Representative Deborah Ross

Ross, Hurd, Beyer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen AI Security and Vulnerability Reporting

Tue, 174 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jeff Hurd (CO-3), and Don Beyer (VA-08) introduced the AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the security of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill would create a voluntary federal reporting program through which AI developers can disclose vulnerabilities in their models, enabling coordinated efforts to identify, manage, and responsibly disclose flaws before they can be exploited.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), an authoritative dataset that organizations across the world use to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would direct NIST to create similar processes for the reporting of AI flaws and vulnerabilities. It also directs NIST to engage with the private sector and assist with developing methods for detecting, monitoring, and remediating AI flaws.

The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would also direct NIST to bring together stakeholders to study AI flaws and vulnerabilities across sectors and assess the reporting and response infrastructure developed by the bill. NIST would then be required to submit its findings to Congress within three years.

“I’m proud to represent much of the Research Triangle Park, home to organizations and institutions that are driving innovation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” said Congresswoman Ross. “AI is already shaping how we work, communicate, and access information, and we must put appropriate safeguards in place to address the risks that come with this rapidly evolving technology. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act. This commonsense legislation will help us better identify and address vulnerabilities in AI systems while advancing the responsible development of this technology.”

“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, and that leadership starts with secure and reliable systems,” said Congressman Hurd. “This bipartisan bill creates a practical framework to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, helping strengthen trust in AI while supporting continued innovation. I’m proud to work across the aisle to ensure the United States remains the global leader in developing and deploying these technologies.”

“As AI technologies continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, AI systems face growing threats that can expose sensitive data, create new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and beyond,” said Congressman Beyer. “Congress cannot afford to fall behind in addressing these emerging risks and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. Our legislation would establish a centralized reporting mechanism for potential security and safety vulnerabilities in AI systems, allowing for timely and coordinated action to mitigate risks.”

Bill text is available here.

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Q&A: What Deborah Ross saw inside the ICE processing facility in Cary

NC Newsline by Ahmed Jallow — Mon, 166 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross says the complaints her office receives about immigration detention rarely involve the ICE processing facility in Cary.

Instead, Ross said, concerns typically arise after people are transferred to the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, where North Carolinians can spend months in federal custody.

Ross recently toured the Cary facility with Rep. Valerie Foushee as part of a congressional oversight visit. She said the site functions primarily as a short-term processing center where people are held for only a few hours before being transported elsewhere.

NC Newsline spoke with Ross about what she observed during the visit, and why she is pushing for a congressional inspection of the Georgia facility.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Can you describe what you saw during your visit to the Cary facility?

Ross: It’s not a big processing center. It’s just a small facility. There are two things that go on in the facility, and we went through every nook and cranny.

There’s an ICE processing facility where they bring in people who have been picked up by ICE and process them before they go to the Stewart facility in Georgia. People come in through a secure bay and then go to a processing area. There are three holding cells — one for women and two for men. One of the men’s holding cells is for people who are violent offenders because they don’t want somebody who overstayed a visa in a cell with a violent criminal.

People stay in those holding cells only a couple of hours, and then a van picks them up and takes them to the Stewart facility in Georgia. We saw everything, including cameras that allowed us to see into the holding cells. At the time we were there, there were not many people in the cells, and there were not many people being processed. It was actually kind of a quiet situation.

They’re equipped to process people, but those people don’t stay for a long time, so it’s not like they have beds or anything like that.

I’ve been to processing facilities at the border in Texas. This was not anything like that.

The other part of the building is Homeland Security. It may help ICE, but it deals with things such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and cybersecurity. We went to that part of the facility, too, and talked to the person in charge, who has worked there for five years.

Why did you decide to visit the facility?

I wanted to see what was happening in my district. That’s not the first time I’ve been to that facility.

Before the Trump administration, that facility was considered a friendly facility for people who had immigration issues they were trying to resolve. In the past, our area wanted a Homeland Security and ICE facility because, without one, people would have had to drive to Charlotte to do normal things such as international adoptions and visa extensions.

I’ve been to that facility before. I just hadn’t been there under the Trump administration, so I wanted to see the difference between something that could do helpful things and a place that might not be doing helpful things.

This is not the first time I have visited facilities. I went to McAllen, Texas, and I went to the wall in Texas when I first got on the immigration subcommittee. I’ve seen the big facilities, but I wanted to see what the experience would be for somebody in my district.

Now I need to go to where people get transferred because that’s where there are abuses, where people aren’t getting medical care and where I hear about different problems. That’s where Fatima, the woman from Wendell who had done everything right, went, and then we had to get her back from Georgia.

I think it’s important that I go and see where people go, because when my office is contacted, it’s almost never about the facility in North Carolina. It’s always about the facility in Georgia.

Did you ask about medical care or other basic needs for people being processed there?

We brought up whether people have access to their medications and whether they are being taken care of.

Compared with where I went in Texas, this facility was cleaner and nicer. They didn’t have a doctor on staff because people are there only for a brief period of time.

What I saw was people moving through the system, not a place where people were sleeping or showering. They told us they give everybody a meal there.

When I went to Texas, we saw multiple cells with people on the floor, sleeping with Mylar blankets and not having enough clothing. We saw the whole thing, and that is why I want to go to the Georgia facility. Unless somebody was having a seizure or something like that, they’re just not there long enough for it to become an issue.

How are people transported from Cary to the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia?

They said it’s usually a small van. When we were there, we did not see any of the transport.

What we did see was a secure bay where vehicles come in for drop-off and pick-up so people are not exposed outside. It’s the same as at a police station, where people are brought into a secure bay to make sure everything is secure when they’re getting in and out of the vehicle.

What we saw was where a vehicle would bring a person in and the stages they would go through. If a vehicle came to transport them somewhere else, they wouldn’t be out in a parking lot.

Did you discuss overcrowding?

We asked about that, but they said right now it’s not happening. Because they don’t keep people for very long, they said they haven’t had that situation, and we didn’t witness it.

When I went to Texas, I witnessed overcrowding. They told us it was much better than during the first Trump administration, but it was still heartbreaking to see what was going on. There was a whole holding cell for pregnant women.

When I went to this facility, it seemed more like you were going to your local police department.

Were you able to speak with anyone being held there?

No.

We have a ruling from a federal judge that says we’re allowed to conduct unannounced inspections, so they can’t turn us away. But we do not have the right to interfere in their business.

There weren’t many people to talk to anyway. What we could do was observe what was going on, but we couldn’t insert ourselves into the process.

When we go to Georgia, we’re going to have a list of people who have had medical difficulties or other problems, and we’ll be able to inquire about what’s going on with people who are staying there for a longer period of time. That’s why we want to go to Georgia.

What are your plans for visiting the Georgia facility?

We are trying to set up the Georgia visit so that it is very clear that many eyes are on it, rather than just showing up for an hour and leaving.

We are involving the Georgia delegation. We tried to do this last year, but there was a scheduling problem, so we’re very focused on doing it.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal is insisting that we get the maximum access. She has been outstanding in her work on this, and she is very committed to working with me, Rep. Valerie Foushee and the Georgia delegation.

About how many people were in the holding cells during your visit?

Fewer than five.

What is your reaction to the additional funding [approved last week] for ICE and Homeland Security?

It’s a waste of money, and it’s an abuse of power.

https://ncnewsline.com/2026/06/15/qa-what-deborah-ross-saw-inside-the-ice-processing-facility-in-cary/

Democrats demand answers over DOJ’s prison policy change tied to Ghislaine Maxwell

MSNow by Kevin Frey — Fri, 163 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

House Democrats want answers about a recent policy change at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, arguing leaders at the Department of Justice are trying to “cover their tracks” following the August transfer of Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower-security facility.

That new policy, which was published last month and has not been previously reported, dictates that “in certain circumstances, the Attorney General may exercise authority to designate or redesignate the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment.”

Democrats argue the expansion of federal authority over inmate placement is a major departure from previous policies, which they say vested more authority in the Bureau of Prisons and placed specific restrictions on where inmates could be held — including taking into account whether the prisoner is a sex offender.

Rep. Deborah Ross of North Carolina, a Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee, said the “clear implication” is that — under the old rules — the Department of Justice violated the Bureau of Prisons own rules when it “transferred Ghislaine Maxwell to Club Fed, where sex offenders are not allowed to be.”

“Since it violated the policy for who can do prison transfers, they’re trying to cover their tracks retroactively,” Ross alleged.

Last year, Maxwell was transferred from a low-security facility in Florida to a minimum-security camp in Texas, shortly after she met with then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who said he wanted to talk about what she knows about Epstein.

Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minors. She has appealed for President Donald Trump to grant her clemency.

“I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out what they’re doing,” Ross said of the DOJ.

Amping up pressure on the Trump administration for answers, Ross sent a letter, shared first with MS NOW, to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Friday morning.

In it, Ross asks the agency to explain what prompted the policy change and how it was developed. She also asks for the bureau to detail how many times the Attorney General has intervened regarding a prison designation or redesignation decision.

“Given Congress’s responsibility to oversee the federal correctional system and ensure that BOP policies are evidence-based, transparent, and consistent with statutory requirements, we require answers on how and why your Bureau decided to give the Attorney General the authority to unilaterally transfer inmates and disregard the BOP evaluation of an inmate’s safety classification,” Ross writes in the letter.

The letter also says the new policy “raises troubling questions about the scope of the Attorney General’s asserted authority, the circumstances under which this authority may be exercised, and the potential effects on institutional operations, fairness, transparency, and consistency in federal prisoner placement decisions.”

“Especially in light of Maxwell’s transfer,” the letter continues, any policy update “warrants careful scrutiny by Congress and the public.”

The letter is co-signed by Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who is poised to become the next chairman of the House Judiciary Committee if Democrats win control of the chamber in November, and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who spearheaded the congressional effort to force the release of the Epstein files.

MS NOW separately reached out to the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ask for an explanation for the policy change. Neither agency responded.

The demand for answers from House Democrats comes as Blanche, Trump’s pick to serve as the next Attorney General, is staring down the Senate confirmation process.

Ross told MS NOW that, provided the Bureau of Prisons does not respond to their House inquiry, Democrats will urge their Senate colleagues to ask Blanche about the prison policy change when it comes time for his confirmation hearing.

“We hope it comes up,” she said.

Getting to the bottom of the policy revision, she said, will also likely be part of Democratic efforts next year to conduct oversight of the Trump White House and its handling of the Epstein case should they win control of the House and the committee gavels in November’s midterms.

“You can be sure of it,” she said.

https://www.ms.now/news/democrats-demand-answers-doj-prison-policy-ghislaine-maxwell

Congresswoman Ross Votes Against $70 Billion Blank Check for Trump’s Immigration Policies

Wed, 161 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after voting against Republicans’ partisan budget reconciliation package, which would give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) $70 billion to execute the Trump administration’s cruel immigration agenda.

“Instead of taking action to lower costs for the American people, Republicans have passed a blank check to ICE and CBP, without any of the meaningful reforms that the public supports.

“In North Carolina and across the country, federal immigration agents have terrorized our communities – abducting people off the streets, separating families and children, deporting legal residents, violating due process rights, and even killing U.S. citizens. We all want safe communities – but Trump’s ICE and CBP are operating without regard for the law or the Constitution.

“This egregious package fails to include any real reforms to rein in Trump’s lawless immigration policies. Instead of helping working families afford housing, groceries, and healthcare, Republicans have chosen to spend billions more empowering a corrupt administration that repeatedly ignores the law and violates fundamental rights.”

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Representatives Ross, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote Energy Independence and Security in Moldova

Wed, 161 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Mike Lawler (NY-17), co-chairs of the Congressional Moldova Caucus, introduced the Promoting Oversight With Energy Resilience for Moldova, or the POWER Moldova Act of 2026. This legislation would help Moldova build more secure and independent energy infrastructure by tracking progress on key energy milestones and encouraging information sharing on new energy technologies. Energy independence in Moldova would improve its security and strengthen its role as a reliable strategic partner to the United States and democratic bulwark against Russian influence and aggression.

Moldova has made large strides in reducing its dependence on Russian energy, including through participation in the Vertical Gas Corridor, a regional initiative to diversify energy supply and reduce reliance on Russia. Moldova’s need for independent energy sources was further highlighted following Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure in March 2026, in which the Moldovan government declared a 60-day state of alert.

The POWER Moldova Act would encourage the Moldovan Ministry of Energy to work with the U.S. Departments of State and Energy to increase the country’s renewable energy production by instituting a reporting requirement. This legislation follows the introduction of Representatives Ross and Lawler’s legislation, the 2023 U.S.-Moldova Defense Partnership Act, which would help assist Moldova in its defense needs amidst Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Moldova continues to stand strong in the face of Russian interference and aggression,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “To protect their sovereignty and the security of the region, we must ensure Moldova can access long-term, reliable sources of energy. My home state of North Carolina has served as a strategic partner to Moldova for over 30 years. Supporting Moldova’s energy independence strengthens democratic partners and creates opportunities for deeper cooperation that benefit both North Carolinians and the Moldovan people. I will continue working with Congressman Lawler to promote a secure future for the people of Moldova and strengthen the U.S.-Moldova partnership for years to come.”

“The United States and Moldova have maintained a strong partnership for over three decades, a relationship that has taken on renewed importance amid the Sandu Administration’s work on European integration and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” said Congressman Lawler. “This legislation will provide Congress with a clearer understanding of where our relationship is strong and where we can be more helpful to our partner to ensure long-term resilience in the face of regional threats.”

Bill text is available here.

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U.S. Rep. Ross pushes bill to give independent musicians power to collectively negotiate with AI and streaming services

WUNC News by Brian Burns — Fri, 149 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Congresswoman Deborah Ross leads a panel discussing the Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026 at The Pour House in downtown Raleigh, N.C. (Left to right: Shirlette Ammons, Rissi Palmer, Tift Merritt, Mariah Czap, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Laura Ballance)

A new bill put forward by U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, D-Wake, aims to empower independent musicians as they face growing issues and concerns with both streaming platforms and artificial intelligence companies.

The Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026 would give independent artists power to collectively negotiate with corporations like Spotify and the AI companies that scrape music from the service. As it currently stands, independent artists have little ability to negotiate for fair compensation from these companies.

"What our bill does is give the power to the musicians to be able to collaborate, work together, and negotiate with the big guys, and not be picked off one after the other," Ross said Thursday at a roundtable event at The Pour House in downtown Raleigh.

"The music industry does not always respect (their) work. We know that AI steals their intellectual property, and the only way that they are going to be able to stick up for themselves is by being able to work together."

Joining Ross at the roundtable was a panel of musicians, record label owners and promoters who support the effort. Durham-based country musician Rissi Palmer was one of them.

"As much as everyone wants to talk about there being opportunities within AI, all I see is a new way to steal and a new way to cut us out, and I'm not okay with that," she said. "I am in a genre that is predominantly white and predominantly male. A lot of my advocacy work is for people of color within that space, just to have equal time and equal space and equal platform. What we're seeing now, especially in country (music), is that AI is allowing a new type of Black face. What you can do is steal someone's essence, you can steal their voice, their sound, their soul, and put a white face on it, package it, and it gets more attention."

Singer-songwriter Tift Merritt also joined Ross at The Pour House. As co-chair of the Artists Rights Alliance, Merritt recently organized a campaign to urge AI companies to pursue licensing deals and partnerships rather than build platforms without regard for copyright law.

"I'm here because I think that music is a canary in the coal mine for a whole lot of issues that the creative labor force is facing," she said. "The streaming wages were negotiated in back door deals between major labels and Spotify. We were not at the table. Now with AI, they are training on us to replace us, which is not fair use. Spotify has made it very clear that they have no interest in labeling AI content, because the more content there is on their site, the longer you will stay on it, and the better it is for them. It is absolutely past time for us to have the right to boycott, strike, and collectively bargain because this entire industry is built on our backs."

The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas. It's also backed by labor unions like the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and trade organizations like the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM).

"The Protect Working Musicians Act is as urgent today as it was when it was first introduced in 2023," said A2IM CEO Ian Harrison. "The explosion of AI and the continued dominance of a handful of streaming giants make it clear that independent artists need real tools to advocate for themselves. A2IM is proud to stand behind this reintroduction and will continue fighting until working musicians have the rights and protections they deserve."

Ross noted at the roundtable that it would be difficult for the bill to pass this year, given the Republican majority in Congress.

https://www.wunc.org/wunc-music/2026-05-29/ross-independent-musicians-collectively-negotiate-ai-streaming-services

Rep. Ross introduces bill to give indie musicians collective bargaining power

Axios Raleigh by Zachery Eanes — Thu, 148 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Surrounded by award-winning musicians, U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, a Democrat from Wake County, made the case Thursday for legislation that would give musicians more power to collectively bargain against music streaming and artificial intelligence companies.

Why it matters: At a press conference at the Pour House in Raleigh, local musicians like Tift Merritt, Shirlette Ammons and Rissi Palmer, as well as Merge Records co-founder Laura Ballance, said low payouts on streaming platforms are making it harder for artists to make a living.

On top of that, they worry that AI companies are using their art without compensation to train models that make music that will crowd out human artists.

Driving the news: Earlier this month, Ross introduced the "Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026," which she says would give independent musicians more of an ability to collectively bargain over streaming payouts or compensation from AI companies for training their models off their songs.

Friction point: AI artists have even begun charting on country music charts, Axios Nashville reported. And the AI music company Suno, which allows users to create full pieces of music with AI, recently raised money at a $5 billion valuation.

"All I see is a new way to steal and a new way to cut [musicians] out, and I'm not OK with that," Palmer, a country artist from Durham, said.

Zoom in: Merritt, a singer-songwriter from Raleigh, said that streaming platforms have fundamentally changed how musicians make money.

- If 100,000 streams is only worth $300, it makes it harder to justify going into debt to produce an album. Artists on major labels can often negotiate better rates than independent artists, she added.

-"The streaming wage was negotiated in backdoor deals between major labels and Spotify," she said. Independent musicians "were not at the table."

What's next: The bill is unlikely to pass this year, Ross admitted, but she is hopeful it could gain more momentum if Democrats take a majority in the House.

https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/28/rep-ross-introduces-bill-to-give-indie-musicians-collective-bargaining-power

Ross, Carbajal, Panetta, Scott Lead Investigation into Trump Admin’s $2 Billion Payout to Energy Companies to Halt Offshore Wind Projects

Thu, 148 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Bobby Scott (VA-03) led their colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump administration about nearly $2 billion in payouts to energy companies to terminate offshore wind projects. The lawmakers outlined how these payments appear to demonstrate a concerted effort to bribe companies to abandon the offshore wind energy market.

The lawmakers emphasized Trump’s history of clear favoritism toward the fossil fuel industry as further evidence of his administration’s attempts to undermine the offshore wind energy industry:

“On your first day in office, you directed agencies not to issue new approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects pending review,” they wrote. “A federal judge later struck down this permitting halt as unlawful and arbitrary, finding that your administration had failed to provide reasoned explanations for these actions. When you were unable to muster a sound legal defense of your administration’s actions, you immediately pivoted to this payment scheme.”

They went on to outline how these transactions may violate federal law:

“You have furnished these reimbursements through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Judgment Fund, which was created to pay valid judgements and settlements where the United States is the defendant. The details of these agreements make clear that your payment structure does not meet the statutory requirements governing use of the Judgment Fund.”

The members are demanding answers about these payments, including the following questions:

Did the President personally direct, approve, encourage, or participate in discussions concerning the termination of offshore wind leases or any requirement that leaseholders redirect capital into oil, gas, LNG, or other fossil-fuel projects?
Did any administration official communicate with fossil-fuel executives, trade associations, lobbyists, donors, campaign officials, transition officials, or outside political advisers about using taxpayer funds to cancel offshore wind projects or redirect private capital into fossil-fuel projects?
Did any person or entity that stood to benefit from the agreement make, solicit, bundle, discuss, or promise campaign contributions, political expenditures, inaugural contributions, business opportunities, or other things of value connected to the administration or its allies?

The letter is also signed by the following lawmakers: Representatives Nanette Barragán, Sean Casten, Joe Courtney, Mike Quigley, Paul Tonko, Jennifer McClellan, Valerie Foushee, John Garamendi, Mike Levin, Chellie Pingree, and Shri Thanedar.

Full text of the letter is available here.

In addition to being a Co-Chair of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus, Congresswoman Ross is the Ranking Member of the Energy Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Offshore wind development has been one of her signature issues in Congress, including successfully pushing to repeal the 10-year offshore wind leasing moratorium off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida through the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Ross Introduces Legislation to Support Independent Musicians and Ensure Fair Negotiations with Streaming Platforms and AI Developers

Thu, 141 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Congresswoman Ross Introduces Legislation to Support Independent Musicians and Ensure Fair Negotiations with Streaming Platforms and AI Developers

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026. This legislation will give small independent artists and music creators the power to collectively negotiate with both streaming platforms and generative artificial intelligence (AI) developers for fair compensation.

Under current law, small and independent musicians have little ability to bargain for fair compensation for the use of their music by global streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music. Instead, they are forced to accept whatever terms are offered by these platforms, while also having little recourse against AI companies who routinely scrape and use their music without consent. This legislation allows independent artists to band together and collectively negotiate with large streaming platforms and AI developers, without running afoul of antitrust law.

“North Carolina has long been home to outstanding artists and a vibrant independent music scene that play a vital role in our state’s culture and economy,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Working musicians and small independent labels face urgent challenges to their livelihoods posed by the market power of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Now, as the use of AI in music production explodes, it’s more urgent than ever to ensure artists’ creations aren’t being used without fair licenses and pay. The Protect Working Musicians Act will level the playing field for small, independent music creators, and empower these talented musicians to demand fair compensation.”

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Lloyd Doggett (TX-35).

The Protect Working Musicians Act is endorsed by the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Authors Guild, Future of Music Coalition, Recording Academy, Music Managers Forum-US (MMF-US), Music Artists Coalition, Music Workers Alliance, National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Society of Composers & Lyricists, Songwriters Of North America (SONA), Songwriters Guild of America, and United Musicians & Allied Workers.

"Independent musicians are the lifeblood of a diverse and thriving music ecosystem, yet they continue to face an uneven playing field when negotiating with some of the most powerful technology and streaming companies in the world," said Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM . "The Protect Working Musicians Act is as urgent today as it was when it was first introduced in 2023. The explosion of AI and the continued dominance of a handful of streaming giants make it clear that independent artists need real tools to advocate for themselves. A2IM is proud to stand behind this reintroduction and will continue fighting until working musicians have the rights and protections they deserve."

“For too long, artists and songwriters have been shut out of the music marketplace, unable to negotiate fair deals with dominant streaming and AI companies,” said Jen Jacobsen, Executive Director of ARA. “This bill will ensure that music creators finally have a voice in their own livelihood and can participate meaningfully in the quickly evolving licensing landscape.”

"Congresswoman Ross has been an unwavering champion for independent music creators, and her commitment to economic parity in this industry is exactly the leadership this moment demands," said Lisa Hresko, COO of A2IM. "The reintroduction of the PWMA is a testament to her steadfast dedication to ensuring that independent artists are not left behind as the music landscape continues to evolve. We are deeply grateful for her continued advocacy and her determination to level the playing field for the independent music community."

“I’m so proud to live and work in Representative Ross’s district. Musicians have been denied a seat at the table in their own economy, with no right to collectively license with streaming platforms, with AI companies, with anybody. We’ve watched corporate giants diminish the worth of our labor to strike deals in their own favor despite the fact that the music economy is actually built on the work of artists. Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Ross, there is hope for working musicians to actually control their own destiny.” – Tift Merritt, Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter and ARA Board Member

“The Recording Academy is pleased to support the Protecting Working Musicians Act and applauds Congresswoman Deborah Ross for her leadership. Independent artists and songwriters face persistent challenges in an imbalanced digital marketplace. By enabling music creators to collectively negotiate for fair licensing terms, this legislation represents a meaningful step toward strengthening and promoting a more sustainable and competitive music ecosystem.” – Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer, Recording Academy

Bill text is available here.

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Ross Votes for Historic Housing Package

Wed, 140 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This historic legislative package will help lower housing costs by accelerating housing production, getting homes to the market quicker, and supporting buyers and renters.

“As I travel around Wake County, the number one issue I hear about is the skyrocketing cost of housing,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Families can’t afford to keep a roof over their heads. The dream of home ownership is out of reach for young people. Seniors living on fixed incomes are struggling to make ends meet. And too many North Carolinians are being priced out of communities they helped build.

“For more than three decades, Congress has failed to address the housing crisis while hardworking Americans have paid the price. With this package, we are finally taking steps to tackle housing affordability head-on.

“However, I am extremely disappointed that the package fails to include a provision from the Senate-passed version that would have provided essential housing support following disasters. After Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina saw homes destroyed, and countless families still haven’t been able to return.

“This package is an historic step forward. I will keep up the fight for affordable housing and working to deliver real and immediate federal support to any community affected by natural disasters – in North Carolina and across the country.”

The Senate-passed housing package included the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, which would create a disaster recovery fund to allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to predictably assist communities. This provision was stripped from the House version of the legislation before the final vote on passage.

During National Police Week, Congresswomen Ross, Foushee, Sykes Introduce Bill To Increase Opportunities for Women in Law Enforcement

Thu, 134 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act of 2026, which would incentivize more women to join law enforcement by revising biased hiring practices and establishing standards for the retention and promotion of female officers.

About 12% of the nation’s police officers are women, a number that has not changed in more than two decades. Women are often hindered by outdated hiring processes that focus too heavily on physical strength and force. Additionally, research shows that hiring more women can have a positive effect on overall police performance, especially in cases of domestic and sexual violence.

“When more women serve in law enforcement, we see better outcomes for our communities,” said Congresswoman Ross. “We need more law enforcement officers across North Carolina, and we especially need to recruit and retain more female officers. While North Carolina is leading the way with a high number of women police chiefs, police departments cannot do it on their own. Congress must ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources to succeed, and that includes ensuring women can have successful and effective careers in law enforcement.”

“Women are underrepresented in law enforcement, and the Supporting Women COPS Act will help address barriers that too often prevent women from entering and advancing in policing,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “By examining outdated hiring practices and supporting fair, modern standards, this bill will help law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve. As a former administrator for the Chapel Hill Police Department, I am proud to join Congresswomen Ross and Sykes in this effort to expand opportunities for women in law enforcement and make lasting systemic change.”

“Women belong at every level of law enforcement leadership, and we need recruitment and retention standards that reflect the realities officers face on and off the job,” said Rep. Sykes. “The Supporting Women COPS Act takes an important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive public safety workforce by helping departments recruit talented women, support them throughout their careers, and create pathways to leadership. When law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our communities are stronger and safer.”

The Supporting Women COPS Act of 2026 would:

• Establish a task force on women in law enforcement, comprised of various stakeholders

• Require this task force to release a report with recommendations on hiring standards for law enforcement officers that do not disadvantage applicants based on sex, for female officer retention, and for female advancement to leadership roles in law enforcement. This report will be delivered within 18 months of enactment.

• Incentivize states to adopt these recommendations by offering them an increase in their normal Byrne JAG totals by 5% per year.

• Authorize such sums as necessary to pay for these incentives.

PASSED THE HOUSE: Ross, Schmidt Bill to Strengthen Police Background Checks

Wed, 133 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — During National Police Week, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Derek Schmidt’s (KS-02) bipartisan legislation, the Criminal History Access Act of 2026, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. The legislation will ensure that state law enforcement training and certification agencies can access the criminal history information they need to properly screen and approve officers.

Click here to download Congresswoman Ross’ remarks from the House floor

The Criminal History Access Act clarifies existing federal law to explicitly authorize the sharing of federal criminal history records to state Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies. These agencies are responsible for setting standards for the hiring, training, certification, and ethical conduct of law enforcement officers.

“It’s essential that we give police and sheriff’s departments in North Carolina and across the country the tools and resources they need to hire qualified, trusted officers,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure local law enforcement can access critical data when vetting and hiring new officers. I’m grateful that the House has passed this commonsense solution and urge the Senate to act quickly.”

“Law enforcement agencies and the public alike depend on strong standards and thorough vetting,” said Rep. Derek Schmidt. “By passing the Criminal History Access Act, the House has taken an important step to ensure certifying agencies can access the information they need to keep unqualified individuals from serving as law enforcement officers and to strengthen confidence in those who wear the badge.”

The Criminal History Access Act of 2026 is supported by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

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NC business owners outline continued challenges caused by high gas prices

CBS 17 by Harrison Grubb — Thu, 127 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As gas prices continue to rise across central North Carolina, local business owners from a variety of different industries are outlining the impacts the costs are having.

“I’m working on like a $.10 profit margin,” said Etienne Hightower, CEO of Believers Trucking, LLC.

According to AAA, the statewide average price for a gallon of gas has swelled to $4.21 and is $5.49 for diesel.

“We have about 50 drivers that are going without raises,” Hightower said. “They’re being hit both ways, one, with their extra expenses in their life, and then they’re working super hard for me.”

Hightower was one of several local business owners who participated in a roundtable Thursday morning with Congresswoman Deborah Ross, outlining the impacts of higher gas prices.

“Your businesses depend on having stable gas prices,” Ross said during the roundtable.

The impacts are being felt across several different industries, including local nonprofits. The Boys and Girls Club said it typically spends $35,000 annually for fuel, but that could jump to around $50,000 this year.

“Any time that a piece moves in a nonprofit’s budget, then it’s a finite amount of money in terms of having to move money around,” said Matt Taliaferro, president & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Wake County.

While gas stations are at the frontlines of the rising costs, they are also not immune.

“What you’re seeing in our industry is, everybody thinks we’re making more money, but truthfully, the retailers are seeing a tight squeeze on their margins,” said Gary Harris, executive director of the NC Petroleum and Convenience Marketers Association.

Even when the situation on the Strait of Hormuz is resolved, Harris said it will take time before drivers see relief at the pump.

“Prices will not fall as quickly as they rise because a lot of people are trying to recoup costs as it goes down, so a lot of them may be mad about that, but people are in business,” he said. “It is not a regulated community, and people who sell this product are in business to make money.”

On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Ross, Buchanan Introduce “Petfax” Bill to Address Unregulated Inhumane Puppy Mills

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) introduced the bipartisan Petfax Act to increase transparency in the pet adoption process. The bill would require that prospective pet owners be provided with a “Petfax” report detailing the conditions in which the animal was bred and raised. In addition, the Petfax Act would establish stricter criteria for obtaining and maintaining licenses to sell pets, helping to ensure that only legitimate and responsible sellers are allowed to operate in the industry.

Experts estimate that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills operating in the United States, many of which are unregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These inhumane commercial dog breeding facilities may sell animals in pet stores or online without disclosing critical information about a dog’s history or health problems to potential adopters. By requiring disclosure of the history and health of animals to buyers, the Petfax Act will strengthen transparency and accountability among breeders and sellers to promote better treatment and breeding practices.

“Dog lovers across the country are unknowingly subsidizing bad breeders who mistreat animals because they don’t have access to the basic facts they need to make informed decisions,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Congress needs to step in to ensure that adopters aren’t kept in the dark about the history and breeding of their animals. The Petfax Act will require that prospective pet owners receive essential information about their new family members, a step that will promote greater transparency and more responsible practices in the industry. As a proud dog owner, I remain committed to creating a future where every pet finds a loving home through ethical and informed choices.”

“When you buy a car, you get a Carfax report detailing its full history. Adopting a pet should be no different,” said Buchanan. “Families across America deserve transparency when bringing a new pet into their home, and breeders should be held to a basic standard of accountability. The Petfax Act gives consumers the facts they need to make informed decisions and cracks down on inhumane puppy and kitten mills. As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to once again partner with Congresswoman Ross on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.”

Bill text is available here.

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Congresswoman Ross Statement on End of GOP Shutdown

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on House Republicans finally agreeing to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partial government shutdown:

“After 75 days of self-inflicted chaos and dysfunction, House Republicans finally agreed to do the right thing and stop holding the American people hostage. This crisis was entirely avoidable, and Congressional Republicans bear full responsibility for travelers and families missing flights and federal workers going without pay.

“For nearly three months, TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, CISA, and other critical DHS agencies have been disrupted – all because Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans refused to negotiate in good faith with Democrats on urgently needed reforms to ICE and CBP.

“Now that this Republican manufactured crisis is over, Democrats will remain laser focused on preventing Trump’s cruel immigration package from advancing through Congress.”

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Congresswoman Ross Statement on the Farm Bill

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on House passage of the Farm Bill:

“Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill will hurt hungry families and fails to address the most pressing challenges facing farmers in North Carolina and across the country.

“This reckless legislation will cement the largest cuts ever made to SNAP in history. Since Trump signed the Big Ugly Law, more than 80,000 North Carolinians have already lost access to nutrition assistance. At a time when prices are skyrocketing, this bill leaves American families behind.

“Agriculture is North Carolina’s #1 industry, and our farmers need real support to stay afloat. Instead, this legislation rubberstamps Trump’s chaotic tariffs and provides insufficient relief for American farms under immense pressure to stay afloat.”

“While this package includes some provisions I support, I could not vote for legislation that leaves Americans hungry and does not adequately assist North Carolina farmers.”

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Congresswoman Ross Statement on SCOTUS Gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais:

“For more than 60 years, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act has given a voice to minority communities – particularly African Americans in the South – in the face of blatant racial gerrymandering that silenced these voters for generations. Today, the Supreme Court has effectively given Republican legislatures the green light to dilute the power of voters of color and eviscerate fair representation. As Justice Kagan said in her dissent, this ruling ‘renders Section 2 all but a dead letter.’

“This decision is a devastating blow to voting rights in this country. For years, this Supreme Court has steadily chipped away at the Voting Rights Act, weakening one of the most important civil rights laws in our nation’s history. Today’s ruling is the latest in a long line of attacks on the protections that ensure every American has a voice in our democracy.

“Generations of Black Americans have been able to elect representatives who reflect their communities because of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Now more than ever, Congress must act by passing a national ban on gerrymandering and strengthening protections against voter suppression. We cannot stand idly by and allow these continued attacks on the very bedrock of our democracy.”

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Ross, Tenney, Sykes, De La Cruz Introduce Legislation to Support Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Through Bankruptcy Reform

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Entities including youth groups, sports governing bodies, and religious organizations have filed for bankruptcy and limited justice for survivors

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the bipartisan Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act, which will address misuse of the bankruptcy system by organizations facing lawsuits for child sex abuse.

As more states eliminate or extend civil statutes of limitations for child sex abuse, many organizations are facing a high volume of lawsuits from individuals who were abused as children through participation in these organizations—including the Boy Scouts of America, Catholic archdioceses, and USA Gymnastics. These organizations often end up filing for bankruptcy, which allows them to stop discovery and silence survivors.

“Too many organizations that previously turned a blind eye to horrendous and unspeakable abuse have evaded full responsibility for their actions by filing for bankruptcy,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Survivors of child sex abuse have seen justice delayed and too often denied because of unacceptable loopholes in our bankruptcy system that have allowed large organizations to avoid the consequences of their negligence and abuse. While no law can undo the trauma survivors have endured, this legislation will get us one step closer to a justice system where survivors have a fair chance of fighting for the remedies they are owed.”

“Survivors of child sexual abuse deserve the chance to be heard and to pursue justice without being shut down by legal loopholes,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “For too long, some organizations have used bankruptcy to stall cases and avoid full accountability. That is wrong. This bill helps make sure survivors are not silenced and that those responsible cannot hide from the truth. It is about fairness, accountability, and making sure our legal system works for victims, not against them.”

“Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and transparency at every step of the process,” said Rep. Sykes. “No one should be able to use bankruptcy proceedings as a shield to avoid responsibility. This bill closes those loopholes so survivors can continue their pursuit of justice and bad actors are held fully accountable.”

"There should never be a loophole for organizations to evade any crime, especially not one as horrific as child sex abuse,” said Congresswoman De La Cruz. “For too long, bankruptcy proceedings served as a shield, silencing survivors and standing in the way of justice. The Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act will finally reinstate transparency for survivors and full accountability for organizations.”

The Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act would:

Allow child sex abuse victims to continue conducting discovery during bankruptcy proceedings. Currently, the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings halts other active civil litigation in cases involving child sex abuse.
Allow child sex abuse victims to submit victim impact statements in Chapter 11 proceedings. This will allow child sex abuse victims to be heard during bankruptcy proceedings and before any consideration of a reorganization plan, ensuring that their experiences are taken into account.
Require forensic accountants to assess the debtor’s estate and nondebtor holdings in child sex abuse cases. This will ensure that debtor organizations are fairly submitting their assets for consideration in a reorganization plan and enable victims of child sex abuse to receive fair remedies.

Organizations that have filed for bankruptcy due to sexual abuse claims include: USA Gymnastics; Boy Scouts of America; Baltimore Archdiocese; Diocese of Tucson, AZ; Diocese of Spokane, WA; Diocese of Davenport, IA; Diocese of San Diego, CA; Archdiocese of New Orleans, LA; Diocese of St. Cloud, MN; Diocese of Camden, NJ; Diocese of Norwich, CT; and more.

In 2022, President Biden signed into law Congresswoman Ross’ bipartisan bill that removes the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.

Congresswoman Ross and Congresswoman Tenney previously introduced the Closing Bankruptcy Loopholes for Child Predators Act in the 118th Congress.

Bill text is available here.

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Ross Bill Included in Bipartisan Proposal to Advance American Leadership in AI

Tue, 118 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross’ (NC-02) bill, the AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, was included as part of the American Leadership in AI Act introduced by Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23). This landmark package brings together over 20 bipartisan bills and is the first comprehensive AI reform effort this Congress.

Congresswoman Ross’ AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act was first introduced in 2024 alongside Congressmen Obernolte and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08). This bill will tackle core security challenges posed by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), including vulnerability management and improving the tracking of AI-related “incidents” or harms.

“I’m proud to represent much of the Research Triangle Park – home to organizations and institutions breaking new ground every day in AI and cybersecurity,” said Congresswoman Ross. “AI has the profound potential to improve the lives of Americans, but we must put in place the necessary guardrails to manage the risks that come with this rapidly evolving field. I’m proud that my bill is included in this bipartisan, comprehensive effort to strengthen American leadership in AI. By improving how we identify and respond to AI security vulnerabilities and by empowering the National Institute of Standards and Technology to modernize its work, this legislation will help advance secure AI systems while supporting continued American innovation.”

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), an authoritative dataset that organizations across the world use to make sure they are addressing their cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act would direct NIST to update definitions and processes for the NVD to ensure this database advances with the rapid development of AI. It also directs NIST to engage with the private sector and assist in setting standards and guidance for technical vulnerability management processes related to AI systems.

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Following Push from Ross and DWC Members, DOJ Inspector General Launches Investigation Into Mishandling of the Epstein Files

Fri, 114 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) formally notified the Democratic Women’s Caucus that it will launch an investigation into the Department of Justice’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This investigation follows a January letter from the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and 67 DWC members demanding a thorough investigation after a “government response that has treated [survivors’] safety, dignity, and right to justice as secondary considerations.”

Democratic Women’s Caucus Policy Co-Chair Deborah Ross said:

“Trump’s Department of Justice has refused to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act in multiple ways. This administration has continued to prioritize powerful abusers over brave survivors who endured years of horrifying abuse. That’s exactly why Congressman Kamlager-Dove and I led our DWC colleagues in calling on the OIG to launch an independent investigation. We won’t give up this fight until every survivor receives the justice they are owed.”

Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández said:

“Led by Policy Co-Chairs Deborah Ross and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the DWC demanded the Office of the Inspector General launch an investigation into the Department of Justice’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act because they’ve completely mishandled the release of the Epstein files. To this day, there are millions of files that have not been released. In fact, the Department’s actions mirror the very dynamics Epstein used: powerful people, demanding silence, keeping their crimes secret, while victims are exposed, scrutinized, and made to bear the consequences. If there are no consequences to breaking the law, then the law is not of any consequence. OIG’s investigation is a critical step to hold the Department accountable for its egregious mishandling of the files release and to move survivors closer to long-overdue justice. We will keep fighting for justice, accountability, and transparency."

Background:

Congresswoman Ross and the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) have consistently stood with Epstein survivors during their push for accountability, transparency, and justice. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, 67 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), led by Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), sent a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Don R. Berthiaume, demanding a thorough investigation into the release of the Epstein files in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The letter called on him to use all available authorities to ensure the Epstein files are released in full compliance with the law and in a survivor-centered manner. On April 23, 2026, the OIG sent DWC a response confirming it will open an investigation in response to this request.

Over four months after the deadline required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the DOJ has still failed to finish releasing the Epstein files. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has egregiously said the investigation is “over.” The DOJ has also continued to use inconsistent and unexplained redactions in the files that they have released, making survivors’ personal details public while shielding predators.

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