119th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) has introduced two bipartisan bills, the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act and the Public Safety UAS Readiness Act, to better support our law enforcement officers and first responders. 

“The mental health crisis among our first responders and law enforcement is real and urgent. We ask these brave men and women to run towards danger, witness unimaginable tragedy, and carry that weight. That is why it is important to make sure they have access to the mental health resources and support they deserve. Peer support programs have proven to be one of the most effective tools we have, and the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act will strengthen that work across the country. Our first responders show up for us every single day, it is time we show up for them,” said Rep. Subramanyam.

The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act will enhance and streamline the ongoing peer-to-peer work for our law enforcement officers and first responders’ behavioral and mental health. First responders and law enforcement personnel face higher risk for developing behavioral health conditions, and peer-to-peer programs have proven to be effective and popular. A study by the Fraternal Order of Police found that nearly 3 in 4 respondents preferred treatment from peer specialists in times of crisis. The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act would bring together experts, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and stakeholders by establishing an interagency working group which would review best practices and issue updated recommendations to Congress on ways to improve behavioral and mental health outcomes.

“Federal law enforcement officers and first responders regularly face traumatic and high-stress situations that can take a lasting toll on their mental health. Peer support programs, built on trust, shared experience, and confidentiality, have proven to be one of the most effective ways to ensure those who serve our communities have access to the support they need," said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President Mathew Silverman. “The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026 is an important step toward strengthening these programs by bringing together federal, state, tribal, and local leaders, along with the first responders themselves, to identify best practices and improve outcomes. On behalf of the members of the FLEOA, I commend Representatives Subramanyam, Rutherford, and Alford for their leadership on this effort and for recognizing the importance of supporting the behavioral health of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”

“State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders. They respond to our country’s greatest tragedies, violent crimes, and horrible accidents that are occurring more frequently in our communities. They have seen and experienced horrors that they cannot forget, yet we still expect them each day to protect and serve our communities,” said National Association of Police Organizations Executive Director Bill Johnson. “The least we can do is ensure they have the culturally competent, accessible, and confidential mental health and wellness services necessary for their wellbeing and that of their families, which is why we support the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026.  NAPO thanks Representative Subramanyam for his leadership and we look forward to working with him to pass this important bill.”

“Peer support works because it's built on shared experience. When a fellow first responder says I've been there, that carries weight that is simply irreplaceable. And the reality is, the behavioral health needs of those on the front lines are too great to be met by any single approach alone. Boulder Crest Foundation strongly supports the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act because it takes seriously what the evidence already shows: trained peers are not a stopgap — they are essential. Congressman Subramanyam's legislation will help ensure these programs are built right, with the standards and protections they deserve,” said Josh Goldberg, CEO, Boulder Crest Foundation.

The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Narcotic Officers' Associations’ Coalition, Major County Sheriffs of America, and the Boulder Crest Foundation.

The Congressman also introduced the Public Safety UAS Readiness Act that would establish a $10 million per year grant program to support the creation and development of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot training for fire departments, emergency medical service providers, and law enforcement agencies. UAS are revolutionizing the way that first responders and public safety officers operate. They provide access to real-time data and improve the awareness for those responding to emergencies. There is a critical need for a standard UAS pilot training program for public safety personnel, and the Public Safety UAS Readiness Act will fill that void. 

“Every day, our first responders and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. They deserve every tool and resource available to do their jobs effectively. Unmanned Aircraft Systems have already proven to be a game-changer in emergency response, providing real-time data and situational awareness that saves lives. But without a standardized pilot training program, we are leaving critical capabilities on the table. The Public Safety UAS Readiness Act will make sure our public safety personnel are equipped with the skills they need to use this technology and better protect the American people,” said Rep. Subramanyam.

“Drones are transforming how first responders protect our communities,” said Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA). “Our region faces complex challenges that require our first responders to have every tool at their disposal. These technologies give them real-time aerial views, helping them act faster, stay safer, and save more lives.”

“Drones give fire fighters a clearer picture of conditions on the ground and help locate victims faster in an emergency. But too many departments still can't afford this technology. Rep. Subramanyam's bill helps get these critical tools into the hands of fire fighters. The IAFF thanks him for his leadership and urges Congress to pass this bill for the safety of our communities,” said Edward A. Kelly, IAFF General President.

Bill text for the Public Safety UAS Readiness Act.

Bill text for the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), alongside Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Emily Randall (D-WA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA), introduced the bipartisan Congressional Pension Integrity Act. This legislation would prohibit members of Congress who commit sex crimes, crimes of violence, corruption and fraud, and engage in sexual relations with their staff, from receiving their taxpayer funded pensions. 

“Members of Congress should be held to a high standard and serve as an example to their constituents, not embarrass the institution with criminal behavior and sex crimes. Taxpayers should not have to pay pensions to Members who commit heinous crimes while serving in office, but right now we do. This bill changes that and provides real accountability,” said Rep. Subramanyam.

“No Member of Congress who is convicted of sexual assault should continue to benefit from taxpayer-funded pensions. Regardless of party, this is basic accountability and something we should all agree on, which is why I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation alongside my colleague from across the aisle Rep. Suhas Subramanyam,” said Rep. Luna.

Currently, members of Congress who commit heinous crimes may still be able to keep their pensions. And there is insufficient accountability for members who are convicted of a crime or who sexually assault or harass their staff members. The Congressional Pension Integrity Act ensures that members of Congress who are convicted of a crime or who break House rules by engaging in sexual conduct with, sexually assaulting or harassing staff are stripped of their pension. Those crimes include:

• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Sex trafficking
• Crimes of violence
• Bribery and conflict of interest crimes
• Election fraud/tampering
• Embezzlement and theft
• Mail fraud
• Obstruction of justice
• Campaign finance violations
• Members who engage in sexual conduct with their staff

“Americans are sick of being let down by the people elected to represent them,” said Rep. Randall. “We already strip taxpayer funded pensions from Members convicted of corruption, bribery, and treason – sexual assault and harassment must be taken just as seriously.”

“With accusations of ethical and legal misconduct swirling around several current and former members of Congress, Americans are rightly asking why their taxpayer dollars are going to officials who violated their constituents’ trust,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “When members of Congress leave office after committing violent criminal offenses, they should not be able to continue collecting American taxpayer dollars by drawing their pensions. CREW is proud to support Rep. Subramanyam and Rep. Luna's Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 2026 and encourage Congress to pass it expeditiously.”

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam is a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Ethics Committee. 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after the Iran War Powers Resolution failed to pass by one vote:

“I just voted again to assert Congress's war powers authority. 

This President is spending billions a day on a war of choice that has only caused more problems in the region and raised gas prices here at home. Meanwhile, he cut health care and raised costs on Americans because he said we didn't have the money. 

Instead of blindly backing the President, the House GOP should join us to make life better for the American people.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement:

“Dr. Cerina Fairfax was a kind, wonderful woman who was beloved by those who knew her. Like everyone else, I am shocked by this horrible act of violence. My heart goes out to their children, their family, and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.

Domestic violence is far too common in our society and affects people with public and private lives. If you or someone you know is at risk, call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) delivered the following remarks about the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act before it passed the House:

“A big reason why we are here is that on January 29, 2025, a U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342 collided in midair outside DCA.

67 lives were lost, many of them parents and children in my community in Northern Virginia. After the crash, many of us said we would do all we can to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

The ALERT Act is part of the solution.

The bill addresses all 50 of the safety recommendations by the NTSB’s following their investigation into this crash. We need to address them all because it wasn’t just one issue that led to this tragedy. It was a combination of systemic problems that made our national airspace unsafe.

But I want to stress that there is more work to do. 

First, we must ensure there are no delays in implementing collision-prevention technology for every type of aircraft. We must also ensure that exemptions from new safety requirements are granted only when absolutely necessary. Finally, the ROTOR Act is a big part of the solution. It passed the Senate resoundingly and has the support of the families. 

We must restore trust in our airspaces and make sure nothing like this happens again.

I really want to thank the families and loved ones of Flight 5342. Without their advocacy and their persistence, neither the ALERT Act, nor the ROTOR Act, would have made it this far.

I look forward to continuing to work with the families and my colleagues to get this legislation across the finish line.”

Rep. Subramanyam is a co-sponsor of the ALERT Act.

The ALERT Act is a bipartisan legislative response to the aviation safety issues raised after the 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at DCA. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam’s (VA-10) bill, the Firefighter Trevor Brown Post Office Building Act (H.R. 5058), has passed the House unanimously. It will rename the post office on Westlake Drive in Sterling, Virginia after Firefighter Trevor Brown, a volunteer firefighter at the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company who lost his life in the line of duty while responding to an emergency gas leak call in 2024.

The Congressman gave the following remarks on the House floor ahead of the bill’s passage:

“I introduced this legislation to honor the life of Firefighter Trevor Brown, a volunteer fire-fighter at Sterling Fire and Rescue who lost his life in the line of duty while responding to an emergency gas leak call in 2024. 

Firefighter Brown was beloved in our community and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a husband and father of three who coached youth soccer and baseball. 

And whether it was teaching kids about teamwork or volunteering for late night shifts at the fire house, Firefighter Brown always found a way to give back to the community. 

It is my hope that renaming this Post Office to honor Firefighter Brown will keep his memory alive, inspire others, and remind us of his incredible courage, honor, and sacrifice.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

LEESBURG, VA – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) has announced that his office has returned $6.3 million in federal benefits to constituents in Northern Virginia. The Congressman’s staff have also helped almost 4,000 residents successfully cut through the red tape at federal agencies to receive benefits, tax returns, immigration paperwork, and passports. 

“I am so proud that my office has been able to help thousands of constituents and save them so much time and money. We take pride in being responsive and helping residents get the benefits and services they are owed from the federal government. This can be the difference between paying the bills or getting healthcare that they need. We will continue to provide top-notch constituent services to our constituents,” said Rep. Subramanyam. 

In addition to the $6.3 million returned to constituents, and 3,802 residents helped, the Congressman’s office has answered over 10,700 calls and responded to 63,300 letters and emails.

“Navigating a broken federal IT system for over a year was an incredibly distressing and isolating experience, especially when standard consumer channels repeatedly failed and auto-closed my tickets. (Subramanyam’s team) handled this complex technical escalation with the utmost professionalism, persistence, and care…Your work has lifted a massive weight off our family's shoulders and truly makes a life-changing difference for your constituents,” said Christy from Gainesville.

“I (want) to express my profound gratitude to you and your staff for the exceptional support I received in navigating the healthcare system at the Martinsburg VA Hospital…Your staff has worked tirelessly to ensure I received the care and attention I needed. This wasn't just ‘election year’ optics; it was the fulfillment of a promise to stand by those who served. Knowing that your office is actively advocating for veterans in the 10th District—not just when it’s politically convenient, but every day—gives me and my fellow veterans a renewed sense of confidence in our representation,” said Brendon from Purcellville. 

“Thank you again for your support during this difficult situation while my husband was stranded in Dubai. Your willingness to listen and help means a great deal to our family. Your dedication to helping constituents and standing by the community is deeply appreciated,” said Rupal from Gainesville. 

For casework help, find out more information here: https://subramanyam.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency 

LEESBURG, VA – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after the State Corporation Commission (SCC) announced it had approved aboveground transmission lines for the Golden to Mars project:

“I am disappointed by the State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) decision to allow a Golden to Mars overhead transmission line route to move forward. Route 4 runs very close to homes and schools. Many in our community, including me, had urged the SCC to do everything possible to prevent this transmission line from negatively impacting our communities. Overhead transmission lines like this create health, environmental, safety, and even national security issues. 

I will continue to make sure officials at the local, state, and federal level hear our concerns. Long term, we must underground lines like this and make the data centers pay for their own energy infrastructure.” 

Last September, Rep. Subramanyam wrote to the commissioners urging them to look at all of the options for this project and to consider community concerns. In December, the Congressman held a community town hall on data centers and transmission lines before the Golden to Mars public comment period ended.