DelBene, Suzan RSS Articles

DelBene, Sewell, Chu, Khanna Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Wealthy Tax Evaders

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Terri Sewell (AL-07, Judy Chu (CA-28), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced legislation to provide the IRS with the resources to improve taxpayer services and enhance tax enforcement focused on high-income tax evasion.

The Inflation Reduction Act included funding for the IRS to enhance taxpayer services, improve outdated technology systems, and target high-income tax evaders. This funding drastically improved customer service at the IRS. For example, in 2022, the average time to speak to an IRS customer service representative was 28 minutes. In 2023, it dropped to four minutes and then down to three minutes in 2024. Additionally, in 2024, $1.3 billion was recovered from high-income, high-wealth people under the IRA enforcement initiatives. Congressional Republicans cut this funding, making it harder for the IRS to enforce the tax code and provide services to taxpayers.

The Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (CHEATERS) Act would restore the $83 billion in funding for the IRS, which would go to taxpayer services, enforcement, and modernizing the agency. These enforcement investments would ensure the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share of taxes and is estimated to generate $998 billion in revenue, according to the Yale Budget Lab.

The $83 billion would be allocated as follows:

$45.6 billion for enforcement efforts
$25.4 billion for technology modernization
$9.6 billion for taxpayer services improvements
$3.1 billion for business systems enhancements

“For too long, wealthy individuals and large corporations have gotten away with not paying their fair share of taxes,” said DelBene. “Instead of addressing this problem, Congressional Republicans continue to cut IRS funding which makes enforcement more difficult. This bill restores the necessary funding so the agency can ensure that the tax code is enforced fairly and ensure wealthy tax evaders pay their fair share.”

“As working families continue to struggle to afford the rising cost of gas and groceries, Donald Trump and Republicans are rigging the economy to benefit themselves and their wealthy friends while dodging accountability. That is why I am proud to support the Stop CHEATERS Act to restore essential IRS funding and shift auditing and enforcement toward high-income individuals and large corporations,” said Sewell.

“When the ultra-wealthy and corporations cheat our system by not paying their fair share of taxes, working-class taxpayers and our economy suffer. Unfortunately, Republicans have only greenlit millionaire and billionaire tax cheats by slashing IRS staffing and funding that Democrats have fought so hard to bolster,” said Chu. “Our bill would restore $83 billion in IRS funding to strengthen taxpayer services while ensuring the ultra-wealthy finally pay their fair share.”

“Too many ultra-wealthy individuals and large corporations have exploited an underfunded IRS to avoid paying what they owe. The Stop CHEATERS Act gives the IRS the funding it needs to stop tax evasion by those at the top and would raise nearly $1 trillion in revenue over the next decade,” said Khanna.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Danny Davis (IL-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jesús García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sarah McBride (DE-At-Large), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20).

The legislation is endorsed by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Financial Reform, Americans for Tax Fairness, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Groundwork Action, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Main Street Alliance, National Treasury Employees Union, Patriotic Millionaires, Progressive Policy Institute, Public Citizen, P Street, SEIU, Small Business for America’s Future, Small Business Majority, Take on Wall Street, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Tax the Greedy Billionaires, and Third Way.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

DelBene Statement on the Massie Amendment

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement:

“The American relationship with Israel must change for the good of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must find a path towards peace, and that requires thoughtful discussions and vetted policy. This poorly drafted and overly broad amendment does not just cut military aid to Israel. It also eliminates vital humanitarian assistance, halts funding that supports refugee resettlement, prevents the rebuilding of Gaza, disrupts U.S. diplomatic efforts, and weakens our ability to fight terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. We should not let Republicans dictate America’s position on the Middle East.

“The way forward must be anchored in a two-state solution that provides a commitment for Israel’s security alongside a viable, independent Palestinian state. This must include a surge of humanitarian aid to alleviate civilian suffering, aid to rebuild Gaza, and an end to the illegal settler expansion in the West Bank.

“The Netanyahu government is actively blocking this path. By pursuing a military-only strategy, Netanyahu has isolated Israel internationally, damaged its standing in the United States, and killed and displaced civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Americans should not be subsidizing this reckless and dangerous behavior. As the Israeli Prime Minister says, Israel can finance its own military. While Israel has a right to exist and defend itself from Iran and terrorists, that right does not excuse the horrifying destruction of innocent life or actions that destabilize the entire region.

“The path forward will not be an easy one, but we cannot accept the status quo. Today’s amendment would move us in the wrong direction by cutting humanitarian assistance and diplomatic aid. I voted against it and the underlying funding bill. I will keep working toward real solutions that bring us closer to a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.”

DelBene, Kelly Celebrate Ways & Means Committee Unanimous Passage of Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) released a joint statement after the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, their legislation to reform and modernize prior authorization for seniors on Medicare Advantage, unanimously passed the Ways & Means Committee.

The bill, which has a bipartisan supermajority of nearly 300 House co-sponsors, now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“We are incredibly pleased to see the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act advance out of our committee and move to the full U.S. House of Representatives,” the members said. “This legislation puts patient care and patient outcomes first, and it will greatly modernize and streamline the prior authorization process. Today's vote moves this critical legislation one step closer to becoming law.”

Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. But it’s not without fault. The current system often results in unconfirmed faxes of a patient’s medical information or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering quality and timely care.

Prior authorization continues to be the top administrative burden identified by health care providers, and three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization. In recent years, the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75%of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules

Health plans, health care providers, and patients agree that the prior authorization process must be improved to better serve patients and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for clinicians. In fact, leading health care organizations released a consensus statement to address some of the most pressing concerns associated with prior authorization.

More than 35 million American seniors, including nearly 800,000 Washingtonians, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

The bill would:

Establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.

Increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.

Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.

Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.

Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.

DelBene led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The bill text can be found here and a section-by-section can be found here.

DelBene Blasts Trump for Not Renewing His Own Signature Trade Deal: Gravely Misguided

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump deciding not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“USMCA was the one major trade success from Trump’s first term. It was a real, enforceable trade agreement that addressed issues in NAFTA and supported American workers, manufacturers, and consumers. The deal was passed through Congress with bipartisan support and created a stable economic partnership in North America, unlike the reckless, illegal tariffs the administration has pursued since retaking office.

“Washington has particularly benefited from this agreement and is one of the states with the most to lose by withdrawing. Washington exported over $11 billion to Mexico and Canada last year. Our farmers, producers, and manufacturers need the predictability this agreement provides to stay in business and plan future investments.

“There are ways to improve USMCA without ripping up the agreement. The decision to withdraw from it will harm our already war- and tariff-ravaged economy, threaten jobs, and increase costs on businesses and families. This is a gravely misguided step by the president.”

DelBene, Joyce Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Patient Understanding of Kidney Disease Risks

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Americans understand kidney disease risks and treatment so they can get care before the condition worsens, potentially leading to kidney failure, and forcing them onto dialysis or the transplant list.

Thirty-seven million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD), but 87% of them don’t know that they have it. Many more are at risk of kidney disease because they have a chronic condition, like hypertension or diabetes. Medicare currently covers up to six sessions of kidney disease education for patients with Stage 4 CKD, which helps patients manage advanced kidney disease, understand treatment options, and delay progression. The Kidney Disease Education Access Expansion Act would expand access to this benefit earlier, helping patients access treatment sooner and slow the progression of the disease.

“Kidney disease education is a trusted, evidence-backed tool that helps patients manage their condition and prevent kidney failure,” said DelBene. “But millions of Americans who are at risk don’t have access to this important tool. This bipartisan bill aims to expand important educational resources for all Medicare patients, which will make a significant difference in disease prevention and treatment.”

“This legislation meaningfully expands access to quality care for individuals living with Chronic Kidney Disease by ensuring eligibility is not limited based on stage of diagnosis,” said Joyce. “The sad reality is that more than 37 million Americans are living with CKD, and the majority don't know that they have it. Often, early prevention is overlooked, and screening is not consistently accessible. This lack of early diagnosis is preventable and causes serious health impacts. This comes down to education and a commonsense pathway to better supporting patients from the very start of their care journey.”

The legislation is endorsed by the American Kidney Fund, American Nephrology Nurses Association, American Society of Nephrology, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Dialysis Patient Citizens, IGA Nephropathy Foundation, Kidney Solutions: A Network of Transplant Experience, Kidney Transplant Collaborative (KTC), National Kidney Foundation, NephCure, Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance, PKD Foundation, and Travere Therapeutics.

“Medicare only covers kidney disease education once a patient has already reached stage 4 — by then, the damage is often done,” said Kevin Longino, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. “This bill corrects that by covering education for anyone at high risk for chronic kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors, long before kidney failure becomes a crisis. It also adds kidney screening to the wellness visits Americans already receive. It's a simple, common-sense fix: catch the disease early, equip families with the knowledge to act, and keep more Americans healthy and out of the hospital. We're grateful to Representatives DelBene and Joyce for leading this effort, and we urge Congress to act quickly.”

“The single most important thing we can do to treat kidney failure is to prevent it in the first place. The Kidney Disease Education Access Expansion Act substantially improves our ability to help Americans affected by kidney diseases never progress to kidney failure. I commend Rep. DelBene and Rep. Joyce for introducing this legislation, which has the power to change the lives of the 37 million Americans with kidney diseases, many of whom today don't even know they are affected,” said Samir M. Parikh, MD, PhD., President, American Society of Nephrology.

The text of the bill can be found here.

DelBene, Raskin, Trahan Call on Trump Administration to Stop Inserting MAGA Agenda into Federal Grantmaking

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Lori Trahan (MA-03), along with 122 of their colleagues, demanded that the Trump administration stop injecting its MAGA agenda into the traditionally nonpartisan federal grantmaking process. In a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers demonstrated how the administration’s proposed changes will impede critical health research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Since the end of World War II, NIH has relied on qualified experts to determine which health care research puts Americans’ tax dollars to best use. This thorough, nonpolitical process has set the global standard for high-quality grant review and propelled U.S. institutions like the NIH and its grantees to the forefront of scientific innovation, discovery, and research.

A proposed policy change from OMB will give partisan political appointees final say over grant decisions. Undoing the peer review process in favor of political grantmaking will delay and disrupt health care research that millions of Americans depend on.

“We write in opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s disastrous and likely unlawful proposed rule that would devastate American health care innovation for generations,” the lawmakers wrote. “This alarming change would convert our venerable grant review process into a political obstacle course and insider’s game, irreparably damaging our nation’s leading health research institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and its grantees across the country.”

The lawmakers called on the Trump administration to halt any rule changes that will allow grantmaking and research decisions to be made based on the president’s personal or ideological agenda, by political appointees and without congressional authorization.

“OMB’s guidance would provide little recourse to people subject to political retribution,” the lawmakers continued. “President Trump’s sacking of thousands of NIH researchers and scientists has led to severe understaffing and grant approval delays at NIH. This rule change would make an already problematic situation disastrous.”

The full letter can be read here.

DelBene, Patients, Providers Raise Alarm About Medicare AI Denial Experiment

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) hosted health care providers and Medicare patients at UW Medical Center to raise growing concerns about the Trump administration’s Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) program, which pays private companies to use AI to delay and deny care to Washington seniors.

Since the program began in January, patients have been left in severe pain as they are unable to access the care prescribed by their doctors. During the event, patients and providers shared firsthand stories about the impact these delays and denials have had on their health and ability to provide care.

DelBene announced that Virtix, the company handling WISeR claims in Washington, has been ordered by CMS to submit a corrective action plan for “noncompliance” with the program’s 72-hour prior authorization review requirement. CMS previously maintained that all participating companies were meeting this benchmark.

DelBene also announced the release of a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz demanding detailed data on the program’s impact and seeking greater transparency around it. So far, no information has been released about denial or appeals rates for the program. WISeR implements a similarly flawed prior authorization process that exists in Medicare Advantage in traditional Medicare, which has rarely required prior authorization before. Medicare Advantage data shows that only 11.5% of denials are appealed but 80% of those appeals are overturned, demonstrating that the care should never have been denied in the first place.

“Seniors deserve to get the care they need when they need it,” said DelBene. “But the Trump administration’s WISeR program is delaying and denying care for Medicare patients, leaving them in severe pain and increasing red tape for providers. Make no mistake, in addition to hurting patients, WISeR is also a Trojan horse for privatizing Medicare. That’s why I’m conducting Congressional oversight and demanding transparency from CMS Administrator Oz to get to the bottom of this harmful program.”

“The WISeR model is delaying medically necessary care for Medicare patients while adding significant administrative burden for providers,” said Jita Buno, CEO of UW Medical Center. “Many affected patients have complex, chronic conditions, and treatments already recommended by their physicians. These delays risk worsening health outcomes, avoidable complications, and added stress for patients and families, while diverting critical hospital resources away from patient care. I want to thank Congresswoman DelBene for her leadership on this critically important issue.”

“The Washington State Medical Association appreciates Representative DelBene's leadership in highlighting concerns with the WISeR model,” said Dr. Bindu Nayak, Vice President of Washington State Medical Association. “Traditional Medicare has long provided patients with timely access to care without many of the burdensome administrative barriers common in other coverage programs. Medicare should work for patients and the physicians who care for them, strengthening the patient-physician relationship and helping patients receive the right care at the right time. We are concerned that WISeR moves Medicare in the wrong direction.”

Also speaking at the event were:

Keith Magnuson, a Seattle resident who had his care delayed because of this program
Jita Buno, CEO, UW Medical Center
Dr. Christopher McMullen, Physiatrist, UW Medical Center
Dr. Bindu Nayak, Vice President, Washington State Medical Association

DelBene was the first in the Washington delegation to raise the alarm about the program. In August 2025, she urged the administration to explain how the program would be implemented on such a short timeline. She has led several legislative efforts to repeal the program and confronted HHS Secretary Kennedy about how the program is leaving Washington patients in pain. She also wrote an op-ed about the impacts of this program.

DelBene was also joined by Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) along with 25 of their colleagues in the letter. The text can be found here.

You can watch the video of the event here.

DelBene Responds to Latest Inflation Report

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after new data shows prices rose 4.2% annually in May.

“The latest inflation report shows what working families across the country have been feeling for months: prices are too high, budgets are squeezed, and paychecks don’t go as far. President Trump's illegal tariffs and Congressional Republicans’ economic policies are directly increasing the price of groceries, housing, health care, and child care. Fuel oil is up nearly 60%, and gasoline prices have increased over 40% since last year because of Trump’s war with Iran.

“Trump has callously dismissed the struggles facing everyday families right now, saying last month that he doesn’t ‘think about Americans' financial situation.’ No matter how the White House tries to spin this, they cannot explain away the fact that too many families believe that America is unaffordable. House Democrats will continue to fight for policies that will help lower prices and support working families.”

WA Suffers if Trump Abandons US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after President Trump said he was “not looking to renew” the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is critical to Washington state’s economy. We export planes, agricultural goods, & equipment to Mexico and Canada, and our farmers get for 80% of their potash fertilizer from Canada. These mutually beneficial partnerships are made possible by this signature economic deal that Trump himself negotiated in his first term, and I proudly supported when Congress approved it.

“While we should continue looking at how to improve it, abandoning this agreement would be incredibly irresponsible and damaging to our state. We should be using this deal to advance our global economic goals instead of letting Trump’s tariffs undermine our economy.”

Trump Tries to Withhold Tariff Refunds Despite Losing in Court

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on new reports that the administration is attempting to avoid issuing refunds for Trump’s illegal tariffs.

“President Trump stole money from American families and small businesses with his illegal tariffs and is doing everything he can to avoid paying it back. At every turn since the Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down Trump’s tariffs, his administration has made it incredibly challenging for consumers and importers to get their money back. Their latest claim that the administration needs a court order to issue refunds is a thinly veiled attempt to ignore the courts and break the law.

“Congress should speak with one bipartisan voice that enough is enough on Trump’s tariff chaos. Congress should make clear these sweeping tariffs are illegal, prevent the White House from continuing to try to reimpose them, and ensure Americans can get their money back.”

DelBene Hosts Telephone Town Hall

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:15:00 GMT

Join Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) for a telephone town hall on Monday, February 24 at 6:16 PM PT for a discussion on what's happening with the Trump administration and what she's doing in Congress to protect Washington families.