119th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science, or HEALTHY BRAINS Act. The announcement was made at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol with former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, and other advocates.

“We know far too little about the environmental factors that may increase the risk for neurodegenerative disorders,” Rep. Subramanyam said. “These diseases rob individuals of their mobility, memory, independence, and most importantly, time. This bill will ensure vital research is conducted so we can get answers for patients and their families. Thank you to my friend and mentor Jennifer Wexton, the original author of the HEALTHY BRAINS Act.”

“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of disease and holds the promise of more effective treatments - and ultimately, cures,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, we are investing in research that will help us better understand the environmental factors that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic that this work will lead to improved health outcomes for millions of Americans who are suffering from these devastating conditions.”

The HEALTHY BRAINS Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish Collaborative Centers for Neurodegenerative Disease Environmental Research. These Centers will:

• Conduct and support research specifically targeting environmental risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases.
• Partner with researchers, health professionals, nonprofits, patients, and caregivers.
• Encourage the development of a nationwide neurodegenerative disease data system and a public clearinghouse for environmental risk factor knowledge.

“The reintroduction of the HEALTHY BRAINS Act in the House marks an important step toward safeguarding the brain health of millions of Americans,” said Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms are the fastest-growing neurological conditions in the world, affecting more than 1.2 million Americans today. By investing in dedicated research centers and strengthening collaboration across sectors, this bipartisan legislation advances a smarter, more coordinated federal response to understanding and addressing environmental risk factors for these diseases. The Michael J. Fox Foundation applauds Representatives Bilirakis and Subramanyam for championing this effort and extends special thanks to former Representative Jennifer Wexton for her support. We look forward to continuing our together to protect brain health for current and future generations.”

“The HEALTHY BRAINS Act advances research into not only what causes ALS, but how to prevent it,” said Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association. “This innovative legislation accelerates research into the environmental and occupational factors that may cause ALS and includes people living with ALS in the process. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Subramanyam and Congressman Bilirakis for their leadership in the fight against ALS.”

“Most experts agree that Parkinson’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” said Parkinson’s Foundation Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy and Policy Officer, Andi Lipstein Fristedt. “The Healthy Brains Act would help us better understand how toxic exposures and other risk factors contribute to brain diseases like Parkinson’s. We are grateful to the leadership of Representatives Subramanyam and Bilirakis for leading this important work.”

“The American Brain Coalition (ABC) is proud to voice our strong support for the HEALTHY BRAINS Act. This important legislation marks a forward-looking investment in the health of Americans by investing in research and training about how environmental factors contribute to neurodegenerative and other brain diseases…ABC looks forward to working with policymakers, researchers, advocates, and communities to help move this critical effort forward and secure a healthier future for all Americans,” Jennifer French, Chair, American Brain Coalition.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after President Trump announced he has fired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem:

“Kristi Noem should have been fired a long time ago. Her corruption, self-dealing, and tolerance and advocacy for lawlessness at ICE were sufficient grounds for termination.

On top of that, she fired high-performing, experienced federal workers and contractors in our community who kept our country safe. She was never fit to serve, and the Department needs a capable, qualified leader who will lead this agency forward and help protect the American people.”

Rep. Subramanyam is a co-sponsor of impeachment articles for Kristi Noem. In addition to Noem’s firing, Rep. Subramanyam voted against the DHS funding bill.

The Congressman said, “House Democrats have been very clear about what we want. We want accountability and transparency for ICE. That includes masks off of federal agents and no more administrative warrants. DHS doesn’t need to be shut down. We have a bill that would fund most of DHS except ICE and the office of the Secretary, but House Republicans have refused to bring it to the floor.

Additionally, this administration has fired counterterrorism and cybersecurity experts. We're now in a war where cybersecurity and terrorism are at the forefront. They fired a lot of people who were involved in counterterrorism, and there's a 22-year-old running counterterrorism for our country. We need leaders who will take our national security seriously.”

Rep. Subramanyam spoke on the House floor earlier today about the DHS funding bill. You can watch that here.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after voting for an Iran War Powers Resolution. Rep. Subramanyam is also a co-sponsor of the Resolution:

“Somehow President Trump found the money to start a unilateral war with Iran and spend billions of dollars a day in the Middle East, and yet he could not find the money for health care, food for kids, and benefits for veterans and seniors. What's more, this was a war of choice without buy-in or notice to our allies. I have not been shown any concrete evidence that the threat was imminent or that immediate military action was required.

The lack of foresight also left thousands of Americans stranded overseas, including several Virginians. My heart goes out to the 6 servicemembers who have been killed, 18 who have been wounded, their families, and all who are in harm’s way in the region – due to the lack of notice. While our military assets were quietly repositioned in the last few weeks, the State Department failed to issue travel advisories until the eleventh hour,  effectively telling our citizens ‘you’re on your own.’ That is unacceptable.

My vote today was to assert very clearly that President Trump must get buy-in from the American people and Congress. This conflict is a profound misuse of taxpayer funds, especially while American families struggle to afford health care and groceries. The American people must have a say.”

Earlier this week, Rep. Subramanyam demanded answers from Secretary Rubio about the plan to evacuate Americans in the Middle East who are now in harm’s way. Following outcry from Rep. Subramanyam and others, the State Department has now started evacuation flights from several countries in the Middle East. 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, demanded immediate action from the State Department to assist American citizens who have been stranded in the Middle East. Thousands of American citizens have been told to catch commercial flights and leave the region immediately days after the United States started bombing Iran. Multiple American embassies, military bases, and other locations housing Americans have been hit by retaliatory strikes by Iran.

The Ranking Member said, “It is the duty and responsibility of the United States government to ensure the safety of Americans both at home and around the globe. But it's clear this administration did not adequately warn Americans in the region and did not prepare enough to keep them safe. I am demanding this administration spare no expense in protecting Americans in the Middle East. If we have billions to spend on bombs and bullets, we have the money to evacuate Americans in the region and get them home safely.”

The Ranking Member ends his letter to Secretary Marco Rubio asking several questions about specific evacuation plans and assets the State Department needs to carry out necessary evacuations.

In case you missed it, Rep. Subramanyam dragged the Trump administration for their lack of a plan on the House floor.

Ranking Member Subramanyam’s full letter to Secretary Rubio can be found here and below.

###

Dear Secretary Rubio,

I write to you with extreme concern over the safety of Americans in the Middle East following the United States engaging in war with Iran. In the days after the initial February 28, 2026 strikes, there have been attacks and instances of violence at multiple U.S. Embassies and consulates, including in Riyadh, Kuwait, Dubai, and Pakistan. As a result, on Monday, March 2, 2026, Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar posted on social media, stating the State Department “urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks.” The list includes Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

There are reportedly 1 million Americans in the region. These Americans were given no advance notice, and urged to depart using “commercial transportation,” even though airlines have cancelled and diverted flights out of the region. Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports, some of the region’s hubs for international travel, suspended flight operations on February 28, 2026. Delta, United, and American Airlines alerted travelers about impacts. According to data from March 1, 2026, approximately 3,000 flights had already been cancelled.

While the United States military had time to move a second carrier group into position, no strategic plan was put in place to evacuate and support the thousands of Americans in the region.

These Americans are now in harm's way. Moreover, a number of countries in the region have no confirmed U.S. Ambassador and clear leadership that could assist Americans abroad. Additionally, in the days leading up to the military operation, FBI Director Kash Patel fired a dozen agents and staff members from a counterintelligence unit “tasked with monitoring threats from Iran.”

It is the duty and responsibility of the United States government to ensure the safety of Americans both at home and around the globe. However, based on the evidence thus far, I am increasingly concerned that the United States government’s unpreparedness is putting Americans at an elevated risk of harm.

As this war continues, I urge the Department to immediately put a plan in place to safely evacuate Americans in the region who are in harm's way. A plan that goes beyond “using available commercial transportation.” I also respectfully request answers to the following questions:

1. The U.K. Foreign Office is drafting plans to evacuate British citizens in the Middle East. Are there any plans already underway to evacuate Americans?
   1. Are there any plans to work with our allies in Europe and around the world to jointly evacuate U.S. citizens?
2. Were there any evaluation plans put in place before the strikes to support Americans in the region?
3. What assets are needed to carry out necessary evacuations?

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, released the following statement after U.S. military action in Iran:

“When we put American servicemembers’ lives at risk, we must ensure that the cause is worthy and the objective is clear. We must ask whether it truly makes our country safer and whether all diplomatic options have been exhausted. 

It is not clear to me that a protracted war with Iran fits that criteria. Last year, we were told that Iran’s nuclear capability was obliterated and it would take years to rebuild. Now we’re told it poses an existential threat to our country and requires war to destroy it. 

I support our troops and their families, and I support the Iranian people’s efforts to fight their oppressive government for a free, fair, and secular future. But the American people are tired of forever wars, regime change with unintended consequences, and spending trillions on wars abroad. 

And once again, President Trump, the ‘Peace President,’ began this military action without any Congressional authorization. The authority to declare war resides with Congress. As these developments unfold, President Trump must seek proper Congressional authorization.

My thoughts and prayers are with American troops and their families, the Iranian people, and people in the region, at this time.”

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) planned rescission of its recently published Interim Final Rule (IFR), which changed how veteran disability ratings would be evaluated:

“This is welcome news. The VA reversed course only after an outcry from thousands of veterans, their families, and outraged members of Congress like me. The original proposal was deeply flawed, effectively pressuring veterans to choose between medication or the full benefits they’ve earned.

Veterans’ benefits should never hinge on how their medication happens to be working on a given day. These benefits were earned through service and sacrifice. Our commitment to care for those who served should not be conditional.

I spoke out against this issue recently on the House floor, and I will continue to fight against any effort to shortchange our veterans. That is not who we are as a nation.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union speech:

“President Trump’s speech made one thing clear: he is not living in the same reality as the American people. He claimed prices are down, inflation is lower, and life is better than it was a year ago. Families at the grocery store and small business owners balancing their books know better. They feel the squeeze every single day.

In contrast, Governor Abigail Spanberger offered something this country desperately needs: a positive vision for the future of the greatest country on earth. A future where hard work actually pays off. A future where the economy doesn’t just benefit the wealthiest few. 

It’s time to start fighting for a future that truly delivers for the American people.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union speech:

“As President Trump continues to break promises and make life harder, I will be listening closely to hear whether he will reverse failed policies that have raised costs, made communities less safe, and taken away health care and benefits from families across our country and the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

I invited Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, as my guests with Ranking Member Raskin, to remind the President of one of his many broken promises. He vowed to release all the files and support victims, and yet he continues to side with his friends and withhold key documents. I want Trump to look Sky, Amanda, and all the survivors in the eye when he says there is no more to investigate with Jeffrey Epstein, even though 2.5 million documents haven’t been released and key witnesses were never interviewed.

Trump has failed these victims and their families. Just like he has failed the American people by not lowering costs, making health care more affordable, or provoking any new wars. Maybe tonight he can turn a new leaf and propose actions that will make life better for the American people. I’m not holding my breath.”