Jay Obernolte

Rep. Obernolte Issues Statement Following Release of the SECURE Data Act

Position: Rep. Obernolte supports the SECURE Data Act as a national data privacy framework that establishes uniform protections for consumers while providing clarity for businesses and innovation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Obernolte has issued the following statement following the release of the SECURE Data Act: “The Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group brought together a broad coalition of industry leaders, consumer advocates, and policy experts to develop a clear, consistent, and durable framework for data privacy in the digital age,” said Rep. Obernolte. “For too long, Americans have faced a confusing patchwork of state laws that create uncertainty for businesses and leave consumers without uniform protections. The SECURE Data Act addresses this challenge by establishing a strong national standard that provides clarity for innovators and entrepreneurs while ensuring Americans remain firmly in control of their personal data. “This legislation reflects a thoughtful effort to protect privacy, promote innovation, and strengthen trust in our digital economy. By setting clear rules, we can empower businesses to grow responsibly while safeguarding the rights of Americans. “I was proud to be part of this effort, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance these critical protections for the American people.” ### Issues:Technology

Rep. Obernolte, Rep. Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prepare American Workers for AI-Driven Economic Change

Position: The representatives support establishing a bipartisan commission to study AI's economic impacts and develop policy recommendations on workforce development, education, tax policy, and unemployment insurance to prepare American workers for AI-driven economic change.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) today introduced the Economy of the Future Commission Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to help the United States prepare for the economic impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mark Warner and Mike Rounds. The legislation would establish a bipartisan, bicameral commission to study how AI is transforming the American economy and develop consensus-driven policy recommendations for Congress. The Commission will evaluate workforce development, education systems, federal AI adoption, and strategies to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies. “Artificial intelligence will reshape every sector of our economy, and Congress has a responsibility prepare for those changes. This legislation brings together experts and lawmakers to develop clear, actionable recommendations to strengthen our workforce, support American workers, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in innovation,” said Rep. Obernolte. “I’m constantly hearing from young people who are absolutely terrified that AI will take their jobs and make their degrees irrelevant. That’s why we need to understand whether these fears are well-founded, how and when AI will reshape the labor market, and what we must do now to prepare workers and students for the future. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Economy of the Future Commission Act to develop recommendations on education, worker support, and social safety net programs so we can ensure that all Americans – especially young people – are ready for the future of work and our economy is stable, growing, and competitive,” said Rep. Jacobs. “AI is going to transform nearly every sector of our economy,” said Sen. Warner. “The question isn’t whether these changes are coming — it’s whether we are prepared. We need clear-eyed analysis and practical, bipartisan solutions to help workers gain new skills, support people whose jobs are disrupted, and make sure the United States leads the world in the industries of the future. This legislation is about bringing together the expertise needed to chart that path forward.” “American dominance in AI is a matter of both economic and national security,” said Sen. Rounds. “America’s workforce must be equipped to lead the transformation of the economy happening due to AI. This commission would help keep America ahead of our global competitors and keep America prosperous and innovative.” The Commission will deliver an interim report within seven months outlining projected impacts of AI on jobs and the economy, followed by a final report within 13 months with legislative recommendations on workforce reskilling, tax policy, unemployment insurance, and long-term economic growth. Issues:Jobs & Economy

Reps. Obernolte and Dingell Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve ICU Capacity Transparency and Patient Transfers

Position: The legislation requires hospitals participating in Medicare to report ICU bed availability in real time and establishes regional data-sharing systems to improve hospital coordination and patient transfers during periods of high ICU demand.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-California) and Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) introduced the Improving Care Utilization Through Bed Exchange and Data Sharing Act of 2026, or ICU Bed Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to strengthen hospital coordination, reduce delays in care, and improve patient outcomes by requiring real-time reporting of intensive care unit (ICU) bed availability. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country were pushed to their limits. In many cases, families and doctors were left calling hospital after hospital, searching for an available ICU bed while precious minutes slipped away. In some regions, facilities were completely overwhelmed, while others just miles away still had capacity but no reliable way to share that information in real time. Those gaps in communication cost time, and in critical care, time can mean everything. “Patients shouldn’t face delays in critical care because hospitals can’t see available ICU beds just miles away,” said Rep. Obernolte. “We saw during COVID what happens when hospitals are operating in the dark. In rural communities especially, where hospitals are often many miles apart, coordination can mean the difference between life and death. This bill improves transparency, strengthens coordination, and helps ensure every patient gets timely, life-saving care.” "Better communication leads to better care, and that is why I am proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to improve patient outcomes," said Rep. Dingell. "If you need to go to the ICU, you want to know if there will be a bed waiting for you when life and death can be a matter of minutes or miles. Every person has a role to play in supporting their own health, but this legislation ensures hospitals are playing their part by strengthening communications regarding their ICU capacity." Hospitals continue to face challenges managing ICU capacity during periods of high demand, whether from public health emergencies, seasonal surges, or everyday strain on the system. Without real-time visibility into available beds, critically ill patients can experience dangerous delays, and hospitals are left relying on outdated or manual processes to coordinate transfers. The Improving Care Utilization Through Bed Exchange and Data Sharing Act addresses these challenges by modernizing how hospitals share critical capacity data and coordinate patient care across regions, ensuring that no available ICU bed goes unseen when a patient is in need. Specifically, the legislation requires the Department of HHS to build a platform that: • Requires hospitals participating in Medicare to report ICU bed availability in real time • Establishes regional data sharing systems so hospitals can view capacity across nearby facilities • Requires hospitals to develop coordinated strategies to facilitate timely patient transfers when facilities approach or reach capacity This issue is especially urgent in rural and underserved communities, where long distances and limited resources can make access to care even more difficult. By improving coordination and transparency, this legislation helps ensure that patients, no matter where they live, can access the critical care they need when they need it most. ###

Rep. Obernolte Introduces Bill After California Loophole Allowed Millions in Payments to Deceased Individuals

Position: Rep. Obernolte introduced legislation requiring all states to use federal verification systems in the FCC's Lifeline program and to strengthen identity checks and re-verification procedures to prevent fraud and improper payments to ineligible recipients.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-California) has introduced the No Lifeline for the Dead Act, legislation to strengthen oversight and accountability in the FCC’s Lifeline program following a watchdog report uncovering widespread waste, fraud, and abuse tied largely to California’s enrollment system. The Lifeline program provides a monthly subsidy to help low-income Americans afford phone and broadband service, ensuring access to essential communications for work, education, healthcare, and public safety. The program is funded through the Universal Service Fund, which is supported by contributions from telecommunications providers and ultimately paid for by consumers. To administer the program, the FCC relies on national verification tools to confirm eligibility and prevent duplicate enrollments. However some states including California have been allowed to “opt out” of these federal systems and instead use their own eligibility and enrollment processes. While intended to provide flexibility, this structure reduces federal visibility and creates gaps in oversight. A January 2026 FCC Inspector General advisory found that between 2020 and 2025, Lifeline providers in opt-out states including California received nearly $5 million in subsidies for approximately 117,000 deceased people, along with more than 270,000 duplicate claims totaling about $5.5 million. Notably, 81 percent of the payments for the deceased claimed by providers were in California. California’s opt-out system allowed the state to bypass federal verification tools like the National Lifeline Accountability Database and National Verifier, instead relying on its own process. This fragmented approach contributed to significant failures in identifying deceased and duplicate enrollees. “The Lifeline program plays an important role in helping Americans stay connected, but taxpayers deserve accountability,” said Rep. Obernolte. “This report shows that California’s failure to use federal verification systems allowed millions of dollars to go to ineligible recipients, including deceased individuals. That is unacceptable. This bill corrects that problem.” The legislation requires all states to use federal verification systems, strengthens identity checks, and requires re-verification of existing enrollees to ensure that only eligible individuals receive benefits. Earlier this month, Rep. Obernolte also led a letter to the FCC requesting a plan to recover improper payments, implement watchdog recommendations, and prevent future abuse Issues:Budget

Obernolte, Khanna, McCormick, Auchincloss Introduce Bipartisan Cloud LAB Act to Strengthen U.S. Leadership in AI and Biotechnology

Position: The representatives support establishing a national network of cloud-enabled laboratories through NSF to advance AI and biotechnology research, improve data quality for AI training, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in these fields.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) today introduced the Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act, or the Cloud LAB Act, alongside Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) to strengthen America’s leadership at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The legislation directs the National Science Foundation to establish a national network of advanced, cloud-enabled laboratories capable of generating high-quality biological data through automated instrumentation. By giving researchers across the country remote access to cutting-edge tools and standardized data, the bill will help train next-generation AI models and accelerate breakthroughs in health care, agriculture, defense, and advanced manufacturing. “Artificial intelligence is only as strong as the data it is trained on,” saidCongressman Obernolte. “To keep the United States the leader in AI-driven biotechnology, we must invest in the infrastructure that empowers our scientists. The Cloud LAB Act will help ensure America remains at the forefront of innovation while incorporating strong safeguards for security and responsible research.” “To compete in the 21st century, we need the infrastructure, data, and tools necessary to support cutting-edge AI research. Cloud labs will expand access to advanced biotechnology platforms, allowing researchers across the country to generate the high-quality data needed to power the next generation of AI-driven discoveries. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Obernolte to strengthen America’s leadership in innovation,” said Congressman Ro Khanna. "I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Cloud LAB Act alongside Reps. Jay Obernolte, Ro Khanna, and Jake Auchincloss. The Cloud LAB Act represents the next generation of American research infrastructure, accelerating discovery and expanding access for researchers nationwide. This bill takes an important step in ensuring that the United States leads in both AI innovation and the data generation needed to power the technologies of the future," said Congressman Rich McCormick. “Automating routine medical chemistry can help speed up experiments. Many companies, including in Massachusetts, are working on this, and public investment would complement those corporate efforts. The goal is tighter feedback between ideas, experiments, and results,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. “In our April 2025 report, the NSCEB found that the future of biotechnology is being driven by advances in AI, robotics, and automation,” said NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo. “Maintaining American leadership on the global stage will depend on our willingness to invest in the scientific infrastructure that allows these innovations to thrive. I’m grateful to our colleagues in the House for introducing this legislation to establish a network of labs that will shape the future of American scientific discovery.” The bill establishes a phased pilot program to stand up at least five competitively awarded cloud labs nationwide, creates an expert advisory board to guide data and security standards, and requires annual reports to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability. It also promotes collaboration between academia, industry, and federal research agencies to reduce duplication and maximize impact. ### Obernolte.house.gov

Rep. Obernolte Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Leadership in Robotics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), alongside Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05), introduced the National Commission on Robotics Act, bipartisan legislation to establish a national commission tasked with evaluating the United States’ competitiveness in robotics and providing policy recommendations to strengthen American leadership in this critical technology sector. The National Commission on Robotics Act would direct the Department of Commerce to establish an independent, temporary commission composed of 18 recognized experts in robotics and robotics applications. Commission members would be appointed by congressional leadership from both parties and by the President. The Commission would examine domestic and international developments in robotics, workforce and talent challenges, supply chain risks, manufacturing competitiveness, and the role of robotics in economic growth and national security. “As robotics continue to reshape our economy, manufacturing base, and national security, it is essential that the United States remain the global leader in robotics innovation,” said Congressman Obernolte. “This legislation brings together experts from industry, academia, and the public sector to help Congress develop smart, forward-looking policies that strengthen our workforce, secure our supply chains, and keep America competitive.” “As our global community adapts to a constantly growing and evolving digital world, robotics will become more critically important to meet the demands of the 21st century,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The National Commission on Robotics Act helps ensure that the U.S. remains competitive on the global stage and a leader in technological development and innovation. Only by better understanding the economic impacts of robotics can we continue to work on the cutting edge of research that drastically improves and enriches people’s lives.” "The United States must lead when it comes to robotics and autonomous systems. Creating a commission to evaluate how robotics pertain to commerce, economic competitiveness, and national security will allow the U.S. to continue making important advancements in robotics. Further, evaluating how robotics can enhance workforce opportunities will spur future programs to attract and recruit leading talent in the field. I am proud to introduce the National Commission on Robotics Act with Representatives Obernolte and McClellan to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, drive innovation, and support workforce readiness as robotics technologies become more integral to our economy and everyday lives," said Congressman Bob Latta. The Commission would submit an interim report within one year of its establishment and a final report within two years, offering actionable recommendations to Congress, the Administration, and relevant federal agencies. “The age of autonomy and advanced robotics is here, and dominance in this industry will determine who leads the next industrial revolution,” said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. “That’s why America must get Robot Ready with a National Robotics Strategy—and why we strongly support Rep. Obernolte’s legislation to establish a National Robotics Commission to help drive that strategy forward. Together, these efforts will strengthen our industrial base, secure our supply chains, and accelerate innovation, ensuring the robotics industry delivers good jobs, higher productivity, enhanced safety, and lasting prosperity for the American people.” “Boston Dynamics applauds Congressman Obernolte, Congresswoman McClellan, and Congressman Latta on the introduction of the National Commission on Robotics Act, the first piece of federal legislation in support of the growth and success of the robotics industry in the United States,” said Brendan Schulman, Vice President of Policy & Government Relations at Boston Dynamics. “The proposed establishment of a national commission is especially timely, as AI dramatically accelerates the capabilities of robots, and as foreign competition intensifies. Robots will not only transform core industries, help reshore critical manufacturing, and elevate job safety and efficiency — they will also redefine America’s economic and industrial future.” “The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) applauds the leadership of Rep. Jay Obernolte, Rep. Jennifer McClellan, and Rep. Bob Latta and welcomes their introduction of legislation to establish a national robotics strategy. The accelerated adoption of robotics, along with enabling technologies like artificial intelligence, machine vision, and motion control, will strengthen every US industry in the future. Robotics and automation are essential to bringing more manufacturing back to the US while creating better, safer and higher paying jobs for American workers.” The National Commission on Robotics Act reflects a bipartisan commitment to ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of emerging technologies while creating jobs, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and supporting long-term economic growth. ###

Congressman Obernolte Visits California City Immigration Processing Center

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) toured the California City Immigration Processing Center to observe operations and meet with facility leadership, federal law enforcement personnel, and detainees. During the visit, Rep. Obernolte received briefings on the facility’s role in processing individuals in federal immigration custody, discussed operational challenges facing immigration enforcement agencies, and spoke with those detained at the facility. He emphasized the importance of strong oversight, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law. “Seeing these facilities firsthand is critical to understanding how federal immigration policy is actually implemented,” said Congressman Obernolte. “I will continue to rely on facts, not rhetoric, when making policy decisions about immigration enforcement and border security.” Rep. Obernolte thanked the men and women working at the facility for their professionalism and reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, lawful immigration enforcement, and accountability. To watch Rep. Obernolte’s remarks following the visit, click here. ### Issues:Immigration & Border Security

Rep. Obernolte Unveils Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Leadership in AI Infrastructure

Position: Representatives Obernolte and Gottheimer introduced legislation directing a comprehensive assessment of liquid cooling technologies in U.S. data centers and calling for the development of government-wide best practices to enhance efficiency, security, and AI computing capabilities while reducing energy consumption.

This week, Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced the Liquid Cooling for AI Act, legislation designed to ensure the United States takes the lead in advancing next generation infrastructure for artificial intelligence. The bill directs a comprehensive technology assessment exploring the use of liquid cooling technologies in U.S. data centers and how they can advance AI computing abilities. Additionally, it calls for the development of government-wide best practices that will not only guide federal use of liquid cooling technologies and methods to enhance the security and reliability of data centers but also establish standards that accelerate adoption of liquid cooling systems across both public and private AI facilities. “As AI systems grow more powerful, the infrastructure required to support them must evolve just as quickly,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Liquid cooling is a critical innovation that will reduce energy use, improve efficiency, and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of AI development. By driving federal adoption, we can set the pace for the private sector and create a unified approach that strengthens America’s AI ecosystem.” “Data centers are critical parts of our AI infrastructure, but they can require a lot of energy — contributing to rising utility costs for families. That’s why I’m proud to help lead the bipartisan Liquid Cooling for AI Act to put in place a clear strategy that will support new technologies, make our data centers more efficient, and help bring costs back down,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “With this legislation, we won’t have to choose between innovation and affordability. Together we will help ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in AI innovation, while keeping more money in the pocketbooks of hardworking families.” Data centers are projected to consume up to 580 TWh of total electricity in the U.S. by 2028, up from 176 TWh in 2023. That amount is roughly equal to the total electricity consumption of the entire U.S. residential lighting and appliances sectors combined. The Liquid Cooling for AI Act of 2025 would deliver benefits for all Americans by keeping America competitive in the global AI race, reducing pressure on utilities and electricity customers, promoting heat reuse and energy efficiency in data centers, and leveraging market-driven technologies to boost U.S. computing capacity. ###  Issues:Technology

Reps. Obernolte, DeGette, Carter, and Peters introduce bill to improve Congressional Budget Office scoring of preventive health savings

Position: The representatives support legislation to modernize Congressional Budget Office scoring methodology to account for long-term budgetary savings from preventive health care policies over a 30-year window, rather than the current 10-year budget window.

Washington, DC – This week, Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize how Congress evaluates the fiscal impact of preventive health care policies. The Preventive Health Savings Act would establish a mechanism within existing law for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to assess long-term budgetary savings from preventive health care legislation over a 30-year window. Under current rules, the CBO primarily scores legislation within a 10-year budget window—an approach that often overlooks the full financial benefits of policies aimed at improving long-term health outcomes. "Our budget process should reward forward planning, not penalize it. By enabling the CBO to account for long-term savings from preventive healthcare, this legislation brings much-needed precision and responsibility to how Congress evaluates public health investments,” said Rep. Obernolte. “It’s a commonsense reform that enables smarter federal health investments to strengthen both our healthcare system and the long-term fiscal health of our country." "The Preventive Health Savings Act will save our country money and significantly improve how Congress considers preventive health policy,” said Rep. DeGette. “With better assessments from CBO, there will be more informed decisions on the long-term costs of illness and care. I'm proud to work on this important, bipartisan bill with Rep. Obernolte to bolster our public health and fiscal standing.” “CBO does not currently have the tools it needs to effectively score health care legislation. By providing it with assessment tools that weigh the value of preventive care, including treatment, prevention, and screening, we will have a more complete understanding of how taxpayer dollars are being used and will deliver better health care policies for patients,” said Rep. Carter. “Our current budgeting system gives no incentive for Congress to make investments today that will save patient lives and billions of dollars in unnecessary health care costs in the future. That’s because Congress only budgets in today’s money, we can’t account for the financial savings that curing a patient today generates fifteen or twenty years from now,” said Rep. Peters. “The Preventive Health Savings Act is not a silver bullet to fix the way we budget, but it will give Congress better data on how our decisions today impact patients and reduce health care costs in the future.” By allowing for long-range budget estimates, the bill aims to support evidence-based investments in public health and promote policies that both improve healthcare outcomes and reduce long-term federal health expenditures. ###  Issues:BudgetHealthcare

Congressman Obernolte Visits Adelanto ICE Processing Facility, Pushes Back on Misinformation

Position: Congressman Obernolte supports robust immigration enforcement and the operation of ICE detention facilities, characterizing them as necessary for enforcing immigration laws and keeping communities safe. He emphasizes that detainees are processed fairly and humanely.

Washington, DC – Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) recently visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Facility to tour the grounds, speak with facility leadership, and see firsthand the conditions under which detainees are housed. Following his visit, the Congressman emphasized the importance of facts and transparency in the face of increasing misinformation surrounding the facility. “Facilities like Adelanto exist to help ICE enforce our immigration laws and keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The vast majority of detainees housed here have committed serious crimes in addition to being present in our country illegally. They are being processed quickly, fairly, and humanely.” During his visit, Congressman Obernolte observed the intake process, medical facilities, immigration courts, and housing areas, and received briefings on how detainees are classified and managed. He noted that those in custody are provided with access to medical care, legal counsel, meals, and the full rights guaranteed under federal law. The Adelanto ICE Processing Facility continues to operate under federal oversight and remains a key part of our nation's immigration enforcement system. ###