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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Delivers $953,390 for Marine Research at Eckerd College

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:08:00 GMT

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) presented a $953,390 check in federal funding to Eckerd College to advance environmental monitoring and marine research focused on generating critical data needed to protect and preserve coastal resources of Tampa Bay and the West Florida Shelf.

The funding, secured by Rep. Luna, will support a one-year Eckerd College Marine Science Program project monitoring major environmental pressures across Tampa Bay. Faculty and students will gather critical data on water quality, marine ecosystems, and changing conditions to inform conservation efforts and protect coastal resources vital to the region’s economy and communities.

“Florida’s way of life depends on healthy waters,” said Rep. Luna. “This funding gives Eckerd scientists and students the tools to better understand Tampa Bay and preserve it for generations to come.”

Tampa Bay’s coastal resources are also a major economic driver for the region, with tourism, commercial fishing, shipping, recreation, and other industries relying heavily on local waters. An estimated one in ten jobs across the Tampa Bay region is tied to local waters, making reliable environmental monitoring essential not only to protecting marine ecosystems but also to preserving the economic activity they sustain.

"Our faculty and students are protecting and preserving these resources across our region through critical monitoring initiatives," says Eckerd College President James J. Annarelli, Ph.D. "From microplastic pollution and red tide blooms to invasive invertebrate species and stone crab fisheries, the four monitoring initiatives to be supported by this Community Project Funding will make a lasting impact on ecosystem health and economic vitality in our region."

For decades, Eckerd College has paired undergraduate marine science education with hands-on faculty research, helping students earn 115 NOAA Hollings Scholarships and numerous Goldwater, Fulbright, and NSF Graduate Fellowships. The new funding will expand those opportunities for students to contribute directly to research protecting Tampa Bay and the West Florida Shelf.

The research will build on years of work by Eckerd faculty studying changes across the local marine ecosystem, from harmful algal blooms and emerging contaminants to wildlife, biodiversity, and economically important fisheries. Their findings will help scientists and resource managers better understand changing conditions to guide future conservation efforts and protection of the region.

Rep. Luna presented the check at Eckerd College alongside College President Dr. James J. Annarelli

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Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | David.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Re-Presents Legion of Merit to Captain Stanley Beach

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:04:00 GMT

On Monday, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) formally re-presented the Legion of Merit to retired U.S. Navy Captain Stanley Beach after helping correct his military record to officially reflect the award he received upon his retirement from the Navy in 1987.

Captain Beach served 30 years in the Navy, including 27 years in the Chaplain Corps and service alongside Marines in Vietnam. His distinguished career earned him recognition as a “living legend” within the Chaplain Corps. Decades after his retirement, he discovered that the Legion of Merit had never been recorded on his DD-214. Rep. Luna worked with the Department of the Navy to correct his record and secure a DD-215 formally adding the award.

“Captain Beach spent nearly three decades serving our country, and his military record should reflect every honor he earned,” said Rep. Luna. “Correcting this decades-old omission is the least our nation owes him for his service and sacrifice, and I am grateful my office could help make it happen."

Captain Beach’s son, Police Chief Randall Beach, hosted the ceremony and credited Rep. Luna and her office with helping resolve the issue on his father’s behalf. “What really made this happen was the leadership of Representative Anna Paulina Luna and her staff,” said Beach. “You cannot do this without Congress. It matters!”

A DD-214 is the primary separation document issued to service members and records key details of their military service, including decorations and awards. A DD-215, formally known as a Correction to DD Form 214, is issued when information on that original separation record must later be corrected or added. Unlike the DD-214, it is not routinely issued to veterans, making it a comparatively uncommon document that reflects a formal amendment to an existing military record.

Captain Beach enlisted as a Sailor in 1953 and entered the Chaplain Corps in 1960. After volunteering to serve with Marines in Vietnam, he joined the 3rd Marine Division and later served with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines at Phu Bai and during intense fighting at Mutter’s Ridge. While under enemy fire, Beach ministered to wounded Marines and carried them to aid stations before sustaining severe injuries to his leg and stomach that required his own evacuation.

For his actions in Vietnam, Beach received the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.” He later served as Director of the Navy Chaplains School and received the David E. White Leadership Award in 2007. In 2012, and the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center named its building Stanley J. Beach Hall in recognition of his heroic service with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Vietnam War.

Rep. Luna re-presented the Legion of Merit to Captain Beach at Freedom Square in Seminole alongside local officials and members of the community.

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Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | David.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Introduces Bipartisan Bill Requiring Influencers to Disclose Payments by Foreign Governments

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:06:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), joined by co-leads Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act, legislation to strengthen transparency surrounding foreign influence online by expressly including social media influencers under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

The bill would amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to expressly include social media influencers within the definition of a “publicity agent.” The legislation defines a social media influencer as any person with a monetized social media account and incorporates the existing federal definition of a social media platform.

“There is a big difference between having an organic opinion and secretly acting on behalf of foreign interests to push propaganda to Americans,” said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. “Foreign adversaries have been actively using disinformation and psychological operations to divide America, erode our national security, and undermine U.S. foreign policy. Americans deserve to know when the voices shaping what they see online are working on behalf of foreign interests.”

Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for shaping public opinion, political debate, and public trust. As foreign adversaries look for new ways to influence Americans online, Rep. Luna’s legislation would close a transparency gap by ensuring social media influencers are expressly included within FARA’s existing disclosure framework.

“Federal law must adapt to an ever-changing digital media landscape, especially as more Americans turn to social media for news consumption and public discourse. Our bill increases public transparency around paid partnerships between social media influencers and foreign governments to prevent deceptive practices that may hinder audiences from building a fully informed opinion,” said Congressman Gonzalez.

Key Provisions of the Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act

Brings Social Media Influencers Under FARA: Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act to expressly include “social media influencers” within the definition of a “publicity agent.”

Defines Social Media Influencers: Defines a “social media influencer” as any person who has a monetized social media account on a social media platform.

Defines Social Media Platforms: Incorporates the existing federal definition of a “social media platform” established under federal law.

Rep. Luna emphasized that the legislation is designed to strengthen transparency surrounding foreign influence operations and ensure that social media influencers acting on behalf of foreign interests are not able to conceal those relationships from the American public.

“Americans should be able to know when the people shaping conversations online are acting on behalf of foreign interests,” Rep. Luna continued. “The Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act brings foreign-backed influence operations into the light and sends a clear message that America’s public square is not for sale.”

View the full bill text here

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Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Rep. Luna Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Clear Gluten Labeling

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:54:00 GMT

On Thursday, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) introduced the bipartisan Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026, legislation that would amend the FDA’s major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat, closing a gap in federal law that leaves millions of Americans with celiac disease and gluten intolerance exposed to hidden sources of gluten.

“I actually have a gluten intolerance myself, and it’s terrifying when labels aren’t clear because that can have serious medical consequences,” said Congresswoman Luna. “Millions of Americans are affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance; it’s a real and serious issue, and it’s time the food industry respected that. We need transparent labeling so Americans can make informed decisions and safeguard their health.”

The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by replacing “wheat” in the definition of a major food allergen with “gluten-containing grain,” defined to include wheat, barley, rye, oats, and crossbred hybrids such as triticale. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on celiac disease surveillance, diagnostics, prevention, risk reduction, and the development of new treatments.

“People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance should be able to look at a food label and immediately see whether it contains barley, rye, or oats,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This bill makes those ingredients easier to identify instead of relying only on the ingredient list. It is a simple, common-sense change that will help prevent mistakes and keep people safe, and I am proud to join Congresswoman Luna in this effort.”

This action comes amid growing concern over the health risks posed by accidental gluten exposure. An estimated 25.7 million Americans have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an IgE-mediated wheat allergy with potential cross-reactivity to barley, rye, and oats. For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause intestinal damage, anemia, malnutrition, immunological scarring, heart disease, cancer, and other serious health complications.

“Americans deserve to know what’s in the food they buy,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). “More than 3.3 million Americans living with celiac disease rely on accurate labeling to protect their health, and this bill is a first step toward greater transparency for consumers.”

There is no cure or rescue medication for accidental ingestion, and even among those who follow a strict gluten-free diet, 44 percent still report being “glutened” at least once a month.

“Everyone deserves to know what’s in their food, especially when it may contain allergens,” said Congressman Suozzi. “By requiring all packaged foods to clearly label even small traces of rye, oats, and barley, the FASTER Act ensures that Americans with celiac can feel confident that their food is safe to eat. I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense, life-saving legislation.”

Since 2006, federal law has required wheat to be identified as a major food allergen, while barley, rye, and oats have remained outside the mandatory labeling requirement. These grains can be hidden in seasonings, flavorings, and fine print, leaving consumers without the clear information they need to avoid gluten. Meanwhile, 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and countries across the European Union.

Celiac advocates and affected families have urged the United States to adopt the same protections, an effort that has drawn support from both sides of the aisle and led to the FASTER ACT receiving bipartisan support.

“No one should have to risk their health because of confusing food labels," said Congressman Rulli. “This legislation strengthens transparency and gives Americans with celiac disease the information they need to confidently choose safe foods.”

The legislation has also been championed by 13-year-old Jax Bari, known as the “MAHA Kid” and co-founder of Celiac Journey, whose advocacy has helped bring national attention to the gaps in federal gluten-labeling requirements.

“I’m grateful to Congresswoman Luna and the original co-sponsors for introducing the bipartisan FASTER Act of 2026 which will require the labeling of barley, rye and oats as Major Food Allergens. My goal is to eat without fear because Celiac is every bite, every day – constant questioning, constant worrying. Just a crumb of gluten is like kryptonite to me. 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye and oats, including in Canada, in the United Kingdom and across the European Union. We’re really behind in the United States, and the FASTER Act will help close the gap and better protect 729,000 kids like me with Celiac,” said Jax Bari.

After meeting with Congresswoman Luna in June, Jax discussed the ambiguity surrounding gluten-containing grains during a June 16 meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also has celiac disease. Blanche agreed that clearer standards are needed and expressed support for Jax’s efforts to require barley, rye, and oats to be labeled as major food allergens. Blanche’s wife, Dr. Kristine Blanche, and their daughter Sydney, who has celiac disease, have also supported his advocacy.

The FASTER Act was introduced with original cosponsors Reps. Randy K. Weber Sr. (TX-14), Paul A. Gosar (AZ-09), Daniel Meuser (PA-09), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and Michael Rulli (OH-06).

View the full bill text here.

Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans from Poisonous Pesticides

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:54:00 GMT

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), joined by co-lead Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and original cosponsors Reps. Thomas Massie (KY-04) and Reps. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), today introduced the Americans vs. Poisonous Pesticides Act. This legislation would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to preserve state failure-to-warn claims that are consistent with federal pesticide misbranding standards and prevent manufacturers from using EPA registration or label approval as a complete defense against those claims.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling created a loophole where EPA silence can be used to shield corporate silence,” said Congresswoman Luna. “Families harmed by dangerous products should not lose their right to justice simply because a federal agency failed to require a warning. Our bill protects Americans' ability to have their claims heard and makes clear that EPA approval is not a license for pesticide manufacturers to conceal serious risks.”

Under the current FIFRA provisions, recent court decisions, including the Supreme Court’s ruling in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, have allowed EPA approval of a pesticide label to block state failure-to-warn claims even when plaintiffs allege the label omitted serious health or environmental risks. The Americans vs. Poisonous Pesticides Act would ensure that EPA approval alone does not preempt those lawsuits when they are based on the same misbranding standards already established under FIFRA, preserving the ability of farmers, farmworkers, and consumers to hold pesticide manufacturers accountable for inadequate warnings.

“In Monsanto v. Durnell, the Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto/Bayer can’t be sued for omitting a warning even if their herbicides do cause cancer,” said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). “Even if the legal reasoning of the court is sound, it’s a blatant travesty of justice. Congress and the President can fix this, and we absolutely should.”

Under the bill, EPA registration and label approval would remain evidence that a pesticide complies with federal law, but would no longer be conclusive or automatically prevent an individual from pursuing a state-law claim. State claims that enforce the same misbranding standards already established under FIFRA would be allowed to proceed, with a safeguard provision ensuring the bill only adds protections and cannot be used to reduce, restrict, or eliminate any right, lawsuit, or protection already available under state law.

“Glyphosate is dangerous – unlimited exposure can have fatal consequences, but corporate interests are lobbying to keep it on the shelves,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). “If the EPA will not do its job, Congress must act to protect Americans. The Supreme Court tied the hands of victims – establishing a liability shield and limiting states’ ability to enforce their own safety requirements. Giant corporations do not need a liability shield when their product harms individuals. They need accountability. Americans deserve protection. I am proud to partner with my colleagues in this bipartisan fight to protect the health of Americans, eliminate blanket liability protections, and improve labeling so people know how to handle these products safely.”

The bill would also provide a pathway for a pesticide manufacturer to amend its label when either the company or EPA obtains reliable information indicating that the product may be misbranded. Manufacturers would therefore be permitted to make the necessary change without waiting for prior EPA approval, while EPA would retain the authority to disapprove the amendment or take further action under federal law.

“The Supreme Court handed pesticide manufacturers a roadmap to escape accountability, even when they fail to warn people about serious health risks. That's wrong. If a company learns its product may be harming people or the environment, it has a responsibility to say so, not hide behind a federal label approved years earlier,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). “The Americans vs. Poisonous Pesticides Act restores a basic principle: corporations that put profits ahead of people's health should be held accountable. No one should lose their right to seek justice because a chemical company found a legal loophole.”

Reliable information under the legislation includes a government report, an independent peer-reviewed study, company data, material uncovered through legal discovery, whistleblower disclosures, congressional or other oversight investigations, and pesticide incident reports.

The changes would apply to pending and future civil actions, including cases on remand or appeal, regardless of when the conduct giving rise to the claim occurred. This provision would ensure that Americans whose cases were affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling are not permanently denied their opportunity to seek justice.

View the full bill text here.

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Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Ban Toxic Pesticide Paraquat and Protect Americans from Parkinson's Disease

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:44:00 GMT

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) with co-lead Rep. Chellie Pingree today introduced the Paraquat Prevention Act, legislation that would cancel all registered uses of the pesticide paraquat under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and permanently prohibit its reregistration.

"Paraquat has been banned in over 70 countries, including every nation in the European Union, because the science is clear about the devastating neurological risks associated with exposure," said Congresswoman Luna. "The United States has no business allowing a chemical linked to Parkinson's disease to keep being sprayed on American farmland, and this bill ends that."

The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel all existing paraquat registrations, revoke any tolerances permitting paraquat residue in food, and ban the sale and use of existing stocks upon enactment.

"Vermont just proved a paraquat ban is possible. Now Congress must make it national. This pesticide is already banned in more than 70 countries and linked to Parkinson's disease, yet EPA has been reviewing its safety since 2022 without finishing the job," said Congresswoman Pingree. "I'm proud to introduce this bill with Congresswoman Luna, because all Americans deserve the same protection from this poison. Our bill cancels paraquat's registration outright. No more reviews, no more waiting, no more excuses."

This action comes amid growing concern over the health impacts of paraquat exposure, with multiple studies consistently linking this chemical to increased risks of Parkinson's disease. Studies from the National Institutes of Health have found that individuals exposed to paraquat face a significantly elevated risk of developing the disease, with laboratory research demonstrating that the chemical directly damages the dopaminergic neurons whose destruction causes Parkinson's.

The European Union acted on this science in 2007, and more than 70 countries have since followed. Among them is China, which banned paraquat domestically in 2016 to protect public health while continuing to export the majority of its production, sending roughly 78 million pounds to American ports in a single year.

Both the Parkinson's Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation have called for a ban on these grounds, which has found support on both sides of the aisle, which is why the bill has received bipartisan support.

"Independent scientific evidence has found that exposure to paraquat has lead to increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, yet the EPA has continued to allow this pesticide to be used in our communities," said Andi Fristedt, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Policy Officer for the Parkinson’s Foundation. "By banning paraquat, the Paraquat Prevention Act would protect Americans and help create a world where fewer people develop Parkinson’s disease in the first place. The Parkinson’s Foundation is grateful to the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Luna and Pingree to help bring the U.S. one step closer to joining the more than 70 countries that have already banned paraquat."

“Paraquat exposure is one of the clearest preventable risks linked to Parkinson’s disease,” said Dan Feehan, chief policy and government affairs officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “On behalf of the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson’s and related diseases, we thank Representatives Luna and Pingree for their bipartisan leadership on the Paraquat Prevention Act and look forward to supporting the bill throughout the legislative process.”

The United States remains one of the few developed nations that still permits paraquat use, leaving American farmers, farmworkers, and rural families unprotected. This legislation would close that gap by removing paraquat from the market entirely and prohibiting any future pathway for reregistration.

“We applaud Representatives Luna and Pingree for highlighting the threat of paraquat to farmers and rural communities. The people who feed us should not face twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. States across the country have a clear path and example to end the use of one of the most toxic herbicides and should pass their own paraquat bans," said Geoff Horsfield, legislative director for the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

View the full bill text here

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Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

(207) 509-5904 | gabrielle.mannino@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at pingree.house.gov

U.S. African Development Foundation Referred for Investigation for Fraud & Corruption

Tue, 12 May 2026 01:51:00 GMT

Today, the Department of Justice confirmed receipt of my letter calling on Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate serious allegations of fraud, corruption, and whistleblower retaliation within the U.S. African Development Foundation.

The allegations involve former USADF President Travis Adkins and finance official Mathieu Zahui, who are accused of steering contracts to associates, misusing taxpayer funds, and concealing misconduct from the agency’s board. Whistleblower Jasmine Battle reported these activities and was allegedly retaliated against after coming forward.

The DOJ must fully investigate all potentially involved parties, review whether additional charges are warranted, and ensure strong protections for whistleblowers exposing corruption within our federal government.

Download full letter here.

House Passes Rep. Luna’s Amendment to Remove Pesticide Liability Protections in Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:04:00 GMT

Today, after a vote on the House floor Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna's amendment, which removes provisions shielding pesticide manufacturers from liability and preserves critical public health protections, was successfully adopted into the Farm Bill, which has now passed the House and will move to the Senate.

Rep. Luna’s amendment restores Americans’ right to take these companies to court when their products cause harm. It forces clear, enforceable warning labels, ensuring families know the risks, and protects drinking water and public health from unchecked chemical exposure.

With this amendment adopted, the Farm Bill no longer shields chemical companies from accountability, it puts the rights of American families first as the legislation moves to the Senate.

This action comes amid growing concern over the health impacts of pesticide exposure, with multiple studies linking these chemicals to increased risks of cancer, including childhood cancers. By removing these provisions, the amendment preserves the ability of states and individuals to hold manufacturers accountable and prevents federal overreach that would override stricter local protections.

“I do not support giving blanket immunity to corporations at the expense of American families,” said Congresswoman Luna. “Pesticides are linked to a 30% increase in childhood cancer and over 170 studies corroborate the evidence. This amendment ensures we stand on the side of the American people and the health of our nation, not corporate interests.”

The adoption of this amendment marks a significant step in ensuring the Farm Bill prioritizes public health, consumer protections, and the rights of states to enforce stronger standards where necessary. The Farm Bill passed on the House floor 224-200 and will now move to the Senate.

Download press release here.

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Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | David.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Rep. Luna Introduces “Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act” to Protect Parental Rights

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:48:00 GMT

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna today introduced the Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act, legislation aimed at increasing transparency in public schools and reinforcing the role of parents in their children’s upbringing. The bill would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prohibit federal funding from going to public elementary and secondary schools that provide counseling, therapy, or guidance related to gender identity to students under the age of 18 without parental involvement.

“Parents have a fundamental right to know what is happening in their child’s life, especially when it comes to sensitive and life-altering issues,” said Rep. Luna. “Schools should never act as a substitute for parents or encourage children to keep secrets from their families.”

Key Provisions of the Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act

• Funding Accountability: Schools that provide gender-related counseling or guidance to minors would be ineligible for federal funding under the Act.

• Parental Transparency: School employees and contractors would be prohibited from encouraging or assisting students in withholding information about gender identity or social transition from their parents.

• Parental Legal Recourse: Parents would have the right to pursue legal action against schools that violate these provisions.

Rep. Luna emphasized that the legislation is designed to ensure that parents remain the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives.“This bill is about restoring trust, accountability, and common sense in our education system,” Luna added. “Families, not government institutions, should guide children through important personal decisions.”

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Contact: Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov

Congress Introduces Landmark Bipartisan Bill to Protect Children Online

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:46:00 GMT

A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers today announced the introduction of the House companion to S.278, the Kids Off Social Media Act, landmark legislation aimed at protecting children and teenagers from the growing harms associated with social media use. The bill is led in the House by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna with bipartisan support from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), and is backed in the Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Key Provisions of the Kids Off Social Media Act

• Prohibits social media accounts for children under 13. Platforms must remove underage accounts and delete associated personal data.

• Protects teens under 17 from algorithmic targeting. Social media companies are barred from using personal data to recommend or promote content to minors.

• Strong enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce compliance, and state attorneys general may bring civil actions against violators.

• School network protections. Schools receiving E-Rate funding must block social media on school devices and networks, implement filtering technology, and submit internet safety policies to the FCC. Schools that fail to make a good-faith effort must repay funds.

• Clear definition of social media. Applies to public-facing platforms centered on user-generated content, while exempting services such as email, video conferencing, and educational platforms.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL):

“Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue. Parents across America are sounding the alarm about the real harms social media is causing—from anxiety and depression to exposure to dangerous content. This bipartisan coalition reflects families nationwide who have been asking for help. The Kids Off Social Media Act is about putting children’s safety first and holding Big Tech accountable.”

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA):

“As a pediatrician and a mom, I’m very worried about the impacts that screen time and social media are having on this generation. We’re seeing sleep deprivation, inattentiveness, impaired social skills, and increased rates of depression and anxiety that experts in the field link to social media use. Social media companies are not properly regulating their platforms and are pushing harmful content on our kids that they know is detrimental. They’re purposely designing their platforms to make them more addictive and keep kids scrolling so they can rake in more profits. Our kids are not for sale. That’s why I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to set commonsense safety measures on social media use and protect our children.”

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX):

“Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families and empowering educators to better manage safe learning environments. I am grateful for the bipartisan leadership behind this legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools."

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI):

“There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to do anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands. Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition — which includes several parents of kids and teenagers — represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”

Congress must heed the calls of parents across the nation and deliver this bill to the President’s desk to help protect America’s youth.

The Kids Off Social Media Act represents a bipartisan effort to modernize child online safety laws in response to mounting evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health challenges among young people. By setting clear age restrictions, limiting data exploitation, strengthening enforcement, and improving school-based protections, the legislation seeks to restore parental control and prioritize the well-being of America’s children.

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Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov