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On Dobbs Anniversary, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Ami Bera, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, and Congressman Mark Pocan Reintroduce Bill To Close Reproductive Health Training Gap for Medical and Nursing Students in Abortion Ban States

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) reintroduced the Reproductive Healthcare Training Act. The Reproductive Healthcare Training Act creates a grant program for health professional schools, academic health centers, or other nonprofit health care safety net providers to establish medical training programs in states where abortion is legal, so that students, residents, and advanced practice clinicians in states where abortion is limited or banned can receive proper education in reproductive health care. The bill also prepares and encourages these individuals to serve as abortion providers after completing their training. The reintroduction comes on the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and enabled states across the country to ban or restrict abortion and interfere with women’s ability to travel out of state for reproductive healthcare. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) also reintroduced this legislation in the U.S. Senate today.

“Restrictions on access to abortion care in Texas and states like it place burdens on medical students, residents, and advanced practice clinicians, who cannot receive proper training to provide the full range of reproductive healthcare, as well as on their patients,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “It is critical that as we work to restore and protect abortion access, we also work to educate the next generation of healthcare providers on the full range of reproductive healthcare, including abortion care. For both students and educational institutions, success depends on proper and full education. I am glad to join Congressman Bera, Congresswoman Schrier, and Congressman Pocan to ensure healthcare professionals have access to training in reproductive health care.”

"The consequences of the Dobbs decision continue to be felt across the country four years later," said Representative Ami Bera, M.D., who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. "As a doctor, I strongly believe that medical decisions should be made between a patient and their doctor, not politicians. Since Dobbs, abortion bans and restrictions have created significant barriers to reproductive health care and disrupted medical education for students and providers in many states. The Reproductive Health Care Training Act is an important step toward addressing those gaps and ensuring future health care professionals can receive comprehensive, evidence-based training."

“As the fight for reproductive care continues, it is more important than ever that medical students receive a comprehensive education to help all future patients, which includes abortion training," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “This legislation would expand reproductive care education regardless of where healthcare professionals train. As the only pediatrician in Congress, and as a woman and mom, I will continue to do everything I can to protect women’s access to safe abortion, and physicians' ability to provide a full spectrum of care across the country.”

“Because of the Dobbs decision, patients across the country are facing challenges where patients cannot get abortion care, but medical students are prevented from learning the skills they need,” said Congressman Mark Pocan. “The Reproductive Health Care Training Act is crucial legislation that ensures medical students gain all necessary clinical skills, no matter where they train. Abortion is healthcare. Student doctors in every state should be able to learn to provide patients the care that is their right.”

If enacted, the Reproductive Healthcare Training Act would establish a program, funded at $25 million each year for the next five years, to award grants or contracts to health professional schools, academic health centers, or other nonprofit health care safety net providers in states where abortion is legal to:

Ensure education for students, residents, or advanced practice clinicians studying or working in states where abortion is limited or banned; and
Prepare and encourage students, residents, and advanced practice clinicians training to serve as abortion providers after completing such training.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher is Vice Chair and Whip of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and has led several efforts to protect access to abortion. After a Texas Judge banned abortion medication across the country, she introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 2573, with Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) to reaffirm that the abortion pill was appropriately approved by the FDA.

She is the lead House sponsor of a bill to protect the right to travel between states to obtain an abortion, the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 782, which passed the House, and which she reintroduced last year. Congresswoman Fletcher was an original cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 12, which establishes a statutory federal right to abortion free from medically unnecessary restrictions.

To view the full text of the Reproductive Healthcare Training Act, click here.

On Fourth Dobbs Anniversary, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, and Congressman Ami Bera Introduce Bill To Close Abortion Training Gap for OB/GYN Residents in Abortion Ban States

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) introduced the Safeguarding Access to Full-spectrum Education and (SAFE) Training for OBGYNs Act. The SAFE Training for OBGYNs Act establishes a grant program to provide funding for OB/GYN residency programs that train residents residing in states with abortion bans to ensure full competency in reproductive healthcare during their training. The introduction comes on the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and enabled states across the country to ban or restrict abortion and interfere with women’s ability to travel out of state for reproductive healthcare.

“In states like Texas where abortion is banned, OB/GYN residents cannot get the full training they need to care for their patients—and women across the country are paying the price,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Restricted access to training is already driving a shortage of providers, making reproductive care harder to access even in states without bans. The SAFE Training for OB/GYNs Act gives residency programs the resources to train future OB/GYNs in the full range of reproductive healthcare their patients need and deserve. I am glad to join Congresswoman Morrison and Congressman Bera in this effort.”

“Every OB-GYN in the country should be trained in every aspect of obstetric and gynecological care,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “As the only pro-choice OB-GYN in Congress, I know how important it is for OB-GYNs to receive hands-on experience in providing abortion care. An abortion ban in even one state affects access to safe health care across the country. If doctors can’t receive proper training, lives will inevitably be put at risk. This bill will make it safer and easier for women to get the care they need, and will ensure that future generations of doctors are able to care for all of their patients.”

“As a doctor, I know that a strong healthcare workforce starts with strong medical training,” said Congressman Ami Bera. “Since the Dobbs decision, abortion bans have made it harder for OB-GYN residents to receive the full reproductive health training required as part of their education. In many cases, these future physicians are being forced to travel to another state to gain the experience they need to provide comprehensive care to their patients. The SAFE Training for OB-GYNs Act helps ensure residents can complete that training by supporting graduate medical residency programs and covering the travel costs associated with it.”

If enacted, the SAFE Training for OB/GYNs Act would establish a program to create grants for out-of-state OB/GYN residency programs in states where abortion is legal to:

Ensure comprehensive education for residents studying or working in states where abortion is limited or banned; and
Prepare and encourage OB/GYN residents training to serve as abortion providers after completing such training.

The SAFE Training for OB/GYNs Act is drafted in cooperation by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Planned Parenthood. The ACLU, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Women's Law Center, and Physicians for Reproductive Health have endorsed the bill.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher is Vice Chair and Whip of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and has led several efforts to protect access to abortion. After a Texas Judge banned abortion medication across the country, she introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 2573, with Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) to reaffirm that the abortion pill was appropriately approved by the FDA and reintroduced the bill this year.

She is the lead House sponsor of a bill to protect the right to travel between states to obtain an abortion, the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 782, which passed the House , and which she reintroduced last year. Congresswoman Fletcher was an original cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 12, which establishes a statutory federal right to abortion free from medically unnecessary restrictions.

To view the full text of the SAFE Training for OB/GYNs Act, click here.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Leads Texas Democratic Delegation in Demanding Answers from USDA about Resurgence of New World Screwworm

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) led the Texas Democratic Delegation in demanding answers from United States Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollins and requesting a briefing on how the USDA plans to address the resurgence of New World screwworm in Texas and across the United States.

“For the past several decades, our country has remained relatively pest-free thanks to the dedicated work of federal staff and experts at the USDA and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) tasked with addressing infectious pests and diseases,” the members wrote. “We understand, however, that last year, the department terminated the employment of more than 15,000 USDA employees —roughly 15 percent of the department’s workforce, including more than 1,300 staff at APHIS —and, at the same time, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) eliminated more than 5,300 foreign assistance grants and programs, including a program dedicated to monitoring and containing New World screwworm migration in Central America.

“Despite the historic success of the United States’ program to eradicate the screwworm, our ranchers and livestock experts feared it would return,” the members continued. “We must make every effort to contain the current outbreak and once again eradicate this pest from the United States. Given the urgency of this matter, we request a briefing for members of Congress on these issues, including the following:

What impacts these USDA staff reductions at USDA are having on USDA’s screwworm detection and response efforts;
What plans the USDA has to hire additional staff to address this crisis;
What impacts these USDA program eliminations are having on USDA’s screwworm detection and response efforts; and
What actions did the USDA take to change strategy, if any, once the New World screwworm reached 100 miles from our Southern border?”

Since the initial case of New World screwworm was discovered in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, additional cases have emerged in Texas and New Mexico. An outbreak of screwworm today could cost Texas livestock producers $732 million per year, with an annual economic loss of $1.8 billion for Texas alone.

Congressmembers Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Al Green (TX-09), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Christian Menefee (TX-18), and Marc Veasey (TX-33) joined Congresswoman Fletcher in the letter request.

To view the full text of the letter, click here.

As ICE Remains Unchecked, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes Against More Funding for ICE

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted against the disingenuously named Secure America Act (S.2) to provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with $70 billion. Specifically, the legislation provides $38.5 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and $5 billion for DHS.

“Since January, people who live in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District have called my office every day, deeply concerned about the actions of ICE and CBP,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “They are calling for reforms. They are calling for accountability. They are calling for Congress to recognize the American citizens who ICE and CBP agents have killed this year, and the thousands of families in this country whose lives this administration has torn apart through its lawless immigration enforcement policies and practices. This legislation, however, includes zero reforms and no accountability. Through this bill and others like it, this Congress has increased ICE and CBP’s authority and decreased their accountability. For these reasons, I voted no.”

Earlier today, Congresswoman Fletcher spoke during debate in opposition to S.2. To watch her remarks, click here.

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced the Freeze ICE Act, H.R. 7392, to impose an immediate hiring freeze at the agency until Congress decides otherwise. Yesterday, Congresswoman Fletcher submitted an amendment to the Secure America Act, S.2., to stop the rapid recruitment of unvetted individuals at ICE. The amendment was not considered by House Republicans.

Since 2025, at least 50 people have died in ICE custody. Federal immigration enforcement agents have killed 28 people, including 4 U.S. citizens. ICE has also wrongfully detained more than 170 U.S. citizens.

Congressional Republicans and President Trump already provided ICE and CBP with $170 billion under H.R. 1, the bill they passed into law last year. If the Secure America Act is signed into law, DHS will have received more than $260 billion from Congress since the start of President Trump's second term. Nearly 70 percent of people currently in immigration detention have no criminal convictions, and nearly half of the people ICE has arrested since President Trump’s second term began have never faced criminal charges.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Moves To Force Vote To Guarantee the Right to Contraception

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) filed a discharge petition to force a House floor vote on her bill, the Right to Contraception Act, H.R. 999, to guarantee by law the right to contraception. A discharge petition is a legislative tool in the House of Representatives that allows a majority of members to force a bill to the floor for a vote by the full chamber, even if the Speaker of the House opposes it.

“The Right to Contraception Act reflects the position of the vast majority of Americans who rely on contraception of all kinds to plan their families and their lives,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Contraception is essential healthcare. But what we are seeing from Republicans across the country and the Trump administration are efforts to restricts access to family planning, violating the autonomy and right to privacy of Americans that the Supreme Court recognized in Griswold v. Connecticut. If Republicans are serious about reflecting the will of the people and protecting contraception, they will join us in signing this discharge petition.”

“For 61 years, Americans have relied on the constitutional right to contraception recognized in Griswold v. Connecticut and the broader right to privacy that decision helped establish, said Dr. Dara Kass, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician and Board Member, Americans for Contraception. But after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Justice Thomas called on the Court to ‘reconsider’ precedents like Griswold, those protections can no longer be taken for granted. Congress must pass the Right to Contraception Act and provide lasting federal protections for the right to contraception, personal privacy, and the freedom to make decisions about our own bodies, families, and futures.”

“Contraception is truly a modern miracle and the foundation for people’s ambitions, education, the family that they want, and the life they want to live,” said Clare Coleman, President & CEO, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA). “Just days after members on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee advanced a proposal to eliminate funding for the Title X program, which provides a critical source of contraceptive care for millions of people, I applaud Rep. Fletcher for launching her discharge petition to advance the Right to Contraception Act. Everyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or where they live, should be able to access affordable contraception from providers they trust.”

“The Trump administration has made it clear that they will chip away at reproductive rights until they have total control over our bodies, our lives, and our futures,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center. “Attacks on reproductive health care, including contraception, are clearly laid out in Project 2025, and we have already seen the devastating consequences of these attacks. To protect our bodily autonomy and freedom, Congress must act quickly to stand with the vast majority of Americans who believe contraception is vital health care, not with the extremists who seek to take it away. We commend Representative Fletcher and her colleagues for championing the Right to Contraception Act and urge all members of Congress to support this critical bill.”

"As an organization of physician advocates providing care to communities around the country, Physicians for Reproductive Health calls on Congress to listen to the critical health care needs of people who desire to stay safe and healthy as they consider whether or not to grow their families,” said Dr. Jamila Perritt OB/GYN in Washington, D.C. and President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health. “The Right to Contraception Act aims to protect the basic rights of patients looking to access the contraceptive method that is best for them. Where you live, your income, or your insurance coverage should never dictate whether or not someone can access the care they need, including contraceptive care. Everyone is deserving of access to the information necessary in order to decide what contraception is in alignment with their goals and values, and access to that method without barrier or delay.”

“Everyone, everywhere should be able to get the birth control they need, when they need it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Instead of passing bills like the Right to Contraception Act, congressional Republicans continue to push their anti-sexual and reproductive health agenda. Just this week, we saw them attacking access to contraception. With these threats, it is critical for Congress to protect the right to birth control. Thank you to Rep. Fletcher for introducing this bill to ensure patients can get the care they need.

"Contraception is basic health care that millions of people rely on,” said Rachel Fey, Interim Co-CEO, Power to Decide. Not surprisingly, it's extremely popular, and the right to obtain contraception and to provide it should not be remotely controversial. And yet it's only getting harder to access as Medicaid restrictions and efforts to defund the Title X Family Planning Program continue, and mis and disinformation proliferate. In this environment, we applaud Rep. Fletcher and congressional champions for this discharge petition and call on all members to support it."

“The Right to Contraception Act is a critical step to ensuring birth control access is accessible to those who need it, without exceptions or barriers,” said Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju. “Where you live and how much money you make should not determine whether you can make decisions about your health and future. We thank Rep. Lizzie Fletcher for continuing to take action to protect our reproductive freedom as the Trump administration continues to escalate attacks on our rights every day.”

The effort comes as the Trump administration continues to target family planning resources, including recent funding cuts to Title X, the country’s only federal program dedicated to providing domestic family planning services for people with low incomes.

The discharge petition coincides with the anniversary of Griswold v. Connecticut. This week in 1965, the Supreme Court struck down a state law that banned married couples from using birth control, establishing that Americans have a fundamental right to privacy.

Texas is one of seven states that allows pharmacists to refuse to fill birth control prescriptions based on their personal beliefs. It is also one of 24 states that restricts minors' ability to obtain contraception without parental consent. And after a federal court ruling, Texas is the only state where Title X-funded clinics cannot provide confidential birth control to minors without parental consent.

If enacted, the Right to Contraception Act would:

Create a federal right for people to obtain contraceptives;
Establish a right for health care providers to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception;
Allow the Department of Justice, as well as providers and individuals harmed by restrictions on contraception access made unlawful under the legislation, to go to court to enforce these rights; and
Protect access to a range of contraceptive methods, devices, and medications used to prevent pregnancy, including but not limited to oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Last year, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced the Right to Contraception Act with Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02), Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and 200 original cosponsors. The bill currently has 206 cosponsors. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

A flesh-eating pest threatens Trump’s beef price hopes

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

A devastating parasite is threatening to upend President Donald Trump’s efforts to lower beef prices ahead of November’s midterms.

The New World screwworm, which often kills untreated livestock, has been discovered in two calves near the Mexican border in south Texas in the past week. The pest’s reemergence in the U.S. is alarming agriculture officials, ranchers and beef industry leaders who have spent months attempting to prepare for its anticipated arrival as ground beef and steaks fetch record-high sums.

Administration officials insist the screwworm’s return does not threaten the country’s food supply and is not a hazard to public health. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told POLITICO it is not clear how the screwworm will affect beef prices, which have already skyrocketed due to high demand and a decades-low cattle herd diminished by severe weather, industry consolidation and high operating costs.
...

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas) said on the House floor Thursday that the Trump administration’s cuts to staffing at USDA hurt preparedness efforts despite ranchers sounding the alarm about animal disease repercussions.

“This is something that Texans have been worrying about and have been warning Washington about for nearly two years,” she said. “An outbreak today will be devastating to livestock producers and drive up already high costs for beef at the grocery stores that all Americans will see.”

Beef producers have been experiencing a rare bright spot in an agriculture economy that’s been otherwise strained by trade uncertainty, high production costs and low commodity prices.
...

View this article in Politico.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes for Ukraine Security Assistance

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for the Ukraine Support Act, H.R. 2913, to authorize security assistance and economic investments for Ukraine and to impose new financial sanctions and export restrictions on Russia until it ceases its war against Ukraine.

"For years, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated remarkable courage and perseverance in their fight for democracy and the preservation of their sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “They deserve our full support—and that is why I voted for the Ukraine Support Act. It is critical that we hold Russia accountable through tougher sanctions and lay the groundwork for Ukraine's reconstruction, and I urge the Senate to take up this legislation without delay."

If enacted, H.R. 2913 would:

Expand foreign military financing loans and other security assistance for Ukraine;
Establish a fund to help Ukraine with post-war reconstruction, funded by a new tax on frozen Russian sovereign assets held in the U.S.;
Direct the U.S. Department of State to engage in efforts to obtain foreign investment in the Ukrainian economy and to counter Russian disinformation; and
Direct the President to impose new sanctions and financial restrictions on certain Russian officials, companies, and foreign entities conducting transactions with Russia.

Last year, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, S. 1071, which reauthorizes the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) for $400 million for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) and $400 million for FY27 and extends a limitation on recognizing Russian sovereignty over any part of Ukraine. This bill was signed into law on December 18, 2025. In 2025, Congresswoman Fletcher also reintroduced the American Gas for Allies Act, H.R. 2769, to allow U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to receive expedited approval from the Department of Energy (DOE) to export LNG from the U.S. to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries and Ukraine. If enacted, this bill would reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian natural gas, weakening Russia’s war effort, and provide U.S. energy companies with certainty and a dependable process to export LNG to Ukraine and NATO, strengthening their energy security. Congresswoman Fletcher first introduced this bill in the 117th Congress, at the height of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

H.R. 2913 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Require President To Follow Constitution

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for a resolution to direct President Trump to terminate the use of the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly makes a declaration of war or authorizes use of military force against Iran (H.Con.Res. 86).

“The United States Constitution states clearly that Congress has the sole authority and solemn responsibility to declare war. It is a foundational principle of American democracy, designed to ensure that the American people have a say in decisions of war and peace through their elected representatives.

"Since February, the President has refused to seek authorization from the American people for this war, has failed to come to Congress to make the case, and has failed to evidence of an imminent threat to the United States to justify this action.

“Today’s vote is about whether the President of the United States must follow the Constitution. After four attempts—all of which I have voted for—the House has affirmed that principle. The Senate should now do the same.”

H.Con.Res. 86 passed by a vote of 215-208. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (May. 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday’s show: The U.S. Department of Justice has created a new “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as a way to compensate victims of “weaponization and lawfare.” Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have filed a lawsuit to stop payouts from the fund from going to those attackers. Now, Houston Rep. Lizzie Fletcher has introduced a bill related to the fund, which she calls a "perversion of our system of justice." She explains what her bill would do.

Listen to the interview here.

View this article in Houston Public Media .

Lawmakers Race to Protect Taxpayers From Federal Overreach

Tue, 26 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Following the introduction of President Donald Trump’s taxpayer-funded “anti-weaponization fund,” members of Congress from both sides of the political spectrum are moving to protect taxpayers from further exploitation and harm.

Last week, Trump announced a $1.8 billion fund as part of a settlement that would also block the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) investigations into his taxes. The taxpayer-funded program could compensate Trump allies, affiliated entities and Jan. 6 defendants for alleged Biden administration “weaponization.”

In response to this fund, Representative Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) is introducing the "No Presidential Self-Serving Lawsuits Act" to prevent presidents from suing the United States government while in office. The bill also restricts the use of the Treasury’s Judgment Fund to settle those claims, even after leaving office.

Rep. Fletcher called Trump’s proposed “slush fund” and prior $10 billion IRS lawsuit a “perversion of our system of justice,” noting he also appointed former attorney Todd Blanche to the Department of Justice to help determine fund eligibility.

“Most of us could not have imagined that such a ‘settlement’ could occur, or that there are not more clear and obvious prohibitions to this outcome,” Rep. Fletcher said.

Other Texas Democrats like Rep. Jasmine Crockett have introduced similar legislation to limit presidential abuse of government resources and prevent self-serving legal settlements.

“The corruption and abuse is staggering, even for this administration,” Rep. Fletcher said.

But Republican lawmakers are also pushing legislation to protect American taxpayers.

Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) recently introduced the Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act to expand taxpayers’ ability to challenge IRS actions in court and strengthen protections against IRS overreach

“This legislation advances fairness and accountability in our tax system—guaranteeing no one loses their day in court over arbitrary deadlines or IRS overreach,” Rep. Moran said.

Rep. Moran said the bill would bolster taxpayer protections by giving Americans more time to file claims and reinforcing the authority of the U.S. Tax Court.

“By protecting taxpayer rights, extending filing windows and strengthening Tax Court jurisdiction, we are delivering real, lasting safeguards for every American,” Rep. Moran said.

View this article in Texas Politics.