Celeste Maloy

Maloy Introduces Resolution to Restore Local Voices in Grand Staircase-Escalante Management

Position: Rep. Maloy opposes the Biden administration's 2025 Resource Management Plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and supports restoring the 2021 plan, arguing the 2025 plan was developed without meaningful local input and restricted access to federal lands for traditional uses like hunting and grazing.

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) today introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to reject the Biden administration's 2025 Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, returning management of the monument to the 2021 RMP that was developed with the input and support of local communities. The resolution is being led in the Senate by Utah Senator Mike Lee, and is cosponsored by Utah Senator John Curtis in the Senate and Utah Representatives Blake Moore (UT-01), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), and Burgess Owens (UT-04) in the House. This resolution would reject the Biden administration's 2025 RMP and restore the 2021 plan developed collaboratively with the Trump administration, local governments, and southern Utah communities. The monument's footprint is unchanged. The 2021 plan reinstates multiple-use access to lands the Biden administration had effectively closed through its RMP. Importantly, none of this land stops being federal land. The entire area would revert to standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management, maintaining the full protections that apply to all federal public land while restoring road access and traditional uses like hunting, grazing, and responsible land stewardship. "The 2025 Biden RMP was written without the people it affects most having any real seat at the table,” said Rep. Maloy. “That's not how land management should work. The 2021 plan was built with local communities, balanced conservation with access, and reflected the realities of life in southern Utah. This resolution uses Congress's constitutional responsibility to check executive overreach and returns management to a plan that actually listens to the people on the ground. And to be clear: this land remains federal land. It remains protected. What changes is that the communities who live here get their voice back." Background: Grand Staircase-Escalante Resource Management Plans The 2025 Biden RMP was developed with little to no meaningful input from local leaders, county governments, or the people who live and work in the region. It was opposed by virtually every local elected official in the area. That stands in sharp contrast to the 2021 RMP, which reflected years of coordination with local stakeholders and was designed to balance conservation with the real-world needs of communities that depend on access to the land. The consequences of ignoring those communities are well-documented. When President Clinton created the monument in 1996 — over the objections of the entire Utah congressional delegation and local leadership — mining operations in the region shut down, economies collapsed, schools closed, and families left. Background: The Congressional Review Act The CRA allows Congress to reject a federal agency rule within a 60-legislative-session-day window after the rule is formally reported to Congress. It requires only a simple majority in both chambers, bypassing the 60-vote threshold required to break a Senate filibuster. The CRA gives Congress the authority to review and reject federal agency rules through a simple majority vote, a tool designed to ensure the legislative branch retains meaningful oversight over executive agency decisions with the force of law. “We have a 1.9 million acre, sweeping land-use regime finalized in the final days of a failed President, with generational consequences for rural Utah communities,” said Sen. Mike Lee. “Congress does not surrender its oversight responsibility simply because an agency labels something a ‘plan’ rather than a ‘rule.’ The GAO has now confirmed what the law makes clear: this Resource Management Plan is a rule. It carries binding consequences. It shapes what can and cannot occur across millions of acres. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the right to review it.” Garfield County Commissioners Jerry Taylor, Leland Pollock, and David Tebbs wrote in support of the CRA: “Despite extensive written comments, alternative proposals, and supporting data, very little of the County’s input was incorporated into the final plan. The GAO’s determination provides Congress with an appropriate opportunity to review the plan and consider whether it reflects a lawful, coordinated, and balanced approach to land management. Given the lack of meaningful coordination with affected local governments, Garfield County supports congressional oversight and review under the CRA.” Kane County Commissioners Gwen Brown, Celeste Meyers, and Patty Kubeja joined in supporting the resolution: “The Kane County Commission supports congressional action under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the BLM Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Commission urges Congress to ensure that future land management reflects statutory intent, respects local governments, and preserves reasonable access and multiple-use opportunities.” “Our lands are best managed and most appreciated by those who live closest to them. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration’s overreaching management plan for the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument clearly does not reflect the full spectrum of voices who live and work in the area,” said Senator Curtis. “This resolution will help ensure that future management plans better serve the long-term interests of Utahns, not distant federal agencies.” “Major land-use decisions impacting millions of acres and generations of Utahns should not bypass congressional oversight. No one manages Utah’s lands better than the people of Utah,” said Representative Moore. “We have shown that we can protect natural treasures while also supporting grazing, recreation, tourism, and responsible energy development. We’ve consistently demonstrated that we deserve a seat at the table, and this decision will help ensure Utah’s lands are not used by administrations to advance political goals that ignore local needs, thereby avoiding Congressional oversight.” "We must ensure that Utah has a meaningful voice in how land within its borders is managed, allow for responsible mineral development and energy production, strengthen local economies and support domestic resource security,” said Representative Kennedy. “We can protect the landscape while also recognizing the importance of jobs, access, and state input in federal land decisions.” “For too long, Grand Staircase–Escalante has been used as a political talking point in Washington,” said Representative Owens. “Almost 30 years ago, in Arizona and with his back turned to Utah, President Clinton abused the Antiquities Act that locked up millions of acres of Utah. Then again, thousands of miles away in the in a last-ditch effort to enshrine a failed legacy of an awful president, this overreaching rule was issued in both instances these sweeping decisions framed as "environmental victories” sidelined the voices of southern Utah. The people who live, work, and raise their families near these lands deserve a seat at the table. Our responsibility is not to score political points — it is to improve quality of life, protect rural jobs, and ensure local communities are heard. The GAO has confirmed this action qualifies as a rule, and Congress has a duty to conduct a thorough review with meaningful input from community leaders and stakeholders across southern Utah.”

Maloy Introduces Bill to Fix Scheduling Disparity for Rural EMS Agencies

Today, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Senator John Curtis (UT) introduced the Rural Emergency Response Support Act, legislation that would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow rural emergency medical services employees to work 80 hours over a 14-day period, rather than the current 40-hour, 7-day limit. The legislation is also co-sponsored by Utah Representatives Blake Moore (UT-01), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), and Burgess Owens (UT-04). Under current federal law, most urban and suburban EMS agencies operate under police or fire departments and already benefit from an 80-hour/14-day scheduling exemption. Rural counties, which typically run independent third-service EMS agencies outside of police or fire departments, are not eligible for the same exemption. The Rural Emergency Response Act would close that gap. "Rural communities deserve the same quality emergency care as anyone else, and right now federal law is making that harder to deliver," said Congresswoman Maloy. "This is a straightforward fix that gives rural EMS agencies the flexibility they need to keep their doors open around the clock and retain the qualified personnel their communities depend on." “Outdated federal labor rules are making it harder for rural EMS providers to serve their communities,” said Senator Curtis. “Our commonsense fix gives rural jurisdictions the flexibility they need to staff emergency services effectively, ensuring first responders can deliver lifesaving care without unnecessary federal barriers.” The legislation was introduced at the request of Sheriff Nathan Curtis and EMS Director Mike Willits of Sevier County, Utah, who identified the scheduling disparity as a barrier to maintaining 24/7 coverage in their community. "Rural EMS in Utah and other states will benefit greatly with this bill,” said Sheriff Nathan Curtis of Sevier County. “As a rural, and sometimes frontier Emergency Medical Services provider, we often struggle to hire qualified EMTs and paramedics to fully staff our needs. The Rural Emergency Response Act will give rural EMS agencies a schedule that is flexible and will allow the coverage our citizens deserve and expect." The bill also has the support of the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Beau Mason, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, added: "This bill addresses a critical disparity in federal labor law that currently hinders the operational efficiency of our rural EMS providers. The Utah EMS Bureau is committed to ensuring that every Utahn, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to high-quality emergency care. This common-sense policy change removes an outdated regulatory barrier and provides our rural heroes with the same workforce standards enjoyed by their urban counterparts.”

BLM Approves Northern Corridor Highway Plan in Southern Utah

Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management approved the construction of the Northern Corridor, advancing a long-delayed transportation project critical to Washington County’s growing communities. The project will connect Washington Parkway and Red Hills Parkway, allowing traffic to bypass downtown St. George and improving safety and travel time for residents throughout southern Utah. The decision also expands protected lands, adding thousands of acres of desert tortoise habitat and preserving popular recreation areas. The Northern Corridor fulfills a requirement established by Congress in 2009, when it created the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and directed the Secretary of the Interior to preserve a northern transportation route across federal land. The approved corridor reflects years of planning and environmental review and was designed to address traffic congestion while minimizing impacts to public lands and wildlife habitat. “I’ve worked on this issue for over a decade—first as a deputy county attorney in Washington County, then as a congressional staffer, and finally as a member of Congress,” said Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R, UT-02). “This decision is the result of decades of work, research, collaboration, and dedication on the part of a long list of elected officials in Washington County. After years of study and careful planning, a solution is now in place. The Northern Corridor balances conservation with the transportation needs of a fast-growing region. I’m grateful to local officials, the BLM, and the Trump administration for working together to move this project forward.” Congressman Bruce Westerman (R, AR-04), chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said, “The Northern Corridor is a long-overdue and vital infrastructure project for the residents of St. George and this announcement from the Bureau of Land Management is a major win for Utahns. I’d like to applaud Representative Maloy for her steadfast leadership on this issue, including hosting the Committee for a field hearing in her district last Congress to bring attention to this problem.” Approval of the right-of-way restores the original transportation plan contemplated by Congress and provides long-term certainty for local communities, public land managers, and conservation partners as the region continues to grow. State and local leaders praised the decision as a long-awaited step forward. “The Northern Corridor will improve local traffic, while providing significant protections for the Mojave Desert Tortoise and safeguard popular recreation areas from potential development on nearby lands,” said Redge Johnson, director of the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office. “This decision marks a breakthrough for a planning process that has held the county’s needs hostage for far too long.” Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow stated, “Washington County is so pleased with the Trump Administration and its work that led to the federal decision announced today. This plan is the only feasible way to balance conservation and provide for our county’s transportation and recreation needs.” “We have worked with our partners across many agencies — at the county, state and federal levels — for many years and to see the Northern Corridor right-of-way restored is great news,” said St. George Mayor Jimmie Hughes. “Let’s be clear: This is a win-win. Not only do we preserve Zone 6, which includes Moe’s Valley, and protect an exponentially larger amount of open space, which includes the desert tortoise, but we also secure the vital transportation corridor mandated by Congress that will benefit our residents for years to come.”

Rep. Maloy Co-Sponsors the Pharmacists Fight Back Acts

Position: Rep. Maloy co-sponsors bipartisan legislation to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices in Medicare, Medicaid, and federal health programs by standardizing reimbursement rates, requiring full pass-through of rebates, banning steering toward PBM-owned pharmacies, eliminating spread pricing, and imposing transparency and enforcement requirements.

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R, UT-02) last week joined as a co-sponsor of two bipartisan bills aimed at reforming the practices of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, within Medicare, Medicaid, and federal health programs. The legislation includes the Pharmacists Fight Back in Medicare and Medicaid Act and the Pharmacists Fight Back in Federal Health Benefit Plans Act. The legislation is focused on increasing transparency, ensuring fair pharmacy reimbursement, and lowering costs for patients enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The bills standardize minimum pharmacy reimbursement rates, require full pass-through of manufacturer rebates to patients and plan sponsors, ban PBM steering toward PBM-owned pharmacies, eliminate spread pricing and clawbacks, and impose new transparency and certification requirements. Enforcement provisions include civil and criminal penalties for violations within federal health programs. “PBMs play a powerful role in our healthcare system, but that power must come with accountability,” said Congresswoman Maloy. “These bipartisan bills promote transparency, fair dealing, and patient-focused care while helping ensure Utah pharmacies can continue serving the communities that rely on them. I am grateful to Representatives Auchincloss (D, MA-04), Harshbarger (R, TN-01), and Comer (R, KY-01) for introducing legislation that tackles predatory behavior that often victimizes the most vulnerable.” For Utah, where many rural and independent pharmacies serve as the most accessible point of care, these reforms aim to stabilize local pharmacies and protect patient access to medications and pharmacist services. State leaders and pharmacy advocates welcomed the legislation. “Community pharmacy is collapsing, and patients are paying the price,” said Scott Robinson, an owner and operator of eight independent pharmacies with over 25 years of experience. “Pharmacy deserts are spreading across America while PBMs and corporate shareholders grow richer by siphoning money out of patient care. This system is unsustainable, unjust, and dangerous to public health. The Pharmacist Fight Back Bill and related reforms are not optional—they are necessary to stop the bleeding and restore fairness, transparency, and access to care. Every day Congress delays, more pharmacies close and more communities lose access to lifesaving medications and trusted healthcare professionals. Action is needed now—before irreversible damage is done to America’s healthcare system.” Utah State Senator Evan Vickers, a pharmacist and leader in PBM reform, said, “I sincerely appreciate Congresswoman Maloy tackling this very difficult healthcare issue. These pieces of legislation are designed to cut patient costs, increase access to patients’ choice of pharmacy, and help local independent and chain pharmacies receive the reimbursement for their pharmacy services that will allow them to be profitable. Many small independent pharmacies have had to close their doors. These pieces of legislation will help reverse that trend.” The Utah Pharmacy Association issued the following statement: "The Utah Pharmacy Association supports the Pharmacists Fight Back Acts currently before Congress and urges swift action to advance these critical reforms. Community and independent pharmacies across Utah are facing mounting financial pressure due to unfair and opaque pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices, including below-cost reimbursement, retroactive fees, and patient steering. These practices threaten patient access to medications and essential pharmacy services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The Pharmacists Fight Back Acts would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the prescription drug marketplace while ensuring pharmacies are fairly reimbursed for the care they provide. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare providers, and these reforms will help preserve patient choice, protect local pharmacies, and strengthen the healthcare system for Utah families." The bills apply exclusively to federal health programs and do not affect private commercial insurance plans.

Maloy, Lummis Introduce CLEAR Act to Protect Local and State Law Enforcement Authority

Position: The release expresses opposition to a Biden-era Forest Service rule that would expand federal agency authority to enforce state and local criminal laws. The sponsors argue that law enforcement authority should remain with local sheriffs and state officials rather than be delegated to federal land management agencies.

Earlier this week, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R-UT), alongside Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), introduced the Community Law Enforcement Authority Restoration Act of 2025, known as the CLEAR Act, to block a Biden-era U.S. Forest Service rule that expands federal involvement in enforcing state and local laws. The Forest Service rule, Law Enforcement; Criminal Prohibitions, was finalized in the final weeks of the Biden Administration and would allow federal land management agencies to administer and enforce certain criminal laws. The CLEAR Act prevents the Forest Service from administering, implementing, or enforcing the rule. “In Utah, local law enforcement knows their communities best,” said Congresswoman Maloy. “Our sheriffs are accountable to the people they serve. The CLEAR Act keeps law enforcement authority where it belongs and prevents unnecessary federal overreach into Utah’s rural counties.” Utah is home to vast areas of federally managed land, making clear lines of law enforcement authority critical for public safety and effective governance. Local sheriffs have long worked cooperatively with federal agencies, but the rule raised concerns about jurisdictional confusion and authority being expanded through administrative action rather than by Congress. “This effort, implemented by the U.S. Forest Service, has been a long-standing issue of contention,” said Tracy Glover, Sheriff of Kane County Utah. “While we seek strong working relationships with federal agencies, we cannot, and will not, abdicate our authority and jurisdiction to the detriment of the people we serve and the Office of Sheriff.” The bill is supported by the Western States Sheriffs’ Association, which represents more than 1,200 sheriffs across the West and has opposed the rule since it was first proposed.

Rep. Maloy Introduces the Geothermal Tax Parity Act of 2025

Position: Rep. Maloy introduces legislation to extend existing oil and gas tax provisions to geothermal energy projects, including passive loss treatment and geological exploration cost deductions, to encourage private investment in geothermal development.

Today, Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Geothermal Tax Parity Act of 2025, which extends long standing oil and gas tax provisions to geothermal projects to promote one of America’s cheapest and most reliable energy sources. The bill supports a rapidly growing American energy industry delivering reliable, around the clock power. The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA), Blake Moore (R-UT), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Russ Fulcher (R-ID). “Geothermal energy is a reliable resource with enormous potential, especially in the West,” said Rep. Celeste Maloy. “Utah is already proving what next generation geothermal can deliver. This bill removes outdated barriers in the tax code so private investment can keep pace with innovation, strengthen our energy security, and create high quality jobs in rural communities.” The Geothermal Tax Parity Act would allow geothermal projects to qualify for the same passive loss treatment long available to oil and gas investments, enabling investors to deduct project losses against other income. The bill would also extend existing tax treatment for geological and geophysical exploration costs to geothermal development, reducing upfront risk and encouraging private sector investment. In Utah, geothermal innovation is already underway. Fervo Energy is constructing the world’s largest next generation geothermal development in Beaver County. The project is expected to begin operations in 2026 and deliver up to 500 megawatts of power by 2028, supporting growing energy demand across the region. “Geothermal energy is one of the most promising, clean energy resources we have. It provides reliable, round-the-clock power, strengthens our energy security, and creates good-paying jobs,” said Rep. John Garamendi. “The bipartisan Geothermal Tax Parity Act is simple: if oil and gas receive a tax benefit, geothermal should too. By extending long-standing energy tax incentives to geothermal, we can accelerate next-generation clean energy deployment, leverage our existing workforce and engineering expertise, and position the United States as a global leader in geothermal power.” Industry leaders also voiced support for the legislation. Fervo said, “We are grateful for Rep. Maloy and Rep. Garamendi’s leadership on the Geothermal Tax Parity Act. The bill will help attract capital to a rapidly growing industry, further positioning enhanced geothermal to meet our nation’s rising electricity demand with clean, baseload power.” “Quaise Energy strongly endorses the Geothermal Tax Parity Act. This legislation will help unlock America's vast geothermal potential at exactly the moment we need it most,” said Carlos Araque, CEO and President of Quaise Energy. “By creating the right investment climate for next-generation geothermal technologies, Representatives Maloy and Garamendi are positioning the United States to command technological leadership in accessing an energy resource that dwarfs all other sources combined, strengthening our national security and economic competitiveness.” Zanskar stated, “Rep. Maloy’s Geothermal Tax Parity Act will provide an essential market-based tailwind to help ignite an American geothermal boom. By modernizing the tax code to reflect the geothermal's unique value and potential, this bill levels the playing field for investors—attracting private capital and helping secure a future of clean, reliable and American baseload power.” Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions added, "CRES applauds the introduction of the Geothermal Tax Parity Act, which will accelerate the deployment of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is an important, home-grown part of the nation's energy mix. By accelerating investments into this industry, America's energy system can become cleaner, more reliable and more affordable." The Geothermal Tax Parity Act is supported by a broad coalition including Geothermal Rising, Fervo Energy, U.S. Oil and Gas Association, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, the Bipartisan Policy Center, Greenfire Energy, Quaise Energy, and Eavor.

Maloy and Auchincloss Introduce Deepfake Liability Act

Position: Representatives Maloy and Auchincloss introduced legislation that conditions Section 230 liability protections for online platforms on their implementation of a duty of care to prevent nonconsensual deepfake pornography and cyberstalking, requiring platforms to respond to victim reports, investigate complaints, and remove harmful content.

| U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display Skip to Content --> facebook twitter youtube instagram Open search form Close search form search Submit Menu Menu icon About Biography Committees and Caucuses Events Government Shutdown Guidance Our District Services Art Competition Appropriations Requests Commendations and Greetings Event Request Federal Job Postings Flag Request Grant Applications Help with a Federal Agency Internships Middle East Guidance Service Academy Nominations Tours and Tickets Issues Key Issues Legislation Sponsored Legislation Co-sponsored Legislation Voting Record Community Project Funding --> Media Press Releases In the News Op-Eds Photos --> Videos Contact Subscribe to My Newsletter Request a Meeting Office Locations Email Me facebook twitter youtube instagram search Submit Press Releases Maloy and Auchincloss Introduce Deepfake Liability Act Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, D.C., December 3, 2025 On Monday, Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) introduced the Deepfake Liability Act, aimed at addressing the rapid rise of nonconsensual deepfake pornography and the online tools that enable it. Women and teenage girls are the overwhelming targets of these abuses, which now make up the vast majority of deepfake content online. “Abusive deepfakes and cyberstalking are harming people across the country, and victims deserve real help. Our bill creates a straightforward duty of care and a reliable process to remove harmful content when victims ask for help,” said Congresswoman Celeste Maloy. “Companies that take this seriously will keep their protections under the law. Those that do nothing will be held accountable.” The bill amends Section 230 by conditioning a platform’s liability protections on meeting a clear duty of care. Platforms would be required to take basic steps to prevent cyberstalking and abusive deepfakes, respond to reports from victims, investigate credible complaints, and remove harmful content that violates individuals’ privacy. The legislation also clarifies that AI-generated content does not qualify for Section 230 immunity. “AI shouldn’t have special privileges & immunities that journalists don’t get,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. “Using bots or deepfakes to violate or stalk another person is reprehensible, and it needs to be a CEO-level problem for the trillion-dollar social media corporations that platform it. Congress needs to get ahead of this growing problem, instead of being left in the dust like we were with social media.” The Deepfake Liability Act incorporates the notice and removal framework from the Take It Down Act. It outlines requirements for reporting processes, investigation procedures, timely removal of unlawful material, and data logging to ensure victims can access information needed for legal action. “The time is now to reform Section 230. For too long, online platforms have been shielded from liability for online abuse that we know silences victims and ruins lives. Nearly every industry owes basic duties to prevent foreseeable harm; with this bill, so will the tech industry. This bill imposes a well-defined duty of care on online platforms to prevent, investigate, and remove cyberstalking, nonconsensual intimate images, and digital forgeries,” said Danielle Keats Citron, Vice President of the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. “The bill also corrects an overbroad judicial interpretation of Section 230 that lets platforms solicit or encourage online activity without accountability. With this bill, online intermediaries will be responsible not only for online speech activity they helped create or develop but also for online speech activity that they solicit or encourage. This is the bill that we need to protect civil rights and liberties online.” JOIN MY EMAIL LIST SUBSCRIBE

Reps. Meng and Maloy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Donated Menstrual Products

Position: The release introduces bipartisan legislation to establish liability protections for individuals, businesses, and organizations that donate menstrual products to nonprofit distribution partners, modeled after the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, to incentivize charitable giving and expand access to menstrual products.

Last week, Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act. This legislation establishes liability protections for individuals, businesses, and organizations that donate menstrual products to nonprofit distribution partners. The bill, modeled after the successful Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, will seek to incentivize greater charitable giving by ensuring donors can provide hygiene products without fear of legal risk. “Utahns have a long tradition of stepping up for one another, whether through donations, volunteer work, or direct support in times of need,” said Congresswoman Maloy. “That generosity deserves to be protected. This bill gives donors the clarity and confidence they need to share essential products with nonprofit partners without concern for legal risk, helping them continue strengthening communities across our state, including through donations of hygiene products for women and girls.” “Today, one in four teenagers and one in three adults report struggling to secure menstrual products,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Every day costs are continuing to rise, and it is more important than ever that we ensure everyone who needs menstrual products can access them. Our Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act would help address this need by easing restrictions on charitable donations of these products. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we fight to end period poverty once and for all.” States like Utah and New York have taken meaningful steps to expand access to menstrual products, demonstrating that targeted policy changes can reduce barriers and improve quality of life. The Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act builds on this momentum by creating a clear, nationwide framework that protects donors and empowers nonprofits. By codifying these protections, the bill encourages more consistent and reliable support for people experiencing period poverty. “Half the population menstruates, and lack of access to period products has real consequences for health, education, and overall well-being,” said Emily Bell McCormick, President of The Policy Project. “We are thrilled to see Representatives Meng and Maloy bringing national attention to this issue. In Utah, where The Policy Project championed legislation requiring period products in every public and charter school, we’ve already seen the positive impact of increased access to these essential items. The Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act is a critical step toward ensuring that everyone nationwide can access the period products they need to thrive.” "Days for Girls is excited about the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act and fully supports this bipartisan bill. Individuals and organizations will finally be able to make a broader range of donations without fear of frivolous liability. This will allow people in need to select from a greater product mix, choosing what works best for them." Diana T. Nelson, Global Advocacy Director. You can find the full text of the bill here.

Congresswoman Maloy Issues Statement on Government Funding Legislation

"Tonight, after 42 days of a government shutdown, the House passed a continuing resolution that allows Congress to complete the full-year budget process. This package also approves three full-year appropriations bills for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, and Agriculture. It ensures that SNAP and WIC remain fully funded, takes care of veterans and active-duty military, and guarantees that federal workers and their families are paid. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am ready to finish the remaining nine funding bills and uphold our responsibility to the American people. This vote provides needed stability for families and communities, and I remain committed to delivering a responsible budget."

What History Teaches Us About Shutdowns—and Why This One Must End

Position: The release argues that the current government shutdown is unnecessary and should end. The author criticizes both parties for their roles in the impasse but emphasizes that Democrats rejected a clean continuing resolution and instead introduced partisan riders, prolonging the shutdown and harming constituents.

The government has been shut down for a month now. Today, our country officially entered the longest government shutdown in history. How and when we will emerge from this mess remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this shutdown is unnecessary. Before this shutdown began, we were closer than we have been in years to returning to regular order—funding the government on time without temporary spending measures. The House Appropriations Committee had passed all 12 appropriations bills. For the first time since fiscal year 2019, we were preparing to conference with the Senate to resolve our differences on those bills. As one of 19 Republican conferees on that bipartisan conference committee, I was dedicated to continuing the process. While we were close, we needed a bit more time to finish the job. To keep our momentum going, the House passed a clean, short-term bill to fund the government. I voted for that bill to avoid a shutdown. Unfortunately, the Senate shot it down. We have seen this story before. In 1995, Republicans refused to pass a continuing resolution unless President Bill Clinton accepted a seven-year balanced budget plan. That standoff triggered a 5-day shutdown, followed by a short-term deal. A month later, another 21-day shutdown ensued over the same dispute. The public was outraged. Clinton signed a compromise budget to end the shutdown, allowing him to coast to reelection, while Republicans lost seats in Congress. In 2013, Republicans led another shutdown—this time to repeal Obamacare. After the shutdown reached 16 days, public opinion turned sharply against Republicans, who were forced to agree to raise the debt ceiling and reopen the government. Finally, in 2018, Republicans led yet another shutdown—this one over President Donald Trump’s border wall funding request for $5.7 billion. Senate Democrats refused, and the government shut down for 35 days, the longest in history—at least, until now. In the end, President Trump reopened the government without the funding needed to build the wall. Democrats now continue the pattern by making the same mistake. As we approached the fiscal year deadline on October 1, Democrats were vocal in calling for a clean continuing resolution (“CR”) to buy time to negotiate a broader agreement. But as the deadline neared, they abruptly changed course. On September 19, the House passed a clean CR, only for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to dismiss it as a “partisan Republican spending bill”—even though it came at Democrats’ request and extended the same budget Democrats supported in March. Instead, Senate Democrats introduced their own CR loaded with partisan policy riders, including: Their CR failed—so did the House’s clean one. And now, here we are, facing what is now the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history. As a result, Utahns are suffering. 86,000 Utah households lost their SNAP benefits. If you or someone you know are struggling with the effects of this shutdown, I invite you to visit my website to find resources available in our state. The path forward is simple and achievable: Seven Senate Democrats must vote with Republicans to pass a clean continuing resolution—no gimmicks, no partisan add-ons—and reopen the government. Then we can return to debating healthcare, spending, and the future of our economy through the normal legislative process. Shutdowns are no way to govern the greatest country in the world. And as history rightly shows, they rarely end well for those responsible for them. It is time to turn the lights back on, pay our public servants, and get back to doing the people’s work.