Maxwell Frost · TranslatePolitics.com

House of Representatives

Remembering Alphonso Mayfield

2026-07-23

“A union leader from my state died. He did some things. We should do those things. That's what I have to say.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of SEIU-FPSU President Alphonso Mayfield, a beloved labor leader and tireless champion across the State of Florida and across the South. Alphonso was a young, Black labor leader from the South who understood the struggles of working-class families and dedicated his life to advancing economic and social justice. For more than 25 years with the SEIU, including serving as president since 2010, he fought tirelessly for union members, securing important victories and inspiring countless workers to stand together in solidarity. He understood that the true power of our communities rests in the hands of working people united with a common purpose. Alphonso led with love and an unwavering commitment that rests in the hands of working people. As we mourn his loss, we must also honor his legacy by continuing the work that he dedicated his life to. My deep condolences to his family and all touched by his leadership. May his memory continue to be a blessing, and may his vision continue to guide us forward.

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House of Representatives

Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

2026-07-14

“You say this bill violates the Constitution. But banks use the same codes for other stores. If you think it's wrong, why not ban the codes for all stores? The codes don't track what people buy. They are a normal tool. I think the argument against the bill is not good. I want to stop mass shootings. I think the bill will help.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to say because we hear over and over from our colleagues about the Constitution: If using merchant category codes violated the Fourth Amendment, where is your bill on amending this for every purchase at a pharmacy, liquor store, or casino? This is a standard accounting tool that is used by banks. This argument, unless you are going to follow it up with legislation to essentially make it illegal to track and have the same codes, which is just a four-digit number, for pharmacies, casinos, liquor, and other things as well, the argument falls flat. Law enforcement needs to go through a legal process to access the financial records here. Mr. Speaker, it is not a good argument. We are talking about something that doesn't track what you are buying. It doesn't track the guns you are buying. It won't tell them that, but it is just a general tool to help us stop some of the worst of the worst mass shootings.

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“I don't like this bill. I think it protects bad people. I think banks should track people who buy guns. I think banks should tell the government who buys guns. A shooter in my district used credit cards to buy guns. I want banks to stop that. I want the government to know when people buy guns. I want the government to stop people from buying guns. I want to send this bill back to committee. I want to make sure the government can track people who buy guns. I want to stop this bill from passing.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. Sponsors claim this bill prevents the privacy of gun owners, but in reality, it protects mass shooters, terrorists, gun traffickers, and the profits of the firearms industry. Financial institutions have already been using merchant codes to detect crimes like money laundering and human trafficking. They should be allowed to use that same responsible monitoring to help prevent gun violence. I know personally why this matters. The Pulse nightclub shooter opened up six new credit cards in 8 months. He racked up more than $26,000 in credit card charges on guns and ammunition in the days before his killing spree in the middle of my district in my home of Orlando, Florida. Our system failed to turn those warning signs into an alert for police. He murdered 49 angels in my community and wounded another 49. Instead of helping to prevent the next tragedy, this bill makes it easier for those warning signs to be missed yet again. It strips law enforcement of an essential tool to stop violence before it happens, making every community in our Nation less safe. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered an important amendment to make clear that nothing in this bill should prevent law enforcement from using merchant category codes to assist in investigating and preventing acts of terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of this amendment into the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. DesJarlais). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida? There was no objection.

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