Meuser Leads Moment of Silence on House Floor for Fallen Trooper Michael Pahira, Calls for Passage of Dalilah's Law

During his remarks, Congressman Meuser highlighted the respect and reverence Pahira earned from everyone in the communities he served. Trooper Pahira was born and raised in Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District and served the Pennsylvania State Police for nearly 20 years.

“For nearly two decades, Trooper Pahira protected communities across Pennsylvania with courage and distinction, earning him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him,” said Congressman Meuser. “I attended the funeral services for Trooper Pahira last week, alongside his parents, Michael Sr. and Patricia, his sister Jennifer, and thousands of community members, friends, and law enforcement officers who gathered to honor his legacy. The stories shared by those who knew him best painted the picture of a man of character, humility, and unwavering dedication.

“Trooper Pahira’s death was senseless and preventable,” Congressman Meuser continued. “Allowing those unable to read English or in our country illegally to obtain CDLs is irresponsible and dangerous for everyone traveling on America’s roadways, including our law enforcement officers. I am calling on every member of Congress to support basic requirements that will restrict licensing for those living in our country illegally, require English proficiency, and ensure states re-verify the legal status and qualifications of everyone who holds a CDL from their state. It is beyond time to pass Dalilah’s Law and prevent senseless tragedies like this from happening again.”

Dalilah’s Law is named for five-year-old Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured by an illegal immigrant driving a semi-truck in 2024. The legislation would require states to issue CDLs only to United States residents, green card holders, and those with temporary work visas. It would further establish rules requiring proficiency in English for all those obtaining a CDL and require the states to review the legal status and qualifications of all current CDL holders to ensure they meet safety and proficiency requirements.

Michael Bon entered the United States on July 2, 2024, after being paroled by the Biden administration. He applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) the following October, which was never approved. In March 2025, Massachusetts issued Bon a non-domiciled CDL. In June 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) terminated his parole and ordered him to leave the United States. In February 2026, Massachusetts renewed Michael Bon’s CDL.

Congressman Meuser was joined by a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania Representatives, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01),  Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), GT Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), as well as Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08).

View Congressman Meuser’s speech on the House floor here.