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To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.
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Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Jay Obernolte broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
Rep. Obernolte Demands Answers on Medi-Cal Oversight
Position: The release calls on California's Department of Health Care Services to strengthen oversight of the Medi-Cal program, investigate potentially improper provider billing, and recover overpayments to protect taxpayer dollars. It requests information from the department on these efforts.
WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) led members of the California delegation in sending a letter to California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Director Michelle Baass expressing concerns over the department's oversight of the Medi-Cal program following a recent report from the California State Auditor identifying deficiencies in its efforts to investigate potentially improper billing and recover overpayments.
The letter, signed by Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-41), Tom McClintock (CA-05), David Valadao (CA-22), Young Kim (CA-40), Vince Fong (CA-20), and James Gallagher (CA-01), requests information on the department's efforts to strengthen program oversight, address potentially fraudulent billing, and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
According to the October 15 audit, DHCS identified approximately 28,000 Medi-Cal providers as high risk for potentially improper billing during fiscal year 2024–2025, but had not initiated referrals or investigations for more than 26,000 of them. These providers collectively accounted for at least $12 billion in Medi-Cal services during that period.
The audit also found that DHCS identified more than $2 billion in provider overpayments between fiscal years 2020 and 2025, approximately $300 million of which remain unrecovered.
The findings come amid additional federal scrutiny of California's Medi-Cal program. On October 20, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it would defer an additional $1.2 billion in federal Medicaid payments to California over concerns regarding documentation supporting certain Medi-Cal expenditures.
“Medi-Cal provides critical care to millions of Californians, and every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that is not available to help our most vulnerable citizens access the care they need,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “The California State Auditor's findings raise serious concerns about the state's oversight of this program, particularly the failure to investigate more than 26,000 providers identified as high risk for potentially improper billing. California taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being used wisely and appropriately. Stronger oversight is necessary to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse while protecting the patients who depend on this critical program.”
“It’s critical that California take every measure possible to eliminate fraud in the Medi-Cal program. We owe it taxpayers to verify payments to Medi-Cal providers and ensure all of our resources are being dedicated to the actual health care needs of Californians,” said Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41).
“California’s Medi-Cal program is a critical lifeline for our most vulnerable, and every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that can’t go toward helping those in need,” said Congressman David Valadao (CA-22). “The California Department of Health Care Services has a responsibility to properly investigate fraudulent billing and improper payments, and I urge the agency to take immediate action to strengthen program oversight, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure taxpayer funds are being used appropriately.”
“Medi-Cal is supposed to be a lifeline for California’s most vulnerable, not an opportunity for fraudsters to cash in at taxpayers’ expense,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40). “The fact that California failed to investigate thousands of providers flagged for potential fraud, despite those providers accounting for $12 billion in claims, raises serious questions about the state’s oversight efforts. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that could have gone toward caring for seniors, mothers, and children who depend on the services Medi-Cal provides. Californians deserve answers, accountability, and assurance that their tax dollars are going where they’re needed most.”
“Medi-Cal exists to protect our most vulnerable neighbors, and every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken from the patients and families who depend on it,” said Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20). "$12 billion in potentially improper payments is a failure of basic oversight, and patients are the ones who pay the price for California’s mismanagement. Sacramento owes Californians real answers and immediate action to protect Medi-Cal for those who need it, and to keep it fiscally solvent for future generations.”
“California taxpayers are pouring billions of dollars into Medi-Cal, and they deserve to know that money is being spent responsibly—not lost to fraud, waste, and bad oversight," said Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01). "The State Auditor’s findings raise serious questions about why thousands of high-risk providers went without further investigation and why hundreds of millions of dollars in overpayments remain unrecovered. We cannot afford to ignore these warning signs. Period. Medi-Cal must protect the vulnerable Californians who depend on it, and that starts with holding the system accountable, rooting out fraud, and ensuring taxpayer dollars go toward legitimate patient care.”
Read the full letter here.
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Obernolte.house.gov
Issues:Healthcare
Obernolte, Trahan Statement on White House AI Accord
Position: Representatives Obernolte and Trahan welcome the White House Accord signed by AI companies and state that the bipartisan FRONTIER Act would codify risk management, governance, and third-party evaluation standards into national law for the largest AI developers, with federal oversight, uniform transparency and incident reporting, and emergency authority to halt catastrophic risks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), authors of the bipartisan FRONTIER Act, issued the following statement on the White House Accord signed by leading AI companies on Tuesday:
“This week, America's leading AI companies signed the White House Accord, an important step toward ensuring that the most advanced AI systems are developed responsibly. The Accord embraces several principles at the heart of our bipartisan FRONTIER Act: robust internal risk management, strong corporate governance, and independent third-party evaluation. It shows that the industry's leaders see real value in these safeguards, and we look forward to each company expeditiously following through.”
“The FRONTIER Act would build on this foundation and make it durable. It sets clear, risk-based national standards for the largest developers and most advanced models. It gives independent verifiers a common standard to assess against, with federal oversight to back it up. It establishes uniform transparency and incident reporting, and emergency authority to stop a catastrophe before it happens. Importantly, the FRONTIER Act does this while keeping America at the forefront of AI innovation. We look forward to working with the President, our colleagues in both chambers, and American innovators to advance this bipartisan framework.”
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Issues:Technology
Energy and Commerce Members Obernolte, Palmer and Pfluger Introduce Bills to Stop California’s Costly Emissions Mandates
Position: The release announces three Congressional Review Act resolutions to revoke EPA waivers allowing California to enforce emissions standards beyond federal requirements, arguing these mandates raise costs and restrict consumer choice.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced three Congressional Review Act resolutions to rein in California’s use of special waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency under Democrat Administrations that empower California regulators to impose emissions mandates beyond federal standards, restrict consumer choice and drive up costs for families and businesses across the country.
All three lawmakers serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the EPA and the Clean Air Act. The legislation is part of a broader effort to exercise congressional oversight, hold federal and state regulators accountable and prevent California’s most burdensome policies from becoming national standards without congressional approval.
“As a representative from California, I have seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board hurt businesses and raise costs for hardworking Americans by imposing mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation,” said Congressman Obernolte (CA-23). “Congress must exercise its oversight authority to prevent these policies from becoming a national standard. We must protect American jobs and supply chains while preserving the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them and their families.”
“California should not be allowed to dictate what kind of vehicles Texans and Americans across the country can drive. The Biden Administration's decision to reinstate California's waiver gave one state outsized power to impose its radical emissions standards and EV mandates on the rest of the country. I'm proud to introduce this CRA to restore consumer choice, protect American families from costly mandates, and put an end to California setting de facto national auto policy,” said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).
California has repeatedly used its outdated authority under the Clean Air Act to pursue regulations more aggressive than federal requirements. When other states adopt California’s rules and manufacturers are forced to adapt, policies written by unelected California regulators can effectively become national standards.
Small Off-Road Engine Amendments
Congressman Obernolte’s legislation would revoke the federal waiver allowing the California Air Resources Board to enforce its Small Off-Road Engine amendments. These rules impose costly emissions mandates on lawn and garden equipment and effectively push small businesses, landscapers and homeowners toward electric tools. The requirements ignore the real-world needs of workers who depend on reliable and affordable equipment, leaving them with higher costs and fewer practical choices.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for 2009 and Subsequent Model Years
Chairman Palmer’s legislation would revoke the waiver allowing California to enforce its own greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles beginning with model year 2009. The waiver forces automakers to navigate competing standards and allows one state’s regulators to influence which vehicles are produced and sold nationwide. The added compliance costs are ultimately passed along to consumers through higher vehicle prices.
Reinstatement of Advanced Clean Cars I
Congressman Pfluger’s legislation would reverse the Biden EPA’s reinstatement of California’s Advanced Clean Cars I waiver. The Trump administration previously revoked the waiver, but the Biden administration brought it back and once again allowed California to enforce vehicle emissions requirements stricter than federal standards. These mandates limit the vehicles available to consumers and increase costs for American families.
Together, the bills would rein in CARB by revoking three specific waivers granted or reinstated by the EPA under Democratic administrations. The package would restore congressional oversight of these EPA decisions and prevent California regulators from using the waivers to impose costly mandates that affect consumers and businesses nationwide. As members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Obernolte, Palmer and Pfluger will continue working to hold the EPA accountable, protect American jobs and supply chains, and defend consumer choice.
Obernolte, Trahan Introduce Bipartisan FRONTIER Act to Strengthen Oversight of Advanced AI
Position: The release announces introduction of the bipartisan FRONTIER Act, which would establish a tiered national framework requiring transparency, independent audits, risk-management frameworks, and incident reporting for the largest frontier AI developers, along with a uniform national standard to preempt state AI regulations. Sponsors state that the approach aims to protect against catastrophic risk while preserving innovation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Congresswomen Lori Trahan (D-MA), alongside Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL), Scott Peters (D-CA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Suhas Subramanyan (D-VA), introduced the Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting Act, or the FRONTIER Act. The bipartisan legislation, which was developed as part of the broader Great American AI Act framework, establishes a national, risk-based framework governing the development and deployment of the most advanced artificial intelligence models.
The FRONTIER Act establishes tiered requirements based on the size of a frontier AI developer, including model cards, risk-management frameworks, independent audits, incident reporting, and ongoing assessments. It also creates a uniform national standard for transparency, auditing, and reporting of catastrophic risk to prevent a patchwork of state regulations.
“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace without undermining American innovation,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “The FRONTIER Act focuses oversight on the largest developers and most advanced models, requiring transparency, independent evaluation, and timely reporting of serious safety incidents. This legislation will protect Americans from catastrophic risk, provide developers with clear rules of the road, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI.”
“As AI systems grow more capable, Americans deserve confidence that the most powerful models are being developed responsibly,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03). “The bipartisan FRONTIER Act delivers commonsense transparency and independent oversight for the largest AI developers while giving them a single, clear national standard to build on. This is how we protect the public from catastrophic risks without slowing the innovation that keeps America competitive.”
"The FRONTIER Act recognizes that not every AI developer should be regulated the same way. It takes a targeted approach by focusing only on the handful of companies developing the most powerful frontier AI models, not the startups and innovators driving America's AI ecosystem,” said Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18). “By tying coverage to substantial AI research and development investments and requiring transparency and independent assessments from those developers, the bill avoids one-size-fits-all mandates and allows smaller innovators to spend their time building new technologies instead of navigating unnecessary federal red tape."
"The window to get AI policy right is closing, and Congress can't afford to miss it," said Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50). "I supported Representatives Trahan and Obernolte's initial draft so we could develop a better bill that reflects how this technology works and where it's headed. Thanks to input from researchers, experts, and civil society advocates, that process worked. The FRONTIER Act is a targeted bill with clear, uniform transparency, and safety standards, instead of a fifty-state patchwork. I'm glad to support this bipartisan effort so that Congress acts before this technology outruns us."
"America must lead the world in artificial intelligence, and we can do that while being clear-eyed about the risks,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09). “Just this week, one of the most advanced AI systems in the country broke out of its own developer's testing environment, reaching systems it was never supposed to touch. This is exactly the kind of incident that shouldn't stay behind closed doors. The FRONTIER Act delivers transparency and accountability from the largest AI developers. Innovation and guardrails are not opposites—both are necessary to stay ahead of our adversaries."
"This is a four-alarm fire. We need to take action now. These frontier models could have the power to create serious chaos and harm without adequate regulations,” said Congressman Subramanyan (VA-10). “This bill, while not perfect, is an important, bipartisan step in the right direction. We need a bill like this that can actually pass this Congress and get signed into law. But this is only the first step, and more action needs to be taken to protect people from the harm these models can cause."
Read the bill here.
Read the section by section of the bill here.
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Issues:Technology
Obernolte Introduces ReCement Act to Support Domestic Cement Manufacturing
Position: The release supports legislation that would clarify that certain non-hazardous recovered materials are not solid waste when reused in cement or clinker manufacturing, while stating that existing environmental safeguards and EPA legitimacy criteria would still apply.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jay Obernolte introduced the Reforming Cement Manufacturing for Enhanced Material Efficiency and New Technology Act, or the ReCement Act, legislation to provide regulatory certainty for cement manufacturers seeking to responsibly reuse appropriate non-hazardous materials in the production process.
Cement is essential to American infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water systems, housing, military construction, and energy projects. However, current law can create uncertainty for manufacturers seeking to reuse non-hazardous recovered materials or recovered resources as alternative fuels or ingredients, even when those materials can be safely and productively reused.
“Cement is the foundation of the infrastructure our country depends on, from highways and bridges to military construction, water systems, and energy projects,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte. “The ReCement Act provides commonsense regulatory certainty so manufacturers can safely reuse appropriate non-hazardous materials, reduce unnecessary waste, and strengthen American manufacturing without weakening environmental safeguards.”
“The American Cement Association (ACA) appreciates Congressman Obernolte’s introduction of the ReCement Act, as it rightly brings the needs of an essential manufacturing industry to the forefront,” said Diane Tomb, ACA President and CEO. “By enabling cement producers to use more alternative fuels, this bill would: increase productivity while maintaining environmental protections; build on the cement workforce; foster energy independence and innovation; and reduce landfill disposal. Cement is the key ingredient in concrete, which is critical to national security, infrastructure, our economy, and America’s overall quality of life.”
The ReCement Act amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to clarify that certain non-hazardous recovered materials and recovered resources should not be treated as solid waste when they are legitimately reused in cement or clinker manufacturing. The bill applies only to materials that would not be hazardous waste if discarded and requires qualifying materials to meet existing standards, including EPA’s legitimacy criteria where applicable.
Obernolte, Trahan release a discussion draft of the Great American AI Act
Position: The release describes a bipartisan discussion draft of the Great American AI Act to establish a federal framework for governing artificial intelligence, intended to solicit stakeholder feedback before formal introduction. It states the framework aims to protect workers, establish accountability for frontier AI systems, and promote innovation.
Today, Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA) released a discussion draft of the Great American AI Act, bipartisan legislation to create a federal framework for how the United States governs artificial intelligence.
The discussion draft is intended to solicit feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public before the bill is formally introduced. It is the result of bipartisan collaboration between the two members to ensure the United States can govern AI effectively, protect Americans from emerging risks, and continue to lead the world in AI innovation.
The discussion draft is supported by Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL), Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) who joined in releasing the proposal for public feedback.
“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, which is why Congress must take a thoughtful and bipartisan approach to regulating this critical technology,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “This discussion draft is an important step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects Americans from emerging risks, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in AI. We are releasing this draft to hear from stakeholders, experts, and the public so we can strengthen the legislation before it is formally introduced.”
“The threats AI poses to our national security, our safety, and our workforce are here and growing by the day. This bipartisan framework is designed to meet the challenges posed by this rapidly advancing technology without smothering American innovation. It protects workers, establishes real accountability for the most powerful frontier systems, and positions the United States to set the global standard on AI,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03). “This discussion draft is the product of ongoing bipartisan conversations, which we hope to build upon with input from workers, researchers, stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom have an interest in getting this right.”
"Artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy, our national security and the way Americans live and work," said Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18). " Congress has a responsibility to establish clear rules of the road that encourage innovation while ensuring this technology is developed responsibly. The Great American AI Act builds on the bipartisan House AI Task Force and represents an important step toward greater transparency and accountability for advanced AI systems. This discussion draft will help gather feedback from relevant stakeholders as we work toward a practical legislative framework that keeps America at the forefront of AI innovation. I've already begun laying the groundwork through efforts like securing additional funding for the Center for AI Standards and Innovation through the FY27 Appropriations process, ensuring the federal government has the tools and expertise needed to keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology. I appreciate Policy Chair Obernolte's leadership and look forward to introducing this bill in the House.”
“AI is already changing how we work, live, and learn. We need a plan to protect our national security and workforce. I want the United States to continue to be a leader in AI race but develop this technology in a responsible manner that protects people and communities. To do so, we must get a bipartisan conversation started and work faster to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).
"America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, not regulate ourselves into falling behind China through a patchwork of fifty different state laws,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09). “That approach would make it harder for American companies to innovate and compete while doing little to improve consumer protections. This bill creates a clear national standard for how AI models are developed while preserving the ability of states and parents to protect children. It strikes the right balance between innovation and consumer protection and ensures Congress remains engaged as this technology continues to evolve."
“I am thankful to Rep. Trahan and Rep. Obernolte for their leadership on this critical issue,” said Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50). “This discussion draft will not address all of the issues our businesses and families will face, but it is an encouraging first step toward the bipartisan legislation needed to keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI. I really want to hear how the people affected feel about it.”
You can find the discussion draft text here.
You can find the section-by-section summary of the discussion draft here.
You can read Congressman Obernolte’s and Congresswoman Trahan’s op-ed here.
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Issues:Technology
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.”
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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.
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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
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (NABPAC)2 contributions$10,000
2.VALERO ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEEnergy2 contributionsEnergy company PAC for Valero Energy, a major petroleum refiner and fuel producer — backs candidates supporting oil and gas industry interests, energy infrastructure, and favorable regulatory policies.AI$10,000
3.GENERAL ATOMICS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE3 contributions$10,000
4.CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION EMPLOYEE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (CEPAC)2 contributions$10,000
5.CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEETech2 contributionsTelecom and media PAC for Charter Communications — backs candidates supporting broadband infrastructure, net neutrality positions, and regulatory policies affecting cable and internet service providers.AI$10,000
6.SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. PACDefense2 contributionsAerospace and defense contractor PAC — supports candidates backing federal space contracts, national security priorities, and commercial space development.AI$10,000
7.COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (COGNIZANT PAC)3 contributions$10,000
8.CHEVRON EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE - CHEVRON CORPORATIONEnergy3 contributionsOil and gas company PAC — supports candidates and policies favoring fossil-fuel production, energy infrastructure development, and business-friendly regulatory environments.AI$10,000
9.BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION FEDERAL PAC4 contributions$10,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.ANTHROPIC$28,000
2.LIGHTHOUSE$21,000
3.ESRI$14,000
4.ANDREESSEN HOROWITZ$14,000
5.MEHLMAN CONSULTING$11,910
6.INNOVATIVE FEDERAL STRATEGIES$11,500
7.ANTHROPIC PBC$7,787
8.ANDREESEN HOROWITZ$7,000
9.C6 STRATEGIES LLC$7,000
10.PLANTANTIR TECHNOLOGIES$7,000
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
