Maxine Waters

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act

Position: Congresswoman Waters introduced legislation requiring the State Department to establish policies ensuring sufficient food assistance reaches children and families in Gaza, with coordination among international agencies and reporting requirements to Congress.

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, introduced the Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act (H.R.7565) in the House of Representatives today. “The children and families of Gaza have been devastated by the war, and the food assistance being provided is far from sufficient,” said Congresswoman Waters. “The children of Gaza deserve three meals a day to begin to recover from the war and to grow up healthy and strong. My bill requires the State Department to ensure this minimum standard for children and families in Gaza.” According to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, 1.6 million people in Gaza – more than 75 percent of the population – “are projected to face extreme levels of acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks[1].” Furthermore, nearly 101,000 children aged 6 to 59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition through mid-October of 2026, and that is expected to include more than 31,000 severe cases[2]. “More than three-quarters of the people of Gaza are facing acute hunger and malnutrition, and this is clearly unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Children and families in Gaza deserve better.” While food assistance has begun to enter Gaza since the October 10th ceasefire, it is far from sufficient to meet the tremendous needs of the people. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that as of January 4th, their partners were able to resume distribution of monthly food rations for the first time since October of 2023, but these rations were only able to reach 100,000 people[3]. “I introduced the Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act to require the State Department to certify that policies, processes, and procedures have been established and are in use to ensure that sufficient food assistance is being provided to ensure that all children in Gaza are able to eat at least three nutritious meals a day, and all other civilians in Gaza are able to eat at least two nutritious meals a day,” said Congresswoman Waters. The policies, processes, and procedures required by the bill must be developed in coordination with the World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and other appropriate United Nations agencies, other bilateral, multilateral, and independent donors, the Government of Israel, and representatives of the Palestinian people. The bill will also require the State Department to report to Congress on how much food assistance is being distributed in Gaza and promptly inform Congress of instances in which food assistance that is made available for the people of Gaza has been denied entry into Gaza or has been diverted or misused in Gaza along with a description of each incident and the parties involved. Congresswoman Waters' bill is endorsed by the Center for International Policy Advocacy, Foreign Policy For America (FP4A), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), J Street, New Israel Fund, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Win Without War. Congresswoman Waters' bill is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC). ###

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Honored with Watts Area Ministers Legacy Award at Annual Dr. King Day Celebration

LOS ANGELES, CA - Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, was honored with the Watts Area Ministers Legacy Award during the Annual Watts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, held Saturday in the Watts community of South Los Angeles. The award was presented by the Watts Area Ministers, a longstanding coalition of faith leaders serving South Los Angeles, in recognition of Congresswoman Waters’ decades-long commitment to civil rights, economic justice, housing equity, and advocacy for historically underserved communities. The award was presented under the leadership of Pastor Robert Taylor, President of the Watts Area Ministers. In accepting the honor, Congresswoman Waters reflected on Dr. King’s legacy and stressed that the fight for justice requires action, particularly in the areas of housing, economic opportunity, and voting rights. “Dr. King didn’t march so we could celebrate once a year and go back to business as usual,” said Congresswoman Waters. “He marched so Black folks could live with dignity, afford a decent home, earn a fair wage, and vote without interference. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, I am fully committed to the proposition that freedom is not voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. I will keep fighting for equal rights, no matter who tries to roll them back.” During her remarks, Congresswoman Waters emphasized that Dr. King understood housing and economic security as civil rights issues, noting that stable and affordable housing is foundational to strong families and thriving communities. She tied that legacy to her work as the leading Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, where she has fought to expand affordable housing, strengthen fair lending protections, protect consumers, and hold financial institutions accountable. She also warned that the right to vote, won through sacrifice and struggle, is once again under attack, and urged communities to remain vigilant and engaged in protecting democracy. “The right to vote was paid for with blood,” Congresswoman Waters said. “John Lewis proved that on the bridge in Selma. We cannot allow anyone, courts, politicians, or even the President of the United States, to take away what our ancestors fought and bled for.” The Annual Watts Dr. King Day Celebration brought together clergy, community leaders, elders, families, and elected officials under the theme “Keeping the Dream Alive.” The program featured prayers, musical selections, civic presentations, and a moment of commemoration honoring Dr. King’s enduring impact. Congresswoman Waters thanked the Watts Area Ministers for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing Dr. King’s unfinished work through legislative leadership and deep partnership with the community. ### Issues: 43rd District

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Blasts Trump Administration’s Unauthorized Military Strike and Seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s former President

Position: Congresswoman Waters opposes the Trump Administration's unauthorized military strike against Venezuela and the seizure of Nicolás Maduro without congressional approval. She argues that the President lacks constitutional authority to initiate military action against a sovereign nation without Congress's authorization and calls for a serious congressional response, including potential impeachment proceedings.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s unauthorized military strike in Venezuela, carried out without congressional approval, which reportedly resulted in the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s former President, and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to reports, both were taken into U.S. custody and transported to the United States to face criminal charges, raising serious concerns about the Administration’s adherence to the Constitution and the grave national security consequences of initiating military action against a sovereign nation without authorization from Congress. “While Maduro has inflicted real harm on the people of Venezuela, including collaborating with drug traffickers and terrorists, no president—especially Donald Trump—has the authority to bypass Congress to launch military strikes against a sovereign nation, while brazenly admitting that controlling Venezuela's oil is part of his motivation. We have been down this road before, and it led to a disastrous, decades-long war in Iraq driven by oil and lies, and I will not stand idly by as this president attempts to drag our nation into another endless conflict. “Just last month, Congress repealed two separate authorizations of military force in Iraq, but Donald Trump once again chose to unilaterally attack, and ignore Congress’ Constitutional role. It is Congress that authorizes such force, and Trump’s abuse of power demands a serious and immediate response from Congressional members of both parties. Donald Trump has now gone so far as to publicly boast about his detention of Nicolás Maduro and his wife and to suggest that he can unilaterally determine who governs Venezuela or even claim authority to run the country himself. That is not strength. It is reckless, delusional, and extremely dangerous.” “During Donald Trump’s first term, I called for his impeachment under then Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He was impeached twice, yet escaped accountability due to a lack of Republican support. Today, many Democrats have understandably questioned whether impeachment is possible again under the current political reality. I am reconsidering that view. Even if Republicans refuse to act, Democrats cannot remain silent or passive in the face of actions this extreme from this Administration.” “What we are witnessing is an unprecedented escalation of an unlawful invasion, the detention of foreign leaders, and a president openly asserting power far beyond what the Constitution allows. Democrats must take a firm stand against this abuse of authority. We cannot normalize it. We cannot excuse it. And we cannot allow any president to place himself above the Constitution, Congress, or the rule of law.” ###

Waters, Booker Introduce Fair Competition Act to Safeguard Small Businesses and Strengthen Antitrust Laws

Position: Waters and Booker introduce legislation to strengthen antitrust enforcement by authorizing state attorneys general to seek monetary damages under the Robinson-Patman Act against retailers engaging in price discrimination, aimed at protecting small businesses from anti-competitive pricing practices by large retailers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, introduced the Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025, legislation to protect small businesses from anti-competitive pricing practices that favor large retailers. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced the Senate Companion. Independent grocers are the backbone of communities across the country, providing jobs, access to food, and stability in both rural and urban neighborhoods. According to the National Grocers Association, they support over 1.1 million jobs and generate over $41 billion in wages annually. Yet large retail chains use their market power to secure discounts and favorable payment terms from suppliers that smaller grocers lack the leverage to negotiate. As a result, independent grocers are often charged higher prices for the same products—costs that are passed on to consumers—making it nearly impossible for them to compete with large retailers and jeopardizing their ability to remain in business. Although the Robinson-Patman Act prohibits suppliers from charging competing buyers different prices, federal regulators have historically failed to enforce the law, leaving small businesses to fend for themselves against large retailers. The law currently allows state attorneys general to enforce it, but their authority is limited to seeking injunctive relief; they cannot obtain monetary damages on behalf of affected businesses. This flaw limits states’ ability to fully protect small businesses when the federal government fails to enforce the law because they cannot recover losses from discriminatory pricing. The Fair Competition for Small Business Act protects small businesses and addresses this legal gap by amending the Clayton Act to explicitly authorize state attorney generals to bring civil actions for damages when violating the Robinson-Patman Act, strengthening accountability and deterring anti-competitive practices. This will allow state attorney generals to pursue monetary damages against retailers that engage in unlawful price discrimination, giving states the same enforcement authority they already have under other federal antitrust laws. By enabling state attorney generals to seek monetary damages for violations of the Robinson-Patman Act, the legislation gives small businesses a clear legal path to recover past losses and prevent future harms, ensuring fairer competition in the marketplace. “For far too long, large retailers have been able to use their market power to demand price concessions from suppliers that smaller retailers are unable to secure, thereby threatening the ability of smaller retailers to remain viable, reducing competition, and increasing prices for consumers,” said Congresswoman Waters. “The Fair Competition for Small Business Act would permit state attorneys general to seek monetary damages on behalf of their constituents for these discriminatory practices and give them a vital tool to promote marketplace competition, fairness, and affordability.” “Small businesses drive our economy, and it is essential that they are not forced to close their doors due to illegal pricing practices that larger retailers continue to exploit,” said Senator Booker. “By strengthening the Robinson-Patman Act, state attorneys general would be empowered to hold these retailers accountable, ensuring that small businesses can compete, and succeed, on a level playing field.” “Increasing enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act is an essential part of reviving Main Streets across the nation,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “For too long, dominant power buyers have used their size and scale to secure unfair prices and terms that shut out smaller businesses and distort market competition in their own favor. The Fair Competition for Small Businesses Act will restore a vital pathway for enforcement by allowing state attorneys general to pursue Robinson-Patman Act damages cases on behalf of their communities. Congress should move quickly to pass it.” “State Attorneys General are essential partners in enforcing federal and state antitrust laws, but it's equally essential they have the tools necessary to address anti-competitive behavior. NGA supports this common-sense measure to strengthen AG enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act,” said Chris Jones from National Grocers Association. “Senator Booker's Fair Competition for Small Business Act increases the power of the State Attorney Generals in the fight to hold powerful suppliers and retailers accountable for discriminatory pricing practices that have squeezed farmers and small businesses out of the marketplace. Revitalizing Robinson-Patman enforcement will help level the playing field, ensuring farmers a fair marketplace to sell into,” said Joe Maxwell, Farm Action Fund’s President. “Leveling the playing field through enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act should be a top priority for all policymakers concerned with the survival of Main Street small businesses,” said Ron Knox, Senior Researcher & Policy Advocate at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. The newly unsealed FTC complaint against PepsiCo shows how megacorporations drive up costs across the economy at the expense of smaller competitors and American consumers. “We applaud Ranking Member Booker and Representative Waters’ leadership on the Fair Competition for Small Business Act.” “Our small business coalition has long advocated for federal policymakers to take on the rampant price discrimination in our economy,” said Small Business Rising coalition spokesperson Lauren Gellatly. “By providing state-level antitrust enforcers greater tools to address price discrimination, the Fair Competition for Small Business Act is a simple and effective remedy to foster fair competition and enforce existing antitrust law.” “55% of our Lowcountry small business member survey respondents reported in June of 2025 that they are somewhat or significantly impacted by their corporate competitors' access to superior pricing and terms for products and services,” said Jordan Amaker, Director of Advocacy, Lowcountry Local First. “The under-enforcement of existing antitrust laws, specifically the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA), is just one more tilt of the playing field in favor of big business and billionaires. These tilts too often become the final nail in the coffin for so many neighborhood-serving, community-rooted businesses. Between the uncertainty and skyrocketing costs of the tariff and trade policies and the unchecked monopolistic power of mega-corporations, our local grocers and retailers are being crushed at every turn. Our small businesses don't have time to stand up for themselves on these issues, so we rely on the dedication of leaders like Sen. Booker and Rep. Waters to fight for fair practices and keep our small businesses in place.” The Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-2), Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), Cleo Fields (LA-6), Hank Johnson (GA-4), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rebecca Balint (VT), Andre Carson (IN-7), Dwight Evans (PA-3). To read the full text of the bill, click here. ### Issues: Rep. Waters' Legislation

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Receives Highest Honor From National Council of Negro Women

Washington, DC – On December 6, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, received the Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award at the 90th Annual National Council of Negro Women's gala, in Washington, DC. This award is the highest honor given by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Upon receiving the Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award, Congresswoman Waters issued the following remarks: “I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to accept the 2025 Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award, named after my dear friend, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. In 1958, Dr. Height became the president of NCNW and guided the organization for forty-two years, through the height of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. While often one of the only women in the room, Dr. Height was considered a member of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement. And under her leadership, NCNW did more than march; it built institutions. It created programs, policies, and platforms. “Dr. Height, who believed deeply in strengthening Black families, launched The National Black Family Reunion, a celebration that reaffirmed our shared values and heritage. I remember fondly when she and I first organized the Black Family Reunion in Los Angeles. In those moments, we were reminded that our struggle is not our own, but it’s for children, mothers, grandparents, and our communities. Throughout her lifetime, Dr. Height met with every President from Roosevelt to Obama. And as I stand here this evening, I wonder what she would think about the current administration. “We are living under the rule of a cruel, deplorable, wannabe dictator of a president in the Oval Office. Trump’s attacks on DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), Black History, Reproductive Freedoms, Healthcare, Education, Voting Rights, and Housing are attacks against the Black family. But these are the same battles Dr. Height taught us how to fight. I consider what Dr. Height would do if she were here today. She would not wait; she would act! She would organize, she would lead. “And know this: as long as I have a voice, as long as I have a vote, as long as I have a platform, I will continue to march, I will continue to build, I will continue to fight. Because when we fight, we win!!” ### Issues: Diversity & Inclusion

Congresswoman Waters Demands Answers on Implementation of Anti-DEIA Executive Orders

Position: Congresswoman Waters and 39 co-signers oppose the Trump administration's anti-DEIA executive orders, arguing they violate civil rights law, terminate legal programs, and harm access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment opportunities across demographic groups.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, sent letters on December 9, 2025, to six executive branch agencies in response to the Trump administration’s executive orders terminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies and programs. The letters ask how the agencies are implementing these anti-DEIA executive orders and what steps – if any – they have taken to ensure they are not violating civil rights law. The letters were signed by 40 Members of Congress. “Everyone deserves to have access to living-wage jobs; safe, affordable housing; quality health care; and educational opportunities,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Yet, the Trump administration’s anti-equity executive orders seek to weaponize civil rights enforcement, terminate longstanding legal government programs, and dismantle important, decades-old legal tools for ferreting out discrimination. Pursuant to these executive orders, the Trump administration has sought to cut funding for research into cancer, Black maternal health, autism, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and HIV; halt programs to improve teacher development and quality; withhold funding for domestic violence services, food access, and school-based mental health supports; and terminate grants for college preparatory programs. These attacks have harmed people of all backgrounds in this country: Black, white, Latino, Asian American, and Indigenous; from urban and rural areas; of every gender, sexual orientation, and ability. People in America deserve to know how the Trump administration is implementing these harmful executive orders.” Each letter was signed by the following 40 Members of Congress: Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Shontel M. Brown, André Carson, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Yvette D. Clarke, Steve Cohen, Danny K. Davis, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Cleo Fields, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Sylvia R. Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Al Green, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Jonathan L. Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Robin L. Kelly, Timothy M. Kennedy, Summer L. Lee, Jennifer L. McClellan, LaMonica McIver, Kelly Morrison, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ayanna Pressley, Delia C. Ramirez, Janice Schakowsky, Terri A. Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Bennie G. Thompson, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Lauren Underwood, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica S. Wilson. The letters were sent to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Issues: Diversity & Inclusion

Congresswoman Waters Condemns Trump’s Refusal to Commemorate World AIDS Day

Position: Congresswoman Waters opposes President Trump's cuts to HIV/AIDS funding programs, including PEPFAR, CDC HIV prevention funding, Ryan White AIDS care, and housing assistance for people with AIDS. She calls for full funding of these programs and continued international HIV/AIDS initiatives.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and a congressional leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, issued the following statement following President Trump’s refusal to commemorate World AIDS Day, which is celebrated every year on December 1: “I am outraged by Donald Trump’srefusal to commemorate World AIDS Day! “World AIDS Day is a day to remember the millions of people around the world who have died of AIDS and demonstrate our continuing support for people living with AIDS and our commitment to stopping the spread of HIV. World AIDS Day has been recognized by presidents of both political parties, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and even Trump during his first term. Yet this year, in an appalling abdication of America’s leadership, the State Department instructed employees and grantees to ‘refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels, including social media, media engagements, speeches or other public-facing messaging.’ “Donald Trump’s callous disregard of the global AIDS pandemic is threatening our progress against the disease. Trump halted funds for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – known throughout the world as PEPFAR – which was created in 2003 under the leadership of former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the co-founder of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, working with President George W. Bush, myself, and congressional HIV/AIDS advocates from both political parties. PEPFAR supports HIV prevention and treatment in developing countries and is credited with having saved 26 million lives since its creation. Last year alone, PEPFAR provided life-saving HIV medicines to more than 20 million people and supported more than 342,000 health workers to deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and support services in more than 50 countries. An estimated 70,000 people have already died due to Trump’s budget cuts. “As Bill Gates said, ‘We’re already seeing the tragic impact of reductions in aid, and we know the number of deaths will continue to rise.’ “Here in the United States – where I created the Minority AIDS Initiative to address devastating HIV/AIDS disparities, which has grown from an initial appropriation of $156 million in 1999 to more than $400 million per year today – Donald Trump is waging an all-out war on people living with HIV. Trump’s budget proposal completely eliminated HIV prevention funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and slashed funds for Ryan White AIDS care and HIV research! He even eliminated funding for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, proving he does not care if people with HIV are homeless! We cannot allow these devastating cuts to be implemented. “We must fully fund PEPFAR and other domestic and international HIV/AIDS programs and take further action to stop the spread of this devastating pandemic. That is why I introduced two new HIV prevention bills in the House of Representatives this year. The HIV Prevention Now Act (H.R. 5126) will provide more than $2 billion for HIV, viral hepatitis, STD, and tuberculosis prevention, and The PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H.R. 5127) will require health insurance plans to cover PrEP and PEP as preventive services for people who need them. “In honor of World AIDS Day, we must rededicate ourselves to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, caring for those who are infected, and searching for a cure. We must never give up until we put an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic once and for all.” Issues: HIV/AIDS

On World AIDS Day, Congresswoman Waters Honors Rev. Elder Leslie Burke for her 40 Years of Service at the Minority AIDS Project

Position: Congresswoman Waters advocates for full funding of domestic and international HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, opposes proposed budget cuts to PEPFAR and CDC HIV prevention funding, and supports passage of two bills requiring insurance coverage of PrEP and PEP without cost-sharing.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and a congressional leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, issued the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day, which is celebrated every year on December 1: “On World AIDS Day today, I am proud to honor Rev. Elder Leslie Burke, a pioneering HIV/AIDS advocate who has served the Los Angeles AIDS community through her work with the Minority AIDS Project, since its founding 40 years ago. “I am especially proud to honor Rev. Burke for her work with the Minority AIDS Project because I began my journey as an advocate for people living with AIDS as a result of the work of Archbishop Carl Bean, the founder of the Minority AIDS Project, and I am proud to have supported the project’s work since its founding. Archbishop Bean took me to a place called ‘Catch One’ in Los Angeles, which was owned by Jewel Thais Williams. He introduced me to several young African American men living with AIDS who had been abandoned by their parents due to their diagnoses. I discussed what I witnessed with the Black Womens Forum, and Danny Bakewell at the Brotherhood Crusade. Danny and I decided to contribute $10,000 each to fund the new Minority AIDS Project. “As a Member of the U.S. Congress, I spearheaded the establishment of the Minority AIDS Initiative, which has significantly expanded HIV/AIDS prevention, screening, and treatment efforts among racial and ethnic minorities and reduced AIDS disparities. I am proud to report that funding for this critical initiative has increased from the initial appropriation of $156 million in Fiscal Year 1999 to more than $400 million per year today. “Unfortunately, our progress towards ending the AIDS pandemic is in grave danger as a result of the policies of Donald Trump. Unlike previous presidents of both parties, Trump refused to commemorate World AIDS Day this year, and his budget proposal slashed $2 billion from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports HIV prevention and treatment in developing countries and is credited with having saved 26 million lives since its creation in 2003. Trump’s budget proposal also eliminated HIV prevention funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and slashed funds for Ryan White AIDS care and HIV research! We cannot allow these devastating cuts to be implemented. “We must fully fund domestic and international HIV/AIDS programs and stop the spread of this devastating pandemic. That is why I introduced two new HIV prevention bills in the House of Representatives this year. The HIV Prevention Now Act (H.R. 5126) will provide more than $2 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 for HIV, viral hepatitis, STD, and tuberculosis prevention, and The PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H.R. 5127) will require health insurance plans to cover PrEP and PEP as preventive services, without out-of-pocket costs, so they are free for people who need them. “On World AIDS Day 2025, we must rededicate ourselves to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, caring for those who are infected, and searching for a cure. We must never give up until we put an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic once and for all.” ### Issues: HIV/AIDS