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Trahan, Obernolte Unveil Federal AI Framework Discussion Draft

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released a discussion draft of the Great American AI Act, bipartisan legislation to create a federal framework for how the United States governs artificial intelligence. The discussion draft was released with Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09).

“The threats AI poses to our national security, our safety, and our workforce are here and growing by the day. This bipartisan framework is designed to meet the challenges posed by this rapidly advancing technology without smothering American innovation. It protects workers, establishes real accountability for the most powerful frontier systems, and positions the United States to set the global standard on AI,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This discussion draft is the product of ongoing bipartisan conversations, which we hope to build upon with input from workers, researchers, stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom have an interest in getting this right.”

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, which is why Congress must take a thoughtful and bipartisan approach to regulating this critical technology,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “This discussion draft is an important step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects Americans from emerging risks, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in AI. We are releasing this draft to hear from stakeholders, experts, and the public so we can strengthen the legislation before it is formally introduced.”

The discussion draft is intended to solicit feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public before the bill is formally introduced. It is the result of bipartisan collaboration between the two members to ensure the United States can govern AI effectively, protect Americans from emerging risks, and continue to lead the world in AI innovation.

Stakeholders, researchers, and members of the public are encouraged to submit feedback on the discussion draft to GAAIA@mail.house.gov.

“AI is already changing how we work, live, and learn. We need a plan to protect our national security and workforce. I want the United States to continue to be a leader in AI race but develop this technology in a responsible manner that protects people and communities. To do so, we must get a bipartisan conversation started and work faster to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI,” said Congressman Subramanyam.

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy, our national security and the way Americans live and work,” said Congressman Franklin. “Congress has a responsibility to establish clear rules of the road that encourage innovation while ensuring this technology is developed responsibly. The Great American AI Act builds on the bipartisan House AI Task Force and represents an important step toward greater transparency and accountability for advanced AI systems. This discussion draft will help gather feedback from relevant stakeholders as we work toward a practical legislative framework that keeps America at the forefront of AI innovation. I've already begun laying the groundwork through efforts like securing additional funding for the Center for AI Standards and Innovation through the FY27 Appropriations process, ensuring the federal government has the tools and expertise needed to keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology. I appreciate Policy Chair Obernolte's leadership and look forward to introducing this bill in the House.”

“I am thankful to Rep. Trahan and Rep. Obernolte for their leadership on this critical issue,” said Congressman Peters. “This discussion draft will not address all of the issues our businesses and families will face, but it is an encouraging first step toward the bipartisan legislation needed to keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI. I really want to hear how the people affected feel about it.”

“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, not regulate ourselves into falling behind China through a patchwork of fifty different state laws,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “That approach would make it harder for American companies to innovate and compete while doing little to improve consumer protections. This bill creates a clear national standard for how AI models are developed while preserving the ability of states and parents to protect children. It strikes the right balance between innovation and consumer protection and ensures Congress remains engaged as this technology continues to evolve.”

Text of the discussion draft can be accessed HERE.

A section-by-section summary can be accessed HERE.

A frequently asked questions document prepared by the Office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan can be accessed HERE.

Stakeholders, researchers, and members of the public are encouraged to submit feedback on the discussion draft to GAAIA@mail.house.gov.

Trahan: Congress Must Act Now on AI

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This weekend, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee penned an op-ed in CommonWealth Beacon making the case that Congress cannot afford to wait for a crisis before establishing guardrails on the most powerful AI systems, drawing a direct line from the manufacturing jobs that vanished from the Merrimack Valley she represents to the disruption AI now threatens to unleash on America’s workers, national security, and cyber infrastructure.

“After decades of offshoring and automation hollowing out American manufacturing, the workers left behind in Haverhill didn’t need a study to tell them what was coming. They needed Congress to act years before they got handed pink slips,” Congresswoman Trahan wrote. “On artificial intelligence, we still have a chance to move before similar damage is done, but that window is closing faster than most people realize.”

Trahan points to Anthropic's Mythos model, which was deemed too dangerous for public release after it proved capable of identifying thousands of vulnerabilities across major operating systems and browsers. Despite warning signs like these, she notes, there is no federal law governing how the most powerful AI systems are built, tested, or deployed, no independent auditing of frontier labs' safety claims, and no federal agency with clear authority to step in to prevent a catastrophic event.

She goes on to describe what a potential bipartisan federal framework can and should include:

Frontier Accountability: Require the largest AI companies to publish and comply with safety frameworks, submit to third-party audits, and ensure whistleblowers are protected.
Independent verification: Accredit private auditing organizations to embed within frontier labs and call in enforcers when companies fall short of safety and transparency requirements.
Protections for American Workers: Update WARN Act requirements so employers must disclose when AI drives a mass layoff, enable real-time tracking of AI impacts on the workforce, and prompt Congress to act proactively to support American workers rather than job training after the damage is done.
Strengthened Cyber Defenses: Include funding for open-source maintainers and reauthorize the threat-sharing framework that lets companies flag risks without antitrust exposure.

Trahan also addresses the federalism question head-on, arguing that serious governance concentrates oversight at the frontier and elevates the strongest state provisions into a federal standard focused on model development, while explicitly preserving states' ability to protect residents from AI systems that discriminate, deceive, or endanger.

“I cannot go back to Haverhill, look a worker, a parent, or a recent graduate in the eyes, and tell them that we saw what was coming and decided to wait for a more opportune moment,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “Congress must act for the workers, the families, and the communities that cannot afford for us to get this wrong. Again.”

The full op-ed is available at CommonWealth Beacon: https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/congress-must-act-now-on-ai/

Congress must act now on AI

Sat, 30 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Opinion: Congress must act now on AI

By Lori Trahan

When Brooks Brothers shut down its longtime clothing factory in Haverhill in 2020, it didn’t just close a building. It ended careers that workers had spent decades building and sent a familiar shudder through Merrimack Valley communities like Lowell and Lawrence that know all too well what boarded up mill buildings leave behind.

The company cited costs. To them, the math was simple, even if here at home, we knew the human toll was not.

After decades of offshoring and automation hollowing out American manufacturing, the workers left behind in Haverhill didn’t need a study to tell them what was coming. They needed Congress to act years before they got handed pink slips.

On artificial intelligence, we still have a chance to move before similar damage is done, but that window is closing faster than most people realize.

Earlier this year, Anthropic unveiled Mythos, an AI model capable of identifying thousands of vulnerabilities across every major operating system and web browser. It was deemed too dangerous for public release, but that has not stopped competitors from racing to catch up, or our adversaries from trying to access it. The speed of AI development means Mythos represents a floor on what these systems can do. The models will only get more powerful, and the risks to America’s workers, national security, and cyber infrastructure will only grow.

Despite these flashing warning lights, there is no federal law on the books governing how the most powerful AI systems in the world are built, tested, or deployed. No independent auditors verify the safety claims of the largest AI companies, commonly referred to as “frontier” labs. No federal agency has clear authority to step in when something goes wrong. While some have argued there is still plenty of time for Congress to act, I would say, look around.

New and recent college graduates are struggling to find work in their fields, facing higher unemployment rates than the broader workforce. Across the economy, workers are asking the same hard questions. Will the job they do today exist in five years? Will the prosperity this technology generates reach them or bypass them entirely, just like the promises of globalization did?

At the same time, our adversaries are racing to build and deploy AI systems capable of undermining our military advantage, penetrating our critical infrastructure, and eroding the democratic institutions that define us.

After Mythos, I went to work trying to change that. I entered negotiations with my Republican colleague on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Jay Obernolte of California, to build a bipartisan federal AI framework. Those talks have been hard and remain unfinished, but they have made something clear: The basic architecture of serious AI governance is within reach. There is more bipartisan agreement on the fundamentals than people might expect.

Here is where that consensus lives.

First, real accountability at the frontier. The largest AI companies should be required to publish and comply with safety and security frameworks. They should have to submit to third-party audits to show their work, and federal and state regulators should be empowered to enforce and update those requirements as the technology evolves. The most powerful labs also should not be allowed to silence whistleblowers who want to expose wrongdoing. The companies building models that could reshape our future should not be operating on the honor system.

Second, independent verification of safety practices. The federal government cannot verify every AI model itself, nor should it try. Instead, it can accredit private organizations to embed within frontier labs, assess their safety practices, and call in federal and state enforcers when the companies fall short. These organizations must be nimble, transparent, and built for the speed of the technology while ensuring Congress, regulators, and the public know whether safety commitments made in press releases are being honored in practice.

Third, protect American workers. The lesson from Haverhill is that job training after the fact is not a policy. What workers need is a real-time picture of how AI is reshaping the labor market so Congress can get ahead of disruptions rather than respond years too late.

When AI is the reason workers get pink slips, employers should have to say so. Updating WARN Act requirements would mandate disclosures when AI drives a mass layoff, so we stop pretending that decisions like the one Brooks Brothers made happen in a vacuum. We need a framework built on the belief that the workers who built this economy deserve to lead in the next one.

Finally, shore up our cyber defenses. AI is only as secure as the open-source software it is built on, and right now the developers maintaining that code are largely on their own. Funding should be allocated for open-source maintainers, and frontier AI developers should be required to give them access to their models for security work. And the information sharing framework that lets companies flag threats to each other without antitrust risk must be reauthorized so a threat one company sees today cannot become a breach across the entire sector tomorrow.

Since entering these negotiations, I have heard many arguments about why Congress should wait to act. Some say the market will sort it out. We heard that about financial derivatives and social media, and the American people are still paying the price. Others counter that states are doing good work and the federal government should stand back. They are right that states have shown real leadership, but the best of that work can and should inform a federal framework.

Serious governance concentrates oversight at the frontier. It elevates the strongest provisions from the states – our laboratories of democracy – to create a federal standard, focused on model development, while explicitly preserving states’ ability to protect residents from AI systems that discriminate, deceive, or endanger. The Democratic leaders on Beacon Hill who have reached out to me about this work understand what is at stake for Massachusetts residents, and this framework is designed with them in mind.

I cannot go back to Haverhill, look a worker, a parent, or a recent graduate in the eyes, and tell them that we saw what was coming and decided to wait for a more opportune moment. Congress must act for the workers, the families, and the communities that cannot afford for us to get this wrong. Again.

Trahan, Lawrence Leaders Celebrate $1.2 Million in Federal Funding for Vital Bridge Improvements

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) was joined by Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña and state and city leaders to highlight $1.2 million in federal funding she secured to upgrade the Joseph W. Casey and Daisy Street Bridges.

“These bridges carry more than 23,500 vehicles every day, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and opportunity, and they were crumbling. It took a community that refused to accept that, led by Lawrence High School students who organized and demanded action,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “With strong partners in Mayor DePeña, city leaders, and our state delegation, we secured $1.2 million to start the urgent repairs Lawrence deserves, and we are fighting for more.”

“These bridges are part of the daily life of Lawrence. They connect our neighborhoods, businesses, students, and families, which is why this funding matters so much. Today reflects what happens when local, state, and federal partners work together with a shared commitment to our community. I want to thank Congresswoman Trahan for her continued partnership, and I want to recognize the students from Lawrence High School whose advocacy helped bring attention to these projects. Your voices mattered. Lawrence keeps moving forward through partnership, community engagement, and investment in our future,” said Mayor DePeña.

The Lawrence Priority Bridge Improvement Project is funding urgent repairs to the Joseph W. Casey Memorial Bridge and Daisy Street Bridge, two critical corridors that carry more than 23,500 vehicles daily and provide essential access for residents, workers, and businesses. In March 2023, Congresswoman Trahan toured the Mario Lucchesi, Daisy, and Casey bridges as part of an infrastructure tour to identify projects that could be eligible for federal infrastructure investments.

Since the tour, Trahan has worked with city leaders and the Lawrence state delegation to secure $3.2 million in federal funding for the three priority bridges, including $2 million last year to advance the repair of the Mario Lucchesi Memorial Bridge. This year, she secured $1.2 million to make significant repairs to the Casey and Daisy Street Bridges.

This project will address major structural deficiencies, including deteriorated bridge decks, failing expansion joints, exposed rusting rebar, sidewalk damage, and concrete deterioration caused by water infiltration and Alkali-Silica Reaction. Funding will also support ADA-compliant sidewalk reconstruction, safer pedestrian crossings, and improved transit accessibility, benefiting the nearly 29% of Lawrence residents who rely on walking or public transportation.

“The Casey and Daisy Street Bridges have connected Lawrence residents for generations, and this investment is an important step toward preserving that connection for years to come. Safe, reliable infrastructure supports everything from public safety and mobility to economic growth and neighborhood vitality. I want to thank Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Mayor Brian DePeña, and everyone who helped advocate for this funding, including the students whose voices helped bring attention to these long-standing community priorities. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and the positive impact it will have on our city,” said State Senator Pavel M. Payano.
“Investments like these help strengthen neighborhoods, improve quality of life, and ensure Lawrence residents can safely and reliably move throughout the community.”

“I was proud to join Congresswoman Trahan, Mayor DePeña, community members, and Lawrence High School students to celebrate $1.2 million in federal funding for the Casey and Daisy Street Bridges,” said Second Assistant Majority Leader Frank A. Moran. “I’m grateful for Congresswoman Trahan’s leadership to help secure these funds and appreciate her ongoing partnership to ensure that the residents of the Merrimack Valley are being provided for.”

“Strong infrastructure is critical to the safety and quality of life of Lawrence residents. I am grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for securing this federal investment and thank Mayor DePeña, Leader Frank Moran, community advocates, and the Lawrence High School students who helped bring attention to this important need,” said State Representative Estela Reyes.

“These bridges are part of everyday life in Lawrence, and this funding will help make them safer for the people who use them every day. I want to thank Congresswoman Lori Trahan for helping bring these federal dollars home. I’m also incredibly proud of the Lawrence High School students who spoke up, got involved, and helped draw attention to this issue. Their work shows that young people can make a real difference when they get engaged in their community,” said State Representative Francisco Paulino.

To keep the momentum going, Trahan has also requested another $1.8 million federal investment to move these projects forward without burdening city residents.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan Visits Two Boxborough Business Grant Recipients

Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Lori Trahan Visits Two Boxborough Business Grant Recipients

(28-MAY-26) Members of the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC), Town Planner Alec Wade, and Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson greeted Congresswoman Lori Trahan and members of her staff on Thursday, May 28 at Oscar’s Burritos.

Trahan arrived shortly after 11 a.m. on a scheduled visit to small Boxborough businesses to follow-up on the 2023 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Boxborough Business Improvement Grant Program, which used $125,000 in federal funding to create a fund designed to support small businesses in Boxborough. The grant program was administered by the Economic Development Committee and dispensed $102,000 to five local businesses.

Oscar and Dalia Garcia, owners of Oscar’s Burritos, received a $20,000 grant to support the renovation of the restaurant space to include Oscar's Cafe. The renovations included the installation of an upgraded water filtration system to provide adequate water quality for beverage service. They opened the cafe on April 10 and are now offering ice cream and coffee. “Dalia’s vision was realized due to the grant funds,” Oscar told Trahan.

As the lunch crowd trickled in, four high school students, recognizing Trahan, told her how much they loved Oscar’s Burritos, and Trahan thanked them for supporting a local business.

Trahan then traveled to Thinking Flower Bakery to meet with owner Divya Suryaprasad, who received a grant from the EDC for $15,000 and used it to support the design, permitting, and capital investments needed to realize her dream of opening her own bakery.

Suryaprasad converted a long-vacant storefront in the Middlesex Bank Plaza and told Trahan that within the first month of opening, she had so much business that she had to expand her hours to include a new day of service. She has created five jobs, and the business has brought “massive foot traffic into Boxborough’s village center.”

Suryaprasad was also pleased to tell Trahan that she recently received her liquor license, which will allow her to add more jobs and additional economic activity with afternoon/evening wine service starting this summer.

After the visits, Boxborough News reached out to Trahan, who issued a statement: “These small businesses are a prime example of how local, state, and federal governments can work together to support our local economy. These entrepreneurs saw the opportunities created by Boxborough's Business Improvement Grant Program, which was launched in 2023 and backed by a $125,000 federal investment to help thriving local shops grow even stronger. Nearly three years later, it's clear that support made a real difference. Now, inflation and the high cost of living are creating new headwinds. We shouldn't wait for another crisis to act. I'm committed to making sure small businesses have what they need now to grow and continue serving our communities for years to come.”

When reached for comment late on Thursday, EDC member Rich Guzzardi provided the following statement: “The EDC Small Business Grant program gave the financial boost needed to support these businesses during a challenging time, and in turn, they hired local employees and today serve community patrons with great food, service, and products. It is really satisfying to see the positive impact this program is having.”

Town Planner Wade expressed his gratitude to Trahan’s commitment to bringing ARPA funding to “communities like ours…This support made a real difference and provided direct relief to our small business community. It was a privilege to celebrate Oscar's Burritos and Thinking Flower, two businesses that embody the spirit and creativity that make Boxborough such a special place to live and work.”

Trahan Statement on the Passing of Congressman Barney Frank

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Congressman Barney Frank:

“Congressman Barney Frank was as fierce as he was smart. He fought for his constituents, for our Commonwealth, and for a brighter future for our country.”

“For more than 30 years, he showed up – as a champion for consumers, a watchdog over Wall Street, and a trailblazer for equality. He came out as gay while serving in Congress and married the love of his life. He was a true legislator who understood the role of Congress, passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to protect the American people after the 2008 banking crisis. And right up to the very end, he was still fighting, still speaking plainly, still demanding more of his party and his country.

“My heart goes out to his husband Jim, his family, his friends, and everyone mourning this painful loss.”

Trahan Announces Acton-Boxborough High School Student as Congressional Art Competition Winner

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Massachusetts' Third District. The winners were announced at her annual art competition reception held at The Chelmsford Center for the Arts.

“Every year, this competition reminds me just how much talent we have right here in the Third District,” said Congresswoman Trahan. "Nate's painting stopped me in my tracks – there's a real stillness and maturity to it that you don't expect from a high school student. I'm so proud of him and every student who had the courage to put their work in front of a panel of judges. The fact that 'Midsummer Indolence' will hang in the United States Capitol is a tribute not just to Nate, but to the incredible arts community we have across this district."

The winner of this year's competition is Nate Kim, an 11th grader at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. His piece, titled "Midsummer Indolence," was created using oil paint on canvas and depicts a young child fishing by a pond, surrounded by lush green grass and plants. The painting will be displayed in the United States Capitol later this year alongside winning pieces from other congressional districts.

Trahan also announced the runners-up for this year's competition:

Second Place: Yumeng Mia Li from the Groton School with her submission titled "The Wash"

Third Place (tie): Westford Academy student Navya Katru's "Suspension" and Concord Academy student Krithik Davarjan's "Green Miles of the Routine: The Milkman"

This year's winners were selected by a three-judge panel: Sara Bogosian, President and Executive Director of the Whistler House Museum of Art in Lowell; Eileen Williston, Executive Director of The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord; and Emily Mazzola, Curator at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

About the Congressional Art Competition: Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the country and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 700,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative's office, and panels of local artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. First-place pieces are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the winner will be invited to a celebratory reception in Washington, D.C. in June.

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Trahan Introduces Bipartisan Campus Lifeline Act

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) led the bipartisan introduction of the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026, legislation aiming to expand awareness and access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for students and young adults. Trahan was joined by Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), David Valadao (R-CA-22), and Mark Pocan (D-WI-02).

“Every young person deserves access to compassionate, lifesaving mental health care when they need it most,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I was proud to lead the Garrett Lee Smith Reauthorization Act to strengthen and expand suicide prevention programs for young people, and this bipartisan legislation builds on that work by increasing awareness of and access to these vital services. By leveraging the reach of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can connect more teens and young adults with the support they need, ensure they know help is available, and reach more young people before a crisis becomes a tragedy.”

In 2023, 40 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one in ten attempted suicide, yet awareness of the 988 Lifeline remains low among teens and young adults. The Campus Lifeline Act clarifies that the 988 Lifeline can be printed on driver’s licenses and student identification cards, helping ensure young people have immediate access to critical resources. The bill also strengthens campus mental health efforts by allowing Garrett Lee Smith grants to support student-led early intervention and outreach.

“We have a responsibility to make sure young people know where to turn in a moment of crisis,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “During Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m proud to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act to expand access to the 988 Lifeline and strengthen support on campuses. This bill promotes early intervention, student engagement, and life-saving mental health resources. It’s our goal to make sure every young person knows help is available.”

“Young adults are facing a growing mental health crisis, but too many still don’t know where to turn for help,” said Congressman Valadao. “While California law requires the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on student ID cards, access to this lifesaving resource shouldn’t depend on your zip code. By expanding existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants and ensuring 988 is added to new IDs nationwide, we can raise awareness for mental health care, connect more people to support, and help prevent tragedies before they happen.”

“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has saved lives. There’s no question about it,” said Congressman Pocan. “The more awareness we can raise about 988, especially among our young people, the better. I’m glad to help lead this effort with Reps. Houchin, Trahan, and Valadao.”

As a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, Trahan has emerged as a leader in Congress in advancing bipartisan solutions to the addiction and mental health crises affecting millions of Americans. She introduced and passed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Reauthorization Act to strengthen community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention efforts that were set to go offline. Earlier this year, she successfully led a bipartisan group of 100 House members demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to terminate thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants that fund local mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the country.

“Youth-informed policy is not only powerful, it’s necessary. The best policies and laws are shaped by those with firsthand experience who understand both the challenges and the solutions,” said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy at Active Minds. “We are grateful to Representatives Houchin (R-IN), Trahan (D-MA), Valadao (R-CA), and Pocan (D-WI) for recognizing the importance of youth-led solutions and for their bipartisan leadership on the Campus Lifeline Act. What began as a youth-led initiative to place 988 on the back of student ID cards on campuses has now grown into the introduction of federal legislation with the potential to create nationwide change. Awareness and education around mental health resources are vital, and when young people lead, they help create solutions that are practical and accessible.”

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Trahan Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Marking National Fentanyl Awareness Day

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) was joined by U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), and Addison McDowell (R-NC-06) in introducing bipartisan legislation recognizing April 29, 2026 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day in order to increase awareness about the growing threat of counterfeit fentanyl pills and their devastating impact on families and young people across the United States.

“The fentanyl-fueled overdose crisis is devastating families and communities in every corner of our country,” said Congresswoman Trahan, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “By establishing National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we not only honor the lives lost, but also shine a light on the urgent need for action. This bill is about raising awareness, saving lives, and reaffirming our commitment to ending this crisis.”

The resolution seeks to unite the public and policymakers in the fight against this deadly epidemic as fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise. In 2025 alone, law enforcement seized 47 million counterfeit pills, equating to over 369 million lethal doses.

“Like so many Americans, my family has been impacted by the opioid epidemic,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “My mom first became addicted to prescription opioids that led to a decades-long struggle, including heroin and fentanyl, but she’s one of the lucky ones. She finally got the medical care she desperately needed and will be celebrating 9 years in recovery this August and is an example of what’s possible. On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we increase awareness about the dangers of this drug to prevent further tragedies and make sure people like my mom aren't again left with nowhere to turn.”

“Counterfeit fentanyl is now the leading killer of young Americans, devastating families in every corner of our nation,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I’ve seen the human cost of this crisis firsthand. As Co-Chair and a founding member of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I’m working to turn awareness into action—stopping the flow of deadly counterfeit pills, strengthening prevention and enforcement, and saving lives. Recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day is a critical part of that mission and of building the national response this crisis demands.”

“Fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings have had a devastating impact on communities across my home state of Colorado,” said Congressman Neguse.“In championing an effort to designate April 29th as National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we are not just bringing attention to this crisis but also sharing information and best practices for preventing the spread and sale of synthetic opioids—and, ultimately, fighting to save lives.”

“Last year, Congress acted on a number of key pieces of legislation aimed at combatting the fentanyl crisis. I was proud to stand with President Trump as he signed the major HALT Fentanyl Act into law,” said Congressman McDowell. “I lost my brother, Luke, to fentanyl at just 20 years old. I’ll keep fighting alongside anyone willing to take this on until no family has to endure the kind of loss mine did.”

Text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Trahan has been a leader in Congress in advancing bipartisan solutions to the addiction and mental health crises affecting millions of Americans. She spearheaded the passage of the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act into law to require that prescribers of opioid medications had baseline training in addiction identification and treatment. She also introduced and passed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Reauthorization Act to strengthen community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention efforts that were set to go offline. Earlier this year, in her role as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, she successfully led a bipartisan group of 100 House members demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to terminate thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants that fund local mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the country.

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Trahan Statement on Supreme Court Voting Rights Act Decision

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision:

“Today, the Supreme Court's Republican majority finished what they started – gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and making it easier to silence Black voters and communities of color ahead of a pivotal midterm election.”

“For the past year, Republicans in Congress and in state legislatures across the country have raced to rig their maps and hold onto power – power they have surrendered to Donald Trump, who has raised prices on American families, ripped health care away from people who need it, and sent U.S. servicemembers to fight in a new forever war in the Middle East. Today's decision is the culmination of the GOP's effort to ensure that the same families being screwed over by this administration and their Republican enablers in Congress have even less power to hold them accountable at the ballot box.”

“This is a power grab, plain and simple. And just as we did when Republicans kicked off their mid-decade redistricting scam, Democrats will respond in kind. We didn’t start this fight, but it’s on us to finish it.”

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WINTERFEST FEB. 21 - 22, 2020

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Lowell's annual Winterfest weekend in downtown Lowell is a fun event featuring everything from a carousel and ice-skating to an all-you-can-eat chocolate festival.

Click here to learn more