation, job losses, and rising costs. The rep also opposes the SAVE Act as making voting harder for many Americans.

Dear neighbor, American consumers are being hurt by rising inflation, rising gas prices, and diesel prices topping $5 for only the second time in U.S. history. This week, however, Trump’s Director of the National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett, said that hurting consumers is “the last of our concerns.” Trump’s decisions over the past year have already hurt everyday Americans and will continue to do so. Even before the war in Iran, the economy was on shaky ground. The labor market was weak, businesses and workers were facing uncertainty from tariffs and AI, and employers cut 92,000 jobs last month. Groceries and household essentials remained too expensive, and healthcare costs were rising after Republicans cut ACA tax credits and Medicaid funding to help pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Inflation has also increased this year, with PPI rising to 3.4% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now, those challenges remain, and the country is also dealing with the fallout of an unconstitutional war with no clear strategy in place. Many parts of California are experiencing gas prices well over $5. Meanwhile, the stock market has fallen, and mortgage rates have risen as the bond market reacts to the uncertainty surrounding this war. I talked about this and more during the Democratic Caucus’ weekly press conference. Last week, it was my pleasure to hear from so many constituents during my telephone town hall. We discussed a wide range of local and national issues affecting families across California’s 36th District. I heard from many constituents concerned about the integrity of our upcoming elections. I share those concerns. Democrats are working closely with civil society organizations, nonprofits, civil rights groups, and state attorneys general to prepare legal strategies, coordinate lawyers and election observers, and respond to potential threats. We are also actively opposing the SAVE Act, which would make it much harder for many Americans to vote, especially those without passports or birth certificates, including married women whose legal names no longer match their birth records. These are perilous times, and the strength of our democracy depends on the participation and vigilance of the people. Democrats in Congress will continue doing everything possible to defend our democratic institutions. Ultimately it will be the American people who determine the direction of the country by speaking out and participating in the democratic process in the coming months. We covered many other issues during the town hall. If you would like to hear the full conversation, you can listen to the recording here. Forums like these give me the opportunity to hear directly from constituents, and I am always grateful to represent such an engaged and thoughtful community. LA COUNTY FOOD RESOURCES: The LA County Office of Food Systems has resources to learn more about the LA County food system and a dashboard to find more information on efforts to promote access to food across the county. Visit here for more. BY LA FOR LA: LA County has put together a network of people to help with substance use and overdose prevention, mental health, and housing/food assistance. Check out the resource page here. CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION: High school students are encouraged to participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Submissions are now open until Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5 PM PT. For more information, visit here. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATIONS: Students in 9th-12th grade can now apply to join our district’s 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council. This is an opportunity to work directly with my office to collaborate on key issues for young people. Applications are now open until Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT. Visit here for more information. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS: My Los Angeles and Washington offices are now accepting applications for our Summer 2026 Internship Program. You can find out how to apply here. My Los Angeles office is available to help with federal agency issues at (323) 651-1040, or you can visit our webpage here. I look forward to updating you again soon. Warmly, Ted

REP LIEU HOSTS TELEPHONE TOWN HALL ON INCREASING COST OF LIVING AND ELECTION INTEGRITY

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday evening, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) hosted a telephone town hall to talk about his work in Washington and the district and how House Democrats are committed to lowering the cost of living for everyday Americans. "It was my pleasure to hear from so many constituents during my telephone town hall. We discussed a wide range of local and national issues affecting families across California’s 36th District. "I heard from many constituents concerned about the integrity of our upcoming elections. I share those concerns. Democrats are working closely with civil society organizations, nonprofits, civil rights groups, and state attorneys general to prepare legal strategies, coordinate lawyers and election observers, and respond to potential threats. We are also actively opposing the SAVE Act, which would make it much harder for many Americans to vote, especially those without passports or birth certificates, including married women whose legal names no longer match their birth records. "These are perilous times, and the strength of our democracy depends on the participation and vigilance of the people. Democrats in Congress will continue doing everything possible to defend our democratic institutions. Ultimately it will be the American people who determine the direction of the country by speaking out and participating in the democratic process in the coming months. "We covered many other issues during the town hall. Forums like these give me the opportunity to hear directly from constituents, and I am always grateful to represent such an engaged and thoughtful community." For more opportunities to hear directly from the Congressman, subscribe to our newsletter here. ### Issues: Local Issues