Deborah K. Ross

Congresswoman Ross Statement on End of GOP Shutdown

Position: Congresswoman Ross criticizes House Republicans for the DHS shutdown and states that Democrats will work to prevent Trump's immigration package from advancing through Congress.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on House Republicans finally agreeing to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partial government shutdown: "After 75 days of self-inflicted chaos and dysfunction, House Republicans finally agreed to do the right thing and stop holding the American people hostage. This crisis was entirely avoidable, and Congressional Republicans bear full responsibility for travelers and families missing flights and federal workers going without pay. "For nearly three months, TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, CISA, and other critical DHS agencies have been disrupted – all because Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans refused to negotiate in good faith with Democrats on urgently needed reforms to ICE and CBP. "Now that this Republican manufactured crisis is over, Democrats will remain laser focused on preventing Trump's cruel immigration package from advancing through Congress." Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-end-of-gop-shutdown 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Ross, Buchanan Introduce “Petfax” Bill to Address Unregulated Inhumane Puppy Mills

Washington, D.C. — Today, on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) introduced the bipartisan Petfax Act to increase transparency in the pet adoption process. The bill would require that prospective pet owners be provided with a "Petfax" report detailing the conditions in which the animal was bred and raised. In addition, the Petfax Act would establish stricter criteria for obtaining and maintaining licenses to sell pets, helping to ensure that only legitimate and responsible sellers are allowed to operate in the industry. Experts estimate that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills operating in the United States, many of which are unregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These inhumane commercial dog breeding facilities may sell animals in pet stores or online without disclosing critical information about a dog's history or health problems to potential adopters. By requiring disclosure of the history and health of animals to buyers, the Petfax Act will strengthen transparency and accountability among breeders and sellers to promote better treatment and breeding practices. "Dog lovers across the country are unknowingly subsidizing bad breeders who mistreat animals because they don't have access to the basic facts they need to make informed decisions," said Congresswoman Ross. "Congress needs to step in to ensure that adopters aren't kept in the dark about the history and breeding of their animals. The Petfax Act will require that prospective pet owners receive essential information about their new family members, a step that will promote greater transparency and more responsible practices in the industry. As a proud dog owner, I remain committed to creating a future where every pet finds a loving home through ethical and informed choices." "When you buy a car, you get a Carfax report detailing its full history. Adopting a pet should be no different," said Buchanan. "Families across America deserve transparency when bringing a new pet into their home, and breeders should be held to a basic standard of accountability. The Petfax Act gives consumers the facts they need to make informed decisions and cracks down on inhumane puppy and kitten mills. As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to once again partner with Congresswoman Ross on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation." Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/on-national-adopt-a-shelter-pet-day-ross-buchanan-introduce-petfax-bill-to-address-unregulated-inhumane-puppy-mills 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Congresswoman Ross Statement on the Farm Bill

Position: Congresswoman Ross opposes the House Farm Bill, arguing it makes excessive cuts to SNAP benefits that will harm hungry families and fails to provide adequate support for farmers facing economic pressure from tariffs.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on House passage of the Farm Bill: "Republicans' partisan Farm Bill will hurt hungry families and fails to address the most pressing challenges facing farmers in North Carolina and across the country. "This reckless legislation will cement the largest cuts ever made to SNAP in history. Since Trump signed the Big Ugly Law, more than 80,000 North Carolinians have already lost access to nutrition assistance. At a time when prices are skyrocketing, this bill leaves American families behind. "Agriculture is North Carolina's #1 industry, and our farmers need real support to stay afloat. Instead, this legislation rubberstamps Trump's chaotic tariffs and provides insufficient relief for American farms under immense pressure to stay afloat." "While this package includes some provisions I support, I could not vote for legislation that leaves Americans hungry and does not adequately assist North Carolina farmers." Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-the-farm-bill 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Ross, Tenney, Sykes, De La Cruz Introduce Legislation to Support Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Through Bankruptcy Reform

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would reform bankruptcy procedures to prevent organizations facing child sexual abuse lawsuits from using bankruptcy filings to limit survivor access to justice and discovery.

Entities including youth groups, sports governing bodies, and religious organizations have filed for bankruptcy and limited justice for survivors Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the bipartisan Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act, which will address misuse of the bankruptcy system by organizations facing lawsuits for child sex abuse. As more states eliminate or extend civil statutes of limitations for child sex abuse, many organizations are facing a high volume of lawsuits from individuals who were abused as children through participation in these organizations—including the Boy Scouts of America, Catholic archdioceses, and USA Gymnastics. These organizations often end up filing for bankruptcy, which allows them to stop discovery and silence survivors. "Too many organizations that previously turned a blind eye to horrendous and unspeakable abuse have evaded full responsibility for their actions by filing for bankruptcy," said Congresswoman Ross. "Survivors of child sex abuse have seen justice delayed and too often denied because of unacceptable loopholes in our bankruptcy system that have allowed large organizations to avoid the consequences of their negligence and abuse. While no law can undo the trauma survivors have endured, this legislation will get us one step closer to a justice system where survivors have a fair chance of fighting for the remedies they are owed." "Survivors of child sexual abuse deserve the chance to be heard and to pursue justice without being shut down by legal loopholes," said Congresswoman Tenney. "For too long, some organizations have used bankruptcy to stall cases and avoid full accountability. That is wrong. This bill helps make sure survivors are not silenced and that those responsible cannot hide from the truth. It is about fairness, accountability, and making sure our legal system works for victims, not against them." "Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and transparency at every step of the process," said Rep. Sykes. "No one should be able to use bankruptcy proceedings as a shield to avoid responsibility. This bill closes those loopholes so survivors can continue their pursuit of justice and bad actors are held fully accountable." "There should never be a loophole for organizations to evade any crime, especially not one as horrific as child sex abuse," said Congresswoman De La Cruz. "For too long, bankruptcy proceedings served as a shield, silencing survivors and standing in the way of justice. The Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act will finally reinstate transparency for survivors and full accountability for organizations." The Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act would: Organizations that have filed for bankruptcy due to sexual abuse claims include: USA Gymnastics; Boy Scouts of America; Baltimore Archdiocese; Diocese of Tucson, AZ; Diocese of Spokane, WA; Diocese of Davenport, IA; Diocese of San Diego, CA; Archdiocese of New Orleans, LA; Diocese of St. Cloud, MN; Diocese of Camden, NJ; Diocese of Norwich, CT; and more. In 2022, President Biden signed into law Congresswoman Ross' bipartisan bill that removes the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims. Congresswoman Ross and Congresswoman Tenney previously introduced the Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act in the 118th Congress. Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/ross-tenney-sykes-de-la-cruz-introduce-legislation-to-support-survivors-of-child-sex-abuse-through-bankruptcy-reform 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Congresswoman Ross Statement on SCOTUS Gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act

Position: Congresswoman Ross opposes the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais that weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. She calls for Congress to pass a national ban on gerrymandering and strengthen protections against voter suppression.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais: "For more than 60 years, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act has given a voice to minority communities – particularly African Americans in the South – in the face of blatant racial gerrymandering that silenced these voters for generations. Today, the Supreme Court has effectively given Republican legislatures the green light to dilute the power of voters of color and eviscerate fair representation. As Justice Kagan said in her dissent, this ruling 'renders Section 2 all but a dead letter.' "This decision is a devastating blow to voting rights in this country. For years, this Supreme Court has steadily chipped away at the Voting Rights Act, weakening one of the most important civil rights laws in our nation's history. Today's ruling is the latest in a long line of attacks on the protections that ensure every American has a voice in our democracy. "Generations of Black Americans have been able to elect representatives who reflect their communities because of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Now more than ever, Congress must act by passing a national ban on gerrymandering and strengthening protections against voter suppression. We cannot stand idly by and allow these continued attacks on the very bedrock of our democracy." Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-scotus-gutting-section-2-of-the-voting-rights-act 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Ross Bill Included in Bipartisan Proposal to Advance American Leadership in AI

Position: Congresswoman Ross supports the inclusion of her AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act in a bipartisan comprehensive AI reform package. The bill directs NIST to update vulnerability tracking and standards for AI systems to manage security risks while supporting American innovation.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross' (NC-02) bill, the AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, was included as part of the American Leadership in AI Act introduced by Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23). This landmark package brings together over 20 bipartisan bills and is the first comprehensive AI reform effort this Congress. Congresswoman Ross' AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act was first introduced in 2024 alongside Congressmen Obernolte and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08). This bill will tackle core security challenges posed by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), including vulnerability management and improving the tracking of AI-related "incidents" or harms. "I'm proud to represent much of the Research Triangle Park – home to organizations and institutions breaking new ground every day in AI and cybersecurity," said Congresswoman Ross. "AI has the profound potential to improve the lives of Americans, but we must put in place the necessary guardrails to manage the risks that come with this rapidly evolving field. I'm proud that my bill is included in this bipartisan, comprehensive effort to strengthen American leadership in AI. By improving how we identify and respond to AI security vulnerabilities and by empowering the National Institute of Standards and Technology to modernize its work, this legislation will help advance secure AI systems while supporting continued American innovation." The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), an authoritative dataset that organizations across the world use to make sure they are addressing their cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would direct NIST to update definitions and processes for the NVD to ensure this database advances with the rapid development of AI. It also directs NIST to engage with the private sector and assist in setting standards and guidance for technical vulnerability management processes related to AI systems. Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/ross-bill-included-in-bipartisan-proposal-to-advance-american-leadership-in-ai 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Following Push from Ross and DWC Members, DOJ Inspector General Launches Investigation Into Mishandling of the Epstein Files

Washington, D.C. — The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) formally notified the Democratic Women's Caucus that it will launch an investigation into the Department of Justice's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This investigation follows a January letter from the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and 67 DWC members demanding a thorough investigation after a "government response that has treated [survivors'] safety, dignity, and right to justice as secondary considerations." Democratic Women's Caucus Policy Co-Chair Deborah Ross said: "Trump's Department of Justice has refused to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act in multiple ways. This administration has continued to prioritize powerful abusers over brave survivors who endured years of horrifying abuse. That's exactly why Congressman Kamlager-Dove and I led our DWC colleagues in calling on the OIG to launch an independent investigation. We won't give up this fight until every survivor receives the justice they are owed." Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández said: "Led by Policy Co-Chairs Deborah Ross and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the DWC demanded the Office of the Inspector General launch an investigation into the Department of Justice's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act because they've completely mishandled the release of the Epstein files. To this day, there are millions of files that have not been released. In fact, the Department's actions mirror the very dynamics Epstein used: powerful people, demanding silence, keeping their crimes secret, while victims are exposed, scrutinized, and made to bear the consequences. If there are no consequences to breaking the law, then the law is not of any consequence. OIG's investigation is a critical step to hold the Department accountable for its egregious mishandling of the files release and to move survivors closer to long-overdue justice. We will keep fighting for justice, accountability, and transparency." Congresswoman Ross and the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) have consistently stood with Epstein survivors during their push for accountability, transparency, and justice. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, 67 members of the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC), led by Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), sent a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Don R. Berthiaume, demanding a thorough investigation into the release of the Epstein files in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The letter called on him to use all available authorities to ensure the Epstein files are released in full compliance with the law and in a survivor-centered manner. On April 23, 2026, the OIG sent DWC a response confirming it will open an investigation in response to this request. Over four months after the deadline required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the DOJ has still failed to finish releasing the Epstein files. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has egregiously said the investigation is "over." The DOJ has also continued to use inconsistent and unexplained redactions in the files that they have released, making survivors' personal details public while shielding predators. Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/following-push-from-ross-and-dwc-members-doj-inspector-general-launches-investigation-into-mishandling-of-the-epstein-files 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Representatives Ross, Rulli Introduce Legislation to Improve Food Safety Through Information Sharing Between FDA and State & Local Agencies

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) introduced the Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026 to help keep Americans safe from contamination and foodborne illnesses. This legislation gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to share information with state and local regulatory agencies, who conduct a majority of food processing inspections for FDA. The FDA currently does not have the authority to share this information because the information is considered proprietary. In 2024, communication between federal and local agencies in North Carolina resulted in the successful recall of lead-contaminated applesauce across the country, demonstrating the benefits of how sharing relevant food safety information can protect the public. "In my home state of North Carolina, we have seen how information sharing between federal and state agencies during a food safety crisis led to a food recall that saved lives across the country," said Congresswoman Ross. "We must empower FDA to share information with the state and local agencies that are not only responsible for conducting the majority of food safety inspections nationwide, but also with keeping Americans safe during times of crisis. This legislation is a commonsense solution that will improve government communications, keep people healthy, and save lives." "For too long, bureaucratic walls have slowed down real-time cooperation on food safety," said Congressman Rulli. "This bill is a practical reform that cuts red tape, enables faster responses to threats, and delivers stronger protections for Ohio families and families across the country without adding new mandates or spending." Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/representatives-ross-rulli-introduce-legislation-to-improve-food-safety-through-information-sharing-between-fda-and-state-local-agencies 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Congresswoman Ross Introduces The RECOVER Act To Provide Patients With Comprehensive Therapy Services

Position: Congresswoman Ross supports the RECOVER Act, which would repeal the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy under Medicare to restore full reimbursement for therapy services provided on the same day and improve patient access to comprehensive rehabilitation care.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Ross introduced the Removing Excessive Cuts to Outpatient and Vital Essential Rehabilitation (RECOVER) Act to restore fair payment for therapy services under Medicare. This legislation would repeal a flawed policy that has increased costs and arbitrarily slashed reimbursement for certain providers since 2013. Today, when patients have treatment for multiple therapy services on the same day, (e.g. after a stroke, one may need physical therapy and speech therapy), only the first service is fully reimbursed by Medicare. These unsustainable payment levels threaten the viability of therapy practices and limit patient access to medically necessary care. "Clinicians in North Carolina and nationwide shouldn't be penalized for trying to provide comprehensive therapy treatment to seniors in need," said Congresswoman Ross. "For over a decade, this outdated rule has stood in the way of treating patients with the most effective forms of rehabilitation. Our therapy providers deserve payment rates that reflect the true value of their care. Congress is overdue to repeal this rule and ensure seniors get access to high-quality rehabilitation services." This legislation is endorsed by ADVION, Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Speech-Hearing-Language Association, APTA Private Practice, Athletico, National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies, and Select Medical. "The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association applauds Rep. Deborah Ross for introducing this critical legislation to eliminate Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Medicare therapy services. Repealing this outdated policy will improve Medicare beneficiaries' access to essential care—and will ensure that speech-language pathologists are not penalized for providing this care to patients who also require services from other therapy professionals," said 2026 ASHA President Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, EdD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow. "Medicare beneficiaries deserve access to timely, coordinated rehabilitation care without payment policies that create unnecessary obstacles," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD. "MPPR undermines coordinated care and does not reflect clinical realities. The RECOVER Act gives Congress a clear opportunity to correct this outdated policy and put patients first. Thank you to Representative Ross for her leadership on this issue." Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/congresswoman-ross-introduces-the-recover-act-to-provide-patients-with-comprehensive-therapy-services 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179

Ross, Schmidt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Police Background Checks

Position: The representatives support legislation that clarifies federal law to allow state law enforcement training and certification agencies to access criminal history information from the FBI when screening and approving police officers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) introduced the Criminal History Access Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that state law enforcement training and certification agencies can access the criminal history information they need to properly screen and approve officers. The Criminal History Access Act clarifies existing federal law to explicitly authorize the exchange of criminal history record information between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state Peace Officer Standards and Training agencies. These agencies are responsible for setting standards for the hiring, training, certification, and ethical conduct of law enforcement officers. "It's essential that we give police departments in North Carolina and across the country the tools and resources they need to hire qualified, trusted officers," said Congresswoman Ross. "This bipartisan legislation will ensure local law enforcement can access critical data when vetting and hiring new officers. This bill is a commonsense solution that will prevent bad actors from gaining employment and strengthen trust between our local communities and law enforcement." "Public trust in law enforcement begins with accountability and high standards," said Rep. Schmidt. "This legislation ensures that the agencies responsible for certifying officers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions and prevent individuals with disqualifying criminal histories from serving in positions of authority." This legislation is an updated version of a bill Rep. Schmidt introduced last year, H.R. 5211. The Criminal History Access Act is expected to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee this week, with a potential floor vote during National Police Week in May. The bill is supported by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/ross-schmidt-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-police-background-checks 1221 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3032 Fax: (202) 225-0181 300 Fayetteville Street P.O. Box 1548 Raleigh, NC 27602 Phone: (919) 334-0840 Fax: (919) 828-1179