Balint, Becca RSS Articles

Rep. Balint Statement on Trump Firing Pam Bondi as Attorney General

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after reporting that President Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her position as Attorney General:

“Pam Bondi drove the Justice Department into the ground and should have been removed long ago. Under her leadership, corruption and incompetence reigned. Bondi did not pursue justice on behalf of all Americans, she worked to cover up the misdeeds of the President and his ultra wealthy friends. She led political purges of career prosecutors, let white collar criminals off the hook, forced out those who would not agree to go along with pay-to-play schemes, and failed the Epstein survivors. Being fired, however, is not a ‘fix all.’ Congress still has a responsibility to hold her accountable for her wrongdoing, and I will continue pushing for that oversight.

“I also have serious concerns about the path forward for the Department and have doubts about whether Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche or rumored successor Lee Zeldin will change the course of the Department. I will be watching closely.

“The public made their voices heard on both Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi and it made a real difference. We need to keep showing up, keep demanding better, and keep holding those in power accountable, including other cabinet officials.”

###

Balint and Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Journalists Against Unreasonable Government Searches

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced a bill on Friday to strengthen privacy protections against unreasonable government searches and seizures that could chill reporting critical of the government. The bill follows Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) raiding the home of a Washington Post reporter.

“This is the most corrupt administration in history, and we only know that because journalists have been doing the tireless work of delivering truth and transparency to the American people,” Balint said. “A free press serves an essential role in our democracy, which is why it is protected by our Constitution. We need to close the loopholes that have allowed administrations to strong-arm and intimidate journalists, and I am proud to work with Senator Wyden to do just that.”

“My father was a journalist who escaped Nazi Germany. He taught me you can’t have a functioning democracy without a free press,” Wyden said. “Our bill sends a clear message that government agents have no business seizing the notes and electronic devices of reporters who are just doing their jobs. Congress must once again step up to protect journalists against attempts to intimidate reporters and chill sources who could blow the whistle on government wrongdoing.”

Under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980, the government cannot search or seize journalists’ documentary or work-product materials, except in certain narrow circumstances. Congress passed that law out of concern about the chilling effect of government raids on the press, and required the government to use less intrusive methods. Unfortunately, the law contains numerous loopholes that have been exploited across presidential administrations. The government never needs to prove an exception to the law before obtaining a search warrant, or even mention that the law exists. Even if a judge finds that a search or seizure is illegal under the Privacy Protection Act, the government can still use those illegally obtained materials in court.

Balint and Wyden’s bill would strengthen protections for journalists and close these loopholes. The Privacy Protection Updates Act would:

Require the government to disclose the existence of the Privacy Protection Act and prove that an exception applies, if the government wants to search or seize a journalist’s materials with a warrant.
Maintain the existing exception for exigent circumstances, but establish a new process for mandatory judicial review within 48 hours of the emergency seizures of a journalist’s materials to determine whether the search or seizure was justified.
Create a process for suppression of journalist records that are illegally searched or seized.
Clarify that the Privacy Protection Act applies to journalist records stored on the cloud.

The Privacy Protection Updates Act is endorsed by the Committee to Protect Journalists, Demand Progress, Freedom of the Press Foundation, and Protect the 1st Foundation.

“Free people rely on a free press, and the press is only free if it is unrestricted by government spying and intimidation. Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint’s update to the Privacy Protection Act is a much-needed safeguard that removes incentives to ransack the notes and sources of reporters. This bill corrects the law to ensure that the government cannot suppress free journalism and speech,” said Bob Goodlatte, former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Senior Policy Advisor for Protect the 1st.

“Ignorance of the law is no defense, unless you're a prosecutor looking for a warrant to ransack a journalist's files. At least six times in recent years -- most recently, the raid of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson -- prosecutors seeking such warrants have failed to disclose to judges that, subject to a few narrow exceptions, they're illegal under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980. By the time the judge figures it out, it's too late -- the journalist's sources are compromised, and they can't publish any stories or investigations stored on seized devices. We commend Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint for recognizing this intolerable status quo and taking action to give the PPA some teeth and protect journalists' ability to inform the public. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have opposed journalist surveillance in the past and we hope this bill receives the enthusiastic bipartisan support it deserves,” wrote Seth Stern, Chief of Advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation.

“The Privacy Protection Updates Act is what it looks like to take press freedom seriously. This necessary bill transforms a well-intentioned but outdated law into a modernized framework for a free and independent press with real consequences—establishing a powerful exclusionary rule, requiring greater transparency from the government in warrant applications, and ending the weak damages-only civil remedy that left journalists unprotected. Press freedoms are too vital to be left to the government's honor system, especially when the White House keeps eroding our core civil liberties. We thank Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint for their leadership and urge all members of Congress to get behind this needed bill,” said Kate Oh, Special Advisor at Demand Progress.

“The government needs guardrails to prevent overreach. Reforms to the Privacy Protection Act will strengthen protections, enabling journalists to do their job and keep the public informed,” said Katherine Jacobsen, U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The one-pager of the bill is here.

The full bill text is here.

###

Sanders, Welch, Balint Statement on Recent ICE Raids in South Burlington

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today released the following statement regarding the recent ICE raids in South Burlington:

“President Trump’s domestic army, ICE, came into Vermont yesterday from out of state and, as is virtually always the case, acted in an irresponsible, reckless and unprofessional manner.

“What happened yesterday in South Burlington was outrageous and avoidable. Rather than notifying local and state law enforcement of a planned arrest, ICE created a crisis that resulted in them using flashbang grenades and tear gas against protestors. To make matters worse, they failed to arrest the person they were initially pursuing and instead arrested at least three individuals who were not named on the warrant.

“As a result of the reckless actions of ICE, local and state police were put in an impossibly difficult situation.

“At a time when our country is deeply divided, this is not the way a federal agency should be conducting itself. It is long past time for Congress to take action to rein in ICE’s lawlessness.”

###

Reps. Balint, Takano, Pocan Join Sens. Schiff, Smith to Reintroduce Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving HIV Prevention Medications

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Representatives Mark Takano (CA-39) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) to reintroduce the PrEP Access and Coverage Act, legislation to expand the availability of lifesaving HIV prevention medications and care. The bill would ensure HIV prevention drugs, as well as screenings, diagnostic procedures, administrative fees, and clinical follow-ups are covered by health insurance without out-of-pocket costs for patients. It would also establish community public health campaigns and improve access to medications for uninsured Americans.

The introduction of this bill comes as the Trump administration has initiated sweeping cuts to CDC grants that support HIV prevention programs and several states have limited funding for those receiving federally funded HIV treatment.

“Every Vermonter deserves affordable, stigma-free access to lifesaving HIV prevention and treatment,” said Rep. Balint, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the Trump administration drives up health care costs and slashes funding for PrEP and HIV prevention, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to protect access to HIV medication and recommit to ending the HIV epidemic once and for all.”

“HIV prevention drugs and care should be accessible and affordable to every American to keep our communities safe and help people live healthy lives. Under Donald Trump, health care is becoming increasingly expensive and unattainable as this administration makes devastating and politically motivated funding cuts to programs intended to mitigate the spread of HIV. This bill is essential to filling the gap with necessary HIV treatments to ensure people don’t go without life-saving medication, and I’m proud to join my Senate and House colleagues in introducing it,” said Senator Schiff.

“Everyone deserves access to affordable and effective accessible health care,” said Senator Smith. “Minnesotans and folks across the country are unduly burdened by the costs associated with of preventative, life-saving HIV medication. It’s especially important to introduce this bill now as the Trump Administration has made huge funding cuts limiting access to HIV medication. My bill makes sure patients can access HIV prevention drugs and all of the ancillary services that add up when they’re trying to access this care.”

"HIV can impact any of us, and it is critical that treatment and prevention are readily available to everyone," said Congressman Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "This Administration has ushered in historic cuts to health care for millions of Americans, including access to PrEP and HIV prevention programs. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure that access and availability are not barriers to putting an end to this public health crisis."

“Making it easier to access lifesaving medicines like PrEP just makes sense,” Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Mark Pocan (WI-02) said. “We’ve made great strides in fighting this disease, but there is still more we can do. Removing barriers to these preventive medicines, rather than making folks go through hoops will save lives. Thank you, Senators Schiff, Smith and Congressman Takano, for introducing this vital legislation.”

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act would eliminate barriers and ensure access to HIV prevention medication by:

Ensuring comprehensive health insurance coverage of HIV prevention drugs by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for the medications and associated costs for individuals who are enrolled in federally regulated private and public health insurance.
Prohibiting prior authorization requirements for HIV prevention drugs under private and public health insurance plans.
Prohibiting denying coverage or increasing premiums for disability insurance, long-term care insurance, or life insurance policies based on a person taking medication for HIV prevention.
Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to establish public health education campaigns to increase utilization of PrEP and PEP among individuals at risk of contracting HIV.
Establishing a grant program for States, Territories, Tribes, and health care facilities, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and family planning centers, to expand access to PrEP and PEP for uninsured individuals and underserved communities.
Directing the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury to monitor compliance with PrEP and PEP coverage requirements among private insurers and take appropriate enforcement actions.

This legislation is endorsed by the Congressional Equality Caucus, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, PrEP4All, Equality California, The AIDS Institute, Whitman-Walker Health, Aliveness Project, National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), Human Rights Campaign, and NMAC.

“The ‘PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026’ would create a comprehensive national PrEP program that guarantees PrEP for everyone who needs it, both the insured and uninsured. It would fill a critical gap in our nation’s response to ending HIV; while we have a comprehensive HIV treatment program, we need a corresponding program for prevention. We urge Congress to swiftly pass it,” said HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute Executive Director Carl Schmid. “We praise Sens. Smith and Schiff and Reps. Takano, Balint, and Pocan for championing this bill that would ensure people with insurance have access to PrEP, including newer long-acting options, without cost-sharing or prior authorization. To increase PrEP uptake, especially in communities where it has been lacking, it would provide grants to states, community-based organizations, community health centers, and others to establish and support PrEP programs. These programs would not only provide PrEP for the uninsured, but also much needed community and provider outreach.”

“We’re grateful to Senator Smith and Senator Schiff for their leadership on the PrEP Access and Coverage Act. Communities most impacted by HIV continue to face unnecessary complexity in accessing PrEP medications, required lab work, and other essential services. With only one in four of the 2.2 million Americans who could benefit from PrEP currently able to access it, the need for clear, consistent, no-nonsense PrEP coverage across all public and private insurers is urgent. At a moment when protections for preventive care are being actively undermined, this legislation would safeguard and strengthen a national vision for PrEP access that aligns with our shared goal of ending HIV as an epidemic.” Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director, PrEP4All

The full text of the bill is available here.

###

Rep. Balint Votes for War Powers Resolution to Rein in Trump’s Military Actions in Iran

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting for the War Powers Resolution that would rein in the President’s use of military force in Iran (H. Con. Res. 38) and to re-affirm Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism (H. Res. 1099):

“The Iranian people have suffered under a brutal and oppressive authoritarian regime for decades. Iran is the primary state sponsor of several terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Condemning Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism does not authorize the President to start an illegal war.

“Two things can be true at once: the regime in Iran should be condemned, and there continues to be no good case being made to Congress that there was an imminent threat to us or our interests that warranted troops being put in harm's way. Congress makes the decision on if we should go to war, not the President. That is why I also voted for today's War Powers Resolution, which would require the Trump administration to get congressional approval to continue their military actions in Iran.

“It seems Republicans are desperate to abdicate their authority and grasp at straws that excuse the administration’s dangerous, illegal attack that has already resulted in the tragic loss of six service members. They have failed to learn from history and are continuing to repeat their deeply unpopular playbook of cutting taxes for the rich and starting wars in the Middle East. Americans do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East, and I will continue to do everything in my power to hold this administration accountable to the People and to the Constitution.”

###

Rep. Balint Statement on Trump's Unauthorized Attack on Iran

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

BRATTLEBORO, VT – Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after it was announced that President Trump had launched an unauthorized attack against Iran overnight:

“President Trump has launched another dangerous, illegal attack on Iran without authorization from Congress. We have no reason to believe America was at any imminent risk - especially after President Trump claimed to have ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program in June. It’s true that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leads a brutal and oppressive regime, and I support the Iranian people bravely protesting to bring change. But this attack is not a plan for peace. It has put our troops in harm's way, thrown the entire region into conflict, and violates our Constitution and Congressional authority.

“Speaker Johnson must immediately reconvene the House so we can pass a War Powers Resolution to rein in this unauthorized use of our military and taxpayer dollars.

“We have no kings in America. We are a democracy in which the people get to decide the course of our nation. We must stand with the American people who have told us they do not want any costly wars or regime change. They want us focused here at home on providing healthcare, bringing down the cost of groceries, and building more homes. We as members of Congress must listen to what Americans have told us and vote accordingly.”

###

Rep. Balint to Speak at the “People’s State of the Union” and stand with Americans Impacted by Trump Instead of President’s Address

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today announced that she will join Democratic colleagues, community leaders, and Americans directly impacted by the Trump Administration’s policies at the People’s State of the Union on the National Mall, rather than attend President Trump’s State of the Union address.

Hosted by MoveOn, the People’s State of the Union will feature members of Congress alongside constituents and storytellers speaking about the real-world impacts of the Trump administration’s decisions — including health care cuts, rising costs, attacks on Constitutional rights and ICE’s violent immigration enforcement actions.

“The State of the Union is meant to be a serious reflection of our nation’s progress, our shortfalls, and the path forward,” said Rep. Balint. “Instead of sitting through what has become President Trump’s annual self-congratulation, misinformation, and division speech, I look forward to a night of standing with colleagues, organizers, advocates, and everyday Americans who are committed to doing the real and honest work of protecting our rights, strengthening our communities, and holding those in power accountable.”

Rep. Balint will be joined by Mohsen Mahdawi, a Vermont constituent, student leader, and advocate for Palestinian human rights whose life has been directly affected by Trump’s attack on Americans’ First Amendment rights.

“Vermont and the United States have become home to me not only by residence, but through the love, safety and solidarity I have experienced in this community,” said Mr. Mahdawi. “That is why being imprisoned on the very day I sought citizenship was not only devastating but also a profound betrayal of the principles on which this country was founded. I remain steadfast in my commitment to this country’s ideals, my recognition of the power of our voices, and my belief in the principles of democracy. Palestinians and Americans are fighting the same fight, a fight for dignity and rights without conditions. When we stand together across movements, across borders, across every line they use to divide us, we make it impossible to ignore that love is stronger than fear, hope is more powerful than despair, and freedom will always outlast oppression.”

The event begins at 8:00 PM ET on the National Mall and will be livestreamed. Press interested in covering this event in person should register their interest here.

About Mohsen Mahdawi

Born and raised in Al-Far’a refugee camp in the West Bank of Palestine, Mohsen Mahdawi's early years were defined by Israeli military occupation. At twenty-four, he moved to the United States and experienced freedom and safety for the first time in his life, finding in Vermont a true home rooted in belonging and the strength of a supportive community. At Columbia University, he became a leading voice for Palestinian rights through dialogue and coalition-building, including with Jewish and Israeli communities.

In April 2025 when Mohsen walked into an immigration office for his citizenship interview and was handcuffed and detained by ICE in retaliation for his pro-Palestinian activism. Mohsen continues his graduate studies in Diplomacy while defending his rights in courts and building an organization dedicated to human rights and nonviolent conflict resolution.

###

Following DOJ Antitrust Shakeup, Balint, Warren, Lawmakers Raise Questions About Corruption Surrounding DOJ Approval of Massive Housing Merger

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led colleagues in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi on whether there was corruption and political favoritism at the Department of Justice (DOJ) involving the agency’s questionable review of the massive merger between real estate giants Compass and Anywhere Real Estate. The lawmakers’ push follows the ouster of top DOJ antitrust official Gail Slater last week, raising questions about whether political interference is causing DOJ to stymie critical antitrust reviews of massive mergers that threaten to raise costs for consumers.

“This decision raises questions about corruption under your watch and its impact on housing affordability for American families. Allowing this merger will make it easier for these firms to exert greater control over the real estate market, limit consumer access and choice, and ultimately exacerbate the housing crisis that has put homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans,” wrote the lawmakers.

The letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.).

Real estate brokerage behemoths Compass and Anywhere announced a $1.6 billion merger in September of last year, subject to DOJ review. In a surprise move last month, Compass announced that it had completed its acquisition of Anywhere far ahead of schedule. The merger combines two of the nation’s largest residential real-estate brokerages, creating the largest agent network in the country — and raising antitrust and competition concerns.

With a housing crisis already flattening American families under Donald Trump, further consolidation in the market threatens to make it even harder for consumers to afford homeownership. Mergers like Compass-Anywhere can push homeownership even further out of reach — making a thorough and serious DOJ review of the merger all the more critical.

But DOJ leadership — namely the office of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche — reportedly hindered the agency’s antitrust review of the Compass-Anywhere merger, failing to protect Americans. Recent reporting revealed that DOJ Antitrust Division leadership, including recently-ousted Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, sought an extended investigation of the transaction given concerns it might violate federal antitrust law, but senior DOJ leaders overrode Slater and cleared the transaction without additional review. This decision by DOJ leadership apparently came after Compass hired Mike Davis — a Trump-allied lawyer who has been involved in other merger review controversies. Reporting suggests that Davis was responsible for pushing the Compass-Anywhere review forward — and after Slater was forced out of DOJ, Davis bragged that he recommended her firing.

“The fact pattern reported in the Compass-Anywhere deal is deeply disturbing, indicating that it may be another example of well-connected industries and lobbyists obtaining inside access to high-level Trump Administration DOJ officials, and using this access to pervert the antitrust process to obtain approval of anticompetitive mergers that will reduce competition and harm the public,” wrote the lawmakers.

This isn’t the first instance of apparent corruption under AG Bondi’s watch at DOJ. In July, lawmakers sounded the alarm regarding DOJ’s settlement of the Hewlett Packard-Juniper networks merger, after reports indicated that defendants retained lobbyists and consultants with ties to the Trump White House and DOJ leadership — resulting in the ouster of multiple of Slater’s deputies. In December, lawmakers pressed Bondi to recuse herself from DOJ’s review of any merger involving Warner Bros., given Bondi’s own apparent conflicts of interest and the cloud of corruption at the DOJ. Earlier this week, Senator Warren joined colleagues in pressing Bondi on Slater’s ouster, citing reports about Mike Davis’s involvement and sounding the alarm about the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing antitrust laws.

“Corruption in this process could exacerbate the current housing crisis, under which foreclosures are up 26 percent and mortgage delinquencies are at a four-year-high, while also setting a dangerous precedent that invites political interference in merger review across industries and undermines the antitrust laws that Congress put in place to safeguard competition and protect Americans,” wrote the lawmakers.

To ensure that the DOJ enforces antitrust law independently and fairly, the lawmakers pressed for more information about the agency’s unusual approval of the Compass-Anywhere merger and requested answers by March 5, 2026.

Text of Letter (PDF)

###

Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump Tariff Regime

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump does not have the authority to impose broad tariffs under the emergency act he has cited:

“Today's ruling was a major victory in defending Congress's power of the purse and reining in a President who has abused his power. As Vermonters, our tourism industry, small businesses, and border communities are deeply connected with our Canadian neighbors, and the impact of these tariffs has been severe. The chaos and instability - and the administration's harmful rhetoric - have hurt our small businesses, raised costs for working people, and caused our nation reputational harm."

“Targeted, strategic tariffs can strengthen American industries or bring good jobs home, but President Trump’s tariff regime was neither strategic nor predictable. Our families and businesses deserve smart, steady economic leadership, not economic whiplash."

###

Rep. Balint Issues Statement After Viewing Unredacted Epstein Files

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after reviewing unredacted Epstein files at the Department of Justice:

“What I saw in the Epstein files over the last two days was sickening and enraging. It is absolutely clear that we have a two-tiered system of justice in this country. One for the rich and powerful where the law is optional, and one for the rest of us. The sheer number of people involved — and the layers of cover-up that allowed this international criminal conspiracy to rape girls — is staggering. But more than anything, I am heartsick for the survivors, who have endlessly asked for compassion and justice, and instead been met with a political circus. They will continue to be front and center in my heart and mind as I question Attorney General Bondi tomorrow during her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.”

Attorney General Bondi will testify before the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow at 10:00 AM. The livestream can be viewed here.

###