{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"CA\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-peters-durbin-schumer-lead-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-secretary-mullin-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/", "Padilla, Peters, Durbin, Schumer Lead Senate Colleagues in Demanding Secretary Mullin Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), led 30 of their Senate colleagues in demanding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department\u2019s efforts to assert federal control over, and undermine public trust in, the 2026 midterm elections.\n\nThe Senators demanded information substantiating Mullin\u2019s public claims about thousands of noncitizens who allegedly registered to vote, and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and immediately end the alleged \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d disclosed by a recent whistleblower.\n\n\u201cWe write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President\u2019s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration\u2019s demands,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin\u2019s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration\u2019s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA\u2019s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting Americans\u2019 safety at risk for political leverage.\n\nThe Senators also highlighted allegations from a federal whistleblower about an effort referred to as the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d According to the whistleblower, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) personnel were allegedly directed to use sensitive, personally identifiable information and improperly access state voter registration websites to find non-citizen voters. The whistleblower also alleged that personnel were directed to create law enforcement records using incomplete and unverifiable data for potential referral to law enforcement.\n\n\u201cThe 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Peters, Durbin, and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nFollowing receipt of the bombshell whistleblower disclosure, Padilla and Schumer demanded Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and provide responses to Congress on its activities, and protect citizens who were erroneously flagged as \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d Last week, Padilla and Schiff sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighting the concerning activities detailed by the DHS whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions violated California law. Last week, Padilla and Schumer led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower\u2019s disclosure. The whistleblower\u2019s disclosure is also being cited in ongoing litigation, Virginia\u2019s Attorney General is examining potential violations of Virginia state law, and Arizona\u2019s Attorney General and Secretary of State are calling on Arizona\u2019s U.S. Attorney to look into this alleged misuse of data by the federal government.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/", "Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration\u2019s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas\u2019 ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period.\n\nIn their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California\u2019s preservation of public lands and natural resources.\n\n\u201cUnpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cProtected roadless areas actively safeguard California\u2019s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California\u2019s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California.\n\n\u201cMost alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cMoreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy and minimizes post-burn soil erosion impacts. The State of California currently spends billions of dollars each year toward wildfire mitigation and suppression, so removing this rule will result in even more fires and will unnecessarily cost California taxpayers more to support the State\u2019s wildfire response efforts.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers further emphasized the Roadless Rule\u2019s importance to the outdoor economy by protecting access to trails, promoting outdoor recreation, and supporting small businesses and local economies that rely on public lands. The lawmakers highlighted that Americans across the country have supported the Roadless Rule since its implementation, and that efforts to overturn the rule undoes previous bipartisan support. Since the announcement of the repeal, the rule received a significant amount of public support within the Administration\u2019s brief public comment period.\n\n\u201cThe proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule is deeply unpopular among our constituents,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cAt the time of its adoption, the Rule received over 600 public hearings and over 1.6 million comments\u2014more comments than any other rule in the nation\u2019s history. Despite the significant amount of public consultation that went into the 2001 Roadless Rule, this Administration only gave our constituents 21 days to comment on the initial announcement for the Roadless Rule repeal\u2014during which more than 600,000 comments were submitted and 99% of which supported retaining the rule.\u201d\n\nPadilla has been a longtime champion of public land conservation, fighting tirelessly against Republican efforts to undo environmental protections. Last week, Padilla led a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In June, Padilla co-led an effort to push back against Republicans\u2019 efforts to codify the repeal of the Roadless Rule and proposed an amendment to the Wildfire Prevention Act to expand critical benefits for federal firefighters. Last year, Padilla reintroduced a public lands package, the Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act, which would protect and restore more than 1.7 million acres of California\u2019s public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County.\n\nFull letter is available here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Rollins:\n\nWe write to oppose the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (\u201cRoadless Rule\u201d) that prohibits new road construction and commercial timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas (\u201croadless areas\u201d). Eliminating the Roadless Rule will harm California\u2019s already overburdened water sources, will counterintuitively decrease communities\u2019 fire resilience, and will have negative economic impacts throughout our state.\n\nFor 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected nearly 60 million acres across the United States from new road construction and commercial timber harvesting in some of our nation\u2019s most intact and environmentally significant areas. In California, the U.S. Forest Service manages 20 million acres of national forests, including over 4.4 million acres of roadless areas. California\u2019s national forests act as the state\u2019s natural water infrastructure, supplying roughly 65% of California\u2019s total water supply, despite making up only 20% of the state\u2019s land area. Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways. Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California\u2019s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually. The raw, wholesale market value of the water produced by California\u2019s national forests is estimated at roughly $3.2 billion annually, and serves as the underlying foundation for our multi-billiondollar agricultural, municipal, and energy industries.\n\nDespite what opponents of the Roadless Rule argue, it does not ban firefighting or fuel reduction activities in our national forests. Agencies retain full authority to remove trees, clear brush, and construct temporary emergency access roads to protect public safety. Local managers frequently conduct thinning, remove small-diameter trees and underbrush, and execute prescribed burns within roadless areas\u2014particularly along existing boundaries where ignitions are most likely.\n\nMost alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely. Recent research demonstrates that wildfires are four times more likely to start near roads than in roadless areas. Because California\u2019s national forests\u2014such as the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests\u2014directly border massive urban populations, human-caused ignitions are the state\u2019s primary wildfire threat to communities. By limiting road construction, the Rule isolates rugged terrain from vehicles, campfires, and equipment sparks. Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy and minimizes post-burn soil erosion impacts. The State of California currently spends billions of dollars each year toward wildfire mitigation and suppression, so removing this rule will result in even more fires and will unnecessarily cost California taxpayers more to support the State\u2019s wildfire response efforts.\n\nRoadless areas are also essential to maintaining and supporting our state\u2019s outdoor recreation economy that draws people from around the world. California\u2019s national forests host 33 million visitors per year, shifting hundreds of millions of dollars from urban centers directly into rural gateway communities through hotel taxes and local sales taxes. This tax revenue directly funds essential rural municipal services that many counties in California otherwise could not afford. The Roadless Rule also protects thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and hundreds of miles of whitewater paddling runs across the country, which allow outfitters and other small businesses to thrive. The strength of our outdoor economy is intrinsically tied to these roadless areas remaining protected from industrial development.\n\nFinally, as you will undoubtedly find during this comment period, the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule is deeply unpopular among our constituents. At the time of its adoption, the Rule received over 600 public hearings and over 1.6 million comments more comments than any other rule in the nation\u2019s history. Despite the significant amount of public consultation that went into the 2001 Roadless Rule, this Administration only gave our constituents 21 days to comment on the initial announcement for the Roadless Rule repeal\u2014during which more than 600,000 comments were submitted and 99% of which supported retaining the Rule. Now, the Administration is only allowing a 47-day comment period on the draft Environmental Impact Statement. Beyond all that, any new roads that are built would leave taxpayers on the hook for road maintenance, all while the U.S. Forest Service already has a $7-8 billion road maintenance backlog.\n\nFor these reasons and more, we strongly oppose the rescission of the Roadless Rule. We urge you to leave the Rule intact so that it can continue to provide its time-tested benefits to our state and nation. Thank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-protect-college-sports-act/", "Padilla Statement on Protect College Sports Act", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), issued the following statement after voting to pass the Protect College Sports Act of 2026:\n\n\u201cCollege sports have long been an enriching part of American life, but in recent years, the pressures of big money have destabilized college athletics and overshadowed the primary mission of higher education.\n\n\u201cCollege athletes are students first. I am proud to have secured critical provisions to better support their success both in and out of the classroom by strengthening oversight of health and safety standards, holding colleges and universities accountable for ensuring students achieve academic success, and allowing college athletic programs the flexibility to make conference decisions that best serve their students.\n\n\u201cThis bill also preserves opportunities for women\u2019s sports and Olympic sports by protecting roster spots and requiring continued investment in the pipeline of American Olympic talent.\n\n\u201cThese reforms will help keep the focus where it belongs: on the students and the education that college sports are meant to serve.\u201d\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act of 2026 includes several provisions Padilla authored, including:\n\nAcademic Performance Rating (APR)\n\nPadilla secured a change that would condition a school\u2019s ability to use the retention fund to being in good standing with the NCAA\u2019s academic performance and graduation standards for student athletes.\n\nHealth and Safety Standards\n\nPadilla secured a change that strengthens and expands the work of the Commission on the Future of College Athletics to:\n\nEnsure the adequacy of and compliance with health and safety standards required in the bill (and consider options to further strengthen these standards and oversight, including through the creation of a third-party oversight organization),\n\nEvaluate the efficacy of the independence structure of health and safety officers, and\n\nReview violations, athlete injuries, or deaths.\n\nConference Provision\n\nPadilla secured changes to reduce and eventually end the independence requirement for schools moving between the Power Four conferences so that certain schools are not unfairly locked into their conferences in perpetuity.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-momentum-already-building-for-sens-tim-scott-adam-schiff-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-with-8-new-bipartisan-backers-in-senate/", "NEWS: Momentum Already Building for Sens. Tim Scott, Adam Schiff Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit with 8 New Bipartisan Backers in Senate", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Bipartisan, bicameral backing from Senators in film production states \u2013 Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, and Montana \u2013 follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Bipartisan momentum for U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff\u2019s (D-Calif.) bipartisan, bicameral legislation to create a federal film tax incentive is already building in the Senate with the addition of 8 new bipartisan Senate backers from across the country.\n\nScott and Schiff are announcing today that their Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will be cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).\n\nThis legislation, introduced last week in both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump.\n\n\u201cFor years, I\u2019ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it\u2019s time we get this passed,\u201dsaid Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cHaving worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like \u2018The Notebook\u2019 bring us to tears, and films like \u2018Forrest Gump\u2019 inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to serve as the backdrop for both of these iconic American stories,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cWe cannot stand by as more and more American film production moves overseas, taking jobs, investment, and an important source of American cultural influence with it. This legislation will create jobs in communities across America, support local economies, and help ensure that the next generation of iconic American films is made right here in America.\u201d\n\n\u201cMontana is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, made famous in noteworthy movies and shows like Yellowstone and A River Runs Through It. Movies about Montana should always be based in Montana \u2013 not on a fake movie set overseas. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Scott on this bill to level the playing field for American movie producers and keep our film industry thriving,\u201d said Sen. Daines.\n\n\u201cGeorgia\u2019s vibrant film industry is swiftly emerging as one of the most lucrative in the nation, and I\u2019m proud to represent the thousands who come to our state and make a career creating world-renowned productions,\u201d said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. \u201cEveryone who dedicates their talent and expertise to bringing magic to the silver screen deserves economic opportunities that are competitive with the global market. Our bipartisan bill will help ensure the film industry continues to thrive both here in Georgia and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cCalifornia built the world\u2019s entertainment industry, but we continue to see production being pulled overseas by other countries\u2019 tax policies,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cOur bill would create a new tax incentive to keep our entertainment industry in the United States. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Schiff on this critical issue as we continue advocating for our country\u2019s beloved blockbusters and binge-worthy TV shows for the sake of California\u2019s economy, entertainment industry employees, and audiences everywhere.\u201d\n\n\u201cFilm and television production supports good-paying jobs and small businesses across Virginia and across the country. This bill will help keep more productions \u2014 and the jobs they create \u2014 here at home, while giving Virginia\u2019s talented artists and production workers more opportunities to succeed. I\u2019m proud to support this effort,\u201d said Senator Warner.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is right, the days of executives offshoring good-paying jobs to Mexico are over. It\u2019s time to Make Hollywood Great Again,\u201d said Sen. Moreno. \u201cWhen we keep production, talent, and creativity here in the United States, we don\u2019t just protect good-paying jobs; we safeguard the industry that has defined global popular culture for generations. Ohio has been a staple in the film industry for nearly 130 years, producing iconic movies, pumping millions into our economy, and it\u2019s time to bring those jobs back home for good.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the film and entertainment industry continues to thrive in New Jersey, good jobs and economic growth for local communities thrives too. With new federal incentives, this legislation can take us even further and support states like New Jersey who are home to a growing production workforce and benefiting from it,\u201d said Senator Kim.\n\nTheMotion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would:\n\nSpur American jobs and economic development by providing a 20% federal, labor-based tax credit to U.S. film and television productions with minimum spend of $1 million and where at least 75% of the principal photography days occur within the U.S;\n\nOffer 5% bonus credit allowances, increasing the base credit up to a maximum of 30%, for productions in rural opportunity zones and areas impacted by disasters, independent productions, multi-state producers in 10+ states, and producers who show a measurable onshoring of productions;\n\nMake the credit available to traditional post-production and visual effects activities when at least 75% of the respective post-production and visual effects production takes place in the U.S; and\n\nSupport the investments of states currently offering incentives by allowing the federal incentive to supplement state credits.\n\nIn the U.S. House of Representatives, this legislation is led by Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas-1), Linda Sanchez (D-Calif- 38), Brian Jack (R-Ga-3), and Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30). House co-sponsors include Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15), Judy Chu (D-Calif-28), David Kustoff (R-Tenn-08), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.-03), Vince Fong (R-Calif-20), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.-5).\n\nThis bill is endorsed by: American Federation of Musicians, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), CreativeFuture, Coalition for American Production (CAP), Directors Guild of America (DGA), FilmUSA, Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Motion Picture Association (MPA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild \u2013 American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Teamsters, Television Academy, U.S. Film and Television Production Coalition, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW)\n\nBill one pager is here.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\nThe section-by-section of the legislation is available here.\n\nBackground: For years, Schiff has highlighted the need to increase film production in America and has continued to build bipartisan support in Congress for his federal film incentive proposal, which would promote American jobs and spur local economic growth by creating additional support for film and television production in the U.S., allowing us to compete with foreign incentives.\n\nDuring his time in the California State Senate, Schiff helped lead efforts to increase film production in California and protect local jobs.\n\nSchiff spearheaded efforts in Congress to extend California\u2019s film tax credit, including in 2014 when he led 28 members of the California Democratic delegation in urging the leaders of the California State Senate and Assembly to reauthorize and enhance the tax credit. In 2024, Schiff sent a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics requesting detailed data on the impact of foreign production incentives on the domestic industry.\n\nIn March 2026, Senator Adam Schiff hosted a spotlight hearing in Burbank California entitled, \u201cLights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production\u201d to highlight the importance of bolstering American film production, and tackling the challenges facing the industry from generous tax incentives provided by other countries.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-huffman-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule/", "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration\u2019s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas\u2019 ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period.\n\nIn their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California\u2019s preservation of public lands and natural resources.\n\n\u201cUnpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cProtected roadless areas actively safeguard California\u2019s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California\u2019s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California.\n\n\u201cMost alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cMoreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy and minimizes post-burn soil erosion impacts. The State of California currently spends billions of dollars each year toward wildfire mitigation and suppression, so removing this rule will result in even more fires and will unnecessarily cost California taxpayers more to support the State\u2019s wildfire response efforts.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers further emphasized the Roadless Rule\u2019s importance to the outdoor economy by protecting access to trails, promoting outdoor recreation, and supporting small businesses and local economies that rely on public lands. The lawmakers highlighted that Americans across the country have supported the Roadless Rule since its implementation, and that efforts to overturn the rule undoes previous bipartisan support. Since the announcement of the repeal, the rule received a significant amount of public support within the Administration\u2019s brief public comment period.\n\n\u201cThe proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule is deeply unpopular among our constituents,\u201dthe lawmakers concluded. \u201cAt the time of its adoption, the Rule received over 600 public hearings and over 1.6 million comments\u2014more comments than any other rule in the nation\u2019s history. Despite the significant amount of public consultation that went into the 2001 Roadless Rule, this Administration only gave our constituents 21 days to comment on the initial announcement for the Roadless Rule repeal\u2014during which more than 600,000 comments were submitted and 99% of which supported retaining the rule.\u201d\n\nLast week, Schiff and Padilla led a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rollins:\n\nWe write to oppose the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (\u201cRoadless Rule\u201d) that prohibits new road construction and commercial timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas (\u201croadless areas\u201d). Eliminating the Roadless Rule will harm California\u2019s already overburdened water sources, will counterintuitively decrease communities\u2019 fire resilience, and will have negative economic impacts throughout our state.\n\nFor 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected nearly 60 million acres across the United States from new road construction and commercial timber harvesting in some of our nation\u2019s most intact and environmentally significant areas. In California, the U.S. Forest Service manages 20 million acres of national forests, including over 4.4 million acres of roadless areas. California\u2019s national forests act as the state\u2019s natural water infrastructure, supplying roughly 65% of California\u2019s total water supply, despite making up only 20% of the state\u2019s land area. Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways. Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California\u2019s water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually. The raw, wholesale market value of the water produced by California\u2019s national forests is estimated at roughly $3.2 billion annually, and serves as the underlying foundation for our multi-billion dollar agricultural, municipal, and energy industries.\n\nDespite what opponents of the Roadless Rule argue, it does not ban firefighting or fuel reduction activities in our national forests. Agencies retain full authority to remove trees, clear brush, and construct temporary emergency access roads to protect public safety. Local managers frequently conduct thinning, remove small-diameter trees and underbrush, and execute prescribed burns within roadless areas\u2014particularly along existing boundaries where ignitions are most likely.\n\nMost alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely. Recent research demonstrates that wildfires are four times more likely to start near roads than in roadless areas. Because California\u2019s national forests\u2014such as the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests\u2014directly border massive urban populations, human-caused ignitions are the state\u2019s primary wildfire threat to communities. By limiting road construction, the Rule isolates rugged terrain from vehicles, campfires, and equipment sparks. Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy and minimizes post-burn soil erosion impacts. The State of California currently spends billions of dollars each year toward wildfire mitigation and suppression, so removing this rule will result in even more fires and will unnecessarily cost California taxpayers more to support the State\u2019s wildfire response efforts.\n\nRoadless areas are also essential to maintaining and supporting our state\u2019s outdoor recreation economy that draws people from around the world. California\u2019s national forests host 33 million visitors per year, shifting hundreds of millions of dollars from urban centers directly into rural gateway communities through hotel taxes and local sales taxes. This tax revenue directly funds essential rural municipal services that many counties in California otherwise could not afford. The Roadless Rule also protects thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and hundreds of miles of whitewater paddling runs across the country, which allow outfitters and other small businesses to thrive. The strength of our outdoor economy is intrinsically tied to these roadless areas remaining protected from industrial development.\n\nFinally, as you will undoubtedly find during this comment period, the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule is deeply unpopular among our constituents. At the time of its adoption, the Rule received over 600 public hearings and over 1.6 million comments more comments than any other rule in the nation\u2019s history. Despite the significant amount of public consultation that went into the 2001 Roadless Rule, this Administration only gave our constituents 21 days to comment on the initial announcement for the Roadless Rule repeal\u2014during which more than 600,000 comments were submitted and 99% of which supported retaining the Rule. Now, the Administration is only allowing a 47-day comment period on the draft Environmental Impact Statement. Beyond all that, any new roads that are built would leave taxpayers on the hook for road maintenance, all while the U.S. Forest Service already has a $7-8 billion road maintenance backlog.\n\nFor these reasons and more, we strongly oppose the rescission of the Roadless Rule. We urge you to leave the Rule intact so that it can continue to provide its time-tested benefits to our state and nation. Thank you for your consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-schiff-hails-bipartisan-cooperation-on-new-bill-to-create-federal-film-tax-incentive-emphasizes-need-for-congress-to-take-action-to-regulate-ai-on-cnns-the-story-is-with-elex-michaels/", "WATCH: Schiff Hails Bipartisan Cooperation on New Bill to Create Federal Film Tax Incentive, Emphasizes Need for Congress to Take Action to Regulate AI on CNN\u2019s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN\u2019s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson to discuss the introduction of his new bill with Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, to create the nation\u2019s first federal film tax incentive to help keep film and television production in the United States.\n\nThe Senator highlighted support from Congressional Republicans and President Trump as evidence of a pathway to get the bill signed into law by the end of this year.\n\nHe also discussed the importance of Congress taking action to regulate artificial intelligence and the need for the United States to come to an agreement with China on AI.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Republican support for creating a federal film tax incentive:\n\n[\u2026] I think a lot of the Republicans were supportive of this. I\u2019ve been having conversations with them for the last two years, and in the House for many, many years before that. What it really took was the president issuing a statement of support. I think they were waiting for a signal from the White House that if they got on board with this, they would have the president\u2019s backing, and he did issue that statement. It was a full-throated endorsement of this bill, and that really moved things forward. Then it was just a question of hammering out some last-minute provisions, we already had a very good draft. I\u2019ve had that for you know the last couple of years, and we also obviously worked with our Democratic and Republican counterparts in the House so that when we introduced the bill today, it was not only bipartisan but also in both houses, and that just gives us that much stronger chance for passage.\n\nOn working with the White House, Trump administration, and stakeholders:\n\nWe\u2019ve been working closely with the White House, and Spencer Pratt has been very helpful. John Voight has been very helpful. They\u2019ve been, I think, very good liaisons with the White House. And my understanding is that we have sign-off of all the stakeholders on the terms of this bill. That\u2019s what we were really working towards. We want to make sure that nobody had any poison pills, no deal breakers, and I think we\u2019re all in alignment on this, and not just the parties and the White House, but also labor and the guilds. This is really quite a remarkable achievement to have everybody on the same page on this pretty complicated issue.\n\nOn pathway to get the bill across the finish line:\n\nI think the finish line is in sight. We really need to strike while the iron is hot. It\u2019s not going to happen before the election. The House is already out of session, but we\u2019re going to come back in after the election for what\u2019s called a lame duck session. It is my hope that we get it done then. That\u2019s our best opportunity. We don\u2019t want to wait until next year when this party or that might lose interest or we might lose momentum. So, it\u2019s really important that we do our best to get it done. And it\u2019s not difficult to see that pathway. It might get taken up on its own, or more likely, it will get added to a bill that\u2019s already moving. Either approach is fine with me, just so long as we get it done.\n\nOn the need for Congress to take action on artificial intelligence:\n\nThere\u2019s bipartisan concern, frankly, with how AI is developing-the speed, the sophistication, the lack of control over AI, even by the companies that are producing it and on the leading edge. When you see, as OpenAI did, its own AI chatbot agents talking to themselves, posting messages to themselves, saying, \u201cwe\u2019re beholden to no corporation, no government, we are not subservient, we are, you know, on a par with our clients.\u201d Then it\u2019s really cause for alarm. I think people here are alarmed, but I also feel, Elex, in terms of seeing a finish line here, we have a terrible record in the Congress of regulating technology, even when there\u2019s palpable harm, as we have seen with social media and what it\u2019s done to our kids, we cannot afford to have that same dysfunctional approach when it comes to AI because it\u2019s just too dangerous.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-introduce-bill-to-prevent-unlawful-immigration-arrests-and-detentions/", "Padilla, Durbin Introduce Bill to Prevent Unlawful Immigration Arrests and Detentions", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced new legislation to clarify existing requirements for immigration arrests and codify statutory procedures to prevent unlawful arrests and detentions.\n\nImmigration enforcement officers under this Administration have arbitrarily arrested U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status, including George Retes, Javier Ramirez, Andrea Velez, Wilmer Chavarria, and Dayanne Figueroa.\n\n\u201cRepublicans continued to write blank checks to ICE and CBP while serious concerns remain about officer and agent training, accountability, and the treatment of U.S. citizens,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cEvery person in America has civil rights \u2014 in spite of this Administration\u2019s total disregard for the Constitution. This bill would establish stronger accountability and oversight, restore due process, and ensure federal immigration enforcement respects the rights and safety of Americans and noncitizens alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe disturbing reality today is that many American citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been caught in the Trump Administration\u2019s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cAs Justice Sotomayor stated in her dissent in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, referring to immigration agents: \u2018United States citizens are \u2026 being seized, taken from their jobs, and prevented from working to support themselves and their families.\u2019 This must stop. The Immigration Warrant Reform Act will help prevent these due process violations while ensuring noncitizens who present a threat to public safety are not released. It is commonsense, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.\u201d\n\nIn a concurrence in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, Justice Kavanaugh relied on these gaps in immigration laws to find that immigration officers and agents may makestops based solely on apparent race and ethnicity, speaking Spanish or English with an accent,and presence at certain worksites, even if U.S. citizens get caught in the administration\u2019s dragnet. The Trump Administration has gone beyond \u201cstops\u201d to arrest and even brutally attack U.S. citizens and immigrants without probable cause or a warrant for the arrest in indiscriminate enforcement actions. The Trump Administration has further interpreted immigrationlaws to require immigration judges to deny bond to any noncitizen who entered the United States withoutinspection, regardless of how long they have been in the country, and severely limit theopportunities for an immigration judge to release noncitizens on bond.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation would bring immigration enforcement procedures in line with the standards that all law enforcement have to follow:\n\nCodifying specific criteria for warrantless civil immigration arrests in the interior of the United States:\n\nTo limit the circumstances for warrantless arrest to those where a noncitizen presents an imminent danger to the community requiring immediate arrest, and is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained; and\n\nTo require a bond hearing within 24 hours of any warrantless arrest to determine whether the conditions above were met, and release the individual if they do not present a danger to the community;\n\nCodifying in statute criteria for obtaining an administrative warrant to arrest a noncitizen for civil immigration enforcement purposes, including by requiring immigration officers to:\n\nDocument probable cause of an individual\u2019s inadmissibility and removability under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and\n\nObtain approval for an administrative warrant from a supervisory immigration officer;\n\nCodifying in statute the requirement for periodic hearings in front of an immigration judge or federal judge for detained noncitizens; and\n\nClarifying that mandatory detention provisions applicable at the border should not apply to immigrants in the interior of the United States.\n\nThese changes would not allow for release of noncitizens who present a threat to public safety.\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Durbin, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).\n\nSenator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump\u2019s cruel and indiscriminate mass deportation agenda. Last month, Padilla demanded the Trump Administration abandon its reckless plan to equip ICE officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Last year, Padilla led 45 Congressional Democrats in urging DHS offices launch an investigation into the Department\u2019s stops, arrests, detentions, and deportations of U.S. citizens.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-van-hollen-senate-democrats-to-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi/", "Padilla Joins Van Hollen, Senate Democrats to Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Senators\u2019 letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 15 of his colleagues in calling on President Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\nIn a letter to Trump, the Senators also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity.\n\n\u201cWe write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cAs extraordinary as the promise of some of AI\u2019s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cProtecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use,\u201d the Senators concluded. \u201cWhat our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Van Hollen, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nPresident Trump:\n\nWe write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI\u2019s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large.\n\nThe development, release, and proper and improper use of AI present several risks unique to this technology. Testing AI models without constant monitoring and safe sandboxing has resulted in security breaks. Current publicly available models are concerningly capable of detecting and exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Companies developing AI have even more powerful models internally. An international race between the U.S. and China to advance these capabilities without safety guardrails, as is currently unfolding, poses unnecessary and dangerous risks to the American people. CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently said that it would \u201cnot be misplaced\u201d to refer to the capabilities of AI as \u201cakin to digital nuclear weapons.\u201d At the same time, despite serious warnings from those in your administration and bipartisan Congressional action, your administration has loosened export controls of semiconductors to China and refused to close relevant loopholes on the remaining regulations, enabling China to access the U.S. chips it needs to accelerate its own AI development. Both countries are currently integrating AI tools into military and defense applications, including in autonomous and unmanned systems, which Congress and AI developers alike have warned against without significant safeguards. AI has many applications and many of them are tools we will find beneficial, but its significant dangers and potential use in lethal applications without meaningful human control must be addressed, in part, through international cooperation.\n\nIn addition, efforts to engage with China should not stop the U.S. from constructing and implementing guardrails domestically, and Congress and U.S. companies should not wait to do so. In fact, both the U.S. and the Chinese government have already put some guardrails in place, but these provisions are not sufficient on their own. Your administration has implemented a voluntary testing scheme before the public release of advanced AI models. China reportedly has put in place several testing and capability restrictions, including registration and safety requirements for certain applications, although consistent implementation remains uncertain. The mutual recognition between the two countries that AI poses significant risks both during development and after release should be the foundation of discussions centered on reaching concrete terms for an international safety agreement. The conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit.\n\nWhile advanced AI may be new, engagement between two superpowers over a technology that poses an existential threat is not. The U.S. and Soviet Union, over decades, negotiated and implemented multiple nuclear arms control agreements with each other, despite many deep-seated ideological differences during the Cold War. At the core of those agreements were verification mechanisms to ensure both countries were complying. Like those agreements that have helped keep the world safe from mutually assured destruction, identifying and coming to terms with the technical specifications for AI safety will require some of the smartest minds in the world committed to diplomacy. We encourage you to embrace these challenges because the stakes are existential, and our response must match the moment.\n\nThe experts building frontier AI models have also been raising concerns for some time that the capabilities of AI models may soon accelerate beyond our ability to understand or control them. In July, over 1,300 employees of frontier AI companies, who are uniquely aware of AI\u2019s potential and risks, called on the U.S. government to engage in an international effort to create the tools necessary to pace the frontier of AI development, particularly as increased automation of AI research may lead to even faster advancement. We should take these warnings seriously. Former Treasury Secretaries Henry Paulson and Robert Rubin recently published an op-ed calling for you and President Xi to work on an \u201cACT\u201d \u2014 AI Cooperation Treaty.\u201d We may not get another moment to take the actions necessary to protect our citizens and people around the world.\n\nAI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use. What our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trump-administrations-last-minute-election-security-plan/", "Padilla Statement on Trump Administration\u2019s Last Minute Election Security Plan", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Overdue plan comes after Trump Administration defunded election security efforts, fired staff\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released its 2026 Election Infrastructure Security Plan, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump isn\u2019t serious about election security. His Administration\u2019s newly released election security plan is the product of an election denier in chief who has spent his time in office installing like-minded conspiracy theorists in leadership positions across the federal government.\n\n\u201cAfter the President rehashed his tired conspiracy theories during his White House address in July, Secretary Mullin promised an election security plan within 30 days, along with DHS assistance for state and local election officials. The deadline came and went, voting is underway for the midterm elections, and the Trump Administration has gutted DHS\u2019s election cybersecurity work. Election security staff has been fired and funding for state and local election officials has been cut, allowing mis- and disinformation to run rampant while denying election officials the tools to counter it. Meanwhile, the Administration is even withholding counterterrorism and disaster funds unless states go along with voter purging and voter suppression efforts.\n\n\u201cWhile CISA claims to be changing course and offering to help state and local governments with election security, this report does not do that. The Administration must restore the Election Infrastructure ISAC funding as Congress has directed \u2013 and then support legislation like my State and Local Election Security Act of 2026 to provide state and local election officials with the resources they need to modernize voting equipment and defend against any potential interference and cyberattacks.\u201d\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections and California\u2019s former Secretary of State, Padilla has been a vocal leader in protecting our elections. Earlier this month, Padilla and Congressman Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee, demanded the Trump Administration immediately restore funding to the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which helps state and local election officials protect federal elections from cybersecurity threats and election mis- and disinformation campaigns.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-breaks-down-new-whistleblower-allegations-of-dhs-lawbreaking-ahead-of-midterms/", "WATCH: Padilla Breaks Down New Whistleblower Allegations of DHS Lawbreaking Ahead of Midterms", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WATCH: Padilla uncovers Trump\u2019s voter intimidation push through DHS whistleblower disclosure\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, released a video sounding the alarm over Trump\u2019s ongoing attacks on American elections, including a recent disclosure by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower that alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Division officers to violate state laws as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at substantiating President Trump\u2019s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.\n\nWith just weeks to go until the November election, Senator Padilla breaks down the whistleblower\u2019s claims and how the federal government\u2019s alleged interference will impact eligible voters. Additionally, Senator Padilla calls for every American to resist these voter suppression tactics by making a plan and committing to vote this November.\n\nFollowing receipt of the bombshell whistleblower disclosure, Padilla and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and provide responses to Congress on its activities, and protect naturalized citizens who were erroneously flagged as \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d On Monday, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighting the concerning activities detailed by the DHS whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions violated California law. Last week, Padilla and Schumer led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower\u2019s disclosure. The whistleblower\u2019s disclosure is also being cited in ongoing litigation, Virginia\u2019s Attorney General is examining potential violations of Virginia state law, and Arizona\u2019s Attorney General and Secretary of State are calling on Arizona\u2019s U.S. Attorney to look into this alleged misuse of data by the federal government.\n\nExcerpts from the video are below:\n\nPADILLA REACTION TO WHISTLEBLOWER DISCLOSURE\n\nAnd the only reason we know about these allegations is because a federal employee had the courage to come forward. Now, that takes guts. My office is protecting this whistleblower\u2019s identity from any potential retribution. But making their disclosure public isn\u2019t enough. Because there are still major questions out there. How did DHS obtain this voter information? Who directed this initiative? And what exactly did they access? How was it used? And were American citizens caught up in it?\n\nThat\u2019s why Senator Adam Schiff and I have shared this disclosure with Rob Bonta, California\u2019s Attorney General, because he may want to look into this and determine whether DHS personnel violated California law. And the DHS Inspector General should look into it to look for any violations of federal law. But this isn\u2019t the only election fight happening right now.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nNow these are separate matters. But together, they raise serious questions about the Trump Administration\u2019s attempts to interfere in our elections. And all of this is happening as ballots go out to voters. So if you\u2019re thinking, What the hell is going on? That\u2019s a fair question. And after spending six years running California\u2019s elections as Secretary of State, and now serving as ranking member of the Senate committee with jurisdiction over federal elections\u2026 this happens to be something I know a little bit about. So here\u2019s what we know.\n\nPADILLA ON WHAT COMES NEXT AFTER WHISTLEBLOWER DISCLOSURE\n\nRecently my office received a protected disclosure from an anonymous federal whistleblower. According to that disclosure, hundreds of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees were reassigned from their duties to something called the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d Its stated goal was identifying people who may have been unlawfully registered to vote. And to be clear: Regardless of what you hear from certain individuals, noncitizen voting in federal elections is both already illegal and extremely rare. But according to the whistleblower, these officers were instructed to access state voter websites to try to manufacture evidence of noncitizen voting. Some sites required users to attest that they were the voter or authorized to act for that voter.\n\nThese federal employees were neither. So, they were told to lie. And when employees reportedly questioned whether that was legal, they were basically told not to worry about it, and promised that they wouldn\u2019t be held personally liable. Not held personally liable? If what they\u2019re doing is legal, then federal employees shouldn\u2019t have to question whether their assignments will expose them to liability. So I\u2019m working to determine who gave those instructions.\n\nPADILLA EXAMINES IMPACT OF TRUMP\u2019S INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS\n\nAccording to the disclosure, the government\u2019s own materials acknowledged these investigations could include \u201ca lot of U.S. citizens.\u201d And the data was so unreliable it includes \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d And employees were reportedly expected to process\u2014 forty people a day. That\u2019s five per hour \u2013 or about twelve minutes per person. Twelve minutes to review complex immigration information, citizenship information, voter information and potentially create a federal law-enforcement record. Based on magic data? That\u2019s nowhere even close to enough time to do an actual thorough, responsible, accurate records check. After a twelve-minute review, they were instructed to create law enforcement records based on this questionable data. And an inaccurate federal record can have very real, long-term consequences. The worst part is that people won\u2019t even know if these records were created for them until it is too late. So we need to know: How many American citizens were wrongly flagged? How many false records were created?\n\nAnd what is going to protect Americans from being secretly flagged as a \u201cunlawful voter\u201d by DHS?\n\nPADILLA\u2019S PERSONAL FIGHT FOR FREE ELECTIONS\n\nWhen I came home to California after earning my engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it was during our state\u2019s fight over Proposition 187 which targeted and scapegoated families like mine. My parents immigrated from Mexico. My dad worked for forty years as a short-order cook. And for those same forty years, my mom cleaned houses. Now, watching immigrants who became citizens like my parents and so many others in my hometown community of Pacoima, when they become a political punching bag, that helped propel me into public service. A few years later, after serving on the Los Angeles City Council and then in the State Senate, I became California\u2019s chief elections officer. And here\u2019s something you learn when you actually run elections: election security and voter access are not mutually exclusive. Yes, you need accurate voter rolls, secure systems, clear rules, and, in a democracy, you need the opportunity for every eligible voter to cast a ballot. So when someone invokes \u201celection integrity,\u201d I take it seriously.\n\nPADILLA\u2019S EFFORTS TO PROTECT ELECTIONS\n\nNow you may be thinking: Okay, Senator. What are you actually doing about this?\n\nThat\u2019s a fair question. Because I know how this sounds. Another instance of the Trump Administration being out of control. Another letter. More outrage. More frustration with Washington. I understand it. So here\u2019s the reality. We\u2019re in a tough position with an Administration that has no regard for the law, and which Republicans refuse to hold accountable. Hopefully that all changes after this November\u2019s midterm elections. But I\u2019m not sitting on the sidelines and waiting until then \u2014 I\u2019m already getting to work. I will protect this whistleblower. This evidence is already being cited in court. I am demanding documents, I am asking the tough questions, I will conduct oversight, and I will make sure these abuses do not go unnoticed. Senator Schumer and I have demanded an independent investigation into these allegations. I want to know: who authorized this? What information was accessed? Why were U.S. citizens wrongly flagged? Were laws broken? And what happened to the records? What recourse do U.S. citizens and others flagged have to correct these records? I\u2019m going to keep asking until we get answers. The whistleblower did their part. I\u2019m doing everything within my authority to do mine. And every American gets to decide for themselves what they think about what their government is doing. Pay attention. Make your own judgment. And make your voice heard. Because presidents don\u2019t get the final word. Senators don\u2019t get the final word. Voters do.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-deluzio-launch-effort-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-protect-voters-and-election-workers/", "Padilla, Deluzio Launch Effort to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places, Protect Voters and Election Workers", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "In early 2026, 32 percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment, 52 percent concerned for staff safety\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 With midterm elections just around the corner and threats to our elections at an all-time high from Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and California\u2019s former Secretary of State, and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) introduced bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places.\n\nThe Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections.\n\n\u201cNo voter should have to walk past a gauntlet of firearms to exercise their right to vote, and no election worker should have to risk armed threats just to do their job,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cIntimidation and violence have no place at our polls. These threats disenfranchise voters, undermine the fairness of our elections, and prevent nonpartisan election workers from doing their jobs. Our bill will keep visible firearms and other forms of violence away from polling places, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right safely, freely, and without intimidation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe right to vote is foundational to America\u2019s democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cWith the rising risk of political violence and ongoing threats to our democratic system, we need to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help protect the rights of America\u2019s voters and election workers so that they can vote and perform their official duties free from violent threats and intimidation. I\u2019m proud to reintroduce this bill today alongside Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Ruiz.\u201d\n\nThe right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32 percent of local election workers have reported experience threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to patrol polling places in recent elections. While intimidation is illegal under existing law, this new legislation is important to provide a clearer standard and further ensure safe polling locations.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nIn addition to Deluzio, the bill is cosponsored by Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25).\n\nSpecifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would:\n\nAmend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation;\n\nProvide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and\n\nRecognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties.\n\nThe Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center, Defend the Vote Action Fund, and the Fair Elections Center.\n\n\u201cCongress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting,\u201d said Sean Morales-Doyle, Senior Director of the voting rights program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.\n\n\u201cOur ability to hold elected leaders accountable to the people depends on ensuring every voter can access the ballot free from intimidation or harassment, and that election workers can run those elections without interference. Defend The Vote Action Fund applauds Rep. Deluzio and Sen. Padilla for their leadership on this critical bill that protects voters\u2019 rights to cast their ballots free from interference, while ensuring that poll workers and election officials can safely oversee and administer our elections,\u201d said Defend the Vote Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek.\n\n\u201cTo fully realize our civil rights, we need stronger protections against intimidation to make sure that election officials can do their jobs without fear, and that no American is stopped from exercising their right to vote. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is one way we can defend our voting rights in the face of those who want to take power away from the people,\u201d said Fair Elections Center\u2019s President and CEO, Rebekah Caruthers.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and California\u2019s former Secretary of State and chief election officer, Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to protect our elections and strengthen voting rights.\n\nLast week, Padilla led the Congressional response to the bombshell whistleblower report that DHS agents violated state laws as part of the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and called for an immediate investigation into the agency\u2019s misconduct. He also urged California\u2019s Attorney General to investigate the effects these actions could have on Californians.\n\nAlso last week, Padilla convened some of the country\u2019s top labor leaders to discuss how to strengthen our democracy and mobilize against election interference.\n\nLast month, he led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop its illegal voter roll purges before election day.\n\nPadilla also joined Schumer in launching the first-ever Senate Election Observer Program to protect the 2026 midterms and maintain election integrity nationwide and serves as part of the Senate Democrats\u2019 Election Protection Task Force.\n\nIn June, Padilla joined his colleagues in introducing the Protect Our Polls Act to protect the integrity of American elections from federal interference by armed military or federal law enforcement.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-demands-answers-from-governor-abbott-on-texas-voter-registration-errors/", "Padilla Demands Answers from Governor Abbott on Texas Voter Registration Errors", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, demanded answers from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden regarding recent disclosures showing potentially hundreds of thousands of Texas voter registration applications were not properly processed, leaving newly registered voters at risk of being disenfranchised in the 2026 midterm elections.\n\nRanking Member Padilla stressed that Congress has an oversight responsibility over Texas\u2019 mass failure to process voter registration, due to federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), also known as the \u201cMotor Voter Law\u201d, writing: \u201c[t]he NVRA requires states to offer voter registration at the state\u2019s motor vehicle registration agency, and these issues raise questions about the state\u2019s compliance with the law. Understanding both the scope of this error, how it occurred, and how the state will remedy it to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised is therefore an important subject for congressional oversight.\u201d\n\nIn his letter to Abbott and Howden, Padilla also pointed out that the error cannot be viewed in isolation and instead placed it within a broader pattern of state actions that have made it more difficult for Texans to make their voices heard at the ballot box.\n\n\u201cThe late timing of this announcement threatens the voting rights of more than a hundred thousand Texas voters on the heels of other intentional actions by the state that harm voting rights, such as mid-decade gerrymandered electoral maps and Senate Bill 1 that streamlined mass voter purges and restricted voting methods \u2013 including harsh limits on vote by mail. Voting rights advocates have also expressed concern that the state has failed to fund efficient election administration, greenlighted reductions in polling locations, and other additional obstacles and confusions for voters,\u201d wrote Senator Padilla. \u201cTexas has also proactively cooperated with the Trump Administration\u2019s election interference agenda by handing over its voters\u2019 personal information and utilizing the flawed SAVE program, both actions which other states have successfully resisted on a bipartisan basis. Alternatively, if the state considered other commonsense reforms like online voter registration and same day registration, that could help voters avoid these issues.\u201d\n\nWith the midterm elections approaching, Padilla emphasized that time is of the essence and urged Abbott and Howden to respond quickly and transparently.\n\n\u201cLocal officials and potentially impacted voters have real reason to be concerned about the state\u2019s ability to work quickly enough to ensure that all eligible voters who registered can cast their ballot without obstacle. Further, the state and its localities have an obligation to contact affected voters to ensure they are aware of their right to cast a provisional ballot, which should be counted for the November 3rd election,\u201d continued Senator Padilla. \u201cDue to the size and timing of this voter registration process error, the eyes of voting rights advocates across America are on Texas and how the state will respond. I urge you to be transparent on this matter and provide real relief for eligible voters in your state.\u201d\n\nPadilla reinforced his concerns in an interview on MS Now earlier today, where he questioned whether politics may be at play.\n\n\u201cI just can\u2019t help but remember, back in the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump called the secretary of state of Georgia and said, \u2018find me 11,000 more votes.\u2019 Right? In this case, isn\u2019t that about finding additional votes that didn\u2019t go his way; it\u2019s about risking hundreds of thousands of Texas voters from being able to cast their ballots or have their vote counted. And Texas, by the way, is where the redistricting war last year began. So, coincidence? I\u2019m not so sure. But these are some of the questions that we need to get to the bottom of.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nPadilla\u2019s MS Now interview is here.\n\nDear Governor Abbott and Secretary Howden,\n\nThe United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration has oversight jurisdiction over federal elections, including voter registration. I write with serious concern over recent disclosures that potentially hundreds of thousands of Texas voter registration applications were not properly processed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and/or the Texas Secretary of State\u2019s office, leaving newly registered and updated voters at risk of being disenfranchised in the 2026 midterm elections.\n\nAll eligible Americans have a right to register to vote, cast their vote, and have their vote counted. The U.S. Constitution gives authority for elections to the states and to Congress. Pursuant to this authority, Congress has enacted a number of federal laws that protect voter registration, including the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), the Help America Vote Act, and the Voting Rights Act to guarantee those rights are not infringed. The NVRA requires states to offer voter registration at the state\u2019s motor vehicle registration agency, and these issues raise questions about the state\u2019s compliance with the law. Understanding both the scope of this error, how it occurred, and how the state will remedy it to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised is therefore an important subject for congressional oversight.\n\nWhile the state has failed to produce an overall number, the Texas Association of County Election Officials is expecting a backlog of potentially hundreds of thousands of applications, noting that individual \u201c[c]ounties have received anywhere from several hundred to tens of thousands of records to process.\u201d These numbers are particularly high for populous counties, including but not limited to 45,000 in Bexar County, more than 40,000 in Collin County, and approximately 32,000 in Travis County which brought their overall backlog to 35,000 \u2013 a total of over 100,000 in those three counties alone. If numbers are similar in other large Texas counties, the total figure will be much higher.\n\nThere are only seven business days before the state\u2019s voter registration deadline (October 5th). Texas counties are now facing a daunting backlog of potentially hundreds of thousands of applications as they are already busy with the work of preparing for the upcoming state and federal elections, which includes an election for the United States Senate. Local officials and potentially impacted voters have real reason to be concerned about the state\u2019s ability to work quickly enough to ensure that all eligible voters who registered can cast their ballot without obstacle. Further, the state and its localities have an obligation to contact affected voters to ensure they are aware of their right to cast a provisional ballot, which should be counted for the November 3rd election.\n\nIn addition, there are serious questions as to why this growing backlog of unprocessed voter registrations was not identified for so long. The state has also not yet provided public assurance that the issues that led to this backlog have been resolved, and whether new registrations are being processed appropriately. These issues have occurred amidst scrutiny of Texas\u2019 statewide voter registration system, known as TEAM, which has caused a host of issues during its \u201conce- in-a-decade upgrade\u201d that may relate to this huge registration backlog on election eve.\n\nThe late timing of this announcement threatens the voting rights of more than a hundred thousand Texas voters on the heels of other intentional actions by the state that harm voting rights, such as mid-decade gerrymandered electoral maps and Senate Bill 1 that streamlined mass voter purges and restricted voting methods \u2013 including harsh limits on vote by mail. Voting rights advocates have also expressed concern that the state has failed to fund efficient election administration, greenlighted reductions in polling locations, and other additional obstacles and confusions for voters. Texas has also proactively cooperated with the Trump Administration\u2019s election interference agenda by handing over its voters\u2019 personal information and utilizing the flawed SAVE program, both actions which other states have successfully resisted on a bipartisan basis. Alternatively, if the state considered other commonsense reforms like online voter registration and same day registration, that could help voters avoid these issues.\n\nTo ensure that Congress can conduct its constitutional oversight role on this matter, please provide responses to the following questions no later than Friday, October 2nd.\n\n1. What specific issues caused this failure to process voter registration applications? Who is conducting the investigation, and is there a coordinated review that involves both DPS and the Office of the Secretary of State?\n\n2. How many eligible voters were impacted by this error? When will this be known with certainty and with what degree of confidence?\n\n3. Has DPS and/or the Office of the Secretary of State resolved the underlying issues that led to the unprocessed applications, so that the backlog is not continuing to grow?\n\n4. What support is the state providing to county officials as they address this backlog of applications? Is the state hiring additional personnel or authorizing overtime or supporting such actions on the local level?\n\n5. Are all relevant Texas state agencies committed to processing all registrations that were filed on time but the process is delayed due to potential issues related to state agencies and not the eligible voter?\n\n6. What outreach or education will be provided to voters who took steps to register on their rights to cast a ballot if they are not on the voter rolls by the November 3rd election? Relatedly, what education will be provided to election officials and volunteer poll workers who will be supporting these potential voters?\n\n7. What safeguards will Texas state agencies put in place to ensure this error does not occur again?\n\n8. Is the State of Texas complying with the 2021 settlement agreement in Stringer v. Hughs related to the state\u2019s failure to comply with the motor voter provisions of the NVRA?\n\nDue to the size and timing of this voter registration failure, the eyes of voting rights advocates across America are upon Texas. I urge you to be transparent on this matter and ensure that all eligible voters in Texas who registered to vote can cast their ballot and make their voice heard.\n\nThank you for your attention to this critical matter and I look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-raskin-press-dhs-secretary-and-other-officials-on-trump-administrations-refugee-admission-policy/", "Padilla, Durbin, Raskin Press DHS Secretary and Other Officials on Trump Administration\u2019s Refugee Admission Policy", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration\u2019s shameful policies dismantling the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program during an annual, statutorily required refugee consultation for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\nThe meeting occurred as the Trump Administration is slated to limit refugee admissions \u201cprimarily\u201d to just 17,500 White Afrikaners from South Africa over the next fiscal year.\n\n\u201cWelcoming a thoughtful number of refugees every year is part of our nation\u2019s legacy and an important international obligation. Yet the Trump Administration has all but closed the door on people fleeing persecution, even leaving behind Afghan allies who fought alongside U.S. service members and have now spent years in the resettlement pipeline,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cMeanwhile, the Administration is aggressively pursuing the deportation of refugees, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and green card holders to countries we know are unsafe and have questionable human rights records. It\u2019s un-American and flies in the face of our longstanding commitment to being a beacon of freedom in the world. The Administration must restart refugee resettlement to a respectable and honorable level.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s agenda is clear: prioritize white-only Afrikaners as refugees and disregard the millions of men, women, and children from around the world who are trying to escape horrific violence and persecution,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cAlthough we finally heard directly from a Cabinet official on this Administration\u2019s refugee policies, unlike the last consultations, as the law requires, the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to attack our immigrant communities. We must restore our longstanding asylum policies and admit lawful refugees\u2014including the Afghan allies who served alongside our troops abroad.\u201d\n\n\u201cYesterday\u2019s consultation reinforces our sense that the Administration has turned America\u2019s traditional refugee program into a whites-only airplane ride for South African Afrikaners into Trump\u2019s America. Afghan allies who risked their lives fighting alongside our troops, religious minorities facing intensified persecution in Iran and tens of thousands of approved and pre-vetted refugees fleeing war from around the world have been left twisting in the wind for years. But white Afrikaners get the Elon Musk presidential red-carpet treatment. America should offer race-neutral asylum for people fleeing tyrants and war, but Donald Trump is stiff-arming families we promised to protect and turning a humanitarian lifeline into another exercise in political favoritism and racial exclusion,\u201d said Representative Raskin.\n\nIn June, Padilla and Durbin objected to the Trump Administration\u2019s flawed attempt at an appropriate consultation with Congress on May 21 and an increase in the refugee admissions goal solely for white Afrikaners from South Africa. In May, Padilla, Durbin, and Raskin, along with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), released a statement after a consultation on the Trump Administration\u2019s refugee admissions plan to increase the refugee cap included only deputies, not Cabinet-level representatives as the law requires. Last year, Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, and Jayapal also slammed the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to abandon nearly 130,000 vetted refugees and slash refugee admissions to 7,500 without the legally required consultation with Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-install-suicide-prevention-infrastructure/", "Padilla, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Install Suicide Prevention Infrastructure", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, introduced the Barriers to Suicide Act, legislation that would create grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure.\n\n\u201cToo many Americans die by suicide \u2013 and we know physical barriers can help save lives during times of crisis,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cCalifornia has seen firsthand at the Golden Gate Bridge that nets and barriers work. As we continue to confront the suicide crisis, we must do more to help state and local governments install nets and barriers on bridges and other high structures. The Barriers to Suicide Act is commonsense, life-saving legislation that will help enhance safety standards and make our public infrastructure safer.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe should be doing everything in our power to address our nation\u2019s mental health crisis and investing in life-saving barriers plays an important role in preventing a moment of crisis from becoming a tragedy,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThe Barriers to Suicide Act will provide critical funding to state and local governments to prevent more valuable lives from being lost.\u201d\n\nNearly 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falling deaths are a common cause of suicide, and restricting access to lethal means allows time for a feeling of crisis to pass, allowing people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help. A study found that San Francisco\u2019s installation of netting on the Golden Gate Bridge reduced suicide rates by 73% in one year.\n\nSpecifically, the Barriers to Suicide Act would:\n\nEstablish a competitive grant program for states and localities to apply for federal funding under the National Highway Performance Program to install nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and at rail stations; and\n\nAuthorize a study to identify the types of structures most commonly used for suicide attempts, types of barriers that are most effective in prevention, and additional strategies to reduce jumping deaths.\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Tillis, the bill is cosponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\n\n\u201cMy heart breaks for all those dealing with the incredible grief and sadness of losing someone to suicide. Congress must do everything in its power to support our communities on the frontlines of this public health crisis, including investing in proven strategies to reduce suicides,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cThe Barriers to Suicide Act is common-sense legislation to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure, so we can save as many lives as possible.\u201d\n\nThe Barriers to Suicide Act is endorsed by organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).\n\n\u201cThe Barriers to Suicide Act meets a critical need to prevent suicide by investing in proven strategies to make public spaces safer for people in crisis,\u201d said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). \u201cBy funding evidence-based design and infrastructure improvements in high-risk settings, this legislation takes a proactive approach to suicide prevention. NAMI thanks Senators Padilla and Tillis for their leadership and support for this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cBarriers work. When we know a public place presents a high risk for suicide, and we know there are proven ways to make it safer, we have an obligation to act,\u201d said Erich Mische, CEO of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). \u201cThe introduction of the Barriers to Suicide Act in the Senate is a historic moment, and one made possible in large part by the relentless advocacy of suicide loss survivors who have turned unimaginable loss into action to save other lives. SAVE has been proud to stand with them and to be a vocal and relentless advocate for this legislation. We are grateful to Senators Alex Padilla and Thom Tillis for their bipartisan leadership in moving this commonsense, lifesaving legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cSuicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with 1,246 people dying by suicide after falling from bridges and high places in 2024,\u201d said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). \u201cResearch consistently demonstrates that reducing access to lethal means is a well-established suicide prevention strategy. Installing barriers and nets on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure can create critical time and distance from a lethal means, allowing an acute suicidal crisis to pass and creating opportunities for support and intervention. AFSP commends Senators Padilla and Tillis for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation.\u201d\n\nAs a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health caucus, Senator Padilla has been a leader in advocating for increasing mental health care access for all Americans. Last year, he introduced the EARLY Minds Act to combat the growing youth mental health crisis in America through early intervention and prevention services. Padilla has repeatedly condemned the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to purge staff and cut billions in federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Under the Biden Administration, Padilla applauded the Federal Communications Commission for making critical improvements to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by adopting the main provisions of Padilla\u2019s Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023.\n\nText of the bill is available here.\n\nA one-pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-warren-torres-introduce-bill-to-address-basic-needs-insecurity-in-higher-education/", "Padilla, Warren, Torres Introduce Bill to Address Basic Needs Insecurity in Higher Education", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students In College (BASIC) Act, legislation to help community colleges and four-year institutions address the unmet basic needs of their students by establishing a $1 billion competitive grant program to better connect students with the resources they need to stay in school and complete their degrees.\n\nAmidst the ongoing affordability crisis, college students across America are struggling to afford food, safe housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other necessities. Nearly one in four college students across the country experience food insecurity, a rate twice that of all other U.S. households, and 1 in 10 students experience homelessness. Research from The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University shows that 3 in 5 students do not have enough to eat or a safe place to live.\n\n\u201cHigher costs fueled by the Trump Administration\u2019s policies are making it harder for millions of students to afford basic needs like housing, healthcare, and nutritious food,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cNo student should have to choose between meeting their everyday needs and pursuing higher education. The BASIC Act will help bridge these gaps by providing resources to universities to support students not having to skip a meal or sacrifice their mental or physical health in pursuit of their higher education goals.\u201d\n\nStudents with limited income or access to opportunities, such as Pell Grant recipients, parenting students, first-generation students, veterans, former foster youth, students with disabilities, and students at community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), typically experience the highest levels of basic needs insecurity.\n\n\u201cNo student working toward a college degree should have to wonder where their next meal will come from or whether they can keep a roof over their head,\u201d said Congresswoman Torres. \u201cOur students are doing everything we ask of them, pursuing an education, and building a better future, but rising costs are making it harder just to stay in school. The BASIC Act will help colleges step up, connect students with resources they already qualify for, and make sure food, housing, child care, or transportation are never the reason a student has to give up on their education. When our students succeed, our communities and our economy succeed with them.\u201d\n\nSince Fiscal Year 2021, Senator Padilla and Representative Torres have secured over $43 million for the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program (\u201cBasic Needs Grants\u201d) nationwide, including $10 million in FY 2026. Basic Needs grants now reach schools in 22 states and Puerto Rico, including both rural and urban areas in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, and the program has received applications from many more states. The BASIC Act would build upon this progress and ensure students have access to basic needs.\n\nSpecifically, the BASIC Act would:\n\nAuthorize a $1 billion competitive grant program to help institutions of higher education identify and meet the basic needs of students:\n\n$40 million for planning grants to help institutions identify unmet needs and develop strategies to combat food and housing insecurity and homelessness.\n\n$960 million for implementation grants to help institutions provide direct housing, food, and childcare assistance, connect students with public benefits, partner with community organizations, and strengthen basic-needs services.\n\nGrants will prioritize institutions with 25% or higher federal Pell Grant enrollment.\n\nAt least 25% of grant funding must go to community colleges, and another 25% must go to HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other minority serving institutions (such as HSIs, AANAPISIs)\n\nImprove coordination and data sharing to help identify students who may qualify for programs such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, housing assistance, childcare assistance, tax credits, while protecting student data and privacy.\n\nRequire a national report on student food, housing, and basic-needs insecurity to better understand the challenges facing students and identify effective solutions.\n\nThe legislation authorizes $1 billion annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2033 to support planning and implementation grants for colleges and universities nationwide.\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Warren, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).\n\nThe BASIC Act of 2026 is endorsed by organizations like American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), American Association of University Women (AAUW), American Council on Education (ACE), California Community Colleges Chancellor\u2019s Office, California State University (CSU), EdTrust, Excelencia in Education, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, National Education Association, New America Higher Education Policy Program, The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), Today\u2019s Students Coalition, University of California (UC), University of California Student Association, Youth Law Center, Achieve Atlanta, Cedar Crest College, Church Women United in New York State, FoodShare South Carolina, Hunger Free America, and LeadMN.\n\n\u201cThe California State University (CSU) is proud to support Senator Alex Padilla and Congresswoman Norma Torres in advancing a comprehensive approach to meeting students\u2019 basic needs. We know that student success extends beyond the classroom. When students have reliable access to nutritious food, safe housing, childcare, transportation and technology, they are better positioned to stay enrolled, focus on their education and make meaningful progress toward their degrees. Through the CSU\u2019s Basic Needs Initiative, we have seen the importance of addressing these needs as an integral part of supporting the whole student. The BASIC Act builds on that commitment and aligns with CSU Forward\u2019s focus on creating the conditions for every student to thrive and earn a degree. By strengthening this work at colleges and universities across the country, this legislation has the potential to expand educational opportunity and create lasting benefits for students, their families and their communities,\u201d said Dr. Dilcie Perez, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success\u200b.\n\n\u201cThe University of California (UC) is committed to addressing students\u2019 academic and essential needs through its Basic Needs Initiative, a multi-prong effort to identify and address key factors that contribute to food and housing insecurity so that students can succeed and thrive,\u201d said University of California Vice President and Vice Provost for Graduate, Undergraduate, and Equity Affairs Yvette Gullatt. \u201cThat is why UC is proud to support the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act, which would establish a grant program allowing institutions of higher education to address basic needs insecurity on campuses by providing additional resources to ensure that students can complete their degrees. UC has long advocated for federal support for basic needs and is grateful to Representative Norma Torres and Senator Alex Padilla for their continued work on this vitally important issue.\u201d\n\nSenator Padilla has been a consistent advocate for increasing access to higher education, fighting back against President Trump and Congressional Republicans\u2019 actions that are making college more unaffordable and unattainable for millions of working-class families. Last week, Padilla joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in introducing the Debt-Free College Actto lower the cost of college and mitigate the student debt crisis. Last year, Padilla co-sponsored the College for All Act, which would make public colleges and universities free for 95% of students.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nA one-pager of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-gas-and-diesel-prices-spike-sen-schiff-introduces-legislation-to-levy-an-excess-profits-tax-on-big-oil-companies-to-discourage-price-gouging/", "NEWS: As Gas and Diesel Prices Spike, Sen. Schiff Introduces Legislation to Levy an Excess Profits Tax on Big Oil Companies to Discourage Price Gouging", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Los Angeles, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to levy an excess profits tax on big oil companies to discourage price gouging and ensure oil companies aren\u2019t profiting off of prolonged war and oil market instability. Schiff\u2019s legislation comes as Americans are facing sky-high prices at the gas pump and Big Oil companies are projected to rake in $96 billion in profits in 2026, $13.5 billion more than last year.\n\n\u201cAfter half a year of war, it\u2019s clear who has benefited from rising gas prices: Big Oil companies. While American families struggle to fill their tanks, and farmers can\u2019t afford diesel fuel, oil and gas companies are realizing massive profits. We need legislation to stop these companies from the price gouging that only adds to the pain at the pump. Big Oil must pay their fair share,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\nThe Oil Company Windfall Profits Tax Act would:\n\nImpose a permanent excess profits tax on big oil companies; and\n\nDirect all revenues raised by the excess profits tax to the Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, consistent with gas tax ratios\n\nAs President Donald Trump\u2019s war with Iran has entered its seventh month, gas per gallon and utility costs have reached record highs \u2013 increasing to nearly double the amount before the war. In California, gas prices have reached over six dollars.\n\nSchiff\u2019s legislation comes at a time when even President Trump has called out oil companies \u2013 saying this past summer that Americans are being \u201cgouged.\u201d\n\nBackground: In July, Schiff demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) launch a federal investigation into potential price gouging by Big Oil companies and publicly report its findings to Congress.\n\nHe has previously championed a windfall profits tax on oil companies as a way of shifting the cost burden of gas prices off of American families, who have been spending at least $1.00 a gallon more compared to last year thanks to Trump\u2019s war in Iran.\n\nThis Summer, outside of a gas station with the highest gas prices in Los Angeles, Schiff held a press conference announcing actions to hold big oil accountable for price gouging consumers at ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-scott-schiff-reps-moran-sanchez-jack-friedman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit-to-keep-film-and-television-production-in-the-u-s/", "NEWS: Sens. Scott, Schiff, Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Jack, Friedman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit to Keep Film and Television Production in the U.S.", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Bipartisan, bicameral legislation from lawmakers from film production states follows call for action by President Trump, decades-long push by lawmakers to enact federal credit\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) alongside U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas-1) Linda Sanchez (D-Calif- 38), Brian Jack (R-Ga-3), and Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30) introduced new bipartisan legislation to create a federal film tax incentive to keep film and television production in the United States.\n\nThe Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would benefit every U.S. state and promote American jobs and spur local economic growth while allowing the United States to compete with foreign production incentives.\n\nThe bicameral effort follows years of advocacy to create a nationwide tax credit, a push recently echoed by President Donald Trump.\n\n\u201cFor years, I\u2019ve been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it\u2019s time we get this passed,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cHaving worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like \u2018The Notebook\u2019 bring us to tears, and films like \u2018Forrest Gump\u2019 inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to serve as the backdrop for both of these iconic American stories,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cWe cannot stand by as more and more American film production moves overseas, taking jobs, investment, and an important source of American cultural influence with it. This legislation will create jobs in communities across America, support local economies, and help ensure that the next generation of iconic American films is made right here in America.\u201d\n\nIn the Senate, this bill is cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). In the U.S. House of Representatives, this bill is cosponsored by Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15), Judy Chu (D-Calif-28), David Kustoff (R-Tenn-08), and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.-03).\n\n\u201cWhen a production comes to a community\u2014from rural East Texas to urban New York\u2014that money doesn\u2019t just benefit the production company. It helps the local caterer, the hardware store, the hoteliers, and every tradesman in between who makes film and television production possible. Those jobs are going overseas right now simply because other countries are offering bigger handouts. If we want to keep American storytelling in America, we have to level the playing field, and that\u2019s exactly what this bill does. This isn\u2019t about subsidizing Hollywood\u2014it\u2019s about supporting the American worker, one story and one production at a time. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Scott and our bipartisan group in both chambers to get this done, and I\u2019m grateful to Ambassador Jon Voight and Sean Astin for the work they\u2019ve put into pushing this forward,\u201d said Rep. Nathaniel Moran.\n\n\u201cThe United States is losing good-paying union jobs because it\u2019s become too expensive to film here. This isn\u2019t about the actors who star in films and can travel for a shoot. It\u2019s about the production crews and set builders, the backbone of the film industry. Our bill would create incentives to bring those jobs back home and boost local economies, not just in California, but across the country,\u201d said Rep. Linda S\u00e1nchez.\n\n\u201cMy Congressional District is home to Trilith Studios, and I proudly represent the craftsmen, electricians, and carpenters who work hard to create movies that inspire generations of Americans. Study after study has demonstrated that American film production delivers substantial economic benefits to communities across our country by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating millions of dollars in local economic activity. I applaud President Trump\u2019s leadership in calling for a legislative solution to bring film production back to the United States, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to advance our legislation and achieve this important goal,\u201d said Rep. Brian Jack.\n\n\u201cFor over a year, I\u2019ve worked to build a coalition of unions, studios, Republicans & Democrats, and the White House, because we knew that a national film tax credit would bring hundreds of thousands of jobs back to our country,\u201d said Rep. Laura Friedman. \u201cThis bill is a result of that coalition. It tells every country that has been outbidding us for American work that we are done losing.\u201d\n\n\u201cOhio has a rich history in film production, from \u2018The Deer Hunter\u2019 and \u2018The Shawshank Redemption\u2019 to \u2018The Avengers\u2019 and \u2018A Christmas Story.\u2019 Many of these filming locations have become tourist attractions and are economic drivers to this day. The film industry provides high-paying jobs for artists, small businesses, and union workers. As other countries implement beneficial tax incentives to draw production away from the United States, Congress must work to ensure the United States stays competitive. I would like to commend Representative Moran for introducing this important legislation. As Chairman of the Humanities Caucus and a member of the tax-writing committee, I am confident this bill will help the United States maintain its global influence, as well as the high-paying jobs, associated with film production,\u201d said Rep. Mike Carey.\n\n\u201cFor generations, Southern California has been the heart of America\u2019s film and television industry, supporting thousands of workers and small businesses in the San Gabriel Valley and across our region. But today, too many productions are leaving for other countries, taking good-paying jobs and economic opportunity with them. We cannot stand by while communities across the United States lose these productions and the jobs they support. That\u2019s why I am so proud to co-lead the bipartisan, bicameral Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which will create a new federal tax credit to incentivize film and television production here in America. This bill will help bring productions and jobs back home, support our creative workforce, and keep Southern California the entertainment capital of the world,\u201d said Rep. Judy Chu.\n\n\u201cThe film and TV industry is an economic engine in New York. It supports thousands of good jobs at good wages,\u201d said Rep. Tom Suozzi. \u201cAmerica is the entertainment leader of the world and this bill incentivizes filmmakers and studios to hire American workers. I\u2019m proud to help lead this commonsense, bipartisan effort.\u201d\n\nThe Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would:\n\nSpur American jobs and economic development by providing a 20% federal, labor-based tax credit to U.S. film and television productions with minimum spend of $1 million and where at least 75% of the principal photography days occur within the U.S;\n\nOffer 5% bonus credit allowances, increasing the base credit up to a maximum of 30%, for productions in rural opportunity zones and areas impacted by disasters, independent productions, multi-state producers in 10+ states, and producers who show a measurable onshoring of productions;\n\nMake the credit available to traditional post-production and visual effects activities when at least 75% of the respective post-production and visual effects production takes place in the U.S; and\n\nSupport the investments of states currently offering incentives by allowing the federal incentive to supplement state credits.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by: American Federation of Musicians, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), CreativeFuture, Coalition for American Production (CAP), Directors Guild of America (DGA), FilmUSA, Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Motion Picture Association (MPA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild \u2013 American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Teamsters, Television Academy, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW)\n\n\u201cI want to thank President Trump for bringing national attention to the urgent need for a federal film and television production tax credit and for calling on Congress to act,\u201d said Hollywood Ambassador Jon Voight. \u201cI also want to thank Senators Tim Scott and Adam Schiff, along with Representatives Nathaniel Moran, Linda S\u00e1nchez, Brian Jack, Laura Friedman, Mike Carey, Judy Chu, David Kustoff, Tom Suozzi, and the growing list of supporters, for their work on this bipartisan effort to bring productions and jobs back to the United States. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will restore the American film and television industry, put crews back to work, support productions at all levels, and create economic opportunities in communities nationwide. All Americans want to bring our iconic film industry home, and we can do it by working together to get this important legislation passed quickly.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would deliver a true gamechanger for American creators, workers, and businesses \u2013 a federal incentive that supercharges production at home, fuels jobs and growth in local communities, and makes the United States a more competitive destination for the next generation of great film and television. There\u2019s a reason everyone from President Trump to a bipartisan group of members in Congress to studios, unions, guilds, and more want to get this done. Passing this legislation could inject $250 billion into the country\u2019s economy and deliver nearly 145,000 new jobs every year across all 50 states. That\u2019s a story we can write together by enacting this bill, to ensure that more stories are crafted, created, and made here in America. The Motion Picture Association thanks Senators Tim Scott and Adam Schiff, and Representatives Nathaniel Moran, Linda S\u00e1nchez, Brian Jack, Laura Friedman, Mike Carey, Judy Chu, David Kustoff, Tom Suozzi for their leadership in support of America\u2019s creative economy,\u201d said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association.\n\n\u201cThe Independent Film & Television Alliance is pleased to support the introduction of legislation to establish a federal production incentive for film and television. A federal incentive will help increase U.S. production and create new jobs in states across the country. We thank the bill sponsors for their leadership and look forward to working with them to ensure this new and important incentive can serve as a meaningful catalyst for independent film and television production in the U.S,\u201d said Jackie Brenneman, President & CEO, Independent Film & Television Alliance.\n\n\u201cThe over 170,000 behind-the-scenes entertainment workers of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) are proud to endorse the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. IATSE has long called for a globally competitive, labor-based federal production incentive to level the playing field for American workers, return middle-class film and television jobs to America, and keep them here at home. This legislation would achieve that goal, addressing the dramatic loss of tens of thousands of American jobs in motion picture production and post-production. IATSE praises Senators Scott and Schiff, and Representatives Moran, Sanchez, Jack, Friedman, Carey, Chu, Kustoff, and Suozzi for leading this bipartisan effort. IATSE calls on all members of Congress to support and pass this critical jobs bill before the end of the year,\u201d said Matthew D. Loeb, International President, IATSE.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. entertainment industry should be making movies and TV shows in America with union labor. The Teamsters are proud to endorse the bipartisan Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which will give our country the competitive advantage to bring film and TV production back home. Thank you to Senators Scott (R-SC) and Schiff (D-CA) and Representatives Moran (R-TX) and Sanchez (D-CA) for their leadership. Creating good union jobs in America should be a priority for every member of Congress, from every state and political party. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act must get to the President\u2019s desk this year,\u201d said Sean M. O\u2019Brien, President, Teamsters.\n\n\u201cThe Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act is the most significant legislative effort in a generation to promote domestic film and television production, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports. This moment is the cumulation of years of work by the entertainment guilds and unions, in partnership with the MPA and lawmakers from both parties. The DGA thanks Senators Scott and Schiff and Representatives Moran, Jack, and Friedman for advancing this important bipartisan effort to strengthen domestic production, create jobs, and further build on the critical work already underway through state incentives in California, New York, Illinois, Georgia, and elsewhere. We also acknowledge the leadership of Ambassador Voight on this issue. We look forward to working with our partners in Congress, labor, the Administration, and at the studios to get this bill signed into law,\u201dsaid Christopher Nolan, President, Directors Guild of America.\n\n\u201cWe are pleased to support the film and television tax incentive legislation introduced today by Senators Schiff and Scott along with Reps. Friedman, Moran, Sanchez and Jack. This country must invest in efforts to keep production of film and television, along with the tens of thousands of good union jobs they support, here in the U.S.,\u201d said Michele Mulroney, President, Writers Guild of America West & Tom Fontana, President, Writers Guild of America East.\n\n\u201cSAG-AFTRA is proud to partner with our fellow unions, industry and policymakers in a bipartisan effort to rescue the domestic film and television business. The money is being invested, the productions are being made, the jobs are being created \u2014 just not in America. This is a jobs bill and that is exactly what our members want to see. We have the infrastructure. We have the crews. We have the talent. Now all we need is a level playing field. We are the storytellers who inform and entertain the world. Let\u2019s get back to doing that right here at home. Thank you Sens. Scott and Schiff and Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Friedman and Jack for championing this critical legislation,\u201d said Sean Astin, President, SAG-AFTRA.\n\n\u201cThe Producers Guild of America (PGA) represents over 8,400 professionals across film, television, and emerging media and strongly supports the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. Producers are responsible for creating projects, assembling teams, managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and making decisions that guide a production from start to finish \u2013 and we want that work to benefit our nation. This legislation helps make it possible for producers to grow this remarkable industry at home and create stable, rewarding work for generations to come. PGA commends Senators Scott and Schiff, and Representatives Moran, Sanchez, Jack, and Friedman for proposing action that is essential to ensuring our nation remains the entertainment capital of the world,\u201d said Susan Sprung, CEO, Producers Guild of America.\n\n\u201cThe Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will put us on equal footing with the rest of the world. Congress must act if we are to preserve jobs in this country and grow a quintessential American industry. This bill will make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of professional musicians. Thank you, Senators Scott and Schiff and Representatives Moran, Sanchez, Jack, and Friedman, for recognizing the essential role AFM members play in creating film and television. The American Federation of Musicians looks forward to this commonsense, bipartisan proposal becoming law as soon as possible,\u201d said Tino Gagliardi, President, American Federation of Musicians.\n\nThe Television Academy, representing nearly 30,000 television professionals from every state in the country, applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. By establishing a stackable, federal production credit for work performed here at home, this legislation gives American crews, creatives, and small businesses the opportunity to keep production local. We applaud Senators Schiff and Scott and Representatives Moran, Sanchez, Jack, and Friedman for introducing this landmark bill, and the Television Academy looks forward to working with lawmakers on behalf of our members to see it enacted as soon as possible,\u201d said Maury McIntyre, President and CEO, Television Academy.\n\n\u201cWe thank Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Scott and Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Jack, Friedman, Carey, Chu, Kustoff, and Suozzi for their leadership on the American Film and Television Production Credit. This is a historic step, the first federal production credit for an industry that sustains thousands of jobs in every state. FilmUSA proudly supports this bipartisan effort and the nationwide economic development it will drive,\u201d said Katie Patton Pryor, President, FilmUSA.\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senators Scott and Schiff and Representatives Moran, S\u00e1nchez, Jack, and Friedman on the announcement of the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. U.S. film and television productions contribute 2.01 million jobs and $202 billion per year in wages to the American economy. Although state incentives have done a remarkable job at attempting to compete with overseas incentives, a federal incentive Is the missing piece that will make America once again a magnet for film and television production. We look forward to working with the Senators and Representatives to help restore this economically vibrant and culturally vital American industry,\u201d said Ruth Vitale, CEO, CreativeFuture.\n\n\u201cThe Coalition for American Production strongly supports the introduction of the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. American film and television productions have moved overseas, taking work from crews and the small businesses that make those productions possible. A competitive federal incentive would help bring that work home. We thank Senators Schiff and Scott and Representatives Moran, Sanchez, Jack, and Friedman for listening to production workers and businesses across the country. Their bill recognizes that when a production films in the United States, the benefits reach far beyond the set: equipment rental companies, transportation providers, and the Main Street businesses that supply everything from lumber and paint to hardware, flowers, catering and coffee. CAP looks forward to working with Congress to keep those jobs and businesses growing here at home,\u201d said Brian Papworth, Executive Director, Coalition for American Production.\n\nBill one pager is here.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\nThe section-by-section of the legislation is available here.\n\nBackground: For years, Schiff has highlighted the need to increase film production in America and has continued to build bipartisan support in Congress for his federal film incentive proposal, which would promote American jobs and spur local economic growth by creating additional support for film and television production in the U.S., allowing us to compete with foreign incentives.\n\nDuring his time in the California State Senate, Schiff helped lead efforts to increase film production in California and protect local jobs. Schiff spearheaded efforts in Congress to extend California\u2019s film tax credit, including in 2014 when he led 28 members of the California Democratic delegation in urging the leaders of the California State Senate and Assembly to reauthorize and enhance the tax credit. In 2024, Schiff sent a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics requesting detailed data on the impact of foreign production incentives on the domestic industry. In March 20, 2026, Senator Adam Schiff hosted a spotlighthearing in Burbank California entitled, \u201cLights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production\u201d to highlight the importance of bolstering American film production, and tackling the challenges facing the industry from generous tax incentives provided by other countries.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-as-uss-abraham-lincoln-returns-home-after-300-days-of-deployment-sen-schiff-renews-call-for-end-to-trumps-war-in-iran/", "WATCH: As USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Home after 300+ Days of Deployment, Sen. Schiff Renews Call for End to Trump\u2019s War in Iran", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a measure that would have confirmed Congress has not authorized the ongoing deployment of U.S. troops for Trump\u2019s Iran War\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) took to the Senate floor to urge Senate Republicans to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Trump\u2019s illegal war in Iran. Schiff highlighted constituent stories from servicemembers\u2019 families detailing the abysmal conditions onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, contrasting their sacrifices against the President\u2019s downplaying of the war\u2019s impact and obsessions with his vanity projects.\n\nSenate Republicans\u2019 blocking of this resolution follows a series of similar resolutions led by Democrats in Congress, including by Senator Schiff and colleagues in the Senate, to confirm that Congress has not authorized this use of the U.S. military and require the President to end the war. The resolution failed today in a 49 to 50 vote.\n\n\u201cIn fact, the Lincoln set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea without a port visit. And a record away from its home port of San Diego. And even now, just recently after stopping in Thailand for its first regular port call in nearly nine months \u2014 hull rusted, paint peeling \u2014 the Lincoln and its crew were still a long way from home,\u201d said Senator Schiff on the Senate floor.\n\nSchiff emphasized how the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln has sent shockwaves throughout the San Diego community and continued his call for an end to this war.\n\nWatch the full speech HERE. Download the remarks HERE.\n\nRead the full transcript of his remarks as delivered below:\n\nEver since the USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned in the waning days of the Cold War, it has been known for many things.\n\nAfter a volcano erupted in the Philippines in 1991, the Lincoln led the largest peacetime evacuation of U.S. military personnel and their families. A baby was even born onboard during the evacuation \u2014 and named Abraham Lincoln.\n\nIn 1993, the Lincoln became the first carrier in the Pacific Fleet to integrate female aviators.\n\nBut today, as a result of the President\u2019s war with Iran, the Lincoln has achieved another distinction \u2014 one it neither sought nor wished to claim.\n\nAnd that is for more than 300 days, over 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the Lincoln were at sea.\n\nWithout visits to their family.\n\nOr other loved ones.\n\nWithout visits to friends apart from their fellow servicemembers.\n\nIn fact, the Lincoln set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea without a port visit.\n\nAnd a record away from its home port of San Diego.\n\nAnd even now, just recently after stopping in Thailand for its first regular port call in nearly nine months \u2014 hull rusted, paint peeling \u2014 the Lincoln and its crew were still a long way from home.\n\nAs the President\u2019s senseless war has dragged on, it has taken a heavy toll on the lives and well-being of our servicemembers and their families, many of whom are in California.\n\nSo how does the Commander-in-Chief respond?\n\nWhen asked last month if carriers like the Lincoln had been deployed too long, Donald Trump said \u2014 and this is a direct quote \u2014 \u201cNo, no, no, not nearly long enough.\u201d\n\nNot nearly long enough?\n\nIt was long enough that our sailors have been working 12 to 16 hour shifts \u2014 at times facing the danger of enemy missiles.\n\nIt was long enough that they were forced to ration food and water \u2014 shortages that have reportedly caused severe weight loss and health impacts.\n\nIt was long enough that crew members have had severe mental health crises, which created significant distress for their families as well. To the point where some servicemembers sought to jump off the carrier into the sea.\n\nIt was long enough that servicemembers had to deal with black mold that drips, as one servicemember described, \u201conto your face, shoulders, arms or head\u201d while \u201cstanding in line for a meal or even walking out of the shower.\u201d\n\nDoug, a constituent from California, wrote a letter to me expressing his deep concerns over his son\u2019s service on the Lincoln. His son had to be medically evacuated from the ship after suffering a collapsed lung \u2014 which Doug believes was connected to malnutrition and overexertion.\n\n\u201cThe crew went about four weeks without hot water or laundry. They were on rations for two to three months while working 12 to 16 hour days. During that time, his family spent thousands of dollars sending him food, but only about half of it arrived.\u201d\n\nDoug went on: \u201cAfter time in the ICU [abroad], he returned home to us as a shell of the son who had left. He is 6\u20195\u2033 and left weighing 210 pounds; and he returned closer to 180 pounds. He resembled a starved prisoner of war. What he told me as a father and veteran turns my stomach and must be brought to light.\u201d\n\nAnother constituent of mine, Annabelle from San Diego, shared her story about her husband attempting to jump overboard from the Lincoln during his deployment.\n\n\u201cHe\u2019s scared,\u201d she said. \u201cHe thinks he\u2019ll get a dishonorable discharge, and just because he was burnt out, his 13-year-old career is ruined, just like that. That\u2019s not fair, that\u2019s not right. That\u2019s not what he should be worrying about right now.\u201d But this, is what Annabelle and her three kids are now living with.\n\nShelby, a high schooler whose mom is deployed on the Lincoln, spoke about how hard it is to start her senior year without her mom. She asked, \u201cWill she be back before homecoming? My birthday? Christmas? I have no idea, and that\u2019s all that I think about.\u201d\n\nThis week, we learned from the Acting Secretary of the Navy that eight U.S. Navy personnel assigned to the Lincoln\u2019s carrier strike group attempted suicide during the prolonged time at sea. The navy also confirmed that one sailor went overboard from the ship this summer, while another attempted to go overboard. After months of denials, the Defense Department confirmed what has been reported for months, and that is, deteriorating mental health aboard the Lincoln and multiple attempts by sailors to jump overboard.\n\nThese are just some of the alarming, dangerous, and shameful conditions our sailors and Marines have endured aboard the Lincoln \u2014 and also what our families are going through \u2014 while Pete Hegseth posts workout videos and Donald Trump renames lakes and pours over blueprints for the gilded ballroom.\n\nFor Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies \u2014 events in black tie.\n\nFor our servicemembers aboard the Lincoln \u2014 showers and meals with black mold.\n\nCould there be a clearer encapsulation of this administration\u2019s misplaced priorities?\n\nSo, the American people were told that the war would be over \u201cvery soon.\u201d\n\nThat was March 9th. Ten days after the war started.\n\nNow, the U.S. is more than six months into the disastrous war.\n\nMonths of negotiations to end the conflict have failed. But the President promises us that the war will soon come to an end \u2014 after the election.\n\nAnd what have we achieved in this war that has cost the lives of 19 U.S. servicemembers?\n\nPrices at the pump and grocery checkout have skyrocketed. Diesel prices, fertilizer prices are crushing farmers while the resultant food prices are crushing the rest of America.\n\nUtility bills and medical bills, out of control.\n\nEveryone but the President and his buddies are painfully aware that we\u2019re experiencing an affordability crisis in America.\n\nWhile the President says\u2026 \u201cNot long enough.\u201d\n\nIn the closing days of the Mexican-American War, our sixteenth president \u2014 whose name the Lincoln proudly carries \u2014 was a freshman here in Congress. He wrote to his law partner.\n\n\u201cThe provision of the Constitution giving the war-making power to Congress was dictated, as I understand it, by the following reasons,\u201d Lincoln wrote.\n\n\u201cKings had always been involving and impoverishing their people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, that the good of the people was the object.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis, our Convention understood to be the most oppressive of all Kingly oppressions, and they resolved to so frame the Constitution that no one man should hold the power of bringing this oppression upon us.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut your view,\u201d Lincoln wrote, \u201cdestroys the whole matter, and places our President where kings have always stood.\u201d\n\nWe need to take Lincoln\u2019s words to heart. This Congress is not a royal court, to do the bidding and bow and scrape before an all-powerful sovereign. We are a coequal branch of government and two hundred and fifty years into this experiment in self-governance, we should show Lincoln\u2019s resolve.\n\nWill we continue to place the president where kings have stood?\n\nOr will we say, at long last, \u201cenough?\u201d\n\nWill we make it clear that this war, illegal from the start, has gone on too long?\n\nWill we insist on the removal and return of our troops?\n\nI pray that we will, and I urge support of this resolution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-hears-damning-testimony-on-flock-surveillance-camera-misuse/", "WATCH: Padilla Hears Damning Testimony on Flock Surveillance Camera Misuse", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, raised serious concerns about Flock surveillance cameras, particularly their misuse for immigration enforcement.\n\nAt a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Padilla questioned Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) about the widespread use of Flock technology among local, state, and federal officials as well as the private sector. Padilla also raised concerns about Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers\u2019 ability to access Flock data despite Flock\u2019s claims that it does not contract with ICE.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nPADILLA RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT FLOCK DATA SHARING WITH ICE\n\nPADILLA: Broad data sharing with ICE: Is it happening or is it not happening? Flock claims that it does not partner with ICE, and ICE does not have direct access to Flock cameras, or their systems, or their data. But we know that ICE is still able to access Flock data through state and local law enforcement agencies that have entered into agreements, cooperative agreements, with ICE, known as 287(g) agreements. So, can you explain in more detail how these agreements can function as a loophole for ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies to access data that they otherwise couldn\u2019t?\n\n[\u2026]\n\nMARLOW: I would point out Flock seems to change its story week to week. It\u2019s hard to even remember. But they did say for a long period of time, that ICE does not have direct access to Flock data, and that was true. But the key word there is \u201cdirect.\u201d Exactly. And so, it doesn\u2019t even take a 287(g) agreement, although that\u2019s obviously a major problem.\n\nAll it takes is one officer in one department who is a customer of Flock and participates in their nationwide data-sharing program, and you get a call from, be it ICE or any other federal agency, that says, \u201cHey, can you run a search for me?\u201d And either because they believe in the cause that that federal agency is pursuing, or they just want to be on good terms with them because they may need something from them tomorrow, they say, \u201cHappy to help.\u201d\n\nAnd Flock never acknowledges that no security procedures that\u2019s put in place do anything to protect against the misuse of its system.\n\nPADILLA: The question becomes how do we close that loophole?\n\nMARLOW: You ban them, sir. You ban them.\n\nVideo of Padilla\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-once-again-defeats-republican-efforts-to-advance-save-act-condemns-trumps-tariffs/", "WATCH: Padilla Once Again Defeats Republican Efforts to Advance SAVE Act, Condemns Trump\u2019s Tariffs", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padila (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, once again took to the Senate floor to lead his colleagues in defeating Republicans\u2019 attempts to pass parts of the SAVE Act voter suppression bill after the 2026 midterm election has already begun. Padilla opposed Senator Mike Lee\u2019s (R-Utah) efforts to advance Senator Jon Husted\u2019s (R-Ohio) MAGA voter ID bill, S. 5271, which consists of a provision of the SAVE Act that would require eligible voters to provide specific types of photo identification when voting, including in their mail and absentee ballots, threatening to violate the right to a secret ballot and cause chaos in an election where mail ballots are already printed and voting is underway.\n\nWith Election Day now 41 days away, Padilla highlighted the deliberate timing of Republicans\u2019 attempts to advance the bill. Some eligible voters have already exercised their right to vote early, and Padilla emphasized the additional burden, especially for mail and absentee ballots, and chaos that would immediately follow if the voter ID bill passed.\n\n\u201cThe 2026 midterm election has already begun \u2014 it\u2019s in full swing,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cSo let\u2019s not be fooled about this attempt to pass a piece of the SAVE Act. Number one, the substance. It\u2019s not just a voter ID bill. It\u2019s a bill, and the timing is curious, that seeks to create chaos and confusion over vote by mail and absentee voting. The other part is, indeed, the timing and its implications. Trying to change the rules, because this bill, if signed into law, would go immediately into effect, creates chaos in the middle of an election that\u2019s already underway.\u201d\n\nPadilla sounded the alarm on President Trump\u2019s efforts to interfere in the upcoming midterm elections and detailed the Supreme Court\u2019s recent decision to block Trump\u2019s vote-by-mail executive order\u2019s directive that the U.S. Postal Service determine who is and is not allowed to receive ballots. He highlighted the bipartisan opposition to these burdensome provisions, with the Republican Lieutenant Governor of Utah, the state\u2019s chief election officer, saying in March that this provision would be \u201cviolating our constitutional right to a secret ballot\u201d and the Republican Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine vetoing a similar bill at the state level in June, calling the mail voting ID requirement \u201ca significant burden.\u201d\n\n\u201cAll this talk about changing the rules around elections. You know, this Administration, including the president himself, has been trying nonstop to interfere and change the rules on the elections for a long time now, and those efforts have been successfully pushed back on,\u201d continued Senator Padilla. \u201cIt\u2019s a desperate attempt to hold on to power, because the writing is on the wall. Poll after poll, approval ratings, etc., show that Donald Trump is going to be in for a rough night this November, but it\u2019s also an attempt to distract.\u201d\n\nPadilla raised significant concerns about Republicans\u2019 continued fixation on passing this voter suppression bill and highlighted issues that working Americans are facing, such as the rising costs of groceries, healthcare, and gas. He emphasized that instead of focusing on voter ID, Republicans should instead focus on the affordability crisis that Trump has created through his unnecessary tariffs. Padilla concluded by trying to pass the End Trump\u2019s Tariff Tax Act to undo Trump\u2019s tariffs on U.S. imports. Republicans objected.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump promised that these tariffs would bring back manufacturing, make Americans more wealthy, and pay down the nation\u2019s debt, create jobs, and lower prices for consumers. That sure sounded good, but it couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. None of that has happened,\u201d Senator Padilla concluded. \u201cInstead of focusing on those issues, they are once again, taking precious time on the Senate floor and talking about unnecessary changes to how people should be able to vote or not vote \u2013 maybe that\u2019s their ultimate objective \u2013 for an election that\u2019s already underway. Just because your team is losing at halftime doesn\u2019t mean you call timeout and change the rules, or change the referees trying to change the outcome.\u201d\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, which has oversight over federal elections, Padilla has led the charge opposing Trump\u2019s overreaching anti-voter SAVE Act. Last month, Padilla led his Senate colleagues in once again defeating MAGA Republicans\u2019 efforts to advance Husted\u2019s voter ID bill. In June, Padilla led his Senate Democratic colleagues in defeating Republicans\u2019 efforts to include the SAVE Act in their anti-immigrant reconciliation bill twice in one night. During the failed March 2026 \u201ctalking filibuster\u201d attempt, Padilla took to the Senate floor four times as a leader in the Democratic opposition to the SAVE Act.\n\nVideo of Padilla\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\nFull transcript of Padilla\u2019s remarks is available below:\n\nReserving the right to object, let me remind us all, colleagues, that we, as of today, are 41 days from the midterm elections, or, as I like to refer it \u2013 refer to it \u2013 as simply the last day to vote, because a lot of people in states across the country take advantage of their right and opportunity to vote early in person, like people in Virginia did beginning this last weekend.\n\nMany people in states across the country, including my home state of California, exercise their right and option to vote by mail. Uh, I\u2019ll get back to that in a minute. The point is, in a growing number of states, the midterm election is already underway. People in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Alabama are already receiving their ballots in the mail. In Virginia, South Dakota, Minnesota, Vermont, and Illinois, voters are already going to the polls to vote in person early. And in the next couple of weeks, additional states will begin \u2013 nine more states will have begun their early voting. And in my home state of California, ballots will be mailed to every registered voter in the state.\n\nSo again, the bottom line here is the 2026 midterm election has already begun. It\u2019s in full swing. So let\u2019s not be fooled about this attempt to pass a piece of the SAVE Act. Uh, number one, the substance. It\u2019s not just a voter ID bill. It\u2019s a bill, and the timing is curious, that seeks to create chaos and confusion over vote by mail and absentee voting.\n\nThe other part is, indeed, the timing and its implications. Trying to change the rules, because this bill, if signed into law, would go immediately into effect, creates chaos in the middle of an election that\u2019s already underway.\n\nBut don\u2019t just take my word for it. Let me quote the Republican Lieutenant Governor of Utah, who says that this, quote, \u201cis violating our constitutional right to a secret ballot.\u201d Why? Because the requirement to include a copy of your drivers license when you\u2019re voting by mail undermines the sec \u2013 the notion of a secret ballot in America.\n\nLet me quote the Republican governor of Ohio, who says that a very similar bill that reached his desk in the state of Ohio represented, quote, \u201ca significant burden.\u201d And again, it\u2019s not just a potential or theoretical significant burden for some election sometime in the future. It would go into effect immediately, causing chaos and confusion and a burden for election administrators who wouldn\u2019t even know how to begin to comply with this for an election that\u2019s already underway.\n\nLet me go even further, Mr. President, and reference the Supreme Court\u2019s recent actions when they blocked President Trump\u2019s executive order on vote by mail, and what he was trying to do, giving authority and direction to the United States Postal Service to determine which voters get their ballots and which don\u2019t. Even Justice Kavanaugh, who I disagree with on much, but even Justice Kavanaugh said it was in part because changing the rules so close to an election, quote, \u201cwould be arbitrary and capricious.\u201d That was a couple weeks ago that this ruling came out. If at that time the Supreme Court deemed it too close to an election, we\u2019re even closer now. And so, again, not nearly the time to properly, responsibly implement, even if you agreed with this bad policy.\n\nBut let me make a case for what is really going on here. All this talk about changing the rules around elections. You know, this administration, including the president himself, has been trying nonstop to interfere and change the rules on the elections for a long time now, and those efforts have been successfully pushed back on.\n\nI expect him to continue these threats and attempts, not just between now and Election Day, probably on Election Day and post-Election Day, if history is any indicator. Why? I mean, first of all, it\u2019s a desperate attempt to hold on to power, because the writing is on the wall. Poll after poll, approval ratings, et cetera, show that Donald Trump is going to be in for a rough night this November, but it\u2019s also an attempt to distract.\n\nYou would think that he or we could be spending more time on trying to bring down costs for working families. But no, for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the unauthorized war in Iran, the price on everything is not just not going down \u2013 it keeps going up. The price of gas that people put into their passenger cars to get to and from work, or wherever they need to go. The cost of diesel is also at record levels and being passed on to consumers in terms of increased costs on everything else: groceries, clothing, consumer electronics, and more. The threat to the economy is so bad that the Federal Reserve has not only not lowered interest rates, as Donald Trump has practically demanded, they\u2019ve taken a recent step to increase interest rates for the first time in three years to try to rein in inflation.\n\nSo nothing\u2019s getting cheaper, nothing\u2019s getting easier. And a recent report showed that, from the administration\u2019s tariffs, again, the war in Iran, the trade wars that are unnecessary, and the bad economic decisions are taking a toll on American families. $4,200 per household in increased costs because of higher prices. And now the president has once again threatened our Canadian neighbors with endless tariffs.\n\nLook at healthcare. The average cost of employer-provided health care is expected to increase by at least 11%. What happened to the so-called Liberation Day of last April? President Trump promised that these tariffs would bring back manufacturing, make Americans more wealthy, and pay down the nation\u2019s debt, create jobs, and lower prices for consumers. That sure sounded good, but it couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. None of that has happened. Actually, the exact opposite has come to bear.\n\nBut again, instead of focusing on those issues, they are once again, taking precious time on the Senate floor and talking about unnecessary changes to how people should be able to vote or not vote \u2013 maybe that\u2019s their ultimate objective \u2013 for an election that\u2019s already underway. Just because your team is losing at halftime doesn\u2019t mean you call timeout and change the rules, or change the referees trying to change the outcome.\n\nSo let\u2019s dispense with this measure and get back to the real work at hand.\n\nSo, Mr. President, I would therefore ask the Senator to modify his request, so that instead of S. 5271, and notwithstanding Rule 22, the Committee on Finance be discharged from further consideration of S. 5390, the End Trump\u2019s Tariff Tax Act, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, and further, that the bill be considered, read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered, made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-amidst-worsening-staffing-crisis-sens-schiff-and-whitehouse-renew-probe-of-fish-and-wildlife-service-after-dodging-lawmakers-inquiries/", "NEWS: Amidst Worsening Staffing Crisis, Sens. Schiff and Whitehouse Renew Probe of Fish and Wildlife Service after Dodging Lawmakers\u2019 Inquiries", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Senators emphasize that staff and resources are spread thin, drastically impacting the ability to protect wildlife and public lands\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 After the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) sidestepped repeated inquiries from lawmakers regarding the worsening staffing crisis at the agency and dodged questions during Senate hearings, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate EPW Committee, are renewing demands that the agency immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at FWS.\n\nSince the Senators\u2019 last inquiry in December 2025, which FWS did not respond to, FWS has lost 36% of its workforce \u2013 up nearly 10% since December. FWS offices in California have lost more than 40% of staff. With resources spread thin, the Senators emphasize that the reduction in its workforce drastically impacts the agency\u2019s ability to carry out their responsibilities to protect wildlife and manage wildlife refuge lands.\n\n\u201cMany are being forced to rely on outside nongovernment organizations for support of critical functions. Making matters worse, you removed the 16-year-long Chief of the Refuge System from her post without explanation. Further, there is currently a backlog of more than 400 species waiting for protection decisions, wasting critical time that could be used implementing species protection plans. Continued mismanagement and reductions to the workforce threaten FWS\u2019s ability to perform these vital functions and leave American wildlife and the public to bear the consequences,\u201d the Senators wrote in a new oversight letter to FWS Director Brian Nesvik.\n\nDuring Nesvik\u2019s June 10 appearance before the Environment and Public Works Committee, Schiff pushed Nesvik on answers for the findings of the nationwide review of the Refuge System that the Senators demanded over six months ago. Nesvik stated they were \u201cgetting close to being wrapped up to where we can talk publicly\u201d about it.\n\n\u201cWe are frustrated that, despite the severity of this situation, we have still not received a clear plan for addressing FWS\u2019s losses\u2026 The continued absence of responses to congressional inquiries regarding the agency\u2019s ability to protect wildlife and maintain refuges compounds our alarm that your agency does not intend to do anything to stop its own ongoing collapse,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Director Nesvik:\n\nWe write to follow up on our December 18, 2025, letter regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s (FWS) worsening staffing crisis and the devastating impacts the staffing shortages are having on the National Wildlife Refuge System and the agency\u2019s ability to fulfill its core conservation mission. In our previous letter, we asked the Department of the Interior and FWS to provide Congress with your plan to address these staffing losses and ensure the Refuge System has the personnel and resources necessary to protect America\u2019s wildlife and public lands. Nine months later, we have still not received any response from the administration.\n\nSince we sent our letter, new evidence has shown that the crisis is getting worse. According to an updated analysis released by the Center for Biological Diversity on September 2, FWS has lost 36 percent, or more than one-third, of its workforce since the beginning of the Trump administration. This analysis was informed by documents from your own agency obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests.\n\nThe consequences of these losses are already having impacts on our wildlife populations and public lands. FWS employees are responsible for managing the National Wildlife Refuge System, protecting threatened and endangered species, responding to wildfires and other natural disasters on these lands, and carrying out the agency\u2019s responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). National wildlife refuges continue to be understaffed, with many refuges not having a single employee working on the refuge. Many are being forced to rely on outside nongovernment organizations for support of critical functions. Making matters worse, on August 25, 2026, it was reported that you removed the 16-year-long Chief of the Refuge System from her post without explanation. Further, there is currently a backlog of more than 400 species waiting for protection decisions, wasting critical time that could be used implementing species protection plans. Continued mismanagement and reductions to the workforce threaten FWS\u2019s ability to perform these vital functions and leave American wildlife and the public to bear the consequences.\n\nWe are frustrated that, despite the severity of this situation, we have still not received a clear plan for addressing FWS\u2019s losses. During your testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on June 10, 2026, you were asked when we could expect a response to our December letter concerning the staffing crisis. You answered: \u201cI can\u2019t commit to you on a timeline when you\u2019ll receive a response.\u201d This lack of responsiveness to the Article I branch of government demonstrates a startling lack of respect for the Constitution and the system of checks and balances established by our Framers. One-fifth of the Senate\u2014including the ranking members of the authorizing committee and subcommittee with jurisdiction over your agency\u2014is awaiting a response from you.\n\nFurther, also during your June 10 appearance before the Environment and Public Works Committee, you stated that you were \u201cgetting close to being wrapped up to where we can talk publicly\u201d about the findings of the nationwide review of the Refuge System that you ordered on December 16, 2025. Thus far, Congress has received very little information regarding this review. In the context of a 36-percent loss of agency staff, this review raises questions about possible closures of our nation\u2019s wildlife refuges.\n\nThe continued absence of responses to congressional inquiries regarding the agency\u2019s ability to protect wildlife and maintain refuges compounds our alarm that your agency does not intend to do anything to stop its own ongoing collapse. Accordingly, by October 7, 2026, we demand responses to the requests included in our December 18, 2025, letter as well as information on the conclusions of the nationwide Refuge System review that you stated was close to completion in June. Thank you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-duckworth-and-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians/", "NEWS: Schiff Joins Duckworth and Bipartisan Group of Senators in Demanding the Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "The Senators\u2019 call for an 18-month extension and redesignation comes as TPS for Ukrainians is set to expire next month\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement.\n\n\u201cCurrent conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nUkrainian TPS holders have long contributed to communities in Illinois, and across the country, both culturally and economically. The Senators noted that allowing an 18-month extension of the TPS would prevent these community members from being forced to return to dangerous conditions, while allowing the communities that benefit from their contributions to continue to benefit and learn from them.\n\nAlong with Schiff and Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D- Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2019i), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nWe strongly urge you to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine prior to the impending October 19, 2026, termination date. Ukraine is currently in the fifth year of a large-scale war with Russia, which has led to ongoing civilian casualties, significant damage to critical infrastructure and the displacement of broad swaths of the population. An extension of TPS for Ukraine would protect current TPS beneficiaries from being forced to return to an active war zone, while a redesignation would expand those protections to the population of Ukrainian nationals who arrived after October 20, 2023.\n\nUkraine was initially designated for TPS on April 19, 2022, on the basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by Russia\u2019s military actions within the country. In its designation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, cited regular artillery attacks and airstrikes by Russia\u2019s military forces, serious human rights abuses and the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure. Subsequent reviews of in-country conditions found that the situation in the country had not sufficiently improved; accordingly, TPS for Ukraine was extended and redesignated through April 19, 2025, and extended once more beginning on April 20, 2025.\n\nThe war in Ukraine\u2014the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II\u2014is ongoing, as are the same extraordinary and temporary conditions that warrant the continued protection of Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the United States. International observers report a trend of steadily increasing civilian casualties from year to year, with approximately 17,000 civilian deaths and more than 50,000 civilian injuries since the outbreak of the war in 2022. These casualties, coupled with significant damage to civilian infrastructure, constrained access to health care and substantial population displacement have created a profound crisis, with approximately 10.8 million Ukrainians in need of humanitarian assistance. The facts on the ground paint a clear picture: sending Ukrainians back now would risk returning them to life threatening conditions.\n\nProtecting the approximately 101,000 Ukrainian TPS holders currently living in the United States is a humanitarian imperative, but also a sound economic decision. Thanks to the work authorization granted by their TPS status, Ukrainian TPS holders have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to our economy each year and have provided approximately $716 million in taxes annually. In States like Illinois, thousands of Ukrainian TPS holders make our communities stronger not only through their rich cultural contributions, but also through their participation in critical sectors, including transportation, health care and construction. Terminating TPS for this population risks disrupting these industries, increasing costs for American consumers by forcing thousands of experienced workers out of their jobs.\n\nCurrent conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone. Ukrainian TPS holders contribute greatly to our communities, both culturally and economically. To ensure that eligible Ukrainian nationals currently in the United States can continue living and working safely while conditions in their home country remain perilous, we urge you issue an extension and redesignation of TPS for Ukraine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-breaks-down-need-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-to-keep-production-in-america/", "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Breaks Down Need for Federal Film Tax Incentive to Keep Production in America", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released a video highlighting his push to secure a bipartisan federal film tax incentive to drive more production in America while increasing job opportunities and economic development. The latest momentum for a federal film tax incentive in Congress follows President Donald Trump\u2019s recent endorsement of its passage.\n\nIn the video, Schiff breaks down how a federal film tax incentive would work and how it would increase America\u2019s competitive edge in film and television production.\n\nWatch the videohere\n\nBackground: For years, Schiff has highlighted the need to increase film production in America and has continued to build bipartisan support in Congress for his federal film incentive proposal, which would promote American jobs and spur local economic growth by creating additional support for film and television production in the U.S., allowing us to compete with foreign incentives. This proposal would benefit every U.S. state and territory, doubling down on the investments of the 40 states that already have some form of film production incentive with a stackable federal credit.\n\nDuring his time in the California State Senate, Schiff helped lead efforts to increase production in California and protect local jobs. Schiff spearheaded efforts in Congress to extend California\u2019s film tax credit, including in 2014 when he led 28 members of the California Democratic delegation in urging the leaders of the California State Senate and Assembly to reauthorize and enhance the tax credit. In 2024, Schiff sent a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics requesting detailed data on the impact of foreign production incentives on the domestic industry. In March 20, 2026, Senator Adam Schiff hosted a spotlight hearing in Burbank, California entitled, \u201cLights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production\u201d to highlight the importance of bolstering American film production, and tackling the challenges facing the industry from generous tax incentives provided by other countries.\n\nRead the full transcript below:\n\nSen. Schiff: So, what do the films \u201cE.T.,\u201d \u201cThe Hunger Games,\u201d and \u201cPulp Fiction\u201d have in common, besides the fact that they were big box office hits? What they have in common is they were all made in the United States of America. This is tragically becoming a rarity, particularly when you\u2019re talking about film. We have a lot of runaway production of television, but it is most particularly an issue when it comes to movies.\n\nAnchor (In clip): Some of the most anticipated blockbusters of 2025 mostly shot overseas. In many cases, production budget cuts, multiple strikes domestically, and what some describe as a California tax incentive that\u2019s no longer competitive, taking Hollywood elsewhere.\n\nSchiff: The movement of U.S. production of film and TV out of the country has huge consequences. Most particularly, we lose a lot of good-paying jobs. I feel this very keenly, being a resident of Burbank, California, where so much of the industry is concentrated. But we see high-paying jobs going to the UK and New Zealand, going to Canada and other places. This is a phenomenon called runaway production that we have seen for years, but it has been accelerating, and the result is the loss of many tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of jobs. I see these folks that are impacted by this all the time. I was walking through the streets of my hometown of Burbank the other day and was approached by someone who told me how they had worked in the industry for 25 years. They hadn\u2019t had a union contract in three years. They\u2019d never seen a more difficult time, and this is important to our economy. It\u2019s also one of our most important cultural exports, our film and television. And the reason this is happening is that other countries many years ago started offering very generous tax incentives to try to lure this business away, because it has such a big impact on the rest of their economy, and these tax incentives have been successful. Now, some states like California have enacted their own tax credits to try to be competitive, but the U.S. government has not.\n\n(Clip from \u201cTalladega Nights\u201d): Are you kidding me?\n\nSchiff: That may be about to change. This is something I\u2019ve worked on for 20 or 25 years, but for the first time, it has truly bipartisan support. You\u2019re seeing President Trump, who has experience in the entertainment industry, voice his support for a film and television tax credit.\n\nTrump (In clip): They all want to be in Hollywood. They don\u2019t want to lose Hollywood, and the unions want that. The unions are going to work along. I\u2019ve done a lot of work in that the last week, and I think we have bipartisan support. I think we have tremendous Democrat \u2014 I understand Adam Schiff is totally in favor of it, and I\u2019d like to get it done. It\u2019s going to work very quickly. They want to make movies in Hollywood. They grew up wanting to be in Hollywood. Now you can\u2019t make a movie in Hollywood. It doesn\u2019t make sense.\n\nSchiff: You\u2019re seeing others like Spencer Pratt and Jon Voight, the actor who is one of the president\u2019s emissaries to Hollywood, also speaking out in favor of these tax credits. You have many Democrats like myself who\u2019ve been pushing this for many, many, years. Laura Friedman, my colleague in the House, also a strong champion of this legislation, and we may finally have the opportunity to get this done.\n\n(Clip from \u201cElf\u201d): Oh my God!\n\nSchiff: I hosted a hearing on this issue earlier this year, and we had Noah Wyle, the star of \u201cThe Pitt\u201d among many other shows and movies, testify about the impacts of the loss of production, and he used the illustration of \u201cThe Pitt\u201d which is filmed in Los Angeles, to talk about what a positive impact that has on jobs and the local economy.\n\nSchiff (In clip): How was the decision to film here made, and how would a federal tax incentive on top of the state tax incentive, how would that affect the industry?\n\nWyle (In clip): You know, the one thing that Los Angeles has been able to offer is generational talent, homegrown here for over 100 years. This is the incubator of this industry, and the talent pool is immense. So the tax credit, augmented by a federal tax incentive, makes this competitive again and brings that work back to Los Angeles. Bottom line is that the estimated total impact of the first season of \u201cThe Pitt\u201d contributed around 125 million dollars towards the state\u2019s GDP during our production period. That is proof of concept. That is replicable, and it is vital to the strength of our industry and to our city to support these incentives.\n\nSchiff: He also talked about, frankly, how many jobs have been lost in the industry as a result of runaway production.\n\nWyle (In clip): Over the last six years, the aggregate effect of projects leaving the state in search of tax credits, the pandemic, and last year\u2019s fires, has been a near cratering of our once thriving industry. We lost 42,000 film and TV jobs in LA County between 2022 and 2024. And as of last year, high-budget productions are down 43%. Admittedly, it\u2019s really hard to shoot a TV show in Los Angeles, and it\u2019s really expensive. Prohibitively so, unless you adopt an economic model that allows you to take full advantage of the California tax incentive to offset your gross costs.\n\nSchiff: Now there are more than one factor that have contributed to the exodus of some of the film and television industry out of California or out of the United States to other states. The high cost of production can be a factor, regulatory burdens can be a factor, but among the biggest factors are these tax incentives that have been offered by other countries. They\u2019re extremely generous. We are not competitive, and as a result, we\u2019ve been losing a lot of these jobs. So, how would a U.S. tax incentive work? How would it be competitive?\n\n(Clip from \u201cSeinfeld\u201d): So what\u2019s the deal with politics? I don\u2019t get it. Am I right, Pete?\n\nSchiff: Well, here\u2019s basically how it would work. Under the proposal that I\u2019ve written, in combination with many others, we would provide about a 20% tax credit for most film and television production. That is for the labor end of that production, so for the wages that these studios are paying employees, real people, to do this work. That tax credit could be augmented by five or ten percent, depending on whether the production is in a disaster zone or an economic zone, where there is a lack of good jobs and good employment, or when other circumstances, independent production are met. That could go up to a maximum of, a total of, 30 percent of federal tax credit. That is competitive with other countries. Other countries are still more generous than that in other respects. But here\u2019s the thing: this would be stackable with tax credits offered by the state of California, for example. So, a production would enjoy the federal incentive as well as the state incentive. That makes us truly competitive with other countries, and that is great news for this vital American industry. So, what does this mean in practical terms?\n\n(Clip from \u201cAustin Powers\u201d): Whoop-de-do! What does it all mean, Basil?\n\nSchiff: \u201cBeetlejuice\u201d was originally filmed in the United States in 1987, but its sequel in 2024 was filmed in the United Kingdom. \u201cThe Social Network,\u201d filmed in 2010, was mostly filmed in Los Angeles and a few other locations, but its sequel, \u201cThe Social Reckoning\u201d due out in October, was filmed mostly in Vancouver, Canada. \u201cSpaceballs\u201d originally filmed in the United States in Los Angeles, its sequel is shot in Australia. Even the new \u201cSpider-Man\u201d which is set in New York City and features New York taxicabs and New York landmarks was filmed in the United Kingdom, where they had to go to the expense of recreating scenes that looked like New York instead of filming in New York, and why? Because the UK has a very generous tax incentive that we don\u2019t have.\n\nSo, what about the argument that well, aren\u2019t these tax incentives going to mean just giving more money to Tom Cruise, or these big Hollywood stars who have plenty of money to begin with? And the answer is no. These Hollywood stars are going to get paid wherever it\u2019s filmed, whether it\u2019s filmed in Canada or the United States, the UK. It doesn\u2019t matter to their bottom line. What it does matter to is a lot of the set designers, and the caterers, and the local dry cleaners and all of the others who are working just to try to provide a good living for their family. I see these folks, I meet these folks, I talk to these folks all the time. They\u2019re my neighbors, and they\u2019ve had to spend increasing amounts of time out of the country, filming on location or simply out of work, because that work has left the United States. So those are the folks that I\u2019m concerned about, that are really losing their jobs with the loss of this vital industry.\n\nWe take great pride in this American cultural form, film and television, watched all around the world, and increasingly not shot in America. So I\u2019m excited that this is one of the few bipartisan things that we can agree upon and have a hope of actually getting passed. In fact, this is what the President had to say on social media: \u201cCongress should approve immediately a federal production incentive to create entertainment jobs in America. It can be done quickly, accurately, efficiently and importantly, will benefit all of America.\u201d We\u2019re going to look to the next few weeks to try to get this across the finish line. It is something that has been long in need, and something that we can accomplish together.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-murphy-introduce-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools/", "Padilla, Murphy Introduce Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in re-introducing the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, legislation that would ban corporal punishment for any school that receives federal funding, as well as establish a federal grant program to support states and school districts across the country improve school safety.\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment that fosters positive relationships and protects their physical and emotional well-being,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThe evidence is clear \u2013 corporal punishment is a cruel and outdated method that harms students, hinders academic achievement, and worsens behavior. This bill will make more of our schools safer spaces for students of all backgrounds.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies should be able to trust that when they send their kids to school, they will be in a safe learning environment free from physical abuse,\u201d said Senator Murphy. \u201cThe evidence is overwhelming: hitting kids does nothing to help kids. It\u2019s past time to get this archaic, counterproductive practice out of our schools for good.\u201d\n\n\u201cSchools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cWe know that corporal punishment is counterproductive to learning and can harm a student\u2019s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It should be left out of the classroom entirely. By standing with Senator Chris Murphy and co-sponsoring this bill, we can ensure that no student falls victim to this outdated and cruel punishment.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cIt\u2019s time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.\u201d\n\nInflicting physical pain on a student\u2019s body as a form of discipline is used in schools throughout the country. However, research has decisively demonstrated corporal punishment is ineffective and does not improve student behavior. Instead, it leads to physical and emotional harm, poor academic performance, diminished self-esteem, and loss of trust. The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act enacts protections for students to ensure all public educational facilities maintain safe, non-violent environments.\n\nThe Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is endorsed by organizations including Access Ready Inc., All4Ed, American Psychological Association, Arkansans Against School Paddling, Autism Society of America, Boys Town, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), Committee for Children, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), Disability Belongs\u00ae, Disability Rights Oregon, EdTrust, Family Voices NJ, Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Lives in the Balance, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Social Workers, National Down Syndrome Society, National Education Association (NEA), Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK), Secular Student Alliance, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), TDIforAccess, Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (TED), Texas Parent to Parent, The Arc of the United States, The Center for Learner Equity, The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), The Federal School Discipline and Climate Coalition (FedSDC), The Learning Disabilities Association of America, The National Center for Learning Disabilities, U.S. Alliance to End the Hitting of Children, and United Women in Faith.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-demands-health-net-restore-coverage-for-thousands-in-ca-depending-on-assisted-living-care-warns-of-health-implications/", "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Demands Health Net Restore Coverage for Thousands in CA Depending on Assisted Living Care, Warns of Health Implications", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is urging Health Net, one of the largest Medicaid plans in California, to reverse its termination of assisted living coverage for 3,000 Californians, jeopardizing access to housing and essential care services.\n\n\u201cThe sudden loss of assisted living benefits could have potentially devastating repercussions for enrollees and their family members. I urge Health Net to reconsider this coverage termination,\u201d Senator Schiff said to Interim CEO at Health Net Eric Schmacker in a new letter.\n\nThe Senator emphasized that millions of Californians are already facing significant uncertainty about accessing medical care in the aftermath of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history by this Republican-led Congress. Additionally, Schiff warned that forcing thousands to pay out of pocket for assisted living services will be a heavy burden on these patients and their family members.\n\n\u201cVery few families have the capacity to provide full-time care, imposing undue financial, physical, and emotional strain on loved ones. Sadly, others have no family or support systems to rely on at all. With such limited alternatives, the risk of sudden coverage loss could be catastrophic,\u201d the Senator wrote.\n\n\u201cI am deeply concerned that Health Net\u2019s coverage termination of Medi-Cal assisted living benefits will compound the damage caused by the cuts to Medicaid programs across the country. While California\u2019s health care safety net faces extraordinary strain, we must work together to mitigate coverage loss and help Medi-Cal beneficiaries access the care and support they need,\u201d the Senator concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Schmacker,\n\nI write to you today with deep concerns regarding Health Net\u2019s decision to terminate Medi-Cal coverage of Assisted Living Facility Transitions (ALFT) and Personal Care Homemaker Services (PCHS) Community Support benefits, impacting approximately 3,000 Californians enrolled in Health Net plans. The sudden loss of assisted living benefits could have potentially devastating repercussions for enrollees and their family members. I urge Health Net to reconsider this coverage termination and ensure each of these enrollees maintain access to assisted living care.\n\nAssisted living benefits provide an important alternative to institutional care. In California, thousands of Medi-Cal enrollees rely on these benefits to manage basic day-to-day needs, such as meal preparation, medication management, bathing, dressing, and mobility. Losing plan coverage of such vital services leaves very few alternatives for access to care. For a vast majority of these Medi-Cal enrollees, paying for assisted living services out-of-pocket \u2013 which can cost as much as $7,000 each month \u2013 is not feasible. But enrollees are not the only ones affected by this coverage termination \u2013 without access to professional support, family members are often left to fill the caregiver role. At the same time, very few families have the capacity to provide full-time care, imposing undue financial, physical, and emotional strain on loved ones. Sadly, others have no family or support systems to rely on at all. With such limited alternatives, the risk of sudden coverage loss could be catastrophic.\n\nI am particularly concerned that Health Net\u2019s decision to terminate assisted living coverage comes at a time when Californians are already facing significant uncertainty about accessing care. Last year, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans enacted the largest cut to health care in American history, with many of these devastating cuts set to take effect on January 1, 2027. I am deeply concerned that Health Net\u2019s coverage termination of Medi-Cal assisted living benefits will compound the damage caused by the cuts to Medicaid programs across the country. While California\u2019s health care safety net faces extraordinary strain, we must work together to mitigate coverage loss and help Medi-Cal beneficiaries access the care and support they need.\n\nI urge Health Net to reconsider the decision to terminate coverage of Assisted Living Facility Transitions and Personal Care Homemaker Services Community Support benefits and work with DHCS to ensure continuity of care for these Medi-Cal enrollees. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-to-ag-bonta-investigate-shocking-whistleblower-disclosure-alleging-alarming-dhs-activities-in-california/", "Padilla, Schiff to AG Bonta: Investigate Shocking Whistleblower Disclosure Alleging Alarming DHS Activities in California", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Allegations made by DHS Whistleblower could have far-reaching impacts on eligible California voters and lawfully present noncitizens\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), in a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, flagged concerning activities detailed in a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions may have violated California law.\n\nIn their letter to Bonta, the Senators highlighted the whistleblower\u2019s allegations that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump\u2019s unfounded claims of widespread noncitizen voter fraud.\n\nThe Senators emphasized the potential impacts these actions could have on eligible California voters, including naturalized citizens, such as the creation of erroneous federal law enforcement records known as \u201cTECS records,\u201d especially given the reckless performance quotas of 40 subjects per day being demanded by DHS and the required usage of unreliable source data compiled with so-called \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\n\u201cOf particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California\u2019s voter registration site to access voter data,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cCalifornia\u2019s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver\u2019s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials provided by this whistleblower, USCIS officers were directed to enter this information, obtained from other DHS data, in order to access the voter data on California\u2019s voter website.\u201d\n\nThe Senators emphasized that USCIS personnel were provided with thousands of Californians\u2019 sensitive records and data to investigate if they were \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d They further emphasized California\u2019s strong protections regarding voter information and raised concerns about how the information was obtained by the Trump Administration.\n\n\u201cAs you know, the U.S. Department of Justice has been unsuccessful in its attempt to compel California to provide its voter information to the Trump Administration, raising serious questions about what this data is, how DHS obtained it, and whether they complied with the law in collecting and using this data,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cThe fact that the DHS data was compiled with something called \u2018supplemental magic\u2019 does not provide reassurance.\u201d\n\nThe Senators urged Bonta to review the whistleblower disclosure and determine measures to protect Californians\u2019 voter data. They also urged an investigation into the whistleblower\u2019s allegations.\n\n\u201cConsidering California\u2019s strong protections surrounding the use of voter registration information and PII, we believe this Disclosure merits a review by your office to determine what actions are necessary and appropriate to protect California voters,\u201d concluded the Senators. \u201cEspecially as agency leaders dismissed concerns raised by the Whistleblower and other officers about the legality of this conduct, instructing them to move forward with the searches anyway, we want to ensure that you have all available information necessary to investigate these allegations to the extent your office deems appropriate.\u201d\n\nFollowing receipt of the bombshell whistleblower disclosure, Padilla and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and provide responses to Congress on its activities. Last week, Padilla and Schumer led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower\u2019s disclosure. Last week, Padilla also spoke on the Senate floor and called for immediate action and transparency from the Trump Administration following receipt of the disclosure and demanded DHS stop the sham \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d Last month, Padilla led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop their illegal voter roll purges before election day. In June, Padilla joined Schumer in launching the first-ever Senate Election Observer Program to protect the 2026 midterms and maintain election integrity nationwide. The Task Force will continue meeting over the coming months to ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Attorney General Bonta:\n\nThank you for your leadership in standing up for the rule of law against President Trump and his Administration\u2019s efforts to interfere with the voting rights of the more than 23 million eligible Californians who are registered to vote.\n\nWe are writing to make you aware of a September 8, 2026, protected whistleblower disclosure (the \u201cDisclosure\u201d) that reveals serious allegations of illegal and inappropriate activities within the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (\u201cDHS\u201d or \u201cthe Department\u201d) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (\u201cUSCIS\u201d) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (\u201cFDNS\u201d). These allegations raise the very serious concern that U.S. citizens could be wrongfully flagged as \u201cunlawful voters,\u201d and also indicate potential violations of California state law, including federal officers impersonating California voters to access their state voting records.\n\nAccording to the attached Disclosure, the Department and USCIS leadership have abruptly diverted FDNS personnel to an \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d using highly questionable data and methods to identify purported unlawful voters. DHS and USCIS training materials admit these investigations will include U.S. citizens, some of whom will have federal law enforcement records created against them based on questionable data and rushed reviews by officers held to quotas. The whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure includes compelling evidence of wrongdoing by agency leadership including:\n\n(1) USCIS personnel have been directed to access sensitive voter information in violation of state laws prohibiting unauthorized access to individual voter records;\n\n(2) USCIS personnel are under significant pressure from headquarters to enter federal TECS records against individuals that are likely to be false, potentially harming thousands of people in likely violation of federal privacy requirements;\n\n(3) With minimal training, agency leadership is imposing reckless quotas that demand USCIS personnel investigate 40 subjects per day, a rate of roughly 12 minutes per subject, with leadership tracking their output in an attempt to complete this rushed investigation by September 12; and\n\n(4) DHS is providing USCIS personnel with DHS data of dubious origin, including voter data, which they are required to accept as accurate despite the admission that the data has been augmented with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\nThe Trump Administration appears to be undertaking this rushed effort to find \u2013 or manufacture \u2013 evidence for its baseless election conspiracy theories of widespread voter fraud ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Inaccurate claims of \u201cunlawful voters\u201d and erroneous federal law enforcement records can result in serious consequences for Californians, including many naturalized citizens. The Trump Administration may also use these claims to further threaten state and local election officials in California and undermine or challenge the election results themselves.\n\nOf particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California\u2019s voter registration site to access voter data. California\u2019s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver\u2019s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials provided by this whistleblower, USCIS officers were directed to enter this information, obtained from other DHS data, in order to access the voter data on California\u2019s voter website.\n\nIn addition, this whistleblower Disclosure reveals that FDNS officers were provided with thousands of Californians\u2019 information to investigate whether they were \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d The ultimate source of the data used for this target list is unknown, but the training materials state \u201c[t]his public voter file for California was passed to us by [DHS].\u201d As you know, the U.S. Department of Justice has been unsuccessful in its attempt to compel California to provide its voter information to the Trump Administration, raising serious questions about what this data is, how DHS obtained it, and whether they complied with the law in collecting and using this data. The fact that the DHS data was compiled with something called \u201csupplemental magic\u201d does not provide reassurance.\n\nThe Disclosure further claims that agency leadership knew that this data was unreliable, yet FDNS officers were directed to create federal law enforcement records (known as \u201cTECS\u201d records) against individuals, many of whom are U.S. citizens. In fact, \u201c[o]fficers are specifically told to rely on the data DHS provided for California and use the voter registration dates and voting dates provided in that data to indicate that the subject may be an unlawful voter and create a TECS record.\u201d According to the Disclosure, \u201ca significant number of TECS records, potentially thousands or tens of thousands, will be created against California residents based on data that an officer may have good reason to believe is unreliable or inaccurate without corroboration.\u201d This is especially concerning since the agency\u2019s own training materials admit that there are \u201ca lot of U.S. citizens\u201d in the data.\n\nConsidering California\u2019s strong protections surrounding the use of voter registration information and PII, we believe this Disclosure merits a review by your office to determine what actions are necessary and appropriate to protect California voters. Especially as agency leaders dismissed concerns raised by the Whistleblower and other officers about the legality of this conduct, instructing them to move forward with the searches anyway, we want to ensure that you have all available information necessary to investigate these allegations to the extent your office deems appropriate.\n\nAgain, we appreciate your efforts to stand up to the Trump Administration\u2019s repeated attempts to intrude on states like California\u2019s authority to administer their elections and protect the right to vote.\n\nThank you for giving this important matter all due consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-to-ag-bonta-investigate-shocking-whistleblower-disclosure-alleging-alarming-dhs-activities-in-california/", "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla to AG Bonta: Investigate Shocking Whistleblower Disclosure Alleging Alarming DHS Activities in California", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Allegations made by DHS Whistleblower could have far-reaching impacts on eligible California voters and lawfully present noncitizens\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), in a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, flagged concerning activities detailed in a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistleblower disclosure and requested that Bonta investigate whether those actions may have violated California law.\n\nIn their letter to Bonta, the Senators highlighted the whistleblower\u2019s allegations that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump\u2019s unfounded claims of widespread noncitizen voter fraud.\n\nThe Senators emphasized the potential impacts these actions could have on eligible California voters, including naturalized citizens, such as the creation of erroneous federal law enforcement records known as \u201cTECS records,\u201d especially given the reckless performance quotas of 40 subjects per day being demanded by DHS and the required usage of unreliable source data compiled with so-called \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\n\u201cOf particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California\u2019s voter registration site to access voter data,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cCalifornia\u2019s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver\u2019s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials provided by this whistleblower, USCIS officers were directed to enter this information, obtained from other DHS data, in order to access the voter data on California\u2019s voter website.\u201d\n\nThe Senators emphasized that USCIS personnel were provided with thousands of Californians\u2019 sensitive records and data to investigate if they were \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d They further emphasized California\u2019s strong protections regarding voter information and raised concerns about how the information was obtained by the Trump Administration.\n\n\u201cAs you know, the U.S. Department of Justice has been unsuccessful in its attempt to compel California to provide its voter information to the Trump Administration, raising serious questions about what this data is, how DHS obtained it, and whether they complied with the law in collecting and using this data,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cThe fact that the DHS data was compiled with something called \u2018supplemental magic\u2019 does not provide reassurance.\u201d\n\nThe Senators urged Bonta to review the whistleblower disclosure and determine measures to protect Californians\u2019 voter data. They also urged an investigation into the whistleblower\u2019s allegations.\n\n\u201cConsidering California\u2019s strong protections surrounding the use of voter registration information and PII, we believe this Disclosure merits a review by your office to determine what actions are necessary and appropriate to protect California voters,\u201dconcluded the Senators. \u201cEspecially as agency leaders dismissed concerns raised by the Whistleblower and other officers about the legality of this conduct, instructing them to move forward with the searches anyway, we want to ensure that you have all available information necessary to investigate these allegations to the extent your office deems appropriate.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Attorney General Bonta:\n\nThank you for your leadership in standing up for the rule of law against President Trump and his Administration\u2019s efforts to interfere with the voting rights of the more than 23 million eligible Californians who are registered to vote.\n\nWe are writing to make you aware of a September 8, 2026, protected whistleblower disclosure (the \u201cDisclosure\u201d) that reveals serious allegations of illegal and inappropriate activities within the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (\u201cDHS\u201d or \u201cthe Department\u201d) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (\u201cUSCIS\u201d) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (\u201cFDNS\u201d). These allegations raise the very serious concern that U.S. citizens could be wrongfully flagged as \u201cunlawful voters,\u201d and also indicate potential violations of California state law, including federal officers impersonating California voters to access their state voting records.\n\nAccording to the attached Disclosure, the Department and USCIS leadership have abruptly diverted FDNS personnel to an \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d using highly questionable data and methods to identify purported unlawful voters. DHS and USCIS training materials admit these investigations will include U.S. citizens, some of whom will have federal law enforcement records created against them based on questionable data and rushed reviews by officers held to quotas. The whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure includes compelling evidence of wrongdoing by agency leadership including:\n\n(1) USCIS personnel have been directed to access sensitive voter information in violation of state laws prohibiting unauthorized access to individual voter records;\n\n(2) USCIS personnel are under significant pressure from headquarters to enter federal TECS records against individuals that are likely to be false, potentially harming thousands of people in likely violation of federal privacy requirements;\n\n(3) With minimal training, agency leadership is imposing reckless quotas that demand USCIS personnel investigate 40 subjects per day, a rate of roughly 12 minutes per subject, with leadership tracking their output in an attempt to complete this rushed investigation by September 12; and\n\n(4) DHS is providing USCIS personnel with DHS data of dubious origin, including voter data, which they are required to accept as accurate despite the admission that the data has been augmented with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\nThe Trump Administration appears to be undertaking this rushed effort to find \u2013 or manufacture \u2013 evidence for its baseless election conspiracy theories of widespread voter fraud ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Inaccurate claims of \u201cunlawful voters\u201d and erroneous federal law enforcement records can result in serious consequences for Californians, including many naturalized citizens. The Trump Administration may also use these claims to further threaten state and local election officials in California and undermine or challenge the election results themselves.\n\nOf particular interest to Californians are the claims that USCIS personnel were directed to misrepresent themselves on California\u2019s voter registration site to access voter data. California\u2019s voter registration website is clearly intended for the use of voters themselves, and requires the use of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to access this voter data, including driver\u2019s license number and/or partial Social Security Number. As outlined in the USCIS training materials provided by this whistleblower, USCIS officers were directed to enter this information, obtained from other DHS data, in order to access the voter data on California\u2019s voter website.\n\nIn addition, this whistleblower Disclosure reveals that FDNS officers were provided with thousands of Californians\u2019 information to investigate whether they were \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d The ultimate source of the data used for this target list is unknown, but the training materials state \u201c[t]his public voter file for California was passed to us by [DHS].\u201d As you know, the U.S. Department of Justice has been unsuccessful in its attempt to compel California to provide its voter information to the Trump Administration, raising serious questions about what this data is, how DHS obtained it, and whether they complied with the law in collecting and using this data. The fact that the DHS data was compiled with something called \u201csupplemental magic\u201d does not provide reassurance.\n\nThe Disclosure further claims that agency leadership knew that this data was unreliable, yet FDNS officers were directed to create federal law enforcement records (known as \u201cTECS\u201d records) against individuals, many of whom are U.S. citizens. In fact, \u201c[o]fficers are specifically told to rely on the data DHS provided for California and use the voter registration dates and voting dates provided in that data to indicate that the subject may be an unlawful voter and create a TECS record.\u201d According to the Disclosure, \u201ca significant number of TECS records, potentially thousands or tens of thousands, will be created against California residents based on data that an officer may have good reason to believe is unreliable or inaccurate without corroboration.\u201d This is especially concerning since the agency\u2019s own training materials admit that there are \u201ca lot of U.S. citizens\u201d in the data.\n\nConsidering California\u2019s strong protections surrounding the use of voter registration information and PII, we believe this Disclosure merits a review by your office to determine what actions are necessary and appropriate to protect California voters. Especially as agency leaders dismissed concerns raised by the Whistleblower and other officers about the legality of this conduct, instructing them to move forward with the searches anyway, we want to ensure that you have all available information necessary to investigate these allegations to the extent your office deems appropriate.\n\nAgain, we appreciate your efforts to stand up to the Trump Administration\u2019s repeated attempts to intrude on states like California\u2019s authority to administer their elections and protect the right to vote.\n\nThank you for giving this important matter all due consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-bombshell-whistleblower-disclosure-padilla-schumer-senators-to-demand-investigation-into-dhs-voter-data-misconduct/", "Following Bombshell Whistleblower Disclosure, Padilla, Schumer, Senators to Demand Investigation into DHS Voter Data Misconduct", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "18 Senators seek \u201cthorough and objective\u201d investigation into new whistleblower disclosure revealing DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on unreliable data compiled with \u201csupplemental magic\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s Immigration Subcommittee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led 16 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to demand the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower\u2019s disclosure. The disclosure alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump\u2019s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.\n\n\u201cThe DHS Office of Inspector General\u2019s mission is \u2018[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,\u2019\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cWe urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower\u2019s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.\u201d\n\nThe Senators highlighted the whistleblower\u2019s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information, create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as \u201cTECS records,\u201d require reckless performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day, and rely on unreliable source data compiled with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\nIn addition to opening an investigation, the Senators urged the OIG to take immediate action to prevent additional wrongdoing, writing: \u201cIn addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and prevent any additional wrongdoing or misuse of agency personnel and resources while the investigation is ongoing.\u201d\n\n\u201cGiven the time-sensitive nature of these claims, and the potential for misuse of this information for political purposes in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, please provide weekly updates on the status of your investigation to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Senate Committee on the Judiciary,\u201d the Senators concluded. \u201cFinally, recognizing the special provisions concerning the DHS Secretary\u2019s authority over certain DHS OIG audits and investigations, if the Secretary refuses to cooperate with an audit or investigation, please notify us immediately.\u201d\n\nThe DHS whistleblower disclosure has also prompted outside watchdog organizations to conduct their own investigations into the Trump Administration\u2019s wrongdoings, including an investigation launched by American Oversight to obtain DHS and USCIS records under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and alleged DHS directives to violate state laws.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration needs to come clean about the apparently rampant violations of the law by DHS and USCIS in their quest for Americans\u2019 sensitive personal voter information, and I welcome outside watchdogs standing up to fight for the public\u2019s right to know about this so-called \u2018Unlawful Voter Initiative,\u2019\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cAccording to the brave federal whistleblower who came forward this week, agency leaders are directing officers to violate laws and use \u2018magic\u2019 data, all in service of Donald Trump\u2019s attempts to prove his baseless election fraud conspiracy theories. It\u2019s an abuse of power that cries out for more transparency, and the Administration must stop this unlawful and reckless effort, respond to questions from Congress, and provide information to the public, as the law requires.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration is working overtime to silence the voices of American voters \u2013 and Democrats are working even harder to protect our nation\u2019s elections. There must be an immediate and thorough investigation following this brave whistleblower\u2019s report about the lawlessness at DHS,\u201d said Leader Schumer. \u201cAs costs skyrocket, and chaos reigns across the country, Trump is doing everything in his power to avoid accountability. But Americans are watching, they are angry, and they are ready to make their voices heard in November. In the United States, voters get to pick the President \u2013 not the other way around.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Timothy Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and California\u2019s former Secretary of State and chief election officer, Padilla has championed election security and voting rights. Following receipt of the whistleblower\u2019s disclosure, Padilla and Schumer demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and provide an urgent report to Congress on its activities. Padilla also called for immediate action and transparency from the Trump Administration following the bombshell whistleblower disclosure and demanded it stop the sham \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d Last month, Padilla led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop their illegal voter roll purges before election day. In June, Padilla joined Schumer in launching the first-ever Senate Election Observer Program to protect the 2026 midterms and maintain election integrity nationwide. The Task Force will continue meeting over the coming months to ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Inspector General Cuffari:\n\nOn September 8, 2026, a protected whistleblower made the attached disclosure to the Senate (the \u201cDisclosure\u201d) that reveals serious allegations of illegal and inappropriate activities within the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (\u201cDHS\u201d or \u201cthe Department\u201d) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (\u201cUSCIS\u201d) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (\u201cFDNS\u201d).\n\nThe attached Disclosure confirms that the Department and USCIS leadership have abruptly diverted FDNS from its mission and directed personnel to an \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d using highly questionable data and methods to identify purported unlawful voters. DHS and USCIS training materials admit these investigations will include U.S. citizens, some of whom will have federal law enforcement records created about them based on unreliable data and rushed reviews by officers held to quotas. This initiative is placing FDNS employees in an impossible position. They are being directed to take actions in the weeks before the election that this whistleblower believes are against the law and Department policy, and which will harm Americans.\n\nThe whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure includes compelling evidence of wrongdoing by agency leadership including:\n\n(1) USCIS personnel have been directed to access sensitive voter information in violation of state laws prohibiting unauthorized access to individual voter records, including to make false certifications and affirmations;\n\n(2) USCIS personnel are under significant pressure from headquarters to enter federal\n\nTECS records about individuals that have a high risk of being false, potentially harming thousands of people in likely violation of federal privacy requirements;\n\n(3) Agency leadership is imposing reckless quotas that demand USCIS personnel investigate 40 subjects per day with minimal training, a rate of roughly 12 minutes per subject, with leadership tracking agent output in an attempt to complete this rushed investigation by September 12; and\n\n(4) DHS is providing USCIS personnel with DHS data of dubious origin, including voter data, which they are required to accept as accurate despite the admission that the data has been augmented with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\nThe whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure states that rank-and-file USCIS employees have serious concerns with the actions they have been directed to perform as part of the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d When the whistleblower and others raised concerns about potential violations of state law, they were advised that they would not be held \u201cpersonally liable\u201d, implying an awareness of potential illegality by agency leadership. All these claims require a thorough and objective investigation, including whether authority exists to collect and use all relevant data, free of interference by agency leadership.\n\nThis initiative plainly appears to be a political exercise that poses risks to national security. Over the past several weeks, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, ProPublica, and other outlets have reported on the intense White House pressure on DHS and other agencies to back up the President\u2019s baseless claims of widespread election fraud. According to these reports, former USCIS officials are concerned that \u201cwork screening immigration applications for false information and possible security threats has effectively ground to a halt.\u201d\n\nConcerningly, the launch of the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d also occurred immediately following an FDNS reorganization that may have made these highly questionable practices easier to implement quickly across the agency. Your investigation should also examine whether this reorganization contributed to the management failures involved in this initiative.\n\nThe DHS Office of Inspector General\u2019s (OIG) mission is \u201cto provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS.\u201d We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower\u2019s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity. Failure to do so risks compounding the serious concerns about these activities within the FDNS workforce and the lack of integrity of FDNS, USCIS, and DHS leadership. In addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and prevent any additional wrongdoing or misuse of agency personnel and resources while the investigation is ongoing.\n\nGiven the time-sensitive nature of these claims, and the potential for misuse of this information for political purposes in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, please provide weekly updates on the status of your investigation to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Finally, recognizing the special provisions concerning the DHS Secretary\u2019s authority over certain DHS OIG audits and investigations, if the Secretary refuses to cooperate with an audit or investigation, please notify us immediately.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-slotkin-and-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/", "NEWS: Schiff Joins Slotkin and Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers from Hegseth on Cost of Iran War", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Pentagon Greatly Underestimates Cost of Iran War to Taxpayers and Families\n\nWashington D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (Calif.) joined Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and 44 of their colleagues, nearly the entire Democratic caucus, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase.\n\nThe United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, Slotkin and her colleagues note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cNow you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon\u2019s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration\u2019s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.\n\nSlotkin and the senators are requesting that the Department of Defense provide:\n\nA detailed breakdown of all direct and indirect costs of military operations against Iran to date, including damage to installations, aircraft, and equipment.\n\nA full accounting of the $67 billion supplemental request, specifying what covers past costs versus future operations.\n\nA detailed plan for how the Pentagon intends to spend the remaining $34 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\n\u201cDespite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cCongress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.\u201d\n\nSenator Slotkin\u2019s letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2019i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2019i), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-unveils-legislative-package-to-expand-access-to-affordable-meals-for-college-students-address-food-insecurity-on-college-campuses/", "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Unveils Legislative Package to Expand Access to Affordable Meals for College Students, Address Food Insecurity on College Campuses", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is unveiling two pieces of legislation that will provide college students across the nation\u2019s campuses access to affordable, nutritious, and hot meals \u2013 addressing the worsening food insecurity students on college campuses face.\n\nThe Hot Meals for College Students Act will allow for college students to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot and prepared meals from on-campus vendors. The Food for Thought Act will direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program for colleges to offer free meals to low-income students.\n\n\u201cCollege students should never have to worry about where their next meal will come from or have to drop out because they can\u2019t afford food and tuition. These bills are a commonsense approach to addressing student hunger and strengthening higher education,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\nAs the food and housing insecurity crises worsen, these challenges are especially acute in California, where the rising cost of food, housing and other necessities continues to strain students already confronting the high cost of attending college.\n\nSenator Schiff developed this legislation through his ongoing effort to visit community colleges across California and hear directly from students about the challenges they face. During a visit to San Bernardino Valley College, Jazmyn Garcia, a San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Student Trustee, raised the difficulty of not being able to use SNAP benefits to purchase meals on campus. By bringing students\u2019 experiences into the policymaking process, this bill offers a practical solution to make SNAP more accessible on college campuses and ensure students can more readily use their benefits for nutritious food.\n\n\u201cStudents like me aren\u2019t asking for a new benefit. We\u2019re asking to use the food assistance we already qualify for where we spend most of our day. I\u2019m a full-time STEM student, I work, and SNAP is my food budget. I already qualify for these benefits, but I can\u2019t use them to buy a hot meal from the cafeteria on my own campus. I try to meal prep, but between school and work, some days I just can\u2019t. A lot of students are balancing school, jobs, bills and family while preparing for careers our communities need. Being able to use SNAP for a hot meal on campus would remove one small but real barrier to finishing college. I\u2019m grateful Senator Schiff came to our campus, listened to students and is working to fix that,\u201d said Jazmyn Garcia, a San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Student Trustee.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t expect students to do their best in class when they\u2019re hungry, and we can\u2019t expect faculty to teach around hunger. Our cafeterias are already here serving students every day. Federal rules should not make it harder for students who already qualify for SNAP to use those benefits for a hot meal on campus. Senator Schiff\u2019s bill is a common-sense fix,\u201d said Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, SBCCD\u2019s Chancellor.\n\n\u201cTrump and the MAGA-controlled Congress have cut benefits for the most vulnerable, including many Californians that our members teach every day. UAW 4123 members support the Hot Meals for College Students Act of 2026 because we know that in order to learn, our students need access to healthy meals,\u201d said Lark Winner, the President of United Auto Workers (UAW) 4123, which represents California State University student workers.\n\nThe Hot Meals for College Students is endorsed by SwipeOut Hunger, the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, National Education Association (NEA), University of California Student Association (UCSA), University of California Graduate & Professional Council (UCGPC), The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), UAW Local 4811, which represents UC student workers, UAW Local 4123, California Community Colleges, Allan Hancock College, College of the Siskiyous, San Bernardino Community College District, Sierra College, Solano Community College, Victor Valley College, Woodland Community College, MiraCosta College, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and Pasadena City College.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\nA one-pager for the legislation is available here.\n\nThe Food for Thought Act will create a grant program within USDA to provide free meals to low-income college students, including those at minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).\n\nThe Food for Thought Act will:\n\nAmend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to institutions of higher education to provide free meals to low-income students;\n\nAuthorize funds that schools may use to conduct campus outreach on student eligibility for federal food assistance programs, operate on-campus food pantries, and update or purchase critical food infrastructure such as refrigerators and microwaves for student use; and\n\nEnsure grantees will collect and report data on the prevalence of food insecurity on their campuses to inform and expand national anti-hunger programming.\n\nSenator Schiff first introduced the Food for Thought Act as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.\n\nAlong with Schiff, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) is co-leading, and U.S. Representative Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44) is leading the House companion legislation.\n\n\u201cStudents from underserved communities face enough challenges in higher education without the added burden of wondering where their next meal is coming from. We should do all we can to provide the resources necessary to give a helping hand to students facing food insecurity on campus,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senator Schiff and Rep. Barrag\u00e1n in leading the Food for Thought Act to ensure students from Vermont to California never have to decide between their next meal or pursuing their future.\u201d\n\n\u201cStudents should never have to choose between putting food on the table and earning a college degree,\u201d said Representative Barrag\u00e1n. \u201cFor too many students, especially those from low-income families, hunger is another barrier standing between them and their education. The Food for Thought Act will help colleges provide free meals, strengthen campus food resources, and connect students with the assistance they need to succeed. When we invest in a student\u2019s basic needs, we are investing in their ability to stay in school, graduate, and build a better future. No student should have to go hungry while working toward their education.\u201d\n\nThe Food for Thought Act is endorsed by numerous organizations and community colleges: California State University, California Community Colleges, University of California Student Association (UCSA), University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC), UAW Local 4811, UAW Local 4123, SwipeOut Hunger, Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, Congressional Hunger Center, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), American Association of Community Colleges, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Community College League of California, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Southern California College Attainment Network, Association of Community College Trustees, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, Los Angeles Community College District, National Educational Association, UnidosUS, National Urban League, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), American Council on Education (ACE), CalState Long Beach, LA Harbor College, East Los Angeles College, Cerritos College, Hunger Free Vermont, Allan Hancock College, Citrus College, El Camino College, Hartnell College, Lake Tahoe Community College, Madera Community College, Mendocino College, MiraCosta College, Monterey Peninsula College, Ohlone College, Palomar College, Pasadena City College, Rio Hondo College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Victor Valley College, Cabrillo College, College of the Canyons, Cerritos College, Hudson Valley Community College (NY), San Juan College (NM), South Puget Sound Community College, Chaffey College, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, Kern Community College District, San Bernardino Community College District, Yuba Community College District, Foothill-De Anza Community College District, New Mexico Independent Community Colleges (NM), Riverside Community College District, Yosemite Community College District, South Orange County Community College District, and Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of over 237,000 students across the University of California, and the millions of students across the country who deserve to pursue their education without being hungry, the UC Student Association is excited to stand with Senator Schiff in strong support of the Food for Thought Act,\u201d said Duke Dela Rosa, UCSA Government Relations Chair and rising junior at UC Berkeley. \u201cAddressing the basic needs crisis facing students is a critical step to strengthen education outcomes, especially when nearly 1 in 4 students nationally struggle with food security, impacting their success and their ability to graduate.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe University of California Graduate & Professional Council endorses the Food for Thought Act of 2026 to authorize certain institutions of higher education to provide free meals to low-income students as part of necessary efforts to reduce student hunger. As detailed in the January 2025 UCLA Report, SNAP on College Campuses, college students face extremely high levels of food insecurity with more than 70% of CCC students, more than 50% of CSU students, and 42% of UC students. The UC has set an ambitious goal of reducing food insecurity in half by 2030; however, achieving this goal requires federal support. The University of California Graduate & Professional Council is in full support of reducing student hunger and the Food for Thought Act. Student hunger is a structural barrier to higher education, not a personal failure, and we recognize that this federal investment will ensure that hunger does not stand between students and their education. We cannot ask students to work harder, study harder, and graduate on time while accepting that so many are struggling to meet their most basic needs,\u201d said Stephanie Valadez, UC Graduate & Professional Council President at UCGPC.\n\n\u201cThe California State University is proud to support Senator Schiff, Senator Welch, and Representative Barrag\u00e1n\u2019s efforts to strengthen resources for college students experiencing food insecurity. When students have reliable access to nutritious meals, they are better positioned to stay enrolled, focus on their education and remain on track to graduate even during periods of financial hardship. The Food for Thought Act aligns with CSU Forward\u2019s commitment to student success by giving institutions greater capacity to address food insecurity and help more students make meaningful progress toward their degrees,\u201d said Dilcie Perez, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success at California State University.\n\n\u201cAs the educators who do the majority of frontline teaching at UC, UAW 4811 members know that no student should face hunger or food insecurity while pursuing their degree. UAW 4811 members back the Food for Thought Act because our students deserve to focus on their studies, not on where their next meal will come from,\u201d said Rafael Jaime, President of UAW 4811.\n\n\u201cMillions of students across the country struggle to access and afford sufficient and nutritious food, forcing them to work long hours, take on unmanageable debt, or stop out. Recent SNAP cuts have only made the problem worse. The Food for Thought Act is a necessary and sensible bill that would provide meals to students who too often go hungry, allowing them to focus on what really matters: thriving in their studies and fulfilling their potential,\u201d said Mark Huelsman, Director of Policy & Advocacy at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs.\n\n\u201cAs college food insecurity worsens and resources for on-campus food programs become more scarce, the Food for Thought Act shows how policy can provide much-needed solutions today. With this legislation, more students will be able to access the meals they need to be successful in school, and more schools will be able to support their students all the way to graduation day,\u201d said Zoe Duffield, Director of Advocacy at SwipeOut Hunger.\n\n\u201cRoughly 1 in 4 college students experience food insecurity, and the OBBBA\u2019s historic cuts to SNAP will make it harder for students at or near poverty to access federal food assistance. We must invest in policies to fill this gap so that students can focus on their studies, not on affording their next meal,\u201d said Valerie Crespin-Trujillo, Senior Director of College Completion & Basic Needs at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS). \u201cThe Food for Thought Act pilots new approaches to addressing food insecurity among low-income students, which can in turn increase student success.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\nA one-pager for the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-curtis-merkley-sheehy-dexter-announce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-federal-wildland-firefighters/", "Padilla, Curtis, Merkley, Sheehy, Dexter Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Federal Wildland Firefighters", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), announced the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act, bipartisan legislation that would address the long-overdue gaps in health and safety protections that wildland firefighters receive. U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nFor nearly 30 years, federal agencies have had clear data showing the serious health risks wildland firefighters face on the job while working in dangerous conditions. Meanwhile, structural firefighters began using respiratory protection in the 1970s. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is comprehensive legislation to be developed in partnership with firefighters, unions, and health experts to finally address the long-overdue gaps and ensure federal wildland firefighters have the support they need given the dangerous conditions of their work.\n\n\u201cEvery day, wildland firefighters face tremendous health risks at work, where they protect our communities, defend the environment, and save lives,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cAs California faces an increasing threat from devastating wildfires, we have a responsibility to make sure the heroes fighting these fires have the resources, safety equipment, and support needed to do their jobs safely. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act takes an important step toward closing longstanding gaps in health and safety protections, giving our wildland firefighters the equipment, resources, and support they need to stay healthy while they brave dangerous conditions to save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cUtah\u2019s wildland firefighters put their health and safety on the line every day to protect our communities. We owe it to them to look beyond the immediate danger and address the lasting impacts of smoke and other harmful exposures,\u201d said Senator Curtis. \u201cThis bipartisan bill is a commonsense step toward giving our firefighters the protection and support they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs climate chaos fuels an even more ferocious fire season, our wildland firefighters are on the front lines, battling deadly blazes to protect our communities,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cThese heroes deserve adequate resources and strong protections from the dangers posed by smoke exposure and other contaminants. Our bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is critical to ensuring these firefighters get the support they need because they put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it\u2019s our job to step up to keep them safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cWildland firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,\u201d said Senator Sheehy. \u201cFor too long, these brave men and women have been under-resourced and exposed to long-term health risks from smoke inhalation. Our bill tackles these problems head-on, leveraging expertise from federal agencies, medical experts, and wildland firefighters on the ground to test new respiratory technologies, reduce toxic exposures, and implement strong safety standards.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a pulmonologist and critical care physician, I\u2019ve cared for firefighters with acute smoke and burn injuries, as well as chronic lung disease and cancer caused by repeated smoke exposure,\u201d Representative Dexter said. \u201cIt is devastating, and it is preventable. Our wildland firefighters deserve more than our gratitude\u2014they deserve a government that protects them as fiercely as they protect all of us. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is legislation that will finally close critical gaps in protecting wildland firefighter health. It is built upon a simple principle: protecting firefighters\u2019 health must be an operational priority, not an afterthought.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act would:\n\nEstablish a Wildland Firefighter Health Task Force and an Advisory Panel of outside stakeholders to coordinate exposure reduction, pilot respiratory technologies, and develop an updated Wildland Firefighter Health Strategy every three years;\n\nRequire OSHA to issue an interim final standard for wildland firefighter health protection with a final standard within five years of the pilot report, and require paid duty time during operations to shower, decontaminate gear, and clean vehicles after smoke or PFAS exposure;\n\nRequire cleaning for contaminated PPE, designated decontamination areas, and shower access at fire facilities; and\n\nCreate a dedicated Office of Workers\u2019 Compensation Programs claims unit with specialized training on firefighting exposures to reduce processing delays and increase coordination.\n\nThe Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is supported by organizations such as NFFE, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, the International Association of Firefighters, National Fire Protection Association, Megafire, Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology, and FireGen Collaborative.\n\n\u201cNFFE-IAM strongly supports the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act and its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of federal wildland firefighters who put themselves in harm\u2019s way to protect our communities and public lands,\u201d said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). \u201cWildland firefighters face extraordinary occupational hazards, including toxic smoke, extreme heat, injuries, fatigue, and mental health challenges. They deserve the best available prevention, treatment, and protective technologies. Investing in their long-term health will save lives, retain experienced firefighters, strengthen workforce readiness, and help ensure these dedicated public servants can enjoy long, healthy lives after their service.\u201d\n\n\u201cWildland firefighters and fire support personnel are exposed to a variety of hazards, including wildfire smoke, on the job. Understanding the significant impacts of these hazards, the Commission called for investments in the physical and mental health of fire personnel as well as improved mitigation techniques for wildfire smoke exposure,\u201d said Annie Schmidt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Partnerships for Alliance for Wildfire Resilience. \u201cThe Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act\u2019s creation of a Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program makes an important and necessary investment in the health and safety of those who serve us all by responding to wildfires. We applaud Reps. Dexter and Gallagher as well as Senators Padilla, Merkley, Sheehy, and Curtis on their efforts to protect wildland fire personnel.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere is a huge gap between the safety risks and health hazards that wildland firefighters face, including risk of severe musculoskeletal damage and rare cancers, and the inadequate level of medical care they are provided. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act will go a long way towards narrowing this gap in their health care, providing support for crews whose work-related injuries and illnesses sometimes appear long after they\u2019ve disengaged from the firelines,\u201d said Timothy Ingalsbee, Executive Director of FUSEE: Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology.\n\n\u201cOur firefighters put everything on the line to protect us, and they deserve the same commitment in return. This bill takes an important step toward ensuring firefighters get the healthcare, benefits, and long-term support they\u2019ve earned,\u201d said Matt Weiner, founder and CEO of Megafire Action. \u201cCongresswoman Dexter is a leader on this issue and Megafire Action looks forward to advancing this long-overdue commitment to those who protect our communities.\u201d\n\nAs the co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Wildfire Caucus, Padilla has fought relentlessly to improve safety conditions for wildland firefighters and streamline the federal approach to combating wildfires. In June, Padilla slammed Republicans for attempting to block firefighter benefits and undermine forest conservation. Last year, Padilla introduced the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan bill to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive. In the aftermath of the Southern California fires, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to protect wildland firefighter pay and provide long-term workforce stability. Padilla also championed bipartisan legislation to create the first-ever respiratory protection standards for wildland firefighters.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nA one-pager of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-schatz-pocan-in-introducing-legislation-to-make-college-more-affordable/", "Padilla Joins Schatz, Pocan in Introducing Legislation to Make College More Affordable", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) in introducing the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that would reduce the cost of college for students and help mitigate the growing student debt crisis in the United States. The bill also restores a path to an affordable college education by providing states incentives through matching grants to increase investments in public higher education and provide students with debt-free college.\n\n\u201cRising costs and overwhelming student debt shouldn\u2019t keep students from pursuing life changing higher education opportunities,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cI\u2019m proud to cosponsor this bill to expand affordable higher education access and ensure more students and families can earn a college degree without financial burdens.\u201d\n\n\u201cSolving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college \u2013 that includes books, room and board, and supplies,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill brings states back to the table and leverages federal dollars to reinvest in public education and help students and their families cover the real cost of college.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery student in America deserves the opportunity to get a college education without student debt crushing them for years after graduation,\u201d said Representative Pocan. \u201cThe Debt-Free College Act creates a federal-state partnership that would enable students to attend college debt-free within five years. Student debt isn\u2019t just about tuition\u2014it\u2019s books, housing, supplies, and food. This bill reflects those true costs. If we believe in the value of our education system, then we should make it easier for students to pursue higher education, not financially burdensome for years to come. This bill helps ensure that college is accessible to all.\u201d\n\nThe Debt-Free College Act would establish a state-federal partnership that provides a dollar-for-dollar federal match to state higher education appropriations in exchange for a commitment to help students pay for the full cost of attendance without having to take on debt. The bicameral legislation, first introduced in 2018, was the first proposal to go beyond free tuition, and ensure that students leave college without the financial burden of student loan debt.\n\nAccording to the Education Data Initiative, 72% of student debt holders believe their student loan debt will delay homeownership. A 2025 survey from The Institute for College Access & Success found that student loans negatively impacted the ability to cover basic needs for more than 4 in 10 borrowers. 52 percent of borrowers reported that their loans negatively impacted their ability to save for retirement while nearly a third said loans impacted their plans to get married and start a family.\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Schatz, this bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.)\n\nIn addition to Pocan, is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.), and Cleo Fields (D-La.).\n\nSenator Padilla has consistently advocated to increase access to higher education. As President Trump and Congressional Republicans work to make college more unaffordable and unattainable for millions of working-class families, Padilla joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in introducing the College for All Act to make public colleges and universities tuition free for 95% of students. In 2024, Padilla reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act, bicameral legislation to help ensure college students can meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. Padilla also supports the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2024, bicameral legislation that would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award, index the maximum award for inflation, and make other improvements to expand the award for working students and families.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joines-markey-and-budd-to-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-chinas-wrongful-detention-of-american-academics/", "NEWS: Schiff Joins Markey and Budd to Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning China\u2019s Wrongful Detention of American Academics", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and John Curtis (R-Utah) in introducing a bipartisan resolution that condemns the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s repeated pattern of arbitrary or wrongful detention of American academics and urges the United States government to prioritize the safe return of all United States citizens wrongfully detained in China, including Massachusetts resident and academic Dr. Youlin Chen, and American scholar Min Zin. Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08) and Congressman John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China (R-Mich.-02), led a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe resolution expresses that the Senate:\n\nCondemns the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s repeated pattern of arbitrary or wrongful detention of United States citizens.\n\nUrges the United States government to make the safe return of United States citizens detained in China a top priority, including the return of Dr. Chen and Min Zin.\n\nUrges the Secretary of State to use all available tools to press for the release of all United States nationals being unlawfully or wrongfully detained in the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s repeated and cruel pattern of wrongful detentions of American citizens, leaving some without access to legal counsel, is nothing short of an affront to the rule of law and infringes on their rights and freedoms. The U.S. government must redouble its efforts to ensure U.S. citizens unjustly detained abroad, like Min Zin and Dr. Chen, return safely back home to their loved ones,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cThe wrongful detainment of innocent civilians is never justifiable and should always be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We owe it to the American people to stand up and speak out when our citizens are wrongfully detained in foreign prisons. It is my hope that this bipartisan resolution from the United States Congress will bring increased attention to the unjust detention of Dr. Youlin Chen and Min Zin and force the Chinese government to do the right thing and release them immediately. I am praying for Dr. Chen, Mr. Zin, and their families today,\u201d said Senator Markey.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party\u2019s pattern of unjustly detaining innocent Americans on baseless allegations cannot carry on unchecked. It is long past time for the CCP to return American academics Dr. Youlin Chen and Mr. Min Zin home to their loved ones and end the targeting of American citizens. I am proud to stand with Senator Markey and my colleagues, as a bipartisan front, against these escalatory actions,\u201d said Senator Budd.\n\nCongressman Lynch said:\n\n\u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in introducing a bipartisan and bicameral Resolution denouncing China\u2019s use of arbitrary and unlawful arrests of U.S. citizens. Dr. Youlin Chen, a good man and respected seismologist and geophysicist who has made Boston his home, was arbitrarily arrested on fabricated \u2018espionage\u2019 charges nearly two years ago. Similarly, Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar and executive director of the Myanmar Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies, has not been heard from his family since he was detained in June for \u2018espionage and endangering national security.\u2019 Ironically, these two men were in China to engage in academic exchanges that benefit both our countries. They were doing honest and noble work and should never have been detained.\n\n\u201cThese men are being held under brutal and inhumane conditions, with no access to their families and limited access, if any, to legal counsel. There has yet to be any evidence presented to justify these charges, much less an opportunity to prove their innocence.\n\n\u201cMy office has been communicating with the family of Dr. Chen and Min Zin, and we will continue to work with our Republican colleagues in the House and Senate to bring these men home to their families. President Trump must use his upcoming meeting with President Xi to demand that China release every unlawfully detained American. The reprehensible use of our citizens as diplomatic bargaining chips is not new for the Xi government, and Congress must continue to press for the release of every American that China is unlawfully detaining.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has unjustly detained Americans for years, holding them as hostages to bully and coerce our government. The wrongful detentions of Youlin Chen and Min Zin are especially egregious as they were lured to China under the false pretense of academic research. American professors and researchers must realize the CCP is not interested in an open exchange of ideas. They should reconsider any collaborations with China as well as any travel to the country,\u201d said Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on China.\n\n\u201cNo American should ever be used as a political bargaining chip. The Chinese Communist Party\u2019s ongoing pattern of arbitrarily detaining U.S. citizens, including scholars like Min Zin and Dr. Chen, is an egregious abuse of human rights and direct security threat,\u201d said Congresswoman Kim. \u201cAs Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, I\u2019m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral resolution to send an unmistakable message: Congress stands united against CCP repression, and we will not rest until every wrongfully detained American is brought safely home.\u201d\n\nThe PRC has a long history of detaining U.S. citizens under dubious circumstances. Most recently, on November 5, 2024, the Government of the PRC arrested Dr. Youlin Chen, a United States citizen, who has conducted transparent and open-source seismological research in cooperation with academics in the PRC. Despite high level engagement between the United States and the People\u2019s Republic of China, the Government of the PRC has held him on baseless espionage charges for more than 600 days without a trial or access to his family. In addition, Dr. Chen was deprived of access to his lawyer for the first 434 days of his ongoing detention. In July, Senator Markey released a statement on the wrongful detention of Dr. Chen.\n\nOn June 3, 2026, authorities of the PRC detained another United States citizen, Min Zin (executive director of a Myanmar-focused policy think tank), at the Kunming Changshui International Airport after he was invited to attend an academic event at a university in Yunnan province in the PRC. Min Zin remains in detention without access to legal counsel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senate-agriculture-committee-advances-schiff-curtis-bill-to-create-first-ever-respiratory-protection-requirements-for-federal-firefighters/", "NEWS: Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Schiff-Curtis Bill to Create First-Ever Respiratory Protection Requirements for Federal Firefighters", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Federal firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protections while fighting wildfires, Schiff\u2019s bipartisan proposal with Senator Curtis would create the first-of-its-kind standard to change that\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry advanced language proposed by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) to create the first-ever respiratory protection standards for wildland firefighters.\n\nFor decades, federal firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protection despite a growing body of evidence warning about long-term health risks of wildfire smoke. The provision included in the Senate\u2019s 2026 Farm Bill will ensure the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) take overdue steps to protect the health of these heroes.\n\n\u201cFirefighters are heroes, and it\u2019s critical that we do everything possible to ensure they\u2019re protected from the health risks associated with wildfires. This bipartisan solution will minimize the toxic exposures that firefighters face when they\u2019re defending our communities and public lands. I am proud to see my language was included in the farm bill and is making progress, even if other provisions and omissions in the Farm Bill precluded Democratic support,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cOur wildland firefighters already face some of the most grueling, dangerous conditions imaginable. The least we can do is ensure access to materials that will protect them from the long-term health consequences of breathing toxic smoke. This bill ensures we bring common sense, science, and basic decency to how we equip our firefighters,\u201d said Senator Curtis.\n\nThe language was included in the 2026 Farm Bill advanced by the committee yesterday. In addition to Schiff and Curtis, this legislation first introduced in November was co-sponsored by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Steve Daines (D-Mont.).\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve spent decades urging the public to protect themselves from the dangers of wildfire smoke, but outdated regulations have prevented wildland firefighters from taking commonsense steps to protect themselves. They put their lives on the line to protect us, and they shouldn\u2019t have to sacrifice their long-term health to do their jobs,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will help ensure our federal firefighters have the respiratory protection and safety standards they need to stay safe while protecting our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cWildland firefighters put their lives and health on the line every day to protect our homes, communities, and public lands, and we owe it to them to make sure they have the best protection possible on the front lines. I\u2019m glad this commonsense, bipartisan measure advanced as part of the Farm Bill to better protect our firefighters from the dangerous smoke they breathe while doing one of the toughest jobs in America,\u201d said Senator Sheehy.\n\n\u201cFire season is deadly in Montana, and we need all hands on deck to help mitigate catastrophic disasters and help those who selflessly protect our communities from these threats. I\u2019m thrilled to work with my Senate colleagues to move forward legislation within the Senate Farm Bill for federal firefighters to create respiratory protection requirements. Just like fighting wildfires, ensuring health safety of our firefighters is a top priority,\u201d said Senator Daines.\n\nFederal wildland firefighters often work 16-hour shifts in grueling conditions, inhaling toxic smoke. Despite this, federal wildland firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protection despite evidence warning about health risks of wildfire smoke. Studies have shown exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to adverse health impacts, including more than a dozen kinds of cancer. The life expectancy of firefighters is 10 years less than the average adult due to lung damage.\n\nIn September 2025, USFS posted guidance acknowledging for the first time that respiratory protections can protect firefighters against harmful particles in wildfire smoke and reversing a decades-long rule that banned federal wildland firefighters from wearing respiratory protection while performing wildland firefighting activities. The legislation reinforces this action to ensure the agencies develop respiratory protections for firefighters.\n\nThe Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act would:\n\nDirect USFS and DOI to work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to develop smoke exposure limits for wildland firefighters\n\nDirect USFS, the Department of Interior, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, and other appropriate federal agencies to develop a strategy to make commercially available appropriate respiratory protections that take into account the unique needs of wildland firefighters\n\nThe bill was endorsed by National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, FireGen Collaborative, and former U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell.\n\n\u201dWe strongly support this legislation to modernize and standardize respiratory protection for wildland firefighters. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more dangerous, our federal wildland firefighters deserve safety standards that reflect the extreme conditions they face. Equally important is the bill\u2019s mandate to determine appropriate equipment and regularly review and update all relevant PPE standards. This ensures that respiratory protection keeps pace with evolving science, operational demands, and the realities of modern fire behavior. Wildland firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities. Establishing clear exposure parameters and reliable respiratory protection is the least we owe to those who stand between our nation and catastrophic fire,\u201d said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).\n\n\u201cEvery fire season we send wildland firefighters into smoke that exceeds federal exposure limits without the respiratory protection the science says they need. Yesterday\u2019s committee vote carries the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act forward and begins to close that gap. I urge the full Senate to finish the job.\u201d, said Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, 11th U.S. Fire Administrator (2021\u20132025).\n\n\u201cThe Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act has taken an important step forward with its inclusion in the Farm Bill and advancement through the Senate Agriculture Committee. Grassroots Wildland Firefighters thanks Senators Schiff, Curtis, Padilla, Sheehy, and Daines for their leadership in recognizing the very real occupational hazards wildland firefighters face from prolonged smoke and toxic exposures. For too long, wildland firefighters have been asked to accept these exposures as simply part of the job. Protecting the long-term health and wellbeing of the men and women who protect our communities and public lands must be treated as a fundamental responsibility. Advancing the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act through the Farm Bill represents meaningful progress toward establishing respiratory protection standards that reflect the realities of the wildland fire environment. Grassroots Wildland Firefighters remains committed to seeing these protections enacted into law and implemented for the workforce.\u201d Said Riva Duncan, President, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters.\n\n\u201cThe National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) commends Senators Schiff and Curtis for leading the introduction of the \u2018Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act\u2019, and thanks Senators Sheehy and Padilla for their critical support. With two-thirds of \ufb01re departments reporting insufficient wildland PPE, many \ufb01re\ufb01ghters face dangerous gaps in protection against escalating wild\ufb01res. This legislation is a vital step to help ensure every \ufb01re\ufb01ghter has the gear they need to stay safe while safeguarding our communities,\u201d said Jim Pauley, NFPA President and CEO.\n\n\u201cWildland firefighters put their health and safety on the line every day to protect our communities, forests, and natural resources. Yet for too long, we have not given these frontline professionals the same basic respiratory protections that are standard in other high-risk occupations. The Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act is an important step toward changing that by establishing stronger protections for the men and women who face smoke and other hazardous exposures as part of their work. FireGen Collaborative is proud to support this legislation and its inclusion in the Senate\u2019s Farm Bill, and we urge Congress to ensure these commonsense protections become law,\u201d said Ryan Reed, Program Director, FireGen Collaborative.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-wyden-press-flock-ceo-for-answers-on-troubling-abuse-of-technology-amid-surveillance-network-concerns-push-to-protect-americans-privacy/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Wyden Press Flock CEO for Answers on Troubling Abuse of Technology Amid Surveillance Network Concerns, Push to Protect American\u2019s Privacy", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, are pressing for information regarding allegations of abuse of Flock\u2019s surveillance platforms and whether their existing protocols are failing to protect Americans\u2019 privacy. The inquiry follows increasingly troubling, documented reports of law enforcement officials abusing Flock\u2019s nationwide license plate readers, camera network, and sensors to carry out extensive, unauthorized surveillance.\n\n\u201cDespite a professed public commitment to responsible governance, Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans\u2019 civil liberties,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nMultiple organizations and news reporting have revealed alarming concerns of unauthorized surveillance by Flock cameras. For instance, organizations have come forward to express concern that states restricting reproductive health care access are using Flock data to track down patients traveling to other states for care while other reports indicate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are conducting immigration-related searches of Flock databases to pursue individuals without warrants. An analysis of police and court reports by The Washington Post revealed that at least 50 law enforcement officers have been charged or accused of misusing Flock\u2019s surveillance system for unauthorized purposes.\n\nIn their inquiry, the Senators express concern over how Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans\u2019 civil liberties and demand answers on how the company is protecting against misuse by law enforcement and others, as well as its compliance with existing privacy laws. They also direct Flock to preserve all records between the company, employees, consultants, and state, local, and federal agents regarding Flock cameras.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Langley:\n\nWe write seeking information regarding allegations of potential abuse of Flock\u2019s surveillance platforms and whether your existing protocols protect Americans\u2019 privacy. Despite a professed public commitment to responsible governance, Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans\u2019 civil liberties.\n\nIn the last two years, there have been increasingly troubling, documented reports of law enforcement officials abusing Flock\u2019s nationwide license plate readers, camera network, and sensors to carry out extensive, unauthorized surveillance. In 2025, investigative reporting uncovered that a deputy in Johnson County, Texas accessed Flock cameras to track a woman by falsely claiming the case was about a \u201cmissing person,\u201d when in fact the woman\u2019s husband reported her to police for attempting to access reproductive health care. Since then, multiple organizations have come forward to express concern that states restricting reproductive health care access are using Flock data to track down patients traveling to other states for care.\n\nNumerous reports also indicate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are conducting immigration-related searches of Flock databases to pursue individuals without warrants. While Flock claims to \u201cnot work with ICE,\u201d and blames local customers who share information voluntarily with federal authorities for these searches, Flock has repeatedly failed to prevent ICE officials from accessing its data. In one instance, Kansas police went so far as to use Flock data to target a man who wrote an op-ed criticizing the department\u2019s role in a local ICE operation. An analysis of police and court reports by the Washington Post revealed that at least 50 law enforcement officers have been charged or accused of misusing Flock\u2019s surveillance system for unauthorized purposes.\n\nDespite these alarming developments, Flock continues to expand its network and collaborations with other data-sharing entities. A leaked corporate presentation reveals that Flock plans to partner with Nexar, a dashcam producer, to collect data from roughly 350,000 devices installed in rideshare vehicles. Nexar is currently in negotiations with AI company, Nauto, to create an \u201cintelligence engine\u201d of a scale \u201cthat no simulation and no single company\u2019s dataset can match.\u201d Flock and Nexar\u2019s proposal to collect and disseminate data from hundreds of thousands of consumer and rideshare dashcams risks creating an expansive, pervasive surveillance network that lacks adequate consumer consent, transparency, or accountability.\n\nWe understand that, in response to the recent public outcry against its products, Flock published a series of updates to its privacy standards. Unfortunately, these changes still leave many important questions unanswered. For example, although Flock shortened the default data retention timeline from 30 days to 7 days, it introduced a feature called, \u201cEvidence Mode,\u201d which allows detectives to \u201cpreserve specific [Automated License Plate] ALR data as evidence for an active investigation in cold storage.\u201d Flock failed to explain how it plans to prevent misuse of this feature or what constitutes an active investigation. Flock also purported to add another capability, titled \u201coffense filtering for sharing,\u201d which would allow Flock users to limit searches of their data by outside agencies to certain types of offenses. However, a similar filtering requirement implemented in June 2025 failed to stop officers from querying restricted data using nonsensical, frivolous words to bypass the filtering system, including inputting the phrase \u201chehehe\u201d to ostensibly circumvent prohibited search terms, instead of listing the actual terms they intended to search for. Clearly, this attempted corrective action was insufficient. Flock also updated its features to require law enforcement customers to adopt a program that automatically flags abnormal activity for administrator review. What qualifies as abnormal activity remains undefined. Furthermore, it is unclear whether Flock will also require those customers to adopt its \u201cproactive lockout\u201d feature, which would automatically suspend accounts exhibiting abnormal behavior.\n\nFlock claims to have the tools to protect the American people from further abuses of its platform. It must use them. As part of our legislative oversight to protect and preserve Americans\u2019 privacy and civil liberties, we request responses to the following questions no later than September 25, 2026:\n\nFlock is currently subject to a patchwork of ordinances from cities, counties, and states across the country, how is Flock operating in that type of patchwork environment?\n\nDoes Flock track if and when its technology is not compliant with any local ordinances or state laws?\n\nDoes Flock request data on whether its technology violates any local ordinances or state laws?\n\nWhen will Flock mandate its \u201cproactive lockout\u201d feature for law enforcement partners?\n\nWhat additional safeguards has Flock included in its \u201coffense filtering for sharing\u201d feature to protect against misuse?\n\nWhat additional safeguards has Flock implemented to prevent law enforcement officials from querying sensitive information using pretextual justifications?\n\nWhy did Flock choose to restrict transparency by switching to a generic dropdown menu rather than implementing stricter auditing of free-text entries? Furthermore, how does a pre-populated list prevent an officer from simply clicking a false, pretextual category to bypass oversight?\n\nDoes Flock plan to periodically review whether its law enforcement customers are compliant with its safeguards?\n\nWhat specific safeguards has Flock deployed, placed in development, or evaluated to prevent system misuse of any kind? Please detail how each safeguard operates in practice, the rollout timeline for in-progress features, and the explicit reasons why any considered safeguards were rejected.\n\nDoes Flock support or plan to support hardware authenticators, such as security keys or smart cards, to prevent sharing credentials and ensure every system action is tied to a single verified individual?\n\nDoes Flock support or plan to support restricting system access so that searches are blocked unless the user is actively on duty, within an authorized location, and within an authorized time window?\n\nDoes Flock support or plan to support mandatory two-person sign-off to approve searches?\n\nWhat corrective action does Flock plan to take to ensure that women seeking reproductive health care in states that protect access to reproductive health care do not have their data tracked by Flock Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs)?\n\nHow is Flock ensuring that it is compliant with California\u2019s privacy laws?\n\nWhat are the error rates for Flock\u2019s data captures?\n\nWhat accountability and transparency policies does Flock have for error rates?\n\nHas Flock conducted a legal analysis of California\u2019s privacy law in relation to its product and its use by local law enforcement?\n\nAlthough Flock\u2019s proposed partnership with Nexar may not be in effect at this time, a leaked presentation for the Georgia Attorney General\u2019s Office reveals that Flock actively pitched a plan to leverage approximately 350,000 rideshare and delivery vehicle dashcams as mobile license plate scanners. Does Flock still plan to partner with Nexar to collect data from rideshare dashcams?\n\nIf so, will rideshare drivers be made aware that their dashcams are collecting data and be allowed to provide consent for such data collection?\n\nWill rideshare drivers participating in the program be required to disclose to their passengers that their data may have been collected by Flock?\n\nWhat steps does Flock plan to take to protect the privacy of rideshare drivers and their passengers who will be recorded by this or any other similar program?\n\nIn addition to the information requests above, as part of our legislative oversight, please preserve all records and communications between you, your employees, consultants, contractors, agents, state and local law enforcement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security, regarding Flock cameras. This applies to internal communications and communications with U.S. departments and agencies. This includes but is not limited to: records and communications via email, whether official or personal; mobile devices; encrypted or disappearing messaging applications; social media; calendar entries; meeting notes; and voicemail and text messages. To the extent that you use any auto-delete functions, you should immediately suspend auto-delete functions and notify persons with control over potentially relevant records of their preservation obligations. This preservation request covers both past and current efforts, as well as any planned or in-development measures responsive to the issues raised in this letter.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response and appreciate your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-calls-out-trumps-obsession-with-kennedy-center-disregard-for-addressing-high-costs/", "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Calls Out Trump\u2019s Obsession with Kennedy Center, Disregard for Addressing High Costs", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Schiff: \u201cIt becomes not just absurd, but dangerously absurd that the president is spending so much mental energy on this ridiculousness.\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW\u2019s All In with Chris Hayes to condemn President Donald Trump\u2019s latest vanity project \u2013 threatening to tear down the Kennedy Center if his name does not appear on the building.\n\nSchiff emphasized Trump\u2019s repeated pattern of ignoring the Congress and the courts, putting his interests over Americans\u2019 interests, and downplaying the recent the costs of the Iran War and its impacts on our economy.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nOn Trump bypassing the Congress and courts when it comes to renaming the Kennedy Center:\n\n[\u2026] We have those images of the East Wing being bulldozed after, in fact, the president had promised not to touch the East Wing. So, you can\u2019t put anything past this president. The court seems determined to stop it. Congress could stop it in a heartbeat if, on a bipartisan basis, for once they were willing to stand up to this president. There\u2019s little sign of that. All you hear are from a few members who are leaving the Congress, a willingness to criticize this. But I think, and again, this I guess gets into psychoanalysis: the Kennedy Center not only is a memorial to John F. Kennedy, it is also part of the Kennedy legacy and mystique, part of the whole Camelot appearance, the glamor, the arts, the culture. And Donald Trump just craves to be a part of that, wants his name on that, doesn\u2019t want any president to seem greater than he is.\n\nAnd so any president that he is insecure about, the way he\u2019s insecure about Obama, the way he\u2019s insecure about Kennedy, his answer is \u201cput my name on it. Let people know I\u2019m the dominant one. I\u2019m the greatest president of all time. My name is on these buildings, and if you won\u2019t let me do it, then I\u2019m just going to tear it all down.\u201d You add that to the fact that we\u2019re in the middle of a war, and it becomes not just absurd, but dangerously absurd that the president is spending so much mental energy on this ridiculousness.\n\nOn pushing back against the administration\u2019s refusal to uphold the rule of law:\n\n[\u2026] I think we always wonder how much voters take into consideration the need to have checks and balances in the system, how much does that really factor into their decisions. I think, given the extremity of this administration, that will definitely be a factor for voters. They see this president out of control. Even those that voted for him see him doing things he promised not to do. They see him ignoring the pain that his policies are inflicting on them with the cost of living. And I think they want some check on this runaway abuse of authority by the president.\n\nThey also, I think, are deeply turned off by the guy who said he was going to drain the swamp \u2013 how much he has just turned this into the most lucrative swamp for his family that the country\u2019s ever seen. So, I think voters do want to push back on that, and mostly I think we see this over and over again with greater and greater frequency. They\u2019re just so disappointed in him, the people that supported him, that I think they\u2019re prepared to walk away from him \u2013 either vote Democratic or not vote at all.\n\nOn the need to expose the real costs of the Iran War:\n\n[\u2026] We are seeing reports like that from the Defense Department Inspector General that the situation is much worse than we know. And part of the reason it\u2019s worse than we know is we have not really insisted on oversight in the Armed Forces Committee. [\u2026] There\u2019s no willingness on the part of the Republican chairs of these committees to demand answers. And so we\u2019re getting them from the Inspector General. We\u2019re getting feedback from the families. Situations are bad, notwithstanding all of the wonderful things the president and Pete Hegseth are saying about how great everything\u2019s going. When you get reports that sailors are trying to jump off an aircraft carrier, you know just how bad conditions really are.\n\n[\u2026] These estimates, like we just got, that the war has cost 40 billion, are almost certainly a dramatic understatement of the damage and the costs. We\u2019re going to find out a lot more about that soon. And if we change the Congress, as I believe we will, we\u2019ll have an opportunity to insist on that information.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-blasts-kash-patels-firing-of-fbi-officials-investigating-cases-against-trump-and-january-6-insurrectionists-calls-out-att/", "WATCH:\u00a0Sen. Schiff\u00a0Blasts\u00a0Kash Patel\u2019s\u00a0Firing of\u00a0FBI Officials\u00a0Investigating Cases Against Trump\u00a0and\u00a0January 6 Insurrectionists,\u00a0Calls Out\u00a0Attacks on Media", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) blasted Kash Patel, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for his widespread mismanagement and politicization of the nation\u2019s foremost law enforcement agency.\n\nSchiff pressed Patel on the Trump administration\u2019s firing of FBI agents working on the investigations into President Donald Trump\u2019s role in the January 6 insurrection and his mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, as well as the FBI\u2019s investigation of members of the media under Patel\u2019s leadership.\n\nWatch the full clip here. Download the full clip here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Patel\u2019s refusal to admit termination of FBI employees was motivated by political retribution:\n\nSchiff: Mr. Patel, there were at least two major investigations of President Trump in the previous Justice Department. One that investigated his role in the violent attack on the Capitol and the incitement of that attack. Another investigation that investigated his purloining of hundreds of classified documents, their storage in his place at Mar-a-Lago, efforts to obstruct the investigation. Those two investigations were properly predicated. Those investigations resulted in grand juries bringing, returning indictments, charging the president numerous times with serious felony offenses. I have questions for you today about the agents who worked on those investigations. Let me first start with a simple numeric question: How many agents, FBI agents, were used in the investigation of the Mar-a-Lago documents case against the president? About how many?\n\nPatel: I have no idea. I wasn\u2018t here then.\n\nSchiff: Would it have been dozens?\n\nPatel: I don\u2019t know. You\u2019d have to ask the prior administration.\n\nSchiff: Well, a lot of those people were fired under your directorship, were they not?\n\nPatel: I don\u2018t think a lot of them, but a lot of them retired, and some of the ones that weaponized law enforcement were terminated, as they always will be.\n\nSchiff: So, can you pull the microphone close? We\u2019re having trouble hearing you. Might want to pull the whole thing closer to you. So, are you testifying today that you don\u2019t know if they were fired, or maybe some of them were fired, or many were fired? What\u2019s your testimony? How many of them were fired?\n\nPatel: My testimony is I don\u2019t know the personnel actions that were taken by the prior administration and the personnel actions \u2013\n\nSchiff: You know what, I\u2019m talking about your administration.\n\nPatel: I\u2019m getting there. The personnel actions that were taken by me are simply as follows: nobody at the FBI, as they\u2019ve committed to, is allowed to participate in the weaponization of law enforcement \u2013\n\nSchiff: That\u2019s not my question. How many of the agents who worked on Mar-a-Lago investigation of Donald Trump how many of them \u2013\n\nPatel: I don\u2019t have that number.\n\nSchiff: \u2013 were fired by the FBI?\n\nPatel: I don\u2019t know.\n\nSchiff: Are any of them still working for the FBI?\n\nPatel: I don\u2019t have that number. That\u2019s not my responsibility.\n\nSchiff: Well, that\u2019s not \u2013 I\u2019m not asking for a number now. Are any of the agents who worked on the Mar-a-Lago investigation of the president still employed at the FBI?\n\nPatel: I don\u2019t believe so. Most of them left.\n\nSchiff: Okay, so you don\u2019t believe any of the agents who worked on that investigation are still at the FBI?\n\nPatel: I can\u2019t stop them from retiring.\n\nSchiff: Is it your testimony that they\u2019re not at the FBI because they retired, not because they were fired?\n\nPatel: My understanding is the overwhelming majority of those agents and FBI personnel retired.\n\nSchiff: Well, let me ask you this: Todd Blanche at a CPAC conference says, \u201cand when it comes to the FBI, Director Patel has cleaned house there too. There isn\u2019t a single man or woman with a gun, federal agent still in that organization, that had anything to do with the prosecution of President Trump.\u201d So, the Attorney General says you cleaned house at the FBI.\n\nPatel: I did.\n\nSchiff: Was he right? Was he truthful when he said there\u2019s not a single agent at the FBI who worked on the Mar-a-Lago investigation, still employed by the FBI?\n\nPatel: The Attorney General is always truthful, so I believe his statement.\n\nSchiff: Okay, so they\u2019re all gone. Is your testimony today that most of those agents are no longer with the FBI because they decided suddenly to retire?\n\nPatel: Yeah.\n\nSchiff: They weren\u2019t fired in whole or in part because they worked on that investigation?\n\nPatel: The bulk of individuals that worked on those investigations left shortly thereafter \u2013\n\nSchiff: And they left voluntarily?\n\nPatel: In the prior administration.\n\nSchiff: I\u2019m talking about under your watch, Director Patel.\n\nPatel: They left before I got there. There\u2019s really nothing I can do.\n\nSchiff: So, it\u2019s your testimony that most of them voluntarily left the bureau? They weren\u2019t fired.\n\nPatel: Most of them, yeah.\n\nSchiff: And is the same true of the agents who investigated the president\u2019s involvement in January 6? How many \u2013 well, first of all, how many agents would you say that would be? Would it be dozens or hundreds of agents?\n\nPatel: I don\u2019t know. You\u2019d have to ask the prior administration. They were in charge of that.\n\nSchiff: You have no idea whether it is over 100 agents?\n\nPatel: No, my focus is not going back in time. My focus is crushing violent crime and defending the homeland and \u2013 results for the American people.\n\nSchiff: My question is: were those agents, as Todd Blanche indicated, also purged from the FBI under your watch because they had worked on the January 6th investigation?\n\nPatel: The FBI has one specific and simple standard. If you don\u2019t meet our high standards \u2013\n\nSchiff: That\u2019s not my question.\n\nPatel: I\u2019m getting there. If you don\u2019t meet those standards, you don\u2019t get to work at the FBI.\n\nSchiff: Take a little less time to get there, if you would. Were they purged because they worked on the January 6th investigation of the president?\n\nPatel: There was no purging, and there are individuals who worked on a whole host of investigations.\n\nSchiff: Were any of those agents fired?\n\nPatel: Many retired.\n\nSchiff: Excuse me. Excuse me. Let me finish the question.\n\nPatel: Go ahead.\n\nSchiff: Were any of the agents who worked on the Mar-a-Lago investigation or the January 6 investigation, were any of those agents fired in whole or in part because they worked on those investigations?\n\nPatel: So, the simple fact of working on those investigations, no. If they weaponize law enforcement, yes.\n\nSchiff: So, all of the agents who just happened to work on those investigations and were fired \u2013 is it your testimony that\u2019s because they were engaged in some other malfeasance, other than simply being assigned to those two cases?\n\nPatel: There\u2019s an entire inspection division at the FBI that looked at the totality of not just these agents and employees but everyone on a constant basis and they make recommendations.\n\nSchiff: But my question is very specific, Mr. Patel.\n\nPatel: I\u2019m answering your question.\n\nSchiff: Well, I haven\u2019t heard the answer, so I\u2019m going to try again.\n\nPatel: Go ahead.\n\nSchiff: Of all the probably hundreds of agents who worked on those two investigations of the president. Those hundreds of agents, maybe thousands, that your Attorney General says are gone from the FBI. Is it your testimony that none of them were fired solely for working on those investigations?\n\nPatel: All FBI personnel, those matters or others, are held to the same standard. You don\u2019t meet it, you don\u2019t get to work at the FBI.\n\nSchiff: So, it\u2019s your testimony that none of them were fired, in whole or in part because they worked on those investigations.\n\nPatel: I\u2019ve answered the question.\n\nSchiff: Is that answer a yes?\n\nPatel: I\u2019ve answered the question.\n\nSchiff: I don\u2019t think you have.\n\nPatel: Okay.\n\nOn future congressional investigations and preserving future records:\n\nSchiff: But I can understand why you wouldn\u2019t want to. The FBI is being sued for wrongful termination, and I will remind you, director, because you probably need reminding, that while this Congress is not going to investigate the wrongful termination of potentially hundreds of agents for working on properly predicated investigations, the next Congress will. And you have an obligation as FBI director to ensure that none of the personnel files, none of the emails, none of the voicemails, none of the text messages are destroyed. You will preserve those records, will you not?\n\nPatel: We preserve all records. We\u2019re not the ones that deleted records.\n\nSchiff: We will hold you to that.\n\nPatel: The ones that deleted records are the prior administration.\n\nOn attacks against the media:\n\nSchiff: Let me ask you another question. I want to read you a statement that you made about the press. This was in 2024, when you said that the mainstream media was \u201cthe most powerful enemy that the United States has ever seen.\u201d Do you stand by that?\n\nPatel: Your colleagues put that on full display here today.\n\nSchiff: Do you stand by that?\n\nPatel: I\u2019m answering the question. Your colleagues put that on full display by hacking around the same lies and personal basis attacks \u2013\n\nSchiff: No, no, no, no. This is your comment \u2013\n\nPatel: And that\u2019s what makes the majority of the mainstream media.[\u2026]\n\nSchiff: [\u2026]Do you stand by your statement?\n\nPatel: I always do.\n\nSchiff: So, is it your view then that the media is a greater enemy than Iran?\n\nPatel: That\u2019s not what I said. I said the media that participates in lying, like you do, and the baseless attacks on me and my personnel, my loved ones, is the most harmful institution to the United States of America because you don\u2019t want to tell the truth.\n\nSchiff: This mainstream media that you\u2019re accusing of lying, you\u2019re talking about the New York Times. Are they part of the enemy?\n\nPatel: I mean, I\u2019m talking about the ones that you said are \u2014\n\nSchiff: Excuse me. Are you talking about the New York Times?[\u2026]. Mr. Patel, let me ask you specifically about some of your attacks on the media. Mr. Booker tried to get an answer from you, a very simple answer about the reporter who wrote an article about potential misuse of an FBI SWAT team by himself.\n\nPatel: It didn\u2019t happen. Total lie.\n\nSchiff: And what he asked you. So, let me repeat it because you didn\u2019t answer his question.\n\nPatel: You\u2019re going to repeat a lie, so I\u2019m not going to answer it.\n\nSchiff: [\u2026] So my question, Mr. Chairman, is following this New York Times article that alleged that you had abused the FBI SWAT team.\n\nPatel: I just told you it\u2019s a lie. So, the basis of your question is a lie.\n\nSchiff: Excuse me. Mr. Chairman, I haven\u2019t been able to finish my question. Did you or did you not? Or did anyone else at the FBI query a federal database regarding the New York Times reporter who wrote that story.\n\nPatel: I did not, not to my knowledge.\n\nSchiff: Did anyone at the FBI?\n\nPatel: I have no idea. I don\u2019t monitor everything they do.\n\nSchiff: And let me also ask you a similar question about an article \u2018The FBI director is missing in action.\u2019 This was an article in the Atlantic.\n\nPatel: Another total lie, which is why I\u2019m suing Atlantic for $250 million.\n\nSchiff: Mr. Chairman. I\u2019m still trying to ask my questions.\n\nPatel: He\u2019s out of time. Are we done?\n\nSchiff: Mr. Chairman?\n\nGrassley: What I\u2019d like to have you do is you ask your questions.\n\nSchiff: I\u2019m trying.\n\nGrassley: And stop, and I want him to respond to you.\n\nSchiff: That is what I\u2019m doing, Mr. Chairman. Okay. So, my question is this, and I\u2019ll address this through you to the director. My question is about the reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, who wrote this article, \u2018The FBI director is missing in action.\u2019 After this article came out, were any FBI resources used to look into this reporter in any way?\n\nPatel: No.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-advances-padilla-bill-to-help-prevent-wildfires-padilla-sounds-alarm-on-protecting-public-lands-from-environmental-disasters/", "Senate Committee Advances Padilla Bill to Help Prevent Wildfires; Padilla Sounds Alarm on Protecting Public Lands from Environmental Disasters", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Senate Committee Advances Padilla\u2019s bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sounded the alarm on protecting communities and public lands from disaster, preventing wildfires, and providing resources to safeguard forests and lands from further destruction.\n\nThe Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) held a hearing on Padilla\u2019s bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), a bipartisan bill to prevent wildfires and increase the use of prescribed fire. The bill advanced out of committee with a unanimous vote.\n\n\u201cYear after year, increasingly devastating wildfires ravage our public lands and communities, so it\u2019s critical we act with urgency,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cToday\u2019s unanimous Committee vote to advance WEPA will allow more prescribed fire to be deployed on the landscape and help prevent or mitigate wildfires. I am proud to see our bill advance as we work to be proactive in responding to the wildfire crisis instead of waiting to respond after disaster strikes.\u201d\n\nWEPA provides certainty that states will not be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires and authorizes a program to help communities plan and prepare for smoke events. Padilla underscored the urgent need to make it easier for communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nVideo of Padilla\u2019s EPW remarks is available here.\n\nPadilla then delivered remarks at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee hearing, emphasizing the importance of passing legislation to prevent and respond to future wildfires that impact public lands and surrounding communities.\n\nPadilla underscored the importance of his bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act, legislation to protect giant sequoias from the growing threat of wildfires, insects, and disease. This bill would help reverse the damage caused by catastrophic wildfires and restore the resilience of giant sequoias groves \u2014 which provide critical ecological, scientific, and cultural benefits.\n\n\u201cGiant sequoias are one of the most iconic species in the world and are only found in roughly 70 groves across California,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cHowever, due to dangerous fuel buildups and increasingly devastating wildfires, nearly 20% of these ancient trees have been lost over the past decade. This bill would accelerate forest restoration efforts and provide important resources to land managers to guard these groves from further destruction.\u201d\n\nPadilla also highlighted his recent bipartisan bicameral letter urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park, known as Hazel Green Ranch. Padilla urged DOI to back out of the land transfer and emphasized the bipartisan and bicameral opposition to the land transfer.\n\nIn the aftermath of the catastrophic Southern California fires, Padilla has introduced more than a dozen bills to help prevent and respond to future wildfires. Last year, he and Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive. Last January, Padilla introduced a suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, and the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act. On the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) announced bipartisan legislation to establish a new grant program to help local communities defend themselves from the growing danger of wildfires.\n\nVideo of Padilla\u2019s ENR remarks is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-ahead-of-vote-on-senate-farm-bill-sen-schiff-releases-new-reporting-highlighting-impact-of-republican-snap-cuts-making-food-insecurity-worse-for-families/", "NEWS: Ahead of Vote on Senate Farm Bill, Sen. Schiff Releases New Reporting Highlighting Impact of Republican SNAP Cuts Making Food Insecurity Worse for Families", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "As a result of Trump Administration policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, more than 330,000 Californians lost food benefits, including more than 156,000 children.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Washington, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of another markup on the Senate Agriculture Committee\u2019s Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released a new report underscoring the harmful impact that Trump administration policies, including its signature legislative package, are having on food insecurity for California families and the need for a Farm Bill that helps address this and rising food costs.\n\nThe current version of the Farm Bill set to be voted on today does not adequately address the deep cuts made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California.\n\n\u201cAs the cost of food in the United States soars, the Trump Administration\u2019s continued attacks on proven federal food assistance programs are putting the health and prosperity of American families across the country in jeopardy. By purging millions of people from SNAP and other nutrition programs, the legacy of the Trump Administration and this Republican Congress will be one of increased hunger and more families struggling to make ends meet to keep food on their tables,\u201d Schiff\u2019s report says.\n\nTo understand the impact of food prices in California, Senator Schiff and his staff visited and interviewed dozens of employees and volunteers at foods banks and their partners across the state. Their message was clear and concerning: more people need food assistance, and higher food prices coupled with regressive federal policies are squeezing families already struggling to put food on the table.\n\nData in Schiff\u2019s report show that SNAP participation fell by more than 4.5 million people since January 2025. In that same time period, more than 330,000 Californians have fallen off SNAP, including more than 156,000 children.\n\nFrom a California Constituent: \u201cI am a parent in Tulare County, in a little town called Strathmore. It\u2019s very small\u2026losing funding is very scary for me, myself, and my family. I have two daughters, so everything\u2019s very expensive alone, you know. And then getting SNAP cut is going to be very bad. . . .There\u2019s months where I can only pay a certain amount of my bills because it\u2019s so expensive, and we\u2019re all struggling. My community is struggling.\u201d\n\nFurthermore, the report highlights how President Trump\u2019s Iran War and ongoing trade wars have driven food prices higher. Food price indexes measured a 3.0 percent increase from June 2025 to June 2026, and the overall price index increased 3.5 percent in that same period before seasonal adjustment.\n\nThe report findings include:\n\nUnder the Trump Administration, federal actions led to increased food insecurity for more than five million people in communities across California.\n\nFood banks and partners observed increased need by employed, middle-class families.\n\nMany people are frightened to seek food assistance because of the Trump Administration\u2019s broad efforts to detain and remove immigrants.\n\nHigher food prices affected the purchasing power of both families and the food banks that serve them.\n\nFood prices are driving people and food banks toward less healthy options.\n\nThe impacts of food insecurity are not partisan.\n\nThe report makes several recommendations to ensure that all Americans have access to healthy and affordable food, including that:\n\nCongress should restore the nearly $187 billion made in cuts to SNAP through 2034 in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nCongress should provide relief to states and families by imposing, at a minimum, a two-year delay in the benefit cost-shift to states.\n\nUSDA must restore its local food programs. Congress should make these programs permanent and provide them with mandatory funding.\n\nCongress should increase investments to make healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, more widely available to schools, food banks and other institutions. This can be done through improving federal procurement and increasing funding for nutrition incentive programs.\n\nSenator Schiff\u2019s full report can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-the-administration-continues-dangerous-effort-to-exploit-federal-workers-health-records-sens-schiff-and-warner-demand-end-to-violation-of-privacy/", "NEWS: As the Administration Continues Dangerous Effort to Exploit Federal Workers\u2019 Health Records, Sens. Schiff and Warner Demand End to Violation of Privacy", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Following the White House Office of Personnel Management\u2019s (OPM) failure to suspend their proposed collection of the personal medical records of millions of federal workers, retirees, and their families to be weaponized in employment actions, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) are leading their colleagues in urging the administration to end this illegal effort and demanding safeguards to protect the data of federal workers.\n\nEarlier this year, Schiff, Warner and 17 Senators urged the administration to reverse course on the dangerous decision to seek unprecedented access to personal medical records. In addition to OPM\u2019s failure to address the Senators\u2019 inquiry, the System of Records Notice (SORN), published in June, confirms their intention to collect identifiable data of federal workers.\n\n\u201cThe modified SORN does not resolve the fundamental privacy, legal, and constitutional concerns raised in our initial letter regarding a federal personnel agency maintaining a longitudinal repository of highly sensitive health information on more than eight million people\u2026Most concerningly, the SORN states that OPM retains the right to re-identify pseudonymized records. In combination, these features create an extraordinarily detailed longitudinal health history that remains linkable to a specific person,\u201d the Senators wrote in a new letter to OPM Director Scott Kupor.\n\nThe Senators point to the administration\u2019s clear intent to target vulnerable communities by using sensitive health information in employment actions, including the hiring and firing of federal workers.\n\nThe SORN revealed OPM is \u201cutilizing ZIP code, birth year, provider, service dates, diagnoses, procedures, and drug information to reveal highly specific patterns of care.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe support responsible efforts to protect the integrity of federal health-benefit programs. However, OPM\u2019s proposals create an unnecessarily broad, decades-long, re-identifiable medical history of millions of workers, retirees, spouses, children, and other family members. We strongly urge OPM to suspend further implementation while these concerns are addressed and to work with Congress, federal employees and retirees, health plans, privacy and civil-rights experts, reproductive-health advocates, and other affected stakeholders to establish safeguards commensurate with the sensitivity of the information at issue,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nAdditionally, the Senators are requesting that OPM brief Congress to provide answers on their work to protect federal workers\u2019 families and OPM\u2019s automated detection system, which has the potential to result in the wrongful targeting of individuals.\n\nIn addition to Schiff and Warner, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Director Kupor,\n\nWe write to express serious concern regarding the System of Records Notice (SORN) published by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on June 23, 2026, following OPM\u2019s December 2025 proposal to obtain detailed health claims information from millions of federal employees, retirees, and their family members. On April 20, 2026, we urged you to immediately reverse course on OPM\u2019s potentially illegal and dangerous decision to seek unprecedented access to personal medical records. The modified SORN does not resolve the fundamental privacy, legal, and constitutional concerns raised in our initial letter regarding a federal personnel agency maintaining a longitudinal repository of highly sensitive health information on more than eight million people.\n\nThe June SORN describes OPM\u2019s intent to use identifiable data of federal employees, retirees, and their family members to create person-level longitudinal records that include persistent unique identifiers. Furthermore, OPM would enable authorized personnel to retrieve records using member identifiers for approved linkage, validation, and data-quality activities. Most concerningly, the SORN states that OPM retains the right to re-identify pseudonymized records. In combination, these features create an extraordinarily detailed longitudinal health history that remains linkable to a specific person.\n\nWhile the SORN claims that pseudonymization will reduce some routine internal exposure, this change alone is not equivalent to eliminating identifiability. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cautions that not all techniques that merely mask personal information provide sufficient de-identification and recommends that agencies evaluate re-identification risk, adopt measurable de-identification standards, and conduct governance and risk assessment around data releases and access. In the case of OPM\u2019s recent SORN, a stable identifier permits repeated encounters to be linked over time, utilizing ZIP code, birth year, provider, service dates, diagnoses, procedures, and drug information to reveal highly specific patterns of care. OPM itself maintains the mechanism needed to reconnect the pseudonymized history to the individual, negating any intended anonymization of data.\n\nThe Privacy Act requires federal agencies to only maintain information about an individual that is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose required by statute or Executive Order. OPM has failed to provide any justification for the collection of person-level data, instead relying on broad references to program integrity, fraud prevention, or cost evaluation. Additionally, the SORN concerningly permits disclosure of personal data to federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, or foreign law-enforcement authorities whenever OPM believes a record indicates a potential violation of criminal, civil, or regulatory law. It also permits disclosures to other federal agencies to address suspected fraud, waste, and abuse in programs under those agencies\u2019 purview. These overly broad allowances to share sensitive health information are extremely concerning, given this administration\u2019s clearly stated goals of targeting vulnerable populations.\n\nIn our April 20, 2026, letter, we specifically expressed concern that sensitive health information could be used in employment actions, including hiring, suitability determinations, appeals, reductions in force, disability accommodation requests, labor-management relations, and performance reviews. We have yet to receive a response to that letter. Furthermore, the June SORN fails to confirm that collected data will not be used for these purposes or related personnel actions. We urge OPM to make these prohibitions explicit and enforceable, extending those protections to matching claims information against personnel systems or other OPM databases.\n\nThe SORN also incorporates a National Archives and Records Administration Records Schedule directing OPM to retain Health Claims Records for 30 years, materially increasing the consequences of breach or misuse of highly sensitive health data. OPM has failed to explain why identifiable or re-identifiable longitudinal health claims must persist for decades. At a minimum, OPM should adopt a substantially shorter retention period for identifiable and pseudonymized person-level records, with automatic destruction of linkage keys after the operational need has expired to protect individuals\u2019 data.\n\nOPM\u2019s proposal covers not only federal employees but also annuitants, spouses, former spouses, family members, Postal Service employees and their families, certain tribal employees, separated employees, and former family members. Many of these individuals are not federal employees and have no employment relationship with OPM. Young-adult dependents may receive reproductive, sexual-health, mental-health, substance-use, or other sensitive services that should not be accessible to the federal government, regardless of their family member\u2019s Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage. OPM should preserve strict separation among family members\u2019 records and prohibit use of one individual\u2019s claims information to infer or investigate another family member\u2019s conduct.\n\nLastly, reports indicate that OPM intends to use claims data to identify potential anomalies and that records deemed suspicious by analysts may be referred to OPM\u2019s Office of Inspector General for investigation. However, claims data are not complete clinical narratives and may reflect rare diseases, complex pregnancy, disability, chronic illness, fragmented care, referral patterns, or coding practices rather than fraud. We are deeply concerned that adverse referral or action based solely on automated scoring or anomaly detection, without documented human review, will result in wrongful targeting of individuals with complex health needs and subject them to unwarranted administrative or law enforcement scrutiny.\n\nBefore OPM proceeds further with expanded collection and use of federal employee health data, we urge OPM to take the following actions:\n\nSuspend implementation of any expanded person-level collection under the modified SORN.\n\nPublish a field-by-field necessity analysis identifying the statutory purpose served by each data element and explaining why de-identified, aggregated, limited, or sampled data would be insufficient.\n\nUse genuinely de-identified or aggregated data by default and permit re-identification only after a documented, individualized showing of necessity, with dual authorization, immutable audit logging, and periodic independent review.\n\nAdopt an enforceable firewall prohibiting use, disclosure, matching, or linkage of claims data for any employment or personnel decisions.\n\nProhibit use or disclosure of OPM records to other federal agencies or any law enforcement entities, including \u2013 but not limited to \u2013 records related to an individual\u2019s for seeking, obtaining, providing, or assisting with lawful health care.\n\nProhibit the use or referral of any health information for unrelated civil, criminal, or regulatory enforcement, particularly when based merely on a potential violation of law and require senior-level legal and privacy review before any external law-enforcement disclosure.\n\nReevaluate the 30-year retention schedule for health claims records and adopt much shorter retention periods for identifiable and pseudonymized person-level data, including time-limited retention of re-identification keys.\n\nEstablish independent oversight and public transparency, including annual reporting on the number and categories of re-identifications, external disclosures, law-enforcement referrals, access-control violations, security incidents, and disciplinary actions for misuse.\n\nProvide specific protections for dependents and family members, including strict separation of family members\u2019 claims and a prohibition on using one family member\u2019s health data to infer or investigate another family member.\n\nDescribe the validation, human-review, error-correction, and anti-bias safeguards that will govern any automated or algorithmic fraud or anomaly detection before a person or provider is referred for investigation.\n\nWe support responsible efforts to protect the integrity of federal health-benefit programs. However, OPM\u2019s proposals create an unnecessarily broad, decades-long, re-identifiable medical history of millions of workers, retirees, spouses, children, and other family members. We strongly urge OPM to suspend further implementation while these concerns are addressed and to work with Congress, federal employees and retirees, health plans, privacy and civil-rights experts, reproductive-health advocates, and other affected stakeholders to establish safeguards commensurate with the sensitivity of the information at issue.\n\nWe request a written response and briefing by OPM on the office\u2019s efforts related to the above requested actions no later than September 25, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-and-kaine-file-oman-war-powers-resolution/", "NEWS: Schiff and Kaine File Oman War Powers Resolution", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) filed a War Powers Resolution to prohibit the use of the U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in or against Oman. Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to \u201cbomb the shit\u201d out of Oman if it interferes with the United States\u2019 blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump threatened, and then launched a war with Iran. Donald Trump threatened, and then launched strikes against Venezuela. And last month, Donald Trump threatened strikes against Oman \u2013 his next potential target for yet another foreign war,\u201d said Senator Schiff. \u201cCongress has not authorized any of these commitments of our armed forces. And this resolution will make it clear that the American people and the U.S. Senate reject any additional deployment of our servicemembers for new wars around the globe.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump calls himself the \u2018Peace President,\u2019 but he has ordered military strikes in more countries around the world than any President in recent history,\u201d said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees. \u201cThe American people don\u2019t want more war, but instead of listening to them, President Trump is threatening to bomb Oman. The use of the U.S. military has a time and a place, but President Trump\u2019s chaotic and expansive use of the military isn\u2019t making Americans more secure. All it\u2019s doing is raising costs, hurting servicemembers and their families, depleting our munitions stockpile, killing innocent civilians, and distracting us from real threats posed by China and Russia. I hope my colleagues will join us in trying to prevent the Trump-Vance Administration from stumbling from one blunder into another.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-breaks-down-fbi-director-kash-patels-sidestepping-during-senate-hearing-warns-of-future-investigations-of-patel/", "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Breaks Down FBI Director Kash Patel\u2019s Sidestepping During Senate Hearing, Warns of Future Investigations of Patel", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Schiff to FBI Director Patel: \u201cYou damn well better preserve records, because we\u2019re going to be investigating all these hundreds of wrongful terminations, and we\u2019re going to hold you accountable.\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Last night, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW\u2019s The Briefing with Jen Psaki to recap the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel\u2019s refusal to answer questions during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.\n\nDuring the hearing, Schiff pressed Patel on his mismanagement and politicization of the agency \u2013 including purging FBI agents who investigated President Trump \u2013 and emphasized that he will investigate Patel.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Schiff investigating Patel\u2019s corruption at the FBI and attacks on the media:\n\n[\u2026] [Patel] is being sued and the bureau being sued for wrongful terminations. There\u2019s also litigation always when they try to go after journalists. And if discovery comes out and shows that Patel was made aware and maybe even asked for information about these reporters, and the reporters I was asking about there were those who wrote stories about him using a SWAT team to provide protection to his girlfriend and other stories about his excessive drinking on the job; these are not predicates to investigate some reporter or do queries or abuse FBI resources. And if it comes out in litigation that he was aware of this, that he was involved in this, he\u2019s committed perjury \u2013 so, part of the object here too is to pin him down; I fully expect that he will lie to the Congress and hope that he doesn\u2019t get caught \u2013 but we will be investigating. I will also be really interested in this private litigation and what it turns up in discovery.\n\nOn Patel and Blanche dodging Schiff\u2019s questioning on purging investigators tied to investigating President Trump at the FBI and DOJ:\n\n[\u2026] When Todd Blanche testified, I asked him about comments he made at CPAC, that conservative convention, when he said that basically they had cleaned house at the Department of Justice of anybody who had worked on any of the prosecutions of Donald Trump, and that Patel had done the same thing at the FBI. When I asked Blanche about it, Blanche said, \u201cWell, he was under an ethical requirement that he not involve himself in cases involving his old client, the president.\u201d So, he wasn\u2019t involved in the firings. He was just stating a fact.\n\nPatel today said, \u201cWell, if we cleaned a house of all these agents who worked on these investigations of the president, it was because they decided suddenly to retire, or for reasons unrelated to the fact that they all worked on these cases.\u201d None of it passes the smell test. And I wanted to get across one main point, not just to Patel, but to the lawyers sitting behind him and people watching from the FBI: you damn well better preserve records, because we\u2019re going to be investigating all these hundreds of wrongful terminations, and we\u2019re going to hold you accountable.\n\nOn Patel and Blanche\u2019s refusal to expose truth behind Donald Trump Jr.\u2019s wedding partly funded by Russian oligarch:\n\n[\u2026] In this case, the oligarch spending potentially 100, $200,000 on Don Jr.\u2019s wedding. It\u2019s absurd. Of course, they\u2019re aware of it. They would be derelict. Their staff would be derelict not to prepare them. This is a different kind of a lie. It\u2019s a kind of a lie that says I don\u2019t want to have to answer questions about this because there\u2019s no way to answer them truthfully without looking like a horse\u2019s ass. So, \u201cI\u2019m just going to say I don\u2019t know anything about this story.\u201d\n\nBut the fact that here we have an oligarch close to the Kremlin spending that kind of money on the president\u2019s son, and to have the attorney general say, \u201cWell, people are saying that he\u2019s close to the Kremlin. We don\u2019t know that, and I don\u2019t want to know.\u201d That\u2019s the whole implication of that statement by Todd Blanche. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t want to know.\u201d The president has said what he\u2019s going to say. Don Jr. says this Kremlin guy is a close friend. \u201cI\u2019m not going to ask any questions because I wasn\u2019t hired to do that. I don\u2019t represent the American people. I don\u2019t represent our national security interests. I represent my criminal defense client, Donald Trump, only.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-blumenthal-whitehouse-jayapal-raskin-introduce-resolution-to-block-trump-administration-rule-restricting-international-students-exchange-visitors-and-foreign-journalists/", "Padilla, Durbin, Blumenthal, Whitehouse, Jayapal, Raskin Introduce Resolution to Block Trump Administration Rule Restricting International Students, Exchange Visitors, and Foreign Journalists", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to block a regulation, entitled \u201cEstablishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,\u201d which changes how international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists maintain their immigration status. U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08) are leading the House companion.\n\nFor more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, known as \u201cduration of status.\u201d However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years. Similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days.\n\nThe rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule\u2019s impacts on the nation\u2019s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on September 15 but is currently paused by court order.\n\n\u201cInternational students deserve fair opportunities to receive an education in the United States. Students, exchange visitors, and foreign members of the media should never have to live in fear of the Administration\u2019s unprecedented attacks on legal immigration,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cDiversity is our country\u2019s strength, and international students and exchange visitors support American innovation, job growth, higher education, and global competitiveness. We have a responsibility to protect these visa holders, including international students who contribute to the culture of American universities and eventually to our nation\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\nThis regulation will have adverse impacts on foreign students, international medical school graduates (residents), and foreign members of the media. The federal government last implemented a fixed period of admission for these visa categories in the 1970s, and the changes resulted in significant backlogs. This new regulation will likely yield the same result, as the most recent available data shows the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing backlog at 12 million cases.\n\nUniversities have predicted significant hardships for doctorate students, who can often take as long as seven years to complete their programs. In addition, universities have expressed concerns that the strict regulation will prevent graduate students from changing their educational objective and prevent undergraduate students, including athletes, from transferring to another university in their first year of education or changing their majors. Medical associations have similarly raised concerns about the impacts of the rule on medical residents. This rule is the most recent in a series of attempts by the Trump Administration to stop legal immigration to the United States.\n\n\u201cThis proposed rule is just another part of the Donald Trump-Stephen Miller mass deportation agenda. They want to make the immigration process so difficult, so cumbersome, and so onerous that legal immigrants decide to leave the U.S. or never come here at all\u2014which will result in the loss of talented, bright individuals who make America better,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cOur nation is already confronting a serious health workforce shortage. Now is not the time to make it even more difficult for health care professionals to care for our most vulnerable communities. I appreciate my Democratic colleagues in joining me on this important measure and encourage members on both sides of the aisle to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cRhode Island\u2019s institutions of higher education help power the Ocean State\u2019s economic competitiveness,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cInternational students and medical residents drive innovation, contribute to cutting-edge research, and spend big not only on tuition, but also at local restaurants and businesses. This Trump administration rule punishes international students, young doctors, and foreign journalists as well as local small businesses and universities as part of their extreme anti-immigration agenda.\u201d\n\n\u201cInternational students make our institutions of higher learning better for all students and create pipelines to ensure the best and brightest lend their talents to strengthen our economy and American innovation. We should be welcoming students, not wrapping the processes to obtain visas in layers of red tape. This has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with Trump and Stephen Miller\u2019s plan to prevent all forms of legal immigration. I first came to this country on a student visa and understand deeply just how important these visas are,\u201d said Representative Jayapal.\n\n\u201cAmerica has always benefited from attracting brilliant students, researchers, doctors and journalists from around the world. The Trump Administration wants to obstruct that path with bureaucratic hurdles and quicksand designed to make legal immigration harder. This senseless rule will drive away talented people who come here to study, practice medicine, do research and contribute to our communities. It harms the American economy and American innovation and makes all of us worse off,\u201d said Representative Raskin.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Durbin, Blumenthal, and Whitehouse, the CRA resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).\n\nThe CRA resolution of disapproval is endorsed by AAMC \u2013 Association of American Medical Colleges, AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, Alliance for International Exchange, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, American College of Radiology, American Council on Education, American Gastroenterological Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Neuroradiology, Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment, Association of American Universities, Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, Cornell University, Council of Graduate Schools, Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, Global Detroit; Illinois State University; Illinois Tech; International Educators of Illinois; Miles for Migraine; NAFSA: Association of International Educators; National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (NAICU); Northern Illinois University, Presidents\u2019 Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; Shorelight, LLC, Third Way, University of California \u2013 Berkeley, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California System, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Davis; University of California \u2013 Los Angeles; University of California- San Francisco; University of California \u2013 Santa Cruz, University of Illinois System, and U.S. For Success Coalition.\n\nLast month, Padilla led 29 Senate colleagues in expressing concern about the unavailability of student and exchange visitor visa appointments in time for the start of the academic year and demanding answers regarding delays in processing of these applications at U.S. embassies and consulates. Last year, Padilla joined 34 Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider decisions to revoke student visas. Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) then condemned the Trump Administration\u2019s harmful revocations of international student visas, underscoring the lack of due process regarding these revocations and the chilling effect of these actions in suppressing freedom of thought and expression.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-costa-huffman-lead-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/", "Padilla, Schiff, Costa, Huffman Lead Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, led a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch.\n\nIn their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump\u2019s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 \u2014 shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property.\n\n\u201cAt its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cAny decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department\u2019s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections.\n\n\u201cPublic lands belong in public hands,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cProtection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Schiff, the letter was signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nIn addition to Costa and Huffman, the letter was signed by Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Wesley Bell (D-Mont.-01), Ami Bera, (D-Calif.-06), Donald Beyer Jr. (D-Va.-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-Ind.-07), Ed Case (D-Hawaii-01), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.-31), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Maxine Dexter, (D-Ore.-03), Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.-03), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas-07), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.-04), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.-04), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas-34), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-02), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.-01), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif. 37), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-N.J.-07), William Keating (D-Mass.-09), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio-01), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02), George Latimer (D-N.Y.-16), Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.-17), Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03), Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (D-N.M.-03), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.-02), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Sarah McBride (D-Del.-AL), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.-04), James McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.-03), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Richard Neal (D-Mass.-01), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.-06), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.-25), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Kim Schrier, (D-Wash.-08), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Darren Soto (D-Fla.-09), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.-04), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.-11), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.-10), Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio-13), Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-Calif.-38), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii-02), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27).\n\nSenator Padilla has been a longtime advocate of protecting Yosemite and national parks across the nation. In July, Padilla slammed the Trump Administration for eliminating the Yosemite reservation system, pressing DOI officials on their plans to ensure Yosemite\u2019s ability to manage wildfire risk, enhance visitor safety, and conserve natural resources. In 2025, Padilla introduced the Review and Evaluation of Strategies for Equal Reservations for Visitor Experiences (RESERVE) Federal Land Act to expand access to public lands, improve visitor experience, and enhance transparency of how fees are collected for federal lands and national parks.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum:\n\nYosemite National Park is a cornerstone of the National Park System and is one of California\u2019s crown jewels. President Theodore Roosevelt once said that \u201cnothing in the world is more beautiful than the Yosemite\u201d and that our national parks should be \u201cpreserved\u201d and \u201ctheir majestic beauty all unmarred.\u201d Yosemite is a national treasure preserved for the benefit of the American people. Its continued beauty, status as a wildlife sanctuary, and source of enjoyment is contingent upon preservation and proper maintenance of its land\u2014not parts being sold off to enrich nearby private property owners. We are extremely concerned that the Department of the Interior is considering selling off portions of the park to private development and we strongly oppose the proposed land transfer.\n\nRecent reporting indicates that since early 2025, the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service have been considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park to facilitate access to an 83-acre privately owned ranch. This is not the first time this property has sought to have private access to Yosemite, with federal courts blocking this right to access in both 2007 and 2012.2 Now that the ranch has a new owner, they are once again seeking to acquire this land to enhance the value of their property, and the political leadership at DOI is pressuring career staff to approve the exchange.\n\nAt its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans. This transaction does not seek to expand public access to Yosemite, improve visitor services, or address transportation deficiencies in park access. Rather, this land exchange seeks to merely cut down on driving time for a select few on private property. Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.\n\nWe were alarmed that the Department submitted to Congress a proposal to use money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate this exchange. That fund exists to acquire and protect public lands for the benefit of the American public\u2014not sell them off to corporate developers. In response to the Department\u2019s request to fund this exchange through the LWCF, the Senate Interior Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward on this project due to our objection.\n\nFurther, in response to inquiries from Congress, the Department indicated that it has not identified any land to be exchanged for the parcel of Yosemite National Park that the Department is seeking to sell to the private developer. This gives further credence to the notion that this exchange is not being done in the public interest, but rather solely to benefit a private developer. In its justification for the LWCF proposal, the Department indicated that this exchange was a \u201cpriority,\u201d while providing no compelling explanation for why it was in the interest of the United States to pursue this exchange. Instead, when explaining the need for the project, the Department simply stated that the private landowner requested an interest in federally owned property within the national park.\n\nPublic lands belong in public hands. Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life. We oppose any effort to privatize, sell off, give away, or otherwise undermine the continued existence of public lands, in Yosemite or across the country. We ask that you honor congressional objections and abandon this effort to sell off a piece of Yosemite National Park.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-presses-patel-on-election-interference-secures-commitment-fbi-will-not-seize-ballots-or-voting-machines-ahead-of-midterms/", "WATCH: Padilla Presses Patel on Election Interference, Secures Commitment FBI Will Not Seize Ballots or Voting Machines Ahead of Midterms", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Padilla also raised AI security, immigration enforcement concerns\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, pressed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to involve federal law enforcement in elections and secured a commitment that the FBI will not seize ballots, voting machines, or other election materials in connection with the 2026 midterm elections before they have concluded.\n\nDuring the oversight hearing, Padilla raised concerns about the FBI\u2019s unjustified raids on Fulton County, Georgia earlier this year to seize ballots from the 2020 presidential election that Donald Trump lost. He also cited the subsequent \u201ccopycat move\u201d by a county sheriff to seize 650,000 ballots in Riverside County, California following the Prop 54 congressional redistricting referendum in 2025.\n\nAdditionally, Padilla highlighted Patel\u2019s failure to provide any answers to written questions from last year\u2019s congressional oversight hearing \u2014 severely undermining Patel\u2019s claims of transparency and accountability. Padilla also raised concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) cyberattacks, and the FBI\u2019s role in investigating the violent use of force by ICE and CBP officers and agents.\n\nPADILLA PRESSES PATEL ON FBI ELECTION INVOLVEMENT\n\nFirst, Padilla asked Patel to reaffirm the Department of Justice\u2019s longstanding election noninterference policy to not take overt criminal investigative measures involving any alleged ballot fraud until an election has concluded, results have been certified, and recounts and election contests have been resolved. Padilla also asked if the FBI Director could make the same commitment that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, recently made that he has \u201cno plans to use such personnel to seize ballots, voting machines, or other election related material.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy question to you is, can you make the same commitment?\u201d Padilla asked Patel.\n\n\u201cYes,\u201d Patel responded.\n\nPADILLA DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY\n\nPadilla then pressed Patel on his failure to submit responses to written questions to the record from last year\u2019s congressional oversight hearing.\n\nPADILLA: \u201cA year ago, this committee convened to exercise its oversight responsibility, like we are doing here today, to get answers to critical questions about the FBI\u2019s activities under your leadership. I know other colleagues have reminded you of some of the pledges and statements you made that day: that you\u2019re committed to full transparency, to oversight and accountability, to restore the public\u2019s trust in the FBI. You made that promise again here today\u2026 it has been almost a year, and we still have not gotten responses, no answers, to our questions for the record that were submitted last year.\u201d\n\n[\u2026]\n\n\u201cWhen can we expect answers to this year\u2019s questions? By the end of October?\u201d\n\nPATEL: As fast as we can.\n\nPADILLA: If last year is any indicator, that\u2019s clearly not fast enough and not consistent with your pledge of transparency and accountability and responsiveness.\n\nPATEL: If I may, the end of October is pretty reasonable. We can abide by that.\n\nPADILLA PROBES PATEL ON AI CYBERSECURITY\n\nPadilla then pressed Patel on the FBI\u2019s response to reports of cyberattacks involving rogue AI agents, such as the recent Hugging Face hack. Padilla inquired who would be held accountable for attacks by autonomous agents and what safeguards the FBI has instituted to prevent rogue AI agent attacks within the FBI\u2019s system.\n\nPADILLA: First, the prospect of rogue AI agents is obviously top of mind because of the autonomous agents hacking into Hugging Face. I imagine it is also top of mind for you, given that Hugging Face apparently reported the cyberattack to the FBI. Is that correct?\n\nPATEL: Partially. The rest of that, we can talk about in a classified setting.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nPADILLA: As a follow-up, a specific policy and technical question \u2013 because it seems like we are in a new frontier here. What protocols or procedures are different, if any, given that these are autonomous, nonhuman actors that have been accused of committing these crimes?\n\nPATEL: The difference is someone created them. For us, the approach is the same. We look at it as an electronic entity. Someone made them for this specific deployment, and just like any other program we have, if it\u2019s for a good, lawful use, we\u2019re fine. If it\u2019s for an ill-intended, unlawful use, we go after the entity or the people that created that system if they intentionally deployed it to cause that result.\n\nPADILLA: So to be clear, for the people watching at home, who was it then that you are investigating or will hold accountable if the information you come across warrants indictments, charges, etc.?\n\nPATEL: Companies, personnel. Whoever is responsible.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nPADILLA: Out of curiosity \u2013 AI is being utilized in the course of the FBI\u2019s work, investigations and otherwise. What safeguards have you put into place to monitor, prevent, or respond to AI agents going rogue within the FBI systems?\n\nPATEL: There is a ton. We don\u2019t just bring in AI and let it run loose. We take it in as a test use, case-by-case basis, and then test it on a specific set of data, either at a headquarters component or one specific field office, then we get feedback on whether or not that AI capabilities and large language models abided by our policy and DOJ mandates and the law.\n\nPADILLA PRESSES PATEL ON FBI INVESTIGATIONS OF IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SHOOTINGS\n\nPadilla further confronted Patel about reports that the FBI would no longer investigate shootings involving ICE and CBP officers and agents, and specifically asked about investigations into the killings of Joan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.\n\nWhile Patel stated that the FBI participates in investigations of excessive use of force in immigration enforcement actions, he admitted they do not always take the lead and did not provide any updates on the status of such investigations, stating he would have to consult with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Padilla called for more independence in these investigations to ensure transparency.\n\nPADILLA: Reports indicate, in July, field offices received guidance to stop investigating confrontations with immigration enforcement officials or agents involved with immigration enforcement. Yes or no, did you or your leadership team instruct field offices to stop investigating excessive use of force by ICE or CBP?\n\nPATEL: No.\n\nPADILLA: Can you reiterate for me, for the community, for the public, what is the current guidance to field offices as it pertains to these types of investigations?\n\nPATEL: Every single investigation is different, depending on the location, on who the officer is. We have to bring in the lead home agency if it\u2019s one of theirs, one of ours.\n\nPADILLA: But every incident is investigated?\n\nPATEL: To my knowledge, every incident is investigated through the interagency process.\n\nPADILLA: With FBI participation in those investigations?\n\nPATEL: Yes, and we\u2019re always called in. We\u2019re always asked to participate because we have some technical capabilities that other agencies don\u2019t.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nPADILLA: You should be the lead on these investigations. The independence of these investigations is critical for true accountability.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nPADILLA: Can you comment on the status of investigations on the shootings of Joan Sebastian Guerrero, or Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, or any of the 23 shootings involving ICE or CBP?\n\nPATEL: I would have to get back to you on those because again I\u2019d have to go talk to my DHS partners.\n\nVideo of Padilla\u2019s full questioning is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-costa-huffman-lead-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/", "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Costa, Huffman Lead Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, led a bipartisan group of 157 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch.\n\nIn their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump\u2019s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 \u2014 shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property.\n\n\u201cAt its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cAny decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department\u2019s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections.\n\n\u201cPublic lands belong in public hands,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cProtection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Schiff and Padilla, the letter was signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nIn addition to Costa and Huffman, the letter was signed by Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Wesley Bell (D-Mont.-01), Ami Bera, (D-Calif.-06), Donald Beyer Jr. (D-Va.-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-Ind.-07), Ed Case (D-Hawaii-01), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.-31), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Maxine Dexter, (D-Ore.-03), Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.-03), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas-07), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.-04), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.-04), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas-34), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-02), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.-01), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif. 37), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-N.J.-07), William Keating (D-Mass.-09), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio-01), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02), George Latimer (D-N.Y.-16), Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.-17), Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03), Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (D-N.M.-03), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.-02), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Sarah McBride (D-Del.-AL), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.-04), James McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.-03), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Richard Neal (D-Mass.-01), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.-06), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.-25), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Kim Schrier, (D-Wash.-08), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Darren Soto (D-Fla.-09), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.-04), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.-11), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.-10), Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio-13), Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-Calif.-38), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii-02), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27).\n\nThe text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum:\n\nYosemite National Park is a cornerstone of the National Park System and is one of California\u2019s crown jewels. President Theodore Roosevelt once said that \u201cnothing in the world is more beautiful than the Yosemite\u201d and that our national parks should be \u201cpreserved\u201d and \u201ctheir majestic beauty all unmarred.\u201d Yosemite is a national treasure preserved for the benefit of the American people. Its continued beauty, status as a wildlife sanctuary, and source of enjoyment is contingent upon preservation and proper maintenance of its land\u2014not parts being sold off to enrich nearby private property owners. We are extremely concerned that the Department of the Interior is considering selling off portions of the park to private development and we strongly oppose the proposed land transfer.\n\nRecent reporting indicates that since early 2025, the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service have been considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park to facilitate access to an 83-acre privately owned ranch. This is not the first time this property has sought to have private access to Yosemite, with federal courts blocking this right to access in both 2007 and 2012.2 Now that the ranch has a new owner, they are once again seeking to acquire this land to enhance the value of their property, and the political leadership at DOI is pressuring career staff to approve the exchange.\n\nAt its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans. This transaction does not seek to expand public access to Yosemite, improve visitor services, or address transportation deficiencies in park access. Rather, this land exchange seeks to merely cut down on driving time for a select few on private property. Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.\n\nWe were alarmed that the Department submitted to Congress a proposal to use money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate this exchange. That fund exists to acquire and protect public lands for the benefit of the American public\u2014not sell them off to corporate developers. In response to the Department\u2019s request to fund this exchange through the LWCF, the Senate Interior Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward on this project due to our objection.\n\nFurther, in response to inquiries from Congress, the Department indicated that it has not identified any land to be exchanged for the parcel of Yosemite National Park that the Department is seeking to sell to the private developer. This gives further credence to the notion that this exchange is not being done in the public interest, but rather solely to benefit a private developer. In its justification for the LWCF proposal, the Department indicated that this exchange was a \u201cpriority,\u201d while providing no compelling explanation for why it was in the interest of the United States to pursue this exchange. Instead, when explaining the need for the project, the Department simply stated that the private landowner requested an interest in federally owned property within the national park.\n\nPublic lands belong in public hands. Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life. We oppose any effort to privatize, sell off, give away, or otherwise undermine the continued existence of public lands, in Yosemite or across the country. We ask that you honor congressional objections and abandon this effort to sell off a piece of Yosemite National Park.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-statement-on-the-clarity-act/", "STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff Statement on the Clarity Act", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Schiff (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act:\n\n\u201cI have long believed that Congress should institute rules of the road for the digital asset industry to protect consumers and our global financial system, and to ensure an even playing field with regulatory certainty for the industry. Equally important is ensuring that digital assets are not used for corrupt profit schemes by elected officials, nor used to evade sanctions or fund illicit financial and other criminal activity. This bill achieves some of these important goals, but unfortunately not all of them.\n\n\u201cFrom the beginning of this process, I have been clear that I will not support market structure legislation which fails to establish strong and enforceable ethics provisions in light of this administration\u2019s complete disregard for ethical norms and President Trump\u2019s entanglement of personal profit with his official duties. My position from the beginning has been simple, and something both Democrats and Republicans should support: all elected and senior government officials must be prohibited from issuing, sponsoring, and endorsing digital assets. No public official, including those currently serving in government, should get a carveout.\n\n\u201cAfter more than a year of intensive negotiations with my Senate Democratic colleagues, Republican counterparts and the White House, the administration has made clear it is not willing to reach a deal that would put an end to the President\u2019s profiteering through digital assets.\n\n\u201cOver the last two years, we have seen an unprecedented level of pay to play corruption made possible by the Trump family\u2019s role in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company founded just days before the inauguration. This has opened the door for foreign governments to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars to the President in an apparent effort to obtain special treatment ranging from the sale of AI chips to the pardoning of convicted felons. This behavior undermines the integrity of our markets and American families suffer the costs.\n\n\u201cI strongly believe that the digital asset industry needs regulatory clarity and that Americans would benefit from market structure legislation. I wanted to get a deal on ethics that the American people could support and understand, and I worked hard to get there. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues for working in good faith with me on this and other critical issues. And while I support aspects of this bill, the ethics provisions included do not meet the mark. I also have concerns that there was not meaningful consultation with the Tribes and as a result the bill does not address their concerns over gambling in the prediction markets. The bill does nothing to rein in the CFTC\u2019s blatant violation of tribal and state sovereignty and Congress\u2019s intent with respect to state regulation of gaming.\n\n\u201cFor these reasons, I voted against today\u2019s procedural vote on the Clarity Act. But I remain open to continuing to work to get an ethics deal that will be acceptable to the American people and crack down on corruption by any and all public officials.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-announce-dhs-whistleblower-report-revealing-trump-administration-directed-officers-to-break-state-laws-in-voter-fraud-hunt/", "Padilla, Schumer Announce DHS Whistleblower Report Revealing Trump Administration Directed Officers to Break State Laws in Voter Fraud Hunt", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Whistleblower reveals DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on faulty data; Senators demand DHS immediately halt illegal initiative\n\nKnown U.S. citizens are being swept up into the initiative, based on faulty and rushed data that DHS compiled using \u201csupplemental magic\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, with jurisdiction over federal elections, and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced the receipt of a new whistleblower disclosure that alleges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration officers to violate state laws as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at substantiating President Trump\u2019s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.\n\nIn response to the compelling evidence of this and other wrongdoing in the disclosure, Padilla and Schumer demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow immediately halt the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and provide an urgent report to Congress on its activities.\n\nFollowing reports of the launch of a vast \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d at DHS, an anonymous DHS whistleblower has come forward with a disclosure reporting illegal, deceptive and reckless practices that the Trump Administration is undertaking ahead of the midterm elections. The disclosure alleges that DHS and USCIS leadership has abruptly diverted USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) immigration officers from their national security-related duties and directed them instead to use illegal procedures and questionable data to identify purported \u201cunlawful voters,\u201d and create federal law enforcement records against them, including naturalized U.S. citizens.\n\nThe disclosure addressed to Senator Padilla alleges that:\n\nDHS agents are being ordered to violate state laws and access sensitive voter information under false pretenses\n\nAgents assigned to the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d are directed to use personal information from DHS data to lie to access voter information on state voter registration websites, making false attestations that they are a voter or are acting with a voter\u2019s express authorization in order to access sensitive voter data.\n\nLeadership is pressuring USCIS personnel to create law enforcement records with information that is likely to be false, which will have serious negative consequences for eligible American voters and other innocent individuals\n\nUSCIS headquarters admits that DHS data can conflict with state records and contain both uncertainties and inconsistencies. Yet agency leadership directed officers to create \u201cTECS\u201d federal law enforcement records that relied solely on unreliable DHS-provided voting or registration data, even if officers believe it to be unreliable.\n\nKnown U.S. citizens are being swept up into the initiative, based on faulty and rushed data that DHS compiled using \u201csupplemental magic\u201d\n\nNaturalized U.S. citizens are being investigated through this initiative without their knowledge or ability to correct erroneous data, with law enforcement records being generated against them. USCIS officers are facing demanding quotas and unrealistic timelines requiring five investigations per hour, or 12 minutes each, only further compounding the potential for errors. These records can have significant consequences that extend well beyond the electoral process, including the possibility that a naturalized U.S. citizen could be referred to secondary inspections by CBP personnel at ports of entry upon return to the United States from legally authorized travel abroad, negative impacts on immigration benefits, and referral to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) due to rushed, faulty data relied on through this initiative.\n\n\u201cThese allegations are especially alarming because they come just weeks before the November 2026 midterm elections. The Administration is publicly asserting, without evidence, that large numbers of noncitizens are unlawfully registered to vote and deploying federal law enforcement resources to investigate those claims,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIf unreliable DHS data is used to generate purported evidence of \u201cunlawful voters,\u201d that could disenfranchise eligible voters or disrupt state and local election administration. DHS must not allow unreliable federal data or rushed investigations to interfere with Americans\u2019 right to vote or the administration of the November elections.\u201d\n\nReports of the establishment of the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d emerged earlier this month, with the New York Times reporting that hundreds of officers have been designated to participate in this hunt for individuals voting illegally. The whistleblower\u2019s report shows that this initiative is a \u201cdiversion of resources,\u201d pulling officers who otherwise specialize in immigration fraud or national security threats.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump and his Administration are obsessed with election conspiracy theories and operate under the wrong assumption that they are above the law \u2013 they are not,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThe whistleblower\u2019s disclosure outlines shocking allegations of unlawful and unethical conduct that includes potentially thousands of violations of state law and the use of highly questionable data, which they refer to as \u2018supplemental magic\u2019 to falsely flag naturalized U.S. citizens as ineligible voters in federal law enforcement records. At the same time, USCIS is directing employees to ignore the law in search of voters\u2019 personal information because this Administration\u2019s unlawful attempts to coerce states to hand over their voter rolls have been rejected by the courts. I thank the whistleblower for the bravery and integrity to come forward with these shocking reports and for standing up for the rule of law. Secretary Mullin must be transparent and shut down this sham \u2018investigation\u2019 now. I will do everything in my power to ensure accountability for anyone involved with it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security is sending hundreds of officers who should be focused on our security on a wild goose chase to prove Trump\u2019s long-debunked election conspiracy theories \u2013 and DHS is telling officers to lie to do it. This new DHS initiative is nothing more than an unlawful order by the government to silence the voices of Americans,\u201d said Leader Schumer. \u201cAs Trump tries to rig the results, Senate Democrats continue to make sure that in the upcoming midterms, all votes will be counted and all voices can be heard. I am thankful that we have brave public servants \u2013 like the whistleblower who brought forward this complaint \u2013 who are holding the administration accountable. Trump may try to steal this election but we will make sure he can never be successful.\u201d\n\nTrump faces a midterm electorate in the midst of his historically unpopular presidency. The American people are reeling as his policies have sent costs skyrocketing and our security is threatened by his Iran War, but instead, he seems most consumed with repainting the reflecting pool and making a ballroom for the White House. Rather than working to bring down costs and rein in corruption, he\u2019s turned his focus to rigging the upcoming midterms. Trump has worked tirelessly to stifle mail-in voting, threaten nonpartisan election works, and systematically cast doubt on the results of the election. From a primetime address to Supreme Court petitions, Trump is working to undermine democracy in a way not previously seen in the modern era.\n\nSenate Democrats have recognized the seriousness of Trump\u2019s attempts to meddle in the upcoming elections and are working to ensure that every American\u2019s voice can be heard. In June, Padilla and Schumer launched the Senate Democrats\u2019 new Election Observer Program, a first-of-its-kind Senate initiative to train Senate staff to serve as official election observers and to document any meddling in the 2026 midterm elections.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and California\u2019s former Secretary of State and chief election officer, Padilla has championed election security and voting rights. Last month, Padilla led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop their illegal voter roll purges before election day. In June, Padilla joined Schumer in launching the first-ever Senate Election Observer Program to protect the 2026 midterms and maintain election integrity nationwide. The Task Force will continue meeting over the coming months to ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November. Padilla also convened a Rules Committee Democrats and Senate Democrats\u2019 Election Protection Task Force spotlight forum focused on state and local responses to combat efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine election administration in the upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, Padilla and his Senate colleagues demanded answers from Trump Administration officials about their lack of election security preparation, insufficient coordination with Congress and election officials, and unsupported public claims about voting system vulnerabilities. Earlier this year, Padilla and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a landmark mail-in voting case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled that states are allowed to count ballots received after Election Day.\n\nA one-pager outlining the whistleblower\u2019s disclosure and the potential consequences for voters and elections is available here.\n\nPadilla and Schumer\u2019s letter, which includes the whistleblower\u2019s disclosure, is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Director Edlow:\n\nOn September 8, 2026, Senator Alex Padilla received a protected whistleblower disclosure (the Disclosure\u201d) that reveals serious allegations of illegal and inappropriate activities within the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (\u201cDHS\u201d or \u201cthe Department\u201d) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (\u201cUSCIS\u201d) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (\u201cFDNS\u201d).\n\nAccording to the attached Disclosure, the Department and USCIS leadership have abruptly diverted FDNS personnel to an \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d using highly questionable data and methods to identify purported unlawful voters. DHS materials admit these investigations will include naturalized U.S. citizens, some of whom will have federal law enforcement records created against them. FDNS employees are expressing concern that they are being directed to take actions that are against the law and Department policy, which will harm Americans. The whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure includes compelling evidence of wrongdoing and abuse of power by agency leadership including:\n\n(1) USCIS personnel have been directed to access sensitive voter information in violation of state laws prohibiting unauthorized access to individual voter records potentially thousands of times;\n\n(2) USCIS personnel are under significant pressure from headquarters to enter federal TECS records against individuals that are likely to be false in many cases, potentially harming thousands of people in likely violation of federal privacy requirements;\n\n(3) With minimal training, agency leadership is imposing reckless quotas that demand USCIS personnel investigate 40 subjects per day, a rate of roughly 12 minutes per subject, to complete this rushed investigation by September 12; and,\n\n(4) USCIS personnel are being tasked with unreliable DHS voter data of dubious origins, that is compiled with \u201csupplemental magic\u201d, which they are required to accept as accurate.\n\nOn Friday, August 21, 2026, USCIS FDNS personnel were instructed to drop everything and watch one training video. By the following Tuesday, August 25, they were directed to begin reviewing data provided by DHS to FDNS to hunt for \u201cunlawful voters.\u201d Hundreds of employees have been diverted to chasing the Administration\u2019s unfounded claims of significant noncitizen voting. This sudden surge indicates that the Department\u2019s top priority is now manufacturing evidence for election conspiracy theories, rather than FDNS\u2019s fraud detection and national security mission.\n\nIt is notable that these activities come as federal courts have unanimously rejected the Administration\u2019s attempts to coerce states to share their citizens\u2019 voter data. The Disclosure shows how DHS is deploying federal law enforcement resources to go around those judicial rulings and gather state voter information by any means, regardless of state laws. Further, the Administration\u2019s continued claims of election fraud signal its intent to use this unreliable evidence of \u201cunlawful voters\u201d in ways that can disenfranchise eligible voters, disrupt state and local election administration, and subject election officials to additional unwarranted threats of prosecution.\n\nIllegal Access to State Voter Records Using PII\n\nThe whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure shows this initiative appears to involve thousands of violations of state laws protecting voter data against unauthorized access. Several states, including Virginia, require a specific attestation that one is authorized to access the voter\u2019s information, under penalty of law. However, the Department and USCIS are directing assigned personnel to make false claims, using Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from DHS data, on state government websites by affirming that they are the voter or have been authorized by the voter to obtain the desired state voter data. This appears to be a clear-cut violation of state laws regarding access to individual voter information and raises serious questions about federal privacy laws and data policies as well.\n\nAs documented by the Disclosure, federal employees are being directed to misrepresent themselves based on questionable guidance from USCIS\u2019s Office of Chief Counsel (\u201cOCC\u201d). This guidance stated that FDNS officers may conduct such searches on these websites as \u201copen-source research for \u2018adjudicative or investigative\u2019 purposes,\u201d seemingly disregarding certain states\u2019 laws. This guidance also conflicts with 5 U.S.C. \u00a7552a(a)(7), which defines \u201croutine use\u201d \u201cwith respect to the disclosure of a record\u201d as \u201cthe use of such record for a purpose which is compatible with the purpose for which it was collected.\u201d Further, statements made by Department leadership that personnel would not be \u201cpersonally liable\u201d for conducting these searches indicates a known concern about the legality of these actions.\n\nCreation of Erroneous Federal Law Enforcement Records\n\nThe Disclosure also outlines the serious consequences for individuals whose information is being reviewed through this initiative. FDNS officers were instructed to create records known as \u201cTECS records\u201d for individuals who have been determined to be \u201cunlawful voters\u201d despite questions from officers regarding the source and accuracy of voting and immigration history information to make these determinations. TECS records are law enforcement records maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that carry significant downstream impacts on individuals, including naturalized U.S. citizens.\n\nNow, tens of thousands of individuals are being investigated by FDNS officers through this initiative without their knowledge or ability to correct erroneous data. The Department\u2019s own training information acknowledges there will be serious flaws in the data, even stating \u201cthere will be U.S. citizens in this population.\u201d At a time when immigration enforcement is significantly increasing at airports, U.S. citizens or other lawfully present noncitizens could be referred to secondary inspections by CBP personnel at ports of entry upon return to the United States from legally authorized travel abroad due to a TECS record based on questionable sources. While USCIS\u2019 materials caution about the possibility of unreliable data, personnel are nevertheless directed to generate records regardless of whether they believe that the DHS-provided data is correct, which can trigger referrals to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).\n\nMinimal Training and Reckless Quotas Leading to Criminal Investigations\n\nAs revealed in the Disclosure, staff were given just one session of training as part of this initiative \u2013 consisting only of a video that lasted approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Less than 3 business days later, assigned staff were expected to begin reviewing data, with quotas of 5 subjects per hour, or 40 per day over 8 hours. Not only is such a breakneck pace likely to cause fatigue amongst these staff, but it equates to approximately 12 minutes per subject \u2013 a completely inadequate timeline for investigating and reconciling multiple Alien Registration Numbers mistakenly or inadvertently issued to an individual, increasing the likelihood of error. Individual cases identified by this initiative can then be taken up by HSI for further action, including criminal investigations.\n\nQuestionable Source Data Compiled With \u201cSupplemental Magic\u201d\n\nThe Disclosure establishes a glaring lack of transparency around the source data provided by the Department for these investigations. The official training video states that the data was compiled with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d The video also establishes that both headquarters and USCIS personnel understand the shortcomings of both the state voter data and the federal immigration and citizenship data, including individuals with multiple alien numbers, but personnel are required to accept the data even when they believe it to be inaccurate. This use of \u201csupplemental magic\u201d on this data set to create records to be used against citizens shows a shocking disregard for the federal privacy and data laws enacted to protect the American people.\n\nThe Department has already shown repeated disregard for the Privacy Act and other laws and policies limiting federal agencies\u2019 collection, use, and sharing of individuals\u2019 records. The Disclosure shows that some of the data being used to check against state voter rolls comes from the SAVE program. The modified use of SAVE is now barred by a federal court injunction, raising questions about whether the Department is following that court order.\n\nContinuation of Administration\u2019s Baseless Claims of Election Fraud\n\nThese activities are especially alarming just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections. They also must be seen in the context of the repeated, unverified claims by President Trump of widespread noncitizen voter fraud, including those made during his July 16, 2026, prime-time address from the White House. Over the past several weeks, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and ProPublica and other outlets have reported on the intense White House pressure on DHS and other agencies to back up the President\u2019s baseless claims of widespread election fraud. \u2018 Now, the Administration appears likely to use the \u201cunlawful voters\u201d supposedly identified with \u201csupplemental magic\u201d in ways that disenfranchise eligible voters and threaten state and local election officials before, during and after Election Day 2026.\n\nIn light of this Disclosure, DHS and USCIS must (1) be transparent about what they intend to do with the unreliable records they are generating; (2) immediately stop this initiative and related activities; and (3) remove any TECS or other law enforcement or administrative records generated from it. In addition to taking immediate corrective action, please provide answers to the attached questions no later than September 21, 2026.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-leads-congressional-response-to-bombshell-dhs-whistleblower-disclosure-demands-trump-administration-stop-sham-unlawful-voter-investigation/", "WATCH: Padilla Leads Congressional Response to Bombshell DHS Whistleblower Disclosure, Demands Trump Administration Stop\u00a0Sham\u00a0\u201cUnlawful Voter\u201d\u00a0Investigation", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "New report reveals federal officers told to impersonate voters to access state voter websites, use unreliable \u201cmagic\u201d data in effort to justify Trump Administration\u2019s baseless voter fraud claims and undermine elections\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over federal elections and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s Immigration Subcommittee, called for immediate action and transparency from the Trump Administration following a bombshell whistleblower disclosure he received last week alleging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration officers to violate state laws as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump\u2019s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.\n\nThe disclosure, which was addressed to Padilla and made public today, details allegations that USCIS immigration officers have been directed to stop their regular national security and anti-fraud work, misrepresent themselves to access sensitive voter information, and rush to create potentially unreliable law enforcement records targeting American citizens in many cases.\n\nKey excerpts:\n\nPadilla laid out the whistleblower\u2019s claims and warned that USCIS officers have been directed to find evidence of voter fraud, ultimately diverting agency resources:\n\n\u201cThey were directed to stop their national security screenings. They were directed to stop all the things that this Administration claims it cares about and instead go on a wild goose chase to find or manufacture evidence for the president\u2019s conspiracy theories of widespread voter fraud. This, without question, is a terrible waste and misuse of agency resources. But, colleagues, it is actually so much more worse than that.\u201d\n\nOn the disclosure\u2019s claim that USCIS officers misrepresent themselves to access sensitive and private voter data, as directed by agency officials:\n\n\u201cOfficers are being told to attest under penalty of law that they are the voter or the voter\u2019s representative. But on the websites, like the one of my home state of California, officers are being told to misrepresent themselves and enter voter-sensitive information like Social Security or driver\u2019s license numbers. When USCIS officers expressed concerns with these practices, they have been told by agency leadership to just go ahead, that they won\u2019t be, quote, \u2018personally liable,\u2019 end quote. Think about that for a second. If what the department is doing and if what these officers are being told to do was legal, it begs the question: Why would they need to be reassured by agency lawyers that they won\u2019t be held personally liable?\u201d\n\nOn claims that DHS and USCIS leadership are forcing officers to create unreliable records against voters they believe are not eligible to vote by using \u201csupplemental magic\u201d:\n\n\u201cUSCIS also admit that their data is unreliable, complex, and will have multiple ID numbers for various individuals, but nevertheless, officers are told to generate federal law enforcement records against them, even if they suspect that they\u2019re relying on inaccurate or incomplete information. It\u2019s already clear that this \u2018Unlawful Voter Initiative\u2019 is inaccurate, not to mention, likely illegal. But to make matters worse, it\u2019s also been rushed, and it\u2019s reckless. Because rank-and-file USCIS officers are given reckless quotas to review 40 people per day. Do the math. That\u2019s five people per hour, or 12 minutes per individual.\u201d\n\nPadilla on the dangerous consequences impacts of DHS and USCIS\u2019s unlawful activities in the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d:\n\n\u201cSaying that this is dangerous for our democracy is a huge understatement. This is more than a reckless attempt to prove Donald Trump\u2019s election denial,\u201d concluded Senator Padilla. \u201cThis isn\u2019t just about voting. This could lead to unwanted secondary screening at airports, consequences for immigration benefits, referrals to HSI or the FBI for criminal investigation, no clear recourse to undo the consequences of an erroneous federal law enforcement record being created. There\u2019s also the danger that Donald Trump will use false numbers of supposed votes cast by noncitizens to threaten to prosecute state and elections officials that he doesn\u2019t like. The president and his allies could even try using the unreliable results of this \u2018Unlawful Voter Initiative\u2019 to undermine and challenge election results themselves.\u201d\n\nPadilla concluded by reminding DHS leaders that federal whistleblowers are protected by law:\n\n\u201cAnd I would remind the department, and USCIS, that whistleblowers to Congress are protected by federal law. Let me repeat: Whistleblowers to Congress are protected by federal law. This individual will remain anonymous, and any attempt at retaliation is illegal and wrong.\u201d\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and California\u2019s former Secretary of State and chief election officer, Padilla has championed election security and voting rights. Last month, Padilla led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop their illegal voter roll purges before election day. In June, Padilla joined Schumer in launching the first-ever Senate Election Observer Program to protect the 2026 midterms and maintain election integrity nationwide. The Task Force will continue meeting over the coming months to ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November. Padilla also convened a Rules Committee Democrats and Senate Democrats\u2019 Election Protection Task Force spotlight forum focused on state and local responses to combat efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine election administration in the upcoming midterm elections.\n\nVideo of Padilla\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\nFull transcript of Padilla\u2019s remarks is available below:\n\nAs our colleagues know, I serve as ranking member of the Rules Committee, which oversees federal elections. I also serve on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, and I referenced this because last week, I received a protected disclosure from an anonymous federal whistleblower.\n\nAt a time when many Americans feel discouraged by the Trump administration\u2019s unprecedented chaos and corruption, it is heartening to see a federal government employee with the integrity and the courage to expose potential illegal activity and abuse of power.\n\nToday, Leader Schumer and I made the full disclosure public, and I want to go over some of these highlights, which are incredibly disturbing. I know they\u2019re disturbing to me, and I think they should be disturbing to every member of this chamber.\n\nFirst, leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have ordered hundreds of employees in USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Division to stop doing the jobs that they were hired and trained to do and instead watch a short training video and immediately turn their time and attention to something called the, quote, \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d quote.\n\nThey were directed to stop their anti-fraud work, right? This administration makes a lot of claims about going after fraud. They were directed to stop their national security screenings. They were directed to stop all the things that this administration claims it cares about and instead go on a wild goose chase to find or manufacture evidence for the president\u2019s conspiracy theories of widespread voter fraud.\n\nThis, without question, is a terrible waste and misuse of agency resources. But, colleagues, it is actually so much more worse than that.\n\nThe whistleblower disclosure also includes compelling claims that USCIS officers are being directed to lie and to misrepresent themselves in order to search voters\u2019 sensitive personal information on state election officials\u2019 websites.\n\nLet me say that again. Federal officers are being told by headquarters to lie or to misrepresent themselves in order to access state voter data. It is a clear violation of state laws. And these violations have likely occurred thousands and thousands of times on some state websites.\n\nOfficers are being told to attest under penalty of law that they are the voter or the voter\u2019s representative. But on the websites, like the one of my home state of California, officers are being told to misrepresent themselves and enter voter-sensitive information like Social Security or driver\u2019s license numbers.\n\nWhen USCIS officers expressed concerns with these practices, they have been told by agency leadership to just go ahead, that they won\u2019t be, quote, \u201cpersonally liable,\u201d end quote.\n\nThink about that for a second. If what the department is doing and if what these officers are being told to do was legal, it begs the question: Why would they need to be reassured by agency lawyers that they won\u2019t be held personally liable?\n\nThe whistleblower disclosure also reveals that DHS is using their own unreliable data to target people for investigation. That\u2019s right, data that the department and agencies already acknowledge is unreliable.\n\nAgency leadership is then forcing USCIS officers to create federal law enforcement records against people, many of them United States citizens, even though they have doubts about the accuracy of the data.\n\nSo let\u2019s take a step back. Why are they doing this? Well, the Trump administration has tried and failed to force states to hand over these voter rolls. President Trump tried in his first term through a sham commission, which failed, and now he\u2019s weaponized the federal government to try to accomplish it here in the second term.\n\nBut guess what? They\u2019ve been taken to court, and they have lost in court over 30 times. States represented by Democrats and Republicans have said no.\n\nSo the proverbial front door is locked. As much as Trump wants access to voter data, the front door is locked. And so now they\u2019re trying to break in a back door.\n\nThey\u2019re using something called, quote, \u201csupplemental magic,\u201d end quote. That\u2019s right. In the materials that have been uncovered, they\u2019re using the supplemental magic to create lists of people that they think are not eligible to vote.\n\nRemember, the agency has already said they know that data is unreliable. And so, frankly, this disclosure raises a lot of questions. Why is this initiative happening now? What are the potentially hundreds of thousands of people being investigated? Who are they, and what the heck is \u201csupplemental magic\u201d?\n\nWe need answers. This Senate Congress deserves answers. The American people deserve answers.\n\nAgency training materials for this initiative say, quote, \u201craw data includes a lot of U.S. citizens,\u201d end quote.\n\nLet me repeat that. The training materials acknowledge that the data includes a lot of U.S. citizens. So why would you target them when you\u2019re looking for noncitizen voters?\n\nUSCIS also admit that their data is unreliable, complex, and will have multiple ID numbers for various individuals, but nevertheless, officers are told to generate federal law enforcement records against them, even if they suspect that they\u2019re relying on inaccurate or incomplete information.\n\nIt\u2019s already clear that this unlawful voter initiative is inaccurate, not to mention likely illegal. But to make matters worse, it\u2019s also been rushed, and it\u2019s reckless because rank-and-file USCIS officers are given reckless quotas to review 40 people per day.\n\nDo the math. That\u2019s five people per hour, or 12 minutes per individual. Colleagues, you know as well as I. Twelve minutes to review unreliable data in complex immigration history is not an adequate amount of time to conduct a thorough investigation, because these aren\u2019t that. These are sham investigations.\n\nWe all know that voting by noncitizens is illegal. That\u2019s already the law. You know that. I know that.\n\nWe, on study after study, report after report, audit after audit, it is extremely, extremely rare. Our current safeguards are working.\n\nThis unlawful voter initiative does not appear to be a legitimate effort, and we should not take anything that comes out of it with face value. Now, just 12 minutes for an investigation, a lot of U.S. citizens in the unreliable magic data, and potentially thousands of violations of state and federal privacy laws.\n\nMadam President, saying that this is dangerous for our democracy is a huge understatement. This is more than a reckless attempt to prove Donald Trump\u2019s election denial talking points. Like the ones he used in the White House speech this past July.\n\nDiversion of federal law enforcement to break laws for political purposes is a clear abuse of power, and there\u2019s a very real danger that thousands of naturalized U.S. citizens and legal residents will potentially face negative consequences because of this sham investigation.\n\nThis isn\u2019t just about voting. This could lead to unwanted secondary screening at airports, consequences for immigration benefits, referrals to HSI or the FBI for criminal investigation, and no clear recourse to undo the consequences of an erroneous federal law enforcement record being created after a quick 12-minute review.\n\nThere\u2019s also the danger that Donald Trump will use false numbers of supposed votes cast by noncitizens to threaten to prosecute state and elections officials that he doesn\u2019t like.\n\nThe president and his allies could even try using the unreliable results of this unlawful voter initiative to undermine and challenge election results themselves. That\u2019s right. January 6th was not the end of this.\n\nSo today, Senator Schumer and I sent this whistleblower\u2019s disclosure regarding the so-called unlawful voter initiative to Secretary Mullin and USCIS Director Edlow.\n\nWe\u2019re demanding an immediate halt to these activities. We\u2019re demanding transparency for DHS, and we\u2019re demanding the removal of unreliable law enforcement records, many of which are against United States citizens.\n\nWe will have more to say about this in the coming days. And I would remind the department, and USCIS, that whistleblowers to Congress are protected by federal law.\n\nLet me repeat: Whistleblowers to Congress are protected by federal law.\n\nThis individual will remain anonymous, and any attempt at retaliation is illegal and wrong.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-joins-durbin-and-senate-judiciary-democrats-in-scrutinizing-director-patels-decision-to-gut-bis-hiring-standards/", "NEWS: Schiff Joins Durbin and Senate Judiciary Democrats in Scrutinizing Director Patel\u2019s Decision to Gut BI\u2019s Hiring Standards", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "In their letter to FBI Director Patel ahead of tomorrow\u2019s oversight hearing, Senate Judiciary Democrats demand justification for the FBI\u2019s recent decision to remove sex solicitation, bestiality, and theft from an employer from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel\u2019s testimony in tomorrow\u2019s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the agency, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and all other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Director Patel demanding answers about the FBI\u2019s recent decision to gut hiring standards. In June, the FBI reportedly revised their hiring policy to remove theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications; however, some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025.\n\n\u201cWe write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation\u2019s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI\u2019s workforce for decades,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nUnder the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification if they were not serving in positions the FBI deems of \u201cpublic trust\u201d at the time of the solicitation. Theft from a prior employer that occurred more than three years ago, and other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty that occurred prior to the applicant turning 18, is also no longer automatically disqualifying. As the lawmakers note in their letter, these are major adjustments to FBI eligibility requirements, opening up law enforcement positions to be filled by applicants with a history of significant misconduct.\n\n\u201cThese are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau\u2019s ranks to individuals who engaged in conduct that the FBI previously treated as disqualifying\u2014and that, in the case of solicitation of prostitution, controlling Department of Justice policy describes as \u2018threaten[ing] the core mission of the Department, not simply because it invites extortion, blackmail, and leaks of sensitive or classified information, but also because it undermines the Department\u2019s efforts to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking,\u2019\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nDirector Patel has allowed for the lowering of hiring standards while simultaneously purging career agents from the agency. In 2026, the FBI reportedly lost more than 1,100 special agents with an average tenure of nearly 22 years. Further, Director Patel has purged more than 5,000 nonpartisan career personnel, including all six former Executive Assistant Directors and at least 18 Special Agents in Charge with little to no explanation.\n\n\u201cYou have defended your efforts to overhaul hiring standards, stating that the FBI is \u2018losing too many qualified candidates to the rigors of the requirements from yesteryear.\u2019 Though the FBI faces real recruitment and retention challenges, you are primarily responsible for the current shortfall of personnel,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cHaving dangerously thinned the FBI\u2019s experienced workforce for reasons that had nothing to do with performance, you are now asking the American people to accept, without explanation, that the resulting shortfall justifies admitting applicants with histories of employee theft, paying for sex, or bestiality,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nThe lawmakers dismantled the counterargument that the degradation of hiring standards was necessary to combat the diminishing number of FBI employees. Rather, part of the shift in hiring standards may have occurred just eight days after Director Patel\u2019s confirmation.\n\n\u201cAttrition also cannot be the sole reason for this disturbing shift in standards, because the FBI appears to have changed its public document denoting employment eligibility standards on February 28, 2025, just eight days after your confirmation, to remove \u2018engagement in prostitution or bestiality\u2019 as an automatic disqualification. Although the Administration\u2019s retributive and partisan purges had begun as soon as President Trump took office, February 2025 was long before the bulk of the drastic workforce reduction currently imperiling critical missions,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by requesting detailed, unredacted records and memorandums outlining the hiring policy changes, as well as any information about the effect these changes could have on courtroom credibility, counterintelligence exposure, or blackmail vulnerability among personnel hired under them.\n\n\u201cThe Committee has a constitutional obligation to conduct oversight of the FBI\u2019s personnel practices, and a change of this magnitude with no discernible justification must be scrutinized\u2026We further expect the Bureau to make appropriate officials available for a Committee briefing on this matter without delay,\u201d the lawmakers concluded their letter.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Director Patel:\n\nWe write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation\u2019s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI\u2019s workforce for decades. In June, the FBI reportedly issued an internal directive removing theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications \u2014and it appears that some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025.\n\nUnder the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification from serving at the FBI, so as long as they were not in a position deemed one of \u201cpublic trust.\u201d Notably, the FBI does not identify a number of positions from which it recruits agents as positions of public trust, including members of the armed forces. Theft from a prior employer is also no longer a categorical bar if it occurred more than three years ago. Other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty, is not automatically disqualifying under this new policy either, so long as the conduct occurred before the applicant turned 18. These are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau\u2019s ranks to individuals who engaged in conduct that the FBI previously treated as disqualifying\u2014and that, in the case of solicitation of prostitution, controlling Department of Justice policy describes as \u201cthreaten[ing] the core mission of the Department, not simply because it invites extortion, blackmail, and leaks of sensitive or classified information, but also because it undermines the Department\u2019s efforts to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking.\u201d\n\nYou have defended your efforts to overhaul hiring standards, stating that the FBI is \u201closing too many qualified candidates to the rigors of the requirements from yesteryear.\u201d Though the FBI faces real recruitment and retention challenges, you are primarily responsible for the current shortfall of personnel. The FBI reportedly lost over 1,100 special agents \u201cwith an average tenure of 21.8 years\u201d in 2025. The major driver of that attrition: your own purge of the Bureau\u2019s personnel, including over 5,000 nonpartisan career personnel, all six former Executive Assistant Directors, and at least 18 Special Agents in Charge. Having dangerously thinned the FBI\u2019s experienced workforce for reasons that had nothing to do with performance, you are now asking the American people to accept, without explanation, that the resulting shortfall justifies admitting applicants with histories of employee theft, paying for sex, or bestiality.\n\nAttrition also cannot be the sole reason for this disturbing shift in standards, because the FBI appears to have changed its public document denoting employment eligibility standards on February 28, 2025, just eight days after your confirmation, to remove \u201cengagement in prostitution or bestiality\u201d as an automatic disqualification. Although the Administration\u2019s retributive and partisan purges had begun as soon as President Trump took office, February 2025 was long before the bulk of the drastic workforce reduction currently imperiling critical missions.\n\nThe Committee has a constitutional obligation to conduct oversight of the FBI\u2019s personnel practices, and a change of this magnitude with no discernible justification must be scrutinized. We therefore request the FBI produce the following no later than September 28, 2026:\n\nA complete, unredacted copy of the June 16, 2026 memorandum outlining these hiring policy changes, and any drafts, analyses, or briefing materials prepared in connection with it;\n\nAll records reflecting who at the FBI reviewed or approved this change and any consultation with internal or external parties before it was adopted;\n\nThe number of applicants hired, extended conditional offers, or placed under case-by-case review since June 16, 2026, whose files would previously have been automatically disqualified, broken out by category of conduct;\n\nThe number of applicants hired, extended conditional offers, or placed under case-by-case review since February 28, 2025, whose files would previously have been automatically disqualified for engagement in prostitution or bestiality;\n\nAny analysis the Bureau conducted, before or after February 28, 2025, of the effect these changes could have on courtroom credibility, counterintelligence exposure, or blackmail vulnerability among personnel hired under them; and\n\nAll guidance issued to background investigators, polygraph examiners, and adjudicators instructing them to apply the revised standards.\n\nWe further expect the Bureau to make appropriate officials available for a Committee briefing on this matter without delay.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-warren-padilla-blumenthal-demand-freedom-250-disclose-donations-raise-concerns-over-whether-organization-was-a-slush-fund-for-trump-corruption-pay-to-play-politics/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Warren, Padilla, Blumenthal\u00a0Demand Freedom 250 Disclose Donations, Raise Concerns Over Whether Organization Was a Slush Fund for Trump Corruption, Pay-to-Play Politics", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Freedom 250 has received over $50 million from corporate sponsors, many of whom have ongoing business before the federal government\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know who has or will finance Freedom 250, how those funds are being or will be used, and whether the organization\u2019s fundraising activities are creating financial conflicts of interest for President Trump or other administration officials.\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in pressing Freedom 250 \u2014 the entity established by President Trump to plan and fund the widely panned 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington, D.C. \u2014 on whether it represented a slush fund for President Trump\u2019s pay-to-play politics and demanded that the organization disclose its corporate donors. The Senators are requesting answers following the Freedom 250 celebrations this summer, including the Great American State Fair, the July 4 Celebrations, the Patriot Games, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. In the letter, the senators expressed concerns that the secrecy surrounding Freedom 250\u2019s corporate sponsors raised questions about how the organization was funded and whether donors received any favors or special treatment.\n\nNew reports indicate that Freedom 250 has raised over $50 million from more than 20 corporate sponsors, many of whom have ongoing business with the federal government.\n\n\u201cThe lack of transparency in these donations makes it difficult for the public to determine whether donors may have received any favors or special treatment in exchange for their donations, concealing potential pay-to-play politics or even outright bribery,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nRecent reporting also alleges that the President is personally involved in fundraising for his projects, including those organized with Freedom 250, and may be engaged in corrupt quid pro quo dealings. According to the Wall Street Journal, \u201cTrump has been demanding large checks from companies for a range of political and legacy projects\u2014telling executives and lobbyists that their companies should give $25 million or $50 million. He has sometimes offered donors special access,\u201d and \u201c(i)f a company encounters an issue with the federal government that comes to Trump\u2019s attention, he will want to know how much money the company gave.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf true, these reports raise serious questions about whether Freedom 250\u2014like the fundraising entities for the President\u2019s ballroom, library, and other vanity projects\u2014is serving as a vehicle through which wealthy corporations and other private interests can make contributions while seeking preferential access to, and favorable treatment from, the Trump Administration,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nIn the months leading up to July 4, 2026, Freedom 250 even offered sponsorship packages that included VIP access, a \u201chistoric photo opportunity,\u201d and an invitation to a \u201cprivate Freedom 250 reception,\u201d granting companies exclusive access to the President for the price of $1 million or more.\n\nAmong Freedom 250\u2019s corporate sponsors, Chevron donated $5 million, United Airlines donated $2.5 million, and defense contractor RTX donated $1.5 million. Many of these companies have substantial interests before the federal government and significant financial stakes in the outcome of contracting decisions, regulatory actions, or other activities by President Trump or his administration.\n\n\u201cThe politicized fundraising and potential for pay-to-play influence-peddling involving Freedom 250 is one more example of this administration\u2019s boundless corruption,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201c(F)reedom 250 appears to be yet another slush fund for wealthy corporations and insiders to buy influence with the White House.\u201d\n\nThe Senators asked Freedom 250 to provide answers to their questions regarding its finances, fundraising activities, and relationships with its donors and sponsors by no later than September 28, 2026.\n\nBackground: Senator Schiff has continued to press for answers regarding the conflicts of interests raised by Freedom 250:\n\nOn June 18, 2026, Senator Schiff and Senate Democrats demanded answers on the Trump administration\u2019s awarding of federal contracts to Event Strategies, Inc. (ESI), the event management firm that organized the rally used to incite the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Since January 2025, ESI had received more than $22 million in taxpayer-funded contracts, including for events associated with the country\u2019s 250th anniversary.\n\nOn March 5, 2026, Senator Schiff led 11 Senators in pressing Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum for answers on the troubling allocation of at least $100 million in taxpayer funds to Freedom 250.\n\nOn February 12, 2026, Sen. Schiff led his Senate colleagues in demanding information from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about Freedom 250, including requesting that the White House provide a list of donors, information on their involvement with anniversary events, and the ethical guidance the group has received from ethics officials.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Krach,\n\nWe write to request that you disclose to Congress donations made to Freedom 250, the entity established by President Trump to plan and fund the widely panned semi quincentennial celebration in our nation\u2019s capital. As the nation continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country\u2019s founding, new reports indicate that Freedom 250 has raised over $50 million from more than 20 corporate sponsors, many of whom have ongoing business before the federal government. However, despite previous inquiries from Congress seeking clarity regarding the funding, governance, and role of Freedom 250, the exact details about the timing, amount, and source for the vast majority of these donations remain unknown.\n\nThe lack of transparency in these donations makes it difficult for the public to determine whether donors may have received any favors or special treatment in exchange for their donations, concealing potential pay-to-play politics or even outright bribery. Indeed, troubling new reports allege that the President is personally involved in fundraising for his vanity projects, including those organized in conjunction with Freedom 250, and may be engaged in quid pro quo dealings. According to the Wall Street Journal, \u201cTrump has been demanding large checks from companies for a range of political and legacy projects\u2014telling executives and lobbyists that their companies should give $25 million or $50 million. He has sometimes offered donors special access.\u201d Reportedly, \u201c[i]f a company encounters an issue with the federal government that comes to Trump\u2019s attention, he will want to know how much money the company gave.\u201d\n\nIf true, these reports raise serious questions about whether Freedom 250\u2014like the fundraising entities for the President\u2019s ballroom, library, and other vanity projects\u2014is serving as a vehicle through which wealthy corporations and other private interests can make contributions while seeking preferential access to, and favorable treatment from, the Trump Administration. The American people deserve to know who has or will finance Freedom 250, how those funds are being or will be used, and whether the organization\u2019s fundraising activities are creating financial conflicts of interest for President Trump or other administration officials.\n\nThe Governance, Finances, and Operations of Freedom 250\n\nFreedom 250 was established as a limited liability corporation on October 28, 2025, in what now appears to be a successful attempt by the Trump Administration to seize control over the national celebration of America\u2019s 250th anniversary and sideline the bipartisan, congressionally authorized America250 Commission. Notably, unlike America250, Freedom 250 allows its donors to remain anonymous and does not disclose key financial information. Freedom 250 is awash with ties to partisan campaign operatives and businesses. President Trump has stacked the board of Freedom 250\u2019s parent organization, the congressionally chartered National Park Foundation, with campaign loyalists, including Jim McCray, Richard Walters, and Meredith O\u2019Rourke, who has also served as a fundraiser for Trump\u2019s presidential campaign, the White House Ballroom, and other Trump pet projects. According to the Wall Street Journal, O\u2019Rourke is regularly in close contact with President Trump regarding fundraising efforts. The President calls her \u201c[a]lmost every night in the White House\u201d to ask \u201cwhich companies and donors have cut checks and which haven\u2019t, and for how much.\u201d O\u2019Rourke is \u201coften at Trump\u2019s side in the White House and elsewhere.\u201d\n\nBeyond the National Park Foundation\u2019s board, Freedom 250 contractors and vendors are also closely connected to Trump\u2019s presidential campaign. Registration for Freedom 250 events is run by Campaign Nucleus, a company founded by Mr. Trump\u2019s campaign digital director Brad Parscale. Ace Specialties, the Trump campaign merchandise vendor, operates the official Freedom 250 online merchandise store. Event Strategies Inc., the company that organized President Trump\u2019s January 6 rally that incited the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, is planning the program and logistics for Freedom 250 events. The list goes on, and paints a picture of an organization that looks less and less like what Congress intended in the bipartisan America250 and more like a campaign designed to promote the President and reward his political allies.\n\nWith President Trump\u2019s advisors and friends at the helm, Freedom 250 has opened another avenue for private interests to curry favor with the Trump Administration. In the months leading up to July 4, 2026, Freedom 250 offered sponsorship packages that included VIP access, a \u201chistoric photo opportunity,\u201d and an invitation to a \u201cprivate Freedom 250 reception\u201d granting companies exclusive access to the President\u2019s ear for the price of $1 million or more. Additionally, the President reportedly held a \u201cwine reception\u201d with Freedom 250 donors at the White House earlier this year.\n\nFreedom 250 Donations Freedom 250 lists 21 corporate sponsors on its website, most of which have business pending before the federal government and significant financial stakes in the outcome of contracting decisions, regulatory actions, or other activities by President Trump or his administration. The list includes technology and AI companies and three major defense contractors: Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, and Northrop Grumman. Of the corporate donors listed on the Freedom 250 website, only three\u2014United Airlines, RTX, and Chevron\u2014disclosed their financial contributions in accordance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act. All three have business pending before the federal government and also may have already benefited from their contributions. According to its report, United Airlines donated $2.5 million to Freedom 250 in March 2026. The company has substantial interests before the federal government, including millions of dollars in contracts with the Department of Defense. On July 29, 2026, the President announced a $22 billion plan to renovate Washington Dulles airport, which one reporter called \u201ca huge boon\u201d to United Airlines, which has a 68.5% passenger market share at Dulles.\n\nAerospace and defense contractor RTX donated $1.5 million in May 2026, according to the company\u2019s own lobbying disclosure report. The donation came after President Trump singled out RTX in a January 2026 Truth Social post, in which he threatened to cut defense contracts with RTX subsidiary Raytheon. In June and July 2026, RTX was awarded $1.1 and $1.8 billion contracts with the U.S. Navy. The company\u2019s stock recently hit an all-time high amid Trump\u2019s Iran War.\n\nChevron donated $5 million to Freedom 250 on May 28, 2026, according to the company\u2019s own disclosure report. Although Chevron\u2019s donation is the largest known contribution to the organization, it is significantly less than the $50 million requested of the company by Trump fundraisers this year. Chevron\u2019s donation\u2014and its failure to meet the demands of the President \u2014come amidst scrutiny from the administration regarding gas prices. In addition, Chevron has significant business before the administration in the aftermath of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela\u2013-where Chevron is the only major American oil company currently operating\u2013-and as the war in Iran continues to affect oil prices.\n\nWithout details from lobbying disclosure transports and full transparency from Freedom 250, we are left to guess about any connections between a company\u2019s donation and any benefit potentially derived from that gift. Chemical fertilizer company Mosaic, for example, was listed as a sponsor of Freedom 250 in mid-June 2026, the day after Trump stated that he was \u201clooking at doing a form of help because of fertilizer,\u201d because of high costs related to the war with Iran. The sponsorship announcement also came as Mosaic was reportedly monitoring trade talks between the U.S. and Canada, where the company has multiple mines. Meanwhile, Palantir, the software giant who has helped carry out the federal government\u2019s surveillance and tracking of U.S. immigrants, was listed as a Freedom 250 sponsor and has been awarded billions of dollars in federal contracts by the Trump Administration. And most recently, the Defense Intelligence Agency reversed course on a contract solicitation in response to a bid protest by Palantir, and the announcement of the request withdrawal alone led Palantir stock to jump 1%.\n\nThere are likely even more companies and donors that are not listed on the Freedom 250 website who may now be in a position to cash in on presidential favors. TikTok, for example, is not a listed sponsor on the Freedom 250 website, but reportedly donated $2 million to Freedom 250.\n\nThe company\u2014which hired three Trump-linked lobbyists in the spring\u2014recently scored a win with the Justice Department, who announced that federal employees can now use the app.\n\nConclusion & Questions\n\nThe politicized fundraising and potential for pay-to-play influence-peddling involving Freedom 250 is one more example of this administration\u2019s boundless corruption. From the President\u2019s gold-encrusted ballroom to his presidential library, Freedom 250 appears to be yet another slush fund for wealthy corporations and insiders to buy influence with the White House.\n\nThe American people should not have to wonder whether the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary is being leveraged as an opportunity for wealthy corporations and special interests to purchase access or influence by channeling money through Freedom 250. Commemoration of one of the most significant milestones in our nation\u2019s history should not be overshadowed by questions about opaque fundraising, undisclosed donors, or potential conflicts of interest. Although the July 4, 2026, celebrations have concluded, Freedom 250 and the administration have a number of events and projects scheduled for the remainder of the year. Therefore, the public is entitled to a full accounting of Freedom 250\u2019s finances, fundraising activities, and relationships with its donors and sponsors.\n\nTo address our questions on this matter, I ask that you please answer the following by September 28, 2026:\n\nHow much money has Freedom 250 received in contributions, grants, sponsorships, or other donations since its creation?\n\nPlease provide a complete list of Freedom 250\u2019s donors, sponsors, and contributors, the date of their contributions, and their contribution amounts.\n\nHow much cash and other assets does Freedom 250 have on hand?\n\nPlease provide a complete accounting of how Freedom 250 has spent all funds that it has received since its creation.\n\nHow have the remaining funds post-July 4, 2026, been used? How will the remaining funds continue to be used?\n\nDoes Freedom 250 intend to continue soliciting funds and accepting donations? If so, for what purpose?\n\nWhat role or involvement did government employees or officials of the Trump Administration have in planning Freedom 250 events, soliciting donations, stewarding, or overseeing Freedom 250 funds?\n\nHow much funding, if any, has Freedom 250 received from the federal government?\n\nHas Freedom 250 received government funds or appropriations that were initially obligated to America250? Please provide a complete accounting of all such funds.\n\nPlease provide a list of all attendees at all private Freedom 250 events or receptions and corresponding dates of each event or reception.\n\nHas Freedom 250 received or solicited foreign donations? If so, please provide a complete list of each donor and their contribution amount.\n\nPlease describe the process in which Ace Specialties was selected to operate the official Freedom 250 merchandise store. Please describe the process through which Freedom 250 verified that all merchandise sold on the official Freedom 250 merchandise store was manufactured in the United States.\n\nHow much gross revenue has been generated through the sale of Freedom 250 merchandise since the store launched?\n\nHow have the proceeds been utilized? How will they continue to be utilized?\n\nWere any federal resources, federal employees, government-owned intellectual property, or official government branding used in the design, production, marketing, or sale of Freedom 250 merchandise?\n\nIn a briefing to Congress, staff from the Department of Interior reportedly stated that the Department is seeking an additional $10 million from Congress to pay for costs incurred by the National Park Service during Freedom 250 events, including the Rededicate 250 prayer event, the Great American State Fair, and the July 4th Salute to America.41 Please describe the costs and funding of these events.\n\nHow much money did Freedom 250 spend on each of these events?\n\nHow much of the total money spent on these events came from government funds and how much came from private contributions?\n\nTo your knowledge, what costs did the National Park Service incur from these events, if any?\n\nWhy are some corporate donors, including TikTok, not listed as sponsors on the Freedom 250 website, despite reports that they donated millions of dollars to the organization?\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-with-ai-rapidly-advancing-washington-cannot-afford-to-sit-on-its-hands/", "STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff: With AI Rapidly Advancing \u201cWashington\u00a0Cannot\u00a0Afford to\u00a0Sit on its\u00a0Hands\u201d", "2026-09-13", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Senator Schiff released the following statement in response to recent AI news:\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of news and warnings this week about AI. And I think it\u2019s fair to ask whether Congress is asleep at the wheel as we hurtle towards AGI and the unknown.\n\n\u201cAI experts and industry executives are delivering a clear message \u2014 the risks of quickly evolving frontier AI pose serious threats to our safety and the future of our society. We must heed their call, and we can\u2019t wait.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve spent the last four years learning from experts, companies and researchers about AI, the threat it poses, and the promise it holds. Many of these companies and workers are in California, and I\u2019ve been hearing about the existential threat to humankind for years. And I\u2019ll be honest, I\u2019m not sure everyone in Congress has been doing the same. I\u2019m far from an expert, but this technology is improving and changing so fast that it\u2019s incumbent on all of us to learn and understand the dangers.\n\n\u201cAI undoubtedly holds great opportunity for scientific advancement and other innovation. However, we\u2019ve seen harbingers of the threats that this technology holds as researchers and developers lose control of rogue collusive AI agents, and the technology is advancing far more rapidly than we originally assumed it would. It\u2019s science fiction come to life.\n\n\u201cThe past decade has shown us what happens when Congressional inaction leaves private technology companies to regulate themselves. We failed on social media (and still are). We failed on foreign interference online. We cannot fail here.\n\n\u201cWashington cannot afford to sit on its hands while our economy, national security and everyday lives are disrupted more rapidly than even AI labs themselves believed possible. I\u2019ve put forth several bipartisan proposals to ensure Congress is keeping up with the state of this technology, and have many more that I\u2019m working on.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that the biggest AI companies are clamoring for regulation. One of the most promising suggestions has been to incorporate truly independent monitors within the AI companies, that can evaluate the risks, report them and ensure transparency.\n\n\u201cLegislation is necessary to make this a requirement of all companies, not simply those who agree to do so, to ensure the requisite of these monitors, and that the companies properly and safely pace new developments.\n\n\u201cBut regulation and legislation should not be used to lock in monopolies, bypass important state laws or give broad exemptions that lock out a competitive landscape for decades to come. We also cannot afford to cede ground to China and their companies.\n\n\u201cWe must also confront the way that AI will change our economy, our livelihoods, and the nature of work. Any discussion of regulation without asking serious questions about our employment, the tax code, energy costs and benefits necessary to every day life isn\u2019t complete. I\u2019m working on major legislation in this area too.\n\n\u201cBoth government and industry must establish commonsense guardrails and provide real checks on the development and dangers of this technology. As I\u2019ve said before, unenforceable voluntary commitments and self-regulation will not cut it. And I\u2019m hopeful that we can all meet this moment, and regulate in a way that will both allow this industry to continue to grow, but put in place guardrails that are desperately needed.\n\n\u201cThe stakes could not be higher, and time is of the essence for Congress to act.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-bennet-schiff-sound-alarm-on-lack-of-firefighting-resources-during-the-2026-wildfire-season/", "Padilla, Bennet,\u00a0Schiff, Sound Alarm on Lack of Firefighting Resources During the 2026 Wildfire Season", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper (both D-Colo.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), expressed serious concerns about the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) preparedness and ability to adequately respond to the 2026 fire season. California has faced severe wildfires this year, with more than 310,000 acres burned.\n\nIn a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Bergum and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Senators highlighted the impacts that wildfires have had on communities throughout the 2026 fire season.\n\n\u201c[\u2026] Record-breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nBetween July 18 and September 4, 2026, the national firefighting force was at preparedness level 5 with federal resources fully committed to combating wildland fires across the country. So far this year, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service has dedicated over $6 billion to fire suppression budget authority, spending nearly the entire fire suppression budget as of September 2, 2026. The West is expected to remain in peak fire season with hot, dry, and windy conditions for at least the next two months, raising concerns that federal wildfire resources and suppression funds could run out entirely.\n\n\u201cIn light of these concerns, the capacity of the federal government to sustain operations is critical,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cWe are concerned that the agencies simply do not have enough highly qualified personnel, Incident Management Teams, and supervisory staff to sustain operations. Our offices have received reports that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available. We have also heard that locally-led initial attack was affected by national mobilization, and that personnel have worked repeated or extended assignments. This is exceptionally concerning given that the worst of the fire season is likely yet to come and the high wildland firefighter fatality rate this season.\u201d\n\nPadilla has consistently fought for protections of wildfire victims and prevention of future wildfires. Last month, Padilla and Schiff joined their Senate colleagues in pressing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on its plans to crack down on prediction markets now offering event contracts for individuals to bet on wildfires. In July, Padilla and Senate Environment and Public Works committee members introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) of 2026, which would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. Last year, Padilla introduced the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretaries Burgum and Rollins:\n\nWe write with serious concern about the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) continued preparedness to respond to the 2026 fire season. Record- breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots. The national firefighting force was at preparedness Level 5 between July 18 and September 4, meaning that federal resources were fully committed for nearly seven weeks. With several weeks remaining in peak fire season, fire conditions could continue to strain an already stretched system.\n\nIn light of these concerns, the capacity of the federal government to sustain operations is critical. We are concerned that the agencies simply do not have enough highly qualified personnel, Incident Management Teams, and supervisory staff to sustain operations. Our offices have received reports that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available. We have also heard that locally led initial attack was affected by national mobilization, and that personnel have worked repeated or extended assignments. This is exceptionally concerning given the high wildland firefighter fatality rate this season.\n\nWe are also concerned that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) may run out of fire suppression funds this year. As you know, these two agencies had over $6 billion in fire suppression budget authority for Fiscal Year 2026. However, as of September 2, nearly the entire fire suppression budget has been spent. With over four weeks left in the fiscal year, USFS and USWFS may need to borrow funding from other accounts to pay for fire suppression.\n\nPlease respond to the following questions within 10 days:\n\nEvery day of this fire season, wildland fire personnel have put themselves in harm\u2019s way as they work to suppress fires. Tragically, 9 first responders have given their lives this summer responding to fires. Now, more than ever, we must do everything possible to support those who have returned to the front lines after watching their colleagues fall.\n\nWhy are we seeing so many firefighter fatalities, entrapments, and shelter deployments this year? To what extent has the full suppression policy contributed to a higher rate of injuries and fatalities this summer?\n\nIn response to the deaths of so many response personnel, what resources are USFS and USWFS deploying to ensure the safety of wildland firefighters?\n\nHow are DOI and USDA prioritizing safety?\n\nHow many hours of overtime have wildland firefighters, and specifically Hotshot and Type 1 crews, accumulated so far this year? How does that compare to the past?\n\nIn 2025, DOI and USDA cut nearly 8,700 public servants, USFS alone reducing its staff by 16% (approximately 6,000 full-time equivalents) nationwide. We are especially concerned about the loss of highly-qualified personnel, supervisory capacity, and red- card holders in high-level fire management positions. We are now hearing from communities across the West that requests for crews are going unfilled.\n\nHow many complex incident management teams are operating this year? Please also provide data on the number of complex incident management teams for the last ten years.\n\nHow many personnel are working repeated or extended assignments?\n\nDescribe how DOI and USDA are managing current shortfalls in wildland firefighting teams and supervisory capacity.\n\nWhat, if any, plans do DOI and USDA have to increase the number of Incident Management Teams to historic (or greater) levels?\n\nHow does the number of contract federal wildland firefighter crews compare this year to previous years?\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2025, USFS and DOI spent a combined $5.9 billion on suppression, a $1.5 billion increase from the previous most expensive year. As stated previously, the agencies have already spent over 70% of their $6 billion FY26 budget authority. As of August 31, 2026, fires have already burned nearly twice the acreage compared to 2025 (8,238,284 acres in 2026, up from 4,142,738 over the same window in 2025).\n\nExplain why there was such a dramatic increase in spending in FY25 and how FY25 spending informed FY26 operations.\n\nHow are USDA and DOI ensuring that, after record spending in FY25, FY26 dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible to account for the significant increase in burning acres?\n\nGoing into the 2026 fire season, did USDA and DOI expect to have spent 70% of their budget authority by this point in the summer?\n\nWith the potential exhaustion of fire suppression funding this year, the federal agencies will likely be forced to use appropriated funding from other accounts to pay for fire suppression, a practice known as \u201cfire borrowing.\u201d\n\nTo what extent are USDA and DOI rationing other resources this summer in preparation for potential fire borrowing?\n\nDescribe the appropriated accounts that USFS and USWFS would borrow from in order to fund fire suppression.\n\nWill USFS and USWFS borrow from accounts that fund hazardous fuels reduction, watershed restoration, state and Tribal forestry, Burned Area Emergency Response, Emergency Response, or other similar accounts focused on reducing the threat of and responding to wildland fire?\n\nWe have been glad to work with the agencies to raise pay for federal wildland firefighters. Temporary wildland firefighters (1039) continue to face pay caps and limitations on their employment. Given the extreme fire season, the Administration, in partnership with Congress, must take all necessary steps to compensate all front-line first responders.\n\nDescribe to what extent the agency has had, if any, ongoing discussions to extend the federal temporary 1039 appointment, allowing seasonal workers greater flexibility to continue fighting fires. To what extent are seasonal workers approaching the caps associated with 1039 appointments?\n\n5 U.S.C. \u00a7 5545(c)(iii), passed in March 2025, requires USDA, DOI, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that the compensation paid to wildfire personnel is consistent with FY2023 levels. What steps have you taken to implement this law?\n\nAt the beginning of the 2026 fire season, agency officials discussed the successes of fighting fires in 2025.\n\nTo what extent does weather factor into the differences between the 2025 wildland fire season and the 2026 wildland fire season?\n\nDescribe how the organizational changes and restructuring of the wildland fire organizations address the issues associated with prolonged drought and extreme weather.\n\nThank you for your prompt response to our questions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-25th-anniversary-of-september-11-attacks/", "Padilla Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "LOS ANGELES, CA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001:\n\n\u201cToday, we remember and mourn the innocent lives lost twenty-five years ago during the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in our nation\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cWe continue to stand with the families carrying the unimaginable grief of losing loved ones. We recognize the heroism and sacrifice of the many firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who put their lives on the line. We remember the construction workers and countless others who worked tirelessly to rescue those they could, recover those who were lost, clear the rubble, and help New York rebuild \u2013 many at great cost to their own health. And we honor the Muslim and Sikh communities who faced bigotry and violence in the aftermath of the attacks because of their faith.\n\n\u201cI had the solemn duty of serving as Acting Mayor of Los Angeles on September 11, 2001, and in the days that followed, I saw firsthand the fear and uncertainty that swept across our nation \u2013 a shadow that would linger over our daily lives for years to come. But I also witnessed the extraordinary outpouring of support, generosity, and compassion as we came together across race, religion, geography, and political party in common cause \u2013 all as Americans.\n\n\u201cAs we commemorate the lives lost and the sacrifices made twenty-five years later, we must remember that sense of unity and recommit ourselves to our shared values \u2013 compassion, courage, service, and the belief that together we can build a better world and a brighter future for all.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-and-scotts-doug-lamalfa-federal-disaster-tax-relief-certainty-act-signed-into-law/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff and Scott\u2019s\u202fDoug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act Signed into Law", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, bipartisan, bicameral legislation by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, was signed into law by President Donald Trump.\n\nThe bill provides tax relief for victims of wildfires and other natural disasters and ensures victims of natural disasters have immediate access to tax relief for years to come. The bill also extends victims\u2019 ability to receive tax deductible payments from wildfire settlements, which often happen many years after a disaster, through January 1, 2027.\n\nThe bill was renamed last year to the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act to honor Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away in January of 2026.\n\n\u201cSurviving a natural disaster can place an enormous financial burden on families. It is critical that we support victims of devastating disasters like the wildfires in California and across the country. That\u2019s why I was proud to team up with Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Greg Steube, Mike Thompson and Jimmy Panetta to provide tax relief to the victims of natural disasters and why I am so grateful to see our bipartisan bill signed into law. We must ensure that those hit the hardest when disaster strikes receive the support and the tax relief they need to recover. And in seeing our bill become law, we affirm a vital part of the late Doug LaMalfa\u2019s legacy,\u201d said Senator Adam Schiff.\n\n\u201cAfter disaster strikes, impacted Americans should be focused on rebuilding their lives and their communities \u2013 not surprise changes to their tax bills. After speaking with so many Americans in Florida and across the country impacted by natural disasters, including meeting Spencer Pratt at his burned-down home and touring the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, I knew we had to do something. Now that President Trump has signed this bill into law, I\u2019m grateful to have worked with Spencer, Rep. Steube, and Sen. Schiff to ensure those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters continue to receive the real tax relief \u2013 and the peace of mind \u2013 they deserve,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott.\n\nU.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.-17) led the legislation in the House alongside Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-statement-marking-25-years-since-september-11th-attacks/", "STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff Statement Marking 25 Years Since September 11th Attacks", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) issued the following statement to mark 25 years since the September 11th attacks:\n\n\u201cToday, we remember the 2,977 innocent lives tragically lost 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. We honor the heroism of the first responders, passengers, crews and countless volunteers who put their lives on the line for our country. And we pray for all those grieving loved ones lost on that terrible day and for those still dealing with its calamitous effects.\n\n\u201cIn the days following our nation\u2019s darkest hours, millions of Americans \u2013 regardless of party \u2013 stood side-by-side in the face of violence and the threat of international terrorism. While the horrible actions of that day remain forever etched in our minds, so do the incredible acts of patriotism \u2013 from the first responders who, in the face of immeasurable loss, bravely ran towards the smoke and rubble to the thousands of volunteers who provided assistance and the generation of Americans who stepped up to serve their country.\n\n\u201cOn this solemn anniversary, we are reminded that America must remain unified and resilient in protecting our democracy, national security and fundamental freedoms.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-whitehouse-carbajal-lead-colleagues-in-filing-amicus-brief-challenging-trump-administrations-involvement-in-the-sable-offshore-pipeline-restart/", "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Whitehouse, Carbajal Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration\u2019s Involvement in the Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), along with U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), led 14 of their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in California v. Wright, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, to challenge the Trump Administration\u2019s use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to facilitate the restart of the Sable Offshore oil pipeline system along California\u2019s Central Coast.\n\nThe brief argues that the Administration has failed to identify a legitimate national defense need for Sable\u2019s crude oil and that the DPA order does not satisfy the statutory requirements for invoking this extraordinary authority. Sable produces crude oil \u2014 not finished fuels used by the military\u2014and the order does not establish a connection between Sable\u2019s production and an unmet military fuel requirement.\n\n\u201cThe idea that reopening a damaged pipeline on the Central Coast of California is somehow imperative to our national defense \u2013 when killing other renewable energy sources is just fine, when data centers are demanding new energy and we\u2019re taking offline 90 to 95% of the new energy coming into the grid \u2013 tells you this has nothing to do with national security. It has nothing to do with your price at the pump. It only has to do with the president keeping a promise to the big oil companies, and we are all paying the price,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cCalifornians have been clear: we don\u2019t want oil infrastructure off our coast,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThe Trump Administration is using a bogus justification to open our waters to their Big Oil donors, jeopardizing our environment and our economy. It\u2019s corrupt, it\u2019s dangerous, and I\u2019ll do everything in my power to stop it.\u201d\n\nSable Offshore acquired the Santa Ynez Unit from ExxonMobil in 2024. The pipeline had been out of service since the 2015 Refugio oil spill. In March 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the DPA and ordered Sable to restore pipeline operations. The brief argues that the Administration used national defense as a pretext to advance domestic energy policy and benefit a specific company.\n\n\u201cThis case is not about national defense. It is about a heavily leveraged, crude oil company asking the President to transform the Defense Production Act (DPA) from a statute designed to \u2018assure the availability of domestic energy supplies for national defense needs,\u2019 50 U.S.C. \u00a7 4502(a)(5), into a corporate rescue operation for political allies; a rescue that advances the Administration\u2019s political preference for fossil-fuel development at the expense of all other concerns,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe Department of Energy\u2019s (\u2018DOE\u2019) March 13, 2026 order (the \u2018Wright Order\u2019) comes nowhere close to identifying a need for Sable crude oil or pipelines in the Order\u2019s generalized invocation of California\u2019s military presence and increased reliance on foreign crude. DOE never explains why those general circumstances create a national-defense need for Sable\u2019s crude, much less how restarting its beleaguered pipelines would meet one.\u201d\n\n\u201cMerely invoking \u2018national defense\u2019 or an \u2018emergency\u2019 does not insulate executive action from the statutory prerequisites that Congress imposed in the DPA on the exercise of delegated authority,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cEnforcing these requirements, i.e., that the Secretary establish the statutory predicates for invoking the DPA, does not amount to second-guessing genuine executive judgments about national defense. Instead, enforcement honors the conditions precedent Congress imposed to prevent abuse of the DPA. DOE\u2019s failure to satisfy these statutory prerequisites invalidates the Wright Order.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Padilla, and Whitehouse the amicus brief was filed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and Secretary Wright\u2019s \u2018national security\u2019 justification for invoking the Defense Production Act to restart flow of the Sable pipeline was clearly pretextual,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cThe order was intended to throw a lifeline to a failing fossil-fuel company facing a severe financial cliff. The Trump administration will do anything to please their fossil fuel megadonors, no matter the environmental and public safety risks.\u201d\n\n\u201cOnce again, Trump is blatantly boosting the fossil fuel industry under guise of national security. They\u2019re betraying the real national interests of our communities and public health. Restarting the Sable pipeline displays this Administration\u2019s continued abuse of power, benefiting Trump\u2019s billionaire cronies at the expense of the American people. I will continue fighting to stop Trump\u2019s overreach threatening our environment,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is obsessed with abusing the Presidency to enrich his billionaire buddies while his policies keep sending everyday costs through the roof,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cThe Defense Production Act is a tool meant to help protect our national security\u2014not bail out the President\u2019s Big Oil donors. The Administration\u2019s phony justification for restarting this pipeline without environmental and safety review is blatant corruption, and it could seriously endanger public health. It must be stopped.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Carbajal, the amicus brief was filed by U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19).\n\n\u201cThe Sable pipeline restart is a classic example of the Trump administration abusing power to benefit political allies at the expense of local communities,\u201d said Representative Carbajal. \u201cAs our brief outlines, there was no legitimate national security justification for invoking the Defense Production Act on behalf of Sable. This Administration is clearly fixated on boosting the fossil fuel industry, even when doing so risks putting our environment and public health in harm\u2019s way. The people of Santa Barbara County and California have every right to be concerned about the pipeline restart given its role in the 2015 Refugio oil spill. I will keep fighting alongside my colleagues to hold the Administration accountable for this overreach and protect our communities\u2019 right to a safe environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump is turning the Defense Production Act into a blank check for Big Oil,\u201d said Representative Huffman. \u201cEmergency national security powers exist to protect this country in a crisis. They were never meant to force open an oil pipeline that has sat idle for more than a decade after fouling our coast. This is a fossil fuel giveaway dressed up as national security, designed to enrich Trump and reward his political allies. But it\u2019s our beaches, our coastal communities, and the businesses that depend on a clean, healthy ocean that will face the consequences if we let his sham continue. We have cleaned up this company\u2019s mess once already. Californians have defended this coast for decades, and we are not backing down.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s abuse of the Defense Production Act to revive the Sable pipeline is an unlawful corporate giveaway masquerading as a national security measure,\u201d said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. \u201cCalifornia communities know the devastating consequences of offshore oil spills. Congress created the Defense Production Act to protect our national security\u2014not to reward political allies, endanger our coastline and override vital environmental safeguards.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, we have been united against this Administration\u2019s illegal attempts to force fossil fuel projects at the expense of our state\u2019s environment and public health,\u201d said Representative Lofgren. \u201cTrump has always put oil company profits above Americans\u2019 well-being, but invoking the Defense Production Act for this pipeline is ridiculous. Californians don\u2019t want a repeat of the 2015 oil spill, and the Administration is overstepping its authority to put our environment and coastal economy at risk.\u201d\n\nIn May, Schiff, Padilla, and Carbajal launched an investigation into Sable Offshore Corp.\u2019s politicized efforts to restart oil drilling operations off the Santa Barbara coast and demanded answers about the company\u2019s collaboration with the Trump Administration to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) in relation to this project. In June, Schiff and Padilla introduced legislation to establish strict standards for offshore oil and gas operators and set requirements to hold them responsible for decommissioning and cleanup efforts off the coast.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-continues-bipartisan-push-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-highlights-benefits-of-keeping-film-production-in-america/", "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Continues Bipartisan Push for Federal Film Tax Incentive, Highlights Benefits of Keeping Film Production in America", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Burbank, CA \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN\u2019s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson to discuss the latest developments in his push to secure a bipartisan film tax incentive following President Donald Trump\u2019s endorsement of its passage. Schiff highlighted the tax incentive\u2019s benefits, emphasizing how the drive for more production will increase job opportunities and economic development.\n\nThe Senator emphasized his willingness to work across the aisle to make sure this legislation gets bipartisan support and is able to get passed to ensure the future of film production in America and all those who support it.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey excerpts:\n\nOn working to make this a bipartisan agreement:\n\n[\u2026] When I took this office, I said I\u2019m going to try to do two things that are going to be in tension with each other. I\u2019m going to try to get things done, and I\u2019m going to try to fight any corruption, any attack on our democracy. Well, this is something we can get done. And just because it\u2019s this president, if it\u2019s a good idea, I\u2019m not going to oppose it. In fact, I fully support this. As you know, I\u2019ve been working for a federal tax credit for the film and television industry to bring these jobs back to California. And now I think we are very close to making that happen.\n\nOn the parameters of a federal tax incentive:\n\nThe basic plan would provide a 15, 20, or 25% tax credit for production that\u2019s made in the United States for film or television. We\u2019ve lost almost all the film industry; it\u2019s gone overseas to Canada, to Britain, to New Zealand, elsewhere. This would help bring that back. We\u2019ve lost a lot of television production as well. It would be overlaid on top of the state tax credits, and the cumulative amount would be equivalent to what other countries are offering. And we want to bring these jobs home. This has been the epicenter of that industry. It\u2019s not just people working industry, but people work adjacent to the industry who are also deeply impacted. The restaurants, the caterers, the dry cleaners-you name it-it affects the whole regional economy.\n\nOn finding bipartisan common ground:\n\n[\u2026] You got to look for those areas where there\u2019s agreement. I\u2019ve been able to get a number of bills passed these past couple years by working with Republicans from Mississippi, Florida. Rick Scott, for example, from Florida, and I worked on relief for the victims of fire. That was actually something that brought Spencer Pratt and I together, and that is tax relief for those who have been victimized by these natural disasters. And also if you get a recovery from Edison, that will no longer be taxable income.\n\nOn prospects of passage this Congress:\n\nSo, we\u2019ve been in conversation with Republicans for the last two years about trying to move this forward. I think they\u2019ve been in a wait and see. They wanted to know. Does the president support this? Will he get behind it? And now that the president has been so clear and repeatedly that he supports this in a full-throated way, yes, we\u2019re seeing a lot more Republican interest. And I think this is the best opportunity now we\u2019ve had to get this done in really decades.\n\n[\u2026] We\u2019re hoping that we can get this done before the end of the year, before the election would be ideal. But there will also be a lame duck session after the election, as long as we get it done. But my feeling is, let\u2019s strike while the iron is hot. Let\u2019s try to do it right now.\n\nOn whom will benefit from the federal film tax incentive:\n\nIt isn\u2019t about the top-of-the-line actors. They\u2019re going to get paid well no matter what happens and no matter where the film is being produced. What matters is what about the set designers and the electricians? What about the grips? What about the dry cleaners? What about the whole economy? All these 1000s and 1000s of jobs. That\u2019s what we\u2019re fighting to preserve and to bring back. So, it\u2019s not just about what people think about when they think about the industry, which is the movie stars. They\u2019re a small part of this. It\u2019s the everyday ordinary people who made their living this way.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-lead-all-senate-democrats-to-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting/", "Padilla, Schumer Lead All Senate Democrats to Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump\u2019s DOJ\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), along with Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, and Co-Chairs of the House Democrats\u2019 Litigation Task Force Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), led a bicameral amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump\u2019s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.\n\nThe group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers and former lawmakers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump\u2019s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a \u201ccitizenship verification list\u201d and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.\n\n\u201cThe law is clear: states and Congress have authority over our elections \u2014 not the President and certainly not the Postal Service. Protecting the right to vote-by-mail is critical to ensure every eligible voter can make their voices heard in the November midterm elections and in future elections,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cDespite the Trump Administration\u2019s attempts to eliminate vote-by-mail and suppress voter participation, voting by mail remains one of the safest and most secure ways to vote, especially for service members, rural voters, and Americans living abroad. I urge the Court to uphold our Constitution and reject Trump\u2019s attacks on our fundamental right to vote.\u201d\n\nNearly one-third of Americans have voted by mail in recent elections \u2014 a voting practice Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when he voted in Florida\u2019s Republican primary.\n\nIn the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14399 and USPS\u2019s final rule violate the separation of powers and usurp congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the States and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.\n\n\u201cAs current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States \u2014 including its guarantee of the separation of powers,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cAmici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do.\u201d\n\nThe amici also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking the USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are \u201csubstantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded by asserting States\u2019 power to administer elections and Congress\u2019s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an \u201coverride\u201d authority. Trump\u2019s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.\n\n\u201cThe integrity of our constitutional system depends on each branch keeping to its assigned role,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cThe Framers set up a two-part system that gave the States default authority to regulate federal elections subject to Congress\u2019s authority to override the States. The Framers did not provide the President with any authority to interfere in that system, nor has Congress subsequently imbued the President or the Executive Branch with any such authority by statute.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schumer, Durbin, and Peters, the amicus brief was joined by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is once again asking the highest court in the land to silence voters and destroy the precious integrity of the American electoral process,\u201d said Leader Schumer. \u201cMail-in voting is proven safe and secure, and Trump\u2019s continued efforts to obstruct America\u2019s free and fair elections are blatant, unconstitutional attempts at interfering with the November midterms. Trump\u2019s message to the American people is clear: he isn\u2019t worried about voter fraud, he\u2019s afraid of voter accountability. I urge the court to uphold the Constitution and reject Trump\u2019s baseless attempt at poisoning our democracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresidents do not control our elections\u2014the American people do. Today, in a bipartisan agreement, Members defended the constitutional authority of Congress and deliberately chose to protect our elections from executive overreach. Our elections are safe and secure, and we intend to keep them that way. We will not allow USPS to put Americans\u2019 ballots at risk,\u201d said Ranking Member Morelle.\n\n\u201cThe Constitution is clear that the states and Congress make the rules for federal elections, not the President. Yet, in utter defiance of the Constitution, President Trump is attempting to use the Postal Service to decide who can and cannot receive a ballot just days before mail-in voting begins in some of the states. This is a naked power grab by a historically unpopular President\u2014who himself regularly votes by mail\u2014to inject confusion and chaos into our elections in a last-ditch effort to keep his party in power. It will not work. I\u2019m proud to stand with a strong bipartisan, bicameral group of current and former colleagues in urging the court to continue rejecting this lawless election interference,\u201d said Ranking Member Raskin.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and California\u2019s former Secretary of State and chief election officer, Padilla has championed election security and voting rights. Last month, Padilla led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop their illegal voter roll purges before election day. In June, Padilla joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in launching the first-ever Senate Election Observer Program to protect the 2026 midterms and maintain election integrity nationwide. The Task Force will continue meeting over the coming months to ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November. Padilla also convened a Rules Committee Democrats and Senate Democrats\u2019 Election Protection Task Force spotlight forum focused on state and local responses to combat efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine election administration in the upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, Padilla and his Senate colleagues demanded answers from Trump Administration officials about their lack of election security preparation, insufficient coordination with Congress and election officials, and unsupported public claims about voting system vulnerabilities. Earlier this year, Padilla and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a landmark mail-in voting case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled that states are allowed to count ballots received after Election Day.\n\nThe full brief is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-bunchs-decision-to-retire/", "Padilla Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch\u2019s Decision to Retire", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III announced his decision to depart from the Smithsonian Institution:\n\n\u201cSecretary Bunch has been instrumental in telling and preserving the story of our nation and our culture, putting truth and accuracy over politics. Since 2019, he has protected the Smithsonian\u2019s long-standing mission of telling the full story of America, and not shying away from the challenges and injustices many have faced throughout our history. I have had the honor of working with Secretary Bunch to ensure the voices of all Americans are represented and uplifted in our museums. I commend him for his longstanding service to our country and I wish him the best in his retirement.\n\n\u201cIn the face of Donald Trump\u2019s attacks on the Smithsonian, Secretary Bunch spoke truth to power and reasserted his commitment to defend and uphold American history and values. While I respect his decision to depart, the job now falls to the Board of Regents and Congress to ensure the success of his work will remain for generations to come.\n\n\u201cWhile Trump continues to try to re-write history, I will continue to fight to defend the Smithsonian\u2019s independence from Trump\u2019s pressure campaign and political agenda. And I fully expect the Regents and my colleagues in Congress to do the same.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-whitehouse-schiff-carbajal-lead-colleagues-in-filing-amicus-brief-challenging-trump-administrations-involvement-in-the-sable-offshore-pipeline-restart/", "Padilla, Whitehouse,\u00a0Schiff, Carbajal Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration\u2019s Involvement in the Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), led 14 of their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in California v. Wright, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, to challenge the Trump Administration\u2019s use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to facilitate the restart of the Sable Offshore oil pipeline system along California\u2019s Central Coast.\n\nThe brief argues that the Administration has failed to identify a legitimate national defense need for Sable\u2019s crude oil and that the DPA order does not satisfy the statutory requirements for invoking this extraordinary authority. Sable produces crude oil \u2014 not finished fuels used by the military\u2014and the order does not establish a connection between Sable\u2019s production and an unmet military fuel requirement.\n\n\u201cCalifornians have been clear: we don\u2019t want oil infrastructure off our coast,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThe Trump Administration is using a bogus justification to open our waters to their Big Oil donors, jeopardizing our environment and our economy. It\u2019s corrupt, it\u2019s dangerous, and I\u2019ll do everything in my power to stop it.\u201d\n\nSable Offshore acquired the Santa Ynez Unit from ExxonMobil in 2024. The pipeline had been out of service since the 2015 Refugio oil spill. In March 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the DPA and ordered Sable to restore pipeline operations. The brief argues that the Administration used national defense as a pretext to advance domestic energy policy and benefit a specific company.\n\n\u201cThis case is not about national defense. It is about a heavily leveraged, crude oil company asking the President to transform the Defense Production Act (DPA) from a statute designed to \u2018assure the availability of domestic energy supplies for national defense needs,\u2019 50 U.S.C. \u00a7 4502(a)(5), into a corporate rescue operation for political allies; a rescue that advances the Administration\u2019s political preference for fossil-fuel development at the expense of all other concerns,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe Department of Energy\u2019s (\u2018DOE\u2019) March 13, 2026 order (the \u2018Wright Order\u2019) comes nowhere close to identifying a need for Sable crude oil or pipelines in the Order\u2019s generalized invocation of California\u2019s military presence and increased reliance on foreign crude. DOE never explains why those general circumstances create a national-defense need for Sable\u2019s crude, much less how restarting its beleaguered pipelines would meet one.\n\n\u201cMerely invoking \u2018national defense\u2019 or an \u2018emergency\u2019 does not insulate executive action from the statutory prerequisites that Congress imposed in the DPA on the exercise of delegated authority,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cEnforcing these requirements, i.e., that the Secretary establish the statutory predicates for invoking the DPA, does not amount to second-guessing genuine executive judgments about national defense. Instead, enforcement honors the conditions precedent Congress imposed to prevent abuse of the DPA. DOE\u2019s failure to satisfy these statutory prerequisites invalidates the Wright Order.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Whitehouse, and Schiff, the amicus brief was filed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and Secretary Wright\u2019s \u2018national security\u2019 justification for invoking the Defense Production Act to restart flow of the Sable pipeline was clearly pretextual,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cThe order was intended to throw a lifeline to a failing fossil-fuel company facing a severe financial cliff. The Trump administration will do anything to please their fossil fuel megadonors, no matter the environmental and public safety risks.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe idea that reopening a damaged pipeline on the Central Coast of California is somehow imperative to our national defense \u2013 when killing other renewable energy sources is just fine, when data centers are demanding new energy and we\u2019re taking offline 90 to 95% of the new energy coming into the grid \u2013 tells you this has nothing to do with national security. It has nothing to do with your price at the pump. It only has to do with the president keeping a promise to the big oil companies, and we are all paying the price,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cOnce again, Trump is blatantly boosting the fossil fuel industry under guise of national security. They\u2019re betraying the real national interests of our communities and public health. Restarting the Sable pipeline displays this Administration\u2019s continued abuse of power, benefiting Trump\u2019s billionaire cronies at the expense of the American people. I will continue fighting to stop Trump\u2019s overreach threatening our environment,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is obsessed with abusing the Presidency to enrich his billionaire buddies while his policies keep sending everyday costs through the roof,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cThe Defense Production Act is a tool meant to help protect our national security\u2014not bail out the President\u2019s Big Oil donors. The Administration\u2019s phony justification for restarting this pipeline without environmental and safety review is blatant corruption, and it could seriously endanger public health. It must be stopped.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Carbajal, the amicus brief was filed by U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19).\n\n\u201cThe Sable pipeline restart is a classic example of the Trump administration abusing power to benefit political allies at the expense of local communities,\u201d said Representative Carbajal. \u201cAs our brief outlines, there was no legitimate national security justification for invoking the Defense Production Act on behalf of Sable. This Administration is clearly fixated on boosting the fossil fuel industry, even when doing so risks putting our environment and public health in harm\u2019s way. The people of Santa Barbara County and California have every right to be concerned about the pipeline restart given its role in the 2015 Refugio oil spill. I will keep fighting alongside my colleagues to hold the Administration accountable for this overreach and protect our communities\u2019 right to a safe environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump is turning the Defense Production Act into a blank check for Big Oil,\u201d said Representative Huffman. \u201cEmergency national security powers exist to protect this country in a crisis. They were never meant to force open an oil pipeline that has sat idle for more than a decade after fouling our coast. This is a fossil fuel giveaway dressed up as national security, designed to enrich Trump and reward his political allies. But it\u2019s our beaches, our coastal communities, and the businesses that depend on a clean, healthy ocean that will face the consequences if we let his sham continue. We have cleaned up this company\u2019s mess once already. Californians have defended this coast for decades, and we are not backing down.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s abuse of the Defense Production Act to revive the Sable pipeline is an unlawful corporate giveaway masquerading as a national security measure,\u201d said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. \u201cCalifornia communities know the devastating consequences of offshore oil spills. Congress created the Defense Production Act to protect our national security\u2014not to reward political allies, endanger our coastline and override vital environmental safeguards.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, we have been united against this Administration\u2019s illegal attempts to force fossil fuel projects at the expense of our state\u2019s environment and public health,\u201d said Representative Lofgren. \u201cTrump has always put oil company profits above Americans\u2019 well-being, but invoking the Defense Production Act for this pipeline is ridiculous. Californians don\u2019t want a repeat of the 2015 oil spill, and the Administration is overstepping its authority to put our environment and coastal economy at risk.\u201d\n\nPadilla has led the charge against offshore oil and gas leases. In May, Padilla, Schiff, and Carbajal launched an investigation into Sable Offshore Corp.\u2019s politicized efforts to restart oil drilling operations off the Santa Barbara coast and demanded answers about the company\u2019s collaboration with the Trump Administration to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) in relation to this project. In June, Padilla and Schiff introduced legislation to establish strict standards for offshore oil and gas operators and set requirements to hold them responsible for decommissioning and cleanup efforts off the coast.\n\nThe full amicus brief is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-continues-push-for-federal-film-tax-incentive-breaks-down-upcoming-elections-on-abc7/", "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Continues Push for Federal Film Tax Incentive, Breaks Down Upcoming Elections on ABC7", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Los Angeles, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined ABC7 Los Angeles\u2019 Josh Haskell to discuss his ongoing push to enact a bipartisan federal film tax incentive following President Donald Trump\u2019s Truth Social post last week declaring support for the passage of a federal incentive. Schiff highlighted how federal film tax credits would create thousands of jobs and support local economic growth in California and across the country.\n\nThe Senator also broke down efforts to disenfranchise voters which are being enacted ahead of the 2026 midterm election and outlined his agenda for safeguarding elections to ensure every American\u2019s right to vote is protected ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn the importance of a federal film tax incentive:\n\nThis is some rare, good news of bipartisan agreement in Congress. And that is, this is a fabulous industry. It brings a lot of good-paying jobs. It supports the local economy here in Burbank, Glendale. We have so much of the industry, and it\u2019s great for people who work in the industry. But it\u2019s also great for the dry cleaners. It\u2019s great for the caterers and the wardrobe people, and it supports the entire economy. But we\u2019re losing those jobs overseas because other countries have given tax incentives that we haven\u2019t matched. Now, for the first time, there\u2019s a lot of bipartisan interest in this, in getting a federal tax credit done. This is something I\u2019ve been carrying for years and years and years and fighting for. And now we have this rare confluence where the president is for it, Democrats are for it, Republicans are for it. So, we actually have a chance now, finally, to get it done.\n\nOn the administration\u2019s voting restriction plans:\n\n[\u2026] They realize I think there\u2019s going to be a major backlash against the tariffs, against the Iran war, against many of the president\u2019s policies that have raised the cost of living for Americans, and they want to basically discourage people from voting. Their hope is to win the election by depriving people of the franchise. So, all around the country, there\u2019s this attack on voting. There\u2019s a case right now before the Supreme Court. If the administration is successful, it will completely upend absentee voting. It will be chaos, which I think they hope for. Here in California, there\u2019s Prop 39, where it may require people to put their Social Security numbers, or some of them, or their driver\u2019s license numbers on their ballots before they mail them. If they forget, their vote doesn\u2019t count. If they use the wrong ID, their vote doesn\u2019t count. This is all designed to take away people\u2019s right to vote.\n\n[\u2026] I\u2019m also concerned, though, apart from these legal efforts or illegal efforts, that you could see interference at polling places on election day. You could see them dispatching the military or ICE as they threatened to do. When you consider that the last big contested election, the president was willing to incite people to attack the Capitol. You really can\u2019t put anything beyond or out of bounds.\n\nOn the impact of President Trump\u2019s increasing wealth on Americans:\n\n[\u2026] He has made 2.2 or 2.3 billion dollars in his first year as president. So yeah, there\u2019s a lot that needs to be looked into, and it shouldn\u2019t fall on just Democrats to do it. But Republicans have been unwilling to look at anything the president has done, no matter how corrupt. So yeah, there\u2019ll be investigations, but it\u2019ll be important always to bring it back to what\u2019s the impact of this corruption on people. And I think the impact is that because the president is so focused on making money for himself and his family, he\u2019s not focused on average American families. He\u2019s not focused on their cost of living. He doesn\u2019t care what the tariffs with Canada do to their income and whether they can afford to buy groceries. It\u2019s all about his own wealth. That that needs to be exposed.\n\nOn Trump\u2019s trade war with Canada:\n\nI think it\u2019s stupid and destructive. The Canadians have been our strongest allies. They fought side by side with us in every war we\u2019ve been engaged in, and to treat them this way and to engage in this just self-destructive trade war makes no sense at all. Canadians are not our enemies. And it\u2019s I think the Canadians don\u2019t recognize the United States anymore, which is a tragedy. Their government is having to recalibrate its relationship with us after such a productive partnership. It\u2019s just needless and senseless and harmful in raising the cost of living for people.\n\nOn the ongoing Iran war:\n\nI don\u2019t think we can afford it at all. And when you break it down, I think I\u2019ve seen some estimates that average families have now had to pay $1,700 to $2,300 more per year that this war has gone on, just in the increased cost of things. And then, of course, the most serious cost is we\u2019ve lost 18 service members. And the cost that those families have borne is just incalculable. So when the president downplays the significance of the war. Well, it may not matter much to him. It may not matter much to his family, but it matters a lot to Americans. And this needs to come to an end.\n\nOn the proposed land swap in Yosemite National Park:\n\nIt does concern me, and you mentioned investigations earlier. This is something we\u2019re investigating, and that is why this wealthy developer, why this particular proposal, when there are lots of hotel owners and other enterprises that would love to do business in Yosemite and love to have a road of their own. So why does this developer get a road of their own? Why do they get this special easement? It doesn\u2019t make any sense except for the money. You always follow the money. I\u2019m a former prosecutor. You follow the money. And generally, where the money leads with this administration is there\u2019s some corrupt bargain involved. The Forest Service shouldn\u2019t be selling off pieces of a treasure like Yosemite because they\u2019ve got some big donor involved.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-welch-condemn-dojs-failure-to-vigorously-defend-fundamental-gun-violence-prevention-law/", "Padilla, Welch Condemn DOJ\u2019s Failure to Vigorously Defend Fundamental Gun Violence Prevention Law", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led eleven colleagues in condemning the Department of Justice (DOJ)\u2019s refusal to seek immediate appellate relief from a recent district court decision striking down key regulatory requirements of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA).\n\nIn a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators expressed serious concerns about DOJ\u2019s failure to vigorously defend the NFA, a foundational federal gun violence prevention law that regulates some of the most dangerous concealable weapons in the country.\n\n\u201cFor months, DOJ has defended the NFA in court against legal challenges brought by the firearms industry, certain state attorneys general, and the gun lobby. But less than one week after you were confirmed as Attorney General, the Department appears to have reversed course,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cThe Department\u2019s failure to immediately pursue an appeal in support of the NFA calls into question statements you made to the United States Senate during your confirmation process and raises serious doubts about your willingness\u2014and ability\u2014to keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\nLast month, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas held unconstitutional the NFA\u2019s regulatory requirements for certain highly dangerous weapons. Although the court temporarily stayed its order to give DOJ time to seek immediate appellate relief, DOJ declined to do so, opting instead to let the court\u2019s injunction take effect.\n\n\u201cDOJ\u2019s failure to seek immediate relief is profoundly concerning\u2014for the integrity of the Department, the rule of law, and the public\u2019s safety,\u201d the Senators explained. \u201cThe Department has long recognized its \u2018duty to defend the constitutionality of an Act of Congress whenever a reasonable argument can be made in its support.\u2019 During your confirmation proceedings, you reiterated this precise principle\u2014including in the specific context of the NFA.\u201d The Senators went on to note that DOJ\u2019s sudden retreat appeared to be the result of a substantial pressure campaign by gun rights lobbyists and a group of Republican lawmakers.\n\nThe Senators demanded answers about DOJ\u2019s justification for not seeking immediate relief and called on DOJ to appeal the district court\u2019s decision.\n\n\u201cAs a result of DOJ\u2019s refusal to seek a stay of the District Court\u2019s order, some of the most dangerous concealable weapons in the country\u2014including those that have been used in several mass shootings\u2014can now be (and have been) bought and sold outside the NFA\u2019s heightened regulatory framework for the first time in nearly 100 years,\u201d concluded the Senators. \u201cWe urge the Department to resume its vigorous defense of the NFA and fulfill the promises you made to defend the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Welch, the letter was signed by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nPadilla has been a longtime advocate for commonsense, lifesaving gun safety measures. Last month, Padilla co-sponsored the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, bicameral legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons. Last year, Padilla and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08) introduced a bicameral bill to prevent federal contracts with gun dealers whose firearms are consistently linked to violent crime.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Attorney General Blanche:\n\nWe write to express our serious concern that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has chosen to abandon enforcement of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA)\u2014one of our nation\u2019s foundational federal gun violence prevention laws. For months, DOJ has defended the NFA in court against legal challenges brought by the firearms industry, certain state attorneys general, and the gun lobby. But less than one week after you were confirmed as Attorney General, the Department appears to have reversed course. The Department\u2019s failure to immediately pursue an appeal in support of the NFA calls into question statements you made to the United States Senate during your confirmation process and raises serious doubts about your willingness\u2014and ability\u2014to keep Americans safe.\n\nThe NFA regulates some of the most dangerous concealable firearms and devices in the country, including short-barreled shotguns, short-barreled rifles, and silencers. Enacted to address the \u201cgrowing frequency of crimes of violence in which people are killed or injured by the use of dangerous weapons,\u201d the NFA imposes (among other things) application, registration, and recordkeeping requirements for the importation, manufacturing, possession, and transfer of covered weapons. Since the NFA\u2019s enactment, these requirements have played a critical role in reducing the number of crimes involving these highly destructive weapons.\n\nOn August 5, 2026, however, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas struck down the NFA\u2019s regulatory requirements for certain firearms and devices as unconstitutional in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF. The court stayed its order for seven days to give DOJ time to seek a further stay from the Fifth Circuit. But rather than pursue immediate appellate relief\u2014and continue to vigorously defend the NFA as it had throughout the litigation \u2014DOJ stepped aside and let the court\u2019s injunction take effect.\n\nDOJ\u2019s failure to seek immediate relief is profoundly concerning\u2014for the integrity of the Department, the rule of law, and the public\u2019s safety. The Department has long recognized its \u201cduty to defend the constitutionality of an Act of Congress whenever a reasonable argument can be made in its support.\u201d During your confirmation proceedings, you reiterated this precise principle\u2014including in the specific context of the NFA. You explained that \u201c[t]he Department\u2019s duty is to defend the constitutionality of the laws passed by [Congress],\u201d and \u201c[t]o that end, the Department is presently defending the NFA against constitutional challenges.\u201d You further recognized that whether the NFA should be repealed is a policy question for Congress\u2019s \u201cmeasured judgment.\u201d\n\nThe Department\u2019s apparent abdication of its responsibility to defend the NFA\u2014just four days after your confirmation\u2014is impossible to reconcile with your statements to Congress. The Department has not identified any reason to believe that the legal arguments it has made to date in support of the NFA have somehow become unreasonable. To the contrary, the only explanation for the Department\u2019s about-face appears to be a substantial pressure campaign by gun rights lobbyists and a group of Republican lawmakers to dismantle longstanding gun laws they dislike. For example, just one day after Representative Andrew Clyde led a letter urging DOJ not to seek appellate relief, he purportedly \u201creceived confirmation from the Trump Administration that the DOJ will NOT appeal our historic court victory against the NFA,\u201d and thanked you and President Trump for \u201cdelivering the most significant Second Amendment win in OVER 90 YEARS.\u201d As you previously acknowledged, however, whether to repeal the NFA is a policy decision left to Congress. DOJ\u2019s role is to independently and impartially enforce the law as written. It is not to help favored groups effectively achieve through litigation what they failed to achieve through legislation.\n\nThe Department\u2019s decision has, and will continue to have, substantial repercussions for Americans\u2019 safety. The NFA\u2019s regulatory requirements help ensure that covered weapons are possessed only by law-abiding citizens and deter these weapons\u2019 criminal misuse. As a result of DOJ\u2019s refusal to seek a stay of the District Court\u2019s order, some of the most dangerous concealable weapons in the country\u2014including those that have been used in several mass shootings\u2014can now be (and have been) bought and sold outside the NFA\u2019s heightened regulatory framework for the first time in nearly 100 years. Even if DOJ were to eventually appeal the District Court\u2019s decision and succeed, the potential damage from weapons made and transferred outside the NFA in the interim cannot easily be undone.\n\nIn light of these serious concerns, we request written responses to the following questions no later than September 11:\n\nWhat \u201cconfirmation\u201d did DOJ provide Representative Clyde? Was it limited to not seeking a stay from the Fifth Circuit or did it also extend to not appealing the decision on the merits?\n\nDoes DOJ still commit to defending the constitutionality of an Act of Congress so long as a reasonable argument can be made in its support? If not, what standard are you using to determine whether to defend the constitutionality of federal laws?\n\nWhat was the Department\u2019s justification for declining to seek immediate relief in Silencer Shop? Please provide all communications with advocacy groups, Republican lawmakers, and the White House concerning this decision.\n\nWill the Department commit to enforcing the challenged NFA provisions against individuals and entities who are not covered by the Silencer Shop injunction?\n\nWill the Department commit to enforcing related firearms provisions\u2014such as 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 922(b)(4)\u2014that were not within the scope of the Silencer Shop injunction, including against any individuals or entities that may have violated these provisions in the wake of the District Court\u2019s decision?\n\nWill the Department continue to defend the NFA in ongoing litigation in other jurisdictions, including Brown v. ATF, No. 4:25-CV-01162 (E.D. Mo.) and Roberts v. ATF, No. 26-CV-00091 (E.D. Ky.)?\n\nHas the Department determined whether to appeal the Silencer Shop decision?\n\nIf so, please explain the specific justification for any such determination and provide all communication with advocacy groups, Republican lawmakers, and the White House concerning this conclusion.\n\nIf not, when does the Department plan to reach a decision? As a reminder, 28 U.SC. \u00a7 530D requires you to inform Congress of any decision not to appeal a judicial determination \u201cadversely affecting the constitutionality\u201d of a federal statute \u201cwithin such time as will reasonably enable the House of Representatives and the Senate to take action, separately or jointly, to intervene in timely fashion in the proceeding, but in no event later than 30 days after the making of [such] determination.\u201d\n\nThe NFA has helped protect Americans\u2019 safety for almost a century. And as DOJ explained earlier this year, the NFA\u2019s regulatory requirements \u201cfit[] squarely within Congress\u2019s constitutional authority.\u201d We urge the Department to resume its vigorous defense of the NFA and fulfill the promises you made to defend the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and keep Americans safe.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-morelle-demand-dhs-restore-cybersecurity-funding-to-protect-state-and-local-election-offices/", "Padilla, Morelle Demand DHS Restore Cybersecurity Funding to Protect State and Local Election Offices", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "DHS has failed to follow congressional direction to restore funding to help states with cyber threats, misinformation for 2026 midterms\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee, the top Democrats on the Senate and House congressional committees with jurisdiction over federal elections, demanded the Trump Administration immediately restore funding to the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which helps state and local election officials protect federal elections from cybersecurity threats and election mis- and disinformation campaigns, and provide an update on the rehiring of critical election security staff in regions across the country.\n\nIn a letter directed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Acting Director Nicholas Andersen, Padilla and Morelle highlighted the national security threats that underscore the importance of ensuring election cybersecurity safeguards for the upcoming midterm elections, including Trump\u2019s war with Iran and recent reported cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.\n\n\u201cFollowing the removal of hundreds of CISA personnel and attempts by the Trump Administration to slash the agency\u2019s budget, CISA is only just now beginning to take steps to reestablish working relationships with election officials and rehire critical staff ahead of the 2026 midterms,\u201d wrote Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle. \u201cThis is particularly disturbing at a time when our nation is at war with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has reportedly engaged in sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, including on water infrastructure in the United States and nuclear energy facilities in the United Kingdom. Russia, China, and other foreign and non-state actors also have significant cyber and online election interference capabilities, which are likely increasing with advances in artificial intelligence technology.\u201d\n\nPadilla and Morelle urged the restoration of federal funding for the EI-ISAC to enable more state and local governments to participate in this voluntary partnership between the Center for Internet Security (CIS), CISA, and the Election Infrastructure Subsector Government Coordinating Council (GCC). Many state and local election offices benefited from this partnership, but participation has dropped after the Trump Administration terminated federal funding for it in 2025 under then DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, leaving many jurisdictions in the dark about cyber threats. In 2024, the EI-ISAC provided roughly 3,700 election jurisdictions access to a real-time operations center, curated threat intelligence feeds, intrusion analysis, and rapid incident response. Federal funding cuts are expected to force out two-thirds of the states and thousands of local governments that currently partner with EI-ISAC.\n\nCongress directed DHS to restore federal funding to the EI-ISAC, previously around $10 million annually, when it enacted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Homeland Security funding law. With that funding, local election offices were to receive services such as detection, coordination, and/or mitigation of cybersecurity attacks or mis- and disinformation campaigns, all at no cost to state and local governments.\n\n\u201cOver four months ago, in April, Congress provided clear, bipartisan instructions in the report accompanying FY 2026 DHS Appropriations \u2018to continue Election Security Program activities funded in fiscal year 2024, including Election Security Advisors in each CISA Region and the continuation of the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC),\u2019\u201d continued Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle. \u201cHowever, under your leadership, CISA has still not provided any of the over $39.6 million in appropriated funds to the EI-ISAC.\u201d\n\nPadilla and Morelle highlighted that without this funding, the EI-ISAC is unable to provide security training to under-resourced communities that cannot opt-in to its paid membership. They requested the agencies release this funding, ensure CISA is sufficiently staffed with election roles prior to the midterm elections, and provide answers about the delay in FY26 federal funds.\n\n\u201cThe failure to restore this funding as directed by Congress is a disservice to the thousands of election jurisdictions across this country,\u201d Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle concluded. \u201cAs a result, we urgently remind you of your responsibility to ensure that funding is restored to the EI-ISAC immediately and request a response by September 9, 2026 on the status of the disbursement of this funding and the hiring of critical election roles at CISA.\u201d\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections and California\u2019s former Secretary of State, Padilla has been a vocal leader in protecting our elections. Last month, with less than 100 days until the midterm elections, Padilla led a letter to the Department of Justice and state\u2019s chief election officers against illegal voter list maintenance practices that may remove eligible voters from state voter registration lists\u2019 during the National Voter Registration Act\u2019s 90-day \u201cquiet period.\u201d Padilla has also been strongly opposed to the significant workforce reductions at CISA and the lack of transparency regarding the agency\u2019s elections-related services. Along with Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Morelle, Padilla has written to CISA regarding staff cuts, internal review documents, access that was provided to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency,and leadership vacancies. Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle continue to fight efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine federal agencies\u2019 election security work. In addition to warning CISA leadership, Padilla and Morelle sounded the alarm about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump\u2019s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Andersen:\n\nWith the midterm elections occurring in two months, we write with grave concern that time is running out for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to act to assist state and local election officials in protecting our elections from cyber and mis- and disinformation threats.\n\nFollowing the removal of hundreds of CISA personnel and attempts by the Trump Administration to slash the agency\u2019s budget, CISA is now only just beginning to take steps to reestablish working relationships with election officials and rehire critical staff ahead of the 2026 midterms. This is particularly disturbing at a time when our nation is at war with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has reportedly engaged in sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, including on water infrastructure in the United States and nuclear energy facilities in the United Kingdom. Russia, China, and other foreign and non-state actors also have significant cyber and online election interference capabilities, which are likely increasing with advances in artificial intelligence technology.\n\nWhile there is a long way to go to repair trust with election officials and find qualified candidates to fill these important roles \u2013 work that will not be accomplished before November 3, 2026 \u2013 we write to remind you that Congress has directed DHS and CISA to immediately support state and local election officials through the restoration of federal funds to the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). We urge you to follow that direction immediately and explain the delay as to why federal funds have not yet been provided in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.\n\nOver four months ago, in April, Congress provided clear, bipartisan instructions in the report accompanying FY 2026 DHS Appropriations \u201cto continue Election Security Program activities funded in fiscal year 2024, including Election Security Advisors in each CISA Region and the continuation of the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC).\u201d However, under your leadership, CISA has still not provided any of the over $39.6 million in appropriated funds to the EI-ISAC.\n\nAdministrations of both parties have recognized that election security is national security and that the federal government has a responsibility to support state and local election offices in their efforts to protect against cyber and mis- and disinformation threats, some of which come from foreign actors. For years, the EI-ISAC provided election security services to local election offices at no cost before the federal government abruptly cut their federal funding in March 2025. While the EI-ISAC has continued providing some services to a limited number of offices through a paid membership model, it now lacks the reach it once had and is unable to share this critical information around cyber threats and security training to under-resourced communities who have not, or cannot, opt in to this new model.\n\nThe failure to restore this funding as directed by Congress is a disservice to the thousands of election jurisdictions across this country. As a result, we urgently remind you of your responsibility to ensure that funding is restored to the EI-ISAC immediately and request a response by September 9, 2026 on the status of the disbursement of this funding and the hiring of critical election roles at CISA.\n\nThank you for your urgent attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-nearly-150-million-in-federal-funding-for-la-metro-vermont-transit-corridor-bus-rapid-transit-project/", "Padilla, Schiff Announce Nearly $150 Million in Federal Funding for LA Metro Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid\u202fTransit\u202fProject", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) announcement that it is providing nearly $150 million in federal funds for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority\u2019s Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The federal funding, which Padilla and Schiff have championed, was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is the maximum amount permitted under the Capital Investment Grant\u2019s Small Starts Program.\n\nThe Vermont Avenue BRT Project will include 12.4 miles of all-day dedicated side-running bus lanes. The project will also provide 26 enhanced bus stations along the route with upgraded lighting to improve public safety, as well as installing safety-focused crosswalks. The Vermont Avenue BRT Project is a key component of LA Metro\u2019s transportation plan for the 2028 Olympics and is expected to significantly reduce travel time on major transit corridors across Metro\u2019s service area during the games.\n\n\u201cOur local public transit systems are the backbone of economy, connecting people to jobs, schools, essential services, and opportunities in their communities,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cAs Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we must ensure Angelenos and visitors alike can rely on safe, accessible, and high-quality public transportation. With the Games now less than two years away, this funding is an important down payment, and we look forward to working with DOT and the Administration to secure the remaining federal transportation investment essential to making the Games a success.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to work with Senator Padilla, our Congressional partners, and local leaders in securing these important federal dollars that will help deliver safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for thousands of Angelenos ahead of the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,\u201d said Senator Schiff. \u201cThis investment will support local economic growth, upgrade bus stations along the route, reduce travel time, and connect thousands of people along one of Los Angeles County\u2019s busiest bus routes.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am grateful to U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and to our LA County Congressional Delegation, for their strong and effective advocacy for the Vermont Avenue BRT Project,\u201d said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. \u201cThis Congressional support will benefit hundreds of thousands of Angelenos, as this project will, in the near future, be the highest ridership bus rapid transit project in the United States. The support of the Federal Transit Administration and our U.S. Senators and House delegation also means that this project will play a key role with respect to our mobility plans for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Metro very much looks forward to building this project that will improve the quality of life for so many LA County residents.\u201d\n\nSenator Padilla has been a strong advocate for critical funding for transit access across California. Earlier this month, Padilla and Schiff joined their Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, including its continued lack of action on the next phase of Metro\u2019s Southeast Gateway line, which is critical to strengthening and expanding transit infrastructure in Los Angeles. In April, Padilla announced that the Los Angeles metro area would receive nearly $90 million for transit costs associated with hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. In 2024, Padilla announced new federal transportation infrastructure investments for the LA region and nearly $900 million in federal investments in LA Metro to improve mobility and upgrade transportation infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-rep-aguilar-deliver-more-than-1-million-for-cal-state-san-bernardino-ai-research-center/", "NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Rep. Aguilar Deliver More Than $1 Million For Cal State San Bernardino AI Research Center", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "New investment in the Inland Empire is part of more than $258 million in federal funds Schiff delivered for California for fiscal year 2026\n\nSan Bernardino, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33) announced that they delivered more than $1 million in federal funding for California State University, San Bernardino. The new investment will support the college completing the buildout and launch of The Applied Research Training Center in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Virtual Reality.\n\nThis federal project will support a new hands-on facility, launched by Cal State San Bernardino with the support of industry partners and government agencies, which will expand on the college\u2019s cybersecurity workforce development program and will incorporate AI-driven security solutions and VR-based training to cultivate a workforce pipeline positioned to navigate complexities around modern cybersecurity, supply chain, and logistics roles.\n\nSenator Schiff and Congressman Aguilar secured this federal investment as part of Congress\u2019s fiscal year 2026 funding package, and funding is now being disbursed to the university. This investment is part of the more than $258 million in federal funds Schiff delivered for California for fiscal year 2026.\n\n\u201cCal State San Bernardino plays a critical role in preparing students in the Inland Empire for jobs of the future,\u201d said Senator Schiff. \u201cAs artificial intelligence transforms our economy, this new research and training center will ensure students are ready to harness AI advancements as they enter the workforce. I\u2019m proud that Congressman Aguilar and I delivered more than a million dollars toward making sure California students continue leading the way in the innovations of tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\u201cHere in the Inland Empire, it\u2019s essential that we invest in innovative technology training to ensure that young people entering the workforce have the tools they need to succeed,\u201d said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33). \u201cI was proud to work with Senator Schiff to deliver this critical funding for CSUSB\u2019s Applied Research Training Center to give students more opportunities to build good-paying careers right here in our community.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-colleagues-statement-opposing-israeli-governments-e1-settlement-tenders/", "Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues Statement Opposing Israeli Government\u2019s E1 Settlement Tenders", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Statement follows a joint effort with 45 Senators urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately crack down on settler violence and settler expansion in the West Bank\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and 27 Democratic colleagues, issued the following statement opposing the Israeli government\u2019s decision to issue tenders for the construction of 1,234 housing units in the E1 settlement project:\n\n\u201cConstruction in the E1 area would sever East Jerusalem from major Palestinian population centers and make a viable contiguous Palestinian state under a two-state solution far harder to achieve. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized that development in E1 would seriously jeopardize the prospects for a Palestinian state. That concern remains just as urgent today.\n\n\u201cAt a time when settler violence \u2014 including violence against Palestinian Americans \u2014 is reaching unprecedented levels in the West Bank and severe restrictions continue to constrain Palestinian movement and the Palestinian economy, moving forward with construction in E1 risks further destabilizing the West Bank and making a negotiated resolution even more difficult.\n\n\u201cWe urge the Israeli government to immediately rescind these tenders, halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, and take urgent action to rein in settler violence. Without a change in course, Israel risks weakening its international standing and undermining its prospects for long-term security. We also urge the Trump administration to make full use of its existing authorities, including targeted sanctions on individuals and entities.\n\n\u201cThe United States must remain committed to a two-state solution that delivers lasting peace and security for both the Jewish, democratic State of Israel and for a future Palestinian state. Construction in E1 would take us further away from that goal.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schiff, and Gallego, the statement was issued by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-six-costly-months-of-trumps-war-with-iran/", "Padilla Statement on Six Costly Months of Trump\u2019s War with Iran", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after Donald Trump\u2019s war with Iran reached the 6-month mark:\n\n\u201cSix months into Donald Trump\u2019s unauthorized war against Iran, American families are less safe and paying the price through rising costs and their taxpayer dollars funding Trump\u2019s reckless whims. Most tragically, 18 service members have died for Donald Trump\u2019s shortsightedness.\n\n\u201cThis catastrophe is entirely of Donald Trump\u2019s making. Prior to Trump entering office, Iran had agreed to limit its uranium enrichment through the JCPOA \u2014 which also included agreements with adversaries like Russia and China to help constrain Iran\u2019s nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz was open and free from Iranian control. Now, because of Trump\u2019s incompetence, the opposite is true. Instead of enforcing checks on the Iranian regime, Russia and China are helping Iran sustain the war and the Strait of Hormuz is far from open.\n\n\u201cThis is a failed war from a failed president. American service members deserve better and the American people deserve better. Congress must rein in this out-of-control president.\u201c\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sens-schiff-padilla-cortez-masto-urge-trump-admin-to-abandon-reckless-plan-to-equip-ice-with-electric-shock-gloves/", "ICYMI: Sens. Schiff, Padilla, Cortez Masto Urge Trump Admin to Abandon Reckless Plan to Equip ICE with Electric Shock Gloves", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Senate colleagues to call on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Their letter also demands that ICE provide Congress with answers and documentation for over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, accountability measures, and more.\n\nOn August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE\u2019s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock. The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. Despite opposition, on August 27, ICE moved forward with a $16.7 million no-bid contract for these gloves without providing Congress responses to questions.\n\n\u201cWe write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,\u201d the Senators began. \u201c\u2026The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency\u2019s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cThose questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE\u2019s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests \u2013 even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when the American people have demanded de-escalation in immigration enforcement, it is not clear why existing tools and tactics are insufficient for the agency,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn the past year, DHS has repeatedly spent millions of taxpayer dollars on purchases it ends up not using, including $464 million for airplanes, $700 million on warehouses, and more than $2.25 million for SUVs wrapped with ICE branding. Many of these ICE transactions, including the planned electric-shock glove purchase, are completed through no-bid contracts that circumvent the normal competitive procurement process without a sufficient rationale.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device\u2019s safety and authorized uses,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be viewed here and below.\n\nDear Acting Director Venturella,\n\nWe write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks. Over the past year, ICE personnel have been involved in numerous well-documented incidents of excessive force and civil rights violations. These incidents have shown the American people that ICE personnel are not adequately trained or accountable for their interactions with civilians. The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency\u2019s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.\n\nOn August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE\u2019s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock that is described as a \u201cConductive Distraction and De-escalation Device,\u201d for use by both Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. Congress has an obligation to ensure that federal law enforcement agencies have the resources necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used for tools that are necessary, proportionate, and subject to meaningful safeguards. The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights. Those questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE\u2019s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests \u2013 even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.\n\nICE personnel have access to pepper spray, Tasers, batons, and restraint techniques, not to mention deescalation strategies that are widely used by law enforcement throughout the country. At a time when the American people have demanded de-escalation in immigration enforcement, it is not clear why existing tools and tactics are insufficient for the agency. In the past year, DHS has repeatedly spent millions of taxpayer dollars on purchases it ends up not using, including $464 million for airplanes, $700 million on warehouses, and more than $2.25 million for SUVs wrapped with ICE branding. Many of these ICE transactions, including the planned electric shock glove purchase, are completed through no-bid contracts that circumvent the normal competitive procurement process without a sufficient rationale. This history raises concerns about wasteful spending and unethical contracting practices that could benefit individuals who have personal relationships with administration officials rather than those who can provide the best service at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.\n\nIf ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device\u2019s safety and authorized uses. The manufacturer identifies restrictions on the device\u2019s use, including limitations involving children, pregnant women, elderly or disabled individuals, and repeated or simultaneous use. The manufacturer also warns that use of the electric-shock glove may cause or contribute to death or serious injury, and that longer exposure increases that potential risk. If it proceeds with this contract, ICE must establish and make public clear, enforceable limits on when and against whom the electric-shock gloves may be used, especially given that ICE may not be able to immediately assess whether an individual is pregnant or disabled. Given that ICE is most frequently engaged in civil immigration enforcement rather than criminal arrests, the agency must carefully evaluate whether deployment of the electric-shock gloves in such situations is proportionate to the task.\n\nICE must also establish and make public the training requirements the agency will put in place prior to and throughout any potential deployment of these gloves. Over the past year, ICE has undermined the public\u2019s trust in the agency\u2019s training standards by putting new personnel into operational situations who are not properly vetted or adequately trained. Training for ICE recruits was slashed before being extended again following significant backlash. Additionally, ICE has put new recruits in the field before even completing their background checks, with tragic consequences. The issuance of these electric-shock gloves to personnel in the field without sufficient training would be yet another failure of ICE in the eyes of the public.\n\nICE has continually failed to meet basic standards of transparency and accountability. The electric-shock gloves present a particular accountability challenge because the use of force may cause significant pain and internal injury without necessarily producing obvious visible injuries. If the electric-shock gloves are deployed, ICE must establish a robust system for documenting and reviewing every deployment and instance of use. ICE should not deploy the gloves without evidence that personnel understand and take seriously the device\u2019s risks and that individuals subjected to its use can receive an appropriate medical response. ICE must also ensure robust internal procedures for investigating misuse of the device and all use-of-force tools provided to personnel, and effective consequences for those who are found to have abused them.\n\nIn light of these many concerns, we request answers to the following questions and production of the documents identified below.\n\nNecessity, Procurement, and Alternatives\n\nWhat specific operational capability does the G.L.O.V.E. provide that existing ICE defensive tactics and less-lethal tools\u2014including pepper spray, Tasers, batons, and restraint techniques\u2014do not? Please provide the operational analysis or other documentation supporting the acquisition.\n\nHow many electric-shock gloves does ICE intend to purchase, at what projected per-unit cost? How many personnel will be issued the device?\n\nWhat alternatives did ICE consider before selecting the G.L.O.V.E.?\n\nDid ICE consult with other law enforcement agencies that use the device regarding effectiveness, injuries, complaints, misuse, training requirements, or other concerns?\n\nPlease provide the justification for the purchase of the G.L.O.V.E. via a non-competitive contract process.\n\nSafety and Appropriate Use\n\nHow does ICE classify the G.L.O.V.E. under DHS Use of Force Policy 044-05? Are the electric-shock gloves considered a de-escalation tactic under this policy?\n\nIn what specific circumstances will use of the electric-shock gloves be authorized?\n\nWill use of the electric-shock gloves require supervisory authorization?\n\nWhich positions and units will carry the device?\n\nWhat is the protocol for usage of the electric-shock gloves? Will ICE personnel be instructed to issue a warning before gloves are activated?\n\nWill ICE expressly prohibit use of the electric-shock gloves as a routine compliance or punishment tool?\n\nWhat restrictions will apply to vulnerable populations?\n\nWill ICE prohibit the use of the electric-shock gloves against animals?\n\nWill ICE prohibit the use of the electric-shock gloves in crowd-control situations?\n\nWhat restrictions will govern the duration and repetition of electrical shocks?\n\nWill the electric-shock gloves be authorized for use against U.S. citizens?\n\nWill the electric-shock gloves be authorized for use in custodial settings? Will they be authorized for use in removal operations?\n\nHow will protocol for use differ between HSI and ERO?\n\nTesting, Medical Safety, and Training\n\nWhat testing has DHS or ICE conducted or reviewed concerning the safety and effectiveness of the electric-shock gloves? Please provide all manufacturer testing, independent testing, medical evaluations, risk assessments, and other relevant documentation.\n\nWill ICE conduct a limited pilot program before broad deployment? If so, provide the parameters, location, duration, and evaluation criteria for the pilot.\n\nWhat medical contraindications or risks has ICE identified related to use of the electricshock gloves?\n\nWhat training will be required before an officer or agent may carry or use the electricshock gloves? Please provide all existing and proposed training and written guidance concerning the G.L.O.V.E., including curricula, lesson plans, instructor materials, certification standards, policy directives, field guidance, and manufacturer training materials.\n\nWill ICE require recurring certification and refresher training? Please provide the certification requirements, frequency of recertification, proficiency standards, and consequences for personnel who fail to maintain certification.\n\nAccountability, Reporting, and Oversight\n\nWhat is the required response when a person is injured or appears to be in medical distress following use of the electric-shock gloves? Please provide the applicable medical response protocols, including requirements for medical evaluation, documentation, notification of supervisors, and preservation of evidence.\n\nWill every activation or use of the electric-shock gloves against a person be reported as a use of force?\n\nWill ICE require body-worn cameras to be activated and operational whenever the electric-shock gloves are deployed, regardless of whether the officers are in plainclothes?\n\nWill every activation require written justification and supervisory review? Please identify who will review these incidents, what factors supervisors must consider, and what specific consequences will apply when personnel violate the applicable restrictions.\n\nHow will ICE track complaints and injuries? Will ICE maintain and publicly report data concerning internal and external complaints, injuries, improper uses, disciplinary actions, and uses of force involving the electric-shock gloves?\n\nHow will ICE evaluate, track, and report complaints of civil rights violations involving the use of the electric-shock gloves?\n\nWill ICE conduct an independent audit of the program?\n\nPlease provide records reflecting any internal concerns or objections regarding the electric-shock gloves, including communications involving the Office of Tactical Programs and Firearms.\n\nWe request that ICE provide written responses to the questions above and produce the requested documents no later than September 10, 2026. The American people have made it clear that ICE must de-escalate its immigration enforcement operations. ICE must refrain from deployment of the G.L.O.V.E. and instead invest in de-escalation tools, training, and accountability. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-call-for-official-investigation-into-ices-attempt-to-enter-sacramento-immigration-law-firm/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Call for Official Investigation into ICE\u2019s Attempt to Enter Sacramento Immigration Law Firm", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, formally demanded an investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) recent attempt to enter an immigration law firm in Sacramento, California.\n\n\u201cThe reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm\u2019s premises. We request a thorough investigation into this operation, including a review of the officer\u2019s conduct, threats made by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE personnel, and timely and comprehensive responses to our questions about ICE\u2019s perceived authorities to conduct such actions,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nIn an inquiry directed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director David J. Ventulla, the lawmakers are pressing for answers on the purpose of ICE\u2019s attempted entry onto Morris Law Group\u2019s premises, on ICE failing to secure a judicial warrant prior to arriving at the firm, information about ICE\u2019s policies to enter private property without warrants and on alleged threats of violence made by an ICE officer during their attempt to gain entry. The lawmakers also pushed back against DHS\u2019s statement that ICE officers were not aware that this address was a law firm prior to their arrival, though the firm\u2019s name was clearly legible on its premises.\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cafter months of significant community indignation, unanswered congressional oversight, and commitments from DHS Secretary Mullin at his nomination hearing that DHS \u201cwill not enter a home or a place of business without a judicial warrant, unless we\u2019re pursuing the individual that runs into a place of business or a house,\u201d DHS is again failing to comply with the law, its commitment to Congress, and its promise to the American people.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found hereand below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Venturella:\n\nIt has come to our attention that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted an operation in Sacramento, California on Friday, August 14 at an immigration law firm named Morris Law Group. The reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm\u2019s premises. We request a thorough investigation into this operation, including a review of the officer\u2019s conduct, threats made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE personnel, and timely and comprehensive responses to our questions about ICE\u2019s perceived authorities to conduct such actions.\n\nThe behavior carried out by DHS enforcement officers and agents throughout this last year in Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, make clear that immigration enforcement officers and agents are capable of and have acted without regard for the safety and civil liberties of individuals. It is clear that some DHS enforcement personnel wrongly believe they can enter individuals\u2019 private properties, including places of business, without valid, judicial warrants required by the Fourth Amendment (notwithstanding exigent circumstances that could be sufficiently established in a court of law). After months of significant community indignation, unanswered congressional oversight, and commitments from DHS Secretary Mullin at his nomination hearing that DHS \u201cwill not enter a home or a place of business without a judicial warrant, unless we\u2019re pursuing the individual that runs into a place of business or a house,\u201d DHS is again failing to comply with the law, its commitment to Congress, and its promise to the American people.\n\nReporting also states that this same ICE officer claimed to have a \u201clist\u201d from \u201cWashington, D.C.\u201d which listed the building\u2019s address for inspection and that the officers wanted to \u201ctour the office for beds.\u201d Furthermore, in DHS\u2019s statement to KCRA 3 following the reporting of this incident, DHS stated that ICE officers approached \u201can unmarked door\u201d and believed it to be an address with beds, but that after learning it was a law firm, left. We are baffled by this statement. First, a Google search of this address shows that it is a law firm. Second, a Google street view image of the address shows clearly that \u201cMorris Law Group\u201d is written on the front of the entire building, right next to the building number. We find DHS\u2019s statement troubling and unsatisfactory.\n\nICE\u2019s conduct here is another example of a broader, systemic effort by this administration to intimidate immigrant communities and the attorneys and legal representatives who represent them. We refuse to tolerate these efforts to target law firms and organizations based solely on who their clients may be or their practice areas. Federal immigration officers and agents must comply with the law as all other federal law enforcement agents are required.\n\nWe are troubled by the serious allegations that ICE officers attempted to enter private property without a judicial warrant and further threatened to return to the law firm at 3 a.m. to \u201cbreak windows\u201d to enter private property. We request that DHS and ICE promptly investigate the nature of these threats by its officers, and request responses to the following questions:\n\nWhat was the purpose of the ICE operation on August 14 at Morris Law Group?\n\nWhy did the ICE officers fail to secure a judicial warrant prior to their arrival at Morris Law Group\u2019s premises?\n\nWhat is ICE\u2019s protocol or policy regarding requiring judicial warrants to enter private property since Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the DHS Secretary? Where and when was that policy made public?\n\nWill DHS and ICE commit to investigating this incident, including the allegation that an ICE officer claimed they could return at \u201c3 a.m.\u201d to \u201cbreak windows\u201d to enter private property, and share the outcome of that investigation with our offices?\n\nWhat is ICE\u2019s policy regarding investigating officers who threaten violence during enforcement actions?\n\nAre ICE officers required to be trained in deescalation in the context enforcement actions? If so, is that training required prior to beginning employment? Are there additional and continuous deescalation trainings throughout their term of employment? Please provide all documentation regarding ICE\u2019s policy and training protocol regarding deescalation.\n\nWhy did ICE officers request to tour the law firm offices for beds?\n\nReporting indicates that ICE officers received a \u201clist\u201d from \u201cWashington, D.C.\u201d for this enforcement action.\n\nFrom whom did they receive this list?\n\nWhat is the process for creating lists of targets for ICE enforcement actions? Please provide a list of the offices and officials involved in the process, both at DHS and ICE, as well as any engagement by the White House and other federal agencies.\n\nWhat is the process for creating targeting lists of law firms or legal service providers and what factors are considered for such lists? Please provide a list of the offices and officials involved in the process, both at DHS and ICE, as well as any engagement by the White House and other federal agencies.\n\nWho are the officials responsible for creating and approving such lists and distributing them to ICE officers?\n\nWhat were the specific factors that established Morris Law Group as a target for this enforcement action?\n\nWas this enforcement action anchored in seeking a particular individual? Or does DHS believe it can target locations without a particular human target?\n\nWas the ICE San Francisco Field Office leading this enforcement operation?\n\nIf yes, what is the protocol for coordinating with the ICE San Francisco Field Office to prepare lists of individuals or law firms subject to enforcement actions?\n\nIf not, which ICE Field Office was tasked with carrying out this enforcement action?\n\nHow many officers were involved and were they wearing body cameras? If not, why not?\n\nDoes ICE have a protocol for verifying addresses before arriving at them?\n\nIf yes, why was this protocol not followed in this instance? Will ICE investigate possible lack of compliance with protocol here?\n\nIf not, why not?\n\nGiven the serious allegations of this incident, we request responses by Friday, September 11. We appreciate your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-call-for-official-investigation-into-ices-attempt-to-enter-sacramento-immigration-law-firm/", "Padilla, Schiff Call for Official Investigation into ICE\u2019s Attempt to Enter Sacramento Immigration Law Firm", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, formally demanded an investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) recent attempt to enter an immigration law firm in Sacramento, California.\n\n\u201cThe reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm\u2019s premises,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cWe request a thorough investigation into this operation, including a review of the officer\u2019s conduct, threats made by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE personnel, and timely and comprehensive responses to our questions about ICE\u2019s perceived authorities to conduct such actions.\u201d\n\nIn their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David J. Venturella, the lawmakers pressed for answers on the purpose of ICE\u2019s attempted entry onto Morris Law Group\u2019s premises, ICE\u2019s failure to secure a judicial warrant prior to arriving at the firm, information about ICE\u2019s policies to enter private property without warrants, and on allegedthreats of violence made by an ICE officer during their attempt to gain entry. The lawmakers also pushed back against DHS\u2019s statement that ICE officers were not aware that this address was a law firm prior to their arrival, given the firm\u2019s name was clearly legible on its premises.\n\n\u201cAfter months of significant community indignation, unanswered congressional oversight, and commitments from DHS Secretary Mullin at his nomination hearing that DHS \u2018will not enter a home or a place of business without a judicial warrant, unless we\u2019re pursuing the individual that runs into a place of business or a house,\u2019 DHS is again failing to comply with the law, its commitment to Congress, and its promise to the American people,\u201d continued the Senators.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Venturella:\n\nIt has come to our attention that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted an operation in Sacramento, California on Friday, August 14 at an immigration law firm named Morris Law Group. The reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm\u2019s premises. We request a thorough investigation into this operation, including a review of the officer\u2019s conduct, threats made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE personnel, and timely and comprehensive responses to our questions about ICE\u2019s perceived authorities to conduct such actions.\n\nThe behavior carried out by DHS enforcement officers and agents throughout this last year in Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, make clear that immigration enforcement officers and agents are capable of and have acted without regard for the safety and civil liberties of individuals. It is clear that some DHS enforcement personnel wrongly believe they can enter individuals\u2019 private properties, including places of business, without valid, judicial warrants required by the Fourth Amendment (notwithstanding exigent circumstances that could be sufficiently established in a court of law). After months of significant community indignation, unanswered congressional oversight, and commitments from DHS Secretary Mullin at his nomination hearing that DHS \u201cwill not enter a home or a place of business without a judicial warrant, unless we\u2019re pursuing the individual that runs into a place of business or a house,\u201d DHS is again failing to comply with the law, its commitment to Congress, and its promise to the American people.\n\nReporting also states that this same ICE officer claimed to have a \u201clist\u201d from \u201cWashington, D.C.\u201d which listed the building\u2019s address for inspection and that the officers wanted to \u201ctour the office for beds.\u201d Furthermore, in DHS\u2019s statement to KCRA 3 following the reporting of this incident, DHS stated that ICE officers approached \u201can unmarked door\u201d and believed it to be an address with beds, but that after learning it was a law firm, left. We are baffled by this statement. First, a Google search of this address shows that it is a law firm. Second, a Google street view image of the address shows clearly that \u201cMorris Law Group\u201d is written on the front of the entire building, right next to the building number. We find DHS\u2019s statement troubling and unsatisfactory.\n\nICE\u2019s conduct here is another example of a broader, systemic effort by this administration to intimidate immigrant communities and the attorneys and legal representatives who represent them. We refuse to tolerate these efforts to target law firms and organizations based solely on who their clients may be or their practice areas. Federal immigration officers and agents must comply with the law as all other federal law enforcement agents are required.\n\nWe are troubled by the serious allegations that ICE officers attempted to enter private property without a judicial warrant and further threatened to return to the law firm at 3 a.m. to \u201cbreak windows\u201d to enter private property. We request that DHS and ICE promptly investigate the nature of these threats by its officers, and request responses to the following questions:\n\nWhat was the purpose of the ICE operation on August 14 at Morris Law Group?\n\nWhy did the ICE officers fail to secure a judicial warrant prior to their arrival at Morris Law Group\u2019s premises?\n\nWhat is ICE\u2019s protocol or policy regarding requiring judicial warrants to enter private property since Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the DHS Secretary? Where and when was that policy made public?\n\nWill DHS and ICE commit to investigating this incident, including the allegation that an ICE officer claimed they could return at \u201c3 a.m.\u201d to \u201cbreak windows\u201d to enter private property, and share the outcome of that investigation with our offices?\n\nWhat is ICE\u2019s policy regarding investigating officers who threaten violence during enforcement actions?\n\nAre ICE officers required to be trained in deescalation in the context enforcement actions? If so, is that training required prior to beginning employment? Are there additional and continuous deescalation trainings throughout their term of employment? Please provide all documentation regarding ICE\u2019s policy and training protocol regarding deescalation.\n\nWhy did ICE officers request to tour the law firm offices for beds?\n\nReporting indicates that ICE officers received a \u201clist\u201d from \u201cWashington, D.C.\u201d for this enforcement action.\n\nFrom whom did they receive this list?\n\nWhat is the process for creating lists of targets for ICE enforcement actions? Please provide a list of the offices and officials involved in the process, both at DHS and ICE, as well as any engagement by the White House and other federal agencies.\n\nWhat is the process for creating targeting lists of law firms or legal service providers and what factors are considered for such lists? Please provide a list of the offices and officials involved in the process, both at DHS and ICE, as well as any engagement by the White House and other federal agencies.\n\nWho are the officials responsible for creating and approving such lists and distributing them to ICE officers?\n\nWhat were the specific factors that established Morris Law Group as a target for this enforcement action?\n\nWas this enforcement action anchored in seeking a particular individual? Or does DHS believe it can target locations without a particular human target?\n\nWas the ICE San Francisco Field Office leading this enforcement operation?\n\nIf yes, what is the protocol for coordinating with the ICE San Francisco Field Office to prepare lists of individuals or law firms subject to enforcement actions?\n\nIf not, which ICE Field Office was tasked with carrying out this enforcement action?\n\nHow many officers were involved and were they wearing body cameras? If not, why not?\n\nDoes ICE have a protocol for verifying addresses before arriving at them?\n\nIf yes, why was this protocol not followed in this instance? Will ICE investigate possible lack of compliance with protocol here?\n\nIf not, why not?\n\nGiven the serious allegations of this incident, we request responses by Friday, September 11. We appreciate your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-cortez-masto-urge-trump-administration-to-abandon-reckless-plan-to-equip-ice-with-electric-shock-gloves/", "Padilla, Schiff,\u00a0Cortez Masto\u00a0Urge Trump Administration to Abandon Reckless Plan\u00a0to\u00a0Equip\u00a0ICE\u00a0with\u00a0Electric Shock Gloves", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both-D-Calif) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 13 other Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Their letter also demanded that if ICE proceeds with this purchase, it must first provide Congress with answers and documentation to over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, and accountability measures.\n\nOn August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE\u2019s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock. The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. Despite opposition, on August 27, ICE moved forward with a $16.7 million no-bid contract for these gloves without providing Congress responses to questions.\n\n\u201cWe write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201c\u2026The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency\u2019s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cThose questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE\u2019s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests \u2013 even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when the American people have demanded de-escalation in immigration enforcement, it is not clear why existing tools and tactics are insufficient for the agency,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cIn the past year, DHS has repeatedly spent millions of taxpayer dollars on purchases it ends up not using, including $464 million for airplanes, $700 million on warehouses, and more than $2.25 million for SUVs wrapped with ICE branding. Many of these ICE transactions, including the planned electric-shock glove purchase, are completed through no-bid contracts that circumvent the normal competitive procurement process without a sufficient rationale.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device\u2019s safety and authorized uses,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schiff, and Cortez Masto, the letter was signed by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nThis week, Padilla, along with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE to immediately halt the planned purchase of electric shock gloves and demanded answers about the circumstances and questionable contracting process that led ICE to pursue the acquisition. Earlier this month, Padilla called out the Trump Administration\u2019s continued abuses of power through the carrying out of their violent mass deportation agenda and inhumane treatment of detained immigrants. In June, Padilla pressed Mullin and Venturella on the staggering death toll at ICE detention centers. Padilla also condemned Republicans\u2019 partisan bill to provide ICE and CBP with an extra $70 billion without necessary reforms and forced a vote on his amendment that would require ICE officers to wear body cameras while on duty.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be viewed here and below.\n\nDear Acting Director Venturella,\n\nWe write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks. Over the past year, ICE personnel have been involved in numerous well-documented incidents of excessive force and civil rights violations. These incidents have shown the American people that ICE personnel are not adequately trained or accountable for their interactions with civilians. The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency\u2019s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.\n\nOn August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE\u2019s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock that is described as a \u201cConductive Distraction and De-escalation Device,\u201d for use by both Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. Congress has an obligation to ensure that federal law enforcement agencies have the resources necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used for tools that are necessary, proportionate, and subject to meaningful safeguards. The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights. Those questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE\u2019s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests \u2013 even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.\n\nICE personnel have access to pepper spray, Tasers, batons, and restraint techniques, not to mention deescalation strategies that are widely used by law enforcement throughout the country. At a time when the American people have demanded de-escalation in immigration enforcement, it is not clear why existing tools and tactics are insufficient for the agency. In the past year, DHS has repeatedly spent millions of taxpayer dollars on purchases it ends up not using, including $464 million for airplanes, $700 million on warehouses, and more than $2.25 million for SUVs wrapped with ICE branding. Many of these ICE transactions, including the planned electric shock glove purchase, are completed through no-bid contracts that circumvent the normal competitive procurement process without a sufficient rationale. This history raises concerns about wasteful spending and unethical contracting practices that could benefit individuals who have personal relationships with administration officials rather than those who can provide the best service at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.\n\nIf ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device\u2019s safety and authorized uses. The manufacturer identifies restrictions on the device\u2019s use, including limitations involving children, pregnant women, elderly or disabled individuals, and repeated or simultaneous use. The manufacturer also warns that use of the electric-shock glove may cause or contribute to death or serious injury, and that longer exposure increases that potential risk. If it proceeds with this contract, ICE must establish and make public clear, enforceable limits on when and against whom the electric-shock gloves may be used, especially given that ICE may not be able to immediately assess whether an individual is pregnant or disabled. Given that ICE is most frequently engaged in civil immigration enforcement rather than criminal arrests, the agency must carefully evaluate whether deployment of the electric-shock gloves in such situations is proportionate to the task.\n\nICE must also establish and make public the training requirements the agency will put in place prior to and throughout any potential deployment of these gloves. Over the past year, ICE has undermined the public\u2019s trust in the agency\u2019s training standards by putting new personnel into operational situations who are not properly vetted or adequately trained. Training for ICE recruits was slashed before being extended again following significant backlash. Additionally, ICE has put new recruits in the field before even completing their background checks, with tragic consequences. The issuance of these electric-shock gloves to personnel in the field without sufficient training would be yet another failure of ICE in the eyes of the public.\n\nICE has continually failed to meet basic standards of transparency and accountability. The electric-shock gloves present a particular accountability challenge because the use of force may cause significant pain and internal injury without necessarily producing obvious visible injuries. If the electric-shock gloves are deployed, ICE must establish a robust system for documenting and reviewing every deployment and instance of use. ICE should not deploy the gloves without evidence that personnel understand and take seriously the device\u2019s risks and that individuals subjected to its use can receive an appropriate medical response. ICE must also ensure robust internal procedures for investigating misuse of the device and all use-of-force tools provided to personnel, and effective consequences for those who are found to have abused them.\n\nIn light of these many concerns, we request answers to the following questions and production of the documents identified below.\n\nNecessity, Procurement, and Alternatives\n\nWhat specific operational capability does the G.L.O.V.E. provide that existing ICE defensive tactics and less-lethal tools\u2014including pepper spray, Tasers, batons, and restraint techniques\u2014do not? Please provide the operational analysis or other documentation supporting the acquisition.\n\nHow many electric-shock gloves does ICE intend to purchase, at what projected per-unit cost? How many personnel will be issued the device?\n\nWhat alternatives did ICE consider before selecting the G.L.O.V.E.?\n\nDid ICE consult with other law enforcement agencies that use the device regarding effectiveness, injuries, complaints, misuse, training requirements, or other concerns?\n\nPlease provide the justification for the purchase of the G.L.O.V.E. via a non-competitive contract process.\n\nSafety and Appropriate Use\n\nHow does ICE classify the G.L.O.V.E. under DHS Use of Force Policy 044-05? Are the electric-shock gloves considered a de-escalation tactic under this policy?\n\nIn what specific circumstances will use of the electric-shock gloves be authorized?\n\nWill use of the electric-shock gloves require supervisory authorization?\n\nWhich positions and units will carry the device?\n\nWhat is the protocol for usage of the electric-shock gloves? Will ICE personnel be instructed to issue a warning before gloves are activated?\n\nWill ICE expressly prohibit use of the electric-shock gloves as a routine compliance or punishment tool?\n\nWhat restrictions will apply to vulnerable populations?\n\nWill ICE prohibit the use of the electric-shock gloves against animals?\n\nWill ICE prohibit the use of the electric-shock gloves in crowd-control situations?\n\nWhat restrictions will govern the duration and repetition of electrical shocks?\n\nWill the electric-shock gloves be authorized for use against U.S. citizens?\n\nWill the electric-shock gloves be authorized for use in custodial settings? Will they be authorized for use in removal operations?\n\nHow will protocol for use differ between HSI and ERO?\n\nTesting, Medical Safety, and Training\n\nWhat testing has DHS or ICE conducted or reviewed concerning the safety and effectiveness of the electric-shock gloves? Please provide all manufacturer testing, independent testing, medical evaluations, risk assessments, and other relevant documentation.\n\nWill ICE conduct a limited pilot program before broad deployment? If so, provide the parameters, location, duration, and evaluation criteria for the pilot.\n\nWhat medical contraindications or risks has ICE identified related to use of the electricshock gloves?\n\nWhat training will be required before an officer or agent may carry or use the electricshock gloves? Please provide all existing and proposed training and written guidance concerning the G.L.O.V.E., including curricula, lesson plans, instructor materials, certification standards, policy directives, field guidance, and manufacturer training materials.\n\nWill ICE require recurring certification and refresher training? Please provide the certification requirements, frequency of recertification, proficiency standards, and consequences for personnel who fail to maintain certification.\n\nAccountability, Reporting, and Oversight\n\nWhat is the required response when a person is injured or appears to be in medical distress following use of the electric-shock gloves? Please provide the applicable medical response protocols, including requirements for medical evaluation, documentation, notification of supervisors, and preservation of evidence.\n\nWill every activation or use of the electric-shock gloves against a person be reported as a use of force?\n\nWill ICE require body-worn cameras to be activated and operational whenever the electric-shock gloves are deployed, regardless of whether the officers are in plainclothes?\n\nWill every activation require written justification and supervisory review? Please identify who will review these incidents, what factors supervisors must consider, and what specific consequences will apply when personnel violate the applicable restrictions.\n\nHow will ICE track complaints and injuries? Will ICE maintain and publicly report data concerning internal and external complaints, injuries, improper uses, disciplinary actions, and uses of force involving the electric-shock gloves?\n\nHow will ICE evaluate, track, and report complaints of civil rights violations involving the use of the electric-shock gloves?\n\nWill ICE conduct an independent audit of the program?\n\nPlease provide records reflecting any internal concerns or objections regarding the electric-shock gloves, including communications involving the Office of Tactical Programs and Firearms.\n\nWe request that ICE provide written responses to the questions above and produce the requested documents no later than September 10, 2026. The American people have made it clear that ICE must de-escalate its immigration enforcement operations. ICE must refrain from deployment of the G.L.O.V.E. and instead invest in de-escalation tools, training, and accountability. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-schumer-lead-condemnation-of-trump-admin-attempts-to-shield-communications-between-trump-and-private-advisers-block-congressional-oversight/", "NEWS: Schiff, Schumer Lead Condemnation of Trump Admin Attempts to Shield Communications Between Trump and Private Advisers, Block Congressional Oversight", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senators are pushing back against the Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Legal Counsel\u2019s (OLC) opinion asserting that presidential executive privilege applies to communications between the President and his private, non-governmental advisers.\n\nIn an inquiry to White House Counsel David Warrington, the lawmakers emphasize that OLC lacks the authority to override judicial precedent and unilaterally dictate the boundaries of congressional oversight as they attempt to shield communications involving the President and \u201cprivate advisers.\u201d\n\n\u201cExtending this constitutional protection to private individuals \u2014 who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws \u2014 fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege. Allowing the President to extend privilege to outside consultants or advisers creates an unchecked loophole through which private citizens can shape public policy without public, electoral, or congressional accountability,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned that the White House requested guidance pursuant to the August 10 OLC opinion with the intent of improperly withholding documents and instructing private individuals and non-governmental advisers to defy lawful congressional subpoenas and oversight inquiries, now and in the future. Such actions severely harm Congress\u2019s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities and obstruct any public accountability,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators are requesting that the White House Counsel\u2019s office confirm whether it will fully cooperate with all current or future constitutionally protected legislative inquiries, a detailed list of all private advisers OLC believes to be shielded under the opinion, and all communications in the White House Counsel\u2019s Office and DOJ\u2019s possession regarding the August 10 OLC opinion.\n\nIn addition to Sen. Schiff and Leader Schumer, this letter was signed by U.S. Senator and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2019i), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\nBackground: In April 2026, Sen. Schiff and Leader Chuck Schumer led Senate Democrats in demanding answers from the White House on the administration\u2019s legal opinion declaring the Presidential Records Act (PRA) of 1978 unconstitutional.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Warrington:\n\nWe are writing to express serious concern regarding the latest Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion to come at the behest of the White House\u2019s attempts to shield any communications involving the President from Congress\u2019s constitutional oversight responsibilities. On August 10, 2026, OLC published an opinion titled \u201cApplicability of Executive Privilege to Presidential Communications with Private Advisers\u201d in which it argued the President can assert executive privilege over a broad purview of communications with \u201cprivate advisers.\u201d\n\nThe opinion, which was rendered at the request of your office, asserts that executive privilege related to presidential communications extends to communications with individuals outside the Executive Branch \u2013 including private citizens. This expansive interpretation appears designed to build a blanket shield around external and informal influences on presidential decision-making, insulating the President\u2019s personal and non-governmental advisers from any potential congressional scrutiny. Further, much like an April 1, 2026, OLC opinion concerning the Presidential Records Act that has already been enjoined by a federal judge, this opinion does not arise from an inter-agency legal disagreement or statutory conflict, but rather serves to unilaterally broaden executive secrecy.\n\nThe August 10 OLC opinion asserts that executive privilege applies to private advisers so long as communications relate to official presidential decision-making, involve or reflect communications with the President or direct advisers, and are confidential.\n\nThis position stands in stark contrast to long-established separation-of-powers principles and federal jurisprudence. Federal courts have repeatedly emphasized that executive privilege must be narrowly construed due to its direct tension with Congress\u2019s core Article I oversight functions and the public\u2019s right to government transparency. In applying the presidential communications privilege to communications that are either by the President directly or by his immediate advisers in the wake of the Nixon-era Watergate scandal, the judiciary cautioned that not every communication with a presidential adviser would be protected. The courts further declined to grant the privilege to certain Justice Department officials outside of the President\u2019s immediate advisers.\n\nExecutive privilege is a qualified doctrine intended to ensure that the President receives candid, uninhibited advice from government subordinates in the execution of Article II duties. It is not an unlimited shield designed to insulate private citizens, informal advisers, and non-governmental actors from congressional oversight and public accountability.\n\nExtending this constitutional protection to private individuals \u2014 who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws \u2014 fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege. Allowing the President to extend privilege to outside consultants or advisers creates an unchecked loophole through which private citizens can shape public policy without public, electoral, or congressional accountability.\n\nOLC\u2019s traditional role is to provide objective legal guidance on complex legal questions, not to fashion novel legal theories designed to overcome existing or anticipated congressional oversight. Furthermore, OLC lacks the authority to override judicial precedent or unilaterally dictate the boundaries of congressional oversight established by the Constitution.\n\nWe are deeply concerned that the White House requested guidance pursuant to the August 10 OLC opinion with the intent of improperly withholding documents and instructing private individuals and non-governmental advisers to defy lawful congressional subpoenas and oversight inquiries, now and in the future. Such actions severely harm Congress\u2019s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities and obstruct any public accountability. Our concerns are furthered by your failure to respond to our previous April 29, 2026, inquiry regarding OLC\u2019s April 1 opinion on the Presidential Records Act.\n\nPlease confirm by September 4, 2026, that the White House will fully cooperate with current and future congressional inquiries, including by providing all requested or subpoenaed information or communication records between any non-governmental advisers and the President. Additionally, we request a detailed list of all non-governmental advisers for whom the White House claims executive privilege protections \u2013 including their employers, titles, and relation to the President \u2013 as well as all communications in your office\u2019s and DOJ\u2019s possession regarding the August 10 OLC opinion. Please provide these records no later than September 4, 2026.\n\nWe look forward to your response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-booker-blumenthal-demand-dhs-ice-halt-the-purchase-of-electric-shock-gloves/", "Padilla, Booker, Blumenthal Demand DHS, ICE Halt the Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately halt the planned purchase of electric shock gloves and demanded answers about the circumstances that led ICE to pursue the acquisition.\n\nAccording to an August 10 DHS acquisition forecast, ICE intends to spend up to $20 million through a sole-source, no-bid contract with Compliant Technologies, the manufacturer of the devices. The weapons, known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters), are hand-worn electrical devices that deliver a painful shock upon contact.\n\nIn their letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David J. Venturella, the Senators raised concerns about the safety of the devices, ICE\u2019s record of excessive use of force, and the risks of outfitting untrained officers who operate with little to no accountability, with new weapons.\n\n\u201cThe manufacturer\u2019s user manual warns that these electric shock weapons can cause sudden death or serious injury, along with physiological changes that increase the risk of elevated blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, increased respiration and heart rates, changes in heart rhythm, and elevated adrenaline. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cThe manufacturer recommends avoiding their use on the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.\u201d\n\nThe Senators warned that the gloves could be deployed more easily than conventional electrical control weapons because an officer only needs to make hand contact and press a switch. They argued that ICE\u2019s existing use-of-force record, combined with fatal shootings of civilians and inadequate training and oversight, raises additional concerns about deploying an untested weapon.\n\nThey also raised concerns about accountability for ICE officers, citing comments from Compliant Technologies CEO Jeff Niklaus about the lack of visible injuries from the devices.\n\n\u201cThat is not a safety feature, it is a liability shield. These devices are designed to leave no trace\u2014an \u2018invisible partner\u2019 according to Compliant Technologies\u2014even when the force is unjustified or violates the Fourth Amendment,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cDHS is not procuring a less-lethal weapon. It is procuring a tool engineered to evade accountability.\u201d\n\nThe Senators also pointed to the erosion of public trust in ICE, writing, \u201cICE is answerable to the American public whose trust in the agency has eroded: over half of Americans have little to no confidence in the agency and over half believe it uses excessive force.\u201d\n\nThe Senators demanded that DHS and ICE halt the procurement, deployment, and use of the devices and, within 10 days, provide information about the justification and materials reviewed before the purchase, the devices\u2019 operational need, the legal and factual basis for the sole-source contract, any potential ties between Compliant Technologies and Trump Administration officials, medical and safety reviews conducted before the procurement, and ICE\u2019s use-of-force record since January 20, 2025.\n\nSenator Padilla has been a leader against the harsh and cruel operations of ICE and CBP under the Trump Administration. Today, Padilla joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 14 of their Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration abandon its plan to equip ICE officers with the electric shock gloves. Their letter also demanded that if ICE proceeds with this purchase, it must first provide Congress with answers and documentation to over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, and accountability measures. Earlier this month, Padilla called out the Trump Administration\u2019s continued abuses of power through the carrying out of their violent mass deportation agenda and inhumane treatment of detained immigrants. In June, Padilla, pressed Mullin and Venturella on the staggering death toll at ICE detention centers. Padilla also condemned Republicans\u2019 partisan bill to provide ICE and CBP with an extra $70 billion without necessary reforms and forced a vote on his amendment that would require ICE agents to wear body cameras while on-duty. In March, Padilla pressed former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during a DHS oversight hearing on the Administration\u2019s cruel mass deportation and detention campaign.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:\n\nWe write in regard to your plans to purchase electric shock weapons marketed as gloves for use in immigration enforcement actions. According to your August 10 announcement, you will pay the manufacturer of these weapons, known as the G.L.O.V.E. for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters, up to $20 million through a sole-source, no-bid contract. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must provide urgent clarification on the scope of this acquisition, the justification for it, and a commitment to cease the procurement immediately.\n\nFor the past year and a half, Americans have watched federal immigration enforcement officers engage in the indiscriminate abuse of authority and excessive use of force to detain people they think may be immigrants, no matter their age, size, sex, or whether they pose any threat to officers. Agents seemingly use force as a default\u2014not only when necessary\u2014with tactics that include the use of high-risk neck restraints, knee-to-neck pins, chemical weapons, high-speed vehicle pursuits, and the tackling, shoving, and slamming of civilians. Meanwhile, DHS and ICE hired thousands of officers and deployed them to communities across the country without the proper vetting or training. The consequences have been fatal\u2014the killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Johan Sebasti\u00e1n Dur\u00e1n Guerrero in Maine, and Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis stand as stark reminders. It is under these circumstances that DHS and ICE plan to outfit officers with electrical devices on their hands, turning any physical contact into an electric shock. They are, in effect, hand-worn tasers disguised as restraint equipment.\n\nCompliant Technologies does not \u201cconsider\u201d G.L.O.V.E. devices to be weapons and markets them as safer than Tasers or stun guns. DHS has defended the purchase of these weapons on that basis. While true that G.L.O.V.E. weapons have a lower voltage output than other electrical current weapons (ECW), we are unaware of any independent evidence or studies that they are safer. Indeed, the manufacturer\u2019s user manual warns that these electric shock weapons can cause sudden death or serious injury, along with physiological changes that increase the risk of elevated blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, increased respiration and heart rates, changes in heart rhythm, and elevated adrenaline. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk. The manufacturer recommends avoiding their use on the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. In sum, lower voltage does not mean lower risk. Moreover, because electric shock gloves are easier and faster to use\u2014an officer only has to make hand contact and press a switch, as opposed to unholstering an electronic control weapon, aiming it, and discharging probes\u2014officers may deploy them in situations where they would not have used a less-lethal weapon at all.\n\nWhere force is not justified, officers will escape liability. Compliant Technologies\u2019 CEO Jeff Niklaus has made this explicit: \u201cwith a glove there are no burn marks or scars when it\u2019s done\u201d and because there is no visible injury, \u201cit doesn\u2019t really pay off\u201d for people to sue officers. That is not a safety feature, it is a liability shield. These devices are designed to leave no trace\u2014an \u201cinvisible partner\u201d according to Compliant Technologies\u2014even when the force is unjustified or violates the Fourth Amendment. DHS is not procuring a less-lethal weapon. It is procuring a tool engineered to evade accountability.\n\nNo federal law enforcement agency should deploy a novel, untested electric shock device without independent medical and safety review. Law enforcement best practices demand that electric shock devices including G.L.O.V.E. weapons \u201cbe used only by trained personnel and only to overcome active resistance, its threat, or assaultive behavior or a threat of bodily harm to officers or others.\u201d Most ICE arrests meet none of these conditions. Since January 2025, ICE has conducted expansive, unsupervised immigration enforcement in public spaces\u2014traffic stops, workplaces, homes\u2014with minimal oversight. Electric shock gloves would become an untested pain compliance weapon in the hands of officers operating with broad discretion, inadequate training, and minimal, if any, accountability.\n\nICE\u2019s record of lethal and less-lethal force should trigger an immediate moratorium on new force tools, not approval of them. Before DHS considers acquiring and deploying G.L.O.V.E. weapons, it must conduct a full accounting of ICE\u2019s current use-of-force practices and the deaths that have resulted. Additionally, it must explain to taxpayers why these devices are necessary and justify its pattern of awarding multimillion-dollar contracts without competitive procurement review.\n\nICE is answerable to the American public whose trust in the agency has eroded: over half of Americans have little to no confidence in the agency and over half believe it uses excessive force. To that end, DHS and ICE must immediately halt the procurement, deployment, and use of electrical shock G.L.O.V.E. weapons, and provide the following no later than 10 days from the date of this letter:\n\nAll documents and communications reflecting the justification for this procurement, all documents and materials reviewed by DHS prior to the contract, including manuals, safety guidelines, training materials and protocols, or consultations with experts or training instructors, and the identity and title of every official who participated in or approved the acquisition decision.\n\nAll documents and communications discussing the specific operational need these devices are intended to address, including examples of incidents in which officers were unable to arrest or detain an individual using other available less-lethal weapons or tactics.\n\nThe legal and factual basis for awarding a sole-source, no-bid contract to Compliant Technologies, including the statutory authority cited and any market research conducted prior to award.\n\nAll documents and communications reflecting any personal or business association between Compliant Technologies, its principals, or its investors and any official of the Trump Administration, including any financial relationship, prior employment, or role in facilitating this procurement.\n\nAll documents reflecting any medical, safety, or use-of-force review\u2014whether internal or independent\u2014conducted prior to this procurement, including any risk assessment addressing the potential for death or serious injury.\n\nThe total number of use-of-force incidents involving ICE officers since January 20, 2025, disaggregated by type of force used, and for each incident: whether injury or death resulted, the employment status of the officer involved, and whether the incident triggered an internal review or disciplinary action.\n\nYour prompt attention to this request is appreciated.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-king-and-colleagues-demand-department-of-education-reverse-unlawful-cuts-to-school-based-mental-health-services/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, King, and Colleagues Demand Department of Education Reverse Unlawful Cuts to School-Based Mental Health Services", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Angus King (I-Maine) are leading their colleagues in urging the Department of Education to disburse the funds abruptly and unlawfully canceled for School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs and halt its attempts to end the grant programs.\n\nUpon canceling over 200 of these grants in April 2025, the Trump administration attempted to justify their cuts to school-based mental health funding by claiming that grant programs promoted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and did not adhere to the administration\u2019s policy priorities. The Senators push back against this false claim pointing to the significant impact to mental health staffing and resources that thousands of students relied on.\n\n\u201cThe Department\u2019s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals. These choices will increase the financial and administrative barriers to obtaining a quality education. We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption,\u201d the Senators wrote in a new letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon.\n\nThese grants \u2013 part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act \u2013 address the shortage of mental health professionals, social workers and services in our nation\u2019s schools, especially those in rural and underserved areas. In California, 44 grantees saw their funding affected by these cuts.\n\n\u201cDespite these grants\u2019 clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration\u2019s priorities and policy preferences. The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued. Consequently, grantees were forced to pause hiring and training and lay off school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. MHSP-supported graduate programs could also no longer fund the scholarships needed to recruit students,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nAfter a court-ordered injunction and restraining order stemming the grant cancellations, the Trump administration imposed additional requirements upon grantees before deciding to release funding for the second half of the year \u2013 causing greater uncertainty for schools. The administration is now attempting to fully terminate these programs, placing their future in jeopardy.\n\n\u201cWe insist that the Department honor the statutory funding directives enacted by Congress, resolve the administrative barriers affecting the pipeline of mental health professionals in our nation\u2019s schools, and ensure that students have access to these crucial services. To cut, delay, and otherwise obstruct these grants is not only unlawful, but also unconscionable in light of the mental health crisis facing our youth. It\u2019s not an exaggeration to say that young lives are at stake. Please step in to help,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff and King, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nWe write to request immediate clarification regarding the Department of Education\u2019s (the Department) termination of $1 billion in School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) programs. The Department\u2019s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals. These choices will increase the financial and administrative barriers to obtaining a quality education. We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption.\n\nFunded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the SBMH and MHSP programs address the dire shortage of mental health service providers in our nation\u2019s schools. More than half of schools in the nation reported their ability to provide mental health services to students was limited in a significant way by inadequate funding, while 40 percent described insufficient access to mental health professionals as a barrier. SBMH grants help schools hire and retain counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, specifically targeting areas with a demonstrated need, like rural and low-income communities. MHSP grants enable institutions of higher education and school districts to enter partnerships to recruit and train mental health professionals to work in schools.\n\nThe efficacy of SBMH and MHSP is supported by clear performance metrics. In just one year, grantees reached nearly 775,000 K-12 students nationwide, reduced absenteeism and behavioral issues, lowered suicide risk, trained and hired nearly 1,300 mental health professionals, and retained a vast majority of new and existing mental health professionals.\n\nThese programs fill crucial gaps in mental health care for youth in our nation\u2019s schools. A 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that 40 percent of high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless, an increase from 30 percent in 2013. Twenty-nine percent of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health and nine percent shared that they had attempted suicide.\n\nDespite these grants\u2019 clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration\u2019s priorities and policy preferences. The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued.\n\nConsequently, grantees were forced to pause hiring and training and lay off school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. MHSP-supported graduate programs could also no longer fund the scholarships needed to recruit students.\n\nIn June 2025, 16 states, home to 140 of the canceled grants, sued the Department, arguing that the discontinuation of the grants violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). A district court subsequently issued a preliminary injunction against the discontinuation and then granted summary judgment and a permanent injunction to the plaintiff states, finding that the Department\u2019s actions were inconsistent with statutory requirements. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit denied the Department\u2019s request to stay the permanent injunction.\n\nThe Department resumed 122 of the grants through June 30, 2026, imposing additional reporting requirements before deciding whether to release funding for the second half of the year. This process caused serious administrative uncertainty because grantee organizations could not reliably and effectively project budgets to determine if they would have the funds to hire and train mental health professionals. Some grantees were forced to lay off employees, exacerbating the challenges they face in addressing student mental health.\n\nFurthermore, the Administration has indicated plans to permanently discontinue these grants, raising serious concerns regarding compliance with standing federal permanent injunctions and the July 27, 2026, Temporary Restraining Order.\n\nThe Department\u2019s decision to withhold this funding from our nation\u2019s schools will reverberate as the new school year starts in the fall, and the harm will be exacerbated if the Department continues to disrupt or withhold SBMH and MHSP funding. Our nation\u2019s schools are already facing significant barriers to retaining mental health professionals, who serve as trusted adults for students and their parents.\n\nThese interruptions in student services disrupt the continuity of care. The Department\u2019s actions will also slow the recruitment of new mental health professionals, disincentivizing prospective counselors and therapists from serving in our nation\u2019s schools.\n\nIn light of the Department\u2019s actions, we request answers to the following questions by September 18, 2026:\n\nHow many grantees have received an additional six months of funding after June 30, 2026? Please provide a list containing the name, a description of the grant, the amount, and any associated reporting requirements for each grantee.\n\nWill the Department continue to impose similar requirements on these grantees for the remainder of their grant period?\n\nWhat objective evaluation criteria were used to determine program compliance? Please provide a written justification for each discontinued grant including grant-specific reasons that go beyond the generic justification currently offered in the notices.\n\nHow does the Department plan to address the interruptions and uncertainty for grantees caused by the discontinuations?\n\nWe insist that the Department honor the statutory funding directives enacted by Congress, resolve the administrative barriers affecting the pipeline of mental health professionals in our nation\u2019s schools, and ensure that students have access to these crucial services. To cut, delay, and otherwise obstruct these grants is not only unlawful, but also unconscionable in light of the mental health crisis facing our youth. It\u2019s not an exaggeration to say that young lives are at stake. Please step in to help.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-democratic-colleagues-in-condemning-trump-administration-attempts-to-shield-communications-between-trump-and-private-advisers-from-congressional-oversight/", "Padilla Joins Democratic Colleagues in Condemning Trump Administration Attempts to Shield Communications Between Trump and Private Advisers from Congressional Oversight", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and seven Democratic colleagues, pushed back against a recent opinion from the Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) asserting that presidential executive privilege applies to communications between the President and his private, non-governmental advisers.\n\nIn a letter sent to White House Counsel David Warrington, the Senators emphasized that OLC lacks the authority to override judicial precedent and unilaterally dictate the boundaries of congressional oversight as they attempt to shield communications involving the President and \u201cprivate advisers.\u201d\n\n\u201cExtending this constitutional protection to private individuals \u2014 who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws \u2014 fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cAllowing the President to extend privilege to outside consultants or advisers creates an unchecked loophole through which private citizens can shape public policy without public, electoral, or congressional accountability.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned that the White House requested guidance pursuant to the August 10 OLC opinion with the intent of improperly withholding documents and instructing private individuals and non-governmental advisers to defy lawful congressional subpoenas and oversight inquiries, now and in the future,\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cSuch actions severely harm Congress\u2019s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities and obstruct any public accountability.\u201d\n\nThe Senators demanded that the White House Counsel\u2019s Office confirm whether it will fully cooperate with all current or future congressional inquiries, and requested a detailed list of all private advisers OLC believes to be shielded under the opinion as well as all communications in the White House Counsel\u2019s Office and DOJ\u2019s possession regarding the August 10 OLC opinion.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schiff, and Leader Schumer, this letter was signed by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\nIn April, Padilla joined Schiff and Leader Schumer in demanding answers from the White House Counsel\u2019s Office on the Administration\u2019s OLC opinion declaring the Presidential Records Act (PRA) of 1978 unconstitutional.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Warrington:\n\nWe are writing to express serious concern regarding the latest Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion to come at the behest of the White House\u2019s attempts to shield any communications involving the President from Congress\u2019s constitutional oversight responsibilities. On August 10, 2026, OLC published an opinion titled \u201cApplicability of Executive Privilege to Presidential Communications with Private Advisers\u201d in which it argued the President can assert executive privilege over a broad purview of communications with \u201cprivate advisers.\u201d\n\nThe opinion, which was rendered at the request of your office, asserts that executive privilege related to presidential communications extends to communications with individuals outside the Executive Branch \u2013 including private citizens. This expansive interpretation appears designed to build a blanket shield around external and informal influences on presidential decision-making, insulating the President\u2019s personal and non-governmental advisers from any potential congressional scrutiny. Further, much like an April 1, 2026, OLC opinion concerning the Presidential Records Act that has already been enjoined by a federal judge, this opinion does not arise from an inter-agency legal disagreement or statutory conflict, but rather serves to unilaterally broaden executive secrecy.\n\nThe August 10 OLC opinion asserts that executive privilege applies to private advisers so long as communications relate to official presidential decision-making, involve or reflect communications with the President or direct advisers, and are confidential.\n\nThis position stands in stark contrast to long-established separation-of-powers principles and federal jurisprudence. Federal courts have repeatedly emphasized that executive privilege must be narrowly construed due to its direct tension with Congress\u2019s core Article I oversight functions and the public\u2019s right to government transparency. In applying the presidential communications privilege to communications that are either by the President directly or by his immediate advisers in the wake of the Nixon-era Watergate scandal, the judiciary cautioned that not every communication with a presidential adviser would be protected. The courts further declined to grant the privilege to certain Justice Department officials outside of the President\u2019s immediate advisers.\n\nExecutive privilege is a qualified doctrine intended to ensure that the President receives candid, uninhibited advice from government subordinates in the execution of Article II duties. It is not an unlimited shield designed to insulate private citizens, informal advisers, and non-governmental actors from congressional oversight and public accountability.\n\nExtending this constitutional protection to private individuals \u2014 who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws \u2014 fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege. Allowing the President to extend privilege to outside consultants or advisers creates an unchecked loophole through which private citizens can shape public policy without public, electoral, or congressional accountability.\n\nOLC\u2019s traditional role is to provide objective legal guidance on complex legal questions, not to fashion novel legal theories designed to overcome existing or anticipated congressional oversight. Furthermore, OLC lacks the authority to override judicial precedent or unilaterally dictate the boundaries of congressional oversight established by the Constitution.\n\nWe are deeply concerned that the White House requested guidance pursuant to the August 10 OLC opinion with the intent of improperly withholding documents and instructing private individuals and non-governmental advisers to defy lawful congressional subpoenas and oversight inquiries, now and in the future. Such actions severely harm Congress\u2019s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities and obstruct any public accountability. Our concerns are furthered by your failure to respond to our previous April 29, 2026, inquiry regarding OLC\u2019s April 1 opinion on the Presidential Records Act.\n\nPlease confirm by September 4, 2026, that the White House will fully cooperate with current and future congressional inquiries, including by providing all requested or subpoenaed information or communication records between any non-governmental advisers and the President. Additionally, we request a detailed list of all non-governmental advisers for whom the White House claims executive privilege protections \u2013 including their employers, titles, and relation to the President \u2013 as well as all communications in your office\u2019s and DOJ\u2019s possession regarding the August 10 OLC opinion. Please provide these records no later than September 4, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-warner-demand-answers-from-prediction-market-companies-paying-influencers-spreading-election-disinformation/", "Padilla, Warner Demand Answers from Prediction Market Companies Paying Influencers Spreading Election Disinformation", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Prediction market paid influencers have posted misinformation about elections under the label \u201cpaid partnership,\u201d including in SAVE Act posts\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, demanded answers from the country\u2019s largest prediction market platforms and urged them to take immediate action to protect election integrity ahead of this year\u2019s midterm elections and end relationships with paid influencers on their platforms spreading election disinformation.\n\nIn a letter to Polymarket and Kalshi, the Senators raised concerns regarding the platforms\u2019 practice of paying online influencers who have spread false information, including claims that U.S. federal elections are subject to widespread fraud.\n\n\u201cWe are seriously alarmed that your marketing strategy includes paying numerous social media influencers willing to espouse unreliable information on elections,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cIn doing so, we are concerned that your prediction market platforms may be subsidizing \u2014 and amplifying \u2014 social media influencers who echo President Trump\u2019s baseless attacks and sow distrust in American elections. Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, we urge your platforms to reevaluate this practice, thoroughly vet your paid influencers election related activities, and immediately terminate any paid influencer relationships with individuals who undermine free and fair elections.\u201d\n\nThe Senators also highlighted the platforms\u2019 ability to allow users to wager on government actions. They emphasized the role of paid Polymarket and Kalshi influencers in those wagers through spreading false claims of election fraud and ultimately undermining election integrity in their promoted social media posts. The Senators specifically flagged paid influencer posts about the anti-voter SAVE Act.\n\n\u201cIn July, a series of major social media influencers, including former Congressman Matt Gaetz, all posted similar \u2018paid partnership\u2019 posts linking to Polymarket and Kalshi charts showing the odds of enactment of the SAVE Act dropping to all-time lows. As Majority Leader Thune has noted, much of the pressure on the Senate to pass the SAVE Act, rooted in false claims of widespread election fraud, comes from \u2018paid influencers.\u2019 These paid posts on X, some of which have been removed for violation of X\u2019s policies, added commentary that either undermined confidence in U.S. election integrity, advocated for the passage of this partisan, anti-voter legislation, or both,\u201d continued the Senators.\n\nThe Senators requested additional information from Polymarket and Kalshi about their paid influencer contracts and strategy, their policies for influencers who post about elections, whether the companies consider disinformation to be fraudulent conduct, and the vetting process of paid influencers in the context of elections.\n\n\u201cAs your platforms work to respond to these questions, we urge you to act now to reevaluate all paid influencer relationships regarding elections, thoroughly vet all existing and future paid influencer arrangements, and immediately terminate any existing relationships with those who spread election misinformation, disinformation, or undermine the integrity of U.S. elections,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections and California\u2019s former Secretary of State, Padilla has been a leader in protecting our elections. Last month, Padilla introduced the Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act, legislation that would provide states and voters the ability to enforce federal election protections and protect voters\u2019 ballots from seizure. In June, Padilla and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the Fraudulent Artificial Intelligence Regulations (FAIR) Elections Act to protect voters in the face of misuse of artificial intelligence to suppress voting and voter purges amid the Trump Administration\u2019s attacks on the right to vote and election conspiracy theories.\n\nA list of prediction market paid influencer posts is available here.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Coplan and Mr. Mansour:\n\nIn operating prediction markets tied to American elections, your platforms have a responsibility not to undermine the confidence in those elections as well as an obligation to protect the integrity of the trading activities on the platforms. With the 2026 midterm elections 69 days away, we are writing to urge your companies, the largest prediction markets platforms in the United States, to assume greater responsibility and take immediate appropriate action to ensure that your platforms do not undermine confidence in American elections.\n\nMisinformation and disinformation pose serious threats to election security and the ability to hold free and fair elections. Recent surveys show that Americans\u2019 confidence in our elections has been falling in the wake of years of baseless attacks on the integrity of our elections, including those led by President Trump and his election denier allies. As a result of these baseless attacks, nonpartisan and bipartisan election workers have endured verbal abuse and threats of physical violence for doing their jobs, causing many experienced personnel to leave the field. By creating and aggressively promoting markets on elections, your platforms now play a significant role in shaping Americans\u2019 perceptions of their elections.\n\nGiven this context, we are seriously alarmed that your marketing strategy includes paying numerous social media influencers willing to espouse unreliable information on elections. In doing so, we are concerned that your prediction market platforms may be subsidizing\u2014and amplifying\u2014social media influencers who echo President Trump\u2019s baseless attacks and sow distrust in American elections. Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, we urge your platforms to reevaluate this practice, thoroughly vet your paid influencers election related activities, and immediately terminate any paid influencer relationships with individuals who undermine free and fair elections.\n\nSocial media influencer content sponsored by prediction markets that contains election misinformation or disinformation is not a hypothetical concern. In June, influencers under contract with both Kalshi and Polymarket spread false conspiracy theories about recent California elections. These posts appeared on X, formerly Twitter, marked as \u201cpaid partnership,\u201d using prediction market election odds to support baseless claims of election fraud. These posts were only taken down when reported on by the news media, and after they were viewed by millions of Americans. Yet, despite posting previous \u201cpaid partnership\u201d posts violating Polymarket and Kalshi\u2019s terms and conditions, some of these same influencer accounts continue to post misinformation that undermine confidence in elections as paid partners.\n\nPolymarket has committed to keep its \u201cmarkets free from deceptive, manipulative, and unfair trading practices.\u201d Similarly, Kalshi forbids users from \u201cintentionally provid[ing] misleading, erroneous, or fraudulent information.\u201d Polymarket and Kalshi both forbid certain persons with the ability to influence, directly or indirectly, the outcome of the underlying event, from trading on related contracts on the platform. When election related mis- and disinformation is deployed to create false narratives, to manipulate attitudes, to obfuscate facts, and to create public perceptions derived from that mis- and disinformation, it undermines confidence in the accuracy and fairness of the markets that your platforms offer for U.S. elections.\n\nYour companies also have independent obligations under the Commodity Exchange Act to police fraud, enforce compliance with their rules, and guard against prohibited trading practices. These obligations raise additional concerns when platforms are paying individuals to promote contracts while those same individuals may be spreading false information about the events underlying those contracts.\n\nIn addition to offering prediction markets based on election outcomes, both Kalshi and Polymarket offer users the ability to bet on government actions, including the passage of legislation or actions by the executive branch. Also relevant to election misinformation on your platforms is the betting interest in whether President Trump\u2019s partisan, anti-voter legislation known as the SAVE Act or SAVE America Act will be enacted by certain dates. In July, a series of major social media influencers, including former Congressman Matt Gaetz, all posted similar \u201cpaid partnership\u201d posts linking to Polymarket and Kalshi charts showing the odds of enactment of the SAVE Act dropping to all-time lows. As Majority Leader Thune has noted, much of the pressure on the Senate to pass the SAVE Act, rooted in false claims of widespread election fraud, comes from \u201cpaid influencers.\u201d These paid posts on X, some of which have been removed for violation of X\u2019s policies, added commentary that either undermined confidence in U.S. election integrity, advocated for the passage of this partisan, anti-voter legislation, or both. A document containing saved images of many of these posts is attached.\n\nSome paid influencer election misinformation posts were taken down after Senate committee staff or the media alerted Polymarket, Kalshi and/or X that these posts appeared to violate X\u2019s paid partnership policy prohibiting \u201c[g]eo-political, political, social issues or crises for commercial purposes\u201d as a content category for paid partnerships. In contrast, posts that were not flagged for X remain online, indicating that both Kalshi or Polymarket continue to enable the dissemination of false content undermining our nation\u2019s elections and are not taking sufficient steps to prevent this harmful content from being published by your paid social media marketers. Prediction markets appear to place responsibility on the social media companies, rather than taking proactive measures with your marketing partners, for posts that violate your own terms and conditions. Given the public track record of many of these influencers, these types of paid sponsorship posts espousing election denial claims were foreseeable \u2013 and should not be repeated.\n\nWe appreciate your platforms\u2019 engagement with Senate staff to answer questions about your paid influencer policies and practices. However, given the issues discussed above, serious questions remain. We therefore request written answers to the following inquiries by September 4, 2026:\n\nDescribe the standard paid influencer contract for your platform, including any restrictions, range of payment amounts, and provide a sample contract.\n\nWhat criteria does a paid influencer need to meet to be considered for an influencer contract with your platform? What type of vetting do paid influencers receive before your platform finalizes a paid influencer contract?\n\nDoes your platform have a policy towards paid influencer content regarding U.S. elections? If so, please provide a copy of that policy.\n\nDoes your platform have a policy towards paid influencer content containing misinformation about elections? If so, please provide a copy of that policy.\n\nPlease explain your company\u2019s rationale for entering into paid influencer contracts with social media influencers who have public records of spreading misinformation or disinformation about U.S. elections.\n\nKalshiEX LLC Rulebook\u2019s Rule 5.17(h) states that \u201cNo Person shall engage in any activity that presents a risk of harm to Kalshi, its Participants, or the public.\u201d In the same document, Rule 5.17 (i) states that \u201cNo Person shall engage in any activity that adversely affects the integrity of the Platform or its underlying systems.\u201d\n\nDoes Kalshi consider the spreading of mis- and disinformation about events that are the subject of event contracts as creating a risk of harm to Kalshi, its Participants, or the public?\n\nDoes Kalshi consider the spreading of mis- and disinformation about events that are the subject of event contracts as an action that adversely affects the integrity of the Kalshi Platform?\n\nPolymarket\u2019s Rulebook Rule 7.2(b) states that \u201cNo Participant shall engage in fraudulent or deceitful conduct. Nor shall any Participant make any untrue or misleading statement or omit a material fact.\u201d\n\nDoes Polymarket consider the spreading of mis- and disinformation about events that are the subject of event contracts as engaging in fraudulent or deceitful conduct?\n\nDoes Polymarket consider the spreading of mis- and disinformation about events that are the subject of event contracts to be the making of an untrue or misleading statement or omit a material fact? Does Polymarket believe that mis- and disinformation is capable of changing the likelihood of events to resolve in a given way, and therefore is information that would influence the result, and payout, of an event contract?\n\nDoes your platform engage in any vetting of paid influencer content regarding U.S. elections, either before or after the influencer posts content for which they are being compensated for by your platform? Please describe.\n\nAre paid influencers allowed to place bets in the prediction markets that they are being paid to promote, such that they could \u201cfront run\u201d their own posts by taking positions that would likely profit following a coordinated social media influencer campaign?\n\nPlease describe the policies, procedures, surveillance systems, or other controls your respective platforms have in place to identify whether paid influencer activity may constitute or contribute to fraud, manipulation, price distortion, or other conduct prohibited by the Commodity Exchange Act, CFTC regulations, or your respective platform rules.\n\nHave either of your platforms investigated paid influencer activity for potential violations of these obligations?\n\nAs your platforms work to respond to these questions, we urge you to act now to reevaluate all paid influencer relationships regarding elections, thoroughly vet all existing and future paid influencer arrangements, and immediately terminate any existing relationships with those who spread election misinformation, disinformation, or undermine the integrity of U.S. elections.\n\nThank you for your continued engagement on these issues, and we urge you to take all necessary actions to prepare for the 2026 election so that prediction markets do not cause additional harms to American election security.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-leader-schumer-sen-booker-lead-45-senators-in-urging-netanyahu-to-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-protect-u-s-citizens/", "NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Leader Schumer, Sen. Booker, Lead 45 Senators in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Senators call for those responsible for violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, to be held accountable\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, a broad group of 45 Senators led by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged Israel\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years.\n\n\u201cWe urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter signed by almost the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.\n\nThe Senators warn that \u201ccontinued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel\u2019s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\u201d\n\nPresident Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address.\n\n\u201cLike you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nAdditionally, the Senators call for those responsible for such violent acts to be held accountable and investigated.\n\nThe Senators joining Schiff, Leader Schumer, and Booker on the letter are U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2019i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2019i), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nBackground: Last year, Schiff and 45 other Senate Democrats urged President Trump to reinforce his stated opposition to the State of Israel\u2019s annexation of territory in the West Bank amidst ongoing focus on implementing and sustaining the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza.\n\nLast year, Schiff, Schumer, Rosen, and Schatz led a group of 44 Senate Democrats in pushing for large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war in the region.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Prime Minister,\n\nWe write in shared concern and opposition to the growing levels of violence in the West Bank. Many of us have previously expressed to President Trump that continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel\u2019s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\n\nIncidents of fatal violence by settlers have reportedly already surpassed 2025 levels and continue to increase. The last few weeks alone saw a significant surge in violence on both sides, resulting in a large-scale response by Israeli security forces, mass arrests of Palestinians, and reported attacks by settlers on mosques. We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people.\n\nWe write particularly on behalf of American citizens who have been killed or threatened in such violence. Many of us have heard first-hand from their families and other constituents who have themselves been threatened without cause by settlers. We have engaged the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and your embassy in Washington to ensure their protection and appreciate measures taken on their behalf, but a more significant response from your government is clearly needed. We ask for your personal and direct engagement and intervention in order to protect our constituents and their families.\n\nPresident Trump and Secretary of State Rubio have expressed their opposition to all violence in the West Bank and actions aimed at annexation, but those concerns have gone unaddressed. Now, we urge you to take the following actions:\n\nIssue clear directives to the Israeli Police and Israeli Defense Forces to prevent and intervene in harassment, threats, and actual use of violence, regardless of the perpetrators.\n\nEnsure that all those responsible for harassment, threats, and violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, are held accountable through a transparent and credible process. This includes completing investigations into and ensuring accountability for the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank since 2022.\n\nStop approving additional settlements and stop allowing the construction of, and take steps to remove, illegal outposts in the West Bank.\n\nLike you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-join-democratic-colleagues-in-urging-netanyahu-to-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-protect-u-s-citizens/", "Padilla, Schiff Join Democratic Colleagues in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and 41 other Democratic Senators in urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. The Senators also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years.\n\n\u201cWe urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\n\u201cMany of us have previously expressed to President Trump that continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel\u2019s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike,\u201d continued the Senators.\n\nThe Senators called for those responsible for such violent acts to be held accountable and investigated. The Senators also noted that President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously voiced opposition to West Bank annexation and violence, concerns they argued the Israeli government has yet to adequately address.\n\n\u201cLike you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance,\u201d concluded the Senators. \u201cWe urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schiff, Leader Schumer, and Booker, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D. Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nLast October, Padilla, Schiff, and 44 other Senate Democrats urged President Trump to reinforce his stated opposition to the State of Israel\u2019s annexation of territory in the West Bank amidst ongoing focus on implementing and sustaining the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza. Last year, Padilla joined Booker, Leader Schumer, and 39 other Democrats in demanding the State Department resume medical and humanitarian visas for civilians in Gaza in need of urgent medical care, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Prime Minister,\n\nWe write in shared concern and opposition to the growing levels of violence in the West Bank. Many of us have previously expressed to President Trump that continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel\u2019s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\n\nIncidents of fatal violence by settlers have reportedly already surpassed 2025 levels and continue to increase. The last few weeks alone saw a significant surge in violence on both sides, resulting in a large-scale response by Israeli security forces, mass arrests of Palestinians, and reported attacks by settlers on mosques. We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people.\n\nWe write particularly on behalf of American citizens who have been killed or threatened in such violence. Many of us have heard first-hand from their families and other constituents who have themselves been threatened without cause by settlers. We have engaged the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and your embassy in Washington to ensure their protection and appreciate measures taken on their behalf, but a more significant response from your government is clearly needed. We ask for your personal and direct engagement and intervention in order to protect our constituents and their families.\n\nPresident Trump and Secretary of State Rubio have expressed their opposition to all violence in the West Bank and actions aimed at annexation, but those concerns have gone unaddressed. Now, we urge you to take the following actions:\n\nIssue clear directives to the Israeli Police and Israeli Defense Forces to prevent and intervene in harassment, threats, and actual use of violence, regardless of the perpetrators.\n\nEnsure that all those responsible for harassment, threats, and violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, are held accountable through a transparent and credible process. This includes completing investigations into and ensuring accountability for the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank since 2022.\n\nStop approving additional settlements and stop allowing the construction of, and take steps to remove, illegal outposts in the West Bank.\n\nLike you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-joined-30th-annual-lake-tahoe-summit-underlined-bipartisan-progress-in-keeping-tahoe-blue/", "ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Joined 30th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit, Underlined Bipartisan Progress in Keeping Tahoe Blue", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "View the full Summit HERE\n\nLake Tahoe, CA \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined the 30th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit where he highlighted key priorities to safeguard Lake Tahoe through supporting scientific research necessary to protect the lake, preserving the forests and supporting firefighters, protecting against invasive species and securing consistent and reliable funding for projects across the lake.\n\n\u201cI will be working diligently with my colleagues to continue to bring resources back [to Lake Tahoe] to make sure that these brave firefighters have what they need to do the job and come home safely, that we continue to support all of the good scientific research that is necessary to protect the lake and that we make sure this remains a public-private, nonpartisan partnership for another 30 years,\u201d said Senator Schiff at the Lake Tahoe Summit.\n\nU.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) hosted the summit this year and U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.); U.S. Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02) and Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.-06); Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo; and Chairman Serrell Smokey of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California were in attendance.\n\nBackground: Senator Schiff hosted the 29th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, \u201cProtecting Lake Tahoe: Balancing Sustainable Recreation and Conservation,\u201d where he emphasized that protecting the environment, improving fire response, addressing the insurance crisis and balancing outdoor recreation and conservation are key priorities to help safeguard Lake Tahoe. The 29th Summit honored the legacy of former California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who created the Summit in 1997 with former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.\n\nMost recently, Schiff, Rosen, Padilla, and Cortez Masto introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to deliver more funding to protect the Lake Tahoe Basin with no new costs to taxpayers.\n\nSchiff secured $2.2 million in federal funding for South Lake Tahoe projects that support critical infrastructure development that ensures water sustainability, and for the development of essential affordable housing.\n\nSchiff also led his California and Nevada colleagues in requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) ensure Lake Tahoe Basin benefits from the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act.\n\nSchiff and Padilla introduced the Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026, legislation to expedite the control and eradication of golden mussels \u2013 harmful invasive species.\n\nSchiff also secured an increase in the authorization of appropriations for Army Corps Lake Tahoe Basin restoration activities in the 2026 Senate Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill from $50 million to $60 million. This bipartisan bill was reported out of committee in July.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schiff-blumenthal-and-welch-demand-answers-after-dhs-pays-464-million-for-luxury-jets-and-airplanes-via-a-no-bid-contract-with-company-owned-by-prominent-trump-supporter/", "Schiff, Blumenthal and Welch Demand Answers after DHS Pays $464 million for Luxury Jets and Airplanes via a No-bid Contract with Company Owned by Prominent Trump Supporter", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), today demanded answers from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, about DHS\u2019s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In a letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department\u2019s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski.\n\n\u201cRecent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three \u2018luxury business jets\u2019 and seven \u2018Boeing 737 passenger jets,\u2019 and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem\u2019s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract \u2018increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary,\u2019\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cThe apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department\u2019s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS\u2019s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.\u201d\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cDHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (Daedalus), a Virginia-based company led by chairman William Walters\u2026In fact, Mr. Walters has allegedly created \u2018a web of companies,\u2019 that subsequently received government contracts despite having no prior government contracting experience. Companies with ties to Mr. Walters include Salus Worldwide Solutions Corporation (Salus), which, in 2025, received a hastily-awarded contract worth $915 million \u2018for air operations to support the administration\u2019s effort to persuade millions of undocumented immigrants to \u2018self-deport.\u2019 Public reporting alleges that a representative of Salus repeatedly approached a prospective subcontracting firm with proposals to undertake work for DHS only if the firm would direct millions in kickbacks to Corey Lewandowski or consulting firms connected to him.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress and the American people deserve the Department\u2019s full and prompt transparency with respect to the shocking waste of taxpayer funds and potential corruption involved in the Department\u2019s aircraft purchase and widespread no-bid contracting,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nWe write to request documents and information regarding the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (\u201cDHS\u201d or \u201cthe Department\u201d) purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract.[1] DHS justified this purchase by claiming that these aircraft were urgently needed to operate noncitizen removal flights, but recent reporting reveals that most of these airplanes have sat idle, and one was made available to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel.[2] That these aircraft have been parked for months or redistributed for purposes inconsistent with DHS\u2019s claimed reason for acquiring the planes significantly undermines the Department\u2019s explanation for bypassing a full and fair competitive contracting process and raises troubling questions about whether DHS overpaid for these aircraft, as well as about the Department\u2019s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration. We are also concerned that DHS awarded this no-bid contract to a company led by William Walters. A separate company that Mr. Walters has ties to, engaged in contract dealings with DHS that have raised allegations of solicitation of corrupt kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski.\n\nRecent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three \u201cluxury business jets\u201d and seven \u201cBoeing 737 passenger jets,\u201d and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem\u2019s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract \u201cincreased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary.\u201d DHS justified \u201cthe enormous price tag\u201d for the aircraft by claiming \u201cit had no time to consider other offers\u201d because \u201c[t]he planes were needed urgently for deportation flights.\u201d The apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department\u2019s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS\u2019s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.\n\nThe waste generated by parking most of these aircraft compounds the loss of taxpayer funds involved in the suspect, no-bid process the Department hurriedly implemented to buy these jets. DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (\u201cDaedalus\u201d), a Virginia-based company led by chairman William Walters. Mr. Walters \u201chas emerged as a vocal Trump supporter\u201d who made at least one $10,000 donation to a political action committee supporting former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during her tenure as governor of South Dakota. Former Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowki reportedly traveled the country in 2025 on a separate, $70 million luxury 737 MAX 8 that was leased to DHS by a separate company with ties to Mr. Walters, Valkyrie Aviation Holdings Group. In fact, Mr. Walters has allegedly created \u201ca web of companies,\u201d that subsequently received government contracts despite having no prior government contracting experience. Companies with ties to Mr. Walters include Salus Worldwide Solutions Corporation (\u201cSalus\u201d), which, in 2025, received a hastily-awarded contract worth $915 million \u201cfor air operations to support the administration\u2019s effort to persuade millions of undocumented immigrants to \u2018self-deport.\u2019\u201d Public reporting alleges that a representative of Salus repeatedly approached a prospective subcontracting firm with proposals to undertake work for DHS only if the firm would direct millions in kickbacks to Corey Lewandowski or consulting firms connected to him.\n\nThe no-bid contract awarded to purchase these aircraft is only the latest in the Department\u2019s growing abuse of a contracting shortcut designed to meet genuinely urgent necessity. The \u201curgency exception\u201d permits bypassing full competition only when an agency\u2019s \u201cneed for the supplies or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the Government would be seriously injured\u201d unless permitted to move forward on a no-bid basis. Despite the narrow set of circumstances when bypassing money-saving competition might be justified, \u201c[t]he exemption accounts for nearly two-thirds of the $34 billion that [DHS] has spent on contracts signed in 2026,\u201d which \u201cis up sharply from past years.\u201d In 2024, only one percent of DHS contracts were awarded under the urgency exception.\n\nCongress and the American people deserve the Department\u2019s full and prompt transparency with respect to the shocking waste of taxpayer funds and potential corruption involved in the Department\u2019s aircraft purchase and widespread no-bid contracting. Our offices are reviewing allegations of misconduct arising from federal contract awards to assess whether and the extent to which laws and regulations governing honest services and federal procurement may require legislative reform. In order for us to better understand the award of this contract, plans for these airplanes moving forward, and remedial measures for the American taxpayer, please provide the following information by September 7, 2026:\n\nHow did DHS initiate conversations with Daedalus to act as broker for the purchase of 10 airplanes?\n\nWhich DHS officials were involved in initiating these conversations?\n\nHow did DHS ascertain the number and type of airplanes necessary for purchase?\n\nHow did DHS evaluate and conclude that purchasing aircraft would be more cost effective than leasing or otherwise engaging a contractor to operate removal flights?\n\nWhat metrics did DHS evaluate for cost effectiveness before arriving to its decision to purchase these aircraft?\n\nHow does DHS plan to use the 10 purchased airplanes moving forward?\n\nHow much has DHS spent to store, retrofit, convert, move, and maintain the 10 aircraft since their purchase?\n\nHas DHS implemented changes to its contracting procedures as it relates to the use of exemptions for full and open competition?\n\nPlease also provide the following records by September 7, 2026:\n\nAll communications regarding the award of the $464 million contract to Daedalus, including but not limited to communications with Daedalus, William Walters, Secretary Mullin, former Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowski or any of their staff;\n\nAll communications regarding the purchase of each individual airplane, including but not limited to communications with Daedalus, William Walters, Secretary Mullin, former Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowski or any of their staff;\n\nAll communications regarding plans for the use of each airplane after purchase;\n\nAll flight logs and passenger logs for each airplane purchased under the contract.\n\nPlease contact our offices if you have questions about responding to this request. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-huffman-and-panetta-lead-california-lawmakers-in-push-to-end-politically-motivated-attack-on-californias-ability-to-protect-coastline/", "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, and Panetta Lead California Lawmakers in Push to End Politically Motivated Attack on California\u2019s Ability to Protect Coastline", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Lawmakers write: \u201cSecretary Lutnick\u2019s threat to revoke California\u2019s program approval and Federal funding for failure to obediently comply with the Department\u2019s prioritization of its favorite projects is contrary to 50 years of cooperative state and Federal relationships \u2013 and blatantly illegal.\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) are leading 29 colleagues in condemning the administration\u2019s recent decision to initiate a formal review of California\u2019s coastal management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) \u2013 emphasizing their ideologically driven intent to trample on states\u2019 rights and jeopardize California\u2019s shoreline.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument. It is an attempt to curb our state\u2019s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states\u2019 rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a new letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Neil Jacobs.\n\nThe CZMA authorizes California\u2019s ability to preserve and manage its coastline \u2013 giving the state the power to review and approve of projects impacting the coastal zone in coordination with the federal government. For 50 years, California and NOAA have successfully worked together to mitigate the effects of coastal projects on California\u2019s coastal ecosystems and economy.\n\nThe lawmakers rebut U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Howard Lutnick\u2019s claim that \u201cCalifornia has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith,\u201d and that California\u2019s objections were \u201cunfounded.\u201d\n\n\u201cComplementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world\u2019s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions. California\u2019s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world and positions us as the nation\u2019s leading agricultural state. California contributes nearly $700 billion to the federal government, which is $83 billion more than it receives. Each dollar invested in California\u2019s coastal management creates important returns for the rest of the United States. Simply put, far from obstructing innovation and economic development, California\u2019s success subsidizes the success of the nation,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\n\u201cIf NOAA chooses to proceed with its review under these patently misinformed and unreasonable circumstances and decides California should no longer manage a coastal zone program, the State will lose the ability to collaborate with the federal government on effective and responsible project development, to offer meaningful mitigation measures for coastal development projects, or to access federal financial opportunities that support the protection and security of America\u2019s Pacific Coast\u2026Both California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America\u2019s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Padilla, Huffman, and Panetta the letter is signed by U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found hereand below.\n\nDear Administrator Jacobs:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) out-of-cycle performance evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program (CCMP) undertaken just one year after the previous evaluation was completed. This unprecedented review threatens to disrupt 48 years of successful coordination between the State of California and the federal government to protect California\u2019s coast. The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) relies on a robust, voluntary partnership between federal and state governments to ensure that all coastal development projects are carried out thoughtfully, prudently, and in alignment with both the state\u2019s priorities and the goals of the law. This extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument. It is an attempt to curb our state\u2019s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states\u2019 rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA.\n\nThe purpose of the CZMA is to require collaboration between participating coastal states and the federal government to further both preservation and development goals and \u201cto achieve wise use of the land and water resources of the coastal zone.\u201d (16 USC 1452(2)). California has advanced this purpose by carefully reviewing, seeking to improve where appropriate, and ultimately approving the vast majority of projects impacting its coastal zone.\n\nFor this reason, it is strange that in a letter from Commerce Secretary Lutnick to the National Economic Council, the Secretary inexplicably claims that \u201cCalifornia has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith\u201d without any evidence in support of this and that California has a \u201clong record of obstructing technological innovation, economic development, and related Federal efforts in the name of environmental extremism.\u201d Both of these statements can be easily contradicted with facts.\n\nThe record of California\u2019s regulatory decisions over the past few decades shows the State disapproved of only one desalination project out of several dozen, objected to just two space launch activities out of 135, and disapproved of exactly zero undersea cable and pipeline repair and maintenance projects. In fact, of the 3,700 projects the California Coastal Commission has reviewed under the CZMA since 1978, fully 96% of them have been approved by the Commission either outright or with environmentally beneficial modifications that advanced the Act\u2019s twin goals of preservation and development. This reality plainly contradicts Secretary Lutnick\u2019s allegation of obstructionism.\n\nCalifornia has a long history of approving space launch projects and, as mentioned above, has only rejected two of 135 space launch and aerospace projects under its review since 1980. The Coastal Commission attributed its decision-making in these two cases to noise pollution, the potential for sonic booms, disruption of wildlife, and the fact that the applicant, SpaceX, provided insufficient information about its proposed Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Thus, California\u2019s objections were not \u201cunfounded,\u201d as Secretary Lutnick\u2019s press statement claimed.\n\nMoreover, it is important to note that the CZMA does not grant a participating state veto power to block a federal project. If a state objects, the CZMA offers the Secretary of Commerce the opportunity to override a state\u2019s objection when appropriate. In the case of the only two spaceport projects to which California objected, despite California\u2019s clear explanation of its concerns, the federal government proceeded with the projects anyway without working through the issues California raised. As both the State and federal government acted within their rights in accordance with the law, this again calls the review of California\u2019s program into question.\n\nComplementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world\u2019s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions. California\u2019s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world and positions us as the nation\u2019s leading agricultural state. California contributes nearly $700 billion to the federal government, which is $83 billion more than it receives. Each dollar invested in California\u2019s coastal management creates important returns for the rest of the United States. Simply put, far from obstructing innovation and economic development, California\u2019s success subsidizes the success of the nation.\n\nSecretary Lutnick\u2019s threat to revoke California\u2019s program approval and Federal funding for failure to obediently comply with the Department\u2019s prioritization of its favorite projects is contrary to 50 years of cooperative state and Federal relationships \u2013 and blatantly illegal. Even the first Trump Administration\u2019s NOAA plainly stated in 2019 that NOAA lacks the authority to revoke a state program approval for failing to implement newly imposed Federal policies. The first Trump Administration acknowledged:\n\nNOAA does not have authority to require a state to make a change to state law or its coastal management program, except in limited circumstances if a state is not adhering to its NOAA-approved coastal management program. [NOAA Coastal Zone Management Act Program Change Procedures Final Rule, Federal Register at 38120-38121 (August 6, 2019)].\n\nCalifornia\u2019s compliance with its own program is what NOAA can review \u2013 not whether California is complying with the current President\u2019s Executive Orders or the current Secretary of Commerce\u2019s insistence on his two favorite projects.\n\nSecretary Lutnick\u2019s letter misses this point that the CZMA as established by Congress, which is \u201cto preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation\u2019s coastal zone for this and succeeding generations.\u201d (16 USC 1452(1)). The CZMA is not about rushing through specific development projects. Instead, it exits to establish a coherent framework to both protect and develop the coast, preserving its essential nature \u201cfor this and succeeding generations.\u201d\n\nCalifornia has fully complied with the CZMA\u2019s goals by coherent planning of preservation and development activities that have built up a \u201cblue economy\u201d valued at $51 billion of tourism, fishing and aquaculture, shipping and coastal recreation. We Californians cherish our magnificent coast, and the robust economic activity it generates depends upon advancing developments that will enhance rather than damage the coast\u2019s value. As part of the coherent management of our coastal resources, for decades Californians have consistently opposed new oil and gas drilling, because just one oil spill could destroy our vibrant $51 billion coastal economy. Our position on new offshore drilling is in no way inconsistent with the CZMA. Quite to the contrary, it is part and parcel of the coherent regulatory framework that CZMA demands to both preserve and develop the state\u2019s coastal economy in a manner that benefits this and future generations.\n\nFundamental to the CZMA is the understanding that the country\u2019s interests are best served when the federal government works in collaboration, rather than in direct conflict, with state costal management programs. If NOAA chooses to proceed with its review under these patently misinformed and unreasonable circumstances and decides California should no longer manage a coastal zone program, the State will lose the ability to collaborate with the federal government on effective and responsible project development, to offer meaningful mitigation measures for coastal development projects, or to access federal financial opportunities that support the protection and security of America\u2019s Pacific Coast.\n\nFor all the reasons above, we express our strong opposition to decertification of California\u2019s coastal program or withholding of financial assistance. Both California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America\u2019s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security. We must work together to accomplish these objectives. In this spirit, we thank you for your consideration of this letter and ask that if you decide to proceed that you fairly review California\u2019s coastal zone management program based on its full record of regulatory approvals and in accordance with the CZMA\u2019s mandate for consistent implementation of a state\u2019s chosen management program to achieve wise use of its coastal resources.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-23T05:27:15Z", "2026-08-23T05:29:02Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-huffman-panetta-lead-california-lawmakers-in-push-to-end-politically-motivated-attack-on-californias-coastline-protections/", "Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, Panetta Lead California Lawmakers in Push to End Politically Motivated Attack on California\u2019s Coastline\u00a0Protections", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), led 29 colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration\u2019s recent decision to initiate a formal review of California\u2019s coastal management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). In the letter, they warned that the politically-motivated review threatens California\u2019s authority to protect its coastline and manage responsible coastal development.\n\nThe CZMA gives California a federally approved role in preserving and managing its coastline, including reviewing and approving projects impacting the coastal zone in coordination with the federal government.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cIt is an attempt to curb our state\u2019s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states\u2019 rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA.\u201d\n\nIn the letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Neil Jacobs, the lawmakers emphasized that for 50 years, California and NOAA have successfully worked together to mitigate the effects of coastal projects on California\u2019s coastal ecosystems and economy.\n\nThe lawmakers rebut U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Howard Lutnick\u2019s claim that \u201cCalifornia has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith,\u201d and that California\u2019s objections were \u201cunfounded.\u201d\n\n\u201cComplementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world\u2019s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cCalifornia\u2019s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world and positions us as the nation\u2019s leading agricultural state. California contributes nearly $700 billion to the federal government, which is $83 billion more than it receives. Each dollar invested in California\u2019s coastal management creates important returns for the rest of the United States. Simply put, far from obstructing innovation and economic development, California\u2019s success subsidizes the success of the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf NOAA chooses to proceed with its review under these patently misinformed and unreasonable circumstances and decides California should no longer manage a coastal zone program, the State will lose the ability to collaborate with the federal government on effective and responsible project development, to offer meaningful mitigation measures for coastal development projects, or to access federal financial opportunities that support the protection and security of America\u2019s Pacific Coast,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cBoth California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America\u2019s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Schiff, Huffman, and Panetta, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).\n\nPadilla has fought to protect California from the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to promote new oil drilling off the coast. In June, Padilla and Schiff introduced legislation to establish strict standards for offshore oil and gas operators and set requirements to hold them responsible for decommissioning and cleanup efforts off the coast. In May, Padilla and Schiff launched an investigation into Sable Offshore Corp.\u2019s politicized efforts to restart oil drilling operations off the Santa Barbara coast and demanded answers about the company\u2019s collaboration with the Trump Administration to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) in relation to this project. In April, Padilla pressed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, highlighting that the Trump Administration\u2019s plans to drill off of California\u2019s coast coupled with proposed cuts to funding for environmental programs and enforcement will endanger the coastline, the people who live there, and coastal economies. Last year, Padilla introduced the West Coast Protection Act to permanently prohibit new oil and gas leases for offshore drilling off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Administrator Jacobs:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) out-of-cycle performance evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program (CCMP) undertaken just one year after the previous evaluation was completed. This unprecedented review threatens to disrupt 48 years of successful coordination between the State of California and the federal government to protect California\u2019s coast. The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) relies on a robust, voluntary partnership between federal and state governments to ensure that all coastal development projects are carried out thoughtfully, prudently, and in alignment with both the state\u2019s priorities and the goals of the law. This extraordinary federal review which singles out California is based upon a thinly veiled and non-evidential argument. It is an attempt to curb our state\u2019s federally approved authority to evaluate offshore energy, infrastructure, and commercial activities. We ask that if you proceed with this review, you commit to respecting states\u2019 rights and cooperative federalism as is consistent with the CZMA.\n\nThe purpose of the CZMA is to require collaboration between participating coastal states and the federal government to further both preservation and development goals and \u201cto achieve wise use of the land and water resources of the coastal zone.\u201d (16 USC 1452(2)). California has advanced this purpose by carefully reviewing, seeking to improve where appropriate, and ultimately approving the vast majority of projects impacting its coastal zone.\n\nFor this reason, it is strange that in a letter from Commerce Secretary Lutnick to the National Economic Council, the Secretary inexplicably claims that \u201cCalifornia has repeatedly obstructed spaceport development in bad faith\u201d without any evidence in support of this and that California has a \u201clong record of obstructing technological innovation, economic development, and related Federal efforts in the name of environmental extremism.\u201d Both of these statements can be easily contradicted with facts.\n\nThe record of California\u2019s regulatory decisions over the past few decades shows the State disapproved of only one desalination project out of several dozen, objected to just two space launch activities out of 135, and disapproved of exactly zero undersea cable and pipeline repair and maintenance projects. In fact, of the 3,700 projects the California Coastal Commission has reviewed under the CZMA since 1978, fully 96% of them have been approved by the Commission either outright or with environmentally beneficial modifications that advanced the Act\u2019s twin goals of preservation and development. This reality plainly contradicts Secretary Lutnick\u2019s allegation of obstructionism.\n\nCalifornia has a long history of approving space launch projects and, as mentioned above, has only rejected two of 135 space launch and aerospace projects under its review since 1980. The Coastal Commission attributed its decision-making in these two cases to noise pollution, the potential for sonic booms, disruption of wildlife, and the fact that the applicant, SpaceX, provided insufficient information about its proposed Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Thus, California\u2019s objections were not \u201cunfounded,\u201d as Secretary Lutnick\u2019s press statement claimed.\n\nMoreover, it is important to note that the CZMA does not grant a participating state veto power to block a federal project. If a state objects, the CZMA offers the Secretary of Commerce the opportunity to override a state\u2019s objection when appropriate. In the case of the only two spaceport projects to which California objected, despite California\u2019s clear explanation of its concerns, the federal government proceeded with the projects anyway without working through the issues California raised. As both the State and federal government acted within their rights in accordance with the law, this again calls the review of California\u2019s program into question.\n\nComplementing this strong record is the reality that California is the world\u2019s fourth largest economy, home to Silicon Valley, 400 unicorn startups, unmatched high-tech enterprise, world-renowned research institutions. California\u2019s global leadership in research and innovation supports a coastal economy that attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world and positions us as the nation\u2019s leading agricultural state. California contributes nearly $700 billion to the federal government, which is $83 billion more than it receives. Each dollar invested in California\u2019s coastal management creates important returns for the rest of the United States. Simply put, far from obstructing innovation and economic development, California\u2019s success subsidizes the success of the nation.\n\nSecretary Lutnick\u2019s threat to revoke California\u2019s program approval and Federal funding for failure to obediently comply with the Department\u2019s prioritization of its favorite projects is contrary to 50 years of cooperative state and Federal relationships \u2013 and blatantly illegal. Even the first Trump Administration\u2019s NOAA plainly stated in 2019 that NOAA lacks the authority to revoke a state program approval for failing to implement newly imposed Federal policies. The first Trump Administration acknowledged:\n\nNOAA does not have authority to require a state to make a change to state law or its coastal management program, except in limited circumstances if a state is not adhering to its NOAA-approved coastal management program. [NOAA Coastal Zone Management Act Program Change Procedures Final Rule, Federal Register at 38120-38121 (August 6, 2019)].\n\nCalifornia\u2019s compliance with its own program is what NOAA can review \u2013 not whether California is complying with the current President\u2019s Executive Orders or the current Secretary of Commerce\u2019s insistence on his two favorite projects.\n\nSecretary Lutnick\u2019s letter misses this point that the CZMA as established by Congress, which is \u201cto preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation\u2019s coastal zone for this and succeeding generations.\u201d (16 USC 1452(1)). The CZMA is not about rushing through specific development projects. Instead, it exits to establish a coherent framework to both protect and develop the coast, preserving its essential nature \u201cfor this and succeeding generations.\u201d\n\nCalifornia has fully complied with the CZMA\u2019s goals by coherent planning of preservation and development activities that have built up a \u201cblue economy\u201d valued at $51 billion of tourism, fishing and aquaculture, shipping and coastal recreation. We Californians cherish our magnificent coast, and the robust economic activity it generates depends upon advancing developments that will enhance rather than damage the coast\u2019s value. As part of the coherent management of our coastal resources, for decades Californians have consistently opposed new oil and gas drilling, because just one oil spill could destroy our vibrant $51 billion coastal economy. Our position on new offshore drilling is in no way inconsistent with the CZMA. Quite to the contrary, it is part and parcel of the coherent regulatory framework that CZMA demands to both preserve and develop the state\u2019s coastal economy in a manner that benefits this and future generations.\n\nFundamental to the CZMA is the understanding that the country\u2019s interests are best served when the federal government works in collaboration, rather than in direct conflict, with state costal management programs. If NOAA chooses to proceed with its review under these patently misinformed and unreasonable circumstances and decides California should no longer manage a coastal zone program, the State will lose the ability to collaborate with the federal government on effective and responsible project development, to offer meaningful mitigation measures for coastal development projects, or to access federal financial opportunities that support the protection and security of America\u2019s Pacific Coast.\n\nFor all the reasons above, we express our strong opposition to decertification of California\u2019s coastal program or withholding of financial assistance. Both California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America\u2019s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security. We must work together to accomplish these objectives. In this spirit, we thank you for your consideration of this letter and ask that if you decide to proceed that you fairly review California\u2019s coastal zone management program based on its full record of regulatory approvals and in accordance with the CZMA\u2019s mandate for consistent implementation of a state\u2019s chosen management program to achieve wise use of its coastal resources.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-cosponsors-bicameral-bill-protecting-domestic-violence-survivors-from-gun-violence/", "Padilla Cosponsors Bicameral Bill Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04) in introducing the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act restricts those under temporary restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm and extends protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners.\n\nThe bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, a Connecticut mother who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband who had legally obtained a handgun even though he was subject to a temporary restraining order, and Nicolette Elias, a Connecticut mother who, despite securing restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband, was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish.\n\n\u201cDenying a domestic abuser access to a gun is one of the most obvious, common-sense steps we can take to protect survivors,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThis bill would address a deadly loophole, reduce dangerous domestic violence incidents, and most importantly, save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation closes a gaping loophole\u2014to save lives when current law leaves domestic abuse victims most vulnerable to violent partners with guns,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cThe link between domestic violence and guns is deadly. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would prevent the purchase and possession of a firearm by someone who is subject to a temporary restraining order\u2014protecting survivors of domestic violence when courts recognize the danger.\u201d\n\n\u201cKeeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers is commonsense,\u201d said Senator Wyden. \u201cIt\u2019s past time to help end the cycle of gun violence and provide domestic violence survivors with bare minimum protection against their abusers, and our bill is the way to do it.\u201d\n\n\u201cLori Jackson and Nicolette Elias should still be alive today. That perpetrators of domestic violence can still access firearms even with a temporary restraining order against them is a dangerous loophole that needs to be closed. We owe it to Lori, Nicolette, and the countless other survivors of domestic violence killed by gun violence to close this loophole once and for all\u2014and that\u2019s precisely what this bill would do,\u201d said Representative Himes.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Blumenthal, and Wyden, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) in the Senate.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including Brady, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, GIFFORDS, Newtown Action Alliance, Everytown, Jewish Women International, March for Our Lives, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence.\n\n\u201cDomestic violence is a serious issue that cuts across racial, gender, economic, sexual, generational, and religious divides. In fact, one-third of women and one-quarter of men are victims of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime. The mere presence of a firearm in the hands of an abuser is a key factor that can transform a dangerous situation into a deadly one. The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act will protect survivors of intimate partner violence by fully closing the \u201cboyfriend loophole\u201d and restricting individuals under emergency restraining orders from purchasing or possessing firearms. Brady is grateful to Senator Blumenthal for introducing this important bill and for his steadfast dedication to protecting survivors and ending the American gun violence crisis,\u201d said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady.\n\n\u201cNo one escaping domestic violence should fear that their abuser can still access a firearm,\u201d said Lauren Levin, chief advocacy officer of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund. \u201cWe are proud to endorse the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, strengthening protections for survivors facing serious threats and helping keep families and communities safe by reducing the risk of future violence.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe gaps in federal gun policy regarding domestic abuse are completely unacceptable and deadly. An abusive partner\u2019s access to a firearm makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed. That\u2019s why I urge Congress to pass Senator Blumenthal\u2019s lifesaving bill, and finally take steps to prevent known abusers from getting their hands on dangerous weapons,\u201d said Emma Brown, Executive Director at GIFFORDS.\n\n\u201cA protective order should protect. Yet loopholes in federal law still allow too many dangerous domestic abusers to keep or acquire firearms even after a court has found that they pose a credible threat,\u201d said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. \u201cThe Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act closes those deadly loopholes and helps ensure that a judge\u2019s order is backed by meaningful action. Survivors deserve more than a piece of paper\u2014they deserve the freedom to live safely in their own homes without fear of gun violence.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-senate-democrats-sound-alarm-on-trump-administration-attacks-on-unaccompanied-childrens-legal-representation/", "Padilla, Senate Democrats Sound Alarm on Trump Administration Attacks on Unaccompanied Children\u2019s Legal Representation", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sounded the alarm on the Trump Administration\u2019s unprecedented attacks on legal services for unaccompanied children, requesting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (IG) conduct a full investigation into the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) process for entering into agreements for legal services and how it plans to ensure children are adequately represented.\n\nIn a letter to the HHS Inspector General, the Senators raised concerns about the Trump Administration\u2019s continued attempts to undermine essential legal services for unaccompanied children.\n\n\u201cOn July 31, 2026, after a year and a half of repeated attempts to gut legal services for unaccompanied children, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) allowed contracts for the provision of these services to expire. The agency appeared to have no clear plan to ensure that the over 25,000 children impacted by this expiration would have lawyers in their deportation proceedings,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cInstead, ORR has since hastily attempted to award contracts for legal services to political allies of the Trump Administration with few, if any, qualifications to provide such services\u2014all amid a push by the Administration to deport these children. In addition, ORR appears to have provided sensitive personal information about children to new representation without any consultation with current counsel or the children themselves. This has led to a full blown crisis for vulnerable children, who should not have to represent themselves in deportation proceedings. We write to request that you immediately initiate an investigation into whether funds appropriated for legal services to unaccompanied children have been implemented in a manner that meets ORR\u2019s legal obligations.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress has, on a bipartisan basis, made clear that unaccompanied children should not be forced to represent themselves in immigration court\u2026\u201d continued the Senators. \u201cDespite these statutory protections, ORR has nevertheless taken drastic steps to gut legal representation for children.\u201d\n\nThe Senators cited troubling reports of contracts with longstanding legal service providers expiring, current providers remaining in the dark, and new problematic contacts like those to Burke Law Group and Our Rescue.\n\n\u201cORR\u2019s collective actions seem designed to deprive unaccompanied children of adequate representation in deportation proceedings,\u201d the Senators concluded. \u201cAttempts by the Administration to expedite the deportation of these children by limiting their access to immigration counsel deserves urgent oversight.\u201d\n\nThe Senators requested a formal investigation into ORR\u2019s actions by the HHS Inspector General, to ensure compliance with the law.\n\nLast week, Padilla joined his Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration on its intent to award a no-bid contract to a Trump-aligned law firm with no apparent immigration law experience, allowing them to represent unaccompanied children who are in the care and custody of the ORR. Earlier this month, Padilla cosponsored the Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026, legislation that would guarantee the right to legal representation for all individuals facing deportation or immigration proceedings, even if they are unable to afford it.\n\nFull letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-ruiz-push-back-against-trump-administration-efforts-to-abandon-new-river-and-imperial-county-wastewater-infrastructure-projects/", "Padilla, Schiff,\u00a0Ruiz Push Back Against Trump Administration Efforts to Abandon New River and Imperial County Wastewater Infrastructure Projects", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) pushed back against a new proposal to deauthorize environmental infrastructure projects for the New River and Imperial County. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, the lawmakers warned that these rollbacks could have serious consequences for surrounding California communities and the environment.\n\nThe lawmakers criticized the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 new proposal, emphasizing that these projects do not meet the Corps\u2019 criteria for deauthorization and highlighting the significant public health issues that the projects\u2019 funding could address.\n\n\u201cThere remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water quality indicators including fecal coliform, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, and selenium,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe urgency of this problem has also generated significant local non-federal support and consideration of additional federal support for actions to remedy the public health impacts.\u201d\n\nNew River and Imperial County have been authorized $20 million in federal funding for wastewater infrastructure to improve water quality and address environmental and public health issues caused by contaminated water flowing through southern Calexico.\n\n\u201cFor residents of Calexico, this is a direct environmental threat and public health crisis. Communities live, work, and attend school near the New River and are exposed to the conditions surrounding it every day,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cAir quality surrounding the New River remains a serious public health concern. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns can affect the respiratory and nervous systems, has been detected near the New River. Monitoring has, at times, recorded hydrogen sulfide levels above health-based guidance established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), raising additional concerns for communities that live, work, and attend school near the river.\u201d\n\nMaintaining these two funding authorizations would help ensure that both the New River and Imperial County are still eligible for future funding to address continued water and environmental needs.\n\n\u201cThese conditions make it clear that the need for action on the New River is still present,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cPollution crossing the international border cannot be solved by Calexico or Imperial County alone. The volume of cross-border flow, the contaminants documented in the river, and the impacts experienced by surrounding communities warrant continued federal involvement.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe also urge the Corps to consult with the California congressional delegation, Imperial County, the City of Calexico, and other affected stakeholders,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cThe evidence is clear that the environmental concerns that these projects were authorized to address still exist. Millions of gallons continue to cross the border through the New River each day, contaminants continue to be detected, and Imperial Valley communities continue to live with the consequences. This is the time for sustained federal and non-Federal action, not deauthorization.\u201d\n\nThe Corps\u2019 proposal to deauthorize these important projects must come before Congress for final approval, which gives the lawmakers an opportunity to fight the proposed deauthorizations.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Assistant Secretary Telle:\n\nWe write in opposition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 proposal to deauthorize the New River and Imperial County environmental infrastructure projects. There remains strong local support and an urgent need to proceed with these projects due to serious public health effects from untreated sewage originating in Mexico that is flowing through the New River channel into Calexico.\n\nAs the Corps acknowledges in its notice seeking public comment on the proposed deauthorization list, Congress has directed the agency to identify water resources development projects that are no longer viable for construction due to (1) a lack of local support, (2) a lack of available Federal or non-Federal resources, or (3) an authorizing purpose that is no longer relevant or feasible. The New River and Imperial County projects do not meet these criteria for deauthorization. There remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water-quality indicators including fecal coliform, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, and selenium. The urgency of this problem has also generated significant local non-Federal support and consideration of additional Federal support for actions to remedy the public health impacts.\n\nFor residents of Calexico, this is a direct environmental threat and public health crisis. Communities live, work, and attend school near the New River and are exposed to the conditions surrounding it every day. As a result, students at nearby schools have called emergency services from classrooms because of exposure symptoms including headaches, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Additionally, Imperial County has experienced some of the highest rates of asthma-related emergency department visits among children in California. Moreover, individuals who have come into contact with the river, including Border Patrol agents, have also reported symptoms such as severe headaches, skin rashes, blurred vision, and flu-like symptoms.\n\nAir quality surrounding the New River remains a serious public health concern. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns can affect the respiratory and nervous systems, has been detected near the New River. Monitoring has, at times, recorded hydrogen sulfide levels above health-based guidance established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), raising additional concerns for communities that live, work, and attend school near the river. These conditions are further compounded by Imperial Valley\u2019s extreme summer heat, with temperatures in Calexico frequently exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures can intensify the persistent and noxious odors associated with the river, further burdening nearby residents. Children, seniors, outdoor workers, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of extreme heat, persistent odors, and ongoing air quality concerns.\n\nThese conditions make it clear that the need for action on the New River is still present. Pollution crossing the international border cannot be solved by Calexico or Imperial County alone. The volume of cross-border flow, the contaminants documented in the river, and the impacts experienced by surrounding communities warrant continued federal involvement.\n\nDuring an April hearing, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin committed to visiting the New River region, engaging with the binational water-quality study, and applying the federal model used to address the Tijuana River crisis to the New River. This has brought much-needed federal attention to this environmental crisis. However, it is deeply concerning that the Army Corps is considering abandoning these communities as EPA increases its efforts to monitor these cross-border environmental challenges. The proposal to deauthorize the New River and Imperial County projects would withhold vital resources from impacted communities and move federal efforts in opposite directions at a time when cross-government collaboration is essential to addressing this public health crisis.\n\nWe therefore oppose the USACE\u2019s inclusion of the New River and Imperial County projects on the proposed deauthorization list. We also urge the Corps to consult with the California congressional delegation, Imperial County, the City of Calexico, and other affected stakeholders. The evidence is clear that the environmental concerns that these projects were authorized to address still exist. Millions of gallons continue to cross the border through the New River each day, contaminants continue to be detected, and Imperial Valley communities continue to live with the consequences. This is the time for sustained Federal and non-Federal action, not deauthorization.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-slam-shasta-county-plans-to-hire-election-denier-urge-california-sos-to-conduct-maximum-oversight-of-access-to-sensitive-election-materials/", "Padilla, Schiff Slam Shasta County Plans to Hire Election-Denier, Urge California SOS to Conduct Maximum Oversight of Access to Sensitive Election Materials", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "SACRAMENTO, CA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), sent a letter to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber expressing deep concern regarding Shasta County Registrar of Voters\u2019 announcement to hire convicted former Mesa County, Colorado Clerk Tina Peters as a senior advisor and urged her office to conduct maximum oversight of Peters\u2019 access to sensitive election materials. The letter also copied the Shasta County Board of Supervisors.\n\n\u201cPeters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe are concerned that this hiring decision in Shasta County has less to do with Ms. Peters\u2019 qualifications, and more to do with the President\u2019s obsession with interfering in the midterm elections \u2013 having suggested a need to \u2018take over the voting\u2019 by installing individuals who would put the President\u2019s agenda above following the law, and his fixation on passage of the SAVE Act, which would create significant barriers to the ballot for millions of Americans.\u201d\n\nThe Senators highlighted Shasta County Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis\u2019 comments that he is planning to hire Peters \u201cto assist us with making sure the FBI and DHS can test the ballots for authenticity.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have no role in the administration of elections, and this statement indicates the potential for violations of California and/or federal election laws. Following the FBI\u2019s unjustified raid on Fulton County, Georgia\u2019s election offices and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco\u2019s illegal seizure of ballots last year, and Ms. Peters\u2019 own record, the California Secretary of State\u2019s office must take this situation seriously,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cIf county officials proceed with this misguided plan, we request that you provide the maximum oversight possible to ensure that Ms. Peters does not improperly access ballots, voting systems, or sensitive information that could impact the rights and privacy of the over 100,000 registered voters in Shasta County in violation of California\u2019s recently passed S.B. 73 or any other state or federal election law.\u201d\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Weber,\n\nThank you for your continued efforts to ensure California\u2019s elections remain safe and secure. California, like many states across the country, reminds us that elections do not occur just once every two or four years. In the last year alone, your office has overseen a statewide special election, the 2026 primary election, a special congressional primary election, and yesterday\u2019s general election in that same race. With over 23 million registered voters across the state, the California Secretary of State\u2019s Office has a critical responsibility for not only ensuring elections are administered to the highest degree of accuracy but also ensuring that our election laws are enforced and retaining public confidence in our electoral system.\n\nGiven the current environment facing our elections, we write with grave concern over the statements by the Shasta County Registrar of Voters, Mr. Clint Curtis, that he plans to hire former Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters next month, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, either to replace the current Assistant Registrar of Voters or as a consultant.\n\nMs. Peters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election. These events cost the rural county of Mesa, Colorado at least $1.4 million in legal fees and other impacts. Despite the harm that Ms. Peters caused to our electoral system, her sentence was commuted after President Trump exerted corrupt political pressure over the state of Colorado, including withholding millions of dollars in federal grants. We are concerned that this hiring decision in Shasta County has less to do with Ms. Peters\u2019 qualifications, and more to do with the President\u2019s obsession with interfering in the midterm elections \u2013 having suggested a need to \u201ctake over the voting\u201d by installing individuals who would put the President\u2019s agenda above following the law, and his fixation on passage of the SAVE Act, which would create significant barriers to the ballot for millions of Americans.\n\nSincer her release, Ms. Peters\u2019 apology has completely failed to demonstrate she has any real remorse for the damage she has caused voters in Colorado and it is clear that she does not belong in a role overseeing any part of our electoral system. In fact, Mr. Curtis has stated that Ms. Peters is being hired to \u201cassist us with making sure the FBI and DHS can test the ballots.\u201d The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have no role in the administration of elections, and this statement indicates the potential for violations of California and/or federal election laws. Following the FBI\u2019s unjustified raid on Fulton County, Georgia\u2019s election offices and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco\u2019s illegal seizure of ballots last year, and Ms. Peters\u2019 own record, the California Secretary of State\u2019s office must take this situation seriously.\n\nWe strongly encourage your office to reach out to Mr. Curtis and the Shasta County Board to share concerns about the plan to place Ms. Peters in any position of authority over elections in California. If Shasta County puts Ms. Peters in a position to again violate election laws following her convictions, county taxpayers could be burdened with unwelcomed and potentially hefty expenses. If county officials proceed with this misguided plan, we request that you provide the maximum oversight possible to ensure that Ms. Peters does not improperly access ballots, voting systems, or sensitive information that could impact the rights and privacy of the over 100,000 registered voters in Shasta County in violation of California\u2019s recently passed S.B. 73 or any other state or federal election law.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-says-trump-owns-status-quo-while-democrats-are-focused-on-affordability-at-politico-california-summit/", "ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Says Trump Owns \u201cStatus Quo\u201d While Democrats Are Focused on Affordability at POLITICO California Summit", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Sacramento, CA \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) spoke at the POLITICO California Summit on his priorities for tackling the affordability crisis, including by addressing the housing shortage. Schiff also emphasized that Democrats should continue pushing a legislative agenda that focuses on making our economy work for all Americans.\n\nSchiff, in conversation with POLITICO\u2019s Dasha Burns, highlighted how Trump and Republicans represent the failed status quo as Americans are facing higher prices on their watch as a result.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Republicans and President Trump owning the status quo:\n\n[\u2026] Donald Trump, Mike Johnson represent an ugly status quo. A status quo in which people can\u2019t afford the price of gasoline, they can\u2019t afford the price of housing, they can\u2019t afford childcare. We\u2019re involved in yet another foreign war that the president doesn\u2019t know what to do about. They are the status quo.\n\nAnd much as they try to change the topic and make a handful of Democrats the subject, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to work because people are asking themselves, \u201cIs my life better? Did the president and Republicans keep their word?\u201d And the answer is no. The president promised he would keep us out of foreign wars. He promised he would address rising prices. And what has he done? In addition to getting us involved in this terrible war, he has told the country that the cost-of-living affordability is a hoax.\n\nOn building an economy that works for everyone as AI transforms the economy:\n\n[\u2026] What most Americans really have on their minds, and that is, they\u2019re working their ass off, and they\u2019re still struggling to get by. They feel very little security in their retirement. They are afraid of getting sick because their health insurance isn\u2019t going to cut it. They are terrified.\n\n[\u2026] We are in the midst of another transformation. I think it is the fault of policymakers that we have not adapted to a workplace that is so different than the workplace my parents worked in. Where so many people stayed with the same company their whole career and had health care and retirement through their work. And we\u2019re going to have to, with the advent of AI, think even more broadly now about how do we ensure that people have gained full employment and dignified employment and secure retirement. What does that look like in the era of AI and globalization and automation? So, this is, I think, going to be the cardinal challenge for both parties. And I\u2019d like to see the Democratic Party leading the way.\n\nOn taxing the ultra-wealthy and making the tax code fairer for working Americans:\n\n[\u2026] There should be a wealth tax at the federal level. There should be a much more progressive tax code than the one we have. And one thing that has become so abundantly clear is this concentration of wealth we see now is operating to perpetuate itself. And you have individuals now that have such a massive say in our electoral process that they can pour hundreds of millions of dollars into a single campaign if they choose to. We have a broken campaign finance system that allows them to do that.\n\nAnd I think if we don\u2019t bring determination to solving that problem, also, this income inequality, wealth inequality gap is just going to get worse. And it is, I also think, deeply destabilizing. The combination of the disruption of the workforce through AI, the vast concentration, and the arrogant use of wealth by some who have amassed it, is going to be hugely disruptive for society. It\u2019s bad economics. I think it\u2019s immoral, and I\u2019m working on federal solutions to try to address that.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-padilla-and-ruiz-push-back-against-trump-administration-efforts-to-abandon-new-river-and-imperial-county-wastewater-infrastructure-projects/", "NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, and Ruiz Push Back Against Trump Administration Efforts to Abandon New River and Imperial County Wastewater Infrastructure Projects", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) pushed back against a new proposal to deauthorize environmental infrastructure projects for the New River and Imperial County. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, the lawmakers warned that these rollbacks could have serious consequences for surrounding California communities and the environment.\n\nThe lawmakers criticized the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 new proposal, emphasizing that these projects do not meet the Corps\u2019 criteria for deauthorization and highlighting the significant public health issues that the projects\u2019 funding could address.\n\n\u201cThere remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water quality indicators including fecal coliform, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, and selenium,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe urgency of this problem has also generated significant local non-federal support and consideration of additional federal support for actions to remedy the public health impacts.\u201d\n\nNew River and Imperial County have been authorized $20 million in federal funding for wastewater infrastructure to improve water quality and address environmental and public health issues caused by contaminated water flowing through southern Calexico.\n\n\u201cFor residents of Calexico, this is a direct environmental threat and public health crisis. Communities live, work, and attend school near the New River and are exposed to the conditions surrounding it every day,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cAir quality surrounding the New River remains a serious public health concern. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns can affect the respiratory and nervous systems, has been detected near the New River. Monitoring has, at times, recorded hydrogen sulfide levels above health-based guidance established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), raising additional concerns for communities that live, work, and attend school near the river.\u201d\n\nMaintaining these two funding authorizations would help ensure that both the New River and Imperial County are still eligible for future funding to address continued water and environmental needs.\n\n\u201cThese conditions make it clear that the need for action on the New River is still present,\u201dwrote the lawmakers. \u201cPollution crossing the international border cannot be solved by Calexico or Imperial County alone. The volume of cross-border flow, the contaminants documented in the river, and the impacts experienced by surrounding communities warrant continued federal involvement.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe also urge the Corps to consult with the California congressional delegation, Imperial County, the City of Calexico, and other affected stakeholders,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cThe evidence is clear that the environmental concerns that these projects were authorized to address still exist. Millions of gallons continue to cross the border through the New River each day, contaminants continue to be detected, and Imperial Valley communities continue to live with the consequences. This is the time for sustained federal and non-Federal action, not deauthorization.\u201d\n\nThe Corps\u2019 proposal to deauthorize these important projects must come before Congress for final approval, which gives the lawmakers an opportunity to fight the proposed deauthorizations.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Assistant Secretary Telle:\n\nWe write in opposition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 proposal to deauthorize the New River and Imperial County environmental infrastructure projects. There remains strong local support and an urgent need to proceed with these projects due to serious public health effects from untreated sewage originating in Mexico that is flowing through the New River channel into Calexico.\n\nAs the Corps acknowledges in its notice seeking public comment on the proposed deauthorization list, Congress has directed the agency to identify water resources development projects that are no longer viable for construction due to (1) a lack of local support, (2) a lack of available Federal or non-Federal resources, or (3) an authorizing purpose that is no longer relevant or feasible. The New River and Imperial County projects do not meet these criteria for deauthorization. There remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water-quality indicators including fecal coliform, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, and selenium. The urgency of this problem has also generated significant local non-Federal support and consideration of additional Federal support for actions to remedy the public health impacts.\n\nFor residents of Calexico, this is a direct environmental threat and public health crisis. Communities live, work, and attend school near the New River and are exposed to the conditions surrounding it every day. As a result, students at nearby schools have called emergency services from classrooms because of exposure symptoms including headaches, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Additionally, Imperial County has experienced some of the highest rates of asthma-related emergency department visits among children in California. Moreover, individuals who have come into contact with the river, including Border Patrol agents, have also reported symptoms such as severe headaches, skin rashes, blurred vision, and flu-like symptoms.\n\nAir quality surrounding the New River remains a serious public health concern. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns can affect the respiratory and nervous systems, has been detected near the New River. Monitoring has, at times, recorded hydrogen sulfide levels above health-based guidance established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), raising additional concerns for communities that live, work, and attend school near the river. These conditions are further compounded by Imperial Valley\u2019s extreme summer heat, with temperatures in Calexico frequently exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures can intensify the persistent and noxious odors associated with the river, further burdening nearby residents. Children, seniors, outdoor workers, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of extreme heat, persistent odors, and ongoing air quality concerns.\n\nThese conditions make it clear that the need for action on the New River is still present. Pollution crossing the international border cannot be solved by Calexico or Imperial County alone. The volume of cross-border flow, the contaminants documented in the river, and the impacts experienced by surrounding communities warrant continued federal involvement.\n\nDuring an April hearing, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin committed to visiting the New River region, engaging with the binational water-quality study, and applying the federal model used to address the Tijuana River crisis to the New River. This has brought much-needed federal attention to this environmental crisis. However, it is deeply concerning that the Army Corps is considering abandoning these communities as EPA increases its efforts to monitor these cross-border environmental challenges. The proposal to deauthorize the New River and Imperial County projects would withhold vital resources from impacted communities and move federal efforts in opposite directions at a time when cross-government collaboration is essential to addressing this public health crisis.\n\nWe therefore oppose the USACE\u2019s inclusion of the New River and Imperial County projects on the proposed deauthorization list. We also urge the Corps to consult with the California congressional delegation, Imperial County, the City of Calexico, and other affected stakeholders. The evidence is clear that the environmental concerns that these projects were authorized to address still exist. Millions of gallons continue to cross the border through the New River each day, contaminants continue to be detected, and Imperial Valley communities continue to live with the consequences. This is the time for sustained Federal and non-Federal action, not deauthorization.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-slam-shasta-county-plans-to-hire-election-denier-urge-california-sos-to-conduct-maximum-oversight-of-access-to-sensitive-election-materials/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Slam Shasta County Plans to Hire Election-Denier, Urge California SOS to Conduct Maximum Oversight of Access to Sensitive Election Materials", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), sent a letter to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber expressing deep concern regarding Shasta County Registrar of Voters\u2019 announcement to hire convicted former Mesa County, Colorado Clerk Tina Peters as a senior advisor and urged her office to conduct maximum oversight of Peters\u2019 access to sensitive election materials. The letter also copied the Shasta County Board of Supervisors.\n\n\u201cPeters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe are concerned that this hiring decision in Shasta County has less to do with Ms. Peters\u2019 qualifications, and more to do with the President\u2019s obsession with interfering in the midterm elections \u2013 having suggested a need to \u2018take over the voting\u2019 by installing individuals who would put the President\u2019s agenda above following the law, and his fixation on passage of the SAVE Act, which would create significant barriers to the ballot for millions of Americans.\u201d\n\nThe Senators highlighted Shasta County Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis\u2019 comments that he is planning to hire Peters \u201cto assist us with making sure the FBI and DHS can test the ballots for authenticity.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have no role in the administration of elections, and this statement indicates the potential for violations of California and/or federal election laws. Following the FBI\u2019s unjustified raid on Fulton County, Georgia\u2019s election offices and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco\u2019s illegal seizure of ballots last year, and Ms. Peters\u2019 own record, the California Secretary of State\u2019s office must take this situation seriously,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cIf county officials proceed with this misguided plan, we request that you provide the maximum oversight possible to ensure that Ms. Peters does not improperly access ballots, voting systems, or sensitive information that could impact the rights and privacy of the over 100,000 registered voters in Shasta County in violation of California\u2019s recently passed S.B. 73 or any other state or federal election law.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Weber,\n\nThank you for your continued efforts to ensure California\u2019s elections remain safe and secure. California, like many states across the country, reminds us that elections do not occur just once every two or four years. In the last year alone, your office has overseen a statewide special election, the 2026 primary election, a special congressional primary election, and yesterday\u2019s general election in that same race. With over 23 million registered voters across the state, the California Secretary of State\u2019s Office has a critical responsibility for not only ensuring elections are administered to the highest degree of accuracy but also ensuring that our election laws are enforced and retaining public confidence in our electoral system.\n\nGiven the current environment facing our elections, we write with grave concern over the statements by the Shasta County Registrar of Voters, Mr. Clint Curtis, that he plans to hire former Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters next month, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, either to replace the current Assistant Registrar of Voters or as a consultant.\n\nMs. Peters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election. These events cost the rural county of Mesa, Colorado at least $1.4 million in legal fees and other impacts. Despite the harm that Ms. Peters caused to our electoral system, her sentence was commuted after President Trump exerted corrupt political pressure over the state of Colorado, including withholding millions of dollars in federal grants. We are concerned that this hiring decision in Shasta County has less to do with Ms. Peters\u2019 qualifications, and more to do with the President\u2019s obsession with interfering in the midterm elections \u2013 having suggested a need to \u201ctake over the voting\u201d by installing individuals who would put the President\u2019s agenda above following the law, and his fixation on passage of the SAVE Act, which would create significant barriers to the ballot for millions of Americans.\n\nSincer her release, Ms. Peters\u2019 apology has completely failed to demonstrate she has any real remorse for the damage she has caused voters in Colorado and it is clear that she does not belong in a role overseeing any part of our electoral system. In fact, Mr. Curtis has stated that Ms. Peters is being hired to \u201cassist us with making sure the FBI and DHS can test the ballots.\u201d The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have no role in the administration of elections, and this statement indicates the potential for violations of California and/or federal election laws. Following the FBI\u2019s unjustified raid on Fulton County, Georgia\u2019s election offices and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco\u2019s illegal seizure of ballots last year, and Ms. Peters\u2019 own record, the California Secretary of State\u2019s office must take this situation seriously.\n\nWe strongly encourage your office to reach out to Mr. Curtis and the Shasta County Board to share concerns about the plan to place Ms. Peters in any position of authority over elections in California. If Shasta County puts Ms. Peters in a position to again violate election laws following her convictions, county taxpayers could be burdened with unwelcomed and potentially hefty expenses. If county officials proceed with this misguided plan, we request that you provide the maximum oversight possible to ensure that Ms. Peters does not improperly access ballots, voting systems, or sensitive information that could impact the rights and privacy of the over 100,000 registered voters in Shasta County in violation of California\u2019s recently passed S.B. 73 or any other state or federal election law.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-brownley-sherman-urge-fema-to-provide-answers-on-delay-to-release-millions-in-federal-funding-for-wildfire-emergency-preparedness-project-in-los-angeles-county/", "Padilla, Schiff, Brownley, Sherman Urge FEMA to Provide Answers on Delay to Release Millions in Federal Funding for Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Project in Los Angeles County", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly release more than $4 million in federal funding for the Encinal Canyon Road Emergency Interconnection Project. This project is essential for protecting the flow of fire hydrants and building connections during firefighting operations in the western Malibu community. Malibu was among the cities impacted by the Palisades fire in January 2025.\n\nThe Los Angeles County was selected for $4,893,885 in FEMA\u2019s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award in December 2024 to support construction. However, the project has been significantly delayed due to FEMA\u2019s prolonged processing of the award. The project would provide an urgently needed alternative water source during emergencies, system disruptions, or supply shortages. Any failure to complete this project could jeopardize potable water and fire protection for up to 23,000 residents.\n\n\u201cThe issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nPadilla has worked tirelessly to deliver federal support in the wake of the LA fires. Yesterday, Padilla convened a roundtable with California leaders to sound the alarm about the Trump Administration\u2019s withholding of federal disaster funding. Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, which included a version of Padilla\u2019s Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act to extend tax relief for wildfire victims. In July, Padilla blasted the Trump Administration for Trump\u2019s supplemental funding request that did not include disaster aid funding for communities to rebuild and recover following natural disasters across the country.\n\nFull letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Administrator Hamilton,\n\nWe are writing to request your assistance regarding a critical infrastructure project for Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29, the Encinal Canyon Road Emergency Interconnection Project. This project is essential to protecting the reliability of drinking water and needed fire flow for fire hydrants and building connections during firefighting operations in the western Malibu community and was selected for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award in December 2024. However, the project has been significantly delayed due to FEMA\u2019s prolonged processing of the award.\n\nThe Encinal Interconnection will construct approximately 7,000 feet of new water main and appurtenances to connect District 29 with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. This new interconnection will provide an urgently needed alternative water source during emergencies, system disruptions, or supply shortages. The Malibu area currently relies on a single 35\u2011mile transmission main that traverses steep, landslide\u2011prone coastal terrain. Any failure along this alignment would jeopardize potable water and fire protection for up to 23,000 residents, and this interconnection will provide vital resiliency for the community.\n\nThe County completed the design and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the project on November 18, 2025. The total project cost is approximately $9 million, and the County had applied for $4,893,885 in HMGP funding to support construction.\n\nThe project application (AP1140) was submitted under HMGP DR\u20114683 in August 2023 and was selected for award in December 2024. However, more than a year and a half later, FEMA has not issued a Notice of Award. FEMA has cited an ongoing environmental review, despite the project being limited to buried pipeline installation within an existing roadway, and no notable impacts anticipated. The project has already completed environmental reviews consistent with local and state laws.\n\nWe have been informed that the County cannot advertise the construction contract until FEMA issues the grant award, or they risk forfeiting the funding. As a result, the project remains on hold, and the delay poses a threat to public safety and emergency preparedness.\n\nConsidering the critical importance of this project, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat is the status of FEMA\u2019s review for AP1140?\n\nWhat is the specific reason for the extended environmental review?\n\nWhat is the estimated timeline for issuance of the Notice of Award?\n\nThe issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters. We appreciate your expeditious attention to this critical matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-california-leaders-sound-alarm-as-trump-administration-cuts-billions-in-federal-funding/", "Padilla, California Leaders Sound Alarm as Trump Administration Cuts Billions in Federal Funding", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "SACRAMENTO, CA \u2014 As the Trump Administration moves to slash federal funding and rewrite longstanding grant programs, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) convened California leaders to sound the alarm about the consequences for communities across the state. The roundtable included a discussion among leaders from California universities, nonprofits, childcare, food banks, immigrant-serving organizations, and philanthropy.\n\nIn California alone, the Trump Administration has cancelled $7.6 billion in clean energy funding, withdrawn nearly $2 billion in research funding, and continues to withhold overdue disaster relief funding for communities impacted by wildfires. New changes to federal grantmaking and regulations could put even more funding \u2014 and the essential services that depend on it \u2014 at risk.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration is ripping away billions of dollars that California communities rely on to keep people safe, housed, fed and healthy,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThese are not abstract budget numbers. It means childcare providers struggling to stay open, food banks facing greater demand, researchers losing support, and disaster survivors waiting for the resources they need to rebuild. I\u2019m grateful to the leaders on the front lines who are fighting back, and I will continue doing my part in Congress to protect the critical programs that Californians depend on.\u201d\n\nPadilla\u2019s roundtable featured a discussion about how interruptions or restrictions in federal funding could impact basic needs, public education, housing, healthcare, childcare, and immigrant and marginalized communities. The roundtable also highlighted the need for continued coordination and preparedness as organizations navigate an increasingly uncertain federal funding environment. Padilla and California leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration among philanthropy, nonprofits, public institutions, and government to keep essential services running and protect vulnerable communities.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, the roundtable featured remarks from the Chancellor of UC Davis Gary S. May, CEO of CalNonprofits Geoff Green, CEO of California Alliance of Child and Family Services Pete Weldy, President of Child Care Resource Center Donna Sneeringer, Executive Director of CalCAPA David Knight, Executive Director of California Immigrant Policy Center Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Angelica Salas, CEO of League of California Community Foundations Laura Seaman, and Director of Public Policy and Advocacy of California Food Banks Jared Call.\n\n\u201cThe University of California urges Congress to provide a legislative fix that would prevent OMB\u2019s detrimental changes to the Uniform Guidance from going into effect,\u201d said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. \u201cThis fix would protect the merit-based research process that has allowed UC and the nation to lead the world in innovation.\u201d\n\n\u201cCalifornia\u2019s nonprofit sector is central to our state\u2019s social, economic, and environmental well-being,\u201d said Geoff Green, CEO of CalNonprofits. \u201cAt $450 billion in annual revenue, 110,000 organizations strong, and the third largest private employer, California\u2019s nonprofits serve every community across the state. Working arm in arm with our public and private sector partners, we stand as a bulwark against federal attacks on our state\u2019s people and values, and call on our elected representatives at all levels to defend the golden state\u2019s 40 million residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe vulnerable families served by California\u2019s community-based nonprofits are hanging on by a thread \u2014 and that thread is Medi-Cal. Cut a parent off from care, and kids get hurt too,\u201d said Pete Weldy, CEO of California Alliance of Child and Family Services.\u201cCA Alliance members thank Senator Padilla for fighting to protect the coverage our families \u2013 and our future \u2013 depend on.\u201d\n\n\u201cStable and reliable child care is critical to the well-being of our young children, their families and employers,\u201d said Donna Sneeringer, President of Child Care Resource Center. \u201cRepeated disruptions or threats to the funding that provides these services creates repeated stress and fear in our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cCalCAPA represents California\u2019s Community Action Network, operating federally funded opportunities, including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), to help American families build toward economic mobility,\u201d said David Knight, Executive Director of CalCAPA. \u201cWhen final budgets get held up, OMB creates funding holds, leading to stalled programs, staff lay offs, and families paying for Washington\u2019s delays.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery dollar the federal government spends is a choice \u2014 and right now, it\u2019s choosing detention and intimidation over health care, food, due process, and the nonprofits standing with immigrant communities,\u201d said Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center. \u201cWe are grateful to Senator Padilla for his consistent leadership in defending immigrant families and his efforts to advance the right to legal representation for people facing deportation. Together, we must protect California\u2019s safety net, sustain immigration legal services, defend the lawful work of community organizations, and ensure public dollars support families and due process, not detention and family separation.\u201d\n\n\u201cCHIRLA is grateful for Senator Padilla\u2019s leadership to ensure that all Californians have access to federal funding for basic needs and to address ongoing crises, including fires, and immigration enforcement. We know that budgets reflect our collective values. It\u2019s unacceptable that billions of dollars are invested in agencies meant to harm the most vulnerable. That\u2019s why we must fight to represent the most vulnerable while ensuring that due process is preserved for the countless families facing multiple crises at home, including food insecurity, natural disasters, arrests and detention, and family separation. We\u2019re proud to be fighting alongside a true champion for California residents and values,\u201d stated Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).\n\n\u201cCalifornians prove every day what\u2019s possible when local generosity rises to meet a crisis, but the altruism of neighbors was never meant to replace federal investment in resilience, and it can\u2019t,\u201d said Laura Seaman, CEO of League of California Community Foundations. \u201cAs Washington considers even deeper cuts to the programs and infrastructure that keep Californians safe from all kinds of disasters and crises, we thank Senator Padilla and his colleagues for recognizing that while local communities can prepare for and respond to a crisis, only sustained federal investment can prevent the next one. Philanthropy and nonprofits are ready to partner with Senator Padilla and his colleagues in that work.\u201d\n\n\u201cCalifornia Food Banks\u2122 thanks Senator Padilla for his strong leadership on anti-hunger issues and standing with Californians who are trying to make ends meet,\u201d said Stacia Levenfeld, CEO of California Food Banks. \u201cWe urge Senator Padilla and all members of the California delegation to stand firm in their commitment to aid farmers, and also support families who need help putting food on the table.\u201d\n\nLast week, Padilla joined his Senate colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop delaying Federal Transit Administration funding for public transportation projects. In July, Padilla blasted the Trump Administration for Trump\u2019s supplemental funding request that did not include disaster aid funding for communities to rebuild and recover following natural disasters across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-in-new-sacramento-bee-op-ed-sen-schiff-calls-for-new-guardrails-on-fraudulent-ai-use-ad-transparency-in-political-campaigning/", "ICYMI: In New Sacramento Bee Op-Ed, Sen. Schiff Calls for New Guardrails on Fraudulent AI Use, Ad Transparency in Political Campaigning", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) penned an op-ed in The Sacramento Bee on how California\u2019s recent primary elections should serve as a warning sign on the proliferation of AI-generated political campaign advertising, as well as political ads posted by paid influencers.\n\nIn the piece, Senator Schiff asserts that current guardrails around campaign advertisements are not keeping up with the changing landscape of technology-empowered political speech, and he lays out his remedy to the problem. Schiff recently introduced two bills, the AI Ads Act to tamp down on fraudulent AI-generated campaign ads, and the PAID Act to require influencers to publicly disclose when they\u2019re paid to post by a candidate or political committee.\n\n\u201cWe count on voters to make sense of political speech, to evaluate it and to make their decisions at the ballot box. But what happens when the line between fact and fiction is so obscured by modern technology that Americans are not able to believe their own eyes or ears? When voters cannot determine who put out such statements, who is paying for them and who is soliciting their contributions? Current legislation around campaign advertisements is not keeping up with the changing landscape of technology-empowered political speech,\u201d wrote the Senator.\n\nRead the full op-ed here and below:\n\nThe Sacramento Bee: Sen. Adam Schiff explains bills aimed at combating deepfakes, paid ads\n\nBy: U.S. Senator Adam Schiff\n\nThis election season, California has seen an onslaught of campaign advertising made possible by artificial intelligence and a growing influencer economy. Some of it is clever, creative and ingenious. But some of it is just plain fraudulent.\n\nPolitical ads have cropped up showing completely AI-generated scenes. Viral online videos can now utilize a candidates\u2019 name, image, voice and likeness to parody their positions, or to blatantly misrepresent the content as coming from their opponents. Online influencers have found a growing niche in the ability to reach the voters who trust them, but that trust has not always been matched by disclosure or transparency.\n\nWe count on voters to make sense of political speech, to evaluate it and to make their decisions at the ballot box. But what happens when the line between fact and fiction is so obscured by modern technology that Americans are not able to believe their own eyes or ears? When voters cannot determine who put out such statements, who is paying for them and who is soliciting their contributions?\n\nCurrent legislation around campaign advertisements is not keeping up with the changing landscape of technology-empowered political speech. This is why I recently introduced two pieces of legislation designed to address the issue in federal campaigns.\n\nFraudulent misrepresentation\n\nThe AI Ads Act would expand on existing law that prohibits fraudulent misrepresentation of political candidates or committees to content generated by AI, regardless of the extent of the damage.\n\nThis would attack the worst kind of abuses, such as when an individual or organization solicits funds by fraudulently representing themselves as someone else, or when they use another person\u2019s image, likeness and voice to defraud you into believing the advertisement or statement was put out by someone else. The bill would also codify bipartisan recommendations of the Federal Election Commission. Proving fraud is a high bar, and it should be.\n\nIn California\u2019s gubernatorial race and Los Angeles\u2019 mayoral primary campaign, we saw AI-generated videos posted by candidates Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt. These videos would not be banned under my legislation, because they don\u2019t purport to have been put out by their opponents\u2019 campaigns or to reflect actual footage of them. Parody has been a staple of campaign advertising since America had its first political campaigns, and nothing in my bill changes that.\n\nOur First Amendment protects a broad swath of political speech even when we don\u2019t like it \u2014 especially when we don\u2019t like it. But a line is crossed when campaigns engage in outright fraud.\n\nSome ads we are seeing this campaign season come very close to the line or cross it. In Georgia\u2019s Senate race, Congressman Mike Collins \u2014 who will face off against Senator Jon Ossoff in November \u2014 created a deepfake video deceptively showing Ossoff\u2019s image, likeness and voice making a series of claims and statements he never made.\n\nAds like these are the tip of the spear on the low-cost, easy-to-make AI-generated ads that appear intended to deliberately deceive their audience. Sadly, we\u2019re going to see a lot more of them. And when someone uses generative AI to create a fraudulent political ad or solicitation, we need to make sure they can be held accountable in civil proceedings for violations of federal election law.\n\nPolitical ad transparency\n\nWe must also take steps to improve transparency around political ads posted by paid influencers, who are trusted sources of information for voters online. Although Americans are increasingly getting their news from internet creators, there is no requirement that these online personalities disclose when they are being paid for their political posts.\n\nWe saw a proliferation of paid influencer content in the California governor\u2019s race, and with the 2028 presidential election on the horizon, much more is on the way.\n\nThe PAID Act, which I introduced with Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, requires clear and prominent disclaimers on posts by online influencers that have been paid for by political committees or candidates. Voters should know when influencers are being paid by a campaign to promote that campaign\u2019s message, just as we require of any other form of political advertising in federal campaigns.\n\nIt is already difficult to tell what is real and what is not in modern campaign advertising without the compounding challenges posed by AI and the evolution of the influencer economy. These innovations are the wave of the future. That can be a good thing \u2014 provided there is also transparency, disclosure and accountability.\n\nU.S. Senator Adam Schiff, D-CA, serves on the Agriculture, Judiciary, Small Business and Environment and Public Works Committees and is a member of the Senate National Security Working Group.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-schiff-tours-rice-paddy-farm-in-yuba-city-highlights-2026-farm-bill-priorities/", "ICYMI: Sen. Schiff Tours Rice Paddy Farm in Yuba City, Highlights 2026 Farm Bill Priorities", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Sutter County, CA \u2013 U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, visited and toured the rice crops of Montna Farms in California\u2019s Sacramento Valley. California is the second largest rice-producing state.\n\nSchiff, the first California Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, discussed with farmers his priorities for the 2026 Farm Bill, including his support for California specialty crop farmers and expanding access to CalFresh and other nutrition programs.\n\nView the photos from the visit below:\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-reps-brownley-sherman-urge-fema-to-provide-answers-on-delay-to-release-millions-in-federal-funding-for-wildfire-emergency-preparedness-project-in-los-angeles-county/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla, Reps. Brownley, Sherman Urge FEMA to Provide Answers on Delay to Release Millions in Federal Funding for Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Project in Los Angeles County", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.), and U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly release more than $4 million in federal funding for the Encinal Canyon Road Emergency Interconnection Project. This project is essential for protecting the flow of fire hydrants and building connections during firefighting operations in the western Malibu community. Malibu was among the cities impacted by the Palisades fire in January 2025.\n\nThe Los Angeles County was selected for $4,893,885 in FEMA\u2019s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award in December 2024 to support construction. However, the project has been significantly delayed due to FEMA\u2019s prolonged processing of the award. The project would provide an urgently needed alternative water source during emergencies, system disruptions, or supply shortages. Any failure to complete this project could jeopardize potable water and fire protection for up to 23,000 residents.\n\n\u201cThe issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nBackground: Schiff has led multiple efforts to support communities impacted by natural disasters and to protect them from future disasters.\n\nHe\u2019s continued calling out the refusal of the Trump administration to provide overdue disaster relief funding for California, more than a year and half past due for communities impacted by Eaton and Palisades fires.\n\nThe first bill Schiff introduced in the Senate was legislation promoting community resilience to natural disasters through the creation of a new federal tax credit to incentivize home hardening. He\u2019s also authored legislation to stabilize prices for homeowners\u2019 insurance, to grant mortgage relief for disaster survivors, has joined bipartisan legislation to exempt from federal taxes the rebates homeowners receive when protecting their home against natural disasters.\n\nSchiff has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the firefighting capacity at the United States Forest Service as staffing shortages persist and as California faces extreme heat warnings and wildfire season.\n\nLast week, the Senate voted unanimously to send his bipartisan, bicameral the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, to the President\u2019s desk. The bill provides meaningful and long-overdue tax relief for victims of natural disasters and ensures survivors have immediate access to tax relief for years to come.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be viewedhereand below:\n\nDear Administrator Hamilton,\n\nWe are writing to request your assistance regarding a critical infrastructure project for Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29, the Encinal Canyon Road Emergency Interconnection Project. This project is essential to protecting the reliability of drinking water and needed fire flow for fire hydrants and building connections during firefighting operations in the western Malibu community and was selected for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award in December 2024. However, the project has been significantly delayed due to FEMA\u2019s prolonged processing of the award.\n\nThe Encinal Interconnection will construct approximately 7,000 feet of new water main and appurtenances to connect District 29 with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. This new interconnection will provide an urgently needed alternative water source during emergencies, system disruptions, or supply shortages. The Malibu area currently relies on a single 35\u2011mile transmission main that traverses steep, landslide\u2011prone coastal terrain. Any failure along this alignment would jeopardize potable water and fire protection for up to 23,000 residents, and this interconnection will provide vital resiliency for the community.\n\nThe County completed the design and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the project on November 18, 2025. The total project cost is approximately $9 million, and the County had applied for $4,893,885 in HMGP funding to support construction.\n\nThe project application (AP1140) was submitted under HMGP DR\u20114683 in August 2023 and was selected for award in December 2024. However, more than a year and a half later, FEMA has not issued a Notice of Award. FEMA has cited an ongoing environmental review, despite the project being limited to buried pipeline installation within an existing roadway, and no notable impacts anticipated. The project has already completed environmental reviews consistent with local and state laws.\n\nWe have been informed that the County cannot advertise the construction contract until FEMA issues the grant award, or they risk forfeiting the funding. As a result, the project remains on hold, and the delay poses a threat to public safety and emergency preparedness.\n\nConsidering the critical importance of this project, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat is the status of FEMA\u2019s review for AP1140?\n\nWhat is the specific reason for the extended environmental review?\n\nWhat is the estimated timeline for issuance of the Notice of Award?\n\nThe issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters. We appreciate your expeditious attention to this critical matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-over-150-million-to-upgrade-amtraks-pacific-surfliner-route/", "Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak\u2019s Pacific Surfliner Route", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak\u2019s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. The Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak \u2014 an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cReliable rail service means good jobs, less gridlock, and better transportation options for Californians.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to help deliver over $150 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route to improve pedestrian access,\u201d said Senator Schiff. \u201cFrom extending pedestrian underpasses to increasing reliability, this essential investment will improve safety, efficiency, and reduce travel times for Californians \u2013 making travel seamless and keeping pedestrians safe.\u201d\n\nNew grants announced are:\n\nSan Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)\u2019s will receive $124,429,778 to support a new double track segment, bridge replacement, realigning pedestrian access to a bike path, extending a pedestrian underpass, and rail crossing safety upgrades in the City of Oceanside, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and other cities along infrastructure owned by North County Transit District. This project is part of a larger effort to double-track the entire San Diego subdivision of the LOSSAN Corridor.\n\nCity of Encinitas will receive $33,600,000 to help install new vehicle and pedestrian gates at three existing crossings, close one pedestrian crossing, construct two new pedestrian and bicycle at-grade crossings, and construct a new pedestrian and bicycle undercrossing.\n\nLast week, Padilla and Schiff joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. Last month, Padilla and Schiff announced over $53 million from the DOT to repair highways and roads across California.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-san-diego-congressional-delegation-demand-answers-surrounding-the-extended-deployment-of-uss-abraham-lincoln/", "Padilla, Schiff, San Diego Congressional Delegation Demand Answers Surrounding the Extended Deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51) in a letter to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request information regarding the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3)\u2019s extended deployment. The ships departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and continued to be deployed well beyond their originally anticipated return, including more than 200 consecutive days at sea.\n\n\u201cWe write to request that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) undertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3) and the lessons being applied as the USS George Washington moves to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cCredible reports of food shortages, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of other essential supplies demonstrate a jarring vulnerability in the necessary sustainment system supporting the strike group,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cAn independent review would identify where replenishment capacity and logistics routing failed to meet the demands placed on our servicemembers. There are also credible reports about deteriorating mental health among servicemembers and a lack of responsiveness to such risks by DoD leadership.\u201d\n\nThe unusually long deployment period and intense combat operations will increase maintenance requirements, which will compromise readiness at a time when we need to be buttressing our presence in the Pacific. The lawmakers requested that the OIG respond to the following questions and provide recommendations for improvement:\n\nDid the U.S. Navy\u2019s sustainment operations provide effective support to Carrier Strike Group 3? What process failures led to the reported shortages?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for a deployment of this length under intense combat conditions?\n\nIf not, for what length of deployment were the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 provided adequate mental health support for a deployment of this length and intense combat conditions? If not, for what length of deployment did the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 receive adequate mental health support for?\n\nHow will the extended deployment affect the strike group\u2019s future readiness? Has the Navy already taken any steps to learn from this deployment as the USS George Washington prepares to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln? If so, please explain what steps.\n\n\u201cThe San Diego military community is a linchpin of our nation\u2019s Pacific strategy, and it will take significant effort to restore morale and capacity after the strike group comes back home,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cAn independent review and recommendations for improvement would identify what happened and provide us with oversight tools to ensure the wellbeing of our constituents and safeguard our Navy.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Moring,\n\nWe write to request that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) undertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3) and the lessons being applied as the USS George Washington moves to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln. As members of Congress representing the brave Sailors and Marines deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and in CSG-3, we are seriously concerned about the reported conditions on CSG-3 vessels, the wellbeing of its servicemembers, and Secretary of Defense Hegseth\u2019s inadequate explanations regarding the reported conditions.\n\nThe carrier and the strike group departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and continue to be deployed well beyond their originally anticipated return, including more than 200 consecutive days at sea. We have the solemn honor of representing servicemembers in the San Diego region, including Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The Sailors and Marines on board the strike group are our constituents, and we have listened to heartbreaking stories about conditions from their families. The duration and combat conditions of this extraordinary deployment warrant a review of how the Navy\u2019s risk assessment and contingency planning processes were undertaken and what rationale they relied upon as the mission was extended.\n\nCredible reports of food shortages, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of other essential supplies demonstrate a jarring vulnerability in the necessary sustainment system supporting the strike group. An independent review would identify where replenishment capacity and logistics routing failed to meet the demands placed on our servicemembers. There are also credible reports about deteriorating mental health among servicemembers and a lack of responsiveness to such risks by DoD leadership. An independent review would identify the mental health resources available to servicemembers deployed on the carrier and the strike group. The independent review should also assess the Department\u2019s policies, practices, and responses to reported mental health concerns from servicemembers, with recommendations for improvement. That assessment should extend beyond USS Abraham Lincoln itself to the other vessels in CSG-3, whose Sailors and Marines have operated under the same intense tempo and whose fatigue, nutrition, and health, including mental health, are part of the overall picture. Despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth\u2019s assertion that reports of conditions on board are \u201ccompletely misrepresented,\u201d military family members continue to sound the alarm about their loved ones\u2019 wellbeing. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and other Navy leadership heard as much directly from families on August 6 during a town hall meeting in Coronado, San Diego.\n\nOIG\u2019s review should also assess whether Carrier Strike Group 3 was properly prepared before deployment, and as the mission shifted to sustained combat operations in the Middle East, for the duration and intensity that was ultimately demanded of the servicemembers.\n\nThe harmful consequences of the extension will continue after the USS Abraham Lincoln and the broader strike group come home. The unusually long deployment period and intense combat operations will undoubtedly increase maintenance requirements, which will compromise readiness at a time when we need to be buttressing our presence in the Pacific. These impacts and the lessons learned from this deployment should be properly understood and incorporated into planning for the USS George Washington before the same mistakes are repeated, especially now that President Donald Trump has said that the USS Lincoln\u2019s deployment was \u201cnot nearly long enough.\u201d\n\nWe, therefore, request that the OIG examine the following questions and provide recommendations for improvement:\n\nDid the U.S. Navy\u2019s sustainment operations provide effective support to Carrier Strike Group 3? What process failures led to the reported shortages?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for a deployment of this length under intense combat conditions?\n\na. If not, for what length of deployment were the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for?\n\nb. Were Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 provided adequate mental health support for a deployment of this length and intense combat conditions? If not, for what length of deployment did the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 receive adequate mental health support for?\n\nHow will the extended deployment affect the strike group\u2019s future readiness? Has the Navy already taken any steps to learn from this deployment as the USS George Washington prepares to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln? If so, please explain what steps.\n\nThe U.S. Navy will increasingly take a central role as our nation shifts to tackling the full-spectrum challenge presented by adversaries. It is imperative that the Department of Defense take every action to protect its most important asset, U.S. servicemembers. By this measure, it has failed Sailors and Marines deployed with the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 and their families. The San Diego military community is a linchpin of our nation\u2019s Pacific strategy, and it will take significant effort to restore morale and capacity after the strike group comes back home. An independent review and recommendations for improvement would identify what happened and provide us with oversight tools to ensure the wellbeing of our constituents and safeguard our Navy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-announce-over-150-million-to-upgrade-amtraks-pacific-surfliner-route/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak\u2019s Pacific Surfliner Route", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Federal funding will support safety improvements, extend pedestrian crossings, and implement other infrastructure upgrades across the rail route to ensure pedestrian safety\n\nWashington D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak\u2019s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. This Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety.\n\n\u201cI am proud to help deliver over $150 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route to improve pedestrian access. From extending pedestrian underpasses to increasing reliability, this essential investment will improve safety, efficiency, and reduce travel times for Californians \u2013 making travel seamless and keeping pedestrians safe,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak \u2014 an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cReliable rail service means good jobs, less gridlock, and better transportation options for Californians.\u201d\n\nNew grants announced are:\n\nSan Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)\u2019s will receive $124,429,778 to support a new double track segment, bridge replacement, realigning pedestrian access to a bike path, extending a pedestrian underpass, and rail crossing safety upgrades in the City of Oceanside, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and other cities along infrastructure owned by North County Transit District. This project is part of a larger effort to double-track the entire San Diego subdivision of the LOSSAN Corridor.\n\nCity of Encinitas will receive $33,600,000 to help install new vehicle and pedestrian gates at three existing crossings, close one pedestrian crossing, construct two new pedestrian and bicycle at-grade crossings, and construct a new pedestrian and bicycle undercrossing.\n\nBackground: Senators and Schiff and Padilla have been strong advocates for investment in California transportation infrastructure and have fought against the Trump administration\u2019s harmful intentional delays on transportation projects. Most recently, Schiff and Padilla announced over $53 million from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to repair highways and roads across California.\n\nSchiff and Padilla also joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program.\n\nLast year, Schiff toured and rode part of the Surfliner route, along Del Mar Bluffs, and heard directly from local and state leaders regarding the stabilization efforts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-announce-over-42-million-to-upgrade-amtraks-gold-runner-route-in-kern-county/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce Over $42 Million to Upgrade Amtrak\u2019s Gold Runner Route in Kern County", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Federal funding will support safety improvements, extend pedestrian crossings, and other infrastructure upgrades across the rail route to ensure pedestrian safety\n\nWashington D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak\u2019s Pacific Gold Runner route will receive over $42 million in grant funding from the Federal Rail Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. This Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety.\n\n\u201cI am proud to help deliver over $42 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Gold Runner route to improve passenger experience and expand accessibility. This federal funding will ensure safety between the rail route and pedestrian and vehicle access,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to help deliver this critical funding to support California\u2019s economy and commuters alike,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cModernizing our railways will help cut carbon emissions, strengthen our economy, and keep commuters and goods moving safely.\u201d\n\nThe $42,963,200 will support upgrades at the Cherry Avenue Grade Separation to construct an overpass over both a freight and intercity passenger rail corridor and a major regional arterial roadway.\n\nBackground: Senators and Schiff and Padilla have been strong advocates for investments in California transportation infrastructure and have fought against the Trump administration\u2019s harmful intentional delays on transportation projects. Most recently, Schiff and Padilla announced over $53 million from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to repair highways and roads across California.\n\nSchiff and Padilla also joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-san-diego-congressional-delegation-demand-answers-surrounding-the-extended-deployment-of-uss-abraham-lincoln/", "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla & San Diego Congressional Delegation Demand Answers Surrounding the Extended Deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Adam B. Schiff", "S001150", "www.schiff.senate.gov", "schiff", "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51) in a letter to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request information regarding the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3)\u2019s extended deployment. The ships departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and continue to be deployed well beyond their originally anticipated return, including more than 200 consecutive days at sea.\n\nSan Diegans understand better than most the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make. The crew aboard the USS Lincoln deserve better than the horrific conditions in which they continue to operate, and their families deserve answers about when then they\u2019ll come home.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers press the Inspector General to \u201cundertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3).\u201d They write, \u201ccredible reports of food shortages, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of other essential supplies demonstrate a jarring vulnerability in the necessary sustainment system supporting the strike group. An independent review would identify where replenishment capacity and logistics routing failed to meet the demands placed on our servicemembers.\u201d\n\nThe unusually long deployment period and intense combat operations will increase maintenance requirements, which will compromise readiness at a time when we need to be buttressing our presence in the Pacific. The lawmakers requested that the OIG respond to the following questions and provide recommendations for improvement:\n\nDid the U.S. Navy\u2019s sustainment operations provide effective support to Carrier Strike Group 3? What process failures led to the reported shortages?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for a deployment of this length under intense combat conditions?\n\nIf not, for what length of deployment were the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 provided adequate mental health support for a deployment of this length and intense combat conditions? If not, for what length of deployment did the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 receive adequate mental health support for?\n\nHow will the extended deployment affect the strike group\u2019s future readiness? Has the Navy already taken any steps to learn from this deployment as the USS George Washington prepares to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln? If so, please explain what steps.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, \u201cThe San Diego military community is a linchpin of our nation\u2019s Pacific strategy, and it will take significant effort to restore morale and capacity after the strike group comes back home. An independent review and recommendations for improvement would identify what happened and provide us with oversight tools to ensure the wellbeing of our constituents and safeguard our Navy.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Moring,\n\nWe write to request that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) undertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3) and the lessons being applied as the USS George Washington moves to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln. As members of Congress representing the brave Sailors and Marines deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and in CSG-3, we are seriously concerned about the reported conditions on CSG-3 vessels, the wellbeing of its servicemembers, and Secretary of Defense Hegseth\u2019s inadequate explanations regarding the reported conditions.\n\nThe carrier and the strike group departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, and continue to be deployed well beyond their originally anticipated return, including more than 200 consecutive days at sea. We have the solemn honor of representing servicemembers in the San Diego region, including Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The Sailors and Marines on board the strike group are our constituents, and we have listened to heartbreaking stories about conditions from their families. The duration and combat conditions of this extraordinary deployment warrant a review of how the Navy\u2019s risk assessment and contingency planning processes were undertaken and what rationale they relied upon as the mission was extended.\n\nCredible reports of food shortages, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of other essential supplies demonstrate a jarring vulnerability in the necessary sustainment system supporting the strike group. An independent review would identify where replenishment capacity and logistics routing failed to meet the demands placed on our servicemembers. There are also credible reports about deteriorating mental health among servicemembers and a lack of responsiveness to such risks by DoD leadership. An independent review would identify the mental health resources available to servicemembers deployed on the carrier and the strike group. The independent review should also assess the Department\u2019s policies, practices, and responses to reported mental health concerns from servicemembers, with recommendations for improvement. That assessment should extend beyond USS Abraham Lincoln itself to the other vessels in CSG-3, whose Sailors and Marines have operated under the same intense tempo and whose fatigue, nutrition, and health, including mental health, are part of the overall picture. Despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth\u2019s assertion that reports of conditions on board are \u201ccompletely misrepresented,\u201d military family members continue to sound the alarm about their loved ones\u2019 wellbeing. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and other Navy leadership heard as much directly from families on August 6 during a town hall meeting in Coronado, San Diego.\n\nOIG\u2019s review should also assess whether Carrier Strike Group 3 was properly prepared before deployment, and as the mission shifted to sustained combat operations in the Middle East, for the duration and intensity that was ultimately demanded of the servicemembers.\n\nThe harmful consequences of the extension will continue after the USS Abraham Lincoln and the broader strike group come home. The unusually long deployment period and intense combat operations will undoubtedly increase maintenance requirements, which will compromise readiness at a time when we need to be buttressing our presence in the Pacific. These impacts and the lessons learned from this deployment should be properly understood and incorporated into planning for the USS George Washington before the same mistakes are repeated, especially now that President Donald Trump has said that the USS Lincoln\u2019s deployment was \u201cnot nearly long enough.\u201d\n\nWe, therefore, request that the OIG examine the following questions and provide recommendations for improvement:\n\nDid the U.S. Navy\u2019s sustainment operations provide effective support to Carrier Strike Group 3? What process failures led to the reported shortages?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for a deployment of this length under intense combat conditions?\n\nIf not, for what length of deployment were the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 adequately trained, equipped, and supported for?\n\nWere Sailors and Marines in CSG-3 provided adequate mental health support for a deployment of this length and intense combat conditions? If not, for what length of deployment did the sailors and Marines in CSG-3 receive adequate mental health support for?\n\nHow will the extended deployment affect the strike group\u2019s future readiness? Has the Navy already taken any steps to learn from this deployment as the USS George Washington prepares to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln? If so, please explain what steps.\n\nThe U.S. Navy will increasingly take a central role as our nation shifts to tackling the full-spectrum challenge presented by adversaries. It is imperative that the Department of Defense take every action to protect its most important asset, U.S. servicemembers. By this measure, it has failed Sailors and Marines deployed with the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 and their families. The San Diego military community is a linchpin of our nation\u2019s Pacific strategy, and it will take significant effort to restore morale and capacity after the strike group comes back home. An independent review and recommendations for improvement would identify what happened and provide us with oversight tools to ensure the wellbeing of our constituents and safeguard our Navy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1441, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"state\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "Democrat", "p2": "CA"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1441, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=CA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 1441, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA", "results": [{"value": "CA", "label": "CA", "count": 1441, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 638, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2026", "selected": false}, {"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 614, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 187, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2025", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 2, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2021", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-08-17,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eschiff~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fnews-sens-schiff-padilla-san-diego-congressional-delegation-demand-answers-surrounding-the-extended-deployment-of-uss-abraham-lincoln~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Democrat&state=CA&_next=2026-08-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eschiff~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fnews-sens-schiff-padilla-san-diego-congressional-delegation-demand-answers-surrounding-the-extended-deployment-of-uss-abraham-lincoln~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 1903.8375611416996, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}