Patrick Ryan

Congressman Pat Ryan Delivers on Key Hudson Valley Priorities to Lower Housing Costs and Crack Down on Private Equity in Bipartisan Housing Bill

Position: Congressman Ryan supports legislation that streamlines housing development permitting, restricts large institutional investors from purchasing additional single-family homes, establishes renter protections, modernizes federal housing programs, and reduces regulatory burdens on community banks to expand homeownership and rental affordability.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Pat Ryan this week voted to pass the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a comprehensive package of bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the nationwide housing supply shortage and affordability crisis. The legislation passed the House with broad bipartisan support, and now moves onto the Senate. The legislative package delivers on key priorities outlined in Ryan’s “Housing Affordability Agenda,” an all-of-the-above approach to lowering housing costs for Hudson Valley families. “I hear it from folks every day – costs, especially housing costs – are still way too high. My ‘Housing Affordability Agenda’ was part of the very first legislation I introduced this Congress to bring down costs and cut through red tape, and I’m proud to see those priorities advance,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This legislation will lower the crushing housing costs across our community, make it easier to build, and crack down on the private equity firms buying up homes. I’ll keep fighting like hell to bring down costs for your family and for mine.” The 21st Century Road to Housing Act would: Remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to streamline housing development and affordability by: Allowing the use of ready-to-use, pre-approved home designs so builders can get permits faster and build homes more quickly. Modernizing and streamlining federal and local housing processes. Stop corporate landlords from buying up more homes by: Prohibiting large institutional investors - like private equity - that own more than 350 single-family homes from purchasing additional homes. Support new renter protections by: Creating a renter complaint hotline and public website for reporting, monitoring and resolving renter disputes with large institutional investor landlords. Establishing procedures for timely responses by HUD and large institutional landlords and connects renters with State authorities. Speed up homebuilding and expand financing opportunities by: Updating rules for manufactured homes and making HUD the lead authority on standards. Modernizing the HOME Program, which is the largest federal block grant program for states to increase the supply of affordable housing. Exempting small-scale housing developments from burdensome federal environmental reviews and giving jurisdictions more flexibility and time to commit funds, and fewer rigid federal constraints. Support community banking operations that enable homeownership by: Cutting red tape and streamlining bank exams and outdated thresholds so well-run, community banks can focus on lending, not paperwork. Expanding community and rural banks’ access to stable deposits so they can lend locally and support small businesses, farmers, and households. Supporting rural banks, encouraging new banks, and providing regulators flexibility to handle failures without hurting local access to banking Lowering costs, specifically when it comes to the price of housing, is a top priority for Congressman Ryan. Since 2020, single-family home prices in NY-18 have risen by 47.1%. Rent has increased by 15% in each of the three counties Ryan represents. In 2024, Ryan also called for an FTC investigation into price gouging by Wall Street private equity firms driving up housing costs. Part of Congressman Ryan’s first legislation this Congress was his Housing Affordability Agenda, an all-of-the-above approach to address the housing crisis and lower housing costs for Hudson Valley families: The Working Families Housing Tax Credit Act incentivizes developers to build more equitable housing by authorizing below market rate loans and creating a new tax credit for developers building affordable housing utilizing union labor. The PRO Housing Act provides funding for municipalities to convert or rehab existing housing, commercial spaces, and industrial centers in addition to “from scratch” developments. There will also be an emphasis placed on building near transit centers, and the establishment of a pilot program for the General Services Administration (GSA) to transfer unused federal land for development; thus eliminating government waste and increasing housing options. The Deliver Housing Now Act cuts through the bureaucratic red tape to allow municipalities to use federal dollars according to local priorities. If passed it would allow municipalities to utilize federal dollars in whichever category of housing is most impactful to the people they serve. The Mortgage Rate Reduction Act simplifies the federal loan assumption process, so that more than 11.3 million houses financed at lower interest rates through VA, USDA, or FHA loans are available to home-buyers. Additionally, Congressman Ryan helped pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which would increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and develop more than 200,000 affordable housing units. Ryan has also championed housing in his federal Community Project Funding nominations and awards, securing $1 million for the Rumshock Veterans Foundation to tackle veteran homelessness and $1 million for the Chester Agricultural Center to construct its farmworker housing project. In the fall of 2023, he secured $199,000 for HONOR to provide emergency housing and services for youth facing homelessness in Orange County. ###

ICYMI: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN PRESSES DOD LEADERSHIP FOR A PLAN TO END THE WAR IN IRAN

Position: Congressman Ryan questions the Administration's strategy in the ongoing war in Iran, expressing concern about escalating costs, casualties, and lack of congressional authorization. He calls for transparency regarding whether offensive operations will continue and whether Congress will be asked for a formal declaration or authorization.

Congressman Pat Ryan Presses DOD Leadership for a Plan to End the War in Iran Watch the Full Video HERE WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Pat Ryan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Tuesday questioned Admiral Brad Cooper, USN, Commander of U.S. Central Command, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Daniel Zimmerman on the Administration’s plan, or lack thereof, for ending the war in Iran. “I want to dewonk a little bit and try to center what I’m hearing from my constituents in the district and across the country. They are, as I know the whole committee is and myself, incredibly proud of our troops, incredibly appreciative of your leadership, but also increasingly have a deep and broad concern about what is the plan in Iran and do we have a clear strategy,” said Ryan. “They see that costs continue to go up. We talked about our 13 heroes lost, the hundreds wounded, many seriously. Tens of billions of dollars in hard-earned taxpayer money. The potential of another $200 billion for a supplemental. And of course, just the astronomical costs every American is paying at the pump,” Ryan continued. “Under $3 gas prices before the war started and now approaching $5. That’s thousands of dollars per family, and people just cannot afford it right now. In good faith, the question I continue to hear from my constituents is what is the plan to not just end but win the conflict and bring down costs.” Ryan pressed for answers as to whether or not the Administration will seek congressional approval for the potential strikes Trump is threatening: “Yesterday, the President in a very long post said to many of our surprise there was a ‘planned military attack’ actually planned for today but that he has told you all to ‘hold off’ But in the same post, he also instructed you to be prepared to ‘go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice.’ Just an hour ago as we’ve been in committee, he doubled down on TV standing in front of the East [Wing] demolition, saying ‘We may have to give them another big hit.’ So again, I’m just trying to be able to explain to my constituents, Mr. Zimmerman, are we re-initiating offensive combat operations?” He continued: “Are you planning to ask Congress this time for a declaration or an authorization now that we’re almost three months in?” When asked directly, Zimmerman refused to rule out escalating the war by putting boots on the ground in Iran. “We owe the American people honesty and transparency almost three months in. It is pathetic,” concluded Ryan. ### Issues: Ensuring Safety for All Freedom for All

CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INTRODUCES “LET KIDS PLAY ACT” TO KICK PRIVATE EQUITY OUT OF YOUTH SPORTS AND STOP THE RIPOFFS OF HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES

Position: Congressman Ryan supports legislation to ban private equity ownership of youth sports organizations, require refunds to affected families, and eliminate predatory pricing practices in the youth sports industry.

Congressman Pat Ryan Introduces “Let Kids Play Act” to Kick Private Equity Out of Youth Sports and Stop the Ripoffs of Hudson Valley Families Youth sports has become a $40 billion industry, with participation costs rising by 46% in just the last few years Congressman Ryan, Senator Chris Murphy, and Ryan’s Monopoly Busters Caucus Co-Chairs’ bill will ban private equity from turning youth sports into a cash grab that screws over families to line investors’ pockets In addition to permanently kicking private equity out of kids sports, the Let Kids Play Act also requires vulture investors to provide full refunds to families and wipe out any outstanding debts WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan and his Monopoly Busters Caucus Co-Chairs – Representatives Chris Deluzio, Angie Craig, and Pramila Jayapal – introduced the Let Kids Play Act. The bicameral bill – led by Senator Chris Murphy in the Senate – will stop Wall Street from pricing kids out of sports by banning private equity firms from youth sports, shutting down the vulture practices they use to jack up costs, and getting money back to the families who have been ripped off. Over the last decade, youth sports have become prohibitively expensive. What was once an affordable, community-based tradition to give kids a chance to have fun and challenge themselves, has morphed into a $40 billion industry dominated by private equity, with the singular goal of extracting as much profit as possible from families. Private equity firms have monetized and taken ownership of every layer of youth sports, including leagues, teams, venues, practice facilities, tournament circuits, uniforms, streaming services, hotels, and merchandise sales, boxing out local organizations that are invested in their community. Once they’ve taken control of the competition, private equity wields their market power ruthlessly, sticking ordinary families with substantially higher prices, endless junk fees, and mandatory multi-year contracts. In just a few years, the cost of participating in youth sports has risen by 46 percent. Families routinely go into debt to keep their kids in sports, with the average cost exceeding $5,000 a year for club sports. As a result, millions of lower-income families have been locked out of the youth sports experience entirely, participating at half the rate of wealthier families. “Team sports are supposed to be the first place our kids learn teamwork, discipline, and community. Instead, it’s become a cash grab for Wall Street investors to make another buck while our kids miss out on this fundamental part of American childhood,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “It’s outrageous. Parents are already getting crushed by costs everywhere they turn, and now corporate investors are coming after one of the most important parts of childhood, too. Enough. The Let Kids Play Act cracks down on these abusive practices, lowers costs for families, forces the bad actors to pay them back, and puts the focus back where it belongs: on kids getting the chance to play.” “Sports should be a sacred part of childhood,” said Rep. Deluzio. “Instead, big money vultures have turned sports into a luxury item. That must end. I’m proud to lead the Let Kids Play Act to ban private equity from youth sports and keep this part of the American Dream alive for the next generation of kids.” “As a hockey dad, I’ve seen how viciously these private equity companies rip families off,” said Senator Murphy. “Sports are one of the increasingly few places kids can find real community and learn core values, like teamwork and discipline, that last a lifetime. It is shameful to deny that opportunity to millions of kids just so some greedy Wall Street executives can boost their bottom line. We are getting these profit-obsessed corporations out of kids’ sports for good.” “The cost of youth sports has gotten out of control. Parents are getting squeezed, kids are being shut out, and big businesses are cashing in,” said Senator Booker. “Playing sports as a kid changed the trajectory of my life, and I know it’s done the same for millions of others. We will all lose something important to society and our culture if we allow youth sports to become a luxury good only available to the wealthiest.” “As a mom, I know how important youth sports are for our kids, but thanks to private equity firms monopolizing sports leagues and jacking up prices for parents, sports are becoming less and less accessible to everyday folks,” said Rep. Craig. “Limiting kids’ access to activities that help them stay active and build lifelong skills, while putting the squeeze on working parents who are already struggling with the sky-high cost of supporting a family is unacceptable and wrong. That's why I'm proud to be a part of the effort to protect youth sports and hold these massive companies accountable for exploiting working families and using our kids as pawns to increase their bottom lines.” “In nearly every part of American life, giant corporations, Wall Street investors, greedy billionaires, and other special interests are squeezing every last dollar they can out of working families,” said Rep. Jayapal. “And like in so many other industries, wealthy investors have found a way to take the fun out of kids’ sports. The Let Kids Play Act puts a stop to this nickel-and-diming from private equity and corporate investors because no child should miss out on playing sports because their parents cannot afford these ridiculous fees.” The Let Kids Play Act stops Wall Street from pricing our kids out of sports by banning both private equity vulture investors and the vulture practices they use, and establishes strong enforcement tools to hold private equity accountable for the damage they cause by requiring: Mandatory exit from youth sports: Private equity firms are automatically designated as vulture investors and banned from youth sports -- leagues, facilities, tournaments, and player platforms -- unless they prove they have never used vulture practices. Banned investors must sell their ownership stakes and management rights in youth sports within two years. Refunds to families: This bill requires vulture investors to provide full refunds for any junk fees collected through vulture practices, cancels any predatory contracts, and wipes out any outstanding debts, interest, or late fees that were imposed by the private equity firms. Liability for debts and safety violations: Private equity vulture investors are held personally and financially responsible for any debts, legal judgments, or law violations, including child safety and labor infractions, that occur while they are in charge. Creation of Youth Sports Fund: Any penalties paid or money taken from these private equity firms is placed into a dedicated fund to provide scholarships, reduce costs for families, and keep local fields open for free community use. Rights for communities and families be respected: This bill gives states and parents legal standing to sue private equity firms in youth sports, stop their vulture practices, and receive compensation for any financial losses or harm they have caused. The bill is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Groundwork Action, Sports Fans Coalition, Open Markets Institute, and the Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF). Katie Van Dyck, Senior Legal Fellow, American Economic Liberties Project, said “Private equity has transformed youth sports from a public good into a profit center, with children and families paying the price. The Let Kids Play Act goes after their vulture practices with conviction — banning the consolidation, debt loading, and asset stripping that have hollowed out local clubs; eliminating the liability shields that protect the worst actors while leaving communities in the dust; and giving public and private enforcers the tools to hold them accountable. Kids and families deserve to enjoy sports without emptying their bank accounts. This bill makes that possible.” Lina Khan, former FTC chair, said “No kid should have to quit a sport because private equity has made it too expensive. It’s great to see this bill take on the vulture investors preying on families.” Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Action, said “For years, private equity firms have been buying up youth sports leagues and turning one of the most important parts of childhood into a cash extraction scheme. Firms are piling on junk fees, locking families into predatory contracts, and mandating expensive travel programs, all so Wall Street investors can squeeze more profits out of kids and parents. The result is that millions of children are being priced out of sports that used to be a basic part of growing up. The Let Kids Play Act would ban these vulture tactics outright and kick private equity out of youth sports, putting families, kids, and communities back at the center of the game.” Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition, said “There's no bigger fan than a parent. Watching your kid compete is the purest experience sports has to offer. But private equity is exploiting that love. Buying up local leagues, forcing families into pay-to-play schemes, preventing kids from playing in other tournaments, and harvesting children's biometric data for profit doesn't just drain working families' bank accounts — it sucks the soul out of youth sports. The Let Kids Play Act attacks this problem at the root by banning these predatory practices and forcing vulture investors out of youth sports for good. Sports Fans Coalition proudly endorses this legislation and commends Sen. Murphy and Rep. Deluzio for standing up for the most passionate fans in America — the parents on those sidelines.” Brendan Ballou, author of Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America, said “Private equity firms threaten to destroy kids' sports the way they are destroying so many other industries. This is a problem that will get worse unless Congress steps in. If you want to make children's sports affordable, support this bill.” Audrey Stienon of the Open Markets Institute said “Private equity firms have shown, again and again, what happens when short-term investors move into community institutions: costs go up, quality and access go down, and families are left paying the price. This bill recognizes that youth sports should be about kids and communities, not financial extraction, and it could help establish a broader standard for identifying and pushing out the kinds of investors whose business model depends on harming the people they’re supposed to serve.” David Kass, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness, said “For decades, private equity firms have used tax loopholes like carried interest to avoid paying billions in taxes, while using money taken from taxpayers to buy up companies and raise prices for millions of Americans already struggling in an unaffordable economy. The Let Kids Play Act would ensure that private equity firms already taking from taxpayers cannot price kids out of their communities’ sports programs. These programs are essential to our children’s and community development. No kid should be shut out.” A one-pager of the bill is available here. Full bill text is available here. ### Issues: An Economy that Works for All Freedom for All

CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN REINTRODUCES HIS “PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM ACT” AMID ONGOING ATTEMPTS TO RESTRICT MIFEPRISTONE ACCESS

Position: Congressman Ryan supports federal legislation that would affirm FDA authority over mifepristone regulation and protect access to medication abortion via telehealth, opposing court and political restrictions on the drug.

Congressman Pat Ryan Reintroduces His “Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act” Amid Ongoing Attempts to Restrict Mifepristone Access This week, the Supreme Court paused a lower court’s ruling, temporarily preserving access to lifesaving abortion medication which has been approved by the FDA for more than 20 years With legal and political challenges threatening access to mifepristone, Congressman Ryan’s bill reaffirms that a scientific FDA – not extremist courts or politicians – has ultimate approval authority Ryan last introduced this legislation when his NY-18 constituent Dr. Maggie Carpenter was sued by Texas AG Ken Paxton for prescribing mifepristone via telehealth WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan re-introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act, which would reaffirm that a non-political, scientific Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not extremist courts or politicians, has clear and pre-emptive authority to regulate abortion medication, including mifepristone. The introduction follows action from the Supreme Court this week, temporarily striking down a Louisiana lower court ruling restricting access to mifepristone, which has been approved by the FDA for more than two decades. As the future of abortion medication access remains in flux, Ryan’s bill permanently affirms that the FDA – not extremist courts or politicians – has ultimate approval authority. Ryan last introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act when his friend and NY-18 constituent Dr. Maggie Carpenter was sued by Texas AG Ken Paxton for prescribing mifepristone via telehealth, in violation of a Texas state ban that has since been unanimously overruled by the United States Supreme Court. In addition to protecting access to life-saving medication for women across the country, Ryan’s bill would also protect doctors’ ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth. The bill is endorsed by Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Freedom For All. “I risked my life in combat to protect fundamental American freedoms. That includes a woman’s right to choose. These deeply personal and private medical decisions should be made by women, their health care providers, and their families, not by extremist judges or politicians,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Mifepristone is a safe and effective medication that has been prescribed by doctors for more than two decades. These efforts to undermine the safety of abortion medication have nothing to do with science or medicine and everything to do with radical groups whose only goal is a national abortion ban. This legislation ensures we not only protect abortion access for women in New York and across the country but also the doctors who use telemedicine to prescribe medication abortion.” Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju said “The Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act could not come at a more critical time, as the Fifth Circuit continues its push to gut telehealth access to mifepristone and Trump and his allies intensify their attacks on medication abortion access from every angle. Mifepristone is one of the safest, most effective medications on the market. We’re thankful for Congressman Ryan’s leadership on this vital piece of legislation to ensure patients and providers can make decisions based on science and health—not politics.” “As political attacks against mifepristone and telemedicine abortion access continue, federal action is urgently needed to keep medication abortion available to patients and out of the hands of the courts and politicians. Mifepristone is an incredibly safe, evidence-based, and reliable medication that has been widely used for more than 25 years. More than 7.5 million patients have used Mifepristone since it was FDA approved in 2000 – and it must remain accessible,” said Lizzy Hinkley, Legal Director, Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine. “On behalf of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine, I’m incredibly grateful to Congressman Pat Ryan for reintroducing the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act. This critical legislation would place medical matters back where they belong: in the hands of doctors and an independent FDA, not at the whims of partisan judges and extremist politicians. The whiplash of the last week only proves that we need to cement medication abortion access permanently – the exact intent of the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act.” Medication abortion accounts for over half of all abortion care in the United States. This process often involves a two-dose regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone was deemed safe and approved by the FDA in 2000, and is approved for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Rep. Ryan first introduced this legislation in the 117th Congress in an effort to preempt a wave of restrictive state laws enacted in response to the Dobbs decision. Last Congress, the bill asserted that the FDA’s scientists, not activist courts, have the power to decide what medications are safe and effective. Rep. Ryan’s bill now reaffirms that the FDA has already rightfully approved this drug and works to safeguard healthcare providers’ ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth. “Abortion saved my life and allowed me to plan the family I have,” said Laura Nordstrom, a NY-18 resident. “Agency over your body, your future and your dreams should not be limited to what state you live in. Women around the country are fighting to protect each other, offering safe havens, rides, and funds to ensure they get the care they want and need. This will help so many women get access to vital care in places where states are putting extreme politics over healthcare.” Congressman Ryan is an outspoken champion for reproductive health care and abortion rights. He is a Member of the Pro-Choice Caucus in the House of Representatives, a group of Members of Congress working to preserve, protect and advance policies that ensure reproductive autonomy. Ryan is a co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would create a statutory right for health care providers to provide abortion care and for patients to receive that care, the EACH Act, which requires federal health care programs to provide coverage for abortion services and requires federal facilities to provide access to those services, and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, which protects the constitutional right to travel across state lines, including for reproductive health care. ### Issues: Freedom for All

CONGRESSMEN PAT RYAN AND EUGENE VINDMAN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS COSTS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS, VETERANS, AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Position: The release advocates for legislation requiring TRICARE and the VA to provide service members, veterans, and military families access to the lowest federally negotiated prescription drug prices, leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation program.

Congressmen Pat Ryan and Eugene Vindman Introduce Legislation to Lower Prescription Drugs Costs for Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families The “MISSION Rx Act” Would Reduce Spending on Prescription Drugs for Service Members and Their Families While Saving Taxpayers up to $6 Billion Annually Ryan has previously championed the “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act” and the “Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act” to extend and protect TRICARE coverage WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Pat Ryan and Eugene Vindman (VA) – both retired U.S. Army veterans and Members of the House Armed Services Committee – introduced legislation to lower prescription drug costs for service members, military families, and veterans while saving taxpayers billions. Building on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price negotiation program, the MISSION Rx Act would require TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay either the CMS-negotiated price or the program’s original price for prescription drugs, whichever is lower. “Military families have sacrificed so much for this country – it’s absolutely unacceptable that they’re being forced to pay more than other Americans for the same medication,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our bill corrects this egregious oversight by ensuring that military families have access to the same lower drug prices that others do. Especially amid rising healthcare costs nationwide, leaving military families to bear the burden is simply un-American. They’ve stepped up and sacrificed for us – now we need to do right by them.” “After serving 25 years in uniform, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service members, veterans, and military families make every single day. The last thing any of them should have to worry about is whether they can afford the prescription drugs they need,” said Vindman. “The veterans and service members I represent in Virginia's Seventh District have earned every benefit this nation can give them. That’s why I’m leading this commonsense effort to reduce the crushing cost of prescription drugs for those who have served and sacrificed.” The MISSION Rx Act is also sponsored by U.S Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Maggie Goodlander (NH), and Bill Keating (MA). “As healthcare costs continue to rise across the country, the MISSION RX Act is a straightforward approach to reduce prescription drug costs,” said Houlahan. “As the Centers for Medicaid Services negotiate reduced prices for citizens on Medicare and Medicaid, it only makes sense to pass those same lower prices to the people who sacrificed the most for our nation: our veterans and military families.” “Our bill will lower costs for America’s veterans, servicemembers, and military families by ensuring they pay the lowest price the federal government has already negotiated for prescription drugs,” said Goodlander. “No gimmicks, no new bureaucracy — just common sense and a promise kept to the patriots who served our country.” “Democrats in Congress finally beat back pharmaceutical corporations’ power so that Medicare could negotiate down prescription drug prices,” said Deluzio. “Our troops and veterans should benefit, too, whether they get their prescriptions covered under TRICARE or the VA. That’s why I am signing onto the MISSION Rx Act. Still, America’s healthcare system is broken way beyond just the high cost of prescription drugs. I’m in the fight to fix it — we’ve got to make sure that every American has healthcare they can afford.” “My district is home to a significant number of military families and veterans. And they, like all Americans, are being crushed by one of the worst affordability crises we’ve seen in recent memory,” said Keating. “The last thing our American heroes and their families need to do is pay more out of pocket for vital medication. If Medicare can secure a better deal for seniors, then our veterans and service members deserve access to those same savings.” By paying the lowest available government-negotiated price, TRICARE and the VA would reduce spending on prescription drugs for servicemembers and their families while saving taxpayers billions. CMS estimates this policy could save up to $6 billion annually. As CMS expands its drug price negotiations, the bill is designed to grow alongside the program, applying to any additional drugs subject to negotiated pricing in the future. The MISSION Rx Act is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Commissioned Officers Association Public Health Service. “The Marine Corps League endorses the MISSION Rx Act for its intent to provide fairness and affordability for our military and veterans,” said Bob Borka, National Executive Director/COO, Marine Corps League. “Lifesaving medication should be equally available to all Americans receiving federal benefits, including our military families and veterans. Ensuring access to affordable medication aligns with our Nation’s promise to those who have served.” “The Fleet Reserve Association supports the goals of this legislation to reduce prescription drug costs for TRICARE and VA beneficiaries by ensuring access to the lowest available federal prices,” said Theodosius Lawson, Director of Legislative Programs, Fleet Reserve Association. “This approach aligns with FRA’s longstanding advocacy on behalf of sea service veterans, retirees, and their families." “The Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service is very proud to support the MISSION Rx Act. This legislation takes a commonsense approach to lowering prescription drug costs for TRICARE and VA beneficiaries by ensuring they have access to the lowest available federal price for prescriptions,” said Jasmine Stuart, Director of External and Legislative Affairs. “Access to affordable medications is critical for those who serve and have served our nation. We appreciate the leadership behind this effort and its focus on improving affordability and access for our uniformed services and veteran communities.” “The MISSION Rx Act is a commonsense win for Airmen, Guardians, our sister service members, veterans, and their families. There is no reason our servicemembers and veterans should pay more for prescription drugs than any other American,” said Keith A. Reed, Chief Executive, Air Force Sergeants Association. “AFSA proudly supports this bill and thanks Representative Vindman, Representative Ryan, and the cosponsors for their commitment to military quality of life.” You can read full bill text here. This bill builds on Ryan’s record of delivering for military families. His recently re-introduced bipartisan “Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act” would extend TRICARE coverage and save an estimated 367,000 American military families as much as $8,724 per year in health care costs. Ryan also recently introduced the “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act,” requiring the Department of Defense to give TRICARE beneficiaries clear, repeated notices when their coverage is about to change to ensure families have time to plan and budget. ### Issues: An Economy that Works for All Freedom for All Government that Works for All

CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN DEMANDS USPS ADDRESS AND RESOLVE POSTAL SERVICE FAILURES IMPACTING HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

Congressman Pat Ryan Demands USPS Address and Resolve Postal Service Failures Impacting Hudson Valley Families, Seniors, and Rural Communities After receiving a number of messages from concerned constituents, Congressman Ryan is demanding that USPS immediately resolve glaring issues preventing Hudson Valley residents from receiving critical packages and correspondence Ryan cited concerns of people not receiving medications on time, missing critical payments, and a lack of resources and support for Hudson Valley mail carriers WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after hearing from numerous concerned constituents about mail delivery failures across the Hudson Valley, Congressman Pat Ryan is demanding answers and an immediate resolution from USPS. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, Ryan cited concerns from the Hudson Valley community, including delays in medication deliveries and critical bill payments. “Hudson Valley families deserve the best services from their post office – but recently, our community has been experiencing delays and missed deliveries while mail carriers are overworked. That’s unacceptable,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The Postal Service is not a luxury. From seniors struggling to access medications, to rural communities experiencing delays, to critical payment notifications missed, these service failures impact every corner of our community. USPS owes the Hudson Valley better – both for community members suffering the consequences of these delays, and the mail carriers who work tirelessly hard to deliver critical correspondence. I won’t stop fighting to ensure these failures are resolved for the sake of our entire community.” Ryan’s outreach to USPS follows complaints of chronically delayed mail and days-long stretches without mail delivery. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, Ryan laid out the community's concerns and demanded an immediate resolution and the full restoration of critical services. The full text of Congressman Ryan’s letter to Postmaster General David Steiner is included below. Dear Postmaster General Steiner, I write to you today regarding a pattern of mail delivery failures across the Hudson Valley that is causing serious hardship for my constituents. This is unacceptable. Reports from across NY-18 describe chronically delayed mail and, in some cases, stretches of multiple days without any delivery at all. This includes concerns raised by both constituents and local government officials. I urge you to take immediate action to restore reliable service to this region. The Postal Service is not a luxury. For many in the Hudson Valley, including our rural communities, it is a lifeline. Folks depend on USPS to receive medications, official documents, legal notices, and personal correspondence from loved ones. Any break in these critical services can be devastating for members of the community. These failures have real consequences. One senior incurred a late fee on his rent because his check was not delivered on time, and another went ten consecutive days without any mail delivery at his home. What is the USPS plan to remedy these serious issues? When exactly will service be fully restored to my constituents? I am demanding from you a full accounting of what has caused these disruptions and a concrete plan to restore service across the district. Our mail carriers work hard to serve every corner of the Hudson Valley, braving all kinds of weather and challenges to ensure people stay connected, informed, and cared for, and they deserve the staffing and resources to do so effectively. I urge you to ensure that postal workers in this region are fully supported so mail can be delivered on time. I urge you to take seriously the rights of my constituents in the Hudson Valley to reliable, consistent, and accessible mail delivery services. I look forward to hearing from you soon. ### Issues: Government that Works for All

NO FUNDS FOR IRAN WAR: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LEADS DEMOCRATIC VETERANS, HOUSE COLLEAGUES IN INTRODUCTION OF IRAN WAR FUNDING PROHIBITION

Position: Congressman Ryan and Democratic colleagues oppose continued military action against Iran without Congressional authorization and introduce legislation to prohibit federal funding for such action absent an AUMF or declaration of war.

NO FUNDS FOR IRAN WAR: Congressman Pat Ryan Leads Democratic Veterans, House Colleagues in Introduction of Iran War Funding Prohibition Congressman Ryan’s bill prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars for military action against Iran in the absence of an AUMF or official declaration of war; it is supported by 14 of his fellow Democratic Veterans, as well as the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees The introduction comes after 9 weeks of hostilities conducted without Congressional approval, costing billions of dollars and killing 13 brave U.S. servicemembers It also follows the Pentagon’s budget request for $1.5 trillion in funding for FY27 – not including a reported supplemental funding request of $200 billion for the Iran War WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan – an Iraq War combat veteran and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress – led 17 of his Democratic colleagues, including 14 fellow veterans and the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees, in introducing a funding prohibition on military action against Iran. For nine weeks, the Trump administration has waged war in Iran without Congressional approval, which has cost at least $25 billion, killed 13 brave U.S. servicemembers and wounded hundreds more, and caused prices to skyrocket at home. The introduction also follows the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in funding for FY27 – not including a reported Iran War supplemental funding request of $200 billion. Ryan’s bill, the No Funds for Iran War Act, would prohibit the use of additional taxpayer funds for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or official declaration of war from Congress. “The American people have been clear from the beginning: they want lower costs and no more forever wars. The Trump administration has spent nine weeks conducting an illegal war in Iran that has done the exact opposite – and every American is paying the price,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Their recklessness has killed 13 brave servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, cost at least $25 billion in taxpayer money, and sent gas prices skyrocketing here at home. Since Day 1, there has been no strategy or endgame. Not a single dollar more on this ill-conceived war.” “Trump’s war of choice has achieved none of the administration’s stated objectives and has surpassed the president’s initial stated timeline of the conflict, which was supposed to last only a few weeks. Now that the president is moving the goal posts and twisting the 60-day requirements of the War Powers Act, Congress must take action. It is time for it to exercise its constitutional power of the purse,” said Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Trump’s Iran war was never authorized by Congress, and no funds appropriated by Congress should be spent on this illegal conflict,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “The American people don’t want this administration spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a new forever war in the Middle East that is already driving up the costs of everything from gas to groceries. I thank Rep. Ryan for his leadership introducing this bill.” “Donald Trump believes he can continue to wage an unconstitutional war at the expense of American taxpayers, but at the end of the day Congress still holds the purse strings and will be the final authority on our long-term military action overseas,” said Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “I know that my Republican colleagues are hearing, as I am, from their constituents who are seeing their gas and grocery prices rise by the week, and I hope that they will join us in limiting this illegal spending, restoring Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war and refocusing on delivering lower prices for the American people.” “We are a nation of laws, and the Constitution gives the American People and the Congress—not the president—the power to spend public money,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Americans at home are struggling to pay bills and afford their lives. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s Iran War is wasting American lives and billions on a war we didn’t have to fight. Too many in Congress will not grow a spine to assert our War Powers, yet another reason why we need to pass the No Funds for Iran War Act. Let’s stop funneling billions into this reckless war and bring our troops home.” “Congress should not fund an illegal war. The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to authorize war, and Congress never approved the use of military force against Iran,” said Congressman Ted Lieu. “This bill makes unmistakably clear that we will not support an illegal war by providing taxpayer funding for it. Doing so would undermine one of the Founders’ core principles: that Congress, and by extension the American people, must decide when our nation goes to war.” “Trump started his illegal war in Iran without rhyme or reason, and the results have been nothing short of disastrous,” said Rep. Carbajal. “His war has cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars while driving up the cost of essentials like groceries and gas. I’m supporting Congressman Ryan’s No Funds for Iran War Act because Americans should not be forced to foot the bill for an endless, unauthorized conflict.” “We do not write blank checks for unauthorized wars in the United States of America,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Our commonsense bill will restore the basic accountability and sanity that the American people need and deserve from our government.” “Over sixty days into the Trump Administration’s reckless war of choice in Iran, thirteen American soldiers have lost their lives, and our children will be saddled with the global consequences and a multi-billion-dollar debt. Instead of bringing Iran closer to a free and democratic future, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have destroyed the lives and livelihoods of thousands of civilians in their failure to act with transparency, measured diplomacy, and thoughtful justification. The Trump Administration's impulsive, unilateral military actions, without the consent of the American people, are further destabilizing an already volatile region. I stand firmly with my fellow Democratic Veterans in Congress to demand a halt in funds for this reckless war and reassert Congressional authority over war-making powers. I will not accept another forever war,” said Representative Derek Tran (CA-45). “I won’t vote for a dime to continue this illegal war with Iran. It’s clear that President Trump has no endgame and no strategy,” said Congressman Crow. “Republicans must stop enabling this illegal war that has already killed 13 American servicemembers, cost us tens of billions in taxpayer dollars, and raised gas prices at home.” The legislation is co-sponsored by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT), and Ryan’s fellow Democratic Veteran Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Derek Tran (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Bobby Scott (D-VA). Congressman Ryan has been a consistent opponent of unconstitutional action against Iran, and has repeatedly voted in favor of War Powers Resolutions, citing both the monetary and human costs of continuing down an escalatory path without a long-term plan or end goal. Last week, Ryan questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the Iranian drone strike on U.S. troops at Port Shuaiba, which killed six soldiers and wounded 30 others on March 1. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 61 percent of Americans believe using military force against Iran was a mistake, making Trump’s war as unpopular among Americans as the Iraq War during the peak of violence in 2006 and the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. Ryan is a U.S. Army veteran, served two combat tours in Iraq, and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Amid recent threats to veterans’ benefits, national security concerns, and rising threats worldwide, Congressman Ryan led his fellow veterans in Congress to create the Democratic Veterans Caucus. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has led extensive legislation to deliver relief for veterans, service members, and military families. ### Issues: Ensuring Safety for All Freedom for All Government that Works for All

CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INTRODUCES “MELANIE’S LAW,” HISTORIC LEGISLATION PROTECTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THEIR FAMILIES

Position: Congressman Ryan introduced federal legislation that incentivizes states to adopt laws allowing adult family members of domestic violence survivors to obtain orders of protection against abusers, modeled on New York's 'Melanie's Law.'

Congressman Pat Ryan Introduces “Melanie’s Law,” Historic Legislation Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Families Ryan’s bill works to ensure New York State’s “Melanie’s Law” is the law of the land in every state “Melanie’s Law” – named for Wappingers Falls woman Melanie Chianese who was killed by her mother’s abuser in 2022 – allows the adult children of domestic violence survivors to obtain orders of protection against their family members’ abusers WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – Yesterday, Congressman Pat Ryan announced the federal introduction of “Melanie’s Law,” historic New York State legislation that allows the adult family of domestic violence survivors to obtain orders of protection against abusers. “Melanie’s Law,” signed into law in New York in 2024, is named for Wappingers Falls woman Melanie Chianese. In 2022, Melanie was killed by her mother’s abuser after an egregious gap in the law left her unable to obtain an order of protection. Ryan’s legislation incentivizes states to adopt laws similar to “Melanie’s Law” through the creation of a new federal grant program. “More than one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime – and for too long, an oversight in the law has left their families vulnerable,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “It is because of Melanie’s story, her mother Cheryl’s bravery, and exceptional leadership at the state level that New York corrected that oversight and passed Melanie’s law. But this isn’t just a New York issue – it’s a national one. That’s why I am so proud to be introducing Melanie’s Law at the federal level. I want to thank Cheryl for her advocacy, heroically turning her grief into action to protect domestic violence survivors and their families, hold abusers fully accountable, and save countless lives.” “This legislation is essential to make sure no family is left vulnerable and unprotected. Melanie’s Law will close the gap by extending orders of protection to immediate family members of domestic violence victims regardless of age. Stronger domestic violence laws are essential to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure safety is recognized as a fundamental right,” said Cheryl Chianese, Melanie’s mother. “I was proud to be the initial sponsor of Melanie’s Law, when I served in the New York State Senate. This critical legislation was created after the loss my friend Cheryl Chianese suffered when her daughter, Melanie, was killed in a tragic domestic violence incident, right here in Dutchess County,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “No mother or family should ever have to deal with the grief they did, so I took action to extend protection orders to family members, closing a major loophole in the law. I am grateful to Congressman Ryan for finishing this crucial work at the federal level that will expand these protections far beyond New York State.” Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Thanks to one mother’s extraordinary courage and advocacy for change, we were able to get our Melanie’s Law bill passed in the New York State Legislature, signed by the Governor, and inspire a bill in Congress to make a difference in combating domestic violence nationwide. Families often bear the ripple effects of domestic abuse, and when people come forward for help, they deserve supportive services and a justice system that offers protection and compassion. I thank Melanie’s mother, Cheryl Chianese, who has been the driving force for this legislation, and Congressman Ryan for his partnership. In New York, Cheryl’s bravery has provided families with a stronger voice in their pursuit of safety through Melanie’s Law, and it was an honor to carry this bill in the State Senate. We hope to see Congress follow our lead and extend this support to families across the country.” “Abusers often harm siblings, parents and adult children of their victims to manipulate, coerce, and traumatize their primary victim. This is especially true when a survivor has just left an abusive relationship and moves in with family members as they begin their path to safety and independence. Unfortunately, this is also the time when survivors and their families are at the greatest risk. We thank Congressman Ryan for introducing this legislation to ensure robust protections are in place for all members of a victim’s family, particularly those who live in the same household or in close proximity to the primary victim,” said Joan Gerhardt, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “New York’s Melanie’s Law set an important precedent by strengthening protections for survivors and reinforcing the importance of orders of protection,” said Leah Feldman, CEO of Family Services. “Congressman Ryan’s effort to bring this framework to the national level is a meaningful opportunity to honor Melanie’s legacy by expanding these critical safeguards to survivors across the country. Family Services is proud to partner with Congressman Ryan and Cheryl Chianese to help ensure that every survivor has access to the protections and supports they deserve.” Prior to the passage of “Melanie’s Law” in New York, if someone was being abused, they could ask the court for an order of protection for themself and their children under 18 years of age. That left a gap, leaving the adult children of abuse victims vulnerable to harassment. That's exactly what happened to Melanie Chianese. While Melanie’s mother, Cheryl obtained an order of protection against the abuser, Melanie, who lived under the same roof, was denied because she was 29 years old. Melanie's Law expanded the definition of who counts as a "family or household member" for the purposes of obtaining a protective order to include adult relatives of someone in a current or former intimate relationship with the abuser. In Melanie's situation today, she could have walked into court and obtained her own order, regardless of her age. Congressman Ryan’s bill incentivizes states to adopt similar laws by creating a grant program, administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), to fund increased officer training, improve administration of orders of protection, and fund expanded support services for victims and their families. ### Issues: Ensuring Safety for All

ICYMI: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FROM SECRETARY HEGSETH ON PORT SHUAIBA DRONE STRIKE

Position: Congressman Ryan demands accountability from Secretary of Defense Hegseth regarding the characterization of the Port Shuaiba drone strike that killed six soldiers, arguing that the Secretary's public statements contradicted survivor accounts about the base's defensive capabilities and calling for his resignation.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Congressman Pat Ryan Demands Accountability from Secretary Hegseth on Port Shuaiba Drone Strike Watch the Full Video HERE WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Pat Ryan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Tuesday questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the Iranian drone strike on U.S. troops at Port Shuaiba, which killed six soldiers and wounded 30 others on March 1. Ryan pushed Hegseth on why he characterized the attack as a “squirter that makes its way through” and claimed Port Shuaiba’s defenses were fortified, directly contradicting firsthand accounts from survivors. “‘Head wounds, heavy bleeding…and then just shrapnel all over, so folks are bleeding from their abdomen, bleeding from arms, bleeding from legs.’ Secretary Hegseth, do you know who said that,” Ryan asked Hegseth. “That was one of our Soldiers, describing the devastating Iranian drone strike on Port Shuaiba, March 1st, in Kuwait. As you know six of our soldiers killed, over 30 wounded.” As reported in CBS News, Ryan detailed the ways in which Port Shuaiba was indefensible from aerial attack: “In fact, when asked to describe the base’s defense, one survivor who’s come forward from the unit said, quote, ‘I mean, I would put it in the none category. From a drone defense capability…NONE.’ So let’s be clear: No counter drone capabilities. No counter rocket systems. No counter mortar or counter artillery. Not even the basic overhead protection that you and I had when we were in Iraq almost 20 years ago. And now six of our soldiers are dead.” Ryan continued: “Brave survivors have come forward to set the record straight. One of our surviving soldiers told CBS, quote ‘Painting a picture that 'one squeaked through' is a falsehood.’ Another said the unit was quote ‘unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.’ Another survivor said the building’s protection was ‘about as weak as one gets.’ Secretary Hegseth, that is obviously in direct contradiction to what you said from the Pentagon podium the next day. So are you saying these soldiers, our soldiers who survived this horrific attack are lying?” Ryan concluded: “Now, I want to finish with one more quote from a survivor of the attack — and I want this on the record — ‘telling the truth is important; and we’re not going to learn from these mistakes if we pretend these mistakes didn’t happen.’ Secretary Hegseth, those soldiers told the truth. Those soldiers are braver than you are. They are asking for accountability. They deserve accountability, and I'm asking for the same — starting with you. As I said a year ago, you need to resign immediately." ### Issues: Ensuring Safety for All Freedom for All

ICYMI: RYAN OP-ED IN NY DAILY NEWS: DRONE WARFARE IS MUCH CLOSER THAN WE KNOW

Position: Congressman Ryan and New York's Director of Security and Intelligence argue that drone threats require sustained federal investment in counter-UAS infrastructure, strengthened international partnerships with NATO and Indo-Pacific allies, and recognition that these security capabilities should extend beyond temporary World Cup protections to form a permanent statewide and national security foundation.

Ryan Op-Ed in NY Daily News: Drone Warfare Is Much Closer Than We Know WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Pat Ryan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Colin Ahern, New York State's first-ever Director of Security and Intelligence, on Tuesday jointly penned an op-ed for the New York Daily News to lay out the threat posed by drone warfare both at home and abroad. “Starting on June 13, our region will host eight FIFA World Cup matches including the final. It will be one of the largest mass gatherings on American soil in decades and vulnerable to the weapon that is redefining warfare around the world: the drone,” wrote Ryan and Ahern. Ryan and Ahern detailed the unauthorized drone incursions in New York, including in NY-18, thus far: “In the past year there have been 12 drone incursions at New York State prisons, including in March when a drone dropped contraband into the yard of a correctional facility. In December 2024, Stewart International Airport, home to a New York Air National Guard base, was forced to suspend operations when six drones flew within 50 feet of military aircraft. This was the first time a civilian airport in the United States had to shut down because of a drone threat.” “The capabilities we build for the World Cup should not be temporary. They should form the foundation of a statewide infrastructure that delivers security and economic development. In New York, NUAIR, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Skydome in Rome, West Point, and Fort Drum already anchor a growing ecosystem,” they continued. Ryan and Ahern underscored the importance of building international partnerships to counter credible aerial threats: “The threats we face require partnerships that no single country can sustain alone. NATO remains the most important military alliance in history. Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan are deeply embedded in our semiconductor supply chains and are essential partners in maintaining Taiwanese democracy. These are not sentimental attachments. They are the infrastructure of our security, and treating them as expendable as threats mount is a grave strategic error.” They concluded: “The question is not whether these threats will reach our communities: they already have. The question is whether we will be ready. We must make sure that we are.” Congressman Ryan sits on the House Armed Services Committee, and is a co-chair of the House Defense Modernization Caucus. He has championed counter-UAS efforts since before the drone incursion at Stewart Air National Guard Base in 2024, and secured several c-UAS investments in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Ryan is also an Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient who served two combat tours in Iraq, and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress. Read the full op-ed here. ### Issues: Ensuring Safety for All